Evaluation of in vitro corrosion behavior and biocompatibility of poly[xylitol-(1,12-dodecanedioate)](PXDD)-HA coated porous iron for bone scaffolds applications

The present study evaluates the corrosion behavior of poly[xylitol-(1,12-dodecanedioate)](PXDD)-HA coated porous iron (PXDD140/HA-Fe) and its cell-material interaction aimed for temporary bone scaffold applications. The physicochemical analyses show that the addition of 20 wt.% HA into the PXDD polymers leads to a higher crystallinity and lower surface roughness. The corrosion assessments of the PXDD140/HA-Fe evaluated by electrochemical methods and surface chemistry analysis indicate that HA decelerates Fe corrosion due to a lower hydrolysis rate following lower PXDD content and being more crystalline. The cell viability and cell death mode evaluations of the PXDD140/HA-Fe exhibit favorable biocompatibility as compared to bare Fe and PXDD-Fe scaffolds owing to HA's bioactive properties. Thus, the PXDD140/HA-Fe scaffolds possess the potential to be used as a biodegradable bone implant.

The Yield of Active Tuberculosis Disease and Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Tuberculosis Household Contacts Investigated Using Chest X-ray in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

In Indonesia, the implementation of tuberculosis (TB) contact investigation is limited, with low detection rates. We report the yield of and risk factors for TB disease and infection for household contacts (HHCs) investigated using chest X-ray (CXR) screening. We identified HHCs aged five years and above of bacteriologically confirmed index cases from 2018 to 2022 in Yogyakarta City and Kulon Progo. All HHCs were offered screening for TB symptoms; TB infection testing with either tuberculin skin testing or interferon gamma release assay; and referral for CXR. Sputum from those with symptoms or CXR suggestive of TB was tested with Xpert MTB/RIF. Risk factors for active TB disease and latent TB infection (LTBI) were identified by logistic regression models. We screened 2857 HHCs for TB between June 2020 and December 2022, with 68 (2.4%) diagnosed with active TB. Of 2621 HHCs eligible for LTBI investigation, 1083 (45.7%) were diagnosed with LTBI. The factors associated with active TB were age, being underweight, diabetes mellitus, urban living, and sleeping in the same house as an index case. Factors associated with LTBI were increasing age and male gender. Conclusions: Screening for HHC including CXR and TST/IGRA yielded a moderate prevalence of TB disease and infection.

Exploring the role of Mn2+ in the structure, magnetic properties, and radar absorption performance of MnxFe3-xO4-DEA/MWCNT nanocomposites

Iron oxide/carbon-based nanocomposites are known as an ideal combination of magnetic-conductive materials that were recently developed in radar absorption application; one example is the Fe3O4/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). In this study, we try to boost their radar absorption ability by Mn-ion doping. Mn is an appropriate Fe substitute that is predicted to alter the magnetic properties and enhance the conductivity, which are crucial to developing their radar absorption properties. Diethylamine (DEA) is also used as a capping agent to improve the size and shape of the nanocomposite. In this study, a MnxFe3-xO4-DEA/MWCNT nanocomposite is successfully prepared by the coprecipitation method using a variation of x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1. We found that the sample's magnetic saturation (Ms) decreases, while the reflection loss (RL) increases with increasing the molar fraction of Mn. The enhancement of the radar wave absorption in the sample is dominated by dielectric losses due to the increase of electrical conductivity and interfacial polarization with the addition of Mn in the nanocomposites. We believe that our finding could shed light on the role of doping elements to develop the radar absorption properties, and further pave the way for the real implementation of iron oxides/graphene-based nanocomposite as radar-absorbing materials (RAMs).

Spectrum of TB Disease and Treatment Outcomes in a Mobile Community Based Active Case Finding Program in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

The World Health Organization recommends using chest X-ray (CXR) in active case finding (ACF) to improve case detection. This study aimed to describe the spectrum and outcomes of TB disease diagnosed through a mobile community based ACF program in Yogyakarta. This prospective cohort study included people attending a TB ACF program in Yogyakarta between 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2022. Participants ≥10 years old underwent CXR, symptom screening, and Xpert MTB/RIF testing of sputum. Subclinical TB was defined as asymptomatic active TB, whether bacteriologically confirmed or not. Treatment outcome data were obtained from the national program TB database. 47,735 people attended the ACF program; the yield of TB disease was 0.86% (393/45,938). There were 217 symptomatic cases, of whom 72 (33.2%) were bacteriologically confirmed, and 176 asymptomatic cases, with 52 (29.5%) bacteriologically confirmed. Treatment success was 70.7% with high loss to follow up (9%) and not evaluated (17.1%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated weak evidence for lower unsuccessful outcomes in symptomatic versus subclinical TB (aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.36-0.998). TB ACF programs utilizing CXR may diagnose a high proportion of subclinical TB. Linkage to care in ACF program is important to increase successful treatment outcomes.

