Relationship between ischemic index, leakage index, and macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To investigate the combined association of the ischemic index and leakage index with macular edema on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Retrospective image analysis study. The leakage index and ischemic index were calculated using Fiji after aligning early and late UWFFA images. Differences in the ischemic index, leakage index, and central macular thickness (CMT) between ischemic and non-ischemic BRVO were compared. Moreover, the association between the ischemic index, leakage index, and macular edema was analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients with BRVO were enrolled, including 53 non-ischemic BRVO and 30 ischemic BRVO patients. No significant differences were observed in leakage index and CMT between ischemic BRVO and non-ischemic BRVO (all P > 0.05). In all included patients, CMT correlated with the panretina and all subregion leakage indexes (all P < 0.01), but not with the ischemic index (all P > 0.05). In the ischemic BRVO group, CMT showed a correlation with the leakage index in several regions, but not with the ischemic index. After adjusting for the ischemic index and other clinical features, CMT remained significantly correlated with the leakage index in all regions. CONCLUSION: The leakage index may be a more effective biomarker for monitoring BRVO-associated macular edema compared to the ischemic index. Further follow-up studies are warranted to validate these findings.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RETINAL HEMORRHAGE ON GREEN AND RED CHANNELS OF ULTRA-WIDEFIELD FUNDUS IMAGES AND RETINAL PERFUSION IN ACUTE BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between retinal hemorrhage in the green and red channels on ultra-widefield fundus images and the nonperfusion area (NPA) on ultra-widefield fundus fluorescein angiography in patients with acute branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with 96 patients, including 46 with ischemic BRVO and 50 with nonischemic BRVO. Correlation analysis between green channel hemorrhage (GCH), red channel hemorrhage (RCH), and NPA was performed. Panretina was divided into posterior and peripheral areas. RESULTS: Ischemic BRVO showed significantly higher GCH% and RCH% than nonischemic BRVO in the peripheral regions (both P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed in the panretinal and posterior areas (all P > 0.05). Significant correlations were found between NPA% in the panretinal and peripheral areas and the corresponding GCH% and RCH% (all P < 0.01). However, no significant correlation was observed between posterior NPA% and posterior GCH% or RCH% (both P > 0.05). In addition, peripheral GCH% and RCH% were related to panretinal NPA% (r = 0.506, P < 0.001; r = 0.558, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Retinal hemorrhage on ultra-widefield fundus image was significantly associated with NPA, providing insights for assessing retinal perfusion status in acute BRVO patients.

A chronic myeloid leukemia presenting as panuveitis combined with retinal and choroidal vascular occlusion: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can manifest ocular complications stemming from hematologic irregularities or direct infiltration of neoplastic cells. This article details the case of a patient with newly diagnosed CML exhibiting elevated platelet counts (PLT) who developed panuveitis accompanied by retinal vascular occlusion. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old woman experienced a notable decline in vision in her left eye over a 2-week period. Classical anterior uveitis, vitreous cavity opacity, optic nerve edema, and retinal vascular obstruction were observed. The right eye exhibited papilledema and retinal vein tortuosity. Despite admission, the condition of both eyes deteriorated, accompanied by a continuous increase in PLT. She was diagnosed with CML based on bone marrow biopsy and chromosomal examination. Following platelet apheresis therapy and chemotherapy, the condition of her right eye significantly improved, but the left eye's condition remained irreversible. CONCLUSIONS: This is a rare case of newly diagnosed CML presenting with diverse ocular manifestations in both eyes. The disparate outcomes in eyes with varying lesion stages underscore the importance of prompt diagnosis.

