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Human Movement Science Jun 2024Individuals with untreated, mild-to-moderate recurrent neck pain or stiffness (subclinical neck pain (SCNP)) have been shown to have impairments in upper limb...
Individuals with untreated, mild-to-moderate recurrent neck pain or stiffness (subclinical neck pain (SCNP)) have been shown to have impairments in upper limb proprioception, and altered cerebellar processing. It is probable that aiming trajectories will be impacted since individuals with SCNP cannot rely on accurate proprioceptive feedback or feedforward processing (body schema) for movement planning and execution, due to altered afferent input from the neck. SCNP participants may thus rely more on visual feedback, to accommodate for impaired cerebellar processing. This quasi-experimental study sought to determine whether upper limb kinematics and oculomotor processes were impacted in those with SCNP. 25 SCNP and 25 control participants who were right-hand dominant performed bidirectional aiming movements using two different weighted styli (light or heavy) while wearing an eye-tracking device. Those with SCNP had a greater time to and time after peak velocity, which corresponded with a longer upper limb movement and reaction time, seen as greater constant error, less undershoot in the upwards direction and greater undershoot in the downwards direction compared to controls. SCNP participants also showed a trend towards a quicker ocular reaction and movement time compared to controls, while the movement distance was fairly similar between groups. This study indicates that SCNP alters aiming performances, with greater reliance on visual feedback, likely due to altered proprioceptive input leading to altered cerebellar processing.
PubMed: 38824805
DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2024.103238 -
Eye and Vision (London, England) Jun 2024To evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical RCI001 (RCI) and compare its efficacy with that of 1% prednisolone acetate (PDE) and 5% Lifitegrast in a modified mixed...
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical RCI001 (RCI) and compare its efficacy with that of 1% prednisolone acetate (PDE) and 5% Lifitegrast in a modified mixed dry eye disease (DED) model.
METHODS
The environmental DED model was induced in BALB/c mice in a dry chamber with scopolamine. The eyes of the mice were treated topically with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), PDE, Lifitegrast or RCI twice daily for 1 week. Ocular surface staining (OSS), tear secretion, inflammatory cytokines in the ocular surface and lacrimal gland, and immunofluorescence staining in the conjunctiva and cornea(CC) were assessed.
RESULTS
The RCI group demonstrated better improvement of OSS and tear secretion than the PBS group (OSS, PBS: 13.0 ± 1.6, RCI: 9.4 ± 3.0; tear secretion, PBS: 5.0 ± 0.4 mm, RCI: 7.0 ± 0.3 mm, each P < 0.001) and better clinical efficacy than PDE and Lifitegrast groups on Day 7 (improvement rate of OSS, RCI: 32.45%, Lifitegrast: 13.13%, PDE: 12.25%). The RCI group resulted in significantly lower expression of oxidative stress markers in the CC than the PBS group (4-HNE, NOX2, and NOX4 in the conjunctiva; NOX2 in the cornea, each P < 0.05). However, the PDE and Lifitegrast groups did not show significant differences compared with the PBS group. There were no significant differences of inflammatory cytokines in the ocular surface and lacrimal gland between all groups.
CONCLUSION
Topical RCI001 showed excellent therapeutic effects in environmental DED models by stimulating tear secretion, modulating oxidative stress and improving corneal epithelial healing compared to 1% PDE and 5% Lifitegrast.
PubMed: 38822444
DOI: 10.1186/s40662-024-00388-z -
International Journal For Parasitology.... May 2024Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is commonly found in various natural environments, such as rivers and soil, as well as in public baths, swimming pools, and sewers....
Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is commonly found in various natural environments, such as rivers and soil, as well as in public baths, swimming pools, and sewers. Acanthamoeba can cause severe illness such as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in humans. AK, the most recognized disease, can cause permanent visual impairment or blindness by affecting the cornea. AK commonly affects contact lens wearers who neglect proper cleaning habits. The symptoms of AK include epithelial and stromal destruction, corneal infiltrate, and intense ocular pain, occasionally necessitating surgical removal of the entire eyeball. Current AK treatment involves the hourly application of eye drops containing polyhexamethylene biocide (PHMB). However, studies have revealed their ineffectiveness against drug-resistant strains. Acanthamoeba can form cysts as a survival mechanism in adverse environments, though the exact mechanism remains unknown. Our experiments revealed that sodium P-type ATPase (ACA1_065450) is closely linked to encystation. In addition, various encystation buffers, such as MgCl or NaCl, induced the expression of P-type ATPase. Furthermore, we used ouabain, an ATPase inhibitor, to inhibit the Na/K ion pump, consequently decreasing the encystation rate of Acanthamoeba. Our primary objective is to develop an advanced treatment for AK. We anticipate that the combination of ouabain and PHMB may serve as an effective therapeutic approach against AK in the future.
PubMed: 38821038
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100550 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024Orbital abscesses are caused by infection within or near the orbit and show obvious signs of pain, proptosis and raised inflammatory markers. Diagnosis is based on...
Orbital abscesses are caused by infection within or near the orbit and show obvious signs of pain, proptosis and raised inflammatory markers. Diagnosis is based on clinical features and radiological imaging, and requires early antibiotics and often surgical drainage to save vision. Sub-Tenon's injections of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) have caused localized infections in previous reports, which have responded to therapeutic interventions. Here we report a case where a delayed presentation of an orbital abscess secondary to sub-Tenon's TA for persistent post-operative cystoid macular oedema, without obvious signs of infection, rapidly progressed to cause orbital compartment syndrome. Despite treatment, the patient lost complete vision in the affected eye. This case discusses the rare and unusual cause of abscess formation and a diagnostic dilemma.
