Awareness and level of digital literacy among students receiving health-based education.

BACKGROUND: Being digitally literate allows health-based science students to access reliable, up-to-date information efficiently and expands the capacity for continuous learning. Digital literacy facilitates effective communication and collaboration among other healthcare providers. It helps to navigate the ethical implications of using digital technologies and aids the use of digital tools in managing healthcare processes. Our aim in this study is to determine the digital literacy level and awareness of our students receiving health-based education in our university and to pave the way for supporting the current curriculum with courses on digital literacy when necessary. METHOD: Students from Acibadem University who were registered undergraduate education for at least four years of health-based education, School of Medicine, Nutrition and Dietetics, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology, and Genetics were included. The questionnaire consisted of 24 queries evaluating digital literacy in 7 fields: software and multimedia, hardware and technical problem solving, network and communication/collaboration, ethics, security, artificial intelligence (A.I.), and interest/knowledge. Two student groups representing all departments were invited for interviews according to the Delphi method. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 476 students. Female students had less computer knowledge and previous coding education. Spearman correlation test showed that there were weak positive correlations between the years and the "software and multimedia," "ethics," "interest and knowledge" domains, and the average score. The students from Nursing scored lowest in the query after those from the Nutrition and Dietetics department. The highest scores were obtained by Biomedical Engineering students, followed by the School of Medicine. Participants scored the highest in "network" and "A.I." and lowest in "interest-knowledge" domains. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to define the level of computer skills who start health-based education and shape the curriculum by determining which domains are weak. Creating an educational environment that fosters females' digital knowledge is recommended. Elective courses across faculties may be offered to enable students to progress and discuss various digital literacy topics. The extent to which students benefit from the digital literacy-supported curriculum may be evaluated. Thus, health-based university students are encouraged to acquire the computer skills required by today's clinical settings. REGISTRATION: This study was approved by Acibadem University and Acibadem Healthcare Institutions Medical Research Ethics Committee (ATADEK) (11 November 2022, ATADEK registration: 2022-17-138) All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations. Informed consent was obtained from the participants.

Nanodesigning of multifunctional quantum dots and nanoparticles for the treatment of fibrosarcoma.

An effective, dual drug(DD) loaded nanocarrier system (nano particle(NP), quantum dots(QDs)) having two active substances was aimed to develop for the treatment of fibrosarcoma. Zinc oxide(ZnO) QDs were produced using zinc acetate dehydrate as a precursor, were incorporated with chitosan(Ch), and finally decorated with PEG-linked folic acid and were found to be effective after imatinib mesylate(IM) and dexketoprofen trometamol(DT) were loaded. Characterisations, in vitro drug releases, cell toxicities, penetrations through cell lines and in-vivo animal tests of the prepared nanosystems were performed. The size of hybrid nanoparticles were 168.6 ± 48.8 nm, surface charge was -35.8 ± 0.26 mV. The encapsulation efficiency was 75% for IM and 99% for DT. DD-functionalised QDChNPs and lyophilised functionalised QDChNPs in capsules slowed down tumour growth by up to 76.5 and 88.7%. Our results demonstrate that developed hybrid nanoparticles are highly effective. This hybrid system gathers many of the advantages of nanotechnology into one form.

RE-AIMing COVID-19 online learning for medical students: a massive open online course evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Clinical training during the COVID-19 pandemic is high risk for medical students. Medical schools in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have limited capacity to develop resources in the face of rapidly developing health emergencies. Here, a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) was developed as a COVID-19 resource for medical students working in these settings, and its effectiveness was evaluated. METHODS: The RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of MOOC in teaching medical students about COVID-19. The data sources included the student registration forms, metrics quantifying their interactions within the modules, students' course feedback, and free-text responses. The data were collected from the Moodle learning management system and Google analytics from May 9 to September 15, 2020. The research team analyzed the quantitative data descriptively and the qualitative data thematically. RESULTS: Among the 16,237 unique visitors who accessed the course, only 6031 medical students from 71 medical schools registered, and about 4993 (83% of registrants) completed the course, indicating high levels of satisfaction (M = 8.17, SD = 1.49) on a 10-point scale. The mean scores of each assessment modules were > 90%. The free-text responses from 987 unique students revealed a total of 17 themes (e.g., knowing the general information on COVID-19, process management of the pandemic in public health, online platform use, and instructional design) across the elements of the RE-AIM framework. Mainly, the students characterized the MOOC as well-organized and effective. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students learned about COVID-19 using a self-paced and unmonitored MOOC. MOOCs could play a vital role in the dissemination of accurate information to medical students in LMIC in future public health emergencies. The students were interested in using similar MOOCs in the future.

