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Background Few reports have addressed the clinical and laboratory features of patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in mountainous areas, especially in Iran. Objectives To report the clinical and laboratory data and manifestations predicting mortality of patients with COVID-19 in the west of Iran. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 286 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between 25 February 2020 and 12 May 2020 to describe their clinical symptoms and laboratory test findings when they were admitted at the Hajar Hospital affiliated with the Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, and a multivariable analysis of factors that predict their disease severity and mortality. Results After hospital admission, 18 patients died and 268 were discharged. Older age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.04, P = 0.001], presence of underlying diseases (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.01–3.45, P = 0.04), elevated hematocrit (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03–1.13, P = 0.002), and increase in red blood cell distribution width (RDW) coefficient of variation (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02–1.36, P = 0.02) were significantly associated with disease severity. Older age (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 1.00–1.07, P = 0.03), hypocalcemia (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.09–0.58, P = 0.002), hypophosphatemia (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.26–1.02, P = 0.04), and increase in platelet-larger cell ratio (P-LCR; OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.00–1.15, P = 0.04) were significantly associated with mortality. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were as follows: calcium 0.759; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) 0.731; phosphorus 0.725; bilirubin 0.689; C-reactive protein 0.679; and RDW – standard deviation (RDW-SD) 0.624. Conclusions Those who did not survive tended to be elderly and had a greater incidence of comorbidities. Elevated LDH, decreased levels of calcium and phosphorus, and anemia at diagnosis were associated with greater risk of death for these Iranian patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Regular assessment of these markers would help to manage patients with COVID-19.

Background: Domestic violence against women is currently one of the most important and characteristic forms of violence against human rights, which is associated with negative psychological and physical health consequences. The persistence of domestic violence causes marital incompatibility and has countless consequences for women. The aim of this study was to investigate domestic violence against married women in Bamyan province (Afghanistan). Methods: This research was conducted using the qualitative method and grounded theory. The study population included all women with domestic violence in Bamyan province in 2019. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to achieve theoretical saturation. Those women who were eligible for the study were given in-depth semi-structured interviews, and finally 12 women were selected. The data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin method with three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. Results: In this study, 297 concepts, 31 categories, 15 sub-categories, and 5 main categories including cultural poverty, personality problems and husband’s irresponsibility, panic, women's awakening, and low self-esteem were extracted. Also, all these 5 main categories were represented as a sub-category of "home terrorism". Conclusions: Although women in Bamyan are still victims of domestic violence, increasing women's awareness and education in this field have been able to make women safe to some extent.

—The aim of this study was investigated the effect of N-fixing and variable organic matter on some of the chemical properties of vermicompost. Treatments included factorial of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in four levels (no inoculation with bacteria, inoculate with Azotobacter, commercial Nitroxin and commercial Nitrokara), and the effects of various substrates in three levels (cow manure, straw and plantain leaf in ratio of 50:50). Measurements were the traits of the weight of produced worm biomass, the amount of cocoon production, total carbon and total nitrogen. Result showed that the heaviest adult worm weight, total worms and cocoon weight was observed in cow manure treatment that has not been inoculated. Treatment of cow manure with plantain leaf in ratio of 50 : 50 and Azotobacter, had the highest percentage of organic materials among the treatments and the maximum amount of total nitrogen obtained from treatment containing cow manure 50% + plantain leaf 50% and Azotobacter. Free-living aerobic bacteria, by using supplemented energy, improved the quality of final vermicompost but had no effect on the weight of biomass.

Purpose To report the clinical course of a woman treated with intravitreal bevacizumab during pregnancy. Case report A 27-year-old female with poorly controlled diabetes and a history of two previous miscarriage was referred to our hospital with sudden deterioration in visual acuity (VA) in her right eye. Ocular findings revealed severe Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) complicated with preretinal hemorrhages in her right eye, and after maximal Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP) bilaterally, she was treated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) into the right eye. Twenty four hours after the bevacizumab injection, she reported vaginal bleeding, and ultrasound confirmed a 12-week pregnancy of which the patient was unaware. The patient suffered from pregnancy loss. Conclusion Use of intravitreal anti-VEGF by pregnant woman may only be justified if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus and only if clearly needed. Intravitreal bevacizumab during pregnancy in women with a history of miscarriage should be used with caution.

