Cationic exchange SPE combined with triple quadrupole UHPLC-MS/MS for detection of GHRHs in urine samples.

The use of growth hormone-releasing hormones (GHRHs) is prohibited in sports according to the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Considering the complexity of urine samples and the low concentrations at which these analytes should be detected, analyzing GHRHs is a challenging task. In most of the studies, GHRHs are analyzed using UHPLC-HRMS with an orbitrap. The present developed and validated method for some GHRHs (tesamorelin, CJC-1295, sermorelin (GRF 1-29), sermorelin (3-29)-NH2, somatorelin) is based on the triple quadrupole UHPLC/MS-MS method with solid phase extraction (SPE) with weak cation exchange and is able to detect concentrations as low as 0.2 ng/mL (LOD), a limit of quantification (LOQ) at 0.6 ng/mL, and linearity across the range of 0.1 ng/mL to 1.2 ng/mL. The present method developed by our doping control laboratory was validated according to WADA technical documents for selectivity, limit of detection (LOD), carryover, reliability of detection, stability and recovery. The results show that the method has adequate recoveries and sensitivity, hence, it can be employed for routine screening in anti-doping laboratories.

Optical coherence tomography as a marker of vision in children with optic pathway gliomas.

PURPOSE: Optic pathway gliomas (OPG) represent an important cause of visual loss in pediatric population. The indication of treatment is based on clinical or neuroimaging progression. Visual acuity loss is the most important symptom of disease progression, but children with OPG are frequently unable to complete the testing of visual function. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was suggested as an objective tool for visual assessment. A literature review was performed in order to determine the role of retinal OCT as a surrogate marker of vision in children with OPG. METHODS: The search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases and was restricted to articles published in English between 2000 and 2016, with a minimum of ten participants enrolled. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the present review. Both neurofibromatosis-1 associated and sporadic OPG were investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal OCT is a promising tool to be considered as a screening or follow-up test in children with OPG, and further multicenter research is encouraged.

Optical coherence tomography impacts the evaluation of visual pathway tumors.

The objective of this systematic literature review is to assess the role of retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the evaluation of patients with tumors of the visual pathway. We performed a PubMed database search according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The search was restricted to articles published in English between 2000 and 2016, with at least 10 human adult participants enrolled. Twenty-seven articles met the eligibility criteria. All studies investigated tumors of the anterior visual pathway. Both time-domain and spectral-domain OCT technologies were used and the role of OCT as diagnostic and/or prognostic tool was studied. Retinal OCT provides structural information about ganglion cell axon integrity and is complementary to visual function examination. OCT is a prognostic factor for post-operative visual outcome.

[Practical aspects of automated perimetry]. / Aspecte practice ale perimetriei computerizate.

Visual field testing is a subjective method, but yet a very important part for diagnosis and in follow-up of ocular or neurological diseases. In order to do a correct exam of the visual field, one must know well the equipment and all the factors that could induce errors. Basic skills for working with Optopol or Humphrey perimeter are discussed in this paper.

[Immunoglobulin-G4-related disease: a challenging diagnosis]. / Boala legata de imunglobulinele G4: provocare diagnostica.

INTRODUCTION: Immunglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease was recently described and represents a systemic lymphoproliferative disorder. The orbital form of the disease manifests as chronic lid swelling and proptosis. Visual disturbances may occur due to apical orbital lesions. CASE REPORT: A 65-year old pacient presents with the impossibility of maintaining his right eye open due to a progressive swelling of the upper lid. The general clinical examination shows adenopathy at 3 lymph node stations of the head. On ophthalmologic examination, a large tumor of the upper lid is observed in the right eye and proptosis and central retinal vein occlusion are noted in the left eye. The serum levels of the IgG are very high. A lymph node biopsy was performed. DISCUSSION: The differential diagnosis between the IgG4-related orbital disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is discussed. CONCLUSION The diagnosis criteria for IgG4-related disease are both the high serum levels of IgG4 and the specific immunohistochemistry stains.

[Congenital aniridia]. / Aniridia congenitala.

Aniridia is a rare congenital, hereditary, bilateral disease which is associated with various systemic and ocular defects. We present the case of a 61 year old patient who was admitted in the hospital of ophthalmology Cluj Napoca, for the symptoms caused by the ocular defects associated with aniridia. In this case, aniridia is autosomal dominant transmitted with incomplete penetrance and it is not accompanied by any systemic defects. The disease also affects three of her sons and two nephews of the patient.

[Choroidal melanoma - evolution and prognosis]. / Melanomul coroidian - evolutie si prognostic.

Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor. We present the case of a 62 year old patient who was diagnosed with intraocular tumor in his right eye, for about three years. Regarding the fact that the patient refused any kind of treatment during this period, we just had the opportunity to monitor this case. Finally, the diagnosis was choroidal melanoma, confirmed by the histopathological exam.

