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Objectives Cefazolin is frequently administered for antimicrobial prophylaxis and treatment of infections. In neonates, pharmacokinetic observations are limited and dosing regimens variable. The aim of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in neonates based on total and unbound concentrations to optimize cefazolin dosing. Methods Thirty-six neonates [median birth body weight 2720 (range 540–4200) g, current body weight (cBW) 2755 (830–4200) g and postnatal age (PNA) 9 (1–30) days] receiving intravenous cefazolin (50 mg/kg/8 h) were included. Based on 119 total and unbound plasma concentrations, a population pharmacokinetic analysis with a covariate analysis was performed. Monte Carlo simulations were performed aiming for unbound concentrations above an MIC of 8 mg/L (>60% of the time) in all patients. Results A one-compartment pharmacokinetic model was developed in which total and unbound concentrations were linked by maximum protein binding (Bmax) of 136 mg/L and a dissociation constant (KD) for cefazolin protein binding of 46.5 mg/L. cBW was identified as covariate for volume of distribution (V), bBW and PNA for clearance and albumin plasma concentration for Bmax, explaining 50%, 58% and 41% of inter-individual variability in V, clearance and Bmax, respectively. Based on Monte Carlo simulations, a body weight- and PNA-adapted dosing regimen that resulted in similar exposure across different weight and age groups was proposed. Conclusions A neonatal pharmacokinetic model taking into account total and unbound cefazolin concentrations with saturable plasma protein binding was identified. As cBW and PNA were the most important covariates, these may be used for individualized dosing in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

1. In many European agricultural landscapes, species richness is declining considerably. Studies performed at a very large spatial scale are helpful in understanding the reasons for this decline and as a basis for guiding policy. In a unique, large-scale study of 25 agricultural landscapes in seven European countries, we investigated relationships between species richness in several taxa, and the links between biodiversity and landscape structure and management. 2. We estimated the total species richness of vascular plants, birds and five arthropod groups in each 16-km2 landscape, and recorded various measures of both landscape structure and intensity of agricultural land use. We studied correlations between taxonomic groups and the effects of landscape and land-use parameters on the number of species in different taxonomic groups. Our statistical approach also accounted for regional variation in species richness unrelated to landscape or land-use factors. 3. The results reveal strong geographical trends in species richness in all taxonomic groups. No single species group emerged as a good predictor of all other species groups. Species richness of all groups increased with the area of semi-natural habitats in the landscape. Species richness of birds and vascular plants was negatively associated with fertilizer use. 4. Synthesis and applications. We conclude that indicator taxa are unlikely to provide an effective means of predicting biodiversity at a large spatial scale, especially where there is large biogeographical variation in species richness. However, a small list of landscape and land-use parameters can be used in agricultural landscapes to infer large-scale patterns of species richness. Our results suggest that to halt the loss of biodiversity in these landscapes, it is important to preserve and, if possible, increase the area of semi-natural habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To find out the incidence of intraocular lens (IOL) optic opacification in a suspect IOL. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients' notes 3–4 years postimplant. RESULTS: In all, 56 IOLs showed signs of opacification, resulting in reduced vision out of 181 lenses traced. CONCLUSION: Certain hydrophilic acrylic IOLs like the model in question (SC60B-0UV) show opacification of the IOL, which may impair the vision of pseudophakic patients. However, not all lenses of this variety exhibit this cloudiness. Factors affecting this phenomenon are not yet completely clear but may include changes in the UV absorbant material incorporated in the lens substance itself. We report a series of patients who had received this lens and experienced loss of vision due to opacification of the IOL. In a follow-up ranging from 1 to 4 years postoperatively, a higher incidence of postoperative opacification of this lens emerges, after comparison with existing literature. IOL exchange in such patients is the only option. However, this mode of treatment should not be offered lightly as results may be guarded at best even in the face of a technically satisfactory procedure.Eye (2005) 19, 661–664. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701621 Published online 3 September 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response from the author of the article "Calcification of Rayner hydrophilic acrylic intra-ocular lenses after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty" that appeared in the 2014 issue is presented.

A letter to the editor is presented on calcification of rayner hydrophilic acrylic intra-ocular lenses after endothelial keratoplasty.

A case of oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome is presented, to our knowledge the first to be reported in West Bank and Gaza. The child was of consanguinous parents. The clinical features of orbital cyst, periorbital cutaneous malformations, and cerebral malformations are described, together with a brief review of previous reports. The need for neurological follow-up of these cases is emphasised. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]