OK Group Research Articles

Assessment of Nickel Ion Release from NiTi Orthodontic Archwire After Using Magnetized Water as a Mouth Rinse

Objectives This study was to detect whether the magnetized water (MW), when used as a mouth rinse, can influence the release of Nickel (Ni) ions from NiTi (nickel-titanium) archwires. Material and Methods One hundred fifty (0.016” *0.022”) as received orthodontic NiTi archwires were grouped into three chief groups based on the used mouth rinse into MW, Ortho Kin (control positive) (OK) and distilled water (control negative) (DW) groups. Every group contained intervals of five points (24 h, 1 week, 2 week, 3 week and 4 week). Ten archwires were used for each interval. The release Ni was detected at each interval using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The topographic features of orthodontic archwires were examined with a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope. SPSS Statistics software (V.19) was used for statistical analysis. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Duncan’s multiple range test were used for data analysis with P ≤ 0.05. Results Significantly less amount of Ni ion released in the MW group was recorded from NiTi archwires in comparison with the OK group for all studied intervals. Conclusion MW may be indicated as a suitable adjunct for further commercially available mouth rinses (as OK) throughout orthodontic therapy.

Effect of magnetic water mouthwash on force decay of orthodontic elastomeric ligature ties

Objectives. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of magnetic water (MW) as a mouthwash on the force decay of the orthodontic elastomeric ligature ties. Methods. One hundred twenty elastomeric ties divided into 3 groups (40 ties each) based on mouthwash used: group1: washed with artificial saliva (AS)(control), group 2: washed with Ortho Kin mouthwash (OK), Group 3 washed with prepared magnetic water (MW). Each group was further subdivided into 4 subgroups, 10 ties for each time interval (initially, one day, one week and two weeks). Distilled water had been magnetized using a locally prepared device. 2430 Gauss (Gs) neodymium magnets was used. The force decay for the ties were measured by Instron universal testing machine. The outcomes were detailed as mean force decay changes and was compared with Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, P ≤0.05. Results. The highest force decay value was for MW group at two weeks. For OK group, there was significant difference of force decay in comparison between the initial - one day, and one day - one week. For the MW group, there was significant differences between the initial - two weeks. For MW-OK comparison, significant differences were found at one week. Conclusion. MW caused more force decay in the elastomeric ligature ties than OK mouthwashes especially at two weeks period.

Axial Length Shortening after Combined Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy in Poor Responders of Orthokeratology in Myopic Children.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of orthokeratology (ortho-k) and repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy in treating poor responders of ortho-k in myopic children. Study participants were 100 myopic children who completed two years of ortho-k treatment in a retrospective study. In the first year of ortho-k treatment (phase one), they experienced axial elongation of 0.30 mm or greater (defined as poor responders to ortho-k). Children were divided into two groups: the orthokeratology group (OK, n = 45) continued to receive ortho-k monotherapy and the combination group (OK-RLRL, n = 55) received RLRL in addition to ortho-k for the next year (phase two). Axial elongation over time between the groups was compared. The mean age, male-to-female ratio, axial length (AL), and axial elongation in phase one were comparable between OK and OK-RLRL groups (all P > 0.05). During phase two, significant AL shortening was observed in the OK-RLRL group compared with children in the OK group (-0.10 ± 0.16 mm vs 0.30 ± 0.19 mm, P < 0.001). Among these 55 myopic children in the OK-RLRL group, 35 (63.6%), 25 (45.4%), 11 (20%), 6 (10.9%), and 3 (5.4%) of them had AL shortening over 0.05 mm/year, 0.10 mm/year, and 0.20 mm/year, 0.3 mm/year, and 0.4 mm/year, respectively. Older baseline age (β = -0.02), higher treatment compliance (β = -0.462), and AL change at 1 month (β = 1.263) were significantly associated with less AL elongation (all P < 0.05). For poor responders of orthokeratology, RLRL could slow axial elongation in addition to the ortho-k treatment effect. Those who respond poorly to ortho-k with elder age might benefit more from combined therapy.