PPAR-γ promotes the polarization of rat retinal microglia to M2 phenotype by regulating the expression of CD200-CD200R1 under hypoxia.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) could promote microglial M2 polarization to inhibit inflammation. However, the specific molecular mechanisms that trigger PPAR-γ's anti-inflammatory ability in microglia are yet to be expounded. Thus, in this study, we aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effects of PPAR-γ in hypoxia-stimulated rat retinal microglial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used shRNA expressing lentivirus to knock down PPAR-γ and CD200 genes, and we assessed hypoxia-induced polarization markers release - M1 (iNOS, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) and M2 (Arg-1, YM1, IL-4, and IL-10) by RT-PCR. We also monitored PPAR-γ-related signals (PPAR-γ, PPAR-γ in cytoplasm or nucleus, CD200, and CD200Rs) by Western blot and RT-PCR. Our results showed that hypoxia enhanced PPAR-γ and CD200 expressions in microglial cells. Moreover, PPAR-γ agonist 15d-PGJ2 elevated CD200 and CD200R1 expressions, whereas sh-PPAR-γ had the opposite effect. Following hypoxia, expressions of M1 markers increased significantly, while those of M2 markers decreased, and the above effects were attenuated by 15d-PGJ2. Conversely, knocking down PPAR-γ or CD200 inhibited the polarization of microglial cells to M2 phenotype. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that PPAR-γ performed an anti-inflammatory function in hypoxia-stimulated microglial cells by promoting their polarization to M2 phenotype via the CD200-CD200R1 pathway.

PRIMARY MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME AND MULTIPLE EVANESCENT WHITE DOT SYNDROME SECONDARY TO MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDITIS/PUNCTATE INNER CHOROIDOPATHY: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To present and compare the clinical features and multimodal imaging (MMI) findings of the primary form of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) and MEWDS secondary to multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy (MFC/PIC). METHODS: A prospective case series. Thirty eyes of 30 MEWDS patients were included and divided into the primary MEWDS group and MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC group. Demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics and MEWDS-related MMI findings of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Seventeen eyes from 17 patients with primary MEWDS and 13 eyes from 13 patients with MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC were evaluated. Patients with MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC tended to have a higher degree of myopia than those with primary MEWDS. No other significant differences in demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics and MMI findings were found between the two groups. CONCLUSION: "MEWDS-like reaction" hypothesis seems to be correct for MEWDS secondary to MFC/PIC, and the authors highlight the importance of MMI examinations in MEWDS. Further research is needed to confirm whether the hypothesis is applicable to other forms of secondary MEWDS.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema are two factors that increase macrophage-like cell density characterized by en face optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: Macrophage-like cells (MLCs) located at the ILM were observed in live human retinas using adaptive optics optical coherence tomography (OCT) as well as clinically-used OCT. The study aimed to quantitatively analyzing MLCs at the vitreoretinal interface (VRI) in diabetic retinopathy (DR) using en face OCT and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). METHODS: 190 DR eyes were included in the study, with 70 proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) eyes and 120 non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) eyes. Sixty-three eyes from normal subjects were included as controls. MLCs were visualized in a 5 µm en face OCT slab above the VRI centered on the fovea. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare the OCTA parameters and the MLC parameters among groups. We evaluated the MLC density among groups on binarized images after image processing. We also investigated the relationship between MLC density and other OCT parameters including retina thickness and vessel density (VD). RESULTS: The MLC density significantly increased in PDR eyes (PDR vs. NPDR, 8.97 (8.40) cells/mm2 vs.6.14 (8.78) cells/mm2, P = 0.013; PDR vs. normal, 8.97 (8.40) cells/mm2vs. 6.48 (6.71) cells/mm2, P = 0.027) and diabetic macular edema (DME) eyes (DME vs. without DME, 8.94 (8.26) vs.6.09 (9.00), P = 0.005). After adjusting for age and gender, MLC density in NPDR eyes negatively correlated to VD of deep capillary plexus (DCP) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: SS-OCTA is a non-invasive and simple method for the characterization of MLCs at the VRI. PDR and DME are two factors that increase MLC density. MLC density also correlated with VD.

