Prediction of probability of rubella based on eye outcomes (PORBEO Nomogram)-a cross-sectional sentinel surveillance of 1134 infants.

INTRODUCTION: Rubella is an important infectious, vaccine-preventable etiology of congenital defects. The aim of the study was to develop a prediction nomogram to assess the probability of an infant being at risk for congenital rubella based on demographics and ophthalmological findings. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional sentinel surveillance study conducted at 5 centers spanning pan-India and involved 1134 infants. The diagnosis of rubella was made using standard guidelines. For the construction of the prediction model, laboratory-confirmed cases were grouped as "at-risk" (AR) infants and the discarded cases into "not at risk" (NAR) infants. Univariate analysis (p value cut-off < 0.05) followed by multivariate binary logistic regression model development was performed. RESULTS: The average (median) age of the suspected CRS infants was 3 (IQR 1-6) months, and the average (mean) age of their mothers was 25.8 ± 4.1 years. Out of the total infants, 81 (7.3%) died, 975 (88%) were alive, and 55 (5.0%) were lost to follow-up. The final model showed that the odds of cataract, retinopathy, glaucoma, microcornea, and age of the infant at presentation were 3.1 (2.2-4.3), 4.9(2.3-10.4), 2.7(1.1-5.9), 2.3(1.1-4.7), and 1.1 (1-1.1), respectively, for the AR infant as compared to NAR infant. AUC of final model was 0.68 (95% CI Delong, 0.64-0.72). Bootstrapping for calibration of the model showed satisfactory results. Nomogram, along with a web version, was developed. CONCLUSION: The developed nomogram would have a wide community-based utilization and will help in prioritizing attention to high-risk children, thereby avoiding loss to follow-up.

A draft map of the human proteome.

The availability of human genome sequence has transformed biomedical research over the past decade. However, an equivalent map for the human proteome with direct measurements of proteins and peptides does not exist yet. Here we present a draft map of the human proteome using high-resolution Fourier-transform mass spectrometry. In-depth proteomic profiling of 30 histologically normal human samples, including 17 adult tissues, 7 fetal tissues and 6 purified primary haematopoietic cells, resulted in identification of proteins encoded by 17,294 genes accounting for approximately 84% of the total annotated protein-coding genes in humans. A unique and comprehensive strategy for proteogenomic analysis enabled us to discover a number of novel protein-coding regions, which includes translated pseudogenes, non-coding RNAs and upstream open reading frames. This large human proteome catalogue (available as an interactive web-based resource at http://www.humanproteomemap.org) will complement available human genome and transcriptome data to accelerate biomedical research in health and disease.

Proteomic analysis of human vitreous humor.

BACKGROUND: The vitreous humor is a transparent, gelatinous mass whose main constituent is water. It plays an important role in providing metabolic nutrient requirements of the lens, coordinating eye growth and providing support to the retina. It is in close proximity to the retina and reflects many of the changes occurring in this tissue. The biochemical changes occurring in the vitreous could provide a better understanding about the pathophysiological processes that occur in vitreoretinopathy. In this study, we investigated the proteome of normal human vitreous humor using high resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The vitreous humor was subjected to multiple fractionation techniques followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. We identified 1,205 proteins, 682 of which have not been described previously in the vitreous humor. Most proteins were localized to the extracellular space (24%), cytoplasm (20%) or plasma membrane (14%). Classification based on molecular function showed that 27% had catalytic activity, 10% structural activity, 10% binding activity, 4% cell and 4% transporter activity. Categorization for biological processes showed 28% participate in metabolism, 20% in cell communication and 13% in cell growth. The data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000957. CONCLUSION: This large catalog of vitreous proteins should facilitate biomedical research into pathological conditions of the eye including diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment and cataract.

Multiple sclerosis-associated uveitis - A series from South India.

