Coronally advanced flap achieved higher esthetic outcomes without a connective tissue graft for the treatment of single gingival recessions: a 4-year randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Limited long-term data are available when comparing the esthetic outcomes of coronally advanced flap (CAF) with or without a connective tissue graft (CTG). The aim of this study was to compare the 4-year esthetic outcomes of CAF vs CAF + CTG for the treatment of isolated maxillary gingival recessions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients were randomly assigned for treatment either with CAF (control; N = 24) or to CAF + CTG (test group; N = 24). Patients were followed after the surgery until the final evaluation. A professional esthetic evaluation was performed using the Root coverage Esthetic Score (RES). Recession reduction, mean root coverage, and complete root coverage were also evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-two patients completed the study at the 4-year recall. A significant recession reduction was evident at 4 years, without significant intergroup differences. The CAF group showed a statistically significant higher final RES compared with the CAF + CTG group (9.14 ± 1.08 vs 7.25 ± 1.29, respectively, p < 0.001). Regarding the individual components of RES, gingival margin and marginal tissue contour were significantly higher in the CAF group compared with that in the CAF + CTG group. CONCLUSIONS: CAF presented with a significantly higher overall esthetic score than CAF + CTG, and in the individual RES components of marginal tissue contour and gingival margin after 4 years. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CAF without the addition of CTG provided higher esthetic outcomes for the treatment of isolated gingival recessions.

Histomorphometric Evaluation of Ridge Preservation With and Without Connective Tissue Graft Over Buccal Plate Using Different Types of Bone Substitute: An Animal Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to assess the efficacy of using subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) over the buccal plate in conjunction with 2 different bone graft materials in fresh extraction sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five mongrel dogs were used. Bilateral third (P3) mandibular premolars were extracted atraumatically. Animals were randomly divided in the 4 experimental groups: no CT (NCT) + anorganic bovine bone (ABB), NCT + biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), CT + ABB, and CT + BCP. This study evaluated tissue healing at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after socket preservation, using histologic and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS: The main finding showed that all groups presented similar results with minor differences regardless of the use of CTG and type of bone substitute. A greater amount of residual graft particles was found when ABB was used. No differences in the histologic and histomorphometric analysis were found when comparing the use of CTG with NCTG for ridge preservation procedure. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this animal study, the use of CTG to overbuild the buccal plate at time of tooth extraction did not affect the quality of bone regeneration.

Association of -1082 interleukin-10 gene polymorphism in Peruvian adults with chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess association of the -1082 IL-10 gene polymorphism with chronic periodontitis CP in a Peruvian population. STUDY DESIGN: Samples of venous blood and DNA were obtained from 106 Peruvian subjects: a) 53 periodontally healthy; and b) 53 with CP. The association of the -1082 IL-10 promoter sequences was assessed by Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Student's t test were used to assess the clinical parameters, as well as the χ2 test and the odds ratio (OR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI) used performed for estimates regarding genotype and allele frequencies. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between groups regarding the mean bleeding on probing, mean attachment level and mean probing depth (p < 0.00001) indicating that the matching based on the evaluated groups was adequate. The χ2 test found a statistically significant imbalance of genotypes between groups (p = 0.0172). The prevalence of CP was significantly higher in subjects harboring at least one A allele at position -1082 (AA and GA genotypes) in comparison to patients with the GG genotype (OR = 2.96; CI: 0.52; 5.41; p = 0.0099). Equally, subjects with the AA genotype were significantly associated to a diagnosis of CP (OR = 2.71; CI: 0.38; 5.04; p = 0.0231). On the other hand, subjects presenting a healthy periodontal status presented at least one G allele in comparison with the AA genotype (OR = 0.37; CI: 0.05, 0.69; p = 0.0231). For subjects with the GG genotype, the same positive association was observed (OR = 0.34; CI: 0.06, 0.62; p = 0.0099). There were no significant differences between groups amongst subjects with the GA genotype (OR = 1.19; CI: 0.22, 2.16; p = 0.6774). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, IL-10 gene polymorphism at position -1082 does not appear to be associated to CP. Conversely, subjects with AA genotype seem to be at an increased risk of developing CP.

Proximal Medial Gastrocnemius Recession for Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis.