Time-dependent recurrence and resolution of pigment epithelial detachment in central serous chorioretinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cortisol plays a role in the pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). CSC patients have abnormal time-dependent changes in cortisol levels. Here we report a rare case of a patient with central serous chorioretinopathy whose pigment epithelial detachment (PED) exhibited time-dependent recurrence and resolution. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old man presented in 2016 for vision loss in the left eye related to recurrent CSC. During follow-up, his PED was observed to resolve spontaneously while he was still in our clinic and recurred the next morning. Such time-dependent changes of the PED were observed in several next follow-ups without any intervention. After excluding possible external factors, the abnormal diurnal variation of cortisol was considered as the internal factor affecting PED. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first article that described the spontaneous time-dependent recurrence and resolution of PED without external interference, where endogenous cortisol may be responsible. Interventions against the abnormal cortisol level might be a potential treatment strategy for CSC. More research is urged to explore the impact of the diurnal change in cortisol levels on eyes with CSC.

A Novel Glycolysis-Related Signature for Predicting the Prognosis and Immune Infiltration of Uveal Melanoma.

INTRODUCTION: As the most common aggressive intraocular cancer in adults, uveal melanoma (UVM) threatens the survival and vision of many people. Glycolysis is a novel hallmark of cancer, but the role of glycolysis-related genes in UVM prognosis remains unknown. The purpose of the study was to establish a glycolysis-related gene signature (GRGS) to predict UVM prognosis. METHODS: Raw data were obtained from TCGA-UVM and GSE22138 datasets. The GRGS was established by univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the GRGS. The relationships of the GRGS with infiltrating immune cell levels and mutations were analyzed with CIBERSORT and maftools. RESULTS: A novel GRGS (risk score = 0.690861*ISG20 + 0.070991*MET - 0.227520*SDC2 + 0.690223*FBP1 + 0.048008*CLN6 - 0.128520*SDC3) was developed for predicting UVM prognosis. The GRGS had robust predictive stability in UVM. Enrichment annotation suggested that the high-risk group had stronger adaptive immune responses and that the low-risk group had more innate immune cell infiltration. Moreover, BAP1 mutation was related to high risk, and SF3B1 mutation was related to low risk. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed and validated a novel GRGS to predict UVM prognosis and immune infiltration. The signature revealed an association between glycolysis-related genes and the tumor microenvironment, providing new insights into the role of glycolysis in UVM.

Design of a Focusing Mechanism Actuated by Piezoelectric Ceramics for TMA Telescope.

With the development of space telescopes towards high-resolution and intelligent imaging, the scale and complexity of the focal plane components of large-aperture, off-axis, three-mirror anastigmatic (TMA) optical systems are increasing. Traditional focal plane focusing technology reduces the system reliability and increases the scale and complexity. This paper proposes a three-degrees-of-freedom focusing system based on a folding mirror reflector, with a piezoelectric ceramic actuator as the driver. An environment-resistant flexible support was designed for the piezoelectric ceramic actuator through an integrated optimization analysis. The fundamental frequency of the large-aspect-ratio rectangular folding mirror reflector focusing mechanism was around 121.5 Hz. After testing, it was found to meet the requirements of the space mechanics environment. This system shows promise for application to other optical systems as an open-shelf product in the future.

Acoustic-Based Rolling Bearing Fault Diagnosis Using a Co-Prime Circular Microphone Array.

This study proposes a high-efficiency method using a co-prime circular microphone array (CPCMA) for the bearing fault diagnosis, and discusses the acoustic characteristics of three fault-type signals at different rotation speeds. Due to the close positions of various bearing components, radiation sounds are seriously mixed, and it is challenging to separate the fault features. Direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation can be used to suppress noise and directionally enhance sound sources of interest; however, classical array configurations usually require a large number of microphones to achieve high accuracy. To address this, a CPCMA is introduced to raise the array's degrees of freedom in order to reduce the dependence on the microphone numbers and computation complexity. The estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) applied to a CPCMA can quickly figure out the DOA estimation without any prior knowledge. By using the techniques above, a sound source motion-tracking diagnosis method is proposed according to the movement characteristics of impact sound sources for each fault type. Additionally, more precise frequency spectra are obtained, which are used in combination to determine the fault types and locations.