PURPOSE: To report clinical profiles of multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated uveitis in seven cases from a single tertiary eye care center in South India. METHODS: Retrospective case series 2013-2023. RESULTS: Seven cases of MS-associated uveitis were retrieved from our databases. There were five females and two males. The diagnosis of MS was made by the neurologist in all cases. Bilaterality was seen in all cases. Intermediate uveitis was the most common presentation (five cases). It was associated with peripheral retinal vasculitis (two cases) and disc pallor (two cases). Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (one case) and incomplete Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)-like presentation with a peripapillary choroidal neovascular membrane (one case) were the other presentations. In the case with incomplete VKH-like presentation, whole genome sequencing revealed a heterozygous non-synonymous variation (c.1228C>T) in exon 10 of TNFRSF1A, suggestive of susceptibility to multiple sclerosis 5 due to mutation in the TNFRS1A gene on chromosome 12p13.31. All cases received systemic steroids. Azathioprine (three cases) and rituximab (three cases) were the commonly used immunomodulatory drugs. The visual outcome was good in all cases at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: MS-associated uveitis is underreported in India. This series highlights the clinical profile of MS-associated uveitis in India.

Characterizing the normal proteome of human ciliary body.

BACKGROUND: The ciliary body is the circumferential muscular tissue located just behind the iris in the anterior chamber of the eye. It plays a pivotal role in the production of aqueous humor, maintenance of the lens zonules and accommodation by changing the shape of the crystalline lens. The ciliary body is the major target of drugs against glaucoma as its inhibition leads to a drop in intraocular pressure. A molecular study of the ciliary body could provide a better understanding about the pathophysiological processes that occur in glaucoma. Thus far, no large-scale proteomic investigation has been reported for the human ciliary body. RESULTS: In this study, we have carried out an in-depth LC-MS/MS-based proteomic analysis of normal human ciliary body and have identified 2,815 proteins. We identified a number of proteins that were previously not described in the ciliary body including importin 5 (IPO5), atlastin-2 (ATL2), B-cell receptor associated protein 29 (BCAP29), basigin (BSG), calpain-1 (CAPN1), copine 6 (CPNE6), fibulin 1 (FBLN1) and galectin 1 (LGALS1). We compared the plasma proteome with the ciliary body proteome and found that the large majority of proteins in the ciliary body were also detectable in the plasma while 896 proteins were unique to the ciliary body. We also classified proteins using pathway enrichment analysis and found most of proteins associated with ubiquitin pathway, EIF2 signaling, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: More than 95% of the identified proteins have not been previously described in the ciliary body proteome. This is the largest catalogue of proteins reported thus far in the ciliary body that should provide new insights into our understanding of the factors involved in maintaining the secretion of aqueous humor. The identification of these proteins will aid in understanding various eye diseases of the anterior segment such as glaucoma and presbyopia.

Predictors for tubercular uveitis: a comparison between biopsy-proven cases of tubercular and sarcoid uveitis.

AIM: To look for clinical parameters that will assist in making a diagnosis of tubercular or sarcoid uveitis in a South Indian patient population METHODS: Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative study of 51 patients with a diagnosis of biopsy-proven tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. These patients had a minimum of 1-year follow-up after initiating treatment for either disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine clinical predictors of tubercular uveitis. RESULTS: The mean age group was 47.08 ± 11.19 years. There were 39 women and 12 men in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows likelihood of uveitis being tubercular in etiology using 3 variables: Schirmer test >10 mm, retinal vasculitis with areas of multiple, pigmented chorioretinal atrophy along blood vessels, and a positive Mantoux test 76.6%. CONCLUSION: A combination of Schirmer test >10 mm, retinal vasculitis with areas of multiple, pigmented chorioretinal atrophy along blood vessels, and positive Mantoux test may be used clinically to differentiate tubercular from sarcoid uveitis in our patient population.

Uveitis, retinal vasculitis, and loss of accommodation as sole manifestations of demyelinating disease: A case report.

In this report we describe nongranulomatous uveitis followed by bilateral retinal vasculitis and much later by the loss of accommodation as initial presentations of demyelinating disease in a 42-year-old female with no other neurologic manifestations. The absence of demyelinating plaques in the initial magneric resonance imaging (MRI) (orbit and cranium) and its occurrence 2 years later, have been described as "lesions appearing with time". Extensive laboratory investigations ruled out infections, systemic vasculitis, and connective tissue disorders. Due to the presence of oligoclonal bands in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum, absence of antiaquaporin-4, antimyelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, and negative vasculitis profile, the exact cause of demyelination (multiple sclerosis/vasculitis related) could not be ascertained. She has currently received 2 cycles of rituximab and at the last follow-up did not show any recurrences.

Near full thickness macular hole with an intact overlying internal limiting membrane following resolution of fulminant acquired toxoplasma retinitis -A unique finding.