Spatial Response Discrimination May Elicit a Simon Effect on a Non-Complementary Task.

When paired participants are each assigned a complementary half of the Simon task, a joint Simon effect (JSE) has been observed. Co-representation, a cognitive representation of not only one's own task but also that of the co-actor, has been one of several proposed mechanisms in the JSE. Using the response-discrimination hypothesis as a framework, we tested whether it was sufficient to highlight alternative task keys in a two-person setting in which a non-complementary task was completed to elicit a Simon effect (SE). In our design, the participant's role was to perform the Go/No-Go Simon task and the co-actor's role was to initiate each trial for the participant. In one two-person setting participant group (SK group), the same task key was assigned to both the participant and the co-actor; another group (OK) was assigned spatially opposite task keys. In a third group (joint setting, TS group), the standard joint Simon task was also completed to verify that a JSE could be replicated. We hypothesized that an SE would be elicited in the OK group, since opposite task keys would uniquely promote spatial coding. We found a weak but marginally significant SE in the OK group but not in the SK group. These results suggest that, on a non-complementary task, response discrimination may contribute to the emergence of a SE in a two-person setting, while it does not have the same impact as a complementary task completed in a joint setting (TS group) that may afford more robust response representations that reveal the enhanced so-called JSE.

Retinal image quality in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology alone or combined with 0.01% atropine

BackgroundThe retinal image quality derived from lower-order (LOA) and higher-order aberrations (HOA) for fixed 3-mm and photopic pupil diameters, in children undergoing combined 0.01% atropine and orthokeratology (AOK) versus those receiving orthokeratology alone (OK) over two years was evaluated.MethodsThe visual Strehl ratio based on the optical transfer function (VSOTF), derived from 2nd- to 4th-order terms (LOA and HOA combined), 2nd-order terms (LOA only), and 3rd- to 4th-order terms (HOA only) for fixed 3-mm and natural photopic pupil diameters, was compared between the two treatment groups. The individual Zernike coefficients for a fixed 3-mm pupil size of 2nd- to 4th-orders, root mean square (RMS) of LOA ({Z}_{2}^{0}, {Z}_{2}^{-2}, and {Z}_{2}^{2} combined), HOA (3rd to 4th orders inclusive), and Coma ({Z}_{3}^{-1}{mathrm{and }Z}_{3}^{1} combined) were also compared between the two groups.ResultsRight eye data of 33 AOK and 35 OK participants were analysed. Under photopic conditions, significantly lower VSOTF based on HOA only was observed in the AOK group compared with that in the OK group at all post-treatment visits (all P < 0.05); however, interactions between HOA and LOA resulted in comparable overall retinal image quality (i.e., VSOTF based on LOA and HOA combined) between the two groups at all visits (all P > 0.05). For a fixed 3-mm pupil size, the VSOTF based on HOA only, LOA only, or HOA and LOA combined, were not different between the two groups (all P > 0.05). AOK participants had slower axial elongation (mean ± SD, 0.17 ± 0.19 mm vs. 0.35 ± 0.20 mm, P < 0.001), a larger photopic pupil size (4.05 ± 0.61 mm vs. 3.43 ± 0.41 mm, P < 0.001) than OK participants, over two years.ConclusionsHOA profile related to an enlarged pupil size may provide visual signal influencing eye growth in the AOK group.

Tear proteomic analysis of young glasses, orthokeratology, and soft contact lens wearers

