Magnetic solid phase extraction as a nonchromatographic method for the quantification of ultratrace inorganic arsenic in rice by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES).

An alternative analytical method was developed for the quantification of inorganic arsenic (iAs) in rice by ICP OES. Iron nanoparticles modified with an organophosphorus compound were used as the solid phase for MSPE of iAs from the plant matrix. The MSPE procedure was performed using 4 mL of a buffer solution with pH 4.0, 20 mg of the nanomaterial, and a 15-min extraction time. The total As (tAs) by ICP OES was also quantified using the same MSPE procedure after solubilization of the samples by a block digester. The accuracy of tAs and iAs quantification was verified using CRM NIST 1568b (97 % and 101 % recovery, respectively). The precision (RSD < 15 %) and LOD and LOQ (1.08 and 3.70 µg kg-1, respectively) of the proposed method were satisfactory. The rice samples had tAs contents between 0.090 and 0.295 mg kg-1 and iAs mass fractions between 0.055 and 0.109 mg kg-1.

A multicenter prospective comparative study evaluating cataract surgery and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation either with or without iStent inject implantation in Brazilian patients with glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Compare 12-month (12 M) safety and efficacy of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) + cataract surgery (Group 1) versus ECP + cataract surgery + iStent inject trabecular micro-bypass implantation (Group 2) in Brazilian patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, comparative case series included patients with OAG and cataract who were randomized to receive treatment in Group 1 or Group 2. Outcomes included mean and percent reduction versus preoperative in intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of glaucoma medications; visual acuity; occurrence of adverse events; and rate of secondary surgeries. RESULTS: Preoperatively, Groups 1 and 2 had similar mean IOP (mean ± standard deviation 22.1 ± 3.6 and 22.0 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively) and mean number of medications (3.3 ± 0.6 and 3.4 ± 0.6 medications, respectively). At all follow-up timepoints through 12 M, both groups achieved significant IOP and medication reductions versus preoperative (IOP p < 0.001 and number of medications p < 0.001 for both groups). At 12 M, IOP reductions were 24.2% (Group 1) and 43.6% (Group 2) (p < 0.001); mean medication reductions were 50.2% and 71.5%, respectively. Mean postoperative IOP and number of medications were higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (IOP p < 0.01 all visits, medication p < 0.01 at 6 M and 12 M). Adverse events were generally mild and infrequent in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both treatment groups (ECP + phacoemulsification, with/without iStent inject implantation) achieved significant and safe reductions in IOP and medications versus preoperative in Brazilian OAG patients. Percent reductions were significantly greater, and mean IOP and medications were significantly lower, in the group receiving iStent inject. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION (CTR): CAAE project identification #20053019.5.0000.5078. Protocol #3.587.147. Clinical Trial Database of the Federal University of Goiás, Brazil. Registration Date: September 19, 2019.

Estimating the Ideal Treatment Protocol and Success Predictors for Double-session Micropulse Transscleral Laser for Glaucoma Management.

Aim: To identify the ideal treatment protocol and success predictors for double-session micropulse transscleral (MP3) laser for glaucoma management. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent double-session MP3, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, were retrospectively investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to verify preoperative success predictors. The following comparisons were made: (1) Between eyes that obtained surgical success vs failure, (2) According to the time required for MP3, and (3) Considering only eyes that required retreatment. Results: A total of 191 eyes from 148 patients were included. The preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly higher than at last follow-up visit (27.3 ± 6.9 vs 14.6 ± 6.0 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Success was observed in 90.5% of the eyes. On logistic regression analysis with preoperative IOP and MP3 time as independent variables, only previous IOP was identified as a statistically significant factor (p = 0.004), with lower IOP relating to higher success. Eyes that required lower MP3 time underwent more MP3 procedures than those with higher MP3 time (1.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.1 ± 0.3, p = 0.03). In the 36 eyes that underwent retreatment, preoperative IOP was higher (31.6 ± 7.4 vs 26.3 ± 6.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001); eyes with successful IOP treatment had a higher MP3 treatment time at the first surgery than eyes with failed IOP correction (364.1 ± 68.2 vs 330.0 ± 18.0 seconds, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Thus, an ideal double-session MP3 protocol should use a high laser energy at the first surgery, and a high preoperative IOP can be considered as a predictor of surgical failure. Clinical significance: This is the first study to give special attention to the double-session MP3 protocol and success predictors. How to cite this article: Magacho L, Lima FE, Ávila MP. Estimating the Ideal Treatment Protocol and Success Predictors for Double-session Micropulse Transscleral Laser for Glaucoma Management. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(2):111-116.