Background: The quality of the marital relationship has received more attention from family researchers in recent years; as many factors can affect and be affected by it. Therefore, this study made an attempt to investigate the structural relationships between anxiety attachment style, anger rumination. Methods: The study population consisted of all married people in Shiraz. Among them, 204 married people (168 females and 36 males) were selected using the convenience sampling method and filling out Revised Adult Attachment Scale; Collins and Reid, Anger rumination scale; Sukhodolsky, Golub, Cromwell, Family Forgiveness Scale; Pollard, Anderson, Anderson, and Jennings, and Revision of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale Busby, Christensen, Crane, Larson. The method of research was correlation using path analysis. Then AMOS24 and SPSS24 were used for analyzing the data. Results: Data analysis indicated that the path between anxiety attachment style to anger rumination, (p

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the ocular disorders in COVID-19 patients, two to three months after infection. METHODS In this cross-sectional, historically controlled study, fifty-one COVID-19 patients were compared with thirty-seven age, and gender-matched healthy individuals. After complete ophthalmological examination, all participants underwent peripapillary and macular optical coherence tomography, and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) measurements (OptoVue Inc, Freemont, CA, USA). RESULTS The time between the initial onset of symptoms, and ophthalmologic examination was 63.31±15.21 (40-95 days). Ophthalmic examination of all the recovered COVID-19 patients was within normal range. None of the peripapillary and macular OCTA parameters were significantly different between the two groups with pairwise comparisons, but after adjusting for age, gender, axial length, and signal strength index (SSI), recovered COVID-19 eyes showed a significant increase in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber (RNFL) thickness, superficial, and deep macular vessel densities in parafoveal and perifoveal regions compared with healthy control eyes (p

Abstract Introduction: Eisenia fetida is a species of earthworm. The oil extracted from this species has been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics as well as omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids in its contents. The regenerative properties of this compound are very impressive. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of earthworm oil on wound healing based on collagen type III formation in the BALB/c mice. Materials and methods: The present experimental study was conducted in Birjand, Iran, in 2019. Forty-eight male adults BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups (12 mice in each group). The intervention group received earthworm oil, the negative and positive control groups received sesame oil and 1% nitrofurazone cream, respectively, whereas the sham group received no treatment at al. A full-thickness excision wound with a 5-mm disposable surgical punch was made on the dorsal skin of all mice after anesthesia. The wounds in groups 1, 2, and 3 were dressed twice a day. At days 4, 7, 10, and 14 after wounding, excisional biopsy was performed and the sample was examined histologically and immunohistochemically using the ImageJ software. Data were analysed by ANOVA and Tukey tests using SPSS software version 22. Results: In the tissue samples treated with earthworm oil, the number of fibroblast cells and granulation tissue formation and epithelialization significantly increased; the thickness of type III collagen fibers in this group predominantly increased in comparison to other control groups. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that the earthworm oil has a positive effect on the wound healing process, especially by promoting the collagen synthesis.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of neck radiation on the results of Doppler sonography of carotid arteries in head and neck cancer patients.In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 25 consecutive patients with head and neck cancers were assessed for carotid artery stenosis (CAS) by carotid color Doppler sonography before external radiotherapy and six months after external radiotherapy. Main outcome measures were peak systolic velocity (PSVs), end-diastolic velocities (EDVs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA), ICA/common carotid (CCA) ratios, and degree of stenosis.The age of the enrolled patients at the initiation of radiotherapy was 57.9±11.8 years (mean±SD; range, 43-91 years), and only 4 (16%) of the 25 patients were female. The findings showed significant changes in the plaque degree and stenosis degree, and plaque size before and after external radiotherapy (P0.05). Changes in degree of stenosis were significantly correlated with age (p=0.021).After neck irradiation changes in the carotid artery may occur and cause subsequent neurologic events.

