Bruch membrane opening-minimum rim width and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in myopic children.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: It is debatable whether the decrease of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in myopic people under 18 years of age is due to insufficient measurement techniques or to real physical loss of retinal ganglion cells and axons. Hence, to better understand the relationship between the degree of myopia and the neuroretinal rim (NR), we aim to investigate the NR in the eyes of healthy myopic children using the novel measurement algorithms of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). SUBJECTS/METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study includes 378 left eyes of 378 (301 female) participants divided into three groups according to their spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error (RE) [Group-1(G1), -1.00 ≤ SE ≤ 1.00 diopters (D); Group-2 (G2), -4.00 ≤ SE < -1.00 D; Group-3 (G3), SE<-4.00 D]. All participants underwent a full ophthalmic examination, including biometric and pachymetric measurements. Standard peripapillary RNFL, as well as the novel algorithms, Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), and RNFL acquired using the anatomic positioning system (APS-RNFL) were obtained by SD-OCT. Nasal, temporal, temporal-inferior, temporal-superior, nasal-inferior, nasal-superior sectors' and their general (global) averages were recorded. Rim areas and disc sizes were measured via confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Global and the six sectors' averages were recorded. RESULTS: G1 consisted of 141 subjects, G2 consisted of 89, and G3 consisted of 48. The sex distribution (p = 0.112) and mean age (p = 0.129) of the groups were similar. The mean global averages of the standard RNFLs were 96 ± 14.4 µ in G1, 93.8 ± 12.9 µ in G2, and 86 ± 11.8 µ in G3. The mean global averages of the APS-RNFLs were 103.9 ± 97 µ in G1, 103.3 ± 10.6 µ in G2, and 102 ± 10.6 µ in G3. The mean global averages of the BMO-MRW were 374.4 ± 57.7 µ in G1, 373.2 ± 62.2 µ in G2, and 351.9 ± 63.9 µ in G3. For the global averages, APS-RNFL and BMO-MRW did not detect any difference between the three groups (p = 0.563, p = 0.089, respectively), but the standard RNFL did (p < 0.001). Standard RNFL and APS-RNFL were found to be well correlated; however, the correlations between BMO-MRW and standard RNFL or APS-RNFL were either absent or very weak. All three methods showed weak but significant negative correlations with high myopic spherical RE, especially those in the standard RNFL. Moderately negative correlations were found between BMO-MRW and disc size in all sectors (highest in the nasal sector; r = -0.387, p < 0.001). However, there was almost no significant relationship between disc size and standard RNFL or APS-RNFL. Moderately significant negative correlations were observed between the groups categorically and standard RNFL in almost all sectors, while this was much less with APS-RNFL and was not observed in almost any sector with BMO-MRW. CONCLUSIONS: When evaluating the NR in healthy myopic children, it was found that, in particular, BMO-MRW and APS-RNFL are less effected by RE degree compared to standard RNFL. BMO-MRW and APS-RNFL should be used on these children to avoid the possible misdiagnosis of glaucoma.

Laboratory and clinical correlates of brain atrophy in Neuro-Behçet's disease.

Background: Diagnostic evaluation of patients with parenchymal Neuro-Behçet's disease (NBD) requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuro-ophthalmologic, and neuropsychological evaluation. In this study, we aimed to find out the ideal diagnostic method that most closely reflects the progress in cognitive disability and brain atrophy in NBD. Methods: In this matched case-control study, we included patients with parenchymal NBD, Behçet's disease without neurological involvement (BD), rheumatoid arthritis, and healthy controls. Detailed ophthalmological examination, pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (prVEP) test, optical coherence tomography (OCT), brain MRI volumetry and cognitive evaluation tests were performed. Disability status was assessed by revised EDSS. Results: Sixty-eight individuals (35 female, 33 male) were recruited. Mean ACE-R scores were significantly lower in the NBD group (NBD vs. healthy, 80±14.4, 93±4.9, p=0.002). prVEP values were similar across groups, but retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) were more frequently abnormal in the NBD group. We found considerable volume reduction in the brainstem, cerebellum, hippocampus, and thalamus in the NBD group. Regarding prVEP, 120 minutes P100 amplitude (p<0.001, r=0.97) and 60 minutes P100 amplitude values (p=0.006, r=0.90) were positively correlated with the total cerebral white matter volume. Conclusion: Our results confirmed previous observations on cognitive dysfunction in patients with NBD. We reported MRI volumetry data of patients with parenchymal neuro-Behçet's disease for the first time and elucidated novel brain regions with atrophy. Clinically determined scores and OCT failed to predict the status of brain atrophy. prVEP P100 amplitude may be used as a surrogate marker of cerebral white matter involvement in NBD.

Turkish inappropriate medication use in the elderly (TIME) criteria to improve prescribing in older adults: TIME-to-STOP/TIME-to-START.

