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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2024This study investigated serum, vitreous, and anterior chamber fluid electrolyte changes, corneal thickness (CT), corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and...
BACKGROUND/AIM
This study investigated serum, vitreous, and anterior chamber fluid electrolyte changes, corneal thickness (CT), corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) as an auxiliary diagnostic method in the identification of drowning in fresh or salt water.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study used 35 healthy, adult, male, white New Zealand rabbits, seperated into five groups (control, saltwater drowning (SWD), saltwater immersion (SWI), freshwater drowning (FWD), freshwater immersion (FWI)). CT, CV, ACV, and ACD measurements were made with Pentacam topography at 0, 2, and 4 h in all groups. Magnesium (mg), sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) were measured in the blood at 0 and 2 h, and in blood, vitreous fluid, and humor aqueous at 4 h.
RESULTS
It was determined that CT, CV, ACV, and ACD are not of great value in drowning diagnosis and are affected by the fresh or salt water rather than drowning. Vitreous Na, Cl, and Mg levels are ineffective in determining drowning after one h. Anterior chamber fluid may provide valuable information in the differentiation freshwater - saltwater drownings at the 4th h in corpses retrieved from water.
CONCLUSION
Anterior chamber fluid Na and Cl levels, especially in corpses removed from salt water, can be an easily used test that can help diagnose drowning.
Topics: Animals; Rabbits; Drowning; Male; Fresh Water; Vitreous Body; Anterior Chamber; Sodium; Magnesium; Chlorine; Cornea; Seawater; Aqueous Humor; Immersion
PubMed: 38812651
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5764 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Apr 2024We present a case of endogenous endophthalmitis with urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS). An 86-year-old female initially presented with...
We present a case of endogenous endophthalmitis with urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS). An 86-year-old female initially presented with ocular pain and sudden visual disturbance of the left eye. The patient did not complain of other symptoms and had no history of recent ocular surgery or trauma. Endogenous endophthalmitis was clinically diagnosed based on ophthalmic examination, history, and lab results showing systemic infection. A few days later, GBS was identified in her aqueous humor, blood, and urine cultures. Intravitreal ceftazidime and vancomycin injections, as well as fortified ceftazidime and vancomycin eye drops, were used immediately after clinical diagnosis. However, the symptoms worsened despite repeated intravitreal injections, so evisceration was performed. Endogenous endophthalmitis caused by GBS is very virulent and may present without evident systemic symptoms. The early recognition of the disease and systemic work up, followed by prompt treatment, is necessary.
Topics: Humans; Female; Urinary Tract Infections; Aged, 80 and over; Endophthalmitis; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcal Infections; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Vancomycin; Ceftazidime
PubMed: 38792883
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050700 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024(1) : Patients with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) may have coexisting cataracts and, therefore, may require a cataract surgery, which poses challenges due...
(1) : Patients with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) may have coexisting cataracts and, therefore, may require a cataract surgery, which poses challenges due to potential endothelial cell damage. FECD is a degenerative eye disease of unclear etiology, with inflammatory cytokines maybe playing an important role in its development and progression. The present study aimed to investigate the cytokine profile in the aqueous humor of FECD eyes with cataract. (2) : Fifty-two patients were included in the study, 26 with FECD + cataract and 26 with cataract as a control group. Samples of the aqueous humor were analyzed for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines using a Bio-Plex 200 system. (3) : Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and interleukin IL-8 levels were significantly higher in the aqueous humor of FECD + cataract patients compared to the control/cataract group. Moreover, the levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 showed a strong trend to be higher in the FECD + cataract group compared to the control group. In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α between the groups. (4) : Presented research contributes to a better understanding of FECD pathogenesis. Elevated levels of IL-1Ra and IL-8 may serve as a defense mechanism in people with FECD and coexisting cataract.
PubMed: 38792359
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102815 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Oxidative stress forms part of the molecular basis contributing to the development and manifestation of myopia, a refractive error with associated pathology that is...
Oxidative stress forms part of the molecular basis contributing to the development and manifestation of myopia, a refractive error with associated pathology that is increasingly prevalent worldwide and that subsequently leads to an upsurge in degenerative visual impairment due to conditions that are especially associated with high myopia. The purpose of our study was to examine the interrelation of potential oxidative-stress-related metabolites found in the aqueous humor of high-myopic, low-myopic, and non-myopic patients within a clinical study. We conducted a cross-sectional study, selecting two sets of patients undergoing cataract surgery. The first set, which was used to analyze metabolites through an NMR assay, comprised 116 patients. A total of 59 metabolites were assigned and quantified. The PLS-DA score plot clearly showed a separation with minimal overlap between the HM and control samples. The PLS-DA model allowed us to determine 31 major metabolite differences in the aqueous humor of the study groups. Complementary statistical analysis of the data allowed us to determine six metabolites that presented significant differences among the experimental groups ( < 005). A significant number of these metabolites were discovered to have a direct or indirect connection to oxidative stress linked with conditions of myopic eyes. Notably, we identified metabolites associated with bioenergetic pathways and metabolites that have undergone methylation, along with choline and its derivatives. The second set consisted of 73 patients who underwent a glutathione assay. Here, we showed significant variations in both reduced and oxidized glutathione in aqueous humor among all patient groups ( < 0.01) for the first time. Axial length, refractive status, and complete ophthalmologic examination were also recorded, and interrelations among metabolic and clinical parameters were evaluated.
PubMed: 38790644
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050539 -
Veterinary Sciences May 2024This study was designed to assess the diagnostic utility for FIP of cytology, protein measurement and RT-PCR for feline coronaviruses (FCoV) on aqueous humor (AH), since...
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to assess the diagnostic utility for FIP of cytology, protein measurement and RT-PCR for feline coronaviruses (FCoV) on aqueous humor (AH), since little information is currently available.
METHODS
AH samples ( = 85) were collected post-mortem from 13 cats with effusive FIP (E-FIP), 15 with non-effusive FIP (NE-FIP) and 16 without FIP, to perform cytology ( = 83) and RT-PCR ( = 66) and to calculate their sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-). The protein concentration was measured on 80 fluids.
RESULTS
The proportion of RT-PCR positive samples did not differ among groups, while positive cytology was more frequent in samples with FIP ( = 0.042) or positive RT-PCR ( = 0.007). Compared with other groups, the protein concentration was higher in samples with NE-FIP ( = 0.017), positive RT-PCR ( = 0.005) or positive cytology ( < 0.001). The specificity of cytology together with RT-PCR, cytology alone, RT-PCR alone and cytological proteinaceous background were 90.0%, 84.6%, 70.0%, 61.5%, and the LRs 3.48, 2.65, 1.83, 1.64, respectively. However, their sensitivities were low (34.8-63.0%) and their LR- high (0.60-0.72).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the LR+, cytology and/or RT-PCR may support the diagnosis when the pre-test probability of FIP is high. The concentration of intraocular protein is a promising marker, especially in NE-FIP.
PubMed: 38787179
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050207 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024This study investigates the relationship between ciliary muscle dynamics, thickness, and the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP), focusing on the progression of...
INTRODUCTION
This study investigates the relationship between ciliary muscle dynamics, thickness, and the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP), focusing on the progression of cataracts and changes post-phacoemulsification. It explores how these factors impact canine ocular health, particularly in the context of cataract development and subsequent surgical intervention.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data was collected using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM) from dogs at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Chungbuk National University, Korea. The study involved 57 eyes from 35 dogs, categorized into five groups: 13 normal eyes, 14 with incipient cataracts, 12 with immature cataracts, 6 with mature cataracts, and 12 post-phacoemulsification. UBM measurements assessed various ciliary muscle parameters including ciliary body axial length (CBAXL), ciliary process-sclera angle (CPSA), longitudinal fibers of ciliary muscle thickness (Lf-CMT), and longitudinal and radial fibers of ciliary muscle thickness (LRf-CMT).
RESULTS
Findings indicated a decrease in CBAXL and an increase in Lf-CMT as cataracts progressed in severity. Post-phacoemulsification, there was a notable increase in CBAXL and a decrease in CPSA, Lf-CMT, and LRf-CMT, compared to both cataractous and normal eyes. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between CBAXL and IOP, alongside a negative association between Lf-CMT and IOP. These findings suggest that variations in ciliary muscle dynamics and thickness, as influenced by cataract progression and phacoemulsification, have distinct impacts on intraocular pressure.
DISCUSSION
The study proposes that phacoemulsification leads to ciliary muscle contraction, causing an inward and anterior movement of the ciliary muscle. This movement results in the narrowing of the ciliary cleft and constriction of the unconventional outflow pathway, potentially causing an increased risk of glaucoma post-surgery. Our research contributes to understanding the anatomical and physiological changes in the canine eye following cataract surgery and underscores the importance of monitoring IOP and ciliary muscle dynamics in these patients.
PubMed: 38784657
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1366997 -
BMC Veterinary Research May 2024Commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution is frequently used empirically to treat ocular disorders in equines, despite being primarily formulated for use in humans. It...
BACKGROUND
Commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution is frequently used empirically to treat ocular disorders in equines, despite being primarily formulated for use in humans. It has been noted that tobramycin MIC90 concentration (minimal inhibitory concentration to 90% of microbial growth) rapidly declined following topical administration. It is hypothesized that adjustment of the pH of the empirically used tobramycin ophthalmic solution -prepared for human use- with the pH of the tears of donkeys, could increase the bioavailability of the drug and subsequently improve its penetration to the aqueous humor. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of pH adjustment of the empirically used tobramycin ophthalmic solution on MIC90 concentration in tears and aqueous humor of donkeys (Equus asinus). The study was conducted on six (n = 6) clinically healthy donkeys. In each donkey, one eye was randomly selected to receive 210 µg tobramycin of the commercial tobramycin (CT) and used as a positive control (C group, n = 6). The other eye (treated eye) received 210 µg of the modified tobramycin ophthalmic solution (MT) (T group, n = 6). Tears and aqueous humor samples were collected 5-, 10-, 15-, 30- min, and 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6 h post-instillation.
RESULTS
Modifying the pH of the empirically used commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution in donkeys at a pH of 8.26 enhanced the drug's bioavailability. The MIC90 of the most hazardous bacteria isolated from equines' eyes such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC90 = 128 µg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC90 = 256 µg/ml) was covered early (5 min post-instillation) and over a longer period in donkey tears (239-342 min) and aqueous humor (238-330 min) with the modified tobramycin solution.
CONCLUSIONS
Adjustment of the pH of the commercial tobramycin ophthalmic solution, empirically used by veterinarians to treat donkeys' ophthalmic infections at a pH of 8.26, isotonic with the donkeys' tears pH, resulting in higher concentrations of tobramycin in tears and aqueous humor for a longer time.
Topics: Animals; Tobramycin; Aqueous Humor; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Ophthalmic Solutions; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Tears; Equidae; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 38778405
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04072-1 -
Clinical Proteomics May 2024To comprehend the complexities of pathophysiological mechanisms and molecular events that contribute to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and evaluate the...
BACKGROUND
To comprehend the complexities of pathophysiological mechanisms and molecular events that contribute to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and evaluate the diagnostic value of aqueous humor (AH) in monitoring the onset of PDR.
METHODS
A cohort containing 16 PDR and 10 cataract patients and another validation cohort containing 8 PDR and 4 cataract patients were studied. AH was collected and subjected to proteomics analyses. Bioinformatics analysis and a machine learning-based pipeline called inference of biomolecular combinations with minimal bias were used to explore the functional relevance, hub proteins, and biomarkers.
RESULTS
Deep profiling of AH proteomes revealed several insights. First, the combination of SIAE, SEMA7A, GNS, and IGKV3D-15 and the combination of ATP6AP1, SPARCL1, and SERPINA7 could serve as surrogate protein biomarkers for monitoring PDR progression. Second, ALB, FN1, ACTB, SERPINA1, C3, and VTN acted as hub proteins in the profiling of AH proteomes. SERPINA1 was the protein with the highest correlation coefficient not only for BCVA but also for the duration of diabetes. Third, "Complement and coagulation cascades" was an important pathway for PDR development.
CONCLUSIONS
AH proteomics provides stable and accurate biomarkers for early warning and diagnosis of PDR. This study provides a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PDR and a rich resource for optimizing PDR management.
PubMed: 38764026
DOI: 10.1186/s12014-024-09481-w -
Scientific Reports May 2024The detrimental effects of smoking are multisystemic and its effects on the eye health are significant. Smoking is a strong risk factor for age-related nuclear cataract,...
The detrimental effects of smoking are multisystemic and its effects on the eye health are significant. Smoking is a strong risk factor for age-related nuclear cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, delayed corneal epithelial healing and increased risk of cystoid macular edema in patients with intermediate uveitis among others. We aimed to characterize the aqueous humor (AH) proteome in chronic smokers to gain insight into its perturbations and to identify potential biomarkers for smoking-associated ocular pathologies. Compared to the control group, chronic smokers displayed 67 (37 upregulated, 30 downregulated) differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Analysis of DEPs from the biological point of view revealed that they were proteins involved in complement activation, lymphocyte mediated immunity, innate immune response, cellular oxidant detoxification, bicarbonate transport and platelet degranulation. From the molecular function point of view, DEPs were involved in oxygen binding, oxygen carrier activity, hemoglobin binding, peptidase/endopeptidase/cysteine-type endopeptidase inhibitory activity. Several of the upregulated proteins were acute phase reactant proteins such as clusterin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, fibrinogen, alpha-1-antitrypsin, C4b-binding protein and serum amyloid A-2. Further research should confirm if these proteins might serve as biomarkers or therapeutic target for smoking-associated ocular diseases.
Topics: Humans; Aqueous Humor; Proteomics; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Smoking; Proteome; Biomarkers; Smokers; Aged; Adult
PubMed: 38760463
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62039-6 -
Ocular Oncology and Pathology Apr 2024The objective of this study was to report the clinicopathologic features of three cases of -amplified retinoblastoma identified genetically by aqueous humor sampling.
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this study was to report the clinicopathologic features of three cases of -amplified retinoblastoma identified genetically by aqueous humor sampling.
METHODS
Whole-genome sequencing was performed using isolated cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from aqueous humor of 3 retinoblastoma patients. We analyzed genomic copy number and mutational alterations, histologic and pathologic features, and clinical data.
RESULTS
The most common genetic alteration identified in these three retinoblastoma cases was a focal amplification on 2p. All tumors showed an early age of diagnosis with a median of 9 months. The tumor histopathologic features included neovascularization and subretinal seeding in case 1, diffuse nature with choroidal and prelaminar optic nerve invasion in case 2, and complete vitreous seeding in case 3. Case 1 expressed RB protein and had no mutation, case 2 did not express RB protein and had an mutation, and case 3 did not express RB protein and likely had an epigenetic effect on RB expression.
CONCLUSIONS
Our report shows 3 cases of unilateral retinoblastomas diagnosed in patients ranging from 4 months to 18 months old. Genomic analysis from AH cfDNA revealed amplification with intact RB protein staining in case 1 and lack of RB staining in cases 2 and 3. mutational analysis in the AH confirmed a pathogenic variant in case 2. Clinical pathology showed features requiring aggressive treatment, specifically enucleation.
IMPORTANCE
-amplified retinoblastomas demonstrate unique pathogenesis and aggressive behavior, regardless if is a primary or secondary driver of disease. Genomic analysis from aqueous humor may be useful when deciding to enucleate as opposed to treating conservatively. Focal amplification on 2p might be relevant for tumor growth in this subset of the retinoblastoma population in terms of targeted therapeutics.
PubMed: 38751495
DOI: 10.1159/000533311