BACKGROUND: Recalcitrant plantar fasciitis (RPF) is characterized by its unresponsiveness to conservative treatments, and its surgical management remains controversial. Although there is some evidence to suggest that gastrocnemius recession can be an effective treatment for RPF, no large series of patients with mid- to long-term follow-up has been published. The objective of this study was to compare physical performance, as measured by the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living score (FAAM-ADL), and pain levels before and 1 year after undergoing proximal medial gastrocnemius recession (PMGR) as a treatment for RPF. Additionally, we aimed to assess this cohort of patients in the mid- to long-term follow-up. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 167 patients who underwent PMGR to address RPF between 2009 and 2021. Patients were examined with the FAAM ADL, visual analog scale (VAS) and satisfaction scores at baseline, 1 year, and at the end of follow-up. Other variables recorded were weight, duration of symptoms until surgery, time between surgery to substantial clinical improvement, calf power and Silfverskiold test, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: We observed that before surgery patients had an FAAM-ADL score of 22.5 (SD 11.1) and a VAS score of 8.6 (SD 9.3). One year after surgery, patients had an FAAM-ADL score of 89 (SD 17) and VAS of 1.33 (SD 2) (P < .01). We also observed that the FAAM-ADL score in the long-term follow-up (>12.5 years) group had a median of 86.4 (SD 22.6), the VAS score was 1.90 (SD 2.84), and the patient satisfaction score had a median of 1 (interquartile range 0-1). Regarding complications, we observed 1 lateral gastrocnemius recession and 1 sural nerve neuritis. CONCLUSION: Our study provides substantial evidence supporting the use of PMGR as an effective treatment for RPF. The long-term follow-up and large sample size of our series contribute to the existing literature on this topic.

Performance of Cardiovascular Physical Exam Skills by Internal Medicine Residents.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have assessed the ability of internal medicine residents to perform a cardiovascular physical examination using real patients. METHODS: First year internal medicine interns from 2 large academic medical centers in Maryland examined the same patient with aortic insufficiency as part of the Assessment of Physical Examination and Communication Skills (APECS). Interns were assessed on 5 clinical domains: physical exam technique, identifying physical signs, generating a differential diagnosis, clinical judgment, and maintaining patient welfare. Spearman's correlation test was used to describe associations between clinical domains. Preceptor comments were examined to identify common errors in physical exam technique and identifying physical signs. RESULTS: One hundred nine interns examined the same patient with aortic insufficiency across 14 APECS sessions. Only 58 interns (53.2%) correctly identified the presence of a diastolic murmur, and only 52 interns (47.7%) included aortic insufficiency on their differential diagnosis. There was a significant and positive correlation between physical exam technique and identification of the correct physical findings (r = 0.42, P < .001). Both technique (r = 0.34, P = .003) and identifying findings (r = 0.42, P < .001) were significantly associated with generating an appropriate differential diagnosis. Common errors in technique included auscultating over the gown, timing the cardiac cycle with the radial pulse, and failing to palpate for the apical impulse. CONCLUSIONS: Internal medicine interns had variable skills in performing and interpreting the cardiovascular physical exam. Improving cardiovascular exam skills would likely lead to increased identification of relevant cardiovascular findings, inform clinical decision making and improve overall patient care.

Acquired STAT4 deficiency as a consequence of cancer chemotherapy.

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4 (STAT4) is a transcription factor that is activated by IL-12 signaling and promotes Th1-cell differentiation and IFN-γ production. Defective IFN-γ production because of STAT4 mRNA and protein deficiency occurs after autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of STAT4 deficiency in lymphoma patients. The tumor-bearing state is not responsible, because STAT4 levels were not significantly different in PBMCs obtained from healthy control subjects compared with those from lymphoma patients before treatment. STAT4 protein levels were significantly decreased in PBMCs and T cells obtained from lymphoma patients after standard-dose chemotherapy. Furthermore, treatment of control PBMC cultures or a natural killer cell line with chemotherapy drugs in vitro also resulted in reduced STAT4 protein and diminished, IL-12-induced IFN-γ production. Translation of STAT4 protein was not impaired in chemotherapy-treated cells, whereas the STAT4 protein half-life was significantly reduced. Chemotherapy drugs promoted the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of STAT4. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib reversed chemotherapy-induced STAT4 deficiency and defective IFN-γ production. We conclude that acquired STAT4 deficiency in lymphoma patients is a consequence of treatment with chemotherapy, results that have important implications for the design of optimal immunotherapy for lymphoma.