Macular OCT's Proficiency in Identifying Retrochiasmal Visual Pathway Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis-A Pilot Study.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique based on the principle of low-coherence interferometry that captures detailed images of ocular structures. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that can lead to damage of the optic nerve and retina, which can be depicted by OCT. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine whether macular OCT can be used as a biomarker in the detection of retrochiasmal lesions of the visual pathway in MS patients. We conducted a prospective study in which we included 52 MS patients and 27 healthy controls. All participants underwent brain MRI, visual field testing, and OCT evaluation of the thicknesses of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular ganglion cell layer (GCL), and macular inner plexiform layer (IPL). OCT measurements were adjusted for optic neuritis (ON). VF demonstrated poor capability to depict a retrochiasmal lesion identified by brain MRI (PPV 0.50). In conclusion, the OCT analysis of the macula appears to excel in identifying retrochiasmal MS lesions compared to VF changes. The alterations in the GCL and IPL demonstrate the most accurate detection of retrochiasmal visual pathway changes in MS patients.

Homonymous Hemiatrophy of Macular Ganglion Cell Layer as a Marker of Retrograde Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis-A Narrative Review.

Retrograde axonal neurodegeneration along the visual pathway-either direct or trans-synaptic-has already been demonstrated in multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as in compressive, vascular, or posttraumatic lesions of the visual pathway. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can noninvasively track macular and optic nerve changes occurring as a result of this phenomenon. Our paper aimed to review the existing literature regarding hemimacular atrophic changes in the ganglion cell layer identified using OCT examination in MS patients without prior history of optic neuritis. Homonymous hemimacular atrophy has been described in post-chiasmal MS lesions, even in patients with normal visual field results. Temporal and nasal macular OCT evaluation should be performed separately in all MS patients, in addition to an optic nerve OCT evaluation and a visual field exam.

Investigation on series of length of coding and non-coding DNA sequences of bacteria using multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis.

In the framework of multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis, we investigate characteristics of series of length of coding and non-coding DNA sequences of some bacteria and archaea. We propose the use of a multifractal cross-correlation series that can be defined for any pair of equal lengths data sequences (or time series) and that can be characterized by the full set of parameters that are attributed to any time series. Comparison between characteristics of series of length of coding and non-coding DNA sequences and of their associated multifractal cross-correlation series for selected groups is used for the identification of class affiliation of certain bacteria and archaea. The analysis is carried out using the dependence of the generalized Hurst exponent on the size of fluctuations, the shape of the singularity spectra, the shape and relative disposition of the curves of the singular measures scaling exponent and the values of the associated parameters. Empirically, we demonstrate that the series of lengths of coding and non-coding sequences as well as the associated multifractal cross-correlation series can be approximated as universal multifractals.

[Compliance of treatment in glaucoma patients]. / Complianta la tratament a pacientilor cu glaucom.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment compliance level of glaucoma patients and the correlation between the compliance level and a series of patient's demographic characteristics. METHODS: We conducted an observational study in which we studied 100 glaucoma patients who answered the questions we included into a questionnaire. We defined and calculated a broad compliance score and a narrow score, and we investigated the connection between the first score and age, gender, demographic location (urban versus rural), education level, current occupation and duration of disease respectively. RESULTS: The mean of the broad compliance score was 9.64 +/- 1.72, which represents 80% of the maximum value of the score, and the mean of the narrow compliance score was 4.73 +/- 1.12, (78% of the maximum value). The correlation coefficient between score and age was z = -0.09 (p value = 0.19), the Z value for the evaluation of the connection between score and gender was -1.16 (p value = 0.24), and for the connection between compliance score and demographic location Z value = -2.42 (p value = 0.01). Chi-square value for the evaluation of the relation between the score and education level was 14.66 (p value = 0.001), and for the current occupation Chi-square value = 3.47 (p value = 0.06). The correlation coefficient between score and disease duration was tau = 0.09 (p value = 0.23). DISCUSSIONS: According to the answers the patients gave, we identified the parameters that require more attention in the ophthalmologist - glaucoma patient communication: genetic transmission of glaucoma, treatment's side effects, number of visits to the ophthalmologist, awareness of the life-long gradului period of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the compliance level of glaucoma patients is relatively high and we observe a correlation between the compliance level and demographic location, and between the compliance level and patient's education level respectively.,

[Effect of physical and psychological stress on the course of primary open angle glaucoma]. / Influenta stressului psihic si fizic asupra evolutiei glaucomului primar cu unghi deschis.

