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Purpose To compare the results of three-snip punctoplasty with the placement of three everting interrupted sutures versus three-snip punctoplasty with mini-Monoka stent in managing punctual stenosis. Patients and methods Fifty adult patients underwent three-snip punctoplasty with three everting interrupted sutures in one eye (right eye) (group A), and the other eye (left eye) (group B) underwent three-snip punctopasty with mini-Monoka stent. The sutures and stent were removed 6 weeks after the surgery. Epiphora, punctal opening, tear height meniscus, fluorescein and disappearance test results were analyzed and compared to preoperative information. Results Hundred eyes of 50 patients with a median age of 59 years, and females accounted for 56% of the sample. Anatomical and functional success in the right eye (group A) was 87.8 and 85.7%, respectively. On the other hand, the left eye (group B) anatomical and functional success were 89.7 and 87.7%, respectively. Regarding epiphora, there was a statistically significant difference between presurgical and postsurgical follow-up examinations in both right and left groups regarding Munk score. Tear Meniscus Height (TMH) decreased all through the follow-up visits between the two groups, almost to half, with no significant difference between both groups. Conclusion Both three-snip punctoplasty with everting sutures and three-snip punctoplasty with mini-Monoka stent are successful techniques in the management of punctal stenosis.

In this work, we investigate the performance of dual-hop hybrid free-space optical/radio frequency (FSO/RF) systems with decode-and-forward relaying, where the FSO link experiences Gamma–Gamma turbulence with pointing errors, while the RF link undergoes Nakagami-m fading. Two scenarios are considered, in the first scenario, a hard-switching (HS) scheme is used for the hybrid system, in which one of the links is active at a time, with high priority for the FSO link, whereas in the second scenario, both the FSO and RF links are active simultaneously and a selection combining (SC) scheme is used at the receiver end. We derive exact analytical expressions for the outage probability and average bit error rate (ABER) in terms of multivariate Fox H functions, and develop Monte Carlo simulations for validation. In the numerical results, we compare the performance of the two scenarios with the dual-hop FSO system. This comparison shows a respectable improvement in the system’s performance when the hybrid transmission technique is exploited over the dual-hop system. Moreover, the hybrid system with the SC scheme shows superior performance when compared to the system with the HS scheme in terms of the ABER.

Background: Maintaining a stable tear film is crucial for having healthy human and animal vision. Animals are expected to have thicker lipid layers than humans due to living in high-temperature and humid environments. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the lipid layer patterns (LLP) in Arabian dogs and rabbits using a non-invasive, practical, and easy-to-use device and compare them to humans with healthy eyes. Methods: The study included 75 domestic Arabian dogs (42 males and 33 females; mean ± SD = 6.1 ± 12.7 months) and 75 rabbits (37 males and 38 females; mean ± SD = 3.1 ± 3.4 months). Additionally, 75 individuals with healthy eyes (39 males and 36 females; mean ± SD = 25.7 ± 5.0 years) were included for comparison. EASYTEAR View+ assessed the LLP in each animal's and individual's right eye. Results: The median LLP grades significantly differed between dogs and humans (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.001). Similarly, the LLP grades differed significantly between rabbits and humans (Mann-Whitney U test, P < 0.001). No significant difference (Mann-Whitney U test) in the LLP grades between dogs and rabbits was found. The analysis indicated that most dogs had either an A (34.7%) or a B grade (37.3%). Similarly, rabbits had predominantly A or 1 (46.7%) and B (30.7%) grades. On the other hand, humans had predominantly D (53.3%) and E (30.7%) grades. Conclusion: The EASYTEAR View+ has been employed to assess lipid layer patterns in dogs and rabbits, and the measurements were compared to those of humans with normal ocular health. Dogs and rabbits have thinner lipid layers than healthy humans. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(3.000): 879-884]

