Multifunctional In-Memory Logics Based on a Dual-Gate Antiambipolar Transistor toward Non-von Neumann Computing Architecture.

In-memory computing may make it possible to realize non-von Neumann computing because the logic circuits are unified in the memory units. We investigated two types of in-memory logic operations, namely, two-input logic circuits and multifunctional artificial synapses. These were realized in a dual-gate antiambipolar transistor (AAT) with a ReS2/WSe2 heterojunction, in which polystyrene with a zinc phthalocyanine core (ZnPc-PS4) was incorporated as a memory layer. Here, reconfigurability is a key concept for both types of device operations and was achieved by merging the Λ-shaped transfer curve of the AAT and the nonvolatile memory effect of ZnPc-PS4. First, we achieved electrically reconfigurable two-input logic circuits. Versatile logic circuits such as AND, OR, NAND, NOR, and XOR circuits were demonstrated by taking advantage of the Λ-shaped transfer curve of the dual-gate AAT. Importantly, the nonvolatile memory function provided the electrical switching of the individual circuits between AND/OR, NAND/NOR, and XOR/NAND circuits with constant input signals. Second, the memory effect was applied to multifunctional artificial synapses. The inhibitory/excitatory and long-term potentiation/depression synaptic operations were electrically reconfigured simply by controlling one parameter (readout voltage), making three distinct responses possible even with the same presynaptic signals. These findings provide hints that may lead to the realization of new in-memory computing architectures beyond the current von Neumann computers.

Retrospective analysis of odontogenic myxoma and odontogenic myxofibroma in the oral and maxillofacial region: a fibrous tissue-related differentiation.

The clinical differences between odontogenic myxoma (OM) and odontogenic myxofibroma (OMF), and the clinical significance of their classifications, remain unclear. This study reviewed the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with OM or OMF and evaluated the fibrous component of the specimens. Medical records of 21 patients with OM or OMF who underwent tumour resection were reviewed. The percentage of fibrous tissue on the representative sections was evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin- and Masson's trichrome-stained specimens. Histopathological diagnoses included 11 OMs and 10 OMFs with no tumour recurrence except for two cases in which the dredging method was applied. More cortical bone perforation was observed in OM than in OMF cases, without significant differences. Location-locularity and apparent diffusion coefficient value (ADC)-cortical bone perforation were significantly correlated in all OM and OMF cases. The percentage of fibrous tissue in specimens showed bimodal distribution bordered by 45%. There was a significant association between diagnosis based on 45% fibrous tissue criterion and the final pathological diagnosis. Our study showed a tendency for cortical bone perforation in OM compared to OMF and correlation between ADC and cortical bone perforation. According to the histopathological analyses, the fibrous component of each case was bimodal with 45%, which may be a criterion to distinguish between OM and OMF. Accumulating knowledge, such as significant differences in prognosis, may allow for minimal surgical treatment options based on the diagnosis according to this novel histopathological criterion.

Pattern of Ocular Injuries Following Road Traffic Accidents Seen at a Tertiary Eye Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Traffic trauma can lead to ocular damage. Open globe injuries usually have a poor prognosis, which can be ameliorated by prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Nonetheless, few studies have focused on the visual outcomes of patients following traffic accidents. In this study, we aimed to examine the characteristics and prognosis of ocular complications in patients following traffic accidents at a specialized tertiary eye hospital. METHODS: We classified 44 patients from traffic accidents (88 eyes) into groups with equal or better (better group) and worse (worse group) corrected-distance visual acuity than a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0 at the initial presentation. Final corrected-distance visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal injury, presence of traumatic cataracts, and treatment were compared between the groups. In addition, a multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the final visual acuity. RESULTS: Globe contusion, orbital blowout fracture, traumatic iritis, and trochlear nerve palsy were observed in 14.8%, 3.4%, 2.3%, and 2.3% of the patients, respectively. Topical instillation and ophthalmological treatment/surgery were performed in 17.0% and 9.1% of the patients, respectively. The better group (68 eyes) had significantly better final visual acuity than the worse group (20 eyes) (P < 0.001). However, there was no between-group difference in demographic characteristics. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between the initial and final visual acuities (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Assessing visual acuity at the initial presentation is crucial for predicting the final visual acuity. Our findings will help to inform ophthalmologists aiming to improve the prognosis and treatment of ocular trauma in patients following traffic accidents.