PURPOSE: Analyzing how mutch mental or physical stress influences the elevation of intraocular pressure (lOP) and therefore the influence of stress over the progress of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), monitoring the changes of the glaucoma parameters that occur either under stress or under normal life conditions. METHODS: Observational analytical prospective nonexposed-exposed study that took place over a period of 18 months and reviewed 151 patients. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients that had mental stress before presenting to the doctor, in 47 (73%) of them, were foud increased lOP and visual field changes at regular consultation and 17 (27%) have experienced mental stress without increasing lOP values or any visual field change. Of the 69 patients that reported insomnia, 47 (68%) had elevated lOP, while 22 (32%) had unchanged IOP values. Of the 42 patients that had an increased stress score due to physical fatigue, 22 (52%) had increased lOP and visual field changes (CV) and 20 (48%) had no change in lOP or visual field. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of mental stress in a glaucomatous patient increases lOP values and leads to the worsening of the disease, while insomnia represents only a potential risk factor for POAG and physical exercise might even have a beneficial effect.

[Dry eye syndrome and the PC screen]. / Sindromul de ochi uscat si ecranul PC.

OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between PC screen exposure of over 8 hours and Dry Eye Syndrome in 18-25 years-old students. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, cohort clinical study, carried out in March 2012 - February 2013. All subjects completed a questionnaire, underwent a slit lamp examination and measurement of visual acuity. RESULTS: Among the 59 participants of this study, 26 were EXPOSED (> 8 hours of PC screen exposure = EXPOSED) and 33 were NONEXPOSED. The 18-25 - year old participants who were exposed over 8 hours to the PC screen had a relative risk of 5,5 to develop Dry Eye Syndrome, compared to NONEXPOSED participants. Results indicate that Dry Eye Syndrome incidence and intensity of symptoms had increased proportionally with the hours of exposure. Tear Film Breakup Time, the Ocular Protection Index and the PC Ocular Protection Index decreased with the hours of PC screen exposure, suggesting a behavioral change in the EXPOSED participants. CONCLUSION: Exposure of over 8 hours to the PC screen caused Dry Eye Syndrome in 18-25 - year old students, with a relative risk of 5,5.

Identifying Optical Coherence Tomography Markers for Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis and Management.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease affecting the optic nerve, directly or indirectly, through transsynaptic axonal degeneration along the visual pathway. New ophthalmological tools, arguably the most important being optical coherence tomography (OCT), could prove paramount in redefining MS diagnoses and shaping their follow-up protocols, even when the optic nerve is not involved. METHODS: A prospective clinical study was conducted. In total, 158 eyes from patients previously diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS (RRMS)-with or without optic neuritis (ON), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) with or without ON, and healthy controls were included. Each patient underwent an ophthalmologic exam and OCT evaluation for both eyes (a posterior pole analysis (PPA) and the optic nerve head radial circle protocol (ONH-RC)). RESULTS: The macular retinal thickness (the 4 × 4, respectively, 2 × 2 grid) and thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) were investigated. Various layers of the retina were also compared. Our study observed significant pRNFL thinning in the RRMS eyes compared to the control group, the pRNFL atrophy being more severe in the RRMS-ON eyes than the RRMS-NON eyes. In the ON group, the macular analysis showed statistically significant changes in the RRMS-ON eyes when compared only to the CIS-ON eyes, regarding decreases in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness and inner nuclear layer (INL) on the central 2 × 2 macular grid. The neurodegenerative process affected both the inner retina and pRNFL, with clinical damage appearing for the latter in the following order: CIS-NON, CIS-ON, RRMS-NON, and RRMS-ON. In the presence of optic neuritis, SMRR patients presented an increase in their outer retina thickness compared to CIS patients. CONCLUSIONS: To differentiate the MS patients from the CIS patients, in the absence of optic neuritis, OCT Posterior Pole Analysis could be a useful tool when using a central 2 × 2 sectors macular grid. Retinal changes in MS seem to start from the fovea and spread to the posterior pole. Finally, MS could lead to alterations in both the inner and outer retina, along with pRNFL.

Bilateral multifocal and recurrent chorioretinopathy - case report.

Objective: The aim of this report is to highlight a rare condition that raises serious diagnosis and treatment difficulties. Case presentation: A 34-year-old male patient presented at the Department of Ophthalmology accusing reduced visual acuity (VA), dyschromatopsia and slight photophobia in his left eye (OS). Posterior pole examination revealed serous retinal detachment superior to the optic nerve head in his right eye (OD) and a well-defined macular oedema in the OS. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the presence of subretinal fluid accumulations, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) revealed punctate hyperfluorescent pinpoint foci in the macular region of both eyes in the early venous phase and dye pooling in the late phase. The first diagnosis was Probable Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, but the evolution under corticosteroid therapy and shifting of the position of the serous retinal detachments in time, changed the diagnosis to multifocal, recurrent central serous choroidopathy. The patient received treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents and presented multiple episodes of partial remission and shift of the subretinal fluid. Conclusions: The persistent, recurrent, multifocal and bilateral exudative retinal detachments raised significant diagnosis difficulties. In the absence of a well-established treatment, the current prognosis is unfavorable. Abbreviations: MARC = multifocal and recurrent choroidopathy, CSCR = Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, RPE = retinal pigment epithelium, CFH = complement factor H, VA = visual acuity, OD = right eye, OS = left eye, OCT = ocular coherence tomography, VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor, FFA = Fundus fluorescein angiography, p-ANCA = Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, PR3 = IgG antibodies against proteinase 3, ANA = antinuclear antibodies, CIC = Circulating immune complexes, CMV = Cytomegalovirus, VKH = Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada.