A 43-year-old immunocompetent male presented with focal macular retinitis with overlying vitritis in the right eye. His BCVA was counting fingers close to face. OCT showed increased intraretinal thickness at the area of retinitis with adjacent hypo reflectivity of the choroid. Serology was positive for IgM and IgG antibodies for toxoplasma. He received oral clindamycin 300 mg 4 times/day for 8 weeks. At 6 weeks, his BCVA was CF 2 metres. Fundus showed complete resolution of retinitis with formation of near, full thickness macular hole with intact overlying ILM. A small hyper reflective scar was seen at the base of the macular hole.

What Makes Cornea Immunologically Unique and Privileged? Mechanistic Clues from a High-Resolution Proteomic Landscape of the Human Cornea.

Success rates of corneal transplantation are particularly high owing to its unique, innate immune privilege derived from a phenomenon known as Anterior Chamber-Associated Immune Deviation (ACAID). Of note, cornea is a transparent, avascular structure that acts as a barrier along with sclera to protect the eye and contributes to optical power. Molecular and systems biology mechanisms underlying ACAID and the immunologically unique and privileged status of cornea are not well known. We report here a global unbiased proteomic profiling of the human cornea and the identification of 4824 proteins, the largest catalog of human corneal proteins identified to date. Moreover, signaling pathway analysis revealed enrichment of spliceosome, phagosome, lysosome, and focal adhesion pathways, thereby demonstrating the protective functions of corneal proteins. We observed an enrichment of neutrophil-mediated immune response processes in the cornea as well as proteins belonging to the complement and ER-Phagosome pathways that are suggestive of active immune and inflammatory surveillance response. This study provides a key expression map of the corneal proteome repertoire that should enable future translational medicine studies on the pathological conditions of the cornea and the mechanisms by which cornea immunology are governed. Molecular mechanisms of corneal immune privilege have broad relevance to understand and anticipate graft rejection in the field of organ transplantation.

Digging Deeper for the Eye Proteome in Vitreous Substructures: A High-Resolution Proteome Map of the Normal Human Vitreous Base.

Mapping the normal eye proteome in healthy persons is essential to unravel the molecular basis of diseases impacting visual health. The vitreous occupies a large portion of the human eye between the lens and the retina and plays a significant role in vitreoretinal diseases as well as maintaining clarity in the visual field, providing nutrition to the lens, and protecting the eye from mechanical shocks. It comprises four distinct anatomical regions, namely the vitreous core, vitreous cortex, vitreous base, and anterior hyaloid. Among these, the vitreous is attached to other substructures in the eye by the vitreous base, which is its strongest point of attachment. Alterations in vitreous substructures have been reported in several vitreoretinal disorders, including vitreomacular traction, vitreoretinopathies, and age-related macular degeneration. There has been limited knowledge on proteomics variations at a resolution of vitreous substructures, including the functionally and pathophysiologically significant vitreous base. We report here new findings on the proteome map of the vitreous base in normal healthy tissue. We employed a global, unbiased proteomic profiling approach resulting in the identification of 6511 proteins. Of these, 302 proteins were involved in metabolic processes essential for energy utilization. Moreover, we identified several structural and nutrient transport proteins. Notably, the identified proteome repertoire indicates that the vitreous base might possess additional physiological functions and may not be a passive structure. This study constitutes the most extensive catalog of vitreous base proteins to our knowledge and offers novel insights as a baseline for future studies on the pathobiology of various eye diseases. These data also invite us to consider a potentially more active functional role for the vitreous base in eye physiology and visual health.

Seroprevalence of Lymes disease in the Nagarahole and Bandipur forest areas of South India.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Lymes disease in a population at risk in south India. Methods: Prospective ongoing study and included screening of forest workers and staff of Nagarahole and Bandipur forest ranges in South India for Lymes disease. Screening included a detailed questionnaire for Lymes disease, complete ocular and systemic examination by an ophthalmologist and infectious disease specialist and blood collection. ELISA for IgM and IgG antibodies for Borrelia burgdorferi were performed on the collected sera samples. Western blot confirmation was done on the seropositive samples. Ticks were also collected from these forest areas for future studies to detect if they harbor B. burgdorferi. Results: Seroprevalence of 19.9% was noted by ELISA. Western blot confirmation was seen in 15.6% of the seropositive samples. There was significant correlation between seropositivity and exposure to tick bites (P = 0.023). Conclusion: There is a high seroprevalence of infection with B. burgdorferi in the forest areas of Nagarahole and Bandipur ranges in south India.

