Electronic, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics of (Ae)xFBiS2 (Ae=Sr, Ba, and x=1.7) layered materials useful in optical modulator devices.

The recent discovery of superconductivity behavior in the mother BiS2-layered compounds has captivated the attention of several physicists. The crystal structure of superconductors with alternate layers of BiS2 is homologous to that of cuprates and Fe-based superconductors. The full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) technique was utilized to investigate the electronic structures and density of states in the vicinity of the Fermi energy of SrFBiS2 and BaFBiS2 compounds under the electron carriers doping. The introduction of electron doping (carries doping) reveals that the host compounds SrFBiS2 and BaFBiS2 exhibit features indicative of superconductivity. This carrier doping of SrFBiS2 and BaFBiS2 compounds (electron-doped) has a significant impact on the lowest conduction states near the Fermi level for the emergence of the superconducting aspect. The electron doping modifies and induces changes in the electronic structures with superconducting behavior in (Ae)1.7FBiS2(Ae=Sr,Ba) compounds. A Fermi surface nesting occurred under the modification of electrons (carriers) doping in the host compounds SrFBiS2 and BaFBiS2. Furthermore, the optical characteristics of the carrier-doped SrFBiS2 and BaFBiS2 compounds are simulated. Due to the anisotropic behavior, the optical properties of these materials based on BiS2 demonstrate a pronounced polarization dependency. The starting point at zero photon energy in the infrared region is elucidated by considering the Drude features in the optical conductivity spectra of SrFBiS2 and BaFBiS2 compounds, when the electron carriers doping is applied. It was clearly noticed that the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) influences the electronic band structures, density of states, Femi surface, and optical features because of the heavy Bismuth atom, which may disclose fascinating aspects. Further, we conducted simulations to assess the thermoelectric properties of these mother compounds. The two BiS2-layered compounds could be suitable for practical thermoelectric purposes and are highlighted through assessment of electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and power factor. As a result, we propose that the mechanisms of superconducting behavior in BiS2 family may pave new avenues for investigating the field of unconventional superconductivity. It may also provide new insights into the origin of high-Tc superconductivity nature.

The association of cumulative vasoactive drugs and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm Infants <29 weeks gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of cardiovascular medications on the neurodevelopment of preterm infants, as measured by calculated cumulative time of vasoactive-inotropic score (VISct). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on preterm infants who developed significant hypotension defined as a mean BP more than 2SDs below the mean for GA and received treatment with duration > 6 hours for each hypotensive episode, we calculated the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) and cumulative exposure to cardiovascular medications over time (VISct). The composite Bayley III was reported from the high-risk follow-up clinic for the surviving infants between 18 to 21 months corrected age. RESULTS: VISct was significantly higher in infants with abnormal neurodevelopment. Cognitive Bayley was the most affected component with median (IQR) VISct 882.5(249,2047) versus 309(143,471) (p-value 0.012), followed by language function with VISct 786(261,1563.5), versus 343(106.75,473.75) (p-value 0.016) when those with Bayley III <85 were compared with those with normal Bayley IIIs. CONCLUSION: High VISct scores may have negative effect on cognitive and language neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Investigating the Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser in Reducing Root Resorption of the Upper Incisors During Intrusion Movement Using Mini-Implants in Adult Patients With Deep Overbite: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Deep bite is a common characteristic of malocclusion, and many methods are used to treat it, including mini-implants used for the intrusion of the upper incisors. Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) is an inevitable and unexpected side effect of orthodontic therapy. However, resorption of the root could be affected by the type of tooth movement, such as intrusion. Several studies have indicated the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in accelerating orthodontic movement, but studies that have evaluated the role of this laser in reducing the risk of OIIRR have been limited. This trial aimed to investigate the effectiveness of LLLT in reducing the resorption of the roots of the upper incisors during their intrusion in the context of deep bite correction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (13 males, 17 females; mean age 22.4±3.37 years) with deep overbite were recruited and allocated to the laser or the control groups. Mini-implants were inserted between the roots of the upper central incisors and the lateral incisors from the labial aspect at the gingival-mucosal junction on both sides with a force of 40 g on each side through an NiTi coil spring. A low-level laser (Ga-Al-As) with 808 nm wavelength in a continuous mode, with the parameters 250 milliwatt power output, 4 Joules/point energy density, and 16 seconds irradiation per point, was applied to the root of each of the upper incisors. The laser was applied on the first day of the upper incisor intrusion (T1), then on days 3, 7, and 14 of the first month. In the second month, the laser was applied every 15 days, adjusting the spring strength every four weeks until the end of the intrusion stage (T2), which was determined by reaching a normal overbite. As for patients in the control group, the strength of the nickel-titanium springs was adjusted every four weeks to the required strength of 40 g on each end until reaching a normal overbite. RESULTS: There was a volumetric decrease in both groups' upper central and lateral incisors roots, and this decrease was statistically significant (P<0.001). However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant in each central and lateral incisor volume root (P=0.345 and 0.263 for U1 and U2, respectively). Also, both groups had a linear decrease in upper central and lateral incisors roots, which was statistically significant (P<0.001). At the same time, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant in each central and lateral incisor root length (P=0.343 and 0.461 for U1 and U2, respectively). CONCLUSION: The low-level laser irradiation using the current protocol did not significantly affect the amount of root resorption induced by incisor intrusion in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Overview on Cryptosporidium bovis and Its Effect on Calves in Some Governorates in Egypt.