Contact lens-related ocular surface complications occur more often in teenagers and young adults. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in tear proteome of young patients wearing glasses (GL), orthokeratology lenses (OK), and soft contact lenses (SCL). Twenty-two young subjects (10–26 years of age) who were established GL, OK, and SCL wearers were recruited. Proteomic data were collected using a data-independent acquisition-parallel accumulation serial fragmentation workflow. In total, 3406 protein groups were identified, the highest number of proteins identified in Schirmer strip tears to date. Eight protein groups showed higher abundance, and 11 protein groups showed lower abundance in the SCL group compared to the OK group. In addition, the abundance of 82 proteins significantly differed in children compared to young adult GL wearers, among which 67 proteins were higher, and 15 proteins were lower in children. These 82 proteins were involved in inflammation, immune, and glycoprotein metabolic biological processes. In summary, this work identified over 3000 proteins in Schirmer Strip tears. The results indicated that tear proteomes were altered by orthokeratology and soft contact wear and age, which warrants further larger-scale study on the ocular surface responses of teenagers and young adults separately to contact lens wear. SignificanceIn this work, we examined the tear proteomes of young patients wearing glasses, orthokeratology lenses, and soft contact lenses using a data-independent acquisition-parallel accumulation serial fragmentation (diaPASEF) workflow and identified 3406 protein groups in Schirmer strip tears. Nineteen protein groups showed significant abundance changes between orthokeratology and soft contact lens wearers. Moreover, eighty-two protein groups significantly differed in abundance in children and young adult glasses wearers. As a pilot study, this work provides a deep coverage of tear proteome and suggests the need to investigate ocular responses to contact lens wear separately for children and young adults.

Combined 0.01% atropine with orthokeratology in childhood myopia control (AOK) study: A 2-year randomized clinical trial

BackgroundTo investigate whether combining 0.01% atropine with orthokeratology (AOK) has a better effect in retarding axial elongation, compared with orthokeratology alone (OK) over two years. MethodsA total of 96 Chinese children aged six to < 11 years with myopia (1.00 – 4.00 D, inclusive) were randomized into either the AOK or OK group in a 1:1 ratio.Axial length (the primary outcome), and secondary outcomes (e.g. pupil size and choroidal thickness) were measured at 1-month and at 6-monthly intervals after commencement of treatment. ResultsBoth intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses showed significantly slower axial elongation in the AOK group than OK group over two years (P = 0.008, P < 0.001, respectively). AOK subjects had statistically slower axial elongation (adjusted mean [standard error], 0.17 [0.03] mm vs 0.34 [0.03] mm, P < 0.001), larger increase in mesopic (0.70 [0.09] mm vs 0.31 [0.09] mm, P = 0.003) and photopic pupil size (0.78 [0.07] mm vs 0.23 [0.07] mm, P < 0.001), and greater thickening of the choroid (22.6 [3.5] µm vs −9.0 [3.5] µm, P < 0.001) than OK subjects over two years. Except for a higher incidence of photophobia in the AOK group (P = 0.006), there were no differences in the incidence of any other symptom or adverse events between the two groups. Slower axial elongation was associated with a larger increase in the photopic pupil size and a greater thickening in the choroid in the AOK group. ConclusionsSlower axial elongation following 2-year AOK treatment may result from increased pupil dilation and a thickening in the choroid observed in the AOK group.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ОЦЕНКИ БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ И РЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ ПОСЛЕ ХОЛЕЦИСТЭКТОМИИ

Background. Considering the change in the pathogenetic vector towards the studying of comorbidity, becomes crucial the search for biological predictors providing a more precise assessment of cardiovascular risk in specific subgroups of patients with moderate, unusual or undetectable risk levels (for example, in patients with background acute surgical diseases of the abdominal cavity). Aim. Evaluation of some rheological and biochemical parameters in patients with acute calculous cholecystitis. Material and methods. The main group consisted of patients with acute calculous cholecystitis, which were administered cardioprotective therapy (acetylsalicylic acid and atorvastatin) and who carried out urgent cholecystectomy (OKT group). The first comparison group was formed of patients who underwent urgent cholecystectomy, but did not took cardioprotective therapy (OK group). The second comparison group was formed of patients which were used cardioprotective therapy, but who did not perform cholecystectomy (KT group). Results and discussion. In accordance the study, the following initial data were obtained (Me (25th; 75th percentiles)): HSCRP, mg/l – 9.6 (3.8;15) and 21.11 (4.90;18.20), p &gt; 0.05; homocysteine, mmol/l 12.6 (8.6;16.3) and 9.04 (6.80;10.00), p &lt; 0.05; ICAM-1, ng/ml – 420 (298;482) and 564.27 (280.00;920.00), p &gt; 0.05; MMR-9, ng/ml 119.2(116;1430) and 991.36 (690;1450), p &gt; 0.05, in the OKT and KT groups, respectively. The following data were obtained on an outpatient basis: HSCRP – 1.6 (0.88;3.56) and 5.94 (1.87;9.63), p &lt; 0.05; MMP-9 – 108.5 (84.4;575) and 800.90 (465.00;1310.00), p &lt; 0.05; ICAM-1 – 434.5 (340;580) and 277.75 (240.00;306.00), p &lt; 0.05; homocysteine 14.9 (12.9;19.2) and 15.51 (14.10;18.25), p &gt; 0.05, in the OKT and KT groups, respectively. Conclusion. The absence of surgical treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis resulted in to significantly higher concentrations of markers of inflammation such as HSCRP, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and lowered levels of the intercellular adhesion molecule – ICAM-1. Thus, conservative management of patients with acute calculous cholecystitis was accompanied with higher concentrations of biomarkers of inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability by the end of 30 days of follow-up.

