Modulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cell functions by oral inflammatory diseases and important oral pathogens.

The oral cavity presents a diverse microbiota in a dynamic balance with the host. Disruption of the microbial community can promote dysregulation of local immune response which could generate oral diseases. Additionally, alterations in host immune system can result in inflammatory disorders. Different microorganisms have been associated with establishment and progression of the oral diseases. Oral cavity pathogens/diseases can modulate components of the inflammatory response. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) own immunoregulatory functions and have been involved in different inflammatory conditions such as infectious processes, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of generation, phenotypes, and biological functions of the MDSCs in oral inflammatory diseases. Also, it is addressed the biological aspects of MDSCs in presence of major oral pathogens. MDSCs have been mainly analyzed in periodontal disease and Sjögren's syndrome and could be involved in the outcome of these diseases. Studies including the participation of MDSCs in other important oral diseases are very scarce. Major oral bacterial and fungal pathogens can modulate expansion, subpopulations, recruitment, metabolism, immunosuppressive activity and osteoclastogenic potential of MDSCs. Moreover, MDSC plasticity is exhibited in presence of oral inflammatory diseases/oral pathogens and appears to be relevant in the disease progression and potentially useful in the searching of possible treatments. Further analyses of MDSCs in oral cavity context could allow to understand the contribution of these cells in the fine-tuned balance between host immune system and microorganism of the oral biofilm, as well as their involvement in the development of oral diseases when this balance is altered.

Vestibuloplastia con láser de Er Cr:YSGG y nanotransportador biomolécula EPX: un nuevo cicatrizante periodontal / Vestibuloplasty with Er Cr:YSGG laser and EPX biomolecule nanocarrier: a new periodontal healing agent

La resorción ósea alveolar suele dar lugar a que las inserciones de la mucosa interfieran para la construcción, estabilidad y retención de una prótesis removible, una opción que permite modificar este tejido se obtiene por medio de una vestibuloplastia. Actualmente se puede favorecer la cicatrización de heridas utilizando láser de alta potencia aplicado a procedimientos quirúrgicos orales. Se realiza reporte de caso en paciente femenino a la que se realizó procedimiento de vestibuloplastia con láser de Er,Cr:YSGG, utilizando de forma postoperatoria gel de quitosano en nanotransportador biomolécula EPX. Se observa una cicatrización rápida y favorable al combinar ambas terapéuticas, además al utilizar productos con quitosano se disminuye el riesgo de la necrosis de fibroblastos gingivales humanos como recientemente se reportó en el uso de colutorios de clorhexidina (AU)

Alveolar bone resorption often results in mucosal insertions interfering with the construction, stability and retention of a removable prosthesis, an option to modify this tissue is obtained by means of vestibuloplasty. Currently, wound healing can be promoted by using high power laser applied to oral surgical procedures. A case report of a female patient who underwent a vestibuloplasty procedure with laser Er,Cr:YSGG, using chitosan gel with EPX biomolecule nanocarriers postoperatively. A fast and favorable healing is observed when combining both therapeutics, besides, when using products with chitosan, the risk of necrosis of human gingival fibroblasts is reduced, as recently reported in the use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes (AU)

Multivariate Optimization of Electrochemical Biosensors for the Determination of Compounds Related to Food Safety-A Review.

We summarize the application of multivariate optimization for the construction of electrochemical biosensors. The introduction provides an overview of electrochemical biosensing, which is classified into catalytic-based and affinity-based biosensors, and discusses the most recent published works in each category. We then explore the relevance of electrochemical biosensors for food safety analysis, taking into account analytes of different natures. Then, we describe the chemometrics tools used in the construction of electrochemical sensors/biosensors and provide examples from the literature. Finally, we carefully discuss the construction of electrochemical biosensors based on design of experiments, including the advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives of using multivariate optimization in this field. The discussion section offers a comprehensive analysis of these topics.