Background: Healthy vision in humans and animals requires a stable tear film. The environmental factor could affect the status of the tear film. Therefore, assessing the tear film in animals is essential to avoid visual system disturbance. Aim: The current research used a noninvasive device to evaluate the tear meniscus height (TMH) and lipid layer pattern (LLP) in domestic cats. In addition, the scores were compared with those of humans with healthy eyes. Methods: Fifty-four domestic cats (28 males and 26 females; mean ± SD = 13.9 ± 18.2 months) were randomly selected and included in the study. The cats were healthy, without any ocular disorders or diseases. Fifty-four healthy eye subjects (27 males and 27 females; mean ± SD = 25.6 ± 5.1 years) were randomly recruited and took part in the study for comparison. EASYTEAR View+ was used, for the first time, to assess the tear film parameters on the right eye of each subject. The examiner allowed a 5-minute gap between the tests. Each test was performed by the same examiner three times, followed by calculating the mean scores. Results: Significant differences (Mann–Whitney U test) were found in the median scores of LLP (P = 0.009) between cats and subjects with healthy eyes. The median TMH score was higher in cats (0.18 mm) than in humans (0.14). However, no significant difference (Mann-Whitney U Test, P = 0.210) exists in the TMH scores between cats and humans. The LLP analysis indicated that a dense white-blue lipid layer (grade 4 or D; lipid layer thickness, LLT, = approximately 80 nm) was predominant in both cats (N = 24, 44.4%) and humans (N = 29, 53.7%). In comparison, variable colors lipid layer (grade 5 or E; LLT = 90–140 nm) was a minority in cats (N = 5, 9.3%) and common in humans (N = 16, 29.6%). The statistical analysis indicated medium correlations between cats' TMH and LLP scores (r = 0.431, P < 0.01) and between age and TMH scores in humans (r = 0.440, P < 0.01). In addition, it indicated a weak correlation (r = 0.291, P < 0.05) between the LLP scores in cats and humans. Conclusions: Assessing animals' tear film is essential to avoid any ocular disorders. EASYTEAR View+ is efficiently used to evaluate domestic cats' tear meniscus height and lipid layer patterns. Cats have thicker lipid layers and longer tear meniscus height comparable to those reported for humans with healthy eyes. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(3.000): 846-851]

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone on the duration of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia. Methods Two hundred patients between the ages of 18 and 60, of both sexes with ASA I- II classification scheduled for lower abdominal surgery under spinal anesthesia using hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% were randomly divided into two groups: the dexamethasone group (Dexa group) and the control group, with 100 patients in each group. Before the administration of spinal anesthesia, the Dexa group received an intravenous infusion of 8 mg dexamethasone in 500 mL normal saline, while the control group received 500 mL normal saline only. The primary outcome of this study was to assess the effect of IV dexamethasone on the regression of hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia. Secondary outcome measures included the total duration of sensory and motor blocks, VAS score, time of first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption within the first 24 h, and the occurrence of any side effects. Results The Dexa group had significantly delayed onset of 2 dermatomes regression (P

Abstract A novel adsorbent was prepared using a backbone comprising chemically hybridized dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) with chitosan via Schiff base reaction, followed by graft copolymerization of acrylic acid. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the hybridization while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed intensive covering of chitosan onto the surface of DAC. At the same time, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) proved the emergence of nitrogen derived from chitosan. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the crystallinity of the backbone and graft copolymer structures was neither affected post the hybridization nor the grafting polymerization. The adsorbent showed high swelling capacity (872%) and highly efficient removal and selectivity of Ni2+ in the presence of other disturbing ions such as Pb2+ or Cu2+. The kinetic study found that the second-order kinetic model could better describe the adsorption process of (Cu2+, Ni2+) on the graft copolymer. In contrast, the first-order kinetic model prevails for the binary mixture (Pb2+, Ni2+). Moreover, the correlation coefficient values for the adsorption process of these binary elements using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms confirmed that the developed grafted DAC/chitosan exhibits a good fit with both isotherm models, which indicates its broadened and complicated structure. Furthermore, the grafted DAC/chitosan exhibited high efficient regeneration and high adsorption capacity for Pb2+, Cu2+ and Ni2+.

