Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-Up Study: (NYC-SIGHT)Tele-Retinal Image Findings and Importance of Photography.

Purpose: To describe tele-retinal abnormality image findings from the Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study (NYC-SIGHT), which aims to investigate whether community-based eye health outreach strategies using telemedicine can improve visual outcomes among at-risk populations in Upper Manhattan. Methods: A 5-year prospective, cluster-randomized clinical trial was conducted. Eligible individuals aged 40 years and older were recruited from affordable housing developments and senior centers in New York City. Participants underwent on-site eye health screening (best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure [IOP] measurements, and fundus photography). Fundus images were graded via telemedicine by a retina specialist. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to assess the factors associated with abnormal retinal findings requiring referral to ophthalmology. Results: Participants with a retinal abnormality on fundus photography (n = 157) were predominantly older adults, with a mean age of 68.4 ± 11.1 years, female (63.7%), African American (50.3%), and Hispanic (43.3%). A total of 32 participants in our study passed the vision and IOP screening but had an abnormal retinal image and ocular pathology that would have been missed without fundus photography. Individuals who self-identified as having preexisting glaucoma (odds ratio [OR] = 3.749, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.741-8.074, p = 0.0001) and had severe vision impairment (OR = 4.1034, 95% CI = 2.0740-8.1186, p = 0.000) at the screening had significantly higher odds of having an abnormal retinal image. Conclusion: This community-based study targeted populations at-risk for eye disease, improved access to eye care, detected a significant number of retinal image abnormalities requiring follow-up by using telemedicine, and provided evidence of the importance of fundus photography during eye health screenings. CTR number: NCT04271709.

JP4-039, a Mitochondria-Targeted Nitroxide, Mitigates the Effect of Apoptosis and Inflammatory Cell Migration in the Irradiated Mouse Retina.

We hypothesize that the injection of JP4-039, a mitochondria-targeted nitroxide, prior to irradiation of the mouse retina may decrease apoptosis and reduce neutrophil and macrophage migration into the retina. In our study, we aimed to examine the effects of JP4-039 in the mouse retina using fluorescent microscopy, a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and flow cytometry. Forty-five mice and one eye per mouse were used. In Group 1, fluorescent microscopy was used to determine retinal uptake of 10 µL (0.004 mg/µL) of intravitreally injected BODIPY-labeled JP4-039 at 0, 15, and 60 min after injection. In Group 2, the TUNEL assay was performed to investigate the rate of apoptosis after irradiation in addition to JP4-039 injection, compared to controls. In Group 3, flow cytometry was used to determine the extent of inflammatory cell migration into the retina after irradiation in addition to JP4-039 injection, compared to controls. Maximal retinal uptake of JP4-039 was 15 min after intravitreal injection (p < 0.0001). JP4-039-treated eyes had lower levels of retinal apoptosis (35.8 ± 2.5%) than irradiated controls (49.0 ± 2.7%; p = 0.0066) and demonstrated reduced migration of N1 cells (30.7 ± 11.7% vs. 77.7 ± 5.3% controls; p = 0.004) and M1 cells (76.6 ± 4.2 vs. 88.1 ± 3.7% controls, p = 0.04). Pretreatment with intravitreally injected JP4-039 reduced apoptosis and inflammatory cell migration in the irradiated mouse retina, marking the first confirmed effect of this molecule in retinal tissue. Further studies may allow for safety profiling and potential use for patients with radiation retinopathy.

An Update on the Molecular and Cellular Basis of Pharmacotherapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic illness with an increasing global prevalence. More than 537 million cases of diabetes were reported worldwide in 2021, and the number is steadily increasing. The worldwide number of people suffering from DM is projected to reach 783 million in 2045. In 2021 alone, more than USD 966 billion was spent on the management of DM. Reduced physical activity due to urbanization is believed to be the major cause of the increase in the incidence of the disease, as it is associated with higher rates of obesity. Diabetes poses a risk for chronic complications such as nephropathy, angiopathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. Hence, the successful management of blood glucose is the cornerstone of DM therapy. The effective management of the hyperglycemia associated with type 2 diabetes includes physical exercise, diet and therapeutic interventions (insulin, biguanides, second generation sulfonylureas, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, amylin mimetics, meglitinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and bile acid sequestrants). The optimal and timely treatment of DM improves the quality of life and reduces the severe burden of the disease for patients. Genetic testing, examining the roles of different genes involved in the pathogenesis of DM, may also help to achieve optimal DM management in the future by reducing the incidence of DM and by enhancing the use of individualized treatment regimens.