The prevalence and risk factors for tuberculosis among healthcare workers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of contracting TB, particularly when in high tuberculosis (TB) burden settings. Routine surveillance data and evidence are limited on the burden of TB amongst HCWs in Indonesia. We aimed to measure the prevalence of TB infection (TBI) and disease among HCWs in four healthcare facilities in Yogyakarta province in Indonesia, and explore risk factors for TBI. A cross-sectional TB screening study targeted all HCWs from four pre-selected facilities (1 hospital, 3 primary care) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Voluntary screening included symptom assessment, Chest X-ray (CXR), Xpert MTB/RIF (if indicated) and tuberculin skin test (TST). Analyses were descriptive and included multivariable logistic regression. Of 792 HCWs, 681 consented (86%) to the screening; 59% (n = 401) were female, 62% were medical staff (n = 421), 77% worked in the one participating hospital (n = 524), and the median time working in the health sector was 13 years (IQR: 6-25 years). Nearly half had provided services for people with TB (46%, n = 316) and 9% reported ever having TB (n = 60). Among participants with presumptive TB (15%, n = 99/662), none were diagnosed microbiologically or clinically with active TB disease. TBI was detected in 25% (95% CI: 22-30; n = 112/441) of eligible HCWs with a TST result. A significant association was found between TB infection and being male (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.02 (95%CI: 1.29-3.17)), currently working in the participating hospital compared to primary care (aOR 3.15 (95%CI: 1.75-5.66)), and older age (1.05 OR increase per year of life between 19-73 years (95%CI: 1.02-1.06)). This study supports prioritisation of HCWs as a high-risk group for TB infection and disease, and the need for comprehensive prevention and control programs in Indonesia. Further, it identifies characteristics of HCWs in Yogyakarta at higher risk of TBI, who could be prioritised in screening programs if universal coverage of prevention and control measures cannot be achieved.

Knowledge and attitudes towards TB among healthcare workers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

SETTING:

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of TB worldwide. Individual knowledge and attitudes may influence HCW behaviour, and subsequently, TB risk. Indonesia has the second highest case-load globally.

OBJECTIVE:

To measure TB knowledge and attitudes among a subsection of HCWs in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and to explore factors associated with knowledge.

DESIGN:

A cross-sectional study using an online survey targeting all HCW staff was conducted among HCWs from four pre-selected healthcare facilities in Yogyakarta. Descriptive analysis and a multivariable linear regression were undertaken.

RESULTS:

Of 792 HCWs, 290 (37%) completed the survey; 64% (n = 185) were medical staff, 33% (n = 95) reported previously being tested for active TB and 8% (n = 24) for latent TB. The mean knowledge score was 7.2/11 (SD 1.5): this was higher among medical staff and those with university education (average score increase: 0.53, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.90; and 0.38, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.74, respectively). Participants agreed that free access to TB screening (93%) and treatment (93%) should be available, and 57% of medical and 77% of non-medical staff would take preventive therapy if eligible.

CONCLUSION:

Participants had practical understanding of TB; however, gaps were identified in knowledge about TB disease progression and prevention. Prevention programmes were viewed positively. We suggest further TB education and engagement programmes for HCWs.