Chinese Guideline on the Management of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (2022).

Background In mainland China, patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) have approximately an 40% prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This disease leads to recurrent retinal pigment epithelium detachment (PED), extensive subretinal or vitreous hemorrhages, and severe vision loss. China has introduced various treatment modalities in the past years and gained comprehensive experience in treating PCV.Methods A total of 14 retinal specialists nationwide with expertise in PCV were empaneled to prioritize six questions and address their corresponding outcomes, regarding opinions on inactive PCV, choices of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) monotherapy or combined therapy, patients with persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) or intraretinal fluid (IRF) after loading dose anti-VEGF, and patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage. An evidence synthesis team conducted systematic reviews, which informed the recommendations that address these questions. This guideline used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach to assess the certainty of evidence and grade the strengths of recommendations. Results The panel proposed the following six conditional recommendations regarding treatment choices. (1) For patients with inactive PCV, we suggest observation over treatment. (2) For treatment-na?ve PCV patients, we suggest either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combined anti-VEGF and PDT rather than PDT monotherapy. (3) For patients with PCV who plan to initiate combined anti-VEGF and PDT treatment, we suggest later/rescue PDT over initiate PDT. (4) For PCV patients who plan to initiate anti-VEGF monotherapy, we suggest the treat and extend (T&E) regimen rather than the pro re nata (PRN) regimen following three monthly loading doses. (5) For patients with persistent SRF or IRF on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after three monthly anti-VEGF treatments, we suggest proceeding with anti-VEGF treatment rather than observation. (6) For PCV patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage (equal to or more than four optic disc areas) involving the central macula, we suggest surgery (vitrectomy in combination with tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) intraocular injection and gas tamponade) rather than anti-VEGF monotherapy. Conclusions Six evidence-based recommendations support optimal care for PCV patients' management.

The prognostic value of arachidonic acid metabolism in breast cancer by integrated bioinformatics.

BACKGROUND: As the second cause of cancer death in women, breast cancer has become a worldwide priority. Previous studies based on tumour cell lines demonstrated that arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolites promote cancer development. However, recent studies based on the tumour microenvironment revealed the antitumour effect of AA metabolism. Therefore, it is essential to reevaluate and elucidate the effect of AA metabolism on breast cancer. METHODS: Raw data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The AA metabolic score of each sample, enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune infiltration were analysed by bioinformatics. Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were performed to establish an AA metabolism prognostic signature. An AA metabolism related nomogram for predicting the survival probability of patients was built. RESULT: AA metabolism was related to good prognosis in the TCGA-BRCA and METABRIC cohort. DEGs enrichment suggested that the upregulated DEGs of the high AA metabolism group were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways. The high AA metabolism group was infiltrated with more CD8+ T cells and activated NK cells. An AA metabolic signature (SPINK8, KLRB1, APOD and PIGR) was constructed for breast cancer prognosis. CONCLUSION: The study indicated that a high level of AA metabolism may be a biomarker for good prognosis in breast cancer, providing a possible explanation for the discouraging effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitors in cancer therapy. Moreover, a novel AA metabolic prognostic signature was constructed in the study, providing a novel strategy for breast cancer.