Background: The implementation of green technologies is continually gaining attention worldwide and was considered to remove water pollutants and treat municipal water before its disposal. Aim: Evaluation of the laboratory antimicrobial actions and chelating activities, and the field influence of Eichhornia crassipes on performance, biochemical and immunoglobulin concentrations, and intestinal microbiota in overwhelmed broiler chickens. Methods: We assessed the laboratory antimicrobial actions of E. crassipes 1% suspension against bacterial (E. coli O157: H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium) and fungal (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans) microorganisms using a 96-well minimal inhibitory concentration, and the chelating activities of E. crassipes against calcium sulfate and copper sulfate. Also, we designed randomly four equal groups out of 200 one-day-old Ross® 308 chicks on a deep litter system. Three groups (G1, G2, and G3) were supplied daily with E. crassipes suspension 1% from the 3rd day until the end of the experiment, while the 4th group (G4) received non-treated tap water. Broilers of G1-3 were challenged with calcium sulfate (75 mg.L-1), copper sulfate (200 mg.L-1), and S. Typhimurium (1.5 × 106 CFU.ml-1) polluted water respectively on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th days of age. We collected 1914 samples by the end of the study, these samples included 90 E. crassipes pollutants and 480 E. crassipes microbial mixes, 192 sera, 192 intestinal swabs, and 960 tissues. Results: E. crassipes treated water reveals highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in water quality assessments and a highly significant (p < 0.01) increase in dissolved oxygen levels compared to tap water. E. crassipes 1% achieved a 100% adsorption capability for calcium and copper sulfate after 1-h and 100% bactericidal (E. coli O157: H7 and S. Typhimurium) and fungicidal (A. niger and C. albicans) actions after 1, 2, 2, and 2-h, respectively. Broilers treated with 1% E. crassipes revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in performance indices, carcasses characteristics, biochemical and immunological parameters, and highly significant (p < 0.01) decreases of cortisol hormone and bacteriological parameters in all treated broiler groups compared to the control. Conclusion: E. crassipes 1% reveals a significant improvement in drinking water quality, as well as produces high adsorptive and antimicrobial actions. E. crassipes 1% improved performance traits, carcass quality, and intestinal microbiota in overwhelmed broilers. [Open Vet J 2023; 13(4.000): 451-465]

AIM: To investigate the practice patterns of optometrists in Saudi Arabia regarding myopia management. METHODS: An internet-based survey was distributed to all practicing optometrists in Saudi Arabia (n=1886). The survey contained questions related to 1) demographics, 2) knowledge about myopia and its associated complications, 3) current clinical care, 4) type and frequency of myopia treatment prescribed, and 5) potential barriers limiting treatment adoption. RESULTS: The completed surveys were collected from 171 optometrists (9.06% response rate, 60% male). Knowledge regarding myopia-associated complications was prevalent but somewhat inaccurate among the respondents. Cycloplegic refraction at initial visit was used by 59% of the respondents. The cover test was the most reported binocular vision test (83%), and 38% of optometrists did not perform any ocular biometrics. Two-thirds prescribed single-vision spectacles for children with myopia. Increased time spent outdoors was selected by 80% of the practitioners who prescribed myopia control treatment as the primary approach. Insufficient support and lack of clinical experience in providing myopia treatment were reported as the most important factors limiting the adoption of myopia management strategies. CONCLUSION: The current optometric practices in Saudi Arabia require further investigation. Optometrists appear to be somewhat aware of myopia and the associated risks. However, most evidence-based myopia treatments are not being locally adopted, primarily because of lack of support, lack of experience, and limited availability.

BACKGROUND: Stress and food habits seem to be associated with acne, but no study has been reported from in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the severity of acne, stress, and food habits of undergraduate medical students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 585 undergraduate medical students. Data was collected on students' demographics, academic year, and level. The Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) was utilized for a clinical evaluation of acne severity and an assessment of the presence and location of acne lesions. To assess respondents' stress, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was employed, and adolescent food habits checklist (AFHC) assessed the food habits. To test for statistical significance, Chi-squared test was used for qualitative data, whereas Mann-Whitney U test and, Kruskal–Wallis tests were performed for quantitative variables. RESULTS: The mean age of students was 21.16 ± 1.81 years, 53.5% were female and 53.8% were in the preclerkship academic level. Of these, 9.7%, 78.5%, and 11.8% had low, moderate, and high stress levels. The overall prevalence of acne was 88.2%; Mild, moderate, severe and very severe acne were present among 59%, 23.9%, 3.9% and 1.4% of students respectively. Female students had a significant higher percent of severe acne and students in preclerk ship years had significant higher mean AFHC scores. Students with severe stress had a significant higher mean GAGS score and lower mean AFHC scores. A significant positive correlation was found between GAGS scores and PSS. CONCLUSION: The high rates of stress and acne of the study's participants demand that medical students be given greater attention with regard to dermatology and psychiatric diseases.