The purpose of this study is to compare visual outcomes of myopic refractive surgery, using tissue saving (TS), a standard ablation profile by a Technolas 217z100, and aberration smart ablation (ASA), an aspheric algorithm by a MEL 80 excimer laser in two eyes of one patient. In this prospective interventional paired-eye controlled study, a total of 100 eyes of 50 participants with myopia with or without astigmatism underwent thin-flap Femto-LASIK, using a Femto LDV femtosecond laser (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, Port, Switzerland). For each patient, one eye was randomly treated with tissue-saving algorithm (TS group) by the Technolas 217z100 excimer laser and the other eye was treated with optimized smart ablation profile (ASA group) by the MEL 80 excimer laser. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuities (UDVAs), corrected distance visual acuities (CDVAs), manifest refraction, higher-order aberrations (HOAs), contrast sensitivity, and patient satisfaction 12 months after surgery. At 12 months postoperative, "45 subjects returned with mean" UDVA was - 0.02 ± 0.08 Logarithm of mean angle of resolution (LogMAR) for TS group and - 0.02 ± 0.09 LogMAR for ASA group (P = 0.91). Of the TS eyes, 42/45 (93.3%) and 32/45 (71.1%) were within ± 0.5 D and ± 0.25 D of target refraction, respectively, and of the ASA eyes, 41/45 (91.1%) and 30/45 (66.6%) were within ± 0.5 D and ± 0.25 D of target refraction, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in HOAs changes and contrast sensitivity function. Aspheric and non-aspheric LASIKs using the two different excimer lasers provide similar results in myopic and myopic astigmatism patients.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of superior peripheral iridotomy versus inferior peripheral iridotomy in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) in phakic patients.In this randomized, prospective, paired-eye comparative study, patients with primary angle closure or primary angle-closure suspects were recruited and randomized to receive neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) superiorly in one eye and inferiorly in the other eye. Patients were masked to the location of treatment in each eye. The main outcome measures were patency of iridotomy, intraocular pressure (IOP), complications and visual symptoms at each postoperative visit during a 1 year follow-up.A total of 164 patients were recruited, of whom 150 (91.46%) completed the study. The mean age was 58.85 ± 6.4 years. Average IOP measurements before LPI was 22.85 ± 7.53 and 23.62 ± 8.32 in superior LPI and inferior LPI eyes respectively. After LPI, average IOP was 25.14 ± 2.73 and 20.97 ± 2.72 in superior LPI and inferior LPI eyes respectively. Inferior LPIs required less use of mean total laser energy to perforate the tissue (p = .05) and resulted in a significantly lower incidence of iris bleeding at the time of treatment (p = .004), lower IOP elevation following treatment (p = .002), lower incidence of focal corneal damage (p = .002) and a lower post-laser iritis (p = .04). All the 300 iridotomies were patent at 12 month follow up.The inferior LPI appeared to be an efficient method of preventing pupil block with fewer complications. Visual symptoms following inferior LPI are similar to superior LPI.

Various researches have been conducted over the recent years on the therapeutic effects of statins on the metabolic and hyper-androgenic state of the patients suffering from PCOS. The present research seeks to evaluate the treatment with atorvastatin and its effect on the lipid profile level, serum androgen status and morphology and blood flow of polycystic ovaries. A double blind clinical trial was designed for this research where the women with PCOS resorting to the gynecology clinic of Firouzgar Hospital were randomly divided into two groups: case and Control. Early at the beginning of the research, variables such as body mass, lipid profile, blood androgen level, fasting blood Sugar, size of the ovary, and resistance of the stromal artery of ovary were studied. For a period of 6 weeks, one group was given with a daily dose of 40 mg atorvastatin, while the other group just received placebo. All the variables were studied once again after 6 weeks and the results were analyzed using SPSS v.16. The case group included 20 patients suffering from PCOS who received atorvastatin, while there were 20 patients with PCOS in the witness group who just received placebo. The average ages in the atorvastatin and placebo groups were 27.7 ± 3.41 and 30.9 ± 4.8 years old respectively. A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of changes in the average cholesterol and LDL levels before and after the intervention. This reduction was more significant in the atorvastatin group. After prescription of atorvastatin, the level of Androstenedione had decreased significantly in treatment group. A statistically significant reduction was observed in the size of left and right ovaries in the group receiving atorvastatin. No significant changes were observed in the size of the ovaries in the group receiving placebo. The average arterial resistance level of left and right ovaries before and after intervention in atorvastatin group exhibited a significant reduction. Having discarded the confounding effect of RI, this difference with the witness group was statistically significant. Keeping in mind the effects of atorvastatin such as improving the lipid profile status and reduction of androstenedione among those with PCOS, it can be used as an auxiliary treatment to control symptoms and long-term side effects among patients. Considering the shrinkage of ovary size and enhancement of blood flow to PCOS ovary, future researches can focus on effectiveness of statins in improving the ovulation status of performance of PCO ovaries.