Does Condylar Morphology Affect Maxillary Repositioning in Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery?

This study aimed to measure the association between condylar morphology and a measure of the maxillary centroid following bimaxillary surgery using mandibular-dependent splints. The study included skeletal Class III and Class II malocclusion patients, excluding those with facial asymmetry. Based on computed tomography imaging patients were characterized into normal or abnormal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) groups. A computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing splints were fabricated to reposition the maxilla in Le Fort I osteotomy. The primary outcome measure was the absolute differences between the maxillary centroid's the planned and actual postoperative positions calculated by superimposing computed tomography scans. The secondary outcome was the measure of other variations in linear and angular maxilla discrepancies. The demographic covariates included the age and sex of the patients. The operative covariates consisted of the dentofacial deformity and the planned movement of the maxilla. Seventy patients with skeletal maxillofacial deformities were included for analysis: 44 patients in the normal and 26 in the abnormal TMJ group. The average maxillary misalignment was 1.04±0.48 mm in the normal and 1.53±0.63 mm in the abnormal TMJ group (P<0.001). A statistically significant relationship existed between the discrepancies of the maxillary centroid and dentofacial deformity (η=0.656, P<0.001). These findings suggest an increased propensity for maxillary malposition in skeletal Class II patients. Furthermore, condylar morphology is a significant prognostic factor influencing maxillary repositioning errors in bimaxillary surgery with mandibular-dependent splints.

Cutting nanodisks in graphene down to 20 nm in diameter.

A direct focused He+beam direct machining is presented to fabricate solid-state nano-disk at the surface of a graphene multilayer micro-flake deposited on an Au/Ti/sapphire surface. At irradiation doses larger than 5.0 × 1017ions cm-2and with a beam size well below 1 nm, graphene disks down to 20 nm in diameter have been machined with for nano-disk down to 50 nm in diameter, a central hole for preparing the positioning of a rotation axle. The local heat generated by this irradiation is inducing a partial graphene amorphization and deformation, leading to a complete graphene nano-disk vaporization at doses larger than 5 × 1018ions cm-2. A dry transfer printing technique followed by a graphene surface cleaning was used to transfer the nano-disks from its initial surface to a fresh and clean surface. Tapping mode atomic force micrograph have been recorded to follow the vaporization as a function of the He+dose to confirm the graphene solid-state nano-disk fabrication limit to about 20 nm with this process.

Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis Presumably Caused by Paederus fuscipes, a Beetle: A Case Report.

Toxicity of Paederus species to eyes has scarcely been reported. This report presents a case of chemical blepharokeratoconjunctivitis with delayed re-epithelialization caused by Paederus fuscipes in a patient with dry eye after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). A 47-year-old woman who had undergone LASIK for myopia 10 years prior experienced visual disturbance and pain in her left eye after being hit by a P. fuscipes insect in her eye 1 day prior to evaluation. At the initial presentation, dermatitis around the patient's left eye, eyelid oedema, conjunctival chemosis, corneal epithelial defects, and a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/200 were noted. No gram-positive/negative bacteria or indication of cellulitis/elevated inflammation was detected. Administration of topical steroids (betamethasone) and antibiotics (topical: cefmenoxime and levofloxacin; intravenous: ceftriaxone) improved the non-infectious chemical blepharokeratoconjunctivitis; however, the large corneal epithelial defect remained for 10 days. Switching from betamethasone to a preservative-free form facilitated re-epithelialization, and the patient's BCVA improved to 20/16 after 2 months. Ophthalmologists should consider the toxicity of the Paederus species on the ocular surface and eyelid.

New Candidate Preservative in Ophthalmic Solution Instead of Benzalkonium Chloride: 1,3-Didecyl-2-methyl Imidazolium Chloride.

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a useful preservative for ophthalmic solutions but has some disadvantageous effects on corneal epithelium, especially keratinocytes. Therefore, patients requiring the chronic administration of ophthalmic solutions may suffer from damage due to BAC, and ophthalmic solutions with a new preservative instead of BAC are desired. To resolve the above situation, we focused on 1,3-didecyl-2-methyl imidazolium chloride (DiMI). As a preservative for ophthalmic solutions, we evaluated the physical and chemical properties (absorption to a sterile filter, solubility, heat stress stability, and light/UV stress stability), and also the anti-microbial activity. The results indicated that DiMI was soluble enough to prepare ophthalmic solutions, and was stable under severe heat and light/UV conditions. In addition, the anti-microbial effect of DiMI as a preservative was considered to be stronger than BAC. Moreover, our in vitro toxicity tests suggested that DiMI is safer to humans than BAC. Considering the test results, DiMI may be an excellent candidate for a new preservative to replace BAC. If we can overcome manufacturing process issues (soluble time and flushing volume) and the insufficiency of toxicological information, DiMI may be widely adopted as a safe preservative, and immediately contribute to the increased well-being of all patients.