Novel Approach to the Treatment of Diabetes: Embryonic Stem Cell and Insulin-Loaded Liposomes and Nanocochleates.

This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of insulin and embryonic stem-cell (ESC) loaded liposomes (LPs) and nanocochleate formulations and their PEGylated forms on the glucose levels. All formulations were characterized considering particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiencies. In-vitro insulin that releases from the formulations was determined using Franz-type diffusion cells. A cytotoxicity test revealed that none of the formulations was toxic to cells in any concentrations. The effects of the formulations on diabetic cells induced with glucose and streptozotocin (STZ) were then investigated in cell culture studies. Although glucose levels were decreased by the formulations after incubation, the liposomal formulations were found to be better. In experiments that were conducted on mice, it was observed again that blood glucose levels decreased successfully when diabetic pancreatic beta TC cells were incubated with the formulations, and all formulations were found to be effective in decreasing blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. Although ESC-loaded LPs were found to be the most effective formulation, LPs and nanocochleate formulations may also be used for the repair of pancreatic cells. This proposed ESC treatment is considered to be an attractive approach and a potential source for cell replacement therapy in the treatment of diabetes.

Efficacy of targeted liposomes and nanocochleates containing imatinib plus dexketoprofen against fibrosarcoma.

The main challenges in treating cancer using chemotherapeutics are insufficient dose at the target site and the development of drug resistance, while higher doses can induce side effects by damaging nontarget tissues. Combinatorial drug therapy may overcome these limitations by permitting lower doses and more specific targeting, thereby mitigating drug resistance and nontarget side effects. Recent reports indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have anticancer potential and can be used together with conventional chemotherapeutics to improve efficacy and safety. In the present study, imatinib mesylate and dexketoprofen trometamol were selected as model drugs to develop targeted surface-modified liposome and nanocochleate formulations for fibrosarcoma treatment. The physicochemical properties and in vitro efficacy of various formulations were evaluated by measurement of particle size distribution, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, diffusion through Caco-2 cells, and toxicity in culture. Selected formulations were then evaluated in fibrosarcoma-bearing model mice by histopathological observations and tyrosine kinase receptor inhibition assays. The most effective formulation on the fibrosarcoma model was a PEGylated nanocochleate formulation. These findings provide a foundation for developing more effective formulations and chemotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of fibrosarcoma and other types of cancer.

Effect of eye trauma on mental health and quality of life in children and adolescents.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of eye traumas on mental health and quality of life of children, adolescents, and their parents. Medical records of 20 children and adolescents presented with blunt and open eye injuries between June 2009 and May 2014 were reviewed. Demographics of patients, timing and type of trauma, findings of initial examination, and medical and surgical interventions applied were recorded. To detect mental health, "Affect disorders and schizophrenia interview chart for school children, now and lifelong" (AFSIC-NL) and "Child Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTSD-RI)" were used. "Pediatric scale of quality of life" (PedsQL) was used to assess quality of life for both parents and children. According to AFSIC-NL, 9 patients were diagnosed with mental disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (n = 3, 15 % patients), generalized anxiety disorder (n = 3, 15 % patients), and major depression (n = 3, 15 % patients). The PedsQL values of both children's and parents' were at their lowest in school and physical health domains for children and in physical health domain for parents. A reverse correlation was detected between the number of surgeries and PedsQL-child physical functionality, school functionality, psychosocial functionality, and total scale point. There was a statistically significant relationship between initial visual acuity or lens damage and PedsQL-parent emotional functionality scale. Regarding CPTSD-RI, the parents of these patients have a mild posttraumatic stress disorder. Eye injuries can lead development of psychopathology in children. Therefore, psychiatric support must be provided in follow-up period for these patients.

The Effectiveness of Raloxifene-Loaded Liposomes and Cochleates in Breast Cancer Therapy.