Sugarcane Bagasse Biochar as a Solid Catalyst: From Literature Review of Heterogeneous Catalysts for Esterifications to the Experiments for Biodiesel Synthesis from Palm Oil Industry Waste Residue

In this study, the utilization of sugarcane bagasse biochar (SCBB) as a solid catalyst was investigated for biodiesel production from palm oil industry waste residue. The catalyst was synthesized by sulfonation of SCBB to attach sulfonate functional group. Several analyses such as Nitrogen Gas Sorption Analysis, acidity, Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were applied to determine the properties of SCBB catalyst. The SCBB catalysts were tested to esterify the palm oil industry waste residue which contains of Free Fatty Acids (FFAs). The SCBB catalyst activity test revealed that the variables including catalyst amount, methanol to PFAD mass ratio, and temperature influenced the FFAs conversion. The highest of FFAs of 86.1% was reached at reaction temperature of 65 °C with the PFAD to methanol mass ratio of 4:1, and catalyst amount of 5 wt.% PFAD. The E-R kinetic model as developed can be described the mechanism of esterification reaction

Excellent antimicrobial performance of co-doped magnetite double-layered ferrofluids fabricated from natural sand

The preparation of Co-doped magnetite ferrofluids from natural sand was developed using a double-layer technique. The Co-doped magnetite nanoparticles formed a spinel phase with lattice parameters in the range of 8.355-8.422 Å and tended to agglomerate with the particle sizes of 7-12 nm. The presence of the first and second layers from oleic acid and DMSO was detected by the infrared spectrum as well as the olive oil used as a carrier liquid. The saturation magnetization of the superparamagnetic samples decreased from 24.4 to 4.8 emu/g with decreasing Co²⁺ composition. The particle size and electrostatic forces between the magnetic particles and the microbes played an essential role in inhibiting microbial growth. Interestingly, the increasing Co²⁺ composition enhanced the superior performance of the ferrofluids against E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis, and C. albicans. With additional extensive investigation, we believe that the prepared Co-doped magnetite double-layered ferrofluids from natural sand with superior antimicrobial performance can be new significant antimicrobial agents.

Synthesis of magnetite/silica nanocomposites from natural sand to create a drug delivery vehicle

In this study, we report the synthesis of the magnetite/silica nanocomposites and their structural and functional groups, magnetic properties, morphology, antimicrobial activity, and drug delivery performance. The X-ray diffraction characterization showed that magnetite formed a spinel phase and that silica formed an amorphous phase. The particle sizes of magnetite increased from 8.2 to 13.2 nm with increasing silica content, and the particles were observed to be superparamagnetic. The nanocomposites tended to agglomerate based on the scanning electron microscopy images. The antimicrobial activity of the magnetite/silica nanocomposites revealed that the increasing silica content increased the inhibition zones by 74%, 77%, and 143% in case of Gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis), Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli), and fungus (C. albicans), respectively. Furthermore, doxorubicin was used as the model compound in the drug loading and release study, and drug loading was directly proportional to the silica content. Thus, the increasing silica content increased the drug loading owing to the increasing number of OH- bonds in silica, resulting in strong bonds with doxorubicin. Based on this study, the magnetite/silica nanocomposites could be applied as drug delivery vehicles.

Release of hydrophilic drug from biodegradable polymer blends

This paper reports on the release behavior of the drug lidocaine-HCl from a immiscible polymeric blend. Biodegradable polymer blends of poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLLA/PLGA) were loaded with lidocaine-HCl, and the release of lidocaine-HCl from these blends was monitored. It was found that the release profiles were significantly affected by the affinity and subsequent partitioning of the drug into one of the two phases in the blends. It was hypothesized that the hydrophilic lidocaine-HCl seems to have a tendency to reside in the PLGA component of the PLLA/PLGA blend. This resulted in a release very much controlled by the degradation of PLGA, even when PLLA is the major phase of the blend. A mathematical model was further employed to quantify the partitioning, as well as model the lidocaine-HCl release profiles of different blend compositions.

Suppression of discrete cladding mode resonances in fibre slanted Bragg gratings for gain equalisation

In a slanted Bragg grating, coupling between the fundamental guided mode and the counterpropagative cladding modes result in discrete resonances in the transmission spectrum. These resonances are a drawback when Slanted Bragg Gratings are used for gain flattening of fibres amplifiers. A new method based on a chemical etching of the cladding is proposed leading to an overlap of the resonances and a reduction of the amplitude of the modulation. This method can be applied for any value of photo induced modulation amplitude in the SBG.

Epicorneal aspergilloma after penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To report an epicorneal aspergilloma in a postkeratoplasty patient with a bandage soft contact lens.

METHODS

Case report of a 77-year-old postkeratoplasty patient who presented with an epicorneal mass under a bandage soft contact lens placed for a nonhealing epithelial defect. On removal of the contact lens, a 4 x 4-mm placoid mass fell free from the corneal surface and was sent for culture and histopathology.

