Factors Affecting Cirrus-HD OCT Optic Disc Scan Quality: A Review with Case Examples.

Spectral-domain OCT is an established tool to assist clinicians in detecting glaucoma and monitor disease progression. The widespread use of this imaging modality is due, at least in part, to continuous hardware and software advancements. However, recent evidence indicates that OCT scan artifacts are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Poor image quality invariably challenges the interpretation of test results, with potential implications for the care of glaucoma patients. Therefore, adequate knowledge of various imaging artifacts is necessary. In this work, we describe several factors affecting Cirrus HD-OCT optic disc scan quality and their effects on measurement variability.

Progesterone and allopregnanolone improves stroke outcome in male mice via distinct mechanisms but neither promotes neurogenesis.

Based on the outcome of a number of experimental studies, progesterone (PROG) holds promise as a new therapy for stroke. To understand more about the mechanisms involved, we administered PROG (or the major metabolite, allopregnanolone, ALLO), intra-peritoneally, for a period of 24 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion to male mice variably expressing intracellular progesterone receptors (iPR) A/B. Effects on infarct volume and neurogenesis were then assessed up to 1 month later. Predictably, infarct volume in wild-type mice receiving either drug was significantly smaller. However, mice heterozygous for iPRs A/B showed protection by ALLO but not by PROG. There was robust amplification of cell division in the wall of the lateral ventricle on the injured side of the brain, these cells migrated into the striatum and lateral cortex, and a significant number survived for at least 3 weeks. However, very few doublecortin-positive cells emerged from the subventricular zone and subsequent expression of NeuN in these newborn neurons was extremely rare. Neither PROG nor ALLO amplified the rate of neurogenesis, suggesting that the long-term benefits of acute drug administration results from tissue preservation. Male mice derive long-lasting benefit from progesterone and allopregnanolone after ischemic stroke. In mice heterozygous for iPRs, only allopregnanolone proved effective, suggesting distinct mechanisms. Abundant newborn cells were found in the wall of the lateral ventricle on the injured side (many doublecortin-positive), some migrated into the striatum and lateral cortex, but very few survived as mature neurons. Neurosteroid administration did not amplify this process.

Big red flags in neuro-ophthalmology.

Specific red flag clinical signs in ophthalmology might indicate serious underlying systemic disease. This review illustrates five big red flags in neuro-ophthalmology of interest to comprehensive ophthalmologists. These clinical signs include: (i) retinochoroidal venous collaterals, (ii) optic disc edema with a macular star, (iii) chronic red eyes refractory to topical therapy, (iv) aberrant regeneration not secondary to ischemia, and (v) the misdiagnosis of immune disease in immunosuppressed patients. We also describe the common causative factors suggested by these red flags (i.e., optic nerve sheath meningioma, infectious neuroretinitis, carotid cavernous fistula, compressive third nerve lesions, and the incorrect diagnosis of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome [THS]), as well as the distinctive laboratory or radiographic signs for each condition.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival and growth on lettuce is altered by the presence of epiphytic bacteria.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 can survive in low numbers in soil and on plants. Occasionally, conditions may occur in the field that lead to contamination of produce. Survival of enteric pathogens in the field is controlled to a certain extent by complex interactions with indigenous soilborne and seedborne epiphytes. Identifying these interactions may assist in developing strategies to improve produce safety. Two epiphytes were isolated from pathogen-contaminated plants that interact differently with E. coli O157:H7. Wausteria paucula enhanced the survival of E. coli O157:H7 six-fold on lettuce foliage grown from coinoculated lettuce seed. In contrast, Enterobacter asburiae decreased E. coli O157:H7 survival 20- to 30-fold on foliage. Competition also occurred in the rhizosphere and in plant exudate. This competition may be the result of E. asburiae utilization of several of the carbon and nitrogen substrates typically present in exudate and also used by E. coli O157:H7. Hence, competition observed on the plant may involve one or more nutrients provided by the plant. In contrast, a different mechanism may exist between E. coli O157:H7 and W. paucula since commensalism was only observed on foliage, not in the rhizosphere or plant exudate. Good agricultural practices that encourage the growth of competing bacteria, like E. asburiae, may reduce the incidence of produce contamination.