Endothelial dysfunction of the cornea after exposure to sprayed venom from hornets.

PURPOSE: Ocular injuries due to Hymenoptera venom are uncommon and most injuries occur on the ocular surface. We reported two rare cases of corneal endothelial damage caused by hornet venom that was sprayed, not injected, through stinging in the eye. OBSERVATIONS: Case 1: A 57-year-old male patient was injured when a hornet sprayed venom into his left eye. He was referred to our hospital because the edoema and epithelial erosion of the cornea persisted. The patient presented with bullous keratopathy, asymmetrical iris atrophy, irreversible mydriasis, and glaucoma. His cataract progressed, and his best-corrected visual acuity was 0.03. Cataract surgery was performed after anti-inflammatory treatment with steroids, and Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was performed 6 months later. The patient recovered well postoperatively: his best-corrected visual acuity improved to 1.0 and he continued his glaucoma treatment. Case 2: A 75-year-old male patient had damage to his corneal epithelium, severe conjunctivitis, and conjunctival edoema when sprayed hornet venom entered his left eye. At initial presentation, the corneal endothelial cell density had decreased to 1042 cells/mm2. The conjunctival sac was washed, and steroid and topical antibacterial instillations were administered. His best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.07 at the initial visit to 0.5. However, the corneal opacification and glaucoma persisted, and 3 months later the corneal endothelial cell density decreased to 846 cells/mm2. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Corneal injuries caused by sprayed hornet venom are rare; however, they can cause intense anterior chamber inflammation and severe, irreversible corneal endothelial damage. In such cases, prompt initial treatment, the administration of adequate anti-inflammatory medication, and careful evaluation of the corneal endothelium are required.

Changes in the preoperative ocular surface flora with an increase in patient age: A surveillance analysis of bacterial diversity and resistance to fluoroquinolone.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the relationship between patient age and the prevalence and fluoroquinolone susceptibility of gram-positive cocci from the ocular surface flora before ophthalmic surgery. METHODS: This surveillance study included scraped samples from the conjunctival sac of 8923 eyes of 5490 patients (70.0 ± 13.7 years) without ocular infection before ophthalmologic surgery between August 2018 and December 2020. A review of microbiological records regarding patient age was used to determine the number of isolates and gram-positive species obtained, as well as their fluoroquinolone susceptibility. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols of broth microdilution. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized additive model and a log-linear model. RESULTS: In total, 9,894 bacterial isolates obtained from scraped samples from the patients were analyzed. The detected species were Staphylococcus epidermidis (31.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.1%), Staphylococcus lugdunensis (3.9%), Enterococcus faecalis (5.8%), Corynebacterium species (31.7%), and Cutibacterium acnes (7.5%) and others. The number of species isolated from the ocular surface was increased at the rate of 1.018 per 10 years of age (p < 0.0001). S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis, E. faecalis, and Corynebacterium species were isolated more often with an increase in patient age. The levofloxacin resistance ratio of methicillin-sensitive S. epidermidis and Corynebacterium species increased at the rate of 1.204 and 1.087 respectively with a 10-year increase in age (both p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Gram-positive bacteria in the ocular surface flora (OSF) exhibited gradual changes in diversity and fluoroquinolone resistance with an increase in patient age. It is important to monitor the OSF of the patients before ophthalmologic surgery to prevent refractory ocular postoperative infection.

Plasmon-Triggered Ultrafast Operation of Color Centers in Hexagonal Boron Nitride Layers.