Interleukin-1ß and TNF-α systems in ovarian follicles and their roles during follicular development, oocyte maturation and ovulation.

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) are cytokines that are involved in the development, proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian follicular cells in domestic mammals. The expression of these cytokines in various follicular compartments, depending on the stage of follicle development, demonstrates their involvement in the control of primordial follicle growth up to the preovulatory stage. The mechanism of action of these factors depends on the presence of their receptors that transduce their biological actions. This review shows the expression sites of TNF-α, IL-1ß and their receptors in ovarian follicles, and discusses the mechanism of action of these cytokines during follicle development, oocyte maturation and ovulation in domestic animals.

Double-session micropulse transscleral laser (CYCLO G6) for the treatment of glaucoma.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of double-session micropulse transscleral (MP3) laser for the treatment of glaucoma. This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent MP3 laser with the standard protocol and were within at least 12 months of their follow-up appointments. Eyes were treated at 2000 mW with 31.3% duty cycle for 80 s per treatment session, with double sessions in each hemifield alternating between upper and lower and upper and lower. Success criterion was defined as a greater than 20% reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) and an IOP between 6 and 18 mmHg at the end of the follow-up period. Eighty-nine eyes of seventy-six glaucoma patients were included; 31 of which were considered primary, i.e., no previous glaucoma surgery. The average pre-treatment IOP was 29.9 ± 6.4 mmHg. At around 16.7 ± 3.1 months of follow-up, the average IOP was 14.8 ± 4.7 mmHg (p < 0.001) (28.8 ± 7.4 to 15.7 ± 5.3 mmHg, p < 0.001, at 17.0 ± 3.1 months in the primary eyes). The number of topical glaucoma medications was reduced from 3.6 ± 0.5 to 1.9 ± 0.9 at the last evaluation (p < 0.001). The best corrected visual acuity in logMAR ranged from 0.41 ± 0.34 preoperatively to 0.45 ± 0.44 at the last visit (p = 0.2), and also remained stable in primary eyes. Success was obtained in 86.5% of the eyes, with 1.5 ± 0.8 procedures, and in 90.3% with 1.2 ± 0.5 MP3 laser procedures in the primary eye group. MP3 laser in two consecutive 80-s sessions was shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of glaucoma. Primary eyes required lower number of MP3 laser procedures.

Double-Session Micropulse Transscleral Laser (CYCLO G6) as a Primary Surgical Procedure for Glaucoma.

