-
Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North... Aug 2024After reading this article, one should better understand the anatomy of the forehead, brow, and eyelid complexes in the male patient. A thorough history and physical... (Review)
Review
After reading this article, one should better understand the anatomy of the forehead, brow, and eyelid complexes in the male patient. A thorough history and physical examination allows the facial plastic surgeon to properly select male patients in whom blepharoplasty and brow lift may be indicated. Specific surgical approaches to upper and lower blepharoplasty are discussed in detail. Surgical techniques and indications for each approach to brow lift in men, including direct, midforehead, coronal, pretrichial, endoscopic, temporal, and transblepharoplasty are explicitly outlined.
Topics: Humans; Blepharoplasty; Male; Eyebrows; Forehead; Rhytidoplasty; Eyelids; Rejuvenation
PubMed: 38936995
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsc.2024.03.002 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2024Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, characterized by neurovascular dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the impact of brimonidine, a...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, characterized by neurovascular dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the impact of brimonidine, a selective adrenoceptor agonist, on diabetic retinal neurodegeneration, recognizing the critical role of neurodegeneration in diabetic retinopathy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was established in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats to mimic diabetic retinopathy. Rats, except non-diabetic control rats, received topical applications of 0.15% brimonidine tartrate (treatment group) or balanced salt solution (diabetic control group) twice daily following diabetes induction. Each group comprised six randomly assigned animals. Retinal samples were analyzed using immunofluorescence staining, apoptosis assay, and western blot.
RESULTS
Topical brimonidine treatment reduced apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells at 8 weeks after induction of diabetes (p<0.05). Glial activation induced by diabetes was reduced by brimonidine treatment. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence assay revealed that the decrease in phospho- protein kinase B (AKT) level resulting from diabetes was also attenuated by brimonidine (p<0.05). Furthermore, brimonidine alleviated the decrease in anti-apoptotic proteins [BCL2 apoptosis regulator (BCL2) and BCL-xl] induced by diabetes (p<0.05). Elevation of phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and p53 in diabetic rats were reduced by brimonidine (p<0.05). Additionally, brimonidine treatment attenuated the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic molecule BCL-2 associated X in retinas of diabetic rats (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that topical brimonidine treatment may protect retinal ganglion cells in experimental diabetes by modulating the AKT pathway and reducing pro-apoptotic p38MAPK levels. This presents a potential neuroprotective approach in diabetes, offering the advantage of localized treatment without the added burden of oral medication.
Topics: Animals; Diabetic Retinopathy; Brimonidine Tartrate; Neuroprotective Agents; Rats; Apoptosis; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Male; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Administration, Topical; Disease Models, Animal; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Retina
PubMed: 38936912
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13611 -
In Vivo (Athens, Greece) 2024The purpose of the current study was to compare the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels in the aqueous humor of patients with primary open angle... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND/AIM
The purpose of the current study was to compare the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels in the aqueous humor of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and non-glaucomatous eyes and reveal any potential statistically significant correlations.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This was an observational cross-sectional study. Aqueous humor samples (50-100 μl) were collected under aseptic conditions, from the anterior chamber at the start of glaucoma or cataract surgery. The levels of VEGF-A were measured using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay.
RESULTS
Aqueous humor samples were obtained from 76 participants: 39 with POAG and 36 with age-related cataracts as controls. VEGF-A levels were significantly elevated in the POAG group (166.37±110.04 pg/ml, p=0.011) compared to the control group (119.02±49.09 pg/ml). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that VEGF-A had significant prognostic ability for POAG (AUC=0.67; p=0.006). An optimal cut-off for VEGF-A was found to be 148.5 pg/ml with a sensitivity of 54%, specificity of 81.1%, positive prognostic value (PPV) of 75% and negative prognostic value (NPV) of 62.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for sex and age, patients with VEGF-A higher than 148.5 pg/ml had almost 10 times greater likelihood for POAG.
CONCLUSION
VEGF-A is elevated in patients with POAG and can potentially have a prognostic ability for these patients.
Topics: Humans; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Aqueous Humor; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Female; Male; Aged; Middle Aged; ROC Curve; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prognosis; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38936903
DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13642 -
Pediatric Neurology Jun 2024Neurodevelopmental disorder with dysmorphic facies and distal limb anomalies (NEDDFL) is associated to BPTF gene haploinsufficiency. Epilepsy was not included in the...
BACKGROUND
Neurodevelopmental disorder with dysmorphic facies and distal limb anomalies (NEDDFL) is associated to BPTF gene haploinsufficiency. Epilepsy was not included in the initial descriptions of NEDDFL, but emerging evidence indicates that epileptic seizures occur in some affected individuals. This study aims to investigate the electroclinical epilepsy features in individuals with NEDDFL.
METHODS
We enrolled individuals with BPTF-related seizures or interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) on electroencephalography (EEG). Demographic, clinical, genetic, raw EEG, and neuroimaging data as well as response to antiseizure medication were assessed.