A scalable, self-sustaining model for screening and treatment of diabetic retinopathy in rural Karnataka.

The Indian health infrastructure is struggling to handle the burgeoning number of people with diabetes. Managing the complications of diabetes in an organized manner through the government health programs is still a distant reality. Here, we describe a program aimed at addressing the problem of diabetic retinopathy in rural areas of Tumkur district in Karnataka. By amalgamating telescreening and our own novel distributive care model, we were able to screen 85% of the registered diabetics in the Government noncommunicable disease clinics and treat 95% of those needing laser therapy. We also describe the importance of using electronic medical records in public health programs which not only increase the efficiency in screening for disease but help in increasing uptake of treatment by tracking defaulters.

A study of the efficacy of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of refractory glaucomas.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) is a relatively new method of cyclodestruction which can be used in the management of refractory glaucomas. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ECP in the management of refractory glaucomas. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective interventional non-comparative study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty eyes of 50 patients with refractory glaucoma, whose intraocular pressures (IOP) were not under control with maximal medical therapy underwent ECP, by the anterior, or pars plana route. IOP, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the number of anti-glaucoma medications, were compared postoperatively to preoperative values. Success was defined as IOP pound 22 mmhg, with or without use of medications. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Student's t test and repeated measures ANOVA were used to evaluate change in IOP and Student's t test, for comparison of BCVA. Kaplan Meier survival curve was plotted. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate reduction in medications. RESULTS: Patients were followed for an average of 12.27 months (3-21months). IOP decreased significantly from 32.58 +/- 9.16 mmHg to 13.96 +/- 7.71 mmHg at last follow-up ( P < 0.001, student's t test). BCVA was significantly improved in the postoperative period ( P < 0.001, student's t test). The average number of antiglaucoma medications decreased from 2.51 +/- 0.97 to 1.09 +/- 1.16 ( P < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). ECP had a success rate of 82.2%. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation is an effective procedure in this subset of refractory glaucomas.

Proteomics and Visual Health Research: Proteome of the Human Sclera Using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Eye disorders and resulting visual loss are major public health problems affecting millions of people worldwide. In this context, the sclera is an opaque, thick outer coat covering more than 80% of the eye, and essential in maintaining the shape of the eye and protecting the intraocular contents against infection and the external environment. Despite efforts undertaken to decipher the scleral proteome, the functional and structural picture of the sclera still remain elusive. Recently, proteomics has arisen as a powerful tool that enables identification of proteins playing a critical role in health and disease. Therefore, we carried out an in-depth proteomic analysis of the human scleral tissue using a high-resolution Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer. We identified 4493 proteins using SequestHT and Mascot as search algorithms in Proteome Discoverer 2.1. Importantly, the proteins, including radixin, synaptopodin, paladin, netrin 1, and kelch-like family member 41, were identified for the first time in human sclera. Gene ontology analysis unveiled that the majority of proteins were localized to the cytoplasm and involved in cell communication and metabolism. In sum, this study offers the largest catalog of proteins identified in sclera with the aim of facilitating their contribution to diagnostics and therapeutics innovation in visual health and autoimmune disorders. This study also provides a valuable baseline for future investigations so as to map the dynamic changes that occur in sclera in various pathological conditions.

Bilateral retinitis following chikun- gunya fever.

A 35-year-old male with a history of chikungunya fever, presented with diminution of vision in the right eye of one-week duration. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was counting fingers 2 meters and 20/20 (Snellens) in the right and left eyes respectively. A diagnosis of neuroretinitis was made in the right eye while left eye showed features of retinitis. ELISA (serum) and polymerase chain reaction (aqueous) were positive for herpes simplex virus. The lesions did not show any response to antiviral or steroid treatment and appeared to be self-limiting. At five months follow-up, lesions had resolved well with BCVA of 20/120 and 20/20 in the right and left eyes respectively.

Bilateral arterial occlusions masking retinitis in a HIV-positive male.

