Body Humor Research Articles

CLASSIFICATION OF TANAFFUS (RESPIRATION) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO UNANI MEDICINE: A REVIEW

Breathing or respiration has been essential in human life since ancient times. Philosophers and physicians of ancient times such as Hippocrates, Galen, and others had already written about breathing in literature. These antiquated viewpoints established the foundation for contemporary respiratory physiology and medicine. The Hippocratic literature established the importance of breath in maintaining the body's humour balance, whereas Galen elaborates on the anatomical and functional elements of respiration. Literature related to respiration is surveyed from various Unani classical books and their translations, commentaries, previous dissertations, journals, proceedings, etc. Hippocrates and Ibne Sina mentioned ten and seventeen types of respiration respectively. Ibne Sina also explained five special types of respirations. This research paper aims to explore and analyse the understanding and significance of respiration in the Unani system of medicine. And also provides a comprehensive overview of how ancient philosophers understood respiration.

Improvement of visual acuity in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with Nimi Nirdishta Yoga- A case report

Ayurveda can serve in many disease conditions, whereas conventional systems face several limitations. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is among such conditions, where effective management is becoming a challenge. Diabetic Retinopathy leads to visual disability and is one of the major complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Currently available conventional treatments for DR have certain limitations; considering this fact, options from alternative resources are being searched. In Ayurveda, retinal diseases can be included in Drishtigata roga (~eye sight disorder) and DR can be correlated with Timir (~a class of morbid affections of the coats of the eye), as pathology of Timir is secondary to systemic Dosha Dushti (~vitiation of body humor) and DR can be considered as Pramehajanya Timir. A male patient of 61 years visited the Netra (ophthalmic) OPD complaining of defective distant and near vision for two months. Based upon the history of diabetes and clinical signs and symptoms, he was diagnosed with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) in both eyes. The indirect ophthalmoscopy investigation was used to confirm the diagnosis. Nimi Nirdishta yoga which contains Triphala, Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.), and Ghrita was administered for one month daily at night with honey. At the end of one month, there was improvement noted in distant vision without glasses from 6/18 to 6/12 in the right eye and 6/9 to 6/6p in the left eye while near vision from N/8 to N/6 in both eyes with glasses. Indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed a reduction in exudates and hemorrhages. The observations reveal that Ayurvedic approaches are helpful in managing Diabetic Retinopathy.

Efficiency of Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi [D. Don] DC.) and selected Yoga module in test anxiety of school-going children: A single-arm clinical trial

Abstract Introduction: Test anxiety (TA) is a form of social evaluation anxiety experienced by individuals in a setting of assessment. Studies among students have reported an anxiety rate of 10%–30% which affects their overall performance. On analyzing the symptoms of TA, it is found that, there is a predominance of imbalance of Vata and Pitta humor. Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi [D. Don] DC.) has the property to balance all three Sharira Dosha (body humor) along with Manasa Dosha (psychic humor) and is hence widely used in psychiatric conditions. Several studies concluded that Yoga therapy is effective in various anxiety conditions. Aim: As the reported trials are less in TA from the Ayurvedic fraternity, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Jatamansi and Yoga in test anxiety (TA) of school-going children. Materials and methods: Four hundred higher secondary students with age group 15-17 Yrs. were screened with TA self-assessment questionnaire after the quarterly examination. The 32 students satisfying the criteria and with informed assent, were selected for intervention, 45 days before the half-yearly examination. Jatamansi tablet was administered to the participants at the dose of two tablets (each of 500 mg) twice daily at 7 am and 7 pm with lukewarm water along with practicing 50 min of the selected Yoga module in the morning, continuously for 1 month. Assessments were done by the Westside TA scale (WSTAS) and Suinn TA behavior scale (STABS) before and after the intervention and after the half-yearly examination. The data were analyzed using paired “t-test.” Results: The total score of the WSTAS showed a statistically significant effect at the level of P < 0.001, which is suggestive of improvement in the wandering of mind, improving confidence, and concentration ability during the examination. Similarly, the total score of the STABS showed a statistically significant effect at the level of P < 0.001 suggesting improvement in anxious behavior during the examination. The scale showed highly significant results in anxiety at the level of P < 0.001 during preparation and after completing the examinations and at the level of P < 0.05. The drug does not show any drug tolerance or adverse drug reaction. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a significant role for the Jatamansi tablet 500 mg twice daily along with a selected Yoga module for one month in reducing the test anxiety (TA) of school-going children.