The present study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium bovis in suckling and weaned cattle calves (Bubalus bubalis) from different governorates in northern, middle, and southern Egypt, such as Behera, Menofia, Qaliubiya, Assiut, and Sohag; result revealed that from the overall examined fecal samples (n = 825), the overall prevalence was 7.27%, the highest significant infection rate was in young suckling calves less than one month (8.2%), and seasonally, winter season has the highest significant level (11.24%), but sex and locality were of no significant effect on the prevalence of infection in this study. Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 18SSU-rRNA gene of the local bovine isolate were performed, and it was found that C. bovis genotype was highly similar to human isolate, which provoke the zoonotic transmission of bovine isolate to humans and identified as a potential source for human cryptosporidiosis infection in Egypt.

A vasoactive inotropic score predicts the severity of compromised systemic circulation and mortality in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the vasoactive inotropic score as a predictor of the severity of compromised systemic circulation and mortality in preterm infants. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on preterm infants with Compromised systemic circulation [hypotension±lactic acidosis±oliguria] who received a cardiovascular support, we calculated the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) and cumulative exposure to cardiovascular medications over time (VISct). Receiver operator curve was constructed to predict the primary outcome which was death & refractory hypotension. RESULTS: VIS had an area under the curve of 0.73 (95% CI 0.85-0.98, p < 0.001). A VIS cut off of 25 has sensitivity and specificity of 66% and 92%, and positive and negative predictive values of 78.5% and 83%, respectively. CONCLUSION: High VIS predicts the severity of Compromised systemic circulation and mortality rate in preterm infants.

The role of the adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells enriched with melatonin in pancreatic cellular regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) were proved to differentiate into insulin-producing cells (IPCs), but the amount of insulin secreted was relatively low compared to the insulin secreted by mature pancreatic islets. Enrichment of MSCs culture with melatonin (MT) was found to promote cartilage matrix synthesis, osteogenic and neuronal differentiation. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the potential role of MT pre-treated AD-MSCs in enhancing the treatment and regeneration of the islet cells of Langerhans in rats with diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult male Sprague Dawley albino rats were divided equally into groups; group I (control group), group II (STZ group), group III (STZ + AD-MSCs) and group IV (STZ+MT pre-treated AD-MSCs). Biochemical studies were implemented including measurements of the body weight, fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels, Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and IL-10. Samples of the pancreas were taken and prepared for light, fluorescent microscopic examination, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and caspase-3 immunohistochemical studies and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: The present study confirmed the regenerative and therapeutic effects of AD-MSCs on the pancreatic cells. Concomitant supply of MT to the culture of AD-MSCs, in group IV, was shown to retain the normal architecture of the islet cells of Langerhans. They appeared well-defined and lightly stained, surrounded by classical pancreatic acini and contained a large number of islet cells with vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Improvement of all the biochemical parameters, in the same group, was demonstrated by increased body weight and serum insulin levels with a decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels. Significant decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokine; IL-17 and increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine; IL-10, compared to the STZ group, were also discovered. Significant increase in the proliferating cell nuclear antigen proliferation index, decrease in caspase-3 and increase in PKH26 labelled MSCs area per cent was recorded in the group of AD-MSCs enriched with MT compared to the group of AD-MSCs without MT. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the potential therapeutic and protective role of MT pre-treated AD-MSCs against the STZ-induced pancreatic islet cells damage. Further studies are recommended to investigate the efficacy of MT and AD-MSCs over longer experimental durations.