Immunohistochemical detection of chlamydia trachomatis in sexually transmitted infectious proctitis.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2003, a progressive increase in sexually transmitted infections (STI), presented as proctitis, has been described in homosexual men. In 2013 Arnold et al. described microscopic features that enable pathologists to formulate a histological diagnosis of STI related proctitis. The aim of this study is to identify the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis by immunohistochemistry in a group of patients with male to male sexual activity and pathology compatible with STI proctitis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. The study included 54 patients with risky sexual activity and histopathology compatible with STI-proctitis according to Arnold´s recommendations. The Chlamydia trachomatis identification was carried out retrospectively on paraffin blocks using mouse monoclonal antibodies from Santa Cruz biotechnology. RESULTS: all patients were young men with male to male sexual activity, 69% were positive for HIV. The most common endoscopic presentation was rectal ulcer (61%). Basal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and mild crypt distortion were the most common histological findings. The immunohistochemical study identified positivity for Chlamydia trachomatis in 40% (18 of 45 tested) of STI proctitis cases. DISCUSSION: The epidemiological and endoscopic characteristics of the patients studied are similar to those previously reported. In accordance with Arnold et al., the most common histological findings were (a) mild distortion of the crypts; (b) dense and basal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and (c) scarcity of eosinophils. The positivity of chlamydia trachomatis in immunohistochemistry was lower than others studies that used PCR for this purpose. We did not find similar published studies to compare our results. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, 54 cases of patients with STI related proctitis are presented, all of them with distinctive histological characteristics and third of the cases tested positive by IHC for Chlamydia trachomatis.

Estudio clínico citológico de pacientes con ascitis en un hospital nacional general del Perú

Objetivo. Evaluar la sensibilidad, especifcidad y valores predictivos del estudio clínico citológico de pacientes con ascitis en un hospital nacional general del Perú. Métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes que presentaron manifestaciones clínicas de ascitis, estudios bioquímicos, citológicos e histológicos. Resultados. Se estudiaron 15 pacientes con ascitis. La media de la edad fue 62 años, siendo 80 % mujeres y 20 % varones. Los diagnósticos finales revelaron diversas neoplasias malignas (93,3 %) y tuberculosis peritoneal (6,7 %). La manifestación clínica más frecuente fue dolor abdominal de grado leve a severo (80 %). Los componentes celulares fueron: hematíes (73,3 %), histiocitos (26,7 %), linfocitos (73,3 %), polimorfonucleares (40 %), células mesoteliales (86,7 %) y grupos de células epitelioides con diverso grado de atipia (80 %). Dos casos mostraron células linfoides atípicas. La sensibilidad y el valor predictivo positivo fueron del 87 % y 80 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones. De acuerdo con una prueba dicotómica, el presente estudio demuestra la alta sensibilidad y alto valor predictivo positivo del estudio clínico citológico en pacientes con ascitis.

Hiperplasia neuroendocrina en colitis linfocitica y colitis ulcerativa / Neuroendocrine hiperplasia in linfocitic and ulcerative colitis

Introducción: Algunos autores han demostrado incremento de células neuroendócrinas en colitis microscópica y colitis ulcerativa. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la presencia de células neuroendócrinas en colitis linfocítica, colitis colagenosa y colitis ulcerativa en comparación a controles. Materiales y métodos: Se usó inmunohistoquímica para identificar a las células neuroendócrinas a través del marcador cromogranina A. El estudio incluyó 10 casos de cada diagnóstico de colitis linfocítica, colitis colagenosa y colitis ulcerativa. Resultados: Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el conteo de células neuroendocrinas en colitis linfocítica (p=0,019104) y colitis ulcerativa en comparación con los controles (p=0,0077). En colitis colagenosa, se encontró un incremento de células neuroendocrinas pero no pudimos demostrar diferencias estadísticamente significativa. Conclusión: Se demostró hiperplasia de células neuroendocrinas en colitis linfocítica y colitis ulcerativa, lo que confirma lo reportado por los pocos estudios anteriores realizados sobre el tema.

Introduction: Some authors have found increase of neuroendocrine cells in microscopic colitis and ulcerative colitis. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of neuroendocrine cells in ulcerative colitis and lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. Materials and methods: Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify neuroendocrine cells through marker chromogranin A (CgA). The study included 10 cases of each diagnosis of Lymphocytic colitis, collagenous colitis and ulcerative colitis. Results: There was statistically significant difference in the count of neuroendocrine cells, between lymphocytic colitis and control (p=0.019104), and between ulcerative colitis and controls (p=0.0077). In collagenous colitis there was an increase in neuroendocrine cells but we failed to find statistical differences. Conclusion: We could observe neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia in lymphocytic colitis and ulcerative colitis compared with controls, which confirm previous studies.