Anterior and posterior uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis -case report.

Anterior uveitis is the most common extra-articular manifestation in children diagnosed with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It is typically a non-granulomatous, chronic, and asymptomatic uveitis. The lack of acute symptoms often delays the diagnosis with the incidence of severe ocular complications. Chorioretinitis lesions have been described in only 1% of cases. The absence of fundus changes can be explained by the impossibility of performing fundoscopy through the cloudy ocular media, secondary to inflammation. A 7-year-old female with a 3-month history of painless reduced vision came to have an eye examination. An initial diagnosis of bilateral anterior granulomatous uveitis complicated with glaucoma and cataract was formulated. Because of the concomitant diagnosis of COVID-19 disease (same day as the eye examination), the child was hospitalized in a hometown COVID-19 patient ward, so both local and general treatment, monitorization, and investigations were discontinued. The following eye examination revealed the persistence of anterior uveitis, inflammatory glaucoma, cataract, and the appearance of band keratopathy. Fundoscopy revealed numerous disseminated lesions of choroiditis. Further examinations established JIA-associated uveitis diagnosis, so systemic corticosteroids were initiated followed by Methotrexate and Adalimumab. Monitoring with fundoscopy in a patient diagnosed with JIA-U is necessary to detect possible chorioretinal or vascular damage. Abbreviations: BVA = best visual acuity, CVA = corrected visual acuity, CS = corticosteroids, IOP = Intraocular pressure, JIA = Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA-U = Juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis, LE = left eye, MTX = Methotrexate, OU = both eyes, OCT = Optical Coherence Tomography, RE = right eye, TNF = tumor necrosis factor.

Conjunctival Lymphangiectasia - case report.

Conjunctival lymphangiectasia is a rare pathology that represents the enlargement of the lymphatic vessels localized in the conjunctiva. Patients may be asymptomatic or experience symptoms such as foreign body sensation, congestion, irritation, dryness, and blurry vision. There are various methods of therapy for patients with severe and symptomatic conjunctival lymphangiectasia. Surgical excision has the lowest rates of recurrence. We present a case of a 24-year-old woman with conjunctival lymphangiectasia and a history of left lower limb enlargement and bilaterally enlarged submandibular and upper jugular lymph nodes without an identifiable cause, who presented to the ophthalmology clinic accusing ocular discomfort, foreign body sensation and transparent conjunctival cystic lesions in the left eye for the last five months. Abbreviations: OD = right eye, OS = left eye, OCT = optical coherence tomography, VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor.

The key role of the ophthalmologist in diagnosing botulism: two case reports.

Introduction: Botulinum toxin, the strongest known neurotoxin, is the cause of a rare fatal neuroparalytic disease characterized by the so-called "four Ds": diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, dry mouth. If left untreated, botulism may cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, impairing the respiratory function which can ultimately lead to death. Case report: We describe the cases of two patients who presented, two years apart, with similar ocular symptoms such as blurred vision due to accommodation palsy, diplopia, accompanied by xerostomia and swallowing disorders, which were further confirmed as botulism. Both cases had a similar clinical presentation of the intoxication and a positive response to treatment with botulinum antitoxin, while only the first case had a laboratory confirmation of the disease. Conclusions: The key to diagnose botulism correctly is based on high clinical suspicion and requires a medical multidisciplinary approach and urgent specific treatment. Ophthalmology specialists must be aware of the disease, especially in cases in which ophthalmic manifestation appear at the onset.

[Avastin a treatment of diabetic macular edema]. / Avastin administrat intravitreean în tratamentul edemului macular din retinopatia diabetica.

Macular edema is the first cause of visual impairment in diabetic patient. This paper is a retrospective evaluation of a group of patients with diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, treated with intravitreal Avastin (Bevacizumab) injection. The patients have been monitored mainly by assessing the evolution of visual acuity and macular thickness (OCT), after treatment, and the results have been compared with preexisting literature data.

[A new risk factor in glaucoma?]. / Un nou factor de risc in glaucom?

We observed that intraocular pressure was higher at the same glaucoma patient when he/she was fatigued or under a great stress. Several questions appeared: is this fact a rule? If yes, is there a critical level of fatigue to decompensate intraocular pressure? Does it appear in normal individuals? What is the pathogenesis?