Epidemiological, Morphometric, and Molecular Investigation of Cystic Echinococcosis in Camel and Cattle From Upper Egypt: Current Status and Zoonotic Implications.

Cystic echinococcosis has been considered one of the major parasitic zoonoses which is associated with severe economic losses. The present study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence, organ distribution, cyst fertility, and viability of cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered camels and cattle from various abattoirs in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. The work also involved morphological, morphometric, and molecular identification of the parasite. The occurrence of hydatid cysts was investigated in total number of 100 lungs of camels and 574 liver and lungs of cattle admitted to three slaughterhouses at Assiut Governorate, Egypt. Moreover, several individual variable factors, including organ involvement, age, sex, and hydatid cyst characteristics, were studied to identify their possible association with the occurrence of the disease. Genomic DNA was extracted from the hydatid cysts, followed by molecular identification of the parasite through amplification of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Hydatid cysts were found in 6 camels (6%) out of 100 inspected camels, while 5 hydatid cysts (0.87%) were detected in a total number of 574 cattle examined. The parasite was detected exclusively in lungs of camels, while lungs were the main organ infected by the parasite in cattle and one hydatid cyst was found in the liver (0.17%). In camel, 66.7, 16.65, and 16.65%of detected cysts were fertile, sterile, and calcified, respectively, while in cattle, these percentages were 60, 20, and 20%, respectively. None of the studied variable factors were significantly associated with the occurrence of the disease in camels, with the exception that all cysts were found in the lung. Conversely, we found a significant association (P < 0.05) between the age and sex of the slaughtered cattle and the occurrence of hydatid cysts. In this respect, the rate of infection was higher in female cattle and those cattle more than 5 years (P < 0.05). The morphological, morphometric, and molecular studies confirmed the presence of the parasite. Taken together, our results concluded that camels and cattle play a potential role in maintaining the transmission cycle of this zoonotic parasite.

Epidemiological, morphological and molecular characterization of Anisakis simplex(sensu stricto) in Clupea harengus from Egypt.

Prevalence, morphological and molecular characterization of Anisakid larvae in smoked herring fish (Clupea harengus) from five governorates that represent Northern, Middle, and Southern Egypt which include; Menofia, Alexandrina, Qaliubiya, Sohag, and Assiut were elucidated in this study, smoked herring fish samples were collected from local markets during 2020, 384 positive (42.7%) out of 815 examined samples, the highest prevalence was observed in middle and southern Egypt (Sohag (139/230, 60.43%), and Menofiya (123/215, 57.20%), they were found to be naturally infected with Anisakis simplex larvae as free in peritoneal cavity, Based on morphological, morphometric by SEM, and molecular analyses of ITS-2 ribosomal DNA targeted gene and phylogenic analysis, these nematodes were identified as third- stage larvae of Anisakis simplex.

Myrrh Oil in Vitro Inhibitory Growth on Bovine and Equine Piroplasm Parasites and Babesia microti of Mice.