Similar Strains of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Found in the Gastrointestinal Tract and Bloodstream of Bacteremic Neonates.

OBJECTIVES: Premature neonates are susceptible to opportunistic and nosocomial infections. Efforts have been made to determine whether the neonatal gut microbiome possesses potential for causing bloodstream infections in newborns via microbial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract. We aimed to examine similarities in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) strains found in the gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream in bacteremic neonates. METHODS: CoNS strains isolated from blood cultures and perianal and pharyngeal swab samples of neonates from two neonatal intensive care units were investigated using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Molecular mass and genetic similarities of CoNS strains were compared. RESULTS: Marked similarity was found in the molecular mass and genetic profile of examined CoNS isolates from blood cultures and perianal/pharyngeal samples. The percentage of neonates developing bacteremia following perianal and pharyngeal colonization by CoNS was significantly higher when compared to those colonized by Enterobacteriales species (p < 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: CoNS colonizing the gut may be a source of bacteremia in neonates. Enterobacteriales species do not contribute as significantly to bacteremia when compared to CoNS, and may be protective against gut mucosa-originated systemic infection.

Boucher-Neuhauser Syndrome: Chorioretinal Changes in a Single Case Over Time.

PURPOSE: To describe chorioretinal changes in a single case of Boucher-Neuhauser Syndrome (BNHS) over 45 years of follow-up. Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed. Color fundus photography from 1977 to 2003 was obtained and digitized. Current fundus photography was obtained with widefield imaging. High-resolution spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed. Genetic analysis was performed using an inherited retinal disorders panel. Results: Fundus examination demonstrated central chorioretinal atrophy with sclerotic choroidal vessels. Short posterior ciliary arteries became more prominent and tortuous over time. Mid-peripheral atrophy extends to the equator and demonstrates a scalloped pattern with islands of atrophy intervening with areas of normal retina. The far periphery remained minimally affected. High-resolution OCT demonstrated outer retinal atrophy and choriocapillaris loss. Genetic testing showed a homozygous variant for PNPLA6 and a heterozygous variant for TYRP1. Conclusion: Chorioretinal changes in BNHS vary in onset and severity. It is important to diagnose this condition in order to begin timely management of visual and systemic sequelae.

Repair of a Tractional Retinal Detachment in the Setting of an Idiopathic Vasoproliferative Tumor.

Vasoproliferative tumors (VPT) are benign retinal lesions that may cause epiretinal membrane proliferation and tractional retinal detachments (TRD). We describe a case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with a macula involving TRD in the setting of a VPT. Given the limited number of publications on the management of these cases, we aim to articulate some principles we believe may be helpful in planning a surgical approach that maximizes postoperative anatomic and functional outcomes. We hope that our video provides useful guidance in preparing the vitreoretinal surgeon for managing this uncommon entity. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:485-488.].

Coagulase-negative staphylococcal endophthalmitis: clinical severity and outcomes based on speciation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify characteristics and visual outcomes of coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CoNS) endophthalmitis in the era after the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study. DESIGN: Single-centre retrospective analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two samples from 40 patients with documented CoNS endophthalmitis. METHODS: Visual acuity outcomes of CoNS endophthalmitis were assessed in relation to species and type of treatment instituted (i.e., pars plana vitrectomy [PPV] versus vitreous tap and injection of intravitreal antibiotics [T&I]) on 42 samples from 40 patients. RESULTS: Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent CoNS in our study. Cataract surgery and intravitreal injections were the most common sources for acute CoNS endophthalmitis. Eyes presenting with hand motion or better vision had similar mean final vision after either intravitreal antibiotics or PPV, whereas those with light perception or worse vision at onset had better outcomes after PPV only. Subanalysis showed that patients with S. epidermidis endophthalmitis (n = 39 eyes) had similar visual outcomes with either intravitreal injections or PPV regardless of visual acuity. Hypopyon and vitritis are not always present. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with S. epidermidis endophthalmitis may benefit similarly from either early vitrectomy or intravitreal antibiotic injections regardless of visual acuity. This finding may be a supplement to the complements the management standards set forth by the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study.