Background: Dogs' health and welfare enhancement can be achieved using some prophylactics and immunization go with strict hygienic and optimum biosecurity measures. Aim: Exploration of the insecticidal action of Phoxim® for combating Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestation in dogs and its prophylactic influences on the blood indices, biochemistry, antioxidant enzymes, and cortisol hormone in healthy and infested dogs. Methods: Twenty German Shepherd male dogs at one year old and 44.0 kg were divided randomly into four groups of five dogs in four separate Kennels with optimum biosecurity measures. The 1st group (G1) was artificially infested with R. sanguineus and treated with Phoxim®, the 2nd (G2) was non-infested and treated with Phoxim®, the 3rd (G3) was infested with R. sanguineus and not treated (positive control), and the 4th (G4) was accounted as negative control (non-infested and non-treated). A total of 160 (80 whole blood and 80 sera) samples were collected. Results: Parasitological examination revealed prominent characteristic features of R. sanguineus such as a distinct anal groove, the basis capitulum is hexagonal and lateral, the palpi are short, the second segment of the palpi as long as wide and not produced laterally, and the spiracular plate is comma-shaped and consists of stigma, peritreme, and tail. The results conveyed highly significant (p < 0.01) enhancement in erythrocytes, leukocytes, hematohiston, hematocrit, hemoglobin centering, granulocytes, alanine aminotransferase, random blood sugars, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, and highly significant (p < 0.01) declines of all measured antioxidant enzymes in treated non-infested dogs. Conclusion: Phoxim® proved efficient insecticidal activity with optimum safety and can be brought into play in the prophylactic biosecurity measures installed to eradicate external parasitism in dogs. [Open Vet J 2022; 12(6.000): 888-902]

Background: Water pollution has become a major threat to the environment and the living so an eco-friendly bio-filter was chosen for its merits over conventional techniques. Aim: Investigating the purifying activities of the Tilapia bone powder against inorganics, heavy metals, and microbial water pollutants and its impacts on performance, biochemical and antioxidant levels, cortisol and immunoglobulin concentrations, and intestinal microbiota in challenged broiler chickens. Methods: The in-vitro activity of Tilapia bone powder was evaluated against magnesium chloride and lead nitrate using tube minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), as well as against E. coli O1527:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans using a 96-micro-well MIC. A total of 250 one-day-old Hubbard chicks were divided into five groups on a deep litter system. Chicks were supplemented daily with Tilapia bone powder (1 g/L) for 4-6 h from the 3rd day. Challenges were served on the 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and 35th days for four broiler groups using magnesium chloride (100 mg/L), lead nitrate (350 mg/L), E. coli (2.4 × 1012 CFU/ml), S. Typhimurium (1.8 × 108 CFU/ml) respectively, and the 5th group was assigned as a control. A total of 2250 samples (90 Tilapia-pollutants mixes, 480 Tilapia-microbial mixes, 240 sera, 240 intestinal swabs, and 1200 tissue samples) were collected. Results: Tilapia bones powder 1% reveals a 100% reduction in the lead after 1-h, total and calcium hardness after 0.5 h, as well as 100% killing efficacy against E. coli O1527:H7, S. Typhimurium, M. gallisepticum, A. niger, T. mentagrophytes, and C. albicans after 0.5, 1, 1, 1, 1, and 1-h respectively. Tilapia bones powder 1% treated water reveals highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in dissolved oxygen and declines in physicochemical and microbial parameters compared with tap water. Challenged treated broilers revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in weight gains, performance index, body weights, carcasses and organs weights, immunoglobulin concentrations, and antioxidant levels, as well as highly significant (p < 0.01) improvements in feed conversions, feed and water intakes, biochemical profile, cortisol hormone, and intestinal microbiota. Conclusion: Tilapia bone powder provided significant in-vitro adsorptive and antimicrobial actions, as well as supported the broiler chickens to mitigate the polluted water stress accompanied by enhanced performance, carcass quality, immunity, and intestinal microbiota. [Open Vet J 2022; 12(6.000): 1000-1017]

Background: Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a common disorder associated with dysfunction of the urinary bladder or urethra in tom-cats. Aim: A prospective study was carried out on the point prevalence (PP) and odds ratio (OR) of the FLUTD in Shirazi and Baladi tom-cats at Ismailia governorate– Egypt, record the prominent clinical manifestation, as well identify the antibiogram, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance genes of the causative micro-organisms. Methods: A total number of 420 tom-cats admitted to the veterinary clinics of Ismailia during the period June 2020 to May 2021 were examined for FLUTD. A total of 1260 urine samples were collected and analyzed. Results: Haematuria, dysuria, and pollakiuria were the most evident signs recorded in a total of 120 tom-cats diagnosed with FLUTD. The diagnosed cases of FLUTD were associated with causes like crystals (35.83%), pyogenic micro-organisms (19.16%), and mixed cases (45.00%). Prevalence reveals highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in the cases caused by Escherichia coli, E. coli mixed cases, and calcium oxalate at > 4-y; Staphylococcus aureus at ≤ 2; amorphous urate and phosphate at 2: 4 and > 4-y Shirazi and ≤ 2-y Baladi; triple-phosphate at ≤ 2-y Shirazi and > 4-y Baladi; and Staph aureus mixed cases at ≤ 2-y. The odd ratio of FLUTD reveals higher odds of associations with E. coli, E. coli mixed cases, Staph aureus, amorphous urate, and triple-phosphate, as well as lower odds with Staph aureus, calcium oxalate, amorphous phosphate, and Staph aureus mixed cases. Isolated E. coli reveal higher resistance to amoxicillin (83.4%), ceftriaxone (83.4%), ceftazidime (75.0%), and cefoxitin (50.0%), and Staph aureus to oxacillin (100%), cefoxitin (100%), amoxicillin (85.8%), ceftazidime (76.2%), and cefoxitin (50.0%). Staph aureus detected virulence genes were mecA, coa, spa, and tetK, and E. coli were fimH, iss, iutA, papC, blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and tetA. About 100% of E. coli and 76.1% of Staph aureus isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. Conclusion: FLUTD in tom-cats is associated with higher odds in E. coli, E. coli mixed cases, and triple-phosphate at older ages (>4-y) with high antimicrobial resistance in the microbial isolates contributing to the disease.