Role of Panchkarma in Public Health Scenario -A Conceptual Study

Background:"Health" is a condition of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of sickness or disability." Panchakarmais used to eliminate toxins from the body and keep the digestive fire burning. It's a considered trying natural therapy for re-igniting the digestive fire and, as a result, restoring the body's balance and vigour. The Panchakarmamethod involves returning accumulated toxins to the GI tract andremoving these toxins from the nearest root. Panchakarmais a Penta bio-purification procedure that helps to restore body humour balance, eliminate disease-causing complexes from the body, and prevent disease recurrence and development. People's health concerns can be satisfactorily resolved if Panchakarmais well supported by scientific documentation and confirmation. Aims and Objectives: The major goal of Panchkarmaprocedure is to maintain healthy people well and to cure diseased people. Material and methods: Classical treatises of Ayurvedaalong with modern standard textbooks related with Panchkarmawere scrutinized. Conclusion: Panchakarmaprocedures assist Shodhana in detoxifying such toxins and balancing the Doshas, preventing disease, improving people's lives, and making it possible to achieve public health.

Conceptual Understanding of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of liver pathology with different clinical prognoses; from the simple accumulation of triglycerides within hepatocytes (simple steatosis) to more progressive steatosis with associated hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and in some cases hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver injury across the world. It is also strongly related to other pathological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Ayurveda also vividly describes Liver Diseases in the context of Kamala (jaundice) and Yakrit Roga (liver diseases) in different classical texts. It can be interpreted as a Santharpanotha Vyadhi (disease which caused by taking excessive nourishing diet) with vitiation of Kapha and Medas, getting Sthanasamsraya in Yakrit (liver) which is Rakthavaha-srothomoola and Pithasthana (location of body humour Pitha).
 This review will give a better knowledge of etiopathogenesis, as well as a therapeutic method for managing patients by breaking the pathogenesis chain. In this section, we explore the etiology and consequences of NAFLD, along with the therapeutic treatment to this prevalent condition.

Hijama (Wet cupping) an ancient traditional healing: A review

Hijama is an Arabic word that means to suck, it is an ancient traditional healing method that is practiced since antiquity and in today’s scenario, and there is growing evidence of its potential benefits in the management of lifestyle and pain-related disorders. Its use has been documented in early Egyptian and Chinese medical practices. Diverse human civilizations have contributed too much to the development of Hijama (wet cupping). Hijama is one of the important regimens (procedures) of Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimental therapy) to prevent and treat the diseases by diverting (Imala-e-mawad) and evacuating (Istefragh-e-mawad) the disease-causing substances (morbid matter) from the site of application of cups on the body. Ilaj Bit Tadbeer is one of the important modes of treatment of Unani medicine. Unani Medicine is based on the four humoral theory of Akhlate Arba (four-body humor) viz Balgham, Safra, Dam & Sauda (Phlegm, bile, blood & black bile). The imbalance in the quality and quantity of these humor leads an individual prone to diseases whereas restoration of this balance maintains the health of a person. Restoration of the equilibrium and balance of natural body humor is done through evacuation and diversion of morbid matter from the site of the disease. Hijama (wet Cupping) is an Unani mode of treatment which is carried out by application of cup-shaped glass vessels on the skin, from which air has been exhausted by heat or special suction apparatus, to divert and evacuate the morbid humor, from the diseased part of the body, to return a displaced organ to its natural position or to encourage the blood flow to the site of Hijama. In Islamic Prophetic medicine an emphasis was given to go for Hijama for the prevention and management of lifestyle and pain-related disorders. In this paper, a detailed review of Hijama will be discussed.