PURPOSE: To improve prescribing in older adults, criterion sets have been introduced from different countries. While current criterion sets are useful to some extent, they do not meet the need in some European countries. Turkish inappropriate medication use in the elderly (TIME) criteria was planned to meet this need. METHODS: In phase 1, the user friendly sets: STOPP/START version2 and CRIME criteria were combined. National experts composed of geriatricians and non-geriatricians were invited to review and comment. In phase 2, thorough literature review was performed and reference-based revisions, omissions, and additions were made. Explanatory additions were added to some criteria to improve application in practice. In phase 3, all working group members reviewed the criteria/explanations and agreed on the final content. RESULTS: Phase 1 was performed by 49 expert academicians between May and October 2016. Phase 2 was performed by 23 working group academicians between October 2016 and November 2018 and included face-to-face interviews between at least two geriatrician members and one criterion-related specialist. Phase 3 was completed between November 2018-March 2019 with review and approval of all criteria by working group academicians. As a result, 55 criteria were added, 17 criteria were removed, and 60 criteria were modified from the first draft. A total of 153 TIME criteria composed of 112 TIME-to-STOP and 41 TIME-to-START criteria were introduced. CONCLUSION: TIME criteria is an update screening tool that differs from the current useful tools by the interactive study of experts from geriatrics and non-geriatrics, inclusion of practical explanations for some criteria and by its eastern European origin. TIME study respectfully acknowledges its roots from STOPP/START and CRIME criteria. Studies are needed whether it would lead improvements in older adults' health.

New Circumpapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Bruch's Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width Assessment in Nonglaucomatous Eyes with Large Discs.

PURPOSE: To compare the new spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) algorithm for measuring circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness centered on Bruch's membrane opening (BMO), RNFLBMO1, with the conventional circumpapillary RNFL thickness measurement centered on the optic disc (RNFLDI), and assess the BMO-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) in nonglaucomatous eyes with large discs. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional, observational study included a total of 91 eyes of 91 patients having nonglaucomatous eyes with large discs (Group 1) and 50 eyes of 50 healthy subjects (Group 2). The optic nerve head (ONH) parameters obtained by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO), peripapillary RNFL thickness, BMO area, and BMO-MRW were imaged with SD-OCT. RESULTS: The mean disc size was 3.06 ± 0.42 mm2 (range, 2.61-4.68) in Group 1 and 1.95 ± 0.23 mm2 (range, 1.6-2.43) in Group 2 (p=0.0001). The mean BMO area was 2.9 ± 0.58 mm2 (range, 1.26-4.62) in Group 1 and 2.05 ± 0.31 mm2 (range, 1.51-2.82) in Group 2 (p=0.0001). The difference between RNFLDI and RNFLBMO1 measurements in Group 1 was stronger than in Group 2 because it was significant in all sectors in large discs. The mean global BMO-MRW thickness was significantly thinner in large discs; it was 252.95 ± 42.16 µ (range, 170-420) in Group 1 and 326.06 ± 73.39 µ (range, 210-440) in Group 2 (p=0.0001). There was a positive correlation between BMO-MRW thickness measurements and RNFL thickness parameters, both with RNFLDI and RNFLBMO1, in global and all optic nerve sectors except temporal quadrants with r = 0.257-0.431 (p ≤ 0.001-0.01) in Group 1. But in control group, Group 2, there was a weak correlation or no correlation between BMO-MRW thickness measurements and RNFL thickness parameters with r = -0.256-0.328 (p=0.797-0.02). CONCLUSION: The new circumpapillary RNFL scanning algorithm centered on BMO is better to assess the RNFL thickness and BMO-MRW in large discs for the early diagnosis of glaucoma.

The Effect of Glaucoma Medication on Choroidal Thickness Measured with Enhanced Depth-Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the glaucoma medication on Choroidal Thickness (CT) in those with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and normal cases. This prospective study included 27 patients with newly diagnosed POAG (group 1; 49 eyes), undergoing glaucoma treatment, and 30 patients, whose treatment was terminated due to misdiagnosis (group 2; 57 eyes). Choroidal thickness was measured using Enhanced Depth Imaging (EDI) with Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) at the first visit and almost one month later. In group 1, the mean Sub-Foveal CT (SFCT) was 301 ± 91 µm, the mean CT was 264 ± 87 µm at the nasal point, 1 mm to the fovea, and 271 ± 84 µm at the temporal point, 1 mm to the fovea. The second measurements were obtained as 39 ± 8.5 days after treatment began; the SFCT was 319 ± 85 µm (P = 0.0017), the nasal 1 mm CT was 275 ± 88 µm (P = 0.162), and the temporal 1mm CT was 291 ± 80 µm (P = 0.007). In group 2, the mean SFCT was 292 ± 100 µm, the nasal 1 mm CT was 254 ± 97 µm, and the temporal 1 mm CT was 261 ± 97 µm. The second measurements were obtained 37.5 ± 5.5 days after the treatment ended; the SFCT was 295 ± 107 µm (P = 0.212), the nasal 1 mm CT was 262 ± 104 µm (P = 0.709), and the temporal 1 mm CT was 266 ± 104 µm (P = 0.792). Glaucoma medication affects the CT as a marker for choroidal blood flow in patients with glaucoma. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to examine each glaucoma medication subgroup.