RESULTS
We studied 11 individuals with a null variant in BPTF, including five previously unpublished ones. Median age at last observation was 9 years (range: 4 to 43 years). Eight individuals had epilepsy, one had a single unprovoked seizure, and two showed IEDs only. Key features included (1) early childhood epilepsy onset (median 4 years, range: 10 months to 7 years), (2) well-organized EEG background (all cases) and brief bursts of spikes and slow waves (50% of individuals), and (3) developmental delay preceding seizure onset. Spectrum of epilepsy severity varied from drug-resistant epilepsy (27%) to isolated IEDs without seizures (18%). Levetiracetam was widely used and reduced seizure frequency in 67% of the cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides the first characterization of BPTF-related epilepsy. Early-childhood-onset epilepsy occurs in 19% of subjects, all presenting with a well-organized EEG background associated with generalized interictal epileptiform abnormalities in half of these cases. Drug resistance is rare.
PubMed: 38936258
DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.06.001 -
PloS One 2024To evaluate structural alterations and healing responses in the trabecular meshwork region with optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) following after gonioscopy assisted...
PURPOSE
To evaluate structural alterations and healing responses in the trabecular meshwork region with optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) following after gonioscopy assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) and microincisional trabeculectomy (MIT).
METHODS
73 eyes of 67 patients (M:F = 45:22) with ≥6 months of follow-up after MIT (n = 41) or GATT (n = 32) with or without combined cataract surgery were included for this prospective study. The angle as seen on AS-OCT at 1, 3, 6 months after surgery were evaluated for structural alterations like peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), hyphema, and hyperreflective scarring responses. The scarring was graded according to the linear extent measured from the centre of the trabecular meshwork (TM) gutter to the sclera/cornea as mild (<250μ), moderate (250-500μ), and severe(˃500μ), while the pattern of scarring was graded as open saucer/gutter, closed gutter, and trench pattern. The association of the need for medication or surgical outcome and clinical variables and AS-OCT parameters including the pattern and severity of scarring were analysed using multivariate regression.
RESULTS
All eyes achieved significant reduction of IOP and number of medications with a final IOP of 15±3.2mm Hg at a mean follow-up of 8±32. months. While mild scarring was seen more common in MIT, severe scarring was seen in >65% of GATT eyes compared to 31% of MIT eye, p<0.001. An open saucer was equally seen in MIT and GATT while the trench pattern was more commonly seen in GATT eyes (>50%). Severe scarring in a trench pattern seemed to predict the need for medications for IOP control, though they independently did not seem to influence the final IOP or surgical outcome.
CONCLUSION
A severe form of scarring in a trench pattern on AS-OCT predicted the need for glaucoma medications after MIGS surgery. Regular monitoring of the scarring responses by AS-OCT and clinical examination are necessary to identify those at need for medications after MIGS.
Topics: Humans; Male; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Female; Aged; Trabeculectomy; Middle Aged; Glaucoma; Prospective Studies; Trabecular Meshwork; Wound Healing; Intraocular Pressure; Gonioscopy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38935644
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305740 -
PLoS Biology Jun 2024Loss of synapses between spiral ganglion neurons and inner hair cells (IHC synaptopathy) leads to an auditory neuropathy called hidden hearing loss (HHL) characterized...
Loss of synapses between spiral ganglion neurons and inner hair cells (IHC synaptopathy) leads to an auditory neuropathy called hidden hearing loss (HHL) characterized by normal auditory thresholds but reduced amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials. It has been proposed that synaptopathy and HHL result in poor performance in challenging hearing tasks despite a normal audiogram. However, this has only been tested in animals after exposure to noise or ototoxic drugs, which can cause deficits beyond synaptopathy. Furthermore, the impact of supernumerary synapses on auditory processing has not been evaluated. Here, we studied mice in which IHC synapse counts were increased or decreased by altering neurotrophin 3 (Ntf3) expression in IHC supporting cells. As we previously showed, postnatal Ntf3 knockdown or overexpression reduces or increases, respectively, IHC synapse density and suprathreshold amplitude of sound-evoked auditory potentials without changing cochlear thresholds. We now show that IHC synapse density does not influence the magnitude of the acoustic startle reflex or its prepulse inhibition. In contrast, gap-prepulse inhibition, a behavioral test for auditory temporal processing, is reduced or enhanced according to Ntf3 expression levels. These results indicate that IHC synaptopathy causes temporal processing deficits predicted in HHL. Furthermore, the improvement in temporal acuity achieved by increasing Ntf3 expression and synapse density suggests a therapeutic strategy for improving hearing in noise for individuals with synaptopathy of various etiologies.
Topics: Animals; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner; Synapses; Neurotrophin 3; Mice; Auditory Threshold; Evoked Potentials, Auditory; Reflex, Startle; Auditory Perception; Spiral Ganglion; Female; Male; Hearing Loss, Hidden
PubMed: 38935589
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002665 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38935395
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2024.1695 -
International Ophthalmology Jun 2024To evaluate the agreement between the Goldman applanation tonometer (GAT), Tono-Pen, and noncontact tonometer (NCT) in the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the agreement between the Goldman applanation tonometer (GAT), Tono-Pen, and noncontact tonometer (NCT) in the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in pseudophakic children.