Background: Perioperative pain management planning is necessary. The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block was first employed to produce a field block utilizing the Petit triangle as a landmark-guided method. Transdermal administration has been utilized for the delivery of medications such nitroglycerin, clonidine, and scopolamine. The Aim of The work: An ultrasound-guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block was compared to fentanyl patches for managing postpartum pain 24 hours after caesarean surgery.Patients and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 pregnant women who were scheduled for elective caesarean birth under spinal anesthesia. Following surgery, participants were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups. The first group got transdermal fentanyl patches at a rate of 50 μg/h (TFPs). Following surgery, the second group had a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with 20 mL of 0.25 percent bupivacaine.Results: In terms of the modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (OAA/S) Scale, statistical analysis of the current data revealed no statistically significant variation between the examined groups (p=0.101). However, at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours, VAS score and pain threshold were significantly lower with TFPs than with TAP block (p=0.033, 0.024, 0.007, 0.002 and 0.002, respectively). Hypotension was significantly more frequent with TFPs compared with TAP block (16 vs. 2%) p= 0.031. Conclusion: Using transdermal fentanyl patches for postoperative analgesia after caesarean section was more effective than transversus abdominis plane block.

Background: External parasites contribute to extensive harmful impacts on their hosts which is why control and eradication of external parasites have been included in all biosecurity plans of dog houses. Aim: To evaluate the in-vitro and in-vivo effectiveness of chemicals like Doramectin injectable and Fipronil 50 mg/ml drops and herbal mixes eco-friendly insecticides like Phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix spray for combating the external parasitism in dogs and their influence on the hematological, biochemical, and cortisol profiles. Methods: The in-vitro effectiveness of the insecticides was conducted using a total number of 216 developmental stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (72 adults, 72 larvae, and 72 eggs) designed into three replicates of Petri dishes (3 plates × 8 units × 3 stages/ replicate), each replicate was exposed to 1 ml insecticide. The number of surviving ticks was recorded after 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours. Sixteen Rottweiler male dogs of one year and 45.5 kg were divided into four groups. Three groups (G1, G2, and G3) were experimentally infested with R. sanguineus ticks 3-4 weeks post-dog arrival and kept under observation from zero-time of experimental infestation for 1-2 weeks. The three experimentally infested dog groups were treated with Doramectin injectable, Fipronil 50 mg/ml drops, and Phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix spray respectively and the fourth group was designed as a negative control. A total of 144 samples including 48 EDTA blood, 48 whole blood, and 48 sera samples were collected. Results: The in-vitro efficacy revealed highly significant (P < 0.01) 100% killing efficacy that was achieved after 8 hours in Doramectin and Fipronil 50 mg/ml and 24 hours in Phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix. The in-vivo trials revealed highly significant (P < 0.01) improvements of red blood cells, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, platelets, total and differential leukocytic counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rates at the 2nd h, total protein, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, urea, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and cortisol levels of the two-weeks (P1) and four-weeks post-treatment (P2) samples in Dormectin, Fipronil 50 mg/ml, and Phenylpyrazol-garlic-camphor mix treated dogs with more pronounced recovery in phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix spray treated dogs. Conclusion: The insecticides were able to provide a high level of protection against experimental infestation with concern to the different modes of application. Phenylpyrazole-garlic-camphor mix spray (Eco-friendly) achieved higher insecticidal action compared to the chemicals.