[Neuroendocrine hiperplasia in linfocitic and ulcerative colitis]. / Hiperplasia neuroendocrina en colitis linfocitica y colitis ulcerativa.

INTRODUCTION: Some authors have found increase of neuroendocrine cells in microscopic colitis and ulcerative colitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of neuroendocrine cells in ulcerative colitis and lymphocytic colitis and collagenous colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify neuroendocrine cells through marker chromogranin A (CgA). The study included 10 cases of each diagnosis of Lymphocytic colitis, collagenous colitis and ulcerative colitis. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in the count of neuroendocrine cells, between lymphocytic colitis and control (p=0.019104), and between ulcerative colitis and controls (p=0.0077). In collagenous colitis there was an increase in neuroendocrine cells but we failed to find statistical differences. CONCLUSION: We could observe neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia in lymphocytic colitis and ulcerative colitis compared with controls, which confirm previous studies.

Localización y tamaño de los adenomas del colon como factores asociados a displasia de alto grado / Localization and size of colon adenomas as factors related to high grade dysplasia

Objetivo: Determinar si la localización y el tamaño de los adenomas de colon se asocian con la presencia de displasia de alto grado en los pacientes de un hospital peruano. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio trasversal mediante la revisión de informes de colonoscopías de los años 2014-2015 del Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión, incluyéndose los pólipos de pacientes mayores de 18 años; y excluyéndose los de pacientes con cáncer de colon, antecedente de cirugía oncológica, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y poliposis (6 o más). Se extrajeron los datos de localización (colon proximal y distal, división a partir del ángulo esplénico), tamaño (menos de 10 mm y 10 mm o más), forma (pediculados y sésiles) y grado de displasia (bajo y alto grado). Se calculó la fuerza de asociación mediante OR, se determinó si existía asociación a través de la prueba Chi cuadrado, con nivel de significancia menor a 0,05. Resultados: De un total de 1710 informes de colonoscopías revisadas, 378 personas tuvieron pólipos, calculando una tasa de detección de adenomas de 22,1%. De los 458 pólipos encontrados 254 fueron adenomas. Se demostró una asociación significativa entre la localización en colon distal y displasia de alto grado (OR 2,68 IC 1,12-6,42, p<0.05); asimismo, los adenomas mayores o iguales a 10 mm tuvieron más riesgo de displasia de alto grado (OR 7,75 IC 3,05-19,69, p<0.05). No se encontró asociación entre la forma de los adenomas y grado de displasia. Conclusión: Se concluye que el tamaño de 10 mm o más y la localización en colon distal se asocian a displasia de alto grado en los adenomas.

Objective: To determine whether localization and size are related to the presence of high-grade dysplasia of colon adenomas in patients of a Peruvian hospital. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive transversal study. We checked colonoscopy reports of 2014-2015 years of Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrion, we included the polyps found in patients older than 18 years old, and excluded reports from patients with colorectal cancer, an antecedent of oncological surgery, inflammatory bowel disease and polyposis (6 or more). We used data based on localization (proximal and distal colon, based on the splenic angle), size (less than 10 mm and 10 mm or more), shape (pediculate and sessile) and grade of dysplasia (low and high-grade). We calculated the strength of association by OR, and we determined whether there was association by Chi-square test with a significance value less than 0.05. Results: We reviewed a total of 1710 of colonoscopy reports, 378 patients had polyps, so the adenoma detection rate was 22.1%. There were 458 polyps, from which 254 were adenomas. From these adenomas, we found an association between distal colon localization and high-grade dysplasia (OR 2.68 IC 1.12-6.42, p<0.05); likewise, there was an association between the size of the adenomas and high-grade dysplasia (OR 7.75 IC 3.05-19.69, p<0.05). We did not find any association between the shape and grade of dysplasia. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is an association between the size of 10 mm or more and localization in the distal colon with high-grade dysplasia of adenomas.