The present experimental study was conducted for the assessment of the efficacy of in vitro inhibition of myrrh oil on the propagation of Babesia bovis, B. divergens, B. bigemina, Theileria equi, and B. caballi and in vivo efficacy on B. microti in mice through fluorescence assay based on SYBR green I. The culture of B. divergens B. bovis and was used to evaluate the in vitro possible interaction between myrrh oil and other commercial compound, such as pyronaridine tetraphosphate (PYR), diminazene aceturate (DA), or luteolin. Nested-polymerase chain reaction protocol using primers of the small-subunit rRNA of B. microti was employed to detect any remnants of DNA for studied parasitic species either in blood or tissues. Results elucidated that; Myrrh oil significantly inhibit the growth at 1% of parasitic blood level for all bovine and equine piroplasm under the study. Parasitic regrowth was inhibited subsequently by viability test at 2 µg/mL for B. bigemina and B. bovis, and there was a significant improvement in the in vitro growth inhibition by myrrh oil when combined with DA, PYR, and luteolin. At the same time; mice treated with a combination of myrrh oil/DA showed a higher inhibition in emitted fluorescence signals than the group that challenged with 25 mg/kg of diminazene aceturate at 10 and 12 days post-infection. In conclusion, this study has recommended the myrrh oil to treat animal piroplasmosis, especially in combination with low doses of DA.

Megacolon due to Chronic Schistosomiasis: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Although Schistosoma infection in humans commonly involves the intestines, megacolon is a rare finding. We report a 47-year-old patient who was found to have chronic megacolon. After failing conservative management, he underwent extended hemicolectomy with colorectal anastomosis. The colon pathology revealed chronic schistosomiasis and Schistosoma serology was positive.

The impact of integrated evaluation of hemodynamics using targeted neonatal echocardiography with indices of tissue oxygenation: a new approach.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of integrated evaluation of hemodynamics (IEH) using targeted neonatal echocardiography, together with regional tissue oxygenation, fractional oxygen extraction using near-infrared spectroscopy on the management of infants with compromised hemodynamics. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort comparison of two groups of infants with compromised hemodynamics. EPOCH 1: did not undergo IEH (January 2012 to March 2014); EPOCH 2: underwent IEH (April 2014 to December 2015). The primary outcome was the time to recovery. RESULTS: In all, 340 infants were included; 158 underwent IEH with a median (IQR) of 2 (1 to 3) evaluations per infant. Reasons for assessment included PDA (60%), compromised systemic circulation (14%) and clinically suspected pulmonary hypertension (22%). The time to recovery was shorter in IEH group in patients with compromised systemic circulation median (IQR), 32 h (24 to 63) compared with none IEH group 71 h (36 to 96), pulmonary hypertension 63 h (14.2 to 102) in IEH group compared with 68 h (24 to 240) in none IEH group, there were fewer PDA-related complications in preterm infants with PDA in IEH group. CONCLUSION: IEH was associated with shorter time to clinical recovery in infants with compromised hemodynamics.

New approach to molecular characterization of Paramphistomum cervi and Carmyerius gregarius and comparative analyses with selected trematodes.

The two ruminant parasites, Paramphistomum cervi and Carmyerius gregarius, were collected from fresh-slaughtered native cattle at local abattoirs in Sadat district, Menoufia province and identified morphologically, then molecularly by sequencing the nucleotides of 18S ribosomal RNA gene (18S rRNA). The nucleotide sequences of the two isolates were 456 (P. cervi) and 401 bases for (C. gregarius). The data were used along with those of several other helminth species from the GenBank to identify these two species genetically. The nucleotide sequences were aligned using multiple sequence alignments of nucleotides by Clustal W 12.1 V and construct their relationship. Neighbor-joining analytical method was used showing sister relationship between C. gregarius from Sadat district and Gastrodiscoides hominis (EF027096) with relative identity of (98%) due to the presence of single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) in the form of indels as nine nucleotides positions. But when clustering of P. cervi Sadat isolate with Paramphistomoidea sp. S4 isolate P5 (GU735643), this relationship shows complete identity (99%) between them. The homology and diversity was done using Bayesian analyses in MrBayes v3.1. This work will give a useful guide for other researchers for the molecular taxonomic position of Paramphistomatidae spp. in Sadat district among the different species around the world.