Long-term Results of Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin-C in Patients With Bilateral Acute Iris Transillumination.

PRéCIS:: The present study suggests that immediate trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) may be performed as a safe and effective intervention in the management of refractory ocular hypertension (OHT)/glaucoma in patients with bilateral acute iris transillumination (BAIT). PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of trabeculectomy with MMC in the management of OHT/glaucoma in patients with BAIT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 9 eyes of 6 patients with BAIT who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC between 2007 and 2015 were reviewed. Main outcome measures were control of intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucomatous medications required to achieve the desired IOP, and complications. RESULTS: The postoperative follow-up time ranged between 2 and 9.5 years. IOP at presentation was >21 mm Hg in all patients. Maximum IOP with maximum antiglaucomatous medications during follow-up before surgery ranged between 36 and 55 mm Hg. At last visit, IOP ranged between 8 and 17 mm Hg, and 6 of 9 of the eyes required no antiglaucomatous medications. There was no failure in any patients according to the guidelines of the World Glaucoma Association. The most common complication was cataract formation in 7 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The favorable outcomes observed during 2 to almost 10 years following surgical intervention are encouraging. Therefore, trabeculectomy with MMC provides long-term safe and effective results in OHT/glaucoma in patients with BAIT.

Photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red by hydrothermally synthesized nanocrystalline TiO2 and identification of degradation products by LC-MS.

Degradation of Congo Red (CR) dye in aqueous solutions was investigated by means of photocatalysis of TiO2 which was hydrothermally synthesized at 200 degrees C in 2 h, in anatase phase with 8 nm crystallite size. Efficiency of TiO2 in photocatalytic degradation under visible irradiation was studied by investigating the effects of amount of TiO2, irradiation time, initial CR concentration and pH. It was found that complete decolorization is achieved within 30 min of irradiation. Effects of nitrate and sulphate ions and humic acid on the degradation were also tested. The results were compared with Degussa P-25 TiO2 at the same degradation conditions. Degradation products were detected using LC-MS technique. The probable pathways for the formation of degradation products were proposed.

Prospective, non-interventional, multicenter study of the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of prostaglandin analog/prostamide-containing therapies in previously treated patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy, tolerability, safety, and usage patterns of prostaglandin analog/prostamide (PGA/P)-containing topical ocular hypotensives in ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma in the Turkish clinical setting. METHODS: This non-interventional, multicenter study enrolled previously treated patients who failed to achieve target IOP (or experienced unacceptable adverse events [AEs]) and were prescribed a PGA/P-containing IOP-lowering agent. Treatment was initiated at baseline (V1), and patients returned at weeks 4-6 (V2) and 8-12 (V3). The primary efficacy measure was the change in IOP from baseline at V3 in each eye. The secondary measures were physician's assessment of IOP-lowering efficacy, patients (%) reaching target IOP determined at V1, hyperemia score, physician and patient assessment of study treatment tolerability at V3, and AE frequency/severity. A subgroup analysis of patients receiving the most common study treatment was conducted. All analyses were performed using the safety population (patients who received one or more doses and had any data available). RESULTS: Of 358 enrolled patients, 60.6% had primary open-angle glaucoma, 29.9% had secondary open-angle glaucoma (protocol amendment), and 13.1% had OHT; 13 patients had multiple diagnoses. At V3, the mean IOP change from baseline was ≥-4.2 mmHg (≥21.1%). IOP met or was lower than the target in 81.7% of patients, 95% exhibited none to mild conjunctival hyperemia (most common AE), and tolerability was rated good/very good by >91.1% of patients and physicians. The results were similar in patients who received the most common study treatment, bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5% (bim/tim; n=310). CONCLUSION: PGA/P-containing medications, including bim/tim, significantly reduced IOP in previously treated patients with open-angle glaucoma or OHT; most reached their target IOP or an IOP even lower than their target and reported good/very good tolerability. PGA/P-containing medications such as bim/tim should be considered as a safe, effective therapeutic option for Turkish patients who exhibit poor response, tolerance, or adherence to their previous therapy.

Element content (Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) of the ruderal plant Verbascum olympicum Boiss. from East Mediterranean.