Liposome (spherical vesicles) and cochleate (multilayer crystalline, spiral structure) formulations containing raloxifene have been developed having dimethyl-ß-cyclodextrin (DM-ß-CD) or sodium taurocholate (NaTC). Raloxifene was approved initially for the treatment of osteoporosis but it is also effective on breast tissue and endometrial cells. Raloxifene inhibits matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) enzyme, which is known to be responsible for tumor invasion and the initiation of angiogenesis during the tumor growth. Therefore, raloxifene was selected as a model drug. A series of raloxifene-loaded liposome and cochleate formulations were prepared. In vitro release studies and in vivo tests were performed. Breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) were also used to find the most effective formulation. Highest antitumor activity was observed, and MMP-2 enzyme was also found to be inhibited with raloxifene-loaded cochleates containing DM-ß-CD. These developed formulations can be helpful for further treatment alternatives and new strategies for cancer therapy.

Modified use of team-based learning in an ophthalmology course for fifth-year medical students.

Team-based learning (TBL) is an interactive and analytic teaching strategy. TBL is a learner-centered strategy that uses a very structured individual and group accountability process and requires small groups to work together to solve problems. This study served to investigate whether the TBL concept could be modified and adopted to the fifth-year cornea module of an ophthalmology course. Questionnaires (using a Likert scale of 1-5) were distributed to 169 fifth-year medical students attending the cornea module applied as TBL in an ophthalmology course. The questionnaire consisted of two categories: the TBL format (7 items) and an open-ended question about the class (1 item). Feedback was then evaluated. The majority of students felt that modified TBL sessions were better at fulfilling learning objectives (121 students, 71.59%), enabled better understanding (134 students, 79.28%), were more interesting (146 students, 86.39%), ensured greater student participation (123 students, 72.78%), and involved greater effort on the part of students (148 students, 87.57%) compared with traditional teaching methods. Most of the students (129 students, 76.33%) agreed that more such sessions should be organized in the future. In conclusion, after adjustments to improve weaknesses, such as the short time allocation and students' lack of prior background, the outcomes of this modified TBL approach on the cornea module of an ophthalmology course provide a good basis for its continuation.

Concentrations of essential and non-essential toxic trace elements in wild boar (Sus Scrofa L., 1758) tissues from southern Turkey.

Wild animals, including wild boars, are suitable for use as bioindicators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of selected essential (Co, Cu, Fe, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Pb) potentially toxic trace elements in various tissues (hair and hoof) of wild boars hunted in the vicinity of Antalya province in Turkey, in relation to hunting seasons. Concentrations in mg/kg on dry weight basis were determined as 0.37 ± 0.27 mg/kg for As, 0.05 ± 0.04 mg/kg for Cd, 0.24 ± 0.33 mg/kg for Co, 4.84 ± 2.48 mg/kg for Cu, 289.94 ± 165.26 mg/kg for Fe, 8.71 ± 15.68 mg/kg for Pb, 0.24 ± 0.10 mg/kg for Se, and 28.99 ± 21.41 mg/kg for Zn in the hair samples; and as 0.11 ± 0.04 mg/kg for As, 0.01 ± 0.04 mg/kg for Cd, 0.01 ± 0.01 mg/kg for Co, 1.03 ± 0.25 mg/kg for Cu, 56.88 ± 18.68 mg/kg for Fe, 0.30 ± 0.18 mg/kg for Pb, 0.11 ± 0.05 mg/kg for Se, and 17.91 ± 10.98 mg/kg for Zn in the hoof samples.

Transforming medical education: the impact of innovations in technology and medical devices.

INTRODUCTION: The rapid advancement of technology and the integration of innovative medical devices are significantly transforming medical education. This review examines the impact of these changes and the importance of adapting educational strategies to leverage these advancements. AREAS COVERED: This narrative review employs a qualitative approach. From an initial pool of 294 articles, researchers conducted independent screenings and identified 134 studies relevant to innovations in technology and their impact on medical education. Following a comprehensive review and consensus, studies deemed to be of low relevance were excluded, resulting in a final selection of 74 articles. An expert panel discussion was held, and the study concludes with a final section that presents the findings and offers brief, clear recommendations. EXPERT OPINION: This study indicates that the utilization of Innovative medical technologies has the potential to enhance learning outcomes. The use of simulations allows students to engage in hands-on practice without risking patient harm. Mobile devices afford students uninterrupted access to educational resources, thereby enabling efficient learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to personalize education, enhance diagnostic skills, and foster critical thinking. Further research in this field has the potential to yield significant insights.