RESULTS

Gram stain demonstrated septated branching hyphae, and cultures confirmed the diagnosis of Histopathologic sections of the epicorneal mass revealed a full-thickness aspergilloma.

CONCLUSION

Contact lens removal and aggressive antimycotic treatment resulted in epithelial healing and resolution of the keratomycosis. The patient remained stable for 6 months followed by a successful repeat penetrating keratoplasty.

Refractive-Index Changes of Standard Telecommunication Fiber through Exposure to Femtosecond Laser Pulses at 810 cm

We report on permanent refractive-index changes as great as 6 x 10(-3) in standard fibers on irradiation with tightly focused femtosecond (120-fs) near-IR (lambda = 800-nm) pulses. The refractive-index increase was measured through changes in the transmission spectrum of an UV photowritten Bragg-grating-based Fabry-Perot interferometer. We depict the dependence of the index variation on exposure time. The changes in refractive index can be optimized after a few seconds of irradiation. The measured induced excess loss increases during near-IR exposure.

Temperature-induced reversible changes in the spectral characteristics of fiber Bragg gratings

It is reported that reversible changes in the reflectivity of Bragg gratings can be induced by a change in the temperature of the grating (77 K < T < K). The changes have proved to be greater in highly doped Ge fibers than in standard fibers, whereas they could hardly be detected in hydrogenated fibers. The sign of the change for type I gratings was opposite that for type IIA gratings. The changes are likely due to a temperature-induced increase (or a decrease) in the amplitude of the refractive-index modulation. Possible mechanisms for these changes in modulation are discussed. Interestingly for the purpose of correcting data of isothermal accelerated aging experiments, a numerical relation that accounts for the temperature-induced changes in type I grating reflectivity is given.

Therapeutic effects of oral zinc in acute and persistent diarrhea in children in developing countries: pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Zinc deficiency is prevalent in children in developing countries. Supplemental zinc provides therapeutic benefits in diarrhea.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to measure the effect of supplemental zinc given with oral rehydration therapy during recovery from acute or persistent diarrhea.

DESIGN

We conducted pooled analyses including all available published and unpublished randomized controlled trials of the effects of supplementary oral zinc in children aged <5 y with acute or persistent diarrhea. We used Cox survival regression analysis to evaluate the overall effect of zinc on continuation of diarrhea and possible differential effects in subgroups divided by sex, age, weight-for-height, and initial plasma zinc concentration. Dichotomous outcomes were analyzed by logistic regression. To assess the effects of excluding studies without original data from the pooled analyses, effect-size was estimated for all studies by using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Zinc-supplemented children had a 15% lower probability of continuing diarrhea on a given day (95% CI: 5%, 24%) in the acute-diarrhea trials and a 24% lower probability of continuing diarrhea (95% CI: 9%, 37%) and a 42% lower rate of treatment failure or death (95% CI: 10%, 63%) in the persistent-diarrhea trials. In none of the subgroup analyses were the 2 subgroups of each pair significantly different from each other; however, in persistent diarrhea there tended to be a greater effect in subjects aged <12 mo, who were male, or who had wasting or lower baseline plasma zinc concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Zinc supplementation reduces the duration and severity of acute and persistent diarrhea.

A comparative clinicopathologic study of endogenous mycotic endophthalmitis: variations in clinical and histopathologic changes in candidiasis compared to aspergillosis

PURPOSE

Endophthalmitis caused by endogenous Candida and Aspergillus species has emerged as a visually threatening complication in patients with immune deficiency of various causes. Twenty-five patients who underwent enucleation, 13 with endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis and 12 with endogenous Candida intraocular infections, were evaluated. Both clinical features and intraocular spread of the fungi were studied to determine which clinical and/or histopathologic features could help distinguish aspergillosis from Candida infections.

METHODS

Clinical information was sought from each case to determine whether there was any underlying systemic condition and to delineate the characteristic clinical features seen at initial presentation. The results of vitreous and other tissue cultures for bacteria and fungi were evaluated. Patients with AIDS were excluded. The enucleated globes were processed for histopathologic analysis to detect location of the fungal elements, inflammatory response, and vascular invasion by the fungi.