Coexistencia de colitis linfocítica y enteritis microscópica en pacientes con diarrea crónica / Concurrent lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis in patients with chronic diarrhea

Introducción: Colitis linfocítica y enteritis microscópica son causas relativamente comunes de diarrea crónica y ambas se caracterizan por un infiltrado linfocitico intraepitelial. No existen reportes previos de la coexistencia de ambas entidades. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas e histológicas de los pacientes que presentan este diagnóstico simultáneamente. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron pacientes adultos con diarrea crónica que tuvieran biopsia simultánea de colon y duodeno tomados el mismo día, durante los años 2010-2016, en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión. Se recopiló información clínica del archivo de historias. Las láminas fueron reevaluadas histológicamente por 3 patólogos. Se realizó estudio inmunohistoquímico de linfocitos intraepiteliales para CD8 y CD3 en 6 casos. Resultados: De 63 pacientes con diarrea crónica y biopsia simultánea de duodeno y colon, se identificó un total de 35 pacientes (55,5%) con diagnóstico simultáneo de enteritis microscópica y colitis linfocítica, 80% fueron mujeres. Se identificó anemia en 28,5% de los pacientes e infestación por Blastocystis hominis en el 31,8.%. En enteritis microscópica, el promedio de linfocitos intraepiteliales con CD8 y CD3 fue 40%, mientras que, en colitis linfocítica, el promedio fue de 37,2% para CD3 y 29,2% para CD8. En 11 de los 35 casos, se pudo obtener biopsias de íleon que fueron diagnosticadas como ileitis linfocítica. En 9 casos se diagnosticó colitis eosinofílica asociada a colitis linfocítica. Conclusión: Se encontró coexistencia de colitis linfocítica, enteritis microscópica y en algunos de ileitis linfocítica en un 55,5% pacientes con diarrea crónica con biopsia duodenal y colónica. Estos resultados abren la interrogante sobre si colitis linfocítica y enteritis microscópica son entidades diferentes o constituyen una sola patología que en algunos pacientes afecta varios segmentos del tubo digestivo.

Introduction: Lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis are relatively common causes of chronic diarrhea and it is characterized by an intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate. There have been no previous reports of coexistence between these 2 pathologies. Objective: To describe histological and clinical characteristic in patients with coexistence of lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis. Material and methods: All cases with simultaneous diagnosis of lymphocytic duodenosis and lymphocytic colitis were reevaluated during lapse time 2010-2016 in hospital Daniel Carrion. The slides were reviewed by 3 pathologists and clinical information was obtained from clinical records. Expression of CD3 and CD8 was detected in 6 cases by immunohistochemical assays. Results: A total of 35 patients with coexistence of lymphocytic duodenitis and lymphocytic colitis were selected of the pathology archives, 80% were females, Anemia was identified in 28.5% of patients. Blastocysitis hominis infestation was identified in 31.8%. The mean intraepithelial lymphocyte CD8 and CD3 positive was 40% in microscopic enteritis, while the mean intraepithelial lymphocyte CD3 positive was 37.2% and CD8 positive was 29.2% Additionally, lymphocytic ileitis was diagnosed in 11 of our cases. Eosinophilic colitis was diagnosed in 9 cases of lymphocytic colitis Conclusion: We found that lymphocytic colitis, microscopic enteritis and even lymphocytic ileitis can coexist in a group of patients with chronic diarrhea. These findings bring the question if this concurrence of both pathologies constituted a more generalized gastrointestinal disorder, involving both the large and the small intestines.

Electrochemical magneto immunosensor based on endogenous ß-galactosidase enzyme to determine enterotoxicogenic Escherichia coli F4 (K88) in swine feces using square wave voltammetry.

Diseases caused by enterotoxicogenic Escherichia coli F4 (K88) (ETEC F4) are a problem in swine production establishments. Due to the high rate of mortality and morbidity of E. coli infections, a rapid and accurate diagnosis is important in order to choose an appropriate treatment to reduce the economic impact. Therefore, an electrochemical magneto-immunosensor (EMI) was developed to detect and quantify ETEC F4 in swine feces samples through a direct non-competitive immunoassay. ETEC F4 was selectively captured by immunomagnetic separation. The detection principle was based on the activity of ß-galactosidase endogenous enzyme (ß-gal), which hydrolyses the p-aminophenyl-ß-D-galactopyranoside (p-APG) producing p-aminophenol (p-AP), which was oxidized on a carbon screen printed electrode (CSPE) using square wave voltammetry (SWV). All parameters related to construction and electrochemical responses were optimized. The total analysis time to quantify ETEC F4 using the EMI was less than 2h and the limit of detection (LOD) was 33CFUmL-1. The perceptual relative error (%Er) was 20%. The magneto-immunosensor was validated versus conventional method of culture and plate count, obtaining a very good agreement. The EMI is simple, fast and economical to detect and quantify ETEC F4 in swine feces samples, being thus a valuable tool in swine production.