Prevalence and predictors of out-of-range cuff pressure of endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes: a prospective cohort study in mechanically ventilated patients.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining the cuff pressure of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) within 20-30 cmH2O is a standard practice. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of standard practice in maintaining cuff pressure within the target range. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary-care intensive care unit, in which respiratory therapists (RTs) measured the cuff pressure 6 hourly by a handheld manometer. In this study, a research RT checked cuff pressure 2-4 h after the clinical RT measurement. Percentages of patients with cuff pressure levels above and below the target range were calculated. We identified predictors of low-cuff pressure. RESULTS: We analyzed 2120 cuff-pressure measurements. The mean cuff pressure was 27 ± 2 cmH2O by the clinical RT and 21 ± 5 cmH2O by the research RT (p < 0.0001). The clinical RT documented that 98.0 % of cuff pressures were within the normal range. The research RT found the cuff pressures to be within the normal range in only 41.5 %, below the range in 53 % and above the range in 5.5 %. Low cuff pressure was found more common with lower ETT size (OR, 0.34 per 0.5 unit increase in ETT size; 95 % CI, 0.15-0.79) and with lower peak airway pressure (OR per one cm H2O increment, 0.93; 95 % CI, 0.87-0.99) on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Cuff pressure is frequently not maintained within the target range with low-cuff pressure being very common approximately 3 h after routine measurements. Low cuff pressure was associated with lower ETT size and lower peak airway pressure. There is a need to redesign the process for maintaining cuff pressure within the target range.

Allochthonous bioaugmentation in ex situ treatment of crude oil-polluted sediments in the presence of an effective degrading indigenous microbiome.

Oil-polluted sediment bioremediation depends on both physicochemical and biological parameters, but the effect of the latter cannot be evaluated without the optimization of the former. We aimed in optimizing the physicochemical parameters related to biodegradation by applying an ex-situ landfarming set-up combined with biostimulation to oil-polluted sediment, in order to determine the added effect of bioaugmentation by four allochthonous oil-degrading bacterial consortia in relation to the degradation efficiency of the indigenous community. We monitored hydrocarbon degradation, sediment ecotoxicity and hydrolytic activity, bacterial population sizes and bacterial community dynamics, characterizing the dominant taxa through time and at each treatment. We observed no significant differences in total degradation, but increased ecotoxicity between the different treatments receiving both biostimulation and bioaugmentation and the biostimulated-only control. Moreover, the added allochthonous bacteria quickly perished and were rarely detected, their addition inducing minimal shifts in community structure although it altered the distribution of the residual hydrocarbons in two treatments. Therefore, we concluded that biodegradation was mostly performed by the autochthonous populations while bioaugmentation, in contrast to biostimulation, did not enhance the remediation process. Our results indicate that when environmental conditions are optimized, the indigenous microbiome at a polluted site will likely outperform any allochthonous consortium.

Restoration of root surface caries in vulnerable elderly patients: a review of the literature.

The authors conducted a review to evaluate the current literature addressing root surface caries treatment in the vulnerable elderly, to identify any gaps in the literature that will need to be addressed in the future. The authors conducted a literature search of the electronic databases using MEDLINE, PubMed, to identify original clinical research articles regarding treatment of root caries lesions, with emphasis on research focused on the vulnerable elderly. Five articles were clinical studies of root caries restorations. Only one was conducted on a vulnerable elderly population. The results of the literature review show that there is a need for further studies addressing the restorative needs of the vulnerable elderly. With the aging of the American population, more research is needed to provide adequate care to this population. At this time, glass ionomers are a good treatment option.

Philometroides acanthopagri sp. nov., a new philometrid (Nematoda, Philometridae) from the musculature of Acanthopagrus latus (Sparidae) from marine waters of Iraq.

A new nematode species, Philometroides acanthopagri sp. nov. (Philometridae), is described from gravid and subgravid specimens found in the musculature near pectoral fins and in nasal cavity of the yellowfin seabream Acanthopagrus latus (Houttuyn) (Sparidae, Perciformes) from marine waters off the coast of southern Iraq. Based on light and scanning electron microscopical examination, the new species differs from its congeners in a combination of morphological and biometrical features. It is the first species of Philometroides reported from a sparid fish and the first representative of this genus recorded from fishes in the Arabian Gulf. A key to Philometroides species parasitizing marine and brackish-water fishes is provided.

Comparative evaluation of ketoconazole-ß-cyclodextrin systems prepared by coprecipitation and kneading.