PRéCIS:: Double-session micropulse transscleral laser was an effective and safe treatment strategy for eyes that have not undergone glaucoma surgery previously. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of double-session micropulse transscleral laser (MP3) as a primary treatment modality for glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent MP3 therapy with double sessions in each hemifield, with a follow-up period of at least 6 months, were retrospectively considered. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: GI (no previous glaucoma surgery) and GII (with previous glaucoma surgery). Success was defined by either achieving a final intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 18 mm Hg and an IOP reduction of >20%, or a minimum 50% reduction in the number of glaucoma medications, at the last visit, without any serious complications. RESULTS: Eighty-four eyes were included in the GI group and 101 in the GII group, with the latter demonstrating relatively higher preoperative IOP (31.1±5.4 vs. 26.2±6.9 mm Hg, P<0.001). Final IOP (14.9±5.2 vs. 13.6±4.1 mm Hg, P=0.06), average MP3 treatment time (358.0±50.7 vs. 362.7±67.8 s, P=0.5), and follow-up duration (10.8±5.1 vs. 12.3±5.4 mo, P=0.06) were similar between the groups. The percentage reduction with regard to glaucoma medication was higher in GI than in GII (49.1±28.8 vs. 38.8±30.1%, P=0.02). GI underwent fewer MP3 procedures than GII (1.2±0.5 vs. 1.5±0.8, P=0.002). No hypotony or phthisis bulbi was observed in GI (1 and 2 in GII, respectively). Procedural success was noted in 92.9% of the cases in GI and 87.1% in GII. CONCLUSIONS: Double-session MP3 therapy could be considered as a safe and effective procedure to treat glaucoma in eyes that have not undergone any previous glaucoma surgery. Primary eyes achieved a success-rate similar to those with refractory glaucoma with fewer MP3 procedures and fewer glaucoma medications.

Ungulate copiparvovirus 2 in healthy and postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome-affected pigs.

A SYBR Green-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was designed to detect Ungulate copiparvovirus 2, also known as porcine parvovirus 4 (PPV4). The test was applied to search for PPV4 DNAemia in sera from 1- to 4-month-old pigs displaying signs of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), as well as in sera from healthy swine at equivalent age and in sera from older healthy animals (>6 months old). High levels of PPV4 DNA were detected in PMWS-affected pigs. The mean viral DNA load in PMWS-affected pigs was 5.2 × 107 copies/mL, whereas in young healthy pigs it was 1.4 × 105 copies/mL (P ≤ 0.001). Although the copy numbers were lower in younger PMWS-affected individuals, this result sheds some light on the possible association between PPV4 viral load detection in this group and the immune impairment caused by PMWS.

Quality of life in glaucoma patients: regression analysis and correlation with possible modifiers.

PURPOSE: To verify the quality of life in a Brazilian glaucoma population and the influence of possible modifiers (e.g., visual acuity, visual field impairment). METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients from CEROF - Federal University of Goias, Brazil were included prospectively in the study. The quality of life was assessed using the Portuguese version of the VFQ. Possible modifiers were evaluated, initially separately with the Spearman's Correlation and then together in a regression model. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.6 +/- 12.4 years. The mean quality of life score was 79 +/- 15 (range 45-100). Age (r = -0.402, p = 0.006), visual acuity in the better eye (r = -0.497, p = 0.001) and in the worse eye (r = -0.608, p < 0.001), Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson visual field grading scale in the better (r = -0.353, p = 0.01) and worse eye (r = -0.387, p = 0.009), visual field Mean Deviation (MD) in the better (r = 0.355, p = 0.01) and worse eye (r = 0.320, p = 0.04) and ability to perform a visual field test in both eyes (r = -0.397, p = 0.007) were significantly correlated with the quality of life scores. However, only age (younger, better quality of life, p = 0.008) and visual acuity in the better eye (direct relation, p = 0.04) were significant in the regression model (r = 0.633, r(2) = 0.401). CONCLUSIONS: The VFQ may be a useful tool to assess the quality of life in glaucoma patients. The preliminary results indicate that age and visual acuity in the better eye are the main factors related to the quality of life in these patients.