Introduction: Depression and anxiety during pregnancy have a negative impact on prenatal health and reduces mother’s child care capability. Up to 20% of the pregnant women experience mood disorders...

Drilling and blasting are the main excavation operations in open pit mines. Proper fragmentation of blasted rocks is one of the main features of a successful drilling and blasting operation. In this study, 12 explosive events in the phyllic and potassic zone of Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine were analyzed. The common image analysis was used to investigate fragmentation of blasted rocks. The aim of the present study was to provide a blasting pattern for large holes (10.5″) and to study rock fragmentation by this blasting pattern. In addition to reduced excavation costs, the use of large blastholes will increase the production rate. GoldSize software was used to analyze rock fragmentation. The software was calibrated using the results of screen analysis on two samples taken from potassic and phyllic zones. According to size distribution curves of fragmented rocks, over 97% of rocks obtained from the 6, 8, 9 and 9 7/8″ blastholes were smaller than 20.32 cm. As a result, they passed through the crusher outlet. The burden value for the sulfur and waste regions was 8 and 7 m, respectively. A hole spacing of 10 and 9.5 m between the holes was proposed for the sulfur and waste regions, respectively. The size distribution curves of the rocks fragmented by large blastholes were obtained by image analysis. The results showed that the size distribution curve of the large blastholes was fitted to that obtained for the 9 7/8″ blasthole.

There is limited evidence that ginger (生薑 shēng jiāng) powder consumption can relieve pain and inflammation because of its special phytochemical properties. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of ginger powder supplementation on some inflammatory markers in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. This is a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with a follow-up period of 3 months that was conducted on 120 outpatients with moderately painful knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomly divided up into two groups: ginger group (GG) or placebo group (PG). Both groups received two identical capsules on a daily basis for 3 months. Each ginger capsule contained 500 mg of ginger powder; the placebo capsules had 500 mg of starch in them. Serum samples were collected prior to and after the intervention and were stored at −70 °C until the end of the study. Serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and hs-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of inflammatory markers (i.e., NO and hs-CRP) prior to the intervention. However, after 3 months of supplementation, serum concentration of NO and hs-CRP decreased in the GG. After 12 weeks, the concentration of these markers declined more in the GG than in the PG. Ginger powder supplementation at a dose of 1 g/d can reduce inflammatory markers in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and it thus can be recommended as a suitable supplement for these patients., Graphical abstract

The imidazolium group inside the wall of a periodic mesoporous organosilica provides an excellent environment for the stabilization of ultrasmall Pt nanoparticles (

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of administration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] on serum antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels in infertile women. The study was performed as a non-randomized clinical trial on 30 infertile women who had low serum level of both 25(OH) D and anti-mullerian hormone. Vitamin D was prescribed 50,000 IU weekly for up to three months for all eligible participants. Serum levels of both 25(OH) D and AMH have increased significantly after treatment with 25(OH) D. There was a significant correlation between serum levels of 25(OH) D after treatment with AMH (p = .029, OR = 2.9, CI 95% = 2.7-5.5). Mean AMH level after treatment was higher in women with sufficient 25(OH) D, than women with insufficient 25(OH) D (1.048 ± 0.644 vs. 0.513 ± 0.284 ng/ml), which shows a significant difference (p = .043). Also, after treatment, in women with mean AMH level of >0.7 ng/ml (19 women), mean level of 25(OH) D was higher than in women with mean AMH level of

Background Death depression is one of the components of death-related distress, characterized by a form of sadness related to the individual’s death, other people’s death, and/or the concept of death in general. Objectives The current research aimed to investigate death obsession, death anxiety, and depression as predictors of death depression among married nurses in Iran. Methods The sample consisted of 146 married female nurses from different wards of governmental hospitals, as well as Mehr and Arya private hospitals, affiliated to Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. The participants responded to the death depression scale-revised (DDS-R), death anxiety scale, death obsession scale, as well as the short-form of Beck depression inventory (BDI-13). Results The findings indicated that death obsession, depression, and particularly death anxiety (β, 0.47), were predictors of death depression. The three predictive variables could explain 0.62 of variance in death depression. Conclusions Different factors can affect death depression, including obsessions and anxieties related to death. Therefore, these concerns should be reduced dramatically in hospital settings, as stressful environments.