Ketoconazole (KZ), an imidazole antifungal, was formulated into inclusion complexes via coprecipitation and kneading with ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) as a carrier in 1:1 and 1:2 drug to carrier ratios. The KZ-ß-CD solid complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The diffraction pattern of the pure drug revealed the drug to be highly crystalline in nature, as indicated by numerous distinctive peaks. The lack of numerous distinctive peaks of the drug in KZ-ß-CD complexes prepared by the two methods revealed that a large number of the drug molecules were dissolved in a solid-state carrier matrix with an amorphous structure. The thermograms of the KZ-ß-CD complexes showed a strong reduction in the intensity and broadening of drug peaks somewhat in both kneading and coprecipitation systems, suggesting that the drug is monomolecularly dispersed in the ß-CD cavity. The prepared tablets of KZ-ß-CD solid complexes prepared by the two methods were evaluated for their quality control testing, and an in vitro release study and the results of quality control complied with pharmacopeial requirements and the release profiles indicated complete drug release after 30 min. The kinetic parameters obtained from release data were analyzed in order to explain the mechanism of drug release and revealed non-Fickian transport. Accelerated stability testing at 35°C, 45°C, and 55°C and at 75% relative humidity was carried out for six months and revealed somewhat stable systems as indicated by a t(90) of about 2 years for both KZ-ß-CD systems. A microbiological in vitro assay of KZ from the prepared tablets was performed using Candida albicans as a model fungus, and KZ had improved microbiological activity when administered as an inclusion complex with ß-CD. The results confirmed the benefit of using CDs as a useful tool to enhance the dissolution and hence bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs by forming solubilizing systems when exposed to gastrointestinal fluid.

Uveitis in juvenile Behçet's disease: clinical course and visual outcome compared with adult patients.

PURPOSE: To characterize the disease course and visual outcome of uveitis in juvenile Behçet's disease (BD) compared with adults. METHODS: The study population included 13 children (mean age 14+/-2.4 years; 22 eyes) and 16 adults (mean age 30+/-8.8 years; 27 eyes) with uveitis in BD diagnosed between 1997 and 2007. RESULTS: The male/female ratio was 1.6:1 in the paediatric group and 3:1 in the adult group. Five children (38%) and four adults (25%) had complete BD. Mean duration of follow-up for both groups was 4.7 years. The children had more acute exacerbations (4.1+/-2.7 vs2.3+/-1.5, P=0.054). Treatment in both groups included systemic steroids and immunosuppressive agents. In children, mean initial visual acuity in the affected eyes (n=22) was 0.6+/-0.7 logMAR (range, 0-2.2). It decreased during exacerbations in 15 eyes (68%; mean, 1.6+/-0.8 logMAR), severely reduced (worse than 1 logMAR) in 11 eyes (50%; mean, 2.0+/-0.45 logMAR), and improved significantly in 12 of 13 promptly treated eyes (92%; 6/12 or better in 11; mean 0.2+/-0.4 logMAR, P<0.001). The visual outcome pattern was similar in the adults. CONCLUSIONS: Uveitis in juvenile BD is characterized by frequent exacerbations of explosive nature with profoundly reduced visual acuity. Similar disease pattern was observed in children and adults, as well as in patients with complete or incomplete disease. Early diagnosis, even before all systemic criteria are fulfilled, is important because early aggressive therapy can achieve long-term useful visual acuity.

[The role of cytokines for the diagnosis of uveitis]. / Zytokine in der Diagnostik der Uveitis.

Non-infectious uveitis is characterised by a breakdown of immunological tolerance. Several cytokines could be identified as important regulators of the immune system during induction, progression and remission of ocular inflammation in animal models. This review analyses the current knowledge on cytokines in uveitis and their relevance for diagnostic purposes. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory and decreased concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines were detected in the aqueous humor and serum of uveitis patients. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms of cytokine genes altering expression levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of uveitis. These studies, however, included only small or heterogeneous patient populations. Moreover, the reported data are partially inconsistent. Thus, the analysis of cytokines does not play a role in the routine diagnostic process of uveitis so far. New multiplex techniques for cytokine analysis will provide comprehensive data for a better understanding of the complex regulation of the immune system during intraocular inflammation. This may lead to a quantitative description of the immunological mechanisms of uveitis in the individual patient to improve the prognostic evaluation and select the most efficient treatment.