[Localization and size of colon adenomas as factors related to high gradedysplasia]. / Localización y tamaño de los adenomas del colon como factoresasociados a displasia de alto grado.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether localization and size are related to the presence of high-grade dysplasia of colon adenomas in patients of a Peruvian hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive transversal study. We checked colonoscopyreports of 2014-2015 years of Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrion, we included the polyps found in patients older than 18 years old, and excluded reports from patients with colorectal cancer, an antecedent of oncological surgery, inflammatory bowel disease and polyposis (6 or more). We used data based on localization (proximal and distal colon, based on the splenic angle), size (less than 10 mm and 10 mm or more), shape (pediculate and sessile) and grade of dysplasia (low and high-grade). We calculated the strength of association by OR, and we determined whether there was association by Chi-square test with a significance value less than 0.05. RESULTS: We reviewed a total of 1710 of colonoscopy reports, 378 patients had polyps, so the adenoma detection rate was 22.1%. There were 458 polyps, from which 254 were adenomas. From these adenomas, we found an association between distal colon localization and high-grade dysplasia (OR 2.68 IC 1.12-6.42, p < 0.05); likewise, there was an association between the size of the adenomas and high-grade dysplasia (OR 7.75 IC 3.05-19.69, p<0.05). We did not find any association between the shape and grade of dysplasia. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that there is an association between the size of 10 mm or more and localization in the distal colon with high-grade dysplasia of adenomas.

[Concurrent lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis in patients with chronic diarrhea]. / Coexistencia de colitis linfocítica y enteritis microscópica en pacientes con diarrea crónica.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis are relatively common causes of chronic diarrhea and it is characterized by an intraepithelial lymphocytic infiltrate. There have been no previous reports of coexistence between these 2 pathologies. OBJECTIVE: To describe histological and clinical characteristic in patients with coexistence of lymphocytic colitis and microscopic enteritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All cases with simultaneous diagnosis of lymphocytic duodenosis and lymphocytic colitis were reevaluated during lapse time 2010-2016 in hospital Daniel Carrion. The slides were reviewed by 3 pathologists and clinical information was obtained from clinical records. Expression of CD3 and CD8 was detected in 6 cases by immunohistochemical assays. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with coexistence of lymphocytic duodenitis and lymphocytic colitis were selected of the pathology archives, 80% were females, Anemia was identified in 28.5% of patients. Blastocysitis hominis infestation was identified in 31.8%. The mean intraepithelial lymphocyte CD8 and CD3 positive was 40% in microscopic enteritis, while the mean intraepithelial lymphocyte CD3 positive was 37.2% and CD8 positive was 29.2% Additionally, lymphocytic ileitis was diagnosed in 11 of our cases. Eosinophilic colitis was diagnosed in 9 cases of lymphocytic colitis Conclusion: We found that lymphocytic colitis, microscopic enteritis and even lymphocytic ileitis can coexist in a group of patients with chronic diarrhea. These findings bring the question if this concurrence of both pathologies constituted a more generalized gastrointestinal disorder, involving both the large and the small intestines.