The Ok blood group system: an update

Abstract This update of the Ok (OK) blood group system (Smart EA, Storry JR. The OK blood group system: a review. Immunohematology 2010;26:124–6) focuses on new information on the role of basigin (BSG), the carrier molecule of the Ok blood group antigens. No further antigens have been identified since the original review. However, the role of BSG in malaria continues to be explored. Immunohematology 2021;37:18–19.

Higher order aberrations and axial elongation in combined 0.01% atropine with orthokeratology for myopia control.

To compare the changes in higher order aberrations (HOA's) for photopic and mesopic pupil diameters in children undergoing orthokeratology treatment (OK) or combined 0.01% atropine with orthokeratology treatment (AOK), and their association with axial elongation. Children aged 6 to <11years with 1.00-4.00 D of myopia were randomly assigned to each treatment group. Photopic and mesopic pupil diameters were quantified using automated pupillometry and HOA's were measured with a Hartmann-Shack aberrometer and Badal system to control for accommodation. HOA's were rescaled to photopic and mesopic pupil diameters and fitted with a 6th order Zernike polynomial expansion. Axial length was measured using an optical biometer under cycloplegia. Baseline and six-month data from 25 AOK and 28 OK participants were analysed. At the six-month visit, pupil diameter was larger in the AOK group under photopic conditions (3.70±0.42 vs 3.12±0.33mm, p<0.001), along with a range of HOA metrics [3rd to 6th order and higher order root mean square error values (HO RMS), all p≤0.003] and individual Zernike terms (primary spherical aberration, and oblique quadrafoil, both p≤0.03). Axial elongation was greater in the OK treatment group (0.05±0.08 vs -0.01±0.12mm, p=0.02). In the AOK group, axial elongation was correlated with the increase in photopic pupil diameter (r=-0.45, p=0.02) and with several HOA metrics; however, these associations were not observed in the OK group. AOK treatment resulted in increased photopic pupil size and HOA's, and significantly less axial elongation over a six-month period compared to OK treatment alone. The improved myopia control observed with combination 0.01% atropine and orthokeratology may be a result of an enhanced optical effect due to a larger photopic pupil size.

One-year results of 0.01% atropine with orthokeratology (AOK) study: a randomised clinical trial.