MARMA THERAPY: A NEW APPROACH OF AYURVEDA IN POST-COVID-19 STRESS MANAGEMENT

Introduction: Ayurveda is an ancient science of medicine and surgery, here many of the treatment procedures are described for combat diseases, i.e., Ksharkarma (procedure with the help of base), Agnikarma (procedure with the help of fire), Siravedhan (procedure with the help of puncturing blood vessels), Panchkarma (purification proce- dure) etc. In this science Marma (vital point) therapy is like a blessing to a human being. It is a stimulation therapy of specific points. Now these days, stress arises as a major problem in COVID-19 recovered patients. It is very common to all age groups. Major causes are lack of proper classes of students, unemployment, lack of social inter- action due to isolation and health status anxiety during COVID-19 infection. It arises during and post COVID-19 but especially in the post period of infection. In stress, Marma therapy has an important role because it helps to maintain the equilibrium of the body by working on body humour. Objective: To provide costless, chemical-free and effective treatment for post-COVID-19 patients. Data Source: Relevant various Ayurvedic literature, Samhitas (classical books), modern literature, journals, magazines and online available materials. considered. Review Method: Relevant various data source materials were considered for this. Result: stress will be relieved because this therapy acts directly on hormones secretion which is responsible for relieving stress. Conclusion: By this ther- apy, a patient gets relief without any expenses and the most important is that without using hormonal treatment. Marma therapy in stress can relieve stress by maintaining calmness in the brain, it helps to maintain the brain's proper functioning. By this therapy, not only the stress but stress-related other complications can be treated. Keywords: Marma therapy, COVID-19, post-covid-19, stress.

Holistic approach for Management of Shlipada Upadrav (huge ulcers in Filariasis) - A Case Study

In Ayurveda, Shlipada, a disease described in Ayurvedic texts has much resemblance with Filariasis. As per Ayurvedic literature Shlipada is caused by vitiation of Tridoshas (three body humours). And among these body humours, Kapha type of body humour plays an important role both in disease progression and treatment. A case report of a 52-year-old male who is known case of shlipad since 1 year, complaining of ubhay prapad shoth (oedema) and ubhay pad vrana (wound), srav (Discharge) and shool (pain), unable to walk, since 7 to 8 months treated with Bahya Chikitsa - Jalaukavacharan, Triphala kwath Parisheka and Aabhyantar Chikitsa - Sukshma Triphala, Nityanand Ras, Rassindur, Guduchi satva, Aarogyawardhini, Gandhak Rasayan, Mahamanjishthadi Kwath. After abhyantara and bahya chikitsa, there was significant improvement with complete wound healing.

English

INTRODUCTION: Retinal Vasculitis is a non specific immunologic reaction of retinal arterioles or venules to various antigenic stimuli that may occur in many different systemic and local disease states. It may be defined, however, to be present when there are vascular leakage and staining of vessel walls on fundus fluorescein angiography, with or without clinical appearance of fluffy, white perivascular infiltrates in an eye with evidence of inflammatory cells in the vitreous body or aqueous humor. Retinal vasculitis may or may not be symptomatic. Inflammation of peripheral retinal blood vessels is typically asymptomatic, but inflammation involving macular retinal blood vessels frequently causes decreased visual acuity and focal scotomas. Associated vitreous inflammatory cells can give rise to floaters. The signs of vascular sheathing or cuffing can be found in inflammatory vascular disorders as well as in ischemic vasculopathies without inflammation. These two conditions should not be confused, as the approach to the diagnosis is different. If vascular sheathing is accompanied by vitreous cells, adjacent intra retinal edema, or infiltrates, it is more likely to be inflammatory in orgin. Fundus fluorescein angiography is useful in evaluating the severity and extent of disease. Mildly inflamed vessels usually only show staining with fluorescein, whereas in more severe inflammation, dye leakage occurs as well. In occlusive vasculitis, capillary fallout is seen. If untreated, neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, and tractional retinal detachment may ensue. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the various etiological pattern of retinal vasculitis. To determine the various ophthalmoscopic features at presentation. To assess visual outcome in various etiological retinal vasculitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective study of patients who attended the retina and uvea service at Ophthalmology Department Government Rajaji Hospital Madurai. All cases of Retinal Vasculitis were taken up for study, irrespective of other ocular or systemic manifestation. A standard proforma was used to collect and document all the details regarding the cases included in the study. The detailed information regarding history and specific questions about presence of possible multisystem inflammatory disorders were asked. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, examination of these 41 patients has shows, different pattern of retinal vasculitis. And it is mandatory for all cases of retinal vasculitis to be examined in detail in order to look for ocular involvement other systemic involvement and to do a complete work up of investigation procedures. This will certainly help to classify the retinal vasculitis. It is evident that when case of idiopathic retinal vasculitis are detected early and treated adequately the incidence of vision threatening complication are considerable minimized. Vasculitis associated with human Immuno deficiency virus had a worse outcome due to rapid progression despite therapy. More follow up period is necessary to describe the complications of the disease and also to analyze whether case of Idiopathic Retinal Vasculitis develop any systemic feature would lead on to a specific diagnosis.