METHODS
The medical records of nonglaucomatous pseudophakic children between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 46 eyes of 23 patients operated for bilateral pediatric cataract were included in the study. The patients' mean age was 13.4 ± 4.1 years. Central corneal thickness (CCT) and IOP values measured with the GAT, Tono-Pen, and NCT were recorded. Agreement between the tonometers was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the Bland-Altman method.
RESULTS
The mean IOP of the 46 eyes included in the study was measured as 13.7 ± 2.3 mm Hg with the GAT, 16.0 ± 2.3 mm Hg with NCT, and 16.5 ± 2.3 mm Hg with the Tono-Pen (p < 0.001). There is no statistical difference between NCT and Tono-Pen measurements, while GAT measurements were significantly lower than those of the NCT and Tono-pen. ICC values showed fair agreement between NCT and Tono-Pen (ICC = 0.720), whereas there was poor agreement between GAT and NCT (ICC = 0.501) and Tono-pen (ICC = 0.314).
CONCLUSIONS
With all devices included in the study, thicker corneas were associated with higher IOP measurements. Although there was moderate agreement between the NCT and Tono-Pen, there was a statistically significant difference in the IOP values provided by the three devices. Our results suggest these devices should not be used interchangeably.
Topics: Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Tonometry, Ocular; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Child; Pseudophakia; Adolescent; Reproducibility of Results; Child, Preschool; Cornea
PubMed: 38935310
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03210-w -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jun 2024Current strategies for hypertrophic scar prevention and treatment are limited.
BACKGROUND
Current strategies for hypertrophic scar prevention and treatment are limited.
OBJECTIVE
To facilitate these efforts, a minimally invasive hypertrophic scar model was created in a rabbit ear for the first time based on previous methods used to induce ischemia.
METHODS
Six New Zealand white rabbits (12 ears total) were studied. First, ischemia was achieved by ligating the cranial artery, cranial vein and central artery, while preserving the caudal artery, caudal vein and central vein, respectively. The relative level of ischemia induced at time of surgery, both baseline and maximum perfusion, was assessed with a fluorescent light-assisted angiography and demonstrated lower rates of perfusion in the ischemic ears. Following vascular injury, a 2-cm full thickness linear wound was created on the ventral ear and closed with 4 - 0 Nylon sutures under high tension. For each rabbit, one ear received a combination of ischemia and wounding with suture tension (n = 6), while the other ear was non-ischemic with wounding and suture tension alone (n = 6).
RESULTS
Four weeks post-operatively, ischemic ears developed scar hypertrophy (histological scar thickness: 1.1 ± 0.2 mm versus 0.5 ± 0.1 mm, p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Herein, we describe a novel, prototypical minimally invasive rabbit ear model of hypertrophic scar formation that can allow investigation of new drugs for scar prevention.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Disease Models, Animal; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Ear; Ischemia; Humans; Wound Healing; Suture Techniques
PubMed: 38935157
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03185-9 -
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Jun 2024This study aimed to explore protective effects and potential mechanism of ectoine, a natural osmoprotectant, on ocular surface mucin production in dry eye disease.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to explore protective effects and potential mechanism of ectoine, a natural osmoprotectant, on ocular surface mucin production in dry eye disease.
METHODS
A dry eye model was established in C57BL/6 mice exposed to desiccating stress (DS) with untreated (UT) mice as controls. DS mice were topically treated with 2.0% ectoine or PBS vehicle. Corneal epithelial defects were assessed by Oregon Green Dextran (OGD) fluorescent staining. Conjunctival goblet cells, ocular mucins, and T help (Th) cytokines were evaluated by immunofluorescent staining or ELISA, and RT-qPCR.
RESULTS
Compared with UT mice, corneal epithelial defects were detected as strong punctate OGD fluorescent staining in DS mice with vehicle, whereas ectoine treatment largely reduced OGD staining to near-normal levels. Conjunctival goblet cell density and cell size decreased markedly in DS mice, but was significantly recovered by ectoine treatment. The protein production and mRNA expression of two gel-forming secreted MUC5AC and MUC2, and 4 transmembrane mucins, MUC1, MUC4, MUC16, and MUC15, largely decreased in DS mice, but was restored by ectoine. Furthermore, Th2 cytokine IL-13 was inhibited, whereas Th1 cytokine IFN-γ was stimulated at protein and mRNA levels in conjunctiva and draining cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) of DS mice, leading to decreased IL-13/IFN-γ ratio. Interestingly, 2.0% ectoine reversed their alternations and restored IL-13/IFN-γ balance.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings demonstrate that topical ectoine significantly reduces corneal damage, and enhances goblet cell density and mucin production through restoring imbalanced IL-13/IFN-γ signaling in murine dry eye model. This suggests therapeutic potential of natural osmoprotectant ectoine for dry eye disease.
Topics: Animals; Dry Eye Syndromes; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Disease Models, Animal; Goblet Cells; Interferon-gamma; Mucins; Interleukin-13; Conjunctiva; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Epithelium, Corneal; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger; Amino Acids, Diamino
PubMed: 38935032
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.39