To report the 1-year results of an investigation into whether there is an additive effect between 0.01% atropine and orthokeratology (ortho-k), in a single-masked, two-arm, randomised controlled trial: Combined Atropine with Orthokeratology (AOK) for myopia control study (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02955927). Chinese children aged between 6 and 11years with 1.00-4.00 D of myopia, astigmatism <2.50 D, and no more than 1.00 D anisometropia, were randomly assigned either to an AOK group or ortho-k only (OK) group at a 1:1 ratio. Subjects in the AOK group instilled one drop of 0.01% atropine into each eye, 10min before nightly wear of ortho-k lenses. The primary outcome, axial elongation, was examined at 6-monthly intervals, along with secondary outcomes including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, accommodation, pupil size, and corneal topography. 29 AOK and 30 OK subjects completed the 1-year visit. The overall axial elongation rate was significantly slower in the AOK group than in the OK group (mean (S.D.), 0.07 (0.16) mm vs 0.16 (0.15) mm, respectively; p= 0.03). A significant between-group difference in axial elongation was observed over the first 6-month period only (p<0.001), but not over the second period (p=0.818). At the 1-year visit, increases in mean (S.D.) mesopic and photopic pupil sizes in the AOK group were 0.64 (0.48) mm and 0.36 (0.34) mm, respectively, which were significantly higher than 0.10 (0.50) mm and 0.02 (0.28) mm in the OK group (p<0.001). At the 6-month visit, a significant moderate negative correlation was found between axial elongation and the increase in photopic pupil size (r = -0.42,p= 0.02) in the AOK group. There is an additive effect between 0.01% atropine and ortho-k over one year, with mean axial elongation in the AOK group 0.09mm slower than that in the OK group. It appears that the additive effect was only during the first six months; a second-year investigation is warranted to determine whether the effect is sustained over time.

Do Blood Group Antigens and the Red Cell Membrane Influence Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection?

The expression of blood group antigens varies across human populations and geographical regions due to natural selection and the influence of environment factors and disease. The red cell membrane is host to numerous surface antigens which are able to influence susceptibility to disease, by acting as receptors for pathogens, or by influencing the immune response. Investigations have shown that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can bind and gain entry into erythrocytes, and therefore it is hypothesized that blood groups could play a role in this process. The ABO blood group has been well studied. However, its role in HIV susceptibility remains controversial, while other blood group antigens, and the secretor status of individuals, have been implicated. The Duffy antigen is a chemokine receptor that is important in the inflammatory response. Those who lack this antigen, and type as Duffy null, could therefore be susceptible to HIV infection, especially if associated with neutropenia. Other antigens including those in the Rh, Lutheran and OK blood group systems have all been shown to interact with HIV. More recently, experiments show that cells which overexpress the Pk antigen appear to be protected against infection. These reports all demonstrate that red cell antigens interact and influence HIV infection. However, as the red cell membrane is complex and the pathogenesis of HIV multi-factorial, the role of blood group antigens cannot be studied in isolation.

The role of miR-492 in the regulation of OK blood group antigen expression on red blood cells

To investigate whether miR-492 is involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of OK blood group antigen expression on red blood cells. Two 3'-UTR fragments of the BSG gene were synthesized with a chemical method, which respectively encompassed the BSG rs8259 TT or BSG rs8259 AA sites. The fragments were added with Xho I and Not I restriction enzyme cutting sites at both ends and cloned into a pUC57 vector, which in turn was constructed into a psiCHECK-2 vector and verified by sequencing. K562 cells were transfected with various combinations of miR-492 mimic and constructed psiCHECK2-BSG-T or psiCHECK2-BSG-A recombinant plasmid. A blank control group was set up. Each transfection experiment was repeated three times. The activity of Renilla reniformis luciferase was determined and normalized with that of firefly luciferase, and detected with a dual-luciferase reporter assay system. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. The sequencing results confirmed that the recombinant psiCHECK2 plasmids containing the BSG rs8259 TT or rs8259 AA sites were constructed successfully. The results of dual-luciferase report gene detection showed that the miR-492 mimic could significantly inhibit psiCHECK2-BSG-T at a concentration over 100 nmol/L. However, it could not inhibit psiCHECK-BSG-A. miR-492 may be involved in the regulation of OK antigen expression on red blood cells with the BSG rs8259 TT genotype.