Management of Cerebral plasy- A case report

Cerebral palsy is a non progressive disorder of posture and movement. It results from a defect or lesion of the developing brain. It is of 5 types, among which spastic cerebral palsy is most frequently encountered in clinical practice. A case report of 1 ½ year old male child presented with weakness and paucity of movements in right side of the body, tightening of the joints and drooling of saliva. This condition was diagnosed as Samvardhana Vikara vis-à-vis Spastic Cerebral Palsy. The Dosha (body humor) involved in this condition is Vata and hence the Vatahara line of treatment was adopted. The main aim of this case report is to show that a timely and well planned Ayurvedic line of treatment can help a disabled and a crippling child to walk and function normally.

CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF RASAYANA FOR MENTAL HEALTH IN ELDERLY

Vardhakya (old age) is characterized by deterioration in the levels of vital capacity, energy, sexual potency, speech, perception, absorption, retention, memory and intellectual abilities along with predominance of Vata (Basic body humour). Vata is the main controller of functions of mind. Due to this shared association of Manas (Mind), old age and Vata, impairment of mental functions are commonly observed in geriatric age group. In the present criterion, care towards psychological wellbeing in the geriatric age group is of utmost importance due to the increasing senile population and altered social situations. Ayurveda confers the knowledge of Rasayana, where various pharmacological and non-pharmacological modes (Achara Rasayana) of therapies are used for prevention, promotion and management of diseases. Medhya Rasayana (nootropic), a group of Rasayana medicines are known for their action on psychological and intellectual functioning. Rasayana can heighten mental health in old age by its unique effects on Vata.

Pre-operative sub-conjunctival mitomycin C 24 hours before excision of recurrent pterygium