Purpose To investigate the effect of the addition of a low concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) solutions on the tear ferning (TF) patterns of tears collected from humans. Methods A tear sample (20 μL) was collected from the right eye of 23 males and 7 females (25.4 ± 6.6 years). The tears were collected in one sitting for healthy subjects (N = 13). For dry eye participants (N = 17), the tear samples were collected in two separate settings with five minutes gap in between. A sample (1 μL) from each tear was dried on a glass slide, and the obtained ferns were observed using a microscope and graded using the five-point TF grading scale. Mixtures of tear samples (0.5 μL) and different volumes (0.5–2.5 μL) of each electrolyte (10–30 mg in 100 mL of water) solution were prepared, and their TF patterns were recorded and compared with those of the corresponding pure tears. Results Significant improvements (Wilcoxon test, P < 0.001) have been seen in the TF grades of the tear samples after the addition of NaCl and KCl solutions. A significant difference (Wilcoxon test, P = 0.016) was found between the TF grades when NaCl and KCl solutions were added to the tear samples. The TF grades of pure tears collected from dry-eye subjects ranged from 2.1 to 3.5, based on the five points grading scale, and decreased to be in the range of 0.4 to 1.6 after the addition of electrolyte solutions. While the TF grades of pure tears collected from normal-eye ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 and improved after the addition of electrolyte solution to be in the range of 0.4 to 1.5. Conclusions The TF test was used in vitro to assess the impact of the addition of a low concentration of sodium and potassium chloride solutions on tears collected from humans. The TF grades of human tears significantly improved after the addition of either sodium or potassium chloride solution. The mechanism for the improvement in TF grades due to the addition of electrolyte solutions must be investigated.

Background and Aim: Rodents are ubiquitous animals that host ectoparasites and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the seasonal variation, period prevalence (Pp), and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations in rodents collected in North Sinai, Egypt, from September 2019 to August 2020. Materials and Methods: We captured 380 rodents during the study period. Rodents were euthanized to perform species identification, and 2930 external parasites were collected and identified using light microscopic examination with systemic keys depending on morphological characters. Results: Rattus norvegicus (brown rat), Rattus rattus frugivorus (white-bellied rat), Rattus rattus alexandrines (gray-bellied rat), and Mus musculus domesticus (house mouse) were captured at the highest frequencies during summer (n=186), followed by spring (n=84), fall (n=71), and winter (n=39), with a higher proportion of males captured in all seasons. Analysis of the infestation Pp revealed highly significant increases (p

Background: Innovative water treatments and purification processes have become a point of interest to provide solutions and meet the basic water requirements and demands. Clay plays a key role in environmental protection from pollutants through ion exchange and/or adsorption. Aim: The study evaluated the adsorption and antimicrobial efficiency of clay in purifying polluted water, as well as the influence of clay-purified water on performance, immunity, and microbial counts. Methods: The experimented 280 one-day-old Hubbard broilers were divided into seven groups on a deep litter system. Polluted water (lead nitrate; 500 mg/L, calcium sulfate; 80 mg/L, yeast extract 5%; 5 mg/L, diazinon; 2.5 ml/L, Salmonella Typhimurium; 1.5 × 106 CFU/mL, and Eimeria tenella; 1 x 105 OPG/mL) was filtered using plastic basins of 1 m3 supplied with 60 cm layer of clay. Broiler groups (G1 to G6) were supplied with clay-filtered and G7 with control tape water. A total of 2182 samples, including 54 water samples, 266 sera, 266 duodenal swabs, 266 breast muscles, 266 fecal samples, and 1064 organs including liver, spleen, heart, and bursa of Fabricius were collected. Results: Weight gains, performance indices, water intakes, water/feed intake ratios, live body weights, carcasses weights, edible and immune organs’ weights, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) increases in all broiler groups supplemented with clay-filtered water compared to the control group. Meanwhile, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, cortisol hormone, total bacterial and Enterobacteriaceae counts, total Salmonella counts, and Eimeria tenella counts revealed highly significant (p < 0.01) declines in all broiler groups supplemented with clay-filtered water compared to the control group. Conclusion: Clay filters provided high filtration, adsorption, and antimicrobial efficiency against polluted water, enhanced water quality, and improved performance and immunity in broiler chickens.