PubMed: 38817784
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae339 -
Cureus Apr 2024Traumatic cervical internal carotid artery dissection (CICAD) is a rare condition caused by blunt trauma to the neck, often through automobile- or sports-related...
Traumatic cervical internal carotid artery dissection (CICAD) is a rare condition caused by blunt trauma to the neck, often through automobile- or sports-related collisions, assaults, or falls. Herein, we report an unusual case in which engaging in a low-impact sport (tennis) caused CICAD, without a direct injury. A 56-year-old man with hypertension suddenly experienced a visual field loss in his right eye while playing tennis. Carotid echocardiography revealed severe stenosis of the right internal carotid artery (ICA). Angiography revealed severe and irregular stenosis of the right ICA from the bifurcation to the petrous portion, suggesting CICAD. Upon admission, the patient had left upper visual field defects in his right eye and neck pain. Antiplatelet therapy was initiated with prasugrel (3.75 mg/day), with the intent to treat surgically if the stenosis or symptoms progressed. Follow-up angiography and magnetic resonance imaging showed gradual resolution of the stenosis, and the patient was discharged on day 28 with a modified Rankin Scale score of 1. The CICAD should be considered as a diagnosis for neurological symptoms, even in the context of low-impact sports such as tennis. Antithrombotic therapy is a reasonable first-line treatment for stable CICAD.
PubMed: 38813322
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59305 -
Behçet's disease detecting by hemoptysis and recurrent epididymo-orchitis: A case report from Syria.SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024Behçet's disease is a chronic systemic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown etiology. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers,...
Behçet's disease is a chronic systemic inflammatory vasculitis of unknown etiology. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of oral aphthous ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, ocular lesions, and other manifestations. This disease affects many organs and systems, showing a wide range of clinical features. Although pulmonary artery involvement is not common in Behçet's disease, its presence carries a substantial risk of mortality. This report provides a detailed history of a 25-year-old male who was admitted with productive cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea on minimal exertion, fever, and chest pain. He had recurrent orchitis and epididymitis for 7 years, as well as oral and genital ulcers and severe headache. Clinical examination revealed decreased breath sounds at the right middle lung. Thoracic computed tomography angiography confirmed multiple pulmonary artery aneurysms bilaterally. The patient was diagnosed with Behçet's disease, and immunosuppression therapy was initiated. During follow-up, the patient did not report any complications. This case report underscores the significance for clinicians to consider Behçet's disease as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with hemoptysis and a history of orchitis and epididymitis, given that Behçet's disease rarely causes pulmonary artery aneurysms.
PubMed: 38812835
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241257441 -
Cureus Apr 2024The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had far-reaching implications beyond the respiratory system. Mounting evidence...
BACKGROUND
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had far-reaching implications beyond the respiratory system. Mounting evidence suggests that COVID-19 can impact various organ systems, including the eyes. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence, characteristics, and clinical implications of ophthalmic manifestations in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
METHODS
This retrospective study analyzed data from electronic medical records of adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, at a large tertiary academic medical center. Ophthalmic manifestations, including conjunctivitis, dry eye symptoms, ocular pain, epiphora, ocular redness, and visual disturbances, were identified and examined for their prevalence, onset, duration, and associations with COVID-19 severity and systemic symptoms.
RESULTS
Among 342 patients included in the study, 106 (31.0%) experienced at least one ophthalmic manifestation during their COVID-19 illness. Conjunctivitis was the most common manifestation in 62 patients (18.1%), followed by dry eye symptoms in 38 patients (11.1%), ocular pain/discomfort in 27 patients (7.9%), epiphora in 19 patients (5.6%), ocular redness in 14 patients (4.1%), and visual disturbances in nine patients (2.6%). Ophthalmic manifestations were significantly associated with severe COVID-19 illness (42.9% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.003) and the presence of systemic symptoms such as fever, cough, and dyspnea. The median time of onset was six days, and the median duration was 10 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Ophthalmic manifestations are prevalent in COVID-19 patients, particularly in those with severe illness and systemic symptoms. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and managing ocular symptoms in affected individuals and underscores the multifaceted nature of COVID-19, necessitating interdisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive patient care.
PubMed: 38807797
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59177 -
BMC Ophthalmology May 2024
PubMed: 38807040
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03471-0 -
BMC Ophthalmology May 2024We describe a case in which bilateral optic nerve infiltration and leukemic retinopathy were the initial signs of disease relapse in a patient with Philadelphia...
BACKGROUND
We describe a case in which bilateral optic nerve infiltration and leukemic retinopathy were the initial signs of disease relapse in a patient with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph-ALL) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 65-year-old Asian female with Ph-ALL in complete remission presented at our institution with symptoms of visual disturbance, central scotoma and pain with eye movement in both eyes for a 1-month duration. Ophthalmic examination revealed remarkable optic disc swelling with multiple flame-shaped peripapillary hemorrhages, retinal venous dilation and retinal hemorrhages in both eyes. She was subsequently referred to the treating oncologist and diagnosed with Ph-ALL relapse with multiple relapsed diseases involving the bone marrow and CNS. After intrathecal (IT) therapy, her visual acuity dramatically improved, and her leukemic infiltrates decreased.
CONCLUSIONS
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of ALL relapse with CNS involvement presenting as bilateral optic nerve infiltration and leukemic retinopathy in an adult. Hence, we highlight the priority and sensitivity of ophthalmic examinations, as they are noninvasive methods for detecting leukemia relapse.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Leukemic Infiltration; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Optic Nerve; Retinal Diseases; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 38807037
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03486-7