Endophthalmitis Trends and Outcomes Following Glaucoma Surgery at a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence, microbial profile, management and outcomes of endophthalmitis after glaucoma drainage implant (GDI), or trabeculectomy over 2 separate time periods before and after the year 2000. METHODS: A chart review was performed for patients with endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy (trabeculectomy group) or GDI group between 1983 to 1999 (group 1) and 2000 to 2011 (group 2) at a tertiary care hospital. Data were compared between groups and time periods. RESULTS: There were 56 cases of endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy in group 1 and 17 cases in group 2. After GDI, there were 10 cases of endophthalmitis in group 1 and 1 case in group 2. The incidence of endophthalmitis after GDI decreased significantly from 0.0105% to 0.00074% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P<0.05). The incidence of endophthalmitis decreased significantly after trabeculectomy from 0.007% in group 1 to 0.00197% in group 2 (P=0.0004). There were 26 culture-positive cases in group 1 and 10 in group 2. The most common isolates were Streptococcus species in group 1 and Staphylococcus species in group 2. Indicators of morbidity were lower in group 2. The final visual outcome in either group was not correlated to the type of surgery, microbes, or initial management. CONCLUSIONS: There was a greater incidence of endophthalmitis after trabeculectomy compared with GDI. The incidence of endophthalmitis decreased from 2001 to 2011 compared with 1983 to 1999, which is likely due to advances in surgical technique. However, significant visual morbidity does occur despite prompt treatment.

Immobilization of Aspergillus niger lipase on chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles using two covalent-binding methods.

Aspergillus niger lipase immobilization by covalent binding on chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (CMNP), obtained by one-step co-precipitation, was studied. Hydroxyl and amino groups of support were activated using glycidol and glutaraldehyde, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed reaction of these coupling agents with the enzyme and achievement of a successful immobilization. The derivatives showed activities of 309.5 ± 2.0 and 266.2 ± 2.8 U (g support)(-1) for the CMNP treated with glutaraldehyde and with glycidol, respectively. Immobilization enhanced the enzyme stability against changes of pH and temperature, compared to free lipase. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters K m and V max were determined for the free and immobilized enzyme. K m value quantified for enzyme immobilized by means of glutaraldehyde was 1.7 times lowers than for free lipase. High storage stability during 50 days was observed in the immobilized derivatives. Finally, immobilized derivatives retained above 80% of their initial activity after 15 hydrolytic cycles. The immobilized enzyme can be applied in various biotechnological processes involving magnetic separation.

Development of a highly sensitive noncompetitive electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of atrazine by phage anti-immunocomplex assay.

The development of immunosensors for the detection of small molecules is of great interest because of their simplicity, high sensitivity and extended analytical range. Due to their size, small compounds cannot be simultaneously recognized by two antibodies impeding their detection by noncompetitive two-site immunoassays, which are superior to competitive ones in terms of sensitivity, kinetics, and working range. In this work, we combine the advantages of magneto-electrochemical immunosensors with the improved sensitivity and direct proportional signal of noncompetitive immunoassays to develop a new Phage Anti-Immunocomplex Electrochemical Immunosensor (PhAIEI) for the detection of the herbicide atrazine. The noncompetitive assay is based on the use of recombinant M13 phage particles bearing a peptide that specifically recognizes the immunocomplex of atrazine with an anti-atrazine monoclonal antibody. The PhAIEI performed with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 pg mL(-1), which is 200-fold better than the LOD obtained using the same antibody in an optimized conventional competitive ELISA, with a large increase in working range. The developed PhAIEI was successfully used to assay undiluted river water samples with no pretreatment and excellent recoveries. Apart from the first demonstration of the benefits of integrating phage anti-immunocomplex particles into electrochemical immunosensors, the extremely low and environmentally relevant detection limits of atrazine attained with the PhAIEIS may have direct applicability to fast and sensitive detection of this herbicide in the environment.

Unilateral Ischemic Maculopathy Associated with Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Patients with AIDS: Optical Coherence Tomography Findings.

To describe the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of ischemic maculopathy in two patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Two patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis developed ischemic maculopathy. Both patients presented with central visual loss and active granular CMV retinitis. The presence of opacification of the superficial retina in the macular area and intraretinal edema suggested the diagnosis. Fluorescein angiography changes were similar in the two cases with enlargement of the foveal avascular zone and late staining of juxtafoveal vessels. OCT changes were suggestive of retinal ischemia: Increased reflectivity from the inner retinal layer and decreased backscattering from the retinal photoreceptors due to fluid and retinal edema. Ischemic maculopathy may cause a severe and permanent decrease in vision in AIDS patients. Fluorescein angiography and OCT should be considered in any patient with AIDS and unexplained visual loss. The mechanism of ischemic maculopathy may be multifactorial.

Pneumatic displacement