A prospective, comparative study between endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and the Ahmed drainage implant in refractory glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) and the Ahmed drainage implant in the treatment of refractory glaucoma. METHODS: Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients with refractory glaucoma were prospectively assigned to either ECP or Ahmed tube shunt implantation. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Eyes that were included were pseudophakic with a history of at least one trabeculectomy with antimetabolite, an intraocular pressure (IOP) equal to or above 35 mm Hg on maximum tolerated medical therapy, and a visual acuity better than light perception. Exclusion criteria included eyes that had had previous glaucoma drainage device implantation or a cyclodestructive procedure. Success was defined as an IOP more than 6 mm Hg and less than 21 mm Hg, with or without topical anti-hypertensive therapy. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 19.82 +/- 8.35 months and 21.29 +/- 6.42 months, for the Ahmed and ECP groups, respectively (P = 0.4). The preoperative IOP, 41.32 +/- 3.03 mm Hg (Ahmed) and 41.61 +/- 3.42 mm Hg (ECP) (P = 0.5), and the mean postoperative IOP, at 24 months follow-up, 14.73 +/- 6.44 mm Hg (Ahmed) and 14.07 +/- 7.21 mm Hg (ECP) (P = 0.7), were significantly different from baseline in both groups (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed a probability of success at 24 months of 70.59% and 73.53% for the Ahmed and ECP groups, respectively (P = 0.7). Complications included choroidal detachment (Ahmed 17.64%, ECP 2.94%), shallow anterior chamber (Ahmed 17.64%, ECP 0.0%), and hyphema (Ahmed 14.7%, ECP 17.64%). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in the success rate between the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve and ECP in refractory glaucoma. The eyes that underwent Ahmed tube shunt implantation had more complications than those treated with ECP.

Ibopamine provocative test and glaucoma: consideration of factors that may influence the examination.

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors that may influence the ibopamine provocative test for the diagnosis of glaucoma. METHODS: Two Ibopamine (3,4 di-isobutyrylester of N-methyldopamine) 2% eyedrops were instilled 5 minutes apart in one eye selected at random in both glaucoma and normal subjects. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed prior to the drops and 30, 60 and 180 minutes after instillation. The test was considered positive when there was an IOP increase of greater than 4 mmHg at any one of the timepoints. The amount of IOP change was compared to the severity of glaucomatous visual field loss and to the types of medical treatment. RESULTS: The sensitivity (glaucoma patients with a positive result) and specificity (normal individuals with a negative result) of the Ibopamine test was 87 and 95%, respectively. Glaucoma patients using prostaglandin analogues did not have a significant IOP elevation. CONCLUSION: The Ibopamine provocative test may be an auxiliary test in glaucoma diagnosis. Concurrent use of prostaglandin analogues reduces the test's sensitivity.

Influência do diâmetro pupilar na perimetria de frequência dupla em indivíduos normais / The influence of pupillary diameter on frequency doubling perimetry in normal subjects

Objetivo: Verificar a influência do diâmetro pupilar na Perimetria de Frequência Dupla (FDT) em indivíduos normais. Local: Centro de Referência em Oftalmologia (CEROF) da Universidade Federal de Goiás. Métodos: Vinte pacientes normais foram submetidos à FDT, estratégia de screening C-20-5, inicialmente com a pupila sem alterações, e em seguida em miose ou midríase, aleatóriamente. Os exames foram realizados com intervalo máximo de 15 dias. O número de pontos alterados, índices de confiabilidade e tempo de exame foi comparado entre os exames. Resultados: Os voluntários apresentaram menor tempo de exame em midríase (p=0,006) comparado com a pupila sem alterações. Não houve diferença estatísticamente significante com relação ao exame de pupila em miose (p=0,7). Não observamos alterações estatisticamente significantes no número total de pontos alterados entre o exame com a pupila sem alterações (0,8 +- 1,76 pontos) e miose (2,0 +- 4,3 pontos) (p=0,3). entretanto, observamos melhora considerável nos pacientes após midríase (0,1 +- 0,30 pontos alterados) (p=0,04). Conclusão: Apesar de não apresentar diferença estatisticamente significante no número total de pontos alterados, os olhos em miose demonstraram maior número de áreas acometidas, podendo refletir em diferenças clínicas. Entretanto, os pacientes em midríase apresentaram menor número de pontos alterados com um menor tempo de exame.