We report an interesting case of 36-year-old HIV-positive male with uveitis, cilioretinal artery occlusion in OD, and superotemporal branch retinal artery occlusion in OS. Hypercoagulability, cardiovascular, and rheumatologic workups were unremarkable. Aqueous taps were negative for toxoplasma, viruses, and MTb by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Patches of retinitis were seen on clearing of retinal edema. Serology was positive for toxoplasma and rickettsia. Management included doxycycline, azithromycin, bactrim DS, and oral steroids. Vision improvement to 6/60 and 6/24 in OD and OS refer to the right eye and left eye, respectively, were noted at 4-month follow-up. Infections should be considered in arterial occlusions associated with inflammation in HIV-positive individuals.

Progressive, subretinal fibrosis mimicking retinal necrosis with poor visual prognosis in sympathetic ophthalmia: A rare finding.

We report a rare finding of progressive subretinal fibrosis mimicking retinal necrosis in 2 cases of sympathetic ophthalmia. Histopathology of the inciting eye and vitreous biopsy of the sympathizing eye ruled out infections and masquerades. Progression of inflammation and rapid deterioration of vision inspite of maximum immunosuppression are key findings in this variant of sympathetic ophthalmia.

Community care for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma in India: A panel discussion.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and glaucoma are emerging causes of blindness and visual impairment in India and the world. Both diseases do not have any early warning symptoms, and once the symptoms appear, the diseases are reasonably advanced. Because of the long-standing nature of the diseases, one cannot adopt the cataract detection and treatment model so successfully developed in India. It requires an altogether different approach for screening and related infrastructure including human capital development. The solutions developed to reduce the burden of DR/glaucoma should be customized to urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. Greater advocacy, improving the health-seeking behavior, development of infrastructure and skilled personnel appropriate for the points of care, and an emphasis in comprehensive eye care are some of the solutions.

Human Optic Nerve: An Enhanced Proteomic Expression Profile.

Ophthalmology and visual health are new frontiers for postgenomic research and technologies such as proteomics. In this context, the optic nerve and retina extend as the outgrowth of the brain, wherein the latter receives the optical input and the former relays the information for processing. While efforts to understand the optic nerve proteome have been made earlier, there exists a lacuna in its biochemical composition and molecular functions. We report, in this study, a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based approach using an Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid mass spectrometer to elucidate the human optic nerve proteomic profile. Raw spectra were searched against NCBI Human RefSeq 75 database using SEQUEST HT and MASCOT algorithms. We identified nearly 35,000 peptides in human optic nerve samples, corresponding to 5682 proteins, of which 3222 proteins are being reported for the first time. Label-free quantification using spectral abundance pointed out to neuronal structural proteins such as myelin basic protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and proteolipid protein 1 as the most abundant proteins. We also identified several neurotransmitter receptors and postsynaptic density synaptosomal scaffold proteins. Pathway analysis revealed that a majority of the proteins are structural proteins and have catalytic and binding activity. This study is one of the largest proteomic profiles of the human optic nerve and offers the research community an initial baseline optic nerve proteome for further studies. This will also help understand the protein dynamics of the human optic nerve under normal conditions.

A Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Molecular Approach to Characterize a Tick Vector in Lyme Disease.

Next-generation sequencing approaches have revolutionized genomic medicine and enabled rapid diagnosis for several diseases. These approaches are widely used for pathogen detection in several infectious diseases. Lyme disease is a tick-borne infectious disease, which affects multiple organs. The causative organism is a spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by ticks. Lyme disease can be treated easily if detected early, but its diagnosis is often delayed or is incorrect leading to a chronic debilitating condition. Current confirmatory diagnostic tests for Lyme disease rely on detection of antigens derived from B. burgdorferi, which are prone to both false positives and false negatives. Instead of focusing only on the human host for the diagnosis of Lyme disease, one could also attempt to identify the vector (tick) and the causative organism carried by the tick. Since all ticks do not transmit Lyme disease, it can be informative to accurately identify the tick from the site of bite, which is often observed by the patient and discarded. However, identifying ticks based on morphology alone requires a trained operator and can still be incorrect. Thus, we decided to take a molecular approach by sequencing DNA and RNA from a tick collected from an individual bitten by the tick. Using next-generation sequencing, we confirmed the identity of the tick as a dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, and did not identify any pathogenic bacterial sequences, including Borrelia species. Despite the limited availability of nucleotide sequences for many types of ticks, our approach correctly identified the tick species. This proof-of-principle study demonstrates the potential of next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of tick-borne infections, which can also be extended to other zoonotic diseases.