Identification of Glaucoma in Diabetics Using the Laguna-ONhE Colourimetric Method and OCT Spectralis.

BACKGROUND: Previous retrospective results are evaluated prospectively and blinded. METHODS: A total of 221 eyes previously classified as normal (G1), 279 as moderate risk of glaucoma (G2) and 217 as high risk (G3) according to the Globin Discriminant Function (GDF) Laguna-ONhE index were examined with OCT Spectralis- Results: In G1, the Bruch's Membrane Opening Minimum Rim Width (BMO-MRW) was 332 ± 55 microns; in G2, it was 252 ± 47 (p < 0.0001); and in G3, 231 ± 44 (p < 0.0001). In G1, the 1% and 5% percentiles were 233 and 248, respectively; in G2, they were lower in 28.80% and 42.29% of cases, respectively; and in G3, in 50.23% and 63.59% of cases, respectively. Most of the cases were normal-tension glaucomas. Laguna-ONhE indices showed a curvilinear correlation with BMO-MRW results. The Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer (RNFL) showed a poor relationship with BMO. Assuming G1 to be truly normal, BMO-MRW would have a Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area of 0.901 for G2 and G3 and 0.651 for RNFL. A significant reduction in pixels corresponding to vessels was found in G2 and G3 vs. G1 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In some cases, these defects appear to be mainly glaucomatous, and in others, they are associated with diabetic microangiopathy. In normal tension glaucoma, RNFL defects may be less severe than those inside the nerve.

Optic disc area frequency distribution in a large sample of retinographic images.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new method to estimate the frequency distribution of optic nerve disc area, using digital retinographic images. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We analysed 492 023 fundus images obtained with seven fundus cameras, mainly in Caucasian subjects. They were grouped by resolution and zoom. They were automatically segmented by identifying the inner edge of the Elschnig scleral ring. For this purpose, a neural network trained by deep learning previously described was used. The number of pixels contained within the segmentation and their frequency distribution were calculated. The results of each camera, using different number of images, were compared with the global results using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to confront frequency distributions. RESULTS: The frequency distribution was non-Gaussian, more limited in small sizes than in large ones. If the median is assigned a theoretical value of 1.95 mm2, the 1th, 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 95th and 99th percentiles would correspond to 1.29, 1.46, 1.73, 1.95, 2.20, 2.64 and 3.03 mm2 in all the dataset. The overall differences were significant for the smaller series, but for each percentile their mean value was only 0.01 mm2 and the maximum 0.10 mm2, so they can be considered similar for practical purposes in all cameras. CONCLUSION: By automatically segmenting the edges of the optic nerve and observing the frequency distribution of the number of pixels it delimits, it is possible to estimate the frequency distribution of the disc area in the population as a whole and that of each individual case.

Glaucoma Incidence and Progression in Diabetics: The Canary Islands Study Using the Laguna ONhE Application.

Background: Laguna ONhE provides a globin distribution function (GDF), in which a glaucoma discriminator based on deep learning plays an important role, and there is also an optimized globin individual pointer (GIP) for progression analysis. Methods: Signs of optic nerve glaucoma were identified in 1,124,885 fundus images from 203,115 diabetics obtained over 15 years and 117,813 control images. Results: A total of 743,696 images from 313,040 eyes of 173,661 diabetics were analysed. Some exclusions occurred due to excessive illumination, poor quality, or the absence of optic discs. Suspicion of glaucoma was reported in 6.70%, for an intended specificity of 99% (GDF < −15). More signs of glaucoma occur in diabetics as their years of disease increase, and after age 60, compared to controls. The GIP detected progression (p < 0.01) in 2.59% of cases with 4 controls and in 42.6% with 14 controls was higher in cases with lower GDF values. The GDF was corrected for the disc area and proved to be independent of it (r = 0.001925; p = 0.2814). Conclusions: The GDF index suggests a higher and increasing glaucoma probability in diabetics over time. Doubling the number of check-ups from four to eight increases the ability to detect GIP index progression by a factor of 5.

Cost of care for asylum seekers and refugees entering the United States: The case of volunteer medical providers in El Paso, Texas.