Comparative study of non-complicated painful shoulder syndrome treatment by glucocorticoid and anesthetic combination and the factor of interleukin 1 receptor inhibition (Orthokine)

The aim of the study was to compare treatment of non-complicated painful shoulder syndrome (PSS) by injections of combines anesthetic Procain (0,5-10% Novocain) and glucocorticoid Betamethasone (Dyprospan 1 ml) (DN) and by injection of autologous conditioned serum with high content of interleukin 1 Pa receptor antagonist (Orthokine, OK). We studied proximate results within 6 months. Thirty three patients (18 males and 15 females) were included in OK group within age range 35-80 years. Seventy patients were enrolled in DN group (40 males and 30 females) within age range 35-72 years without endocrine disorders. All patients were assessed by visual analogous pain score (0-10), underwent physical exam with palpation of painful points and examination of shoulder biomechanics by the original PSS severity scale, X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging of painful shoulder joints. Injections were performed in the maximally painful areas with inflammatory changes verified by MRI. Each patient of OK group underwent 6 injections with 4-6 day interval. The same interval was for DN group, the number of injections were 3-5. In the OK group alleviation of pain and shoulder biomechanics occurred only after 3-4 injections with gradual improvement, whereas DN injections relieved pain and improved shoulder mobility already after 1-2 injections without further enhancement of the effect. Side effects were encountered in 70% of DN group patients, in 10% of them treatment was withdrawn. No side effects or allergic reactions were seen in OK group. The effect of OK occurs later, is less prominent, but tends to increase to compare with DN injections, however, OK is more safe and tolerable and may be the technique of choice in patients with PSS and endocrine disorders.

Long-term Efficacy of Orthokeratology Contact Lens Wear in Controlling the Progression of Childhood Myopia

ABSTRACTPurpose: The primary outcome of this study is to compare the axial length growth of white European myopic children wearing orthokeratology contact lenses (OK) to a control group (CT) over a 7-year period.Methods: Subjects 6–12 years of age with myopia −0.75 to −4.00DS and astigmatism ≤1.00DC were prospectively allocated OK or distance single-vision spectacles (SV) correction. Measurements of axial length (Zeiss IOLMaster), corneal topography, and cycloplegic refraction were taken at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. Subjects were invited to return to the clinic approximately 5 years later (i.e., 7 years after the beginning of the study) for assessment of their ocular refractive and biometric components. The CT consisted of 4 SV and 12 subjects who switched from SV to soft contact lens wear after the initial 2 years of SV lens wear. Changes in axial length relative to baseline over a 7-year period were compared between groups.Results: Fourteen and 16 subjects from the OK and CT groups, respectively, were examined 6.7 ± 0.5 years after the beginning of the study. Statistically significant changes in the axial length were found over time and between groups (both p < 0.001), but not for the time*group interaction (p = 0.125). The change in the axial length for the OK group was 22% (p = 0.328), 42% (p = 0.007), 40% (p = 0.020), 41% (p = 0.013), and 33% (p = 0.062) lower than the CT group following 6, 12, 18, 24, and 84 months of lens wear, respectively.Conclusion: A trend toward a reduction in the rate of axial elongation of the order of 33% was found in the OK group in comparison to the CT group following 7 years of lens wear.

Factors Preventing Myopia Progression with Orthokeratology Correction

To examine which baseline measurements constitute predictive factors for axial length growth over 2 years in children wearing orthokeratology contact lenses (OK) and single-vision spectacles (SV). Sixty-one children were prospectively assigned to wear either OK (n = 31) or SV (n = 30) for 2 years. The primary outcome measure (dependent variable) was axial length change at 2 years relative to baseline. Other measurements (independent variables) were age, age of myopia onset, gender, myopia progression 2 years before baseline and baseline myopia, anterior chamber depth, corneal power and shape (p value), and iris and pupil diameters as well as parental refraction. The contribution of all independent variables to the 2-year change in axial length was assessed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. After univariate analyses, smaller increases in axial length were found in the OK group compared to the SV group in children who were older, had earlier onset of myopia, were female, had lower rate of myopia progression before baseline, had less myopia at baseline, had longer anterior chamber depth, had greater corneal power, had more prolate corneal shape, had larger iris diameter, had larger pupil sizes, and had lower levels of parental myopia (all p < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, older age and greater corneal power were associated with smaller increases in axial length in the OK group (both p < 0.05), whereas in SV wearers, smaller iris diameter was associated with smaller increases in axial length (p = 0.021). Orthokeratology is a successful treatment option in controlling axial elongation compared to SV in children of older age, had earlier onset of myopia, were female, had lower rate of myopia progression before baseline, had lower myopia at baseline, had longer anterior chamber depth, had greater corneal power, had more prolate corneal shape, had larger iris and pupil diameters, and had lower levels of parental myopia.