Transformations in postgraduate medical education following the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned from advances and challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped postgraduate medical education, driving immediate and significant adaptations in teaching methodologies and educational frameworks. This review examines the multifaceted transformations within medical education environments, particularly in response to the pandemic. Through a structured narrative review of recent literature, we identify key lessons learned and the subsequent shifts in educational practices. Our analysis underscores the critical importance of flexibility in educational delivery, the integration of technology, and the emphasis on mental health and resilience among medical trainees. We also explore the challenges and successes associated with maintaining equality and diversity in a rapidly evolving educational landscape. The findings highlight the necessity for continuous professional development and robust support systems to navigate future challenges effectively. Recommendations are provided for educational institutions to enhance adaptability, foster inclusive learning environments, and prepare for unforeseen global health emergencies. This study aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimizing postgraduate medical education to better prepare health professionals for a dynamic and uncertain future.

The COVID-19 pandemic and rapid technological advancements have significantly changed postgraduate medical education. This paper looks at how medical education has adapted to these changes, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. By reviewing recent studies, we identify important lessons and changes in how medical education is delivered. Key findings include the need for flexible teaching methods, the use of technology in education, and the importance of supporting the mental health and resilience of medical trainees. We also discuss the challenges and successes in maintaining equality and diversity in this changing educational environment. Our study emphasizes the need for ongoing professional development and strong support systems to handle future challenges. We provide recommendations for educational institutions to become more adaptable, create inclusive learning environments, and be better prepared for future global health crises. This study aims to help improve postgraduate medical education, ensuring that health professionals are well-prepared for a dynamic and uncertain future.

Pattern of open eye injuries in northwest Turkey: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to review the epidemiology and visual outcome of patients with open globe injuries in the northwest part of Turkey. METHODS: All patients admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine with open globe injuries between 2004-2008 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Ninety-five eyes of 95 patients, aged between 3 and 79 years, were reviewed. The type of open eye injury was laceration in 76 eyes (80%) and rupture in 19 eyes (20%). In all age groups, projectile objects were the most common cause of injury. In patients 18 years and older, sharp objects (11.1%) were the least prevalent cause of open globe injuries; however, traumas with sharp objects were common in patients younger than 18 years (38.1%) (p=0.01). In patients younger than 18 years, most injuries occurred at home (68.3%), while in patients 18 years and older, the majority of ocular traumas occurred at work (59.2%) (p=0.000). Isolated Zone I lesions showed more improvement in visual acuity than other zones (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Open globe injury in northwest Turkey varied with age and gender. Education and safety precautions are essential to prevent open eye injuries.

Molecular typing of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains from Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Appropriate antibiotic therapy and prevention of cross-contamination are the most important subjects in tuberculosis (TB) control. The aim of this study was to investigate the major phylogenetic clades and transmission rate of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates (n = 200) from patients with TB in Sivas and Konya Provinces of Turkey. METHODS: The phylogenetic relationship among the isolates was investigated by spoligotyping method. In addition, the 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) typing method was used to reveal cross-contamination. RESULTS: Spoligotyping revealed 13 different spoligotypes. A total of 188 strains (94.0%) were included in the cluster. The most prominent spoligofamily was the T family (43.0% of strains), followed by LAM (26.0%), H (8.0%), X and S (both 6.0%) and U (5.0%). Also, 12 strains (6.0%) belonged to the Beijing profile. MIRU-VNTR results showed 176 (88.0%) different genotypes among the isolates. In total, 24 strains (12.0%) were in the cluster. CONCLUSIONS: According to spoligotyping, there is a heterogeneous M. tuberculosis population in Turkey. MIRU-VNTR results showed that cross-contamination observed between MDR M. tuberculosis isolates in Turkey is controllable.

Aflatoxin M1 levels in Surk samples, a traditional Turkish cheese from southern Turkey.