In this study, heavy metal content (Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) was determined in soils and different organs of Verbascum olympicum Boiss. This species is endemic to Uludag and spreads on destroyed areas such as: roadsides, developed building areas, ski lift stations and sheep folds. Soils and different organs (roots, stems, leaves and flowers) of plant samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for determining the element content. Heavy metal contents in soils and different organs in this species were highly correlated (P < 0.05). However, the contribution of plant organs to the accumulation capacity varied according to the metal. These results suggest that this species may be useful as a bioindicator for heavy metals.

Peripapillary Retinoschisis in Glaucoma Patients.

Purpose. To investigate peripapillary retinoschisis and its effect on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in glaucomatous eyes. Methods. Circumpapillary RNFL (cpRNFL) B-scan images of 940 glaucoma patients (Group 1) and 801 glaucoma-suspect patients (Group 2) obtained by SD-OCT were reviewed. The structural and clinical characteristics of the retinoschisis were investigated. The RNFL thickness measurements taken at the time of retinoschisis diagnosis and at the follow-up visits were also compared. Results. Twenty-nine retinoschisis areas were found in 26 of the 940 glaucoma patients (3.1%) in Group 1 and seven areas were found in 801 patients (0.87%) in Group 2. In glaucomatous eyes, the retinoschisis was attached to the optic disc and overlapped with the RNFL defect. At the time of retinoschisis, the RNFL thickness was statistically greater in the inferior temporal quadrant when compared with the follow-up scans (p < 0.001). No macular involvement or retinal detachment was observed. Conclusion. The present study investigated 33 peripapillary retinoschisis patients. Increase in RNFL thickness measurements was observed at the time of retinoschisis. It is important to examine the cpRNFL B-scan images of glaucoma patients so that the RNFL thickness is not overestimated.

Determination of bromine and tin compounds in plastics using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).

The polybrominated flame retardants and organotin compounds were screened in terms of bromine and tin content using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in plastics. The calibration standards were prepared using the fused-disk technique, and all samples were investigated under optimal conditions. Using a central composite experimental design, laser parameters, laser energy, pulse rate, scan rate and spot size were identified. The detection limits of the method were 1000 mgkg(-1) and 1600 mgkg(-1) for bromide and tin, whereas the relative standard deviation (%) values of the analysis were 9% and 6% (n=3) for ERM EC681k with 770 ± 70 mgkg(-1) Br and 86 ± 6 mgkg(-1) Sn respectively, and 106-115% of Br and 102-104% of Sn were observed for the tetrabromobisphenol A and butyltin trichloride spike plastics, respectively.

Nonglaucomatous localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects in Behçet uveitis.

PURPOSE: To describe nonglaucomatous retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects in patients with Behçet uveitis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study and observational case series. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical photographs of patients with Behçet uveitis (n = 259), ocular toxoplasmosis (n = 120), and multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated uveitis (n = 40) for the presence of localized RNFL defects. Behçet patients with localized RNFL defects were invited to participate in a prospective evaluation including standard automated perimetry, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT), and RNFL thickness analysis. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of localized RNFL defects, perimetric and SD OCT findings, and RNFL thickness analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with Behçet uveitis (24%) had localized RNFL defect(s) without any visible scar. Twenty patients (17%) with ocular toxoplasmosis had a localized RNFL defect associated with a retinochoroidal scar in all. None of the MS patients had a localized RNFL defect. Of the 19 patients (24 eyes) with RNFL defect associated with Behçet uveitis who returned for follow-up, there was a corollary thinning on SD OCT B-scan in all and a corresponding visual field defect in 83%. RNFL thickness analysis was within normal limits in 54%, but revealed thinning in the thickness profile scale in 46% and in the pie chart in 21%. CONCLUSION: In Behçet uveitis, localized RNFL defects may be caused by microvascular ischemia at the optic nerve head and/or at the posterior pole and may serve as a helpful ocular diagnostic clue and an indicator of posterior pole involvement, a risk factor for poor visual prognosis.

Blood lead levels of traffic policemen in Bursa, Turkey.

This study was conducted in January 2001, in Bursa, Turkey. Of the 99 traffic policemen who were included in the study, 21 were office workers. Blood lead levels were determined by using an electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometer (ET-AAS). Average blood lead levels were 9.4 +/- 1.6 micrograms/l and 8.7 +/- 1.7 micrograms/l for policemen working outdoors and indoors, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). When policemen less than 15 years on duty were taken into account (n = 48) the difference between the outdoors and indoors working groups was significant (9.3 +/- 1.3 and 8.2 +/- 1.8 micrograms/l, P < 0.05). In order to prevent the negative effects of tetraethyl lead on humans and the environment the use of lead in petrol must be prohibited.

Esterman binocular scoring in amblyopia.

The Esterman binocular visual field test was performed on 24 amblyopic subjects and 10 normal subjects. No correlation was found between the evaluated clinical parameters and Esterman scores in the patients with amblyopia. The Esterman score may not properly reflect the actual binocular disability in amblyopia.