RESULTS

With respect to the various predisposing systemic conditions, Candida species endophthalmitis was noted in patients with a history of gastrointestinal surgery, hyperalimentation, or diabetes mellitus, whereas aspergillosis was present in patients who had undergone organ transplantation or cardiac surgery. The vitreous was the primary focus of infection for Candida, whereas subretinal or sub-retinal pigment epithelium infection was noted in eyes with aspergillosis. Retinal and choroidal vessel wall invasion by fungal elements was noted in cases of aspergillosis but not in cases with candidiasis. The high rate of cerebral and cardiac infection in patients with Aspergillus endophthalmitis was not seen in those with Candida infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that unlike Candida endophthalmitis, aspergillosis is seen in organ transplant or cardiac surgery patients, and its initial clinical presentation includes extensive areas of deep retinitis/choroiditis. Contrary to the findings in Candida endophthalmitis, vitreous biopsy may not yield positive results in aspergillosis. Aspergillus endophthalmitis is usually associated with a high rate of mortality caused by cerebral and cardiac complications.

Prevention of diarrhea and pneumonia by zinc supplementation in children in developing countries: pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials. Zinc Investigators' Collaborative Group

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the effects of zinc supplementation in the prevention of diarrhea and pneumonia with the use of a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials in children in developing countries.

STUDY DESIGN

Trials included were those that provided oral supplements containing at least one half of the United States Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of zinc in children <5 years old and evaluated the prevention of serious infectious morbidity through household visits. Analysis included 7 "continuous" trials providing 1 to 2 RDA of elemental zinc 5 to 7 times per week throughout the period of morbidity surveillance and 3 "short-course" trials providing 2 to 4 RDA daily for 2 weeks followed by 2 to 3 months of morbidity surveillance. The effects on diarrhea and pneumonia were analyzed overall and in subgroups defined by age, baseline plasma zinc concentration, nutritional status, and sex. The analysis used random effects hierarchical models to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs.

RESULTS

For the zinc-supplemented children compared with the control group in the continuous trials, the pooled ORs for diarrheal incidence and prevalence were 0.82 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.93) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.88), respectively. Zinc-supplemented children had an OR of 0.59 (95% CI 0.41 to 0.83) for pneumonia. No significant differences were seen in the effects of the zinc supplement between the subgroups examined for either diarrhea or pneumonia. In the short-course trials the OR for the effects of zinc on diarrheal incidence (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.28) and prevalence (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.83) and pneumonia incidence (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.37) were similar to those in the continuous trials.

CONCLUSIONS

Zinc supplementation in children in developing countries is associated with substantial reductions in the rates of diarrhea and pneumonia, the 2 leading causes of death in these settings.

Amperometric detection of organic thiols at a tungsten wire electrode following their separation by liquid chromatography

The amperometric detection of thiols following their separation by reversed-phase chromatography and reaction into a post-column mercury carrier stream is shown to be a sensitive method when using a tungsten wire sensor as the working electrode in a three-electrode flow cell. Five organic thiols (cysteine, homocysteine, reduced glutathione, D,L-penicillamine and 2-mercaptopropionic acid) and thiourea could be separated within approx. 18 min. The analytical performance is comparable, and stability superior, to chemically modified electrodes previously reported.

The histopathology and the mechanism of entropion in patients with trachoma

BACKGROUND

Eyelids of patients with trachoma may be thickened. This thickening could be attributed to trachomatous changes in the conjunctiva and tarsus.

METHODS

Biopsies of tarsal plates and palpebral conjunctivae were obtained from 17 upper eyelids of 11 patients with inactive trachoma who underwent posterior tarsotomy procedures for entropion repair.

RESULTS

Light microscopy studies showed a thick and compact subepithelial fibrous membrane adherent to the tarsal plate. This membrane caused apparent thickening of the tarsus when measured intraoperatively (range, 1.25-2.00 mm). Other histopathologic findings include atrophy of the meibomian glands with thickening of the acinar basement membrane, loss of goblet cells, retention cysts, and hyaline degeneration of the tarsal plate with focal replacement by adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

The contraction of the subepithelial fibrous membrane formed by vertically oriented parallel collagen fibers is one of the main factors contributing to the entropion formation.

Ciliary body melanoma with optic nerve invasion

A case of melanoma of the ciliary body is presented. Initially the patient was diagnosed and treated for uveitis, but following CT scanning and ultrasound a tumour was detected and the eye enucleated. Histopathologically it was found that the tumour had invaded the optic nerve head, apparently via Cloquet's canal.