In this study, aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) contamination was investigated in Surk cheese, a traditional Turkish cheese consumed particularly in southern Turkey. For this purpose, 120 Surk cheese samples were collected from different retail markets and analysed by enzyme-linked immunoassay. The level of AFM(1) varied from 16 to 1,043 ng/kg in 72 of the Surk samples (60%), 16 of which (13.3% of 120 samples) contained AFM(1) amounts exceeding the maximum tolerance limit (250 ng/kg) established in Turkey. The results indicated that the occurrence of AFM(1) in Surk cheese samples may be considered as a possible risk for consumer health.

Development of Orally Applicable, Combinatorial Drug-Loaded Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Fibrosarcoma.

Nanoparticulate systems have been receiving a significant attention especially for the treatment of cancer but one of the main hurdles is to produce these developed and high-tech nanosystems in large quantities. Anticancer drug formulations are generally designed for parenteral administrations but oral administration is still the most convenient route. In this study, orally applicable nano-sized chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully prepared using Nano Spray Dryer. It is possible to produce these NPs in large quantities by simply increasing the processing time using the machine without changing any parameter. A chemotherapeutic agent (imatinib mesylate; IMA) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (dexketoprofen trometamol) were loaded together in these NPs. NPs were also functionalized with polyethylene glycol and folic acid to obtain long circulating NPs and tumor targeting. The antitumoral activities of formulations showed that these developed NPs can enhance the effectiveness. Animal experiments were performed on fibrosarcoma-bearing mice model, and the treatment with 0.8 mg/µL/kg IMA-loaded chitosan NPs was found to be successful to slow down the growth of tumors. The tumor tissues were removed from the animals and enzymatic activities were evaluated. The inhibitory effect of tyrosine kinase was found to be enhanced from 36.4% to 68.4% when IMA was used in combination with dexketoprofen trometamol. Furthermore, all dried NPs were found to be stable for more than a year at 25°C. Presented results show that these developed combinatorial drug-loaded NPs can be used for the treatment of fibrosarcoma, and these data can provide an insight, new strategies for productions or alternatives in cancer treatment.

Effects of short-term exposure to pulsed electromagnetic field on some biochemical parameters in mice.

Five-months-old male albino mice were subjected to an electromagnetic field (EMF) of 5 mT of magnitude with a frequency of 60 Hz for 8hr of single application. Analysis of blood sampled on hourly basis (up to 8 hr) for levels/activities of total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase indicated no significant differences (p > 0.05) from that of the control group.

An observation tool for instructor and student behaviors to measure in-class learner engagement: a validation study.

BACKGROUND: Efforts are made to enhance in-class learner engagement because it stimulates and enhances learning. However, it is not easy to quantify learner engagement. This study aimed to develop and validate an observation tool for instructor and student behaviors to determine and compare in-class learner engagement levels in four different class types delivered by the same instructor. METHODS: Observer pairs observed instructor and student behaviors during lectures in large class (LLC, n=2) with third-year medical students, lectures in small class (LSC, n=6) and case-based teaching sessions (CBT, n=4) with fifth-year students, and problem-based learning (PBL) sessions (~7 hours) with second-year students. The observation tool was a revised form of STROBE, an instrument for recording behaviors of an instructor and four randomly selected students as snapshots for 5-min cycles. Instructor and student behaviors were scored 1-5 on this tool named 'in-class engagement measure (IEM)'. The IEM scores were parallel to the degree of behavior's contribution to active student engagement, so higher scores were associated with more in-class learner engagement. Additionally, the number of questions asked by the instructor and students were recorded. A total of 203 5-min observations were performed (LLC 20, LSC 85, CBT 50, and PBL 48). RESULTS: Interobserver agreement on instructor and student behaviors was 93.7% (κ=0.87) and 80.6% (κ=0.71), respectively. Higher median IEM scores were found in student-centered and problem-oriented methods such as CBT and PBL. A moderate correlation was found between instructor and student behaviors (r=0.689). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides some evidence for validity of the IEM scores as a measure of student engagement in different class types.