BACKGROUND: Between October 2018, and February 2020, the United States saw an unprecedented increase in the number of asylum seekers and refugees arriving unexpectedly at international crossings along the US-Mexico Border. Many of these migrants needed proper medical attention, and consequently created significant pressure on local health systems. In El Paso, Texas, volunteer clinicians, collaborating closely with religious organizations and non-governmental organizations, provided outpatient medical care for the new arrivals; the county hospital provided in-patient care at local tax payers' expense. The objective of this study was to estimate costs of healthcare services offered by these volunteers in order to formulate sustainable and appropriate healthcare policies to address the needs of refugees and asylum seekers in the United States. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used including personal interviews with stakeholders, and follow up surveys with volunteer clinicians. The cost analysis was done from the payer perspective using Medicaid reimbursement rates. RESULTS: Total costs of care provided to asylum seekers and refugees varied between $1.9MM to $4.4MM during the study period. The number of patient visits was estimated at 15,736 to 19,236, and cost per patient ranged between $99 and $281. Most common conditions treated by volunteer providers were abdominal pain, dermatological conditions, headaches, dehydration and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study looking at the cost of healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers provided by volunteer clinicians, in a binational context. The resources invested by volunteer providers were significant, and essential to meet medical needs of migrant populations. Without appropriate financial support, a strategy relying on volunteer and local community resources will prove unsustainable in the long term. Findings from this study will help formulate federal and local policies to support local health systems along the US-Mexico Border in providing care to future migrations into the United States.

Comparison of age-related vascular changes in the optic disc of patients with diabetes, with glaucomatous and non-glaucomatous features.

OBJECTIVE: To identify age-related vascular changes in the optic discs of patients with diabetes with and without signs of glaucoma. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A total of 2153 eyes of 1797 patients with diabetes without significant retinopathy were monitored with 10 Topcon-NW400 images obtained over 10.27±1.58 years. 571 non-diabetics eyes were selected as controls. Laguna ONhE uses convolutional neural networks to identify optic disc edges, vessels, cup and rim, and provides a glaucoma assessment index-Globin Distribution Function (GDF). RESULTS: In the first image, vessel pixels accounted for 33.88% of the disc area (SD=3.72) in non-glaucoma (DN) and 31.35% (SD=4.05; p<0.0001) in glaucoma cases (DG). This number of pixels was reduced by -0.55% each year (SD=0.77) in the DN and -0.76% (SD=0.86; p=0.0014) in the DG. In the first image, 76.55% of the disc pixels (SD=11.13) belonged to the rim in the DN and 62.05% (SD=11.00; p=0.0014) in the DG, decreasing annually by -0.33% (SD=0.99) in the DN and -0.68% (SD=1.08; p<0.00001) in the DG groups. All rim sectors were reduced over time in the DG group, particularly superotemporal (41°-80°) and inferotemporal (271°-310°). The reduction was smaller in DN, presenting as progressive thickening of the temporal sector (311°-40°). No changes in age were observed in healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetes show progressive reduction of vessels and neuroretinal rim at the optic disc, which is more intense in association with glaucoma. In the absence of glaucoma, the temporal sector of the diabetic rim was not reduced but thickened, displacing the cup nasally.

Fully Automated Colorimetric Analysis of the Optic Nerve Aided by Deep Learning and Its Association with Perimetry and OCT for the Study of Glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Laguna-ONhE is an application for the colorimetric analysis of optic nerve images, which topographically assesses the cup and the presence of haemoglobin. Its latest version has been fully automated with five deep learning models. In this paper, perimetry in combination with Laguna-ONhE or Cirrus-OCT was evaluated. METHODS: The morphology and perfusion estimated by Laguna ONhE were compiled into a "Globin Distribution Function" (GDF). Visual field irregularity was measured with the usual pattern standard deviation (PSD) and the threshold coefficient of variation (TCV), which analyses its harmony without taking into account age-corrected values. In total, 477 normal eyes, 235 confirmed, and 98 suspected glaucoma cases were examined with Cirrus-OCT and different fundus cameras and perimeters. RESULTS: The best Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis results for confirmed and suspected glaucoma were obtained with the combination of GDF and TCV (AUC: 0.995 and 0.935, respectively. Sensitivities: 94.5% and 45.9%, respectively, for 99% specificity). The best combination of OCT and perimetry was obtained with the vertical cup/disc ratio and PSD (AUC: 0.988 and 0.847, respectively. Sensitivities: 84.7% and 18.4%, respectively, for 99% specificity). CONCLUSION: Using Laguna ONhE, morphology, perfusion, and function can be mutually enhanced with the methods described for the purpose of glaucoma assessment, providing early sensitivity.

