Reaction-Based Detection of Chemical Warfare Agent Mimics with Affinity Ionic Liquids.

We are demonstrating here the successful development of an ionic liquid device based on affinity ionic liquids AIL 1-6 tailored for chemoselective detection of gaseous chemical warfare agent (CWA) mimics on a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as well as on disposable filter papers. In the QCM platform, the negligible vapor pressure of ionic liquids ensures that AILs do not dry out on quartz chips and are used free of leakage during the measurements. This lack of vapor pressure makes these ionic liquid devices highly attractive for gas analysis. In the present study, chemoselective CWA mimic vapor detection by QCM occurs when gas rapidly diffuses into the AIL thin film and accordingly the nucleophilic substitution reaction emerges under the experimental conditions developed. Our initial results give credence to three important conclusions: (i) AILs could be prepared in short synthetic steps and are remarkable in detecting CWA mimics, (ii) the analysis of gaseous CWA mimics on QCM is label-free and chemoselective, and (iii) the detection of CWA mimic vapor by AILs on filter paper discs is colorimetric and portable, and, once used, the paper disc can be disposed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature based on the CWA mimic vapor detection in ionic liquids on a QCM.

CMV Retinitis with Panretinal Occlusive Vasculitis.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis with panretinal occlusive vasculitis. METHODS: Retrospective case series. RESULTS: Four eyes in 3 non-HIV patients (male: female = 3:0) were included. Previous medical history included diabetes mellitus (n = 2), age-related macular degeneration (n = 1), and Multiple myeloma under chemotherapy (n = 1). All patients were treated with oral valganciclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir. Slow resolution of retinitis related retinal opacification was noted in all 4 eyes. Two eyes had anti-viral agents discontinued despite the persistent retinitis related opacification and the lesions slowly resolved in the following months. The final decimal visual acuity was equal to or worse than 0.02 in 3 of the 4 eyes. CONCLUSION: In eyes of CMV retinitis with panretinal occlusive vasculitis, rapid resolution of retinitis lesions is an unreliable sign evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of anti-viral agents. Besides, despite treatment of anti-viral agents, deteriorating vascular occlusion may further endanger macular function.

Diabetic macular edema and proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor under the reimbursement policy in Taiwan.

The purpose of this retrospective interventional case series is to compare the functional and anatomical outcomes in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated intravitreally with aflibercept or ranibizumab under the Taiwan National Insurance Bureau reimbursement policy. 84 eyes were collected and all eyes were imaged with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), color fundus photographs (CFPs), and fluorescein angiography (FA). At 24 months after therapy initiation, the logMAR BCVA improved from 0.58 ± 0.33 to 0.47 ± 0.38 (p < 0.01), the CRT decreased from 423.92 ± 135.84 to 316.36 ± 90.02 (p < 0.01), and the number of microaneurysms decreased from 142.14 ± 57.23 to 75.32 ± 43.86 (p < 0.01). The mean injection count was 11.74 ± 5.44. There was no intergroup difference in logMAR BCVA (p = 0.96), CRT (p = 0.69), or injection count (p = 0.81). However, the mean number of microaneurysms was marginally reduced (p = 0.06) in eyes treated with aflibercept at the end of the follow-up, and the incidence rates of supplementary panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) (p = 0.04) and subthreshold micropulse laser (SMPL) therapy sessions (p = 0.01) were also reduced. Multivariate analysis revealed that only initial logMAR BCVA influenced the final VA improvements (odds ratio (OR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21 ~ 0.93, p < 0.01); in contrast, age (OR - 0.38, 95% CI - 6.97 ~ - 1.85, p < 0.01) and initial CRT (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34 ~ 0.84, p < 0.01) both influenced the final CRT reduction at 24 months. To sum up, both aflibercept and ranibizumab are effective in managing DME with PDR in terms of VA, CRT and MA count. Eyes receiving aflibercept required less supplementary PRP and SMPL treatment than those receiving ranibizumab. The initial VA influenced the final VA improvements at 24 months, while age and initial CRT were prognostic predictors of 24-month CRT reduction.

Diffuse Phlebitis in Patients with Syphilitic Outer Retinopathy.

Purpose: To report two cases of syphilitic outer retinopathy that showed diffuse phlebitis on fluorescein angiography (FA).Methods: Retrospective chart review.Results: The two patients had presentation similar to acute zonal occult outer retinopathy (AZOOR), including hyperautofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence and ellipsoid zone disruption on optical coherence tomography. The main difference from AZOOR was the finding of diffuse phlebitis on FA. Both patients recovered well after antibiotic and steroid treatment.Conclusion: FA is especially important for differentiating syphilitic outer retinopathy from AZOOR. Timely diagnosis and treatment with penicillin and cautious use of steroid usually lead to favorable prognosis.