Early (5-Day) Onset of Diabetes Mellitus Causes Degeneration of Photoreceptor Cells, Overexpression of Incretins, and Increased Cellular Bioenergetics in Rat Retina.

The effects of early (5-day) onset of diabetes mellitus (DM) on retina ultrastructure and cellular bioenergetics were examined. The retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were compared to those of non-diabetic rats using light and transmission electron microscopy. Tissue localization of glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1), exendin-4 (EXE-4), and catalase (CAT) in non-diabetic and diabetic rat retinas was conducted using immunohistochemistry, while the retinal and plasma concentration of GLP-1, EXE-4, and CAT were measured with ELISA. Lipid profiles and kidney and liver function markers were measured from the blood of non-diabetic and diabetic rats with an automated biochemical analyzer. Oxygen consumption was monitored using a phosphorescence analyzer, and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level was determined using the Enliten ATP assay kit. Blood glucose and cholesterol levels were significantly higher in diabetic rats compared to control. The number of degenerated photoreceptor cells was significantly higher in the diabetic rat retina. Tissue levels of EXE-4, GLP-1 and CAT were significantly (p = 0.002) higher in diabetic rat retina compared to non-diabetic controls. Retinal cellular respiration was 50% higher (p = 0.004) in diabetic (0.53 ± 0.16 µM O2 min-1 mg-1, n = 10) than in non-diabetic rats (0.35 ± 0.07 µM O2 min-1 mg-1, n = 11). Retinal cellular ATP was 76% higher (p = 0.077) in diabetic (205 ± 113 pmol mg-1, n = 10) than in non-diabetic rats (116 ± 99 pmol mg-1, n = 12). Thus, acute (5-day) or early onslaught of diabetes-induced hyperglycemia increased incretins and antioxidant levels and oxidative phosphorylation. All of these events could transiently preserve retinal function during the early phase of the progression of diabetes.

Monocular Vision-Based Retinal Membrane Peeling With a Handheld Robot.

Retinal membrane peeling requires delicate manipulation. The presence of the surgeon's physiological tremor, the high variability and often low quality of the ophthalmic image, and excessive forces make the tasks more challenging. Preventing unintended movement caused by tremor and unintentional forces can reduce membrane injury. With the use of an actively stabilized handheld robot, we employ a monocular camera-based surface reconstruction method to estimate the retinal plane and we propose the use of a virtual fixture with the application of a hard stop and motion scaling to improve control of the tool tip during delaminating in a laboratory simulation of retinal membrane peeling. A hard stop helps to limit downward force exerted on the surface. Motion scaling also improves the user's control of contact force when delaminating. We demonstrate a reduction of maximum force and maximum surface-penetration distance from the estimated retinal plane using the proposed technique.

Philadelphia glaucoma detection and treatment project: ocular outcomes and adherence to follow-up at a single health centre.

OBJECTIVES: To determine ocular outcomes and factors associated with adherence to ophthalmic follow-up in a medically underserved population at a single health centre in Philadelphia. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PARTICIPANTS: Patients from a community glaucoma screening program. METHODS: Chart review was conducted for participants who received a complete eye examination at the Philadelphia District Health Center 5 between January 1, 2012 and May 31, 2014 within the Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors related to ophthalmic follow-up adherence. RESULTS: A total of 249 participants completed an eye examination (mean age = 57.7 ± 6.9 years). Most were African American (n = 220; 88.4%); female (n = 129; 51.8%). Forty-seven participants (18.9%) received glaucoma-related diagnoses, 20 (8.0%) were prescribed ocular medication, and 26 (10.4%) underwent laser therapy. Ninety (36.1%) attended their recommended follow-up eye examination at the health centre. Glaucoma-related diagnosis (p ≤ 0.001), recommendation of a 4- to 6-week follow-up period (p < 0.001), prescribed eye drops (p < 0.001), or received laser therapy (p = 0.047) were factors most predictive of ophthalmic follow-up adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The collaborative effort of eye care providers and health centres offers an important opportunity to detect, treat, and manage glaucoma and other ocular pathology in medically underserved communities. Having a glaucoma-related diagnosis, initiating treatment, and scheduling regular follow-up visits are the most important factors influencing adherence to follow-up eye appointments.