[Recommendations for implementing the UNE-EN-ISO 15189 quality standard in the clinical microbiology laboratory: bacteriology and serology]. / Recomendaciones para la implantación de la normativa de calidad UNE-EN-ISO 15189 en el laboratorio de microbiología clínica: bacteriología y serología.

The UNE-EN-ISO 15189:2007 standard specifies the management and technical requirements that clinical microbiology laboratories must meet to achieve optimal quality when performing microbiological analyses. With implementation of this standard, a laboratory can receive the accreditation and formal recognition of an authorized body, certifying that it is apt for performing an assay or group of assays. In Spain, laboratories that apply these standards can be accredited by the Entidad Nacional de Acreditación (ENAC, Spanish accreditation body). The purpose of this review is to familiarize clinical microbiology laboratory specialists with the UNE-EN-ISO 15189:2007 standard through a practical approach focussed on bacteriology and serology studies. We briefly define the scope and specify the requisites required for managing the quality of the procedures and processes involved in performing tests on human specimens, for document control, and for management of instruments and equipment, personnel, information systems, supply systems, and external services. Lastly, evaluation approaches are indicated to achieve continuing improvement of the processes carried out and the services the laboratory provides.

Linear regression analysis of the cumulative defect curve by sectors and other criteria of glaucomatous visual field progression.

PURPOSE: To analyze the progression of visual field loss using sector analysis of the cumulative defect curve and other procedures. METHODS: Visual fields of 260 glaucomatous eyes were analyzed over 2.8 years (SD = 1.2) with at least five examinations (mean 6.9; SD = 2.0) using Octopus 311 perimeter and TOP strategy. The authors applied Threshold Noiseless Trend (TNT) program, which performs local filtering of threshold to reduce fluctuation, and analyzed five criteria: 1) a score based on significant progression of eight sectors of the cumulative defect curve (CD); 2) a score based on the presence of points (PO) with significant progression; 3) global progression (GL) of all local deviations; 4) progression of mean defect (MD); 5) progression of the square root of loss variance (sLV). The authors estimated false diagnoses (FD), randomly reordering examinations of each patient. An index of focality of progression (FI) was obtained. RESULTS: sLV presented low sensitivity and GL low specificity. CD and PO presented twice the sensitivity of MD, often proving earlier indicators. The authors observed significant progression of some of the three criteria in 17.5% of the cases when MD <6 dB and in 20.7% when MD >6 dB (FD=5.7%). Agreement between two criteria occurred in 6.8% of cases with MD <6 dB and in 11.6% when MD >6 dB (FD=1.9%). Result reproducibility in successive examinations was observed in 9.9% of cases (FD=1.3%). Focality of progression increased with MD. CONCLUSIONS: PO and CD indicate suspected progression earlier than MD. Reproduction of results in successive examinations or agreement between criteria allows confirmation of progression.

New visual field indices of disharmony for early diagnosis of glaucoma, alone or associated with conventional parameters.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the specificity of new perimetric indices based on harmony, alone and in combination with structural data, for glaucoma detection. METHODS: In this prospective observational cross-sectional study, one eye of 105 healthy subjects and 97 early and suspect glaucomas were sequentially included and examined with Cirrus optical coherence tomography, twice with OCULUS Smartfield perimeter (SPARK strategy) and twice with Humphrey Analyzer (24-2 SITA-Fast) at the Ophthalmology Department from the University Hospital La Candelaria. Disharmony in the visual field was evaluated including vertical threshold symmetry, threshold rank), and homogeneity (threshold standard deviation from its maximum) using the patient himself/herself as a reference. We also evaluated disharmony in combination with the mean deviation and the pattern standard deviation in a single index (mismatch) and various combinations of morphological and functional indices. Combinations used a new score based on values above certain critical cut-off levels of each index. RESULTS: For 95% specificity, the highest sensitivities were as follows: vertical cup/disc ratio: 28.9%; SPARK threshold rank: 29.9%; and SITA-Fast threshold standard deviation: 28.9%. For the combined indices and 100% specificity, they were 5 SPARK indices mismatch: 10.3%; 5 SITA-Fast indices mismatch: 11.3%; 8 optical coherence tomography indices: 21.9%; 13 SPARK and optical coherence tomography indices: 27.8%; and 13 SITA-Fast and optical coherence tomography indices: 32.0%. CONCLUSION: Disharmony combined with normative value-based indices and/or optical coherence tomography indices is useful for very specific early diagnosis of glaucoma.