Comparison of the effects of subconjunctival and topical anti-VEGF therapy (bevacizumab) on experimental corneal neovascularization.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of bevacizumab applied either subconjunctivally or topically, in a rat model of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn. METHODS: The right corneas of 24 Wistar-Albino rats were cauterized with silver nitrate sticks. The rats were divided randomly and equally into three groups: no treatment control (n=8), subconjunctival bevacizumab treatment (n=8), and topical bevacizumab treatment (n=8). Immediately following cauterization, the subconjunctival group was treated with a 0.05 ml (1.25 mg) bevacizumab subconjunctival injection. The topical group was treated with 10 mg/ml bevacizumab twice daily, and the control group received subconjunctival saline injections twice daily. The burn stimulus and neovascularization scores were evaluated using a technique previously described by Mahoney and Waterbury. Digital photographs were obtained before the eyes were enucleated and corneal sections were then analyzed by histopathology. RESULTS: The mean burn stimulus score was 1.86 ± 0.6 and there was no statistical difference between the groups (p=0.730). The mean neovascularization scores in the subconjunctival and topical bevacizumab groups were statistically lower than the control group (p<0.05). The mean percentage area of corneal neovascularization was 82.5 ± 22.1 in the control group, 42.7 ± 15.0 in the subconjunctival group, and 55.8 ± 18.2 in the topical group. The differences between the control and treatment groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). Histopathology showed that the treatment groups presented less neovascularization, inflammation, and fibroblast activity than the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that both subconjunctival and topical administrations of bevacizumab inhibit corneal neovascularization and decrease inflammation and fibroblast activity in a rat model of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn.

Anterior visual pathways in amblyopia: quantitative assessment with diffusion tensor imaging.

PURPOSE: To detect the abnormalities of the anterior visual pathways in children with amblyopia with diffusion tensor imaging. METHODS: Ten children with unilateral amblyopia, 5 children with bilateral amblyopia, and 10 control children were treated using diffusion tensor imaging scanning in this institutional practice. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity values were analyzed using diffusion tensor imaging in the prechiasmatic and chiasmatic regions. Fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity values of the amblyopic groups were compared with the values of the control group using the Kruskal­Wallis test. The Mann­Whitney U test was used to evaluate pairwise differences between groups. RESULTS: When compared with the control group, prechiasmatic fractional anisotropy values were significantly decreased in both affected and sound fellow eyes in the unilateral amblyopic group (P = .019 and .013), but not in the bilateral amblyopic group (P = .221). Mean diffusivity values were significantly greater in the sound fellow eye in the unilateral amblyopic group in the prechiasmatic region (P = .001 and .049). CONCLUSION: Diffusion tensor imaging showed a significant decrease in fractional anisotropy and an increase in mean diffusivity values in the unilateral amblyopic group in both affected and sound fellow eyes. These findings may reflect axonal underdevelopment in anterior pathways, particularly in the unilateral amblyopic group.

Effects of subconjunctivally injected bevacizumab, etanercept, and the combination of both drugs on experimental corneal neovascularization.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of subconjunctivally injected bevacizumab, etanercept and the combination of both drugs on experimental corneal neovascularization in rats. DESIGN: Experimental study. PARTICIPANTS: 28 male Wistar-Albino rats. METHODS: Right corneas of rats were cauterized by silver nitrate sticks. Rats were divided randomly and equally into 4 groups so that each group contained 7 subjects. Immediately after the cauterization, 0.05 ml normal saline was injected subconjunctivally in group 1 (control group); 0.05 ml (1.25 mg) bevacizumab was injected subconjunctivally in group 2; 0.05 ml (1.25 mg) etanercept was injected subconjunctivally in group 3; 0.05 ml (1.25 mg) bevacizumab and 0.05 ml (1.25 mg) etanercept was injected subconjunctivally in group 4. The rats were euthanized on the 8th day, and digital photographs were obtained before the eyes were enucleated. The area of corneal neovascularization was calculated from digital photographs. Corneal sections were analyzed by histopathologically. RESULTS: The burn stimulus score was +1 or higher in all eyes. The difference of the neovascularization score between groups was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.001). The area of corneal neovascularization was 79.8% in group 1, 43.2% in group 2, 54.5% in group 3, and 34.8% in group 4. In group 4, corneal neovascularization was inhibited more than in the other groups. Histologic examination showed that the treatment groups had less neovascularization, inflammation, and fibroblast activity than the control group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown that etanercept does have some antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects in treatment of corneal neovascularization. The combination of bevacizumab and etanercept may be a promising approach in the treatment of corneal neovascularization.