Dear Editor, We read the article by Zaky and Khalifa[1] with keen interest. We wish to express following comments: Pre-operative sub-conjunctival (SC) mitomycin C (MMC) before excision of pterygium is a recently reported adjunctive therapy with very low recurrence rates.[1,2,3,4] We appreciate the authors[1] for this fascinating modification of SCMMC 24 hours before excision of recurrent pterygium. Despite the reduction in waiting period from 1 month to 24 hours, it still remains a two-stage operation.[1,4] Authors mention that in the mitomycin injection group, intra-operative eye irrigation with 200 mL of balanced salt solution was done following pterygium excision to wash out residual SCMMC.[1] We believe that after 24 hours of SCMMC injection, MMC would be distributed in various extra- and intraocular tissues including sclera, ciliary body and aqueous humor, resulting in rapid decrease in MMC concentration from the injection site, and there may be a very remote possibility of presence of washable MMC after excision of pterygium. Ghoneim et al. did not irrigate the conjunctival sac after excision of pterygium 24 hours after SCMMC.[4] Authors[1] mentioned in the discussion that several vision-threatening complications such as glaucoma, corneal edema, corneal perforation, scleral melting, and cataract formation have been reported from intra-operative MMC application in pterygium surgery. In fact, all these complications occurred following prolonged post-operative instillation of 0.04% MMC eye drops rather than intra-operative application.[5] Similarly, they[1] mentioned that Donnenfeld et al. reported a case series of SCMMC injection 1 month before surgery in recurrent pterygium. However, in Donnenfeld et al.'s[3] study, only 16 of the 36 eyes had recurrent pterygia, and remaining had primary pterygia. The authors[1] failed to cite Khakshoor et al.'s work who reported no recurrence after pterygium excision 1 month after sub-pterygial MMC; however, persistent whitening of sclera and hypovascularity at the site of excision occurred in 5.5% patients.[3] According to authors, pterygium excision 24 hours after SCMMC injection avoids long unnecessary exposure with subsequent penetration of MMC.[1] However, 24 hour exposure to MMC does not appear to be a short exposure time. It has been reported that 64% of the MMC was delivered to the sclera within the first minute of MMC application, and intra-operative MMC application for 5 minutes resulted in prolonged inhibition of treated fibroblasts for at least 30 days in rabbits. One study concluded that extra- and intraocular concentrations of MMC were highest after SC injection. Discussion did not include the exact mechanism of prevention of recurrence by their modification.[1] Histopathology of excised pterygia 24 hours after injection could have demonstrated the effect of MMC on fibrovascular tissues in pterygial stroma. Donnenfeld et al. performed excision of pterygia 1 month after MMC injection when pterygia became less vascular and less inflamed.[2] The histopathological and transmission electron microscopy of excised specimens of pterygia have demonstrated the inhibitory effect of MMC on fibrovascular activity in the pterygial stroma and verified the efficacy of SCMMC injection 1 month before excision of pterygia in decreasing the risk of pterygium recurrence.[2,6]

6. Moving (Literally) to Engage Students: Putting the (Physically) Active in Active Learning

This paper explores a variety of practices and classroom activities that engage the whole student. Grounded in a somatic perspective (from “soma” meaning the body in its wholeness – the integration of thinking, feeling, and acting), the discussion shows how students can be brought fully into learning through movement, music, and interaction. Examples include: “The Leaders Body: Moving to the Next Level,” which incorporates postures, moving to selected music clips, and working in small groups to learn about five dispositions of the body (determination, openness, flexibility, stability, and centre); “Finding Flow,” which includes an experiential process in groups of five that brings alive the spectrum from boredom to optimal experience to anxiety; and “Building a Humour Body,” which is based on both Reich’s (1960) notions about armoring and the chakra system.

Effects of chronic pain in highly competitive athletes on the body schema, motor performance and humor states

O esquema corporal (EC) e a capacidade de reconhecer as partes e dimensoes do corpo de olhos fechados. Hiperesquematia e hipoesquematia sao alteracoes dessa percepcao. A presenca e a intensidade de uma dor cronica podem interferir no EC e tambem alterar os estados de humor. Avaliamos o EC de atletas de alto rendimento (homens e mulheres), com dor cronica, de modo a identifi car os efeitos da dor na agilidade motora e nos estados de humor. Trinta e seis sujeitos foram divididos em dois grupos: 1) ativos, sem dor (n=20) e 2) atletas com dor cronica (n=16). Para avaliar o EC utilizamos o Procedimento de Marcacao do Esquema Corporal (IMP) e o Aparato Cinestesico de Estimativa de Largura Corporal (KSEA). A quantidade de pontos dolorosos foi avaliada por meio da digitopressao, a agilidade motora pelo teste de Grooved Pegboard e os estados de humor pelo teste POMS. O EC dos grupos mostrou hipoesquematia para a altura e hiperesquematia para a largura dos demais segmentos, principalmente a cintura. O grupo com dor apresentou diferenca signifi cativa entre os sexos: os homens apresentaram maior percepcao da largura entre os ombros e a cintura; as mulheres entre os trocânteres. O KSEA mostrou hiperesquematia em todos os segmentos corporais no grupo sem dor, e o grupo com dor hipoesquematia (exceto para a largura da cintura). A quantidade de pontos dolorosos nao foi diferente entre os grupos. A agilidade motora foi maior nas mulheres com dor. Com relacao a saude mental os homens com dor apresentaram prevalencia de fadiga e confusao enquanto as mulheres a raiva. Concluimos que a dor cronica nao interferiu no esquema corporal, nos estados de humor assim como nao diminui o desempenho motor dos atletas de alto rendimento deste estudo.