Retinal arterial macroaneurysm rupture by Valsalva maneuver: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Retinal artery macroaneurysms (RAMs) are focal dilations of the large retinal arteries. Most RAMs are asymptomatic, however, when hemorrhage or exudation caused by a RAM involves the macula, patients can experience marked vision loss. This article reported a rare case of a ruptured RAM due to the Valsalva maneuver in an elderly female with constipation and offered a review of the relevant literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old woman with several risk factors presented with multi-level retinal hemorrhages following a Valsalva maneuver during constipation. Due to the poor coagulation and heavy bleeding in this case, the blood broke through the internal limiting membrane and drained "on its own" into the vitreous cavity. First, we observed the patient and controlled for her risk factors. After the blood was completely drained into the vitreous cavity, the root cause of the bleeding was found to be a RAM rupture. After laser photocoagulation, the patient's vision recovered significantly and remained stable for a long time despite the presence of an epiretinal membrane and a lamellar macular hole. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of a RAM rupture by Valsalva maneuver during constipation. For multi-level hemorrhages caused by RAM, measures should be taken to drain out the sub-internal limiting membrane hemorrhage and simultaneously control for risk factors. After the RAM is exposed, laser photocoagulation can be performed.

First Report of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora Causing Postharvest Fruit Rot on Actinidia arguta in Liaoning Province, China.

Actinidia arguta, commonly called hardy kiwifruit or kiwiberry, is a perennial vine of Actinidiaceae Actinidia genus. Understanding the main pathogens that cause the fruit rot of A. arguta during storage is of great significance for finding strategies to prevent fruit rot. In September 2020, the A. arguta (Sieb.et Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. LD133 was harvested from a farm in Dandong City, Liaoning Province, China (40°31'N, 124°20'E). After being stored at room temperature for about a week, the fruit rotted (no mechanical damage or wound). Initial symptoms were localized irregular spots, which then became soft and the spots connected into large, flaky, light brown lesions. Later symptoms were dark brown lesions and rot that affect the entire fruit. The strain that shows the same morphology as observed in the four decaying tissues was isolated on PDA. The strain was white, edge irregular and surface wavy, and the reverse side was pale yellow (Fig. S1A). The black viscous acervuli appeared on the surface of the mycelium after 7 to 10 days at 25℃ with 12 hours photoperiod. Conidia were fusiform to ellipsoid, straight to slightly curved, 5.7×25.9 µm (width × length), n=30, with five versicolor cells (three brown median cells, two hyaline cells on apical and basal). The apical cell generally contains one to four appendages on conidia (Fig. S1B). For identify the selected strains, three genetic regions (ITS, TUB and TEF 1-α) were used for amplification and sequencing. These sequences of pathogen shared 98 to 100% homology with Neopestalotiopsis clavispora. Then, a phylogenetic tree was constructed by the Bayesian algorithm using PhyloSuite (v1.2.2) (Zhang et al. 2020). Based on the morphological and molecular characterization, the pathogen was identified as Neopestalotiopsis clavispora (Chamorro et al. 2016). Next, pathogenicity of the screened strains was determined by wound inoculation method. Ripe healthy fruits are immersed in 1% NaClO, rinsed twice with sterile water. A sterile needle was used to penetrate 1-2mm of peel, and then inoculate hyphae (about 5mm in length, 1mm in diameter), and 10 µL of sterile water as a control. The treated fruits are stored in an artificial climate chamber (22°C, 70% relative humidity with 12 hours photoperiod). The inoculated fruit began to show signs of rot on the second day, and after 6 days, lesions similar to those found during storage of the pathogenic isolated fruit appeared. Similarly, 10 µL (106 conidia/mL) conidial suspension exhibited decay symptoms. Compared with conidial suspension as inoculum, hyphae has shorter incubation period and stronger pathogenicity to fruit (Fig. S2). The pathogen was re-isolated from these infected fruits and identified as N. clavispora, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. N. clavispora has been reported causing root and crown rot on strawberry in Spain, Argentina, Uruguay and Italy (Chamorro et al. 2016; Gilardi et al. 2019; Machin et al. 2019; Obregon et al. 2018), and as a pathogen on blueberry in Spain and Korea (Borrero et al. 2018; Lee et al. 2019), and causing leaf spot on macadamia in Brazil (Santos et al. 2019), and causing leaf spot on Syzygium cumini in India (Banerjee and Rana 2020). However, to our knowledge, this is the first report of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora causing postharvest fruit rot of A. argute in the worldwide. The identification of the pathogen is of great significance for conducting research on A. argute fruit preservation to prolong its shelf life and improve its merchantability.