Pleomorphic adenocarcinoma of ciliary epithelium simulating an epibulbar tumor

A 72-year-old woman had epibulbar nodules and a blind eye following trauma in childhood. Histologic examination disclosed a pleomorphic adenocarcinoma of ciliary epithelium with invasion of the epibulbar region, retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and optic nerve. The diagnosis was confirmed by histochemical stains and electron microscopy. The pigmented and nonpigmented neoplastic cells of the ciliary epithelium had a patchy basement membrane around the cell membrane and produced hyaluronic acid in the stroma.

Retinoblastoma: the Saudi Arabian experience

During the period March 1983-May 1987, 74 cases of retinoblastoma were evaluated at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 60% of the cases were unilateral with a female preponderance of 59.4% noted for this series. Additionally, the mean age at diagnosis was 22 months, and delay of retinoblastoma diagnosis since the first symptoms were observed ranged from two days to 36 months. Fifty-seven eyes were enucleated, and in 21 of these patients, this was the sole form of therapy. The remainder of patients were treated with radiotherapy alone or combined with chemotherapy, cryotherapy/photocoagulation. Overall, two-year survival statistics of this group of Saudi patients is 80% which compares favorably to other reports in the West. Emphasis is placed on management of the retinoblastoma patients by a multi-disciplinary group, and public educational efforts are imperative.

Conjunctival myxoma: a case report

A rare case of conjunctival myxoma in an 18-year-old female is reported. Clinically it presented as a painless mass located in the nasal bulbar conjunctiva. It was composed of spindle and stellate shaped cells in a loose mucoid stroma. Some of the cells had intracytoplasmic vacuoles consistent with dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and/or intranuclear vacuoles of nuclear membrane invaginations. Mast cells were also seen in the stroma. No recurrence has been reported eight months postoperatively.

Conjunctival synthetic fiber granuloma. A lesion that resembles conjunctivitis nodosa

Histopathologic examination of forniceal conjunctival lesions excised from five young patients revealed granulomatous inflammation surrounding filamentous foreign material. Polarization microscopy, special histochemical stains, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray elemental analysis identified the inciting material as predominantly synthetic fabric fiber. Three of these cases initially were diagnosed as conjunctivitis nodosa, an inflammatory reaction to caterpillar setae. Many synthetic fibers contained numerous granules of titanium, barium, or zinc delustering agent, which served to differentiate them from natural fibers or caterpillar hairs. Synthetic fabric fiber is a previously unrecognized cause of conjunctival inflammatory mass lesions.

Retinocytoma. A benign variant of retinoblastoma

Six examples of a distinctive benign retinal tumor, occurring in five children and treated only by enucleation, were studied by light and electron microscopy and tested for S-100 protein, a glial-cell tissue marker. The small placoid, noninvasive lesions were composed entirely of benign-appearing cells with numerous fleurettes. These tumors showed no necrosis or mitotic activity. Ultrastructurally, they were composed predominantly of neuronal cells exhibiting photoreceptor differentiation. Some tumor cells had cytologic features of Müller's fibers and other glial cells that in one lesion stained positively for S-100 protein. In two patients there was a family history of retinoblastoma. All children were alive and well at follow-up examinations conducted three to 14 years after enucleation. To expand our concept of retinoblastoma to include this benign variant, we propose the term "retinocytoma." Although clinically and morphologically distinct from retinoblastoma, retinocytoma should carry the same genetic implication as its malignant counterpart.

Diffuse iris nevus manifested by unilateral open angle glaucoma

Uncontrolled unilateral glaucoma developed in the right eye of a 24-year-old woman. It was caused by the diffuse growth of a nonpigmented nevus of the iris into the anterior chamber angle. Histologically, the nonpigmented nevus cells in the angle were distinguishable from a proliferation of corneal endothelium. Clinically, there was no heterochromia, and a tumor was not suspected as the cause of the glaucoma.

Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel in association with regional enteritis. Four new cases

Four cases of carcinoma of the small bowel following chronic regional enteritis are presented. Search of the medical literature revealed 31 other cases reported up to the present. We must entertain the possibility that chronic regional enteritis may predispose to the development of cancer of the small bowel.