High-quality emission centers in two-dimensional materials are promising components for future photonic and optoelectronic applications. Carbon-enriched hexagonal boron nitride (hBN:C) layers host atom-like color-center (CC) defects with strong and robust photoemission up to room temperature. Placing the hBN:C layers on top of Ag triangle nanoparticles (NPs) accelerates the decay of the CC defects down to 46 ps from their reference bulk value of 350 ps. The ultrafast decay is achieved due to the efficient excitation of the plasmon modes of the Ag NPs by the near field of the CCs. Simulations of the CC/Ag NP interaction show that higher Purcell values are expected, although the measured decay of the CCs is limited by the instrument response. The influence of the NP thickness on the Purcell factor of the CCs is analyzed. The ultrafast operation of the CCs in hBN:C layers paves the way for their use in demanding applications, such as single-photon emitters and quantum devices.

Long-term effect of using hard contact lenses on corneal endothelial cell density and morphology in ophthalmologically healthy individuals in Japan.

The adverse effects of hard contact lenses (HCL) on the corneal endothelium have been studied in the short term; however, long-term effects remain still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effect of long-term HCL use on corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphology in healthy Japanese individuals. This cross-sectional observational study included individuals using HCL for refractive errors examined at a single specialty eye hospital. Patient age, duration of HCL usage, ECD, coefficient of variation of the cell area (CV), and rate of appearance of hexagonal cells (6A) obtained via non-contact specular microscopy were assessed. We analyzed 8604 eyes (mean age: 35.6 ± 10.0 years, 837 males, 3465 females). The mean duration of HCL usage was 14.7 ± 9.1 (range, 1-50) years. Multivariate analysis revealed that ECD significantly correlated with age (P < 0.001) but not with duration of usage; however, CV and 6A significantly correlated with both factors (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that CV and 6A correlated with duration of usage (all, P < 0.001). According to our results, CV and 6A correlated with the duration of HCL usage in ophthalmologically healthy Japanese individuals. Therefore, it is important to monitor corneal endothelial morphology in long-term HCL wearers.

Difference in Anti-microbial Activity of Propan-1,3-diol and Propylene Glycol.

Propan-1,3-diol (PD) and propan-1,2-diol (propylene glycol, PG) are very similar compounds because their structures, safety data, and anti-microbial activities are almost the same. Actually, both compounds are made up of three carbon atoms and two hydroxyl groups. Regarding their safety, they do not have serious hazard data for animals, and LD50 values (in rats) of both are similar. As for the anti-microbial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of both PD and PG are approximately 10% (v/v). In this study, we used the preservatives-effectiveness test (PET) to evaluate the anti-microbial activities of PD and PG, because both compounds are used in cosmetics as preservatives. The results indicated that PD was more effective as an anti-microbial agent compared with PG, and the effect of PD was marked against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the membrane of Escherichia coli was injured by PD and PG, but the damage by PD was more marked. The damage of the cell membrane may be the cause of high anti-microbial activity of PD in PET. These results suggest that PD has greater potential as a preservative, and PD should be recommended as an additive for food and medicine.

Early intervention for perioperative hypertension in cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: Although perioperative blood-pressure control is important, especially for high-risk patients, no previous report has examined early monitoring of perioperative blood-pressure changes before cataract surgery. In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we evaluated the early intervention for perioperative hypertension in cataract surgery with topical anesthesia. METHODS: Hospitalized patients who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular-lens insertion and whose blood pressure was controlled using standardized management to start early monitoring and control (standardized group; 134 eyes of 134 patients) were compared to age- and sex-matched patients who underwent the same cataract surgery and whose blood pressure was controlled using conventional means (control group; 134 eyes of 134 patients). The perioperative blood pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rate were compared preoperatively, upon entering the operation room, and at the beginning, end, and after the operation. RESULTS: Although there was no difference before the operation, the changes in systolic pressure in the standardized group were significantly lower at the point of entering the operation room, at the beginning of the operation, and at the end of the operation (P = 0.003, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was observed between etizolam and nicardipine use. CONCLUSION: Early monitoring and control of blood pressure in cataract surgery could effectively control perioperative hypertension without additional drug use and could be widely applied in the clinical setting.

Combination of anti-glycopeptidolipid-core IgA antibody and clinical features for diagnosing potential nontuberculous mycobacterium pulmonary disease in routine practice.