To evaluate the outcomes of the Femto-LASIK method in the treatment of refractive errors following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) at the Persian Eye Clinic, Isfahan, Iran In a prospective, non-comparative case series, 34 consecutive symptomatic eyes of 34 patients after corneal graft, were operated on. Tissue-saving (TS) Femto-LASIK (n = 16), and Zyoptix Personalized Treatment Advanced (PTA) Femto-LASIK (n = 18) were performed using the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217z excimer laser and Zyoptic algorithm. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity, and HOAs were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months after enhancement treatment. At 12 months, the mean preoperative myopic spherical equivalent refraction (SE) decreased from −6.50±2.8 D to −1.6±1.8 D, and mean hyperopic SE from +3.2±2.20 D to 0.37±1.2 D. The safety index was 1.42 (1.2 in the TS group and 1.5 in the PTA group). In the TS group, 100 % of eyes achieved 20/80 or better UCVA and 50 %, 20/40 or better and in the PTA group, 100 % of eyes achieved 20/80 or better UCVA and 77.7 %, 20/40 or better. The efficacy index was 1.08 (0.9 in TS group and 1.21 in the PTA group). Patients obtained statistically significant lower values of root mean square (RMS) of HOAs with spherical aberrations (p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and predictability of topography-guided treatments to enhance refractive status following other corneal surgical procedures. In a prospective case series study, 28 consecutive eyes of 26 patients with irregular astigmatism after radial keratotomy, corneal transplant, small hyperopic and myopic excimer laser optical zones, and corneal scars were operated. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (n = 8) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) (n = 20) were performed using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser and topography-guided customized ablation treatment software. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest and cycloplegic refraction, and corneal topography with asphericity were analyzed in 12 months follow-up. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) changed from 0.2 ± 0.2 or (20/100 ± 20/100) to 0.51 ± 0.31 or (20/40 ± 20/60) in the LASIK group (P = 0.01) and from 0.34 ± 0.16 or (20/60 ± 20/120) to 0.5 ± 0.23 or (20/40 ± 20/80) in the PRK group (P = 0.01). Refractive cylinder decreased from -3.2 ± 0.84 diopters (D) to -2.06 ± 0.42 D in the LASIK group (P = 0.07) and from -2.25 ± 0.39 D to -1.5 ± 0.23 D in the PRK group (P = 0.008). Best corrected visual acuity did not change significantly in either group. Topography-guided treatment is effective in correcting the irregular astigmatism after refractive surgery. Topography-guided PRK can significantly reduce irregular astigmatism and increase the UCVA and BCVA.

To compare the visual and refractive outcomes after FEMTOLASIK with and without iris registration. In this randomized, prospective, comparative, contralateral eye study, 118 eyes of 59 patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism underwent LASIK using the Femto LDV femtosecond laser (160 µm) and the MEL80 with or without iris registration. For each patient, iris registration FEMTOLASIK was performed on one eye and non-iris registration FEMTOLASIK was performed on the other eye, assigned at random. Patients were evaluated before and 12 months. Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were evaluated. At 12 months, the mean UDVA was 0.002 ± 0.07 logMAR (20/19) in iris registration eyes and 0.00 ± 0.06 logMAR (20/24) in non-iris registration eyes (P = 0.9). 61% of iris registration eyes and 71.2% of non-iris registration eyes achieved a UDVA of 20/20 or better (P = 0.31); 98.3% of eyes with the iris registration FEMTOLASIK and 94.9% with the non-iris registration FEMTOLASIK were within ±0.50 D from emmetropia (P = 0.71). No statistically significant difference was found in postoperative contrast sensitivity between groups at 3, 6, 12, or 18 cycles/degree (P > 0.05). There was significant increase in total HOA root mean square in two groups. The mean error magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism 12 months postoperatively was −0.33 in iris registration eyes and −0.24 in the non-iris registration eyes (P = 0.36). FEMTOLASIK with and without iris registration provides similar results in myopic and myopic astigmatism patients.

The use of intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor medications has widened considerably to include indications affecting females of reproductive age. Our patient was inadvertently exposed to bevacizumab within the first trimester when placental growth and fetal organogenesis take place and patient suffered pregnancy loss. There is insufficient information to suggest that such use is safe, nor is there definitive evidence to suggest that it causes harm. We advise that ophthalmologists discuss pregnancy with women of childbearing age undergoing intraocular anti-VEGF injections and in pregnant woman counselling is needed to explain the potential risks and benefits.