Clinicomicrobiological profile, visual outcome and mortality of culture-proven endogenous endophthalmitis in Taiwan.

This is a retrospective study in consecutive cases with cultured-proven endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) treated at the largest tertiary medical center in middle Taiwan in the past 10 years. 83 eyes of 70 patients were enrolled. The mean interval between systemic diseases to the diagnosis of EE was 8.84 ± 6.94 days. The mean initial visual acuity (VA) in the logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) was 1.63 ± 0.87. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was the most common predisposing medical illness (N = 53, 63.86%). The most common infectious sources were intra-abdominal abscess (N = 36, 43.37%), and the second most reason was urinary tract infection. The causative pathogen was Gram-negative predominant (N = 64, 77.11%). After aggressive treatment, 34.94% of eyes regain useful vision, and only six eyes underwent enucleation or evisceration. The binary multivariate logistic regression model revealed that female gender (95% CI 1.002-19.036, p = 0.05, OR 4.37), initial VA logMAR (95% CI 0.089-0.550, p = 0.01, OR 0.22), and more intravitreal injections (95% CI 0.368-0.927, p = 0.023, OR 0.58) were independent risk factors influencing final outcomes. Based on the results mentioned above, early diagnosis is recommended to gain better outcomes. The mean interval between systemic diseases to the diagnosis of EE was 8.84 ± 6.94 days in our sample population, clinicians should maintain a higher index of suspicion during this period when encountering patients with bacteremia or fungemia.

Nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy presenting with peripheral retinal vasoocclusion: case report.

PURPOSE: To report a case of nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy presenting with severe peripheral retinal vasoocclusion. METHODS: Interventional case report. CASE REPORT: A 44-year-old woman complained of blurred vision and photopsia in both eyes. She has no history of cancer or autoimmune disease. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in the left eye and 20/30 in the right eye. Constriction of the visual field sparing central vision was found. Fluorescein angiography revealed severe peripheral retinal vasoocclusion, panretinal degeneration, and cystoid macular edema. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated intraretinal fluid. Electroretinography showed decreased amplitude of a- and b-waves in both scotopic and photopic tests. The implicit time was generally within normal limits. The amplitude of flicker response was also diminished. Multifocal electroretinography showed declined signal all over the macular region. Systemic workup including whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography for cancer screening showed negative results. Only antirecoverin antibody was positive. Under the impression of nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy, systemic and local immunosuppressive therapy was given and showed improvement. CONCLUSION: Nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathies are uncommon retinal degenerations with visual loss associated with unique clinical symptoms and findings and with serum antiretinal autoantibodies. Severe peripheral retinal vasoocclusion was not reported. Early detection and timely treatment with immunosuppression could result in clinical improvement.

Choroidal infarction after photodynamic therapy combined with bevacizumab and triamcinolone reversed by tissue plasminogen activator: case report.

PURPOSE: To present a case of choroidal infarction after combined therapy of photodynamic therapy, intravitreal bevacizumab, and sub-Tenon triamcinolone injection salvaged by tissue plasminogen activator administration. METHODS: Interventional case report. RESULTS: Combined therapy of full-fluence photodynamic therapy, intravitreal bevacizumab, and sub-Tenon triamcinolone injection was given on the same day to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration in an 82-year-old patient. Subsequent acute visual loss and marked macular edema as a result of choroidal infarction were noted. Intravitreal and sub-Tenon administration of tissue plasminogen activator were performed 9 days later to salvage the choroidal infarction, and visual improvement was noted. Fundoscopy and optical coherent tomography showed almost complete resolution of macular edema. Indocyanine green angiography revealed reperfusion of the choroidal vessels. CONCLUSION: Choroidal infarction may happen after combined therapy. Tissue plasminogen activator administration may reverse the infarction and help visual recovery.

Unusual optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence findings of eclipse retinopathy.

A 63-year-old female patient complained of dimness in the central field of vision in the left eye after viewing an annular partial eclipse without adequate eye protection on 22 July 2009. Fundoscopy showed a wrinkled macular surface. Fundus autofluorescence study revealed well-demarcated hyperautofluorescence at the fovea. Optical coherence tomography demonstrated tiny intraretinal cysts. Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were unremarkable. Epimacular membrane developed in the following month with deteriorated vision. Vitrectomy, epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling were performed. Vision was restored to 20/20 after the operation. Direct sun-gazing may damage the retinal structures resulting in macular inflammation and increased focal metabolism, which explains the hyperautofluorescence. It may also induce epimacular membrane. Fundus autofluorescence might represent a useful technique to detect subtle solar-induced injuries of the retina. The visual prognosis is favorable but prevention remains the mainstay of treatment. Public health education is mandatory in reducing visual morbidity.