BACKGROUND: The anti-Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) antibody test measures levels of IgA antibody against the glycopeptidolipid (GPL) core in the bacterial cell walls and is a useful clinical indicator of nontuberculous mycobacterium pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). However, it is not currently possible to diagnose the disease using anti-MAC antibodies alone. OBJECTIVES: The study aim was to assess the efficacy of the combination of anti-MAC antibodies and clinical findings for diagnosing potential NTM-PD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 938 patients tested using the anti-MAC antibody. NTM-PD was diagnosed by multiple positive cultures of the same species in sputum samples. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the clinical factors related to NTM-PD. RESULTS: Overall, 19.6% (184/938) of participants were diagnosed with NTM-PD. In multivariate analysis, positive anti-MAC antibodies, low body mass index, absence of malignancy, and cavity-forming lung lesions were significantly associated with NTM-PD at diagnosis. The positive rates of the anti-MAC antibody test were 79.4% (135/170) for MAC and 55.6% (5/9) for Mycobacterium abscessus complex, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoscopic examinations should be performed especially in certain types of individuals from whom sputum samples cannot be obtained. Anti-MAC antibodies are also positive in patients other than those harboring MAC, but the rate may be low because of the different components in GPLs.

Pseudomembranous Conjunctivitis following Exposure to Arisaema ringens Sap: A Case Report.

Plants of the Araceae family exude a sap containing calcium oxalate, a toxic substance that causes dermatitis. However, ocular injury due to exposure to Araceae sap has rarely been reported. Herein, we present a case of severe pseudomembranous conjunctivitis following exposure to Arisaema ringens, an Araceae species and popular houseplant in Japan. A 67-year-old man presented with pain in his right eye after exposure to the sap of A. ringens. At presentation, the best corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure in the right eye were 20/800 and 15 mm Hg. Slit-lamp examination showed strong hyperemia, conjunctival chemosis, and corneal edema with many pseudomembranes, and fluorescein staining revealed corneal epithelial defects in the central area of the cornea. We washed the ocular surface with saline and initiated treatment with topical instillations of 1.5% levofloxacin and 0.1% betamethasone, combined with ofloxacin eye ointment. After repeatedly removing the pseudomembranes and increasing the frequency of the topical instillations, pseudomembranous conjunctivitis and corneal erosion gradually improved. One week following the injury, the corneal epithelial defects were no longer detectable, and the patient's best corrected visual acuity recovered to 20/25. It is important for ophthalmologists and primary care physicians to be aware of the ocular toxicity of A. ringens and should counsel their patients accordingly. Moreover, preventative measures, such as the use of protective eyewear, should be taken when cutting this houseplant.

Corneal Toxicity After Stinging by a Sea Anemone, Anthopleura uchidai: A Case Report With Confirmation by In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to present a case of transient corneal damage after exposure to the effluent squirting from a sea anemone, Anthopleura uchidai, and to experimentally confirm the presence of toxic substances from an A. uchidai in the tissue culture. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical course of a 51-year-old man who complained of decreased vision in his left eye after the stinging of a sea anemone, A. uchidai. The toxicity of the effluents from an A. uchidai in immortalized human corneal endothelial cells (HCEnC-21T) and human corneal epithelial cells in vitro were evaluated. RESULTS: Corneal edema was observed, and his best-corrected visual acuity was 0.2. Corneal endothelial cell density decreased to 1435 cells/mm2. Although his corneal edema and visual acuity recovered after topical instillation with a topical steroid and 5% NaCl, corneal endothelial cell density did not recover for 3 years after the injury. The in vitro study revealed fractioned effluence from the sea anemone, by size-exclusion chromatography, containing a substance toxic to HCEnC-21T with cytoplasmic swelling and nuclear dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to be cautious of effluents from sea anemones along the coast, and ophthalmologists should be aware that sea anemones can cause corneal endothelial dysfunction.

Study of Morphological Changes in the Inferior Turbinate After Le Fort I Osteotomy.

OBJECTIVE: There are cases in which patients complain of nasal obstruction after Le Fort I osteotomy, but the relationship with postoperative morphological changes in the nasal cavity, including the septum and inferior turbinate, is not clear. STUDY DESIGN: The authors evaluated the three-dimensional relationship of the morphological changes in the inferior turbinate before and after surgery in 84 patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy. Three classifications were made according to superior amount of maxillary movement at the base of nasal cavity. RESULTS: The high elevation group (4.0 mm or more) had 31 sides, the moderate elevation group had 93 sides, and the low elevation group (less than 2.0 mm) had 44 sides. The volume of inferior turbinate was 76.9 ± 12.8% of that before surgery in the high elevation group. The high- and moderate-elevation groups had significantly higher changes than the low elevation group, and the rate of contact between inferior turbinate and nasal cavity floor was 67.7%. CONCLUSIONS: After Le Fort I osteotomy, the volume of inferior turbinate tissue decreased in proportion to the amount of elevation of the maxilla. Although the soft tissue volume may be reduced due to adaptation of respiratory function, the inferior nasal passage was not completely ventilated in the high elevation group. If the elevation exceeds 4.0 mm counterclockwise with maxillary movement, it is necessary to consider the concomitant inferior turbinate resection because it may lead to nasal obstruction.