Blood, Buns and Body Humour: The films of Lloyd Kaufman

Although the mainstream have continually shunned his work, Xavier Mendik argues that there is far more to films such as The Toxic Avenger and Tromeo and Juliet that just blood and boobs.

A study on distribution of different hydroxyproline fractions in the bovine ocular tissues.

The purpose of this study was to determine the content of total, free, peptide-bound, protein-bound, soluble- and insoluble collagen hydroxyproline (Hyp) in tissues of bovine eye. The results show that lens had the highest content of free Hyp. This was followed by cornea, retina, iris and aqueous humor. The difference between the Hyp content of lens and iris (p < 0.01) and aqueous humor (p < 0.001) was significant. The peptide-bound Hyp was highest in iris followed by cornea, ciliary body, sclera, lens, aqueous humor and retina. Significant differences (p < 0.001) was observed between the concentration of peptide-bound Hyp of iris and ciliary body, sclera, lens, aqueous humor and retina. Protein-bound Hyp was highest in iris, followed by ciliary body, sclera, cornea, lens, retina and aqueous humor. The difference between the protein-bound Hyp levels of iris and sclera, cornea, lens, retina and aqueous humor was significant (p < 0.001). No peptide-bound and protein-bound Hyp was detected in vitreous humor. Iris had the highest content of total Hyp. This was followed by cornea, ciliary body, sclera, lens, retina, vitreous humor and aqueous humor. The difference in the Hyp content of iris with ciliary body, sclera, lens, retina, vitreous humor and aqueous humor was significant (p < 0.001). Cornea had significantly (p < 0.001) higher content of soluble- and insoluble-collagen Hyp as compared to other tissues. This was followed by ciliary body, sclera, lens, iris and retina. Iris had the highest content of collagen. This was followed by cornea, ciliary body, sclera, lens, retina, vitreous humor and aqueous humor. The difference in the collagen content of iris with ciliary body, sclera, lens, retina, vitreous humor and aqueous humor was significant (p < 0.001).

RETINAL VASCULITIS ASSOCIATED WITH SYSTEMIC DISEASE: Behçet's Disease, Sarcoidosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Others

Retinal vasculitis is a nonspecific immunologic reaction of retinal arterioles or venules to various antigenic stimuli that may occur in many different systemic and local disease states. 33 There are no clear-cut clinical criteria for the diagnosis of retinal vasculitis. It may be defined, 26 however, to be present when there are vascular leakage and staining of vessel walls on fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), with or without the clinical appearance of fluffy, white perivascular infiltrates in an eye with evidence of inflammatory cells in the vitreous body or aqueous humor. Retinal vasculitis may or may not be symptomatic. Inflammation of peripheral retinal blood vessels is typically asymptomatic, but inflammation involving macular retinal blood vessels frequently causes decreased visual acuity and focal scotomas. Associated vitreous inflammatory cells can give rise to floaters. The signs of vascular sheathing or cuffing can be found in inflammatory vascular disorders as well as in ischemic vasculopathies without inflammation. These two conditions should not be confused, as the approach to the diagnosis is different. If vascular sheathing is accompanied by vitreous cells, adjacent intraretinal edema, or infiltrates, it is more likely to be inflammatory in origin. Fundus fluorescein angiography is useful in evaluating the severity and extent of disease. Mildly inflamed vessels usually only show staining with fluorescein, whereas in more severe inflammation, dye leakage occurs as well. In occlusive vasculitis, capillary fallout is seen. If untreated, neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, and tractional retinal detachment may ensue. The approach to retinal vasculitis should aim at assessing the effects of vascular inflammation on the retina and visual function, and also at determining the underlying cause. Retinal vasculitis may be a major feature in certain diseases, and in others occur as a secondary phenomenon. 86 Toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus retinopathy (fig. 1) are examples of the latter, in which treatment of the primary pathology will result in resolution of the vasculitis. It is thus important to search the fundus for any localizing cause. If absent, one should then search for any underlying systemic disease, with the help of an internist. Retinal vasculitis may be associated with infections, malignancies, or multisystem inflammatory disorders. 86 The more commonly associated systemic diseases include Behcet's disease (BD) and sarcoidosis. 72,111 In most cases, however, the retinal vasculitis remains idiopathic and confined to the eye, 72,111 and subjecting a patient to extensive diagnostic evaluation is often unrewarding; false-positive diagnostic test results have been found in 21% of patients. 25 The workup for patients should depend on a differential diagnosis arrived at following a thorough review of systems and careful physical examination. The investigations for a patient without systemic symptoms include an FFA to determine whether the vasculitis is occlusive or nonocclusive, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urinalysis, fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS), rapid plasma reagent (RPR), and a chest roentgenogram. 25 An attempt at differentiating whether the arteries or veins are predominantly involved may aid in the differential diagnosis. 102