Background and Aim: Water magnetization contributes to increased molecular ionization and fluidity, which improves biological activities. This study tests the influence of magnetic water on the viability of the Newcastle vaccine and the survival of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium, as well as the influence of magnetic water in face of water impurities' challenges on performance, immunity, and tissue architecture in broiler chickens. Materials and Methods: An in vitro 96-micro-well plate minimal inhibitory concentration was utilized to test the influence of water, saline, and magnetic water on Newcastle vaccine viability and E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium survival. The 245 experimental 1-day-old female Ross® 308 broilers used in this study were divided into seven groups of 35 birds each. Broilers were provided with magnetic drinking water (13,200 gausses) for 6 h daily from the 5th day and were challenged on days 14, 21, 28, and 35 using sodium chloride (700 mg/L), calcium sulfate (80 mg/L), lead acetate (500 mg/L), yeast extract 5% (5 mg/L), diazinon (2.5 mL/L), and E. coli O157:H7 (1.6 × 109 CFU/mL). A total of 2040 samples (96 diluent-Newcastle virus vaccine mixes, 96 microbial-magnetic water mixes, 231 sera, 231 intestinal swabs, and 1386 organ samples) were collected. Results: An in vitro trial revealed highly significant (p

The prevalence of low vision is expected to increase at the national and international levels, given the aging population and the association between the prevalence of ocular disease(s) and increasing age. Thus, it is important to establish knowledge of the distribution, adequacy, and quality of available low vision rehabilitation services nationally and internationally. This will in turn help prioritize eyecare plans and initiatives, and thus deliver effective services. This cross-sectional study enumerated and surveyed all local government and information regarding the geographic location of each participating entity, entity affiliation, availability and types of low vision rehabilitation services, types of providers, and referral patterns were determined. The results of the current study showed that only 4% of the entities provided low vision rehabilitation services and most (75%) were located in the central region. Additionally, the majority of the services (95%) were basic optometric rehabilitation services whereas other services were either rarely offered or not offered at all. Overall, the current low vision rehabilitation services in Saudi Arabia are inadequate to meet the increasing prevalence of the low vision population. Thus, careful planning of eyecare services is required to meet this demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Probiotics improve intestinal balance through bacterial antagonism and competitive exclusion. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, as well as the in vivo preventive, immunological, productive, and histopathological modifications produced by probiotic Bacillus subtilis. Materials and Methods: The in vitro antimicrobial activities of B. subtilis (5×106 CFU/g; 0.5, 1.0*, 1.5, and 2.0 g/L) were tested against Escherichia coli O157: H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes after exposure times of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 h using minimal inhibitory concentration procedures. A total of 320 1-day-old female Ross broiler chickens were divided into five groups. Four out of the five groups were supplemented with 0.5, 1.0*, 1.5, and 2.0 g/L probiotic B. subtilis from the age of 1 day old. Supplemented 14-day-old broiler chickens were challenged with only E. coli O157: H7 (4.5×1012 CFU/mL) and S. Typhimurium (1.2×107 CFU/mL). A total of 2461 samples (256 microbial-probiotic mixtures, 315 sera, 315 duodenal swabs, and 1575 organs) were collected. Results: The in vitro results revealed highly significant (p

Background and Aim: Nano-selenium (NS) supplementation contributes in improving productivity, performance, and meat quality while reducing public health concern. Influence of NS and inorganic selenium (Se) water additive on performance, carcass quality, immunoglobulin concentration, intestinal microbiota, Se tissue concentrations, and tissue architecture was studied. Materials and Methods: Two-hundred and sixty 1-day-old Hubbard chicks were randomly grouped into five groups (5×52) and supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 mL of NS and inorganic Se (100 mg.L-1). G1, G2, G3, and G4 were challenged with Escherichia coli O157: H7 2.6×108 on the 14th day. A total of 2250 samples, including 250 sera, 250 intestinal swabs, and 1500 organ and tissue samples as liver, spleen, heart, bursa, intestine, and breast muscles, and 250 eviscerated carcasses were collected. Results: The results revealed a highly significant increase (p

Background and Aim: Biosecurity practices are a must in broiler farms to reduce the risk of infectious agents. This study aimed to evaluate biosecurity measures in nine broiler farms in the Suez Canal area – Egypt with measuring the seasonal prevalence of salmonellosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected nine broiler farms of different housing systems based on the ventilation methods from March 2018 to April 2019. A total of 12,600 samples (6480 environmental, 4320 non-environmental, 1080 sera, and 720 live birds) were collected during four successive seasons. Results: Highly significant increases (p

Purpose. To assess the effect of wearing a face mask for a short time on the tear film parameters in normal eye subjects. Methods. Fifty-four normal eye subjects (14 female and 40 male) aged 18–40 years (23.8 ± 4.4 years) were recruited. A standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness was completed first, followed by noninvasive tear break-up time, phenol red thread, and tear ferning tests. A 5-minute gap was allowed between the tests. The subjects were asked to wear a surgical mask for one hour. The measurements were taken both before wearing a face mask and immediately after its removal. Results. Significant (Wilcoxon test) differences were found between the standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (p=0.002) and the noninvasive tear break-up time scores (p0.05) were found between the phenol red thread scores and tear ferning grades before and after wearing face masks. Strong correlations (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, r) were found among the standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness score (r = 0.590; p

Purpose: To compare the results of three-snip punctoplasty with the placement of three everting interrupted sutures versus three-snip punctoplasty with mini-Monoka stent in managing punctual stenosis. Patients and methods: Fifty adult patients underwent three-snip punctoplasty with three everting interrupted sutures in one eye (right eye) (group A), and the other eye (left eye) (group B) underwent three-snip punctopasty with mini-Monoka stent. The sutures and stent were removed 6 weeks after the surgery. Epiphora, punctal opening, tear height meniscus, fluorescein and disappearance test results were analyzed and compared to preoperative information. Results: Hundred eyes of 50 patients with a median age of 59 years, and females accounted for 56% of the sample. Anatomical and functional success in the right eye (group A) was 87.8 and 85.7%, respectively. On the other hand, the left eye (group B) anatomical and functional success were 89.7 and 87.7%, respectively. Regarding epiphora, there was a statistically significant difference between presurgical and postsurgical follow-up examinations in both right and left groups regarding Munk score. Tear Meniscus Height (TMH) decreased all through the follow-up visits between the two groups, almost to half, with no significant difference between both groups. Conclusion: Both three-snip punctoplasty with everting sutures and three-snip punctoplasty with mini-Monoka stent are successful techniques in the management of punctal stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Manipulating lighting colors and regimens is considered an effective mean for improving broiler productivity. The influence of red, blue, and white light-emitting diode (LED) was investigated using three different regimens of lighting and darkness; continuous 23 h light (L):1 h dark (D), continuous 18 h L:6 h D, and intermittent 16 h L:8 h D hours on the performance, carcass weight (CW), feed and water intake (WI), serum glucose (GLUCO), triglycerides (TG), and cholesterol (TC), intestinal bacterial load, growth and metabolic hormones, and efficiency of Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. Materials and Methods: A total of 252 1-day-old Ross broilers on deep litter were divided into nine groups. The 1st, 4th, and 7th groups were exposed to continuous 23L:1D, the 2nd, 5th, and 8th groups were exposed to continuous 18L:6D, and the 3rd, 6th, and 9th groups were exposed to intermittent 16L:8D (4L:2D, 4 times) lighting regimen using red, blue, and white LED lights, respectively. A total of 1350 samples (225 sera, 225 swabs, and 900 organ samples) were collected. Results: Blue LED group revealed a highly significant increase (p

Background: Currently, phacoemulsification is a very common cataract surgical procedure in which the lens is emulsified and aspirated from the eye through a small corneal incision. Aim: To compare early regional corneal thickness changes following phacoemulsification done by experienced surgeons versus trainee surgeons. Setting: A prospective cohort study was done at Ibn Al Haitham tertiary eye hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. Methods: The data were collected for 5 months, from 01 March 2018 until 31 July 2018. Adult patients undergoing phacoemulsification and intraocular lens surgery were prospectively evaluated and divided into two groups. Group 1 comprised those operated by experienced surgeons, whilst Group 2 patients were operated by trainee surgeons. Slit lamp examination and endothelial specular microscopy were assessed with the measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT) and peripheral corneal thickness (PCT), using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam). Results: There was a significant statistical difference in post-operative CCT between Groups 1 and 2, being 596.72 ± 50.69 µm compared to 631.54 ± 67.84 µm in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, with a mean difference of 34.82 µm (p = 0.000). More difference was observed in post-operative PCT (148.38 µm) as it was 734.8 ± 88.55 µm in the experienced group, compared to 883.18 ± 128.43 µm in the trainee group (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Phacoemulsification done by trainee surgeons was associated with higher CCT and PCT.

Aim: Broilers' optimum performance in response to their genetic potential depends on litter environment which is ideal for bacterial survival and coccidian oocyst sporulation. An in vitro evaluation was conducted for the effectiveness of superphosphate, meta-bisulfide, and charcoal litter amendments in minimizing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium survival, Eimeria oocyst count, and sporulation. Materials and Methods: Three groups of 16 litter trays were prepared and inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and Eimeria non-sporulated oocyst. A set of four trays in each group was designed for each one of the chemical amendments. A total of 720 litter samples were collected and examined for bacterial counts, Eimeria oocyst count, and sporulation during the experimental period (35 days). Results: Litter moisture and pH revealed a highly significant (p