Evaluation of choroidal melanin-containing tissue in healthy Japanese subjects by polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

In this study, the choroidal melanin content in healthy eyes was evaluated with polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). We evaluated 105 healthy eyes of 105 Japanese subjects. The mean thickness of melanin-containing tissue in the choroid (thickness of MeCh) and the choroidal melanin occupancy rate within a 5-mm circular region from the foveal center were calculated using the degree of polarization uniformity obtained by PS-OCT and compared with the choroidal thickness, patient age, and axial length. To evaluate regional variations, the 5-mm circular region was divided into a center area and an outer ring area, and the outer ring area was further divided into four areas (nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior). The mean thickness of MeCh showed a significant positive correlation with the choroidal thickness. The mean choroidal melanin occupancy rate showed a significant positive correlation with age. The mean choroidal melanin occupancy rate of the center area was significantly larger than that of the outer ring area. The mean thickness of MeCh and choroidal melanin occupancy rate of the nasal area were significantly lower than those of other areas. The distribution of melanin-containing tissue in the choroid varies significantly with age and location.

Objective evaluation of choroidal melanin loss in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography.

In this study, sunset glow fundus was evaluated in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease using polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). We evaluated 40 VKH eyes (20 patients) and 59 healthy eyes (59 age-matched controls). VKH eyes were divided into three groups according to color fundus images: sunset (17 eyes), potential sunset (13 eyes), and non-sunset (10 eyes). Choroidal melanin thickness (ChMeT) and the choroidal melanin thickness ratio (ChMeTratio) were calculated based on the degree of polarization uniformity from PS-OCT. ChMeT was significantly lower in sunset eyes than in non-sunset or control eyes (P = 0.003). The ChMeTratios of sunset or potential sunset eyes were significantly lower than those of non-sunset or control eyes (P = 0.04). Regional evaluation of ChMeT and the ChMeTratio showed that choroidal depigmentation predominantly occurred in the macula's outer ring area (P = 0.002). The areas under receiver operating characteristic curves discriminating combined sunset (sunset and potential sunset) from non-sunset eyes were 0.983 and 0.997 for ChMeT and the ChMeTratio, respectively. Time course evaluation of 12 eyes from disease onset showed that ChMeT and the ChMeTratio significantly decreased over time. PS-OCT may be useful for objectively evaluating choroidal depigmentation in patients with VKH disease.

Long-term outcome in corneal endotheliitis with molecular detection of herpes simplex virus 1 and human herpes virus 6: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is known to cause exanthema subitem and has been detected in various ocular diseases, including keratitis, uveitis, optic neuritis, and endophthalmitis; however, the long-term outcome after the reactivation of HHV-6B has not been well-addressed. Sugita et al. previously reported the concomitant presence of HHV-6B with herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) in the aqueous fluid at the onset of corneal endotheliitis. We focused on the same patient with corneal endotheliitis, in whom both HSV-1 and HHV-6B sequences were observed, and reported the clinical course and long-term outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old woman was referred to our center for visual disturbances in the left eye. Her best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 0.5 and the left intraocular pressure was elevated to 33 mmHg. Mid-sized keratic precipitates and 2+ cells were observed in the anterior chamber with corneal endothelial edema and reduction of the corneal endothelial cell density to 1828 cells/mm2. The patient was diagnosed with corneal endotheliitis with increased intraocular pressure. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the concomitant presence of both HSV-1 and HHV-6B sequences in the left aqueous fluid. After treatment with oral valacyclovir and topical betamethasone, her intraocular inflammation gradually improved and has not recurred at 12 years after corneal endotheliitis onset although corneal opacity remained. CONCLUSIONS: Reactivation of HHV-6B infection might be associated with HSV-1 corneal endotheliitis; however, no serious late sequelae occurred after appropriate treatment for HSV-1 infection in this immunocompetent host.