Effect Of Calorie Restriction On Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Enzymes in Rats

Objective: Caloric restriction (CR) is a dietary regimen that restricts calorie intake while maintaining the essential nutritional requirements without disturbing the homeostasis of body. As well as prevention of obesity, CR has been shown to prevent age-related pathologies and delay the aging process. In the present study 60% of caloric intake was restricted for 10 weeks and effect of CR on oxidant and antioxidant markers were determined from their erythrocytes.Materials and Methods: Wistar Albino, 40 male (4-5 months) rats were included and divided into 4 groups as: non-obese (NK), non-obese caloric restricted (ND), obese (OK), obese calorie restricted (OD) groups. At the beginning of the experiment the weight of NK and OK groups were 250±20 gr and 400±20 gr respectively. At the end of 10th week the rats were anaesthetized, euthanized by taking blood from aorta. Hemolyzed erythrocytes were prepared and malondialdehide (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and finally reduced glutatione (GSH) were determined.Results: While MDA level of OD group was significantly decreased, SOD, CAT and GSH levels of OD group was significantly increased compared to OK group. For ND group, MDA level was significantly decreased and SOD and CAT levels were significantly increased compared to NK group (P

Myopia Control with Orthokeratology Contact Lenses in Spain: Refractive and Biometric Changes

To compare axial length growth between white children with myopia wearing orthokeratology contact lenses (OK) and distance single-vision spectacles (SV) over a 2-year period. Subjects 6 to 12 years of age with myopia -0.75 to -4.00 diopters of sphere (DS) and astigmatism ≤1.00 diopters of cylinder (DC) were prospectively allocated OK or SV correction. Measurements of axial length (Zeiss IOLMaster), corneal topography, and cycloplegic refraction were taken at 6-month intervals. Thirty-one children were fitted with OK and 30 with SV. Following 24 months, axial length increased significantly over time for both the OK group (0.47 mm) and SV group (0.69 mm; P < 0.001), with a significant interaction between time and group (P = 0.05) reflecting a greater increase in the SV group. Significant differences in refraction were found over time, between groups and for the interaction between time and group for spherical (all P < 0.001) but not cylindrical components of refraction (all P > 0.05). Significantly greater corneal flattening was evident in the OK group for the flatter and steeper corneal powers and for corneal shape factor (all P ≤ 0.05). Orthokeratology contact lens wear reduces axial elongation in comparison to distance single-vision spectacles in children.

The effect of the delayed interventional treatment to acute myocardial infarction

Objective To investigate the effect of the delayed interventional therapy to acute myocardial infarction prognosis. Methods Retrospective analysis was used to analyse the clinical data of 212 patients with myocardial infarction,there were 98 cases in the delayed PCI group,no line of PCI patients who had 114 cases were compared clinical data,medication compliance and clinical incidents situation. Results The clinical data and medication compliance between the two groups had no statistical difference (P＞0.05), delayed PCI group patients with heart failure symptoms have increased and the incidence of recurrent angina was significantly lower than that in OK PCI operation group(P＜0.05). Conclusion Delayed interventional treatment could improve the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction. Key words: Acute myocardial infarction; Interventional treatment; Effect

Caregivers of children with disabilities: a comparison of those managing "OK" and those needing more help.

A survey was mailed to caregivers of children with disabilities to ascertain how they were managing caregiving. Caregivers reporting they were managing "OK" were compared to those who reported they needed more help or could not manage much longer ("not OK"). Results showed the not OK group of caregivers had children who were more severely impaired and functionally dependent. Their mothers were in poorer physical and mental health, had greater demands placed on their time and finances, and received less emotional support from friends and family. Special programs provided some assistance but not enough to meet their needs.