Clinical characteristics of 132 healthcare worker cases with COVID-19: A retrospective study from a single center in Wuhan, China.

Many healthcare workers (HCWs) have been confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 in China. A retrospective, single-center study was conducted. The median age of the 132 HCWs with COVID-19 was 32 years, with 92 (69.7%) being females. There were 47 (35.6%) doctors, 72 (54.6%) nurses, and 13 (9.9%) other HCWs. Ten of the 132 patients (7.6%) had underlying diseases. The most common symptoms of illness onset were fever (70, 53.0%), cough (66, 50.0%), and fatigue (58, 43.9%). All patients were categorized into mild or moderate COVID-19 type on admission to hospital, and five (3.8%) progressed to the severe COVID-19 type. Sixty-six HCWs patients were included in both the early and later discharged group. In the logistic analysis, the later discharged patients had a longer time for illness onset to hospital admission (per 1 day; OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.18; p = .006), a higher proportion of >3 onset symptoms clustering (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.27-7.62; p = .01), and a higher percentage of other HCWs (OR, 6.20; 95% CI, 1.49-25.80; p = .01). HCW patients were young female nurses with fewer comorbidities, and most were mild or moderate COVID-19 type. The later discharged patients exhibited characteristics of longer time for illness onset to hospitalization and clustering of onset symptoms.

circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in age-related macular degeneration: From construction to identification.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by constructing a regulatory circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. By adjusting the P value to <0.05 and the absolute log value of fold change to >0.25, 2920 and 1057 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified from GSE50195 and GSE29801, respectively. Based on a literature review, Starbase database analysis, and RNA hybrid assays, we obtained 77 miRNA-mRNA and 331 circRNA-miRNA pairs. After combining these pairs, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network possessing 303 circRNA nodes, 4 miRNA nodes, 51 mRNA nodes, and 408 edges. By utilizing protein-protein network analysis, the MCODE algorithm, and the highest degree of circRNA node, we identified the regulatory axis of hsa_circRNA7329/hsa-miR-9/SCD. Hsa_circRNA7329 may regulate SCD through hsa-miR-9 to promote macrophage-mediated inflammation and pathologic angiogenesis, which lead to AMD development. However, the underlying details require further investigation.

Leakage index on ultra-widefield fluorescence angiography in different regions of retina and its correlation with cystoid macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion eyes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between leakage index on ultra-widefield fluorescence angiography (UWFFA) in different regions of retina and its correlation with cystoid macular edema (CME) in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) eyes. METHODS: Patients with naïve non-ischemic CRVO that had undergone UWFFA were identified. UWFFA images in the late phase were used to analyze the leakage index, which was performed by a semi-automatic method using ImageJ. The UWFFA images were subdivided into four regions by concentric circles centered on the macula for analysis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were used to identify the presence of CME and obtain central macular thickness (CMT). RESULTS: A total of 57 eyes from 57 CRVO patients were analyzed in this study, including 43 eyes with CME and 14 eyes without CME. The leakage index in panretinal, peri-macular area (PMA), and near-peripheral area (NPA) was significantly different between eyes with CME and eyes without CME. Leakage index of PMA, NPA, mid-peripheral area (MPA), and panretinal area was significantly correlated with CMT, particularly the PMA. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of leakage is different between patients with CME and patients without CME. The contribution of leakage index in different regions to CME was different, most predominant in PMA and NPA, and the closer to the center of the macula, the stronger the correlation between leakage index and CMT. A linear correlation was observed between CMT and the leakage index of panretinal area and all regions except far-peripheral area (FPA).

NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CHOROIDAL VESSELS AND CHORIOCAPILLARIS IN NORMAL EYES.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between large-sized and medium-sized choroidal vessels and choriocapillaris using the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (3D CVI) and percentage of flow deficits (FD%). METHODS: Prospective observational study. The main outcome measures included choroidal volume parameters (3D CVI, mean choroidal thickness, total choroidal volume, choroidal luminal volume, and choroidal stromal volume), choriocapillaris parameters (FD%, average area of FD, and FD count), and age and axial length. RESULTS: A total of 63 healthy individuals with an average age of 40.60 ± 12.32 years were included in this study. Univariate analysis showed that FD% (R = 0.295, P = 0.019) and area of FD (R = 0.276, P = 0.028) were significantly positively associated with 3D CVI, and FD count was negatively associated with 3D CVI (R = -0.297, P = 0.018). After adjusting for age and axial length, a significant correlation between FD% and 3D CVI (R = 0.264, P = 0.039) and between area of FD and 3D CVI remained (R = 0.267, P = 0.037). However, no significant correlation was found between FD count and 3D CVI after adjusting for axial length (R = -0.220, P = 0.085). CONCLUSION: In healthy individuals, choroidal vessel dilatation as suggested by elevated 3D CVI may lead to decreased choriocapillaris perfusion, which was correlated with an enlarged area of FD in choriocapillaris.

Clinical application of ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence.

PURPOSE: To review the basic principles of ultra-widefield fundus autofluorescence (UWF-FAF) and discuss its clinical application for a variety of retinal and choroidal disorders. METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed database was performed using the search terms "ultra-widefield," "autofluorescence," "retinal disease" and "choroidal disease." RESULTS: UWF-FAF imaging is a recently developed noninvasive retinal imaging modality with a wide imaging range that can locate peripheral fundus lesions that traditional fundus autofluorescence cannot. Multiple commercially available ultra-widefield imaging systems, including Heidelberg Spectralis and Optomap Ultra-Widefield systems, are available to the clinician. Imaging by UWF-FAF is more comprehensive; it can reflect the content and distribution of the predominant ocular fluorophore in retinal pigment epithelial cells and evaluate the metabolic status of RPE of various retinal and choroidal disorders. CONCLUSION: UWF-FAF can detect abnormalities that traditional fundus autofluorescence cannot; therefore, it can be used to better elucidate disease pathogenesis, analyze genotype-phenotype correlations, diagnose and monitor disease.

Contribution of acute-phase reaction proteins to the diagnosis and treatment of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The emergence of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is currently a global concern. In this study, our goal was to explore the changing expression levels of acute-phase reaction proteins (APRPs) in the serum of COVID-19 patients and to elucidate the immunological characteristics of COVID-19. In the study design, we recruited 72 COVID-19 patients, including 22 cases of mild degree, 38 cases of moderate degree and 12 cases of severe degree. We also recruited 20 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and 20 normal control subjects as a comparison. Fasting venous blood was taken to detect the content of complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and prealbumin (PA). When compared the COVID-19 group with the CAP and normal control groups, respectively, the mean value of CRP and SAA in the COVID-19 group (including mild, moderate and severe patients) had increased significantly (P < 0.01), whereas the mean values of C3, C4 and PA decreased (P < 0.01). For the asymptomatic or mild symptomatic patients with COVID-19, the actual aggravation of disease may be more advanced than the clinical appearances. Meanwhile, the statistical analyses indicated that the development of COVID-19 brought about a significant increase in the content of CRP and SAA (P < 0.01), and a decline in the content of C3, C4 and PA (P < 0.01). These findings suggested that the changes in the level of APRPs could be used as indicators to identify the degree and progression of COVID-19, and the significant changes might demonstrate the aggravation of disease. This study provided a new approach to improve the clinical management plan and prognosis of COVID-19.