Speak Out: The Engineer as Communicator

Engineers, renowned for poor communications skills, can become effective public speakers by following a rational sequence of problem solving techniques. Engineers have a head start in public speaking because they are already considered among the most credible and trustworthy professionals. They can capitalize on their advantage by learning how to present information in a clear and logical sequence, then learning how to use listening techniques to understand and answer questions from an audience. Audiences vary, and speakers must understand the different presentational styles needed for the media, political officials, professional peers and civic groups. Body language and humor also help convey a speaker’s message; used appropriately, they can diffuse or even prevent difficult situations.

Biopharmaceutical explanation for the topical activity of 6-hydroxyethoxy-2-benzothiazolesulfonamide in the rabbit eye.

6-Hydroxyethoxy-2-benzothiazolesulfonamide (compound 1), 6-hydrogen-2-benzothiazolesulfonamide (compound 2) and ethoxzolamide (compound 3) are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, of which only compound 1 is active in lowering intraocular pressure when administered to the rabbit eye. They were compared for potency by inhibiting carbonic anhydrase I (CAase I) using the pH stat procedure. No differences were detected. Binding affinity and number of binding sites were identical; only a single binding site was operative. 14C-labelled compound 1 was used to measure the presence of an ocular metabolite which ranged from 17 to 57% in cornea, iris/ciliary body and aqueous humor. By maintaining drug solutions on either the corneal or conjunctival/scleral surfaces of the eye of anesthetized rabbits for 120 minutes, steady state concentrations of compounds 1-3 were determined in cornea, aqueous humor and iris/ciliary body. It was concluded that compound 1 penetrated both routes equally well and also accumulated at the active site in considerably higher concentrations than compounds 2 and 3. Compounds 2 and 3 did not accumulate in the iris/ciliary body nor did compound 3 penetrate the conjunctival/scleral route very well, approximately 5-20 fold lower than from the corneal route.

Über proteolytische Enzyme und Antiproteasen in Augengeweben und im Blutserum, sowie über die Eiweißzusammensetzung des Kammerwassers bei experimentellen Hornhautverbrennungen

After deep termic and alkaline burns of rabbit's cornea the increasing of activity of neutral trypsinlike proteases, elastase and simultaneous increasing of antitryptic activity are observed in burned part of cornea, part of cornea which is surrounding the burn, and in ciliary body, iris and aqueous humor. One week after termic burn and two weeks after alkaline burn the means of these activities began decrease. The time, when ulceration and perforation of cornea are observed, is corresponded to the period of maximal activity of proteolytic enzymes in the eye tissues. At the peripherical blood there are significant changes of level of main inhibitors of proteolysis (reactants of acute phase of inflammation -alpha 1 antitrypsin and alpha 2 macroglobulin). There are qualitative and quantitative changes of proteins content of aqueous humour in the burned eyes, which have phase characteristics and depend upon the stage of inflammation process.