To evaluate efficacy of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab at the time of cataract surgery on the postoperative progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic maculopathy.Patients were randomized to a standardized procedure of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation alone (control group; 30 eyes) or to receive 1.25 mg intravitreal bevacizumab (0.05 mL of solution prepared from avastin, 100 mg/4 mL vial) at the end of surgery (IVB group; 27 eyes). Efficacy measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and ophthalmoscopic examination at each postoperative visit during a 6-month follow-up.There were no significant differences in central macular thickness (CMT), BCVA, or systemic condition between the control and IVB groups at baseline. Progression of diabetic maculopathy occurred in 15 eyes (50%) in the control group and 2 eyes (7.4%) in the intervention group (P = 0.0008). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative visual acuity between the 2 groups after 6 months (P = 0.5). Five eyes in the control group and 1 eye in the intervention group progressed to neovascular glaucoma. Difference in mean postoperative CMT was not statistically significant between both groups (P = 0.54).Intravitreal administration of 1.25 mg bevacizumab at the time of cataract surgery was safe and effective in preventing the progression of DR and diabetic maculopathy in patients with cataract and DR.

In this work, the creation of the omnidirectional band gap (OBG) in a tunable full plasma photonic crystal has been investigated theoretically. The full plasma photonic crystal is made of the bulk cold plasma which is embedded in the DC periodic magnetic field. The influence of the periodic external magnetic field leads to periodic changes of plasma permittivity and creation of unit cells. The formation of OBGs is limited by the Brewster's angle; here we have omitted this limitation by applying certain condition for permittivity layers of the unit cell. The results are investigated by means of the transfer matrix method. The numerical results show that the band width of OBG can be enlarged by increasing the thickness of the unit cell and density of plasma. Also it can be decreased by increasing the magnetic field strength.

Background: Ocular toxoplasmosis can cause a variety of retinal vascular changes including branch retinal arterial occlusion, which is a rare complication of the disease. Methods: An unusual toxoplasma chorioretinitis presenting a macular branch retinal arterial occlusion adjacent to the active chorioretinitis lesion is reported. Results: The patient received an appropriate steroid and antibiotic treatment, and the retinitis lesion resolved over a 6-week period. At 2 months after diagnosis, visual acuity in her left eye was 20/30 and there was a hyperpigmented scar at the site where active retinitis had been observed. Conclusion: As this branch vascular obstruction may change the appearance of the fundus and obscure the initial inflammatory focus, ocular toxoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of branch retinal vascular occlusion associated with posterior uveitis, particularly in young patients. Copyright © by Ophthalmic Communications Society Inc.

Pseudomeningocele is a rare but well-recognized complication of lumbar surgery. Most of the patients tolerate the presence of the cyst well, however, some present with back pain and spinal claudication, presumably due to neural compression. We report a case who presented with radicular symptoms and signs after disk surgery. The cause of his pain was nerve root herniation into large pseudomeningocele. The diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient underwent surgery for the pseudomeningocele with reduction in the nerve root into the dural canal and primary closure of the dural defect. Postoperative results were gratifying.

Objective To investigate the association of the intakes of ω-3 (including α-linolenic acid [ALA], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] plus docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), the interaction, and the ratio of these PUFAs with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a random sample of participants (n = 2451, 19–84 y old) in the Tehran Lipid Glucose Study. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, and fasting plasma concentrations of glucose and lipids were measured. The MetS was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Results Among the PUFAs, the ALA and ω-6 PUFA intakes were inversely associated with the MetS. Subjects in the highest quartile of ALA and ω-6 fatty acid intakes had a 38% (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.41–0.95) and a 0.47% (odds ratio 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.89) lower prevalence of MetS, respectively, compared with those in the lowest quartile. The dietary ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 fatty acids was not associated with the MetS. When the interaction between ALA and ω-6 fatty acid was assessed, the ALA intake was associated with a lower prevalence of the MetS, without modification by the ω-6 PUFA intake. Subjects with at least the median ALA intake (1084 mg/d) had a lower prevalence of the MetS, irrespective of an ω-6 PUFA intake lower or higher than the median compared with subjects with intakes below the median for both. Conclusion The ALA intake was inversely associated with the MetS, irrespective of the background intake of ω-6 PUFAs, in adults.