Relationship between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Hemoglobin Present in the Optic Nerve Head in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To observe the relationship between topographic hemoglobin levels in the optic nerve head (ONH), the rim thickness (BMO-MRW), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. METHODS: 96 normal eyes and 82 glaucomas were examined using TOP strategy (Octopus 300 perimeter), SPECTRALIS OCT, and Laguna ONhE program which estimates hemoglobin from conventional color photographs (Horus Scope DEC 200 fundus camera). RESULTS: The correlation between Laguna ONhE glaucoma discriminant function (GDF) and SPECTRALIS BMO-MRW was R = 0.81 (P < 0.0001), similar to that between the BMO-MRW and BMO-RNFL thicknesses (R = 0.85, P < 0.0001) (P = 0.227 between both R values). GDF correlated well with RNFL thicknesses in the 360 degrees around the nerve, similar to mean perimetric sensitivity (MS) and BMO-MRW. The amount of hemoglobin in the nasal and temporal sectors showed low correlation with superior and inferior RNFL thicknesses. The superotemporal and inferotemporal sectors located on the vertical diameter of the disk showed good intercorrelation but without a clear RNFL topographic relationship. CONCLUSION: GDF showed high correlation with RNFL thickness. Except in the nasal and temporal sectors, ONH hemoglobin correlated well with RNFL thickness.

Preliminary Study of the Differences in Optic Nerve Head Hemoglobin Measures Between Patients With and Without Childhood Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of quantifying color changes in the optic nerve head in retinal photographs of patients with childhood glaucoma. METHODS: In this observational study, three photographs of the optic nerve head were obtained in 28 patients with childhood glaucoma and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy participants (the childhood glaucoma and control groups, respectively). The Laguna Optic Nerve Head Hemoglobin (ONhE) software (Insoft SL, Tenerife, Spain) was used to determine hemoglobin levels in the optic nerve head. The following parameters were quantified: the hemoglobin levels in the optic nerve head across the whole disc, in 24 sectors (the optic nerve head divided by two concentric rings and eight 45-degree radial sectors), and in the vertical disc diameter (sectors 8 and 20), and the estimated cup-disc ratio and Glaucoma Discriminant Function, which combines the slope of the hemoglobin amount with the mean vertical disc diameter. RESULTS: Patient ages ranged from 9 to 14 years (median: 11 years) in the childhood glaucoma group, and 7 to 13 years (median: 9 years) in the control group (P < .061). Eyes in the childhood glaucoma group showed a significantly higher cup-disc ratio compared to eyes in the control group (0.6 ± 0.2 vs 0.5 ± 0.1, respectively; P < .0001). In the childhood glaucoma group, the Glaucoma Discriminant Function was found to be significantly lower than in the control group (-6.5 ± 31.1 vs 9.4 ± 17.1, respectively; P < .0001). There were no significant differences in the hemoglobin levels in the optic nerve head across the whole disc between eyes in the childhood glaucoma and control groups (58.2% ± 10.9% vs 58.5% ± 6.7%, respectively; P = .847). The Laguna ONhE software showed good reproducibility in measuring percentages of hemoglobin levels in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Laguna ONhE software is useful for patients with childhood glaucoma. However, hemoglobin levels in the optic nerve head across the whole disc may have normal values. This method had good reliability and is easy to implement in routine clinical practice. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(6):387-394.].

Enamel matrix derivative and coronal flaps to cover marginal tissue recessions.

BACKGROUND: Correcting recession defects is one of the goals of periodontal therapy, and the efficacy and predictability of the various techniques are important considerations for both patients and clinicians. Several reports have examined the outcome of gingival recession treatment by means of coronally positioned flaps (CPF) and enamel matrix derivative (EMD). The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the use of EMD in association with CPF to cover localized gingival recessions compared to CPF alone. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with Miller Class I or II gingival recessions >2 mm were included. One recession from each patient was treated in the study. Two treatments were randomly assigned: coronally positioned flap with EMD (test) and coronally positioned flap alone (control). Clinical parameters measured at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months included gingival index, plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, vertical and horizontal recession, and width of keratinized gingiva. RESULTS: At 12 months, both treatment modalities showed significant root coverage, gain in clinical attachment, and gain in width of keratinized gingiva (P <0.05). Vertical recessions were reduced from 2.68 +/- 1.63 mm to 0.36 +/- 0.60 mm in the test group and from 2.31 +/- 1.52 mm to 0.90 +/- 0.95 mm in the control group. Horizontal recessions decreased from 4.27 +/- 2.06 mm to 0.77 +/- 0.87 mm in the test group and from 3.68 +/- 1.91 mm to 1.72 +/- 1.31 mm in the control group. Changes in keratinized gingiva went from 3.81 +/- 1.95 mm to 4.63 +/- 2.15 mm in the test group and from 3.31 +/- 1.81 mm to 3.27 +/- 1.80 mm in the control group. When both treatments were compared at 12 months, there was a significant difference in vertical tooth coverage and gain in keratinized gingiva in favor of the experimental group (P <0.05). The average percentage of root coverage for test and control groups was 88.6% and 62.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The coronally positioned flap alone or with EMD is an effective procedure to cover localized gingival recessions. The addition of EMD significantly improves the amount of root coverage.

Glaucoma diagnostic capacity of optic nerve head haemoglobin measures compared with spectral domain OCT and HRT III confocal tomography.

PURPOSE: The computer program laguna onhe determines optic nerve head haemoglobin (ONH Hb) on retinal photographs based on detecting colour differences. This study compares the diagnostic capacity of Laguna ONhE with that of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal tomography (HRT III). METHODS: In a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study, glaucomatous (n = 66) and healthy (n = 52) eyes were examined by Spectralis OCT, HRT III and Laguna ONhE. The following Laguna ONhE variables were determined: ONH Hb across the vertical disc diameter (8&20 Hb), estimated cup-disc ratio (C/D) and the glaucoma discriminant function (GDF), which combines the slope of Hb amount with the mean in 8&20 Hb. The three diagnostic methods were compared by calculating areas under ROC curves (AUCs). Correlations between variables were assessed through Spearman's rho coefficient. RESULTS: Areas under ROC curves (AUCs) were 0.785 (95% CI: 0.700-0.863) for GDF, 0.807 (95% CI: 0.730-0.883) for OCT retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (OCT-RNFL) and 0.714 (95% CI: 0.618-0.810) and 0.721 (95% CI: 0.628-0.815) for the HRT III variable GPS (glaucoma probability score) and vertical C/D ratio, respectively. Glaucoma discriminant function (GDF) was correlated with OCT-RNFL (0.587, p 0.001; 0.507, p 0.045; and -0.119, p 0.713 for mild, moderate and advanced glaucoma, respectively), mostly so with inferior OCT-RNFL (0.622; p < 0.001). Glaucoma discriminant function (GDF)-HRT III correlations were lower (rim area 0.471, p < 0.0001; rim/disc area 0.426, p < 0.0001; vertical C/D -0.413, p < 0.0001; GPS -0.408, p < 0.0001; rim volume 0.341, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Similar diagnostic power was observed for Laguna ONhE, Spectralis OCT and HRT III.

Estimating the Amount of Hemoglobin in the Neuroretinal Rim Using Color Images and OCT.

PURPOSE: To calculate the amount of hemoglobin (Hb) in the optic nerve head (ONH), using superimposed color fundus images with disc, rim and cup boundaries obtained by OCT-Cirrus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 100 healthy and 121 glaucomatous eyes using Oculus-Spark perimetry, Cirrus-OCT and Visucam (Zeiss) ONH color images. The Laguna ONhE program was then used to calculate the amount of Hb in the cup and six sectors of the rim. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed and correlations between parameters were calculated. RESULTS: In suspected and confirmed glaucoma, Hb was significantly lower than controls in all rim sectors, especially the inferior and superonasal (p < 0.0001). Mean deviation (MD) of visual field regions showed greater correlation with the amount of Hb in the superior and inferior sectors of the rim than with rim area (p = 0.02) or nerve fiber layer thickness (p < 0.0001). On ROC analysis, the best diagnostic indicators were OCT rim area, vertical cup/disc ratio (C/D) and Glaucoma Discriminant Function (GDF) of Laguna ONhE, without significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of Hb in the ONH seems to have an important relationship with glaucomatous visual field sensitivity. The remaining rim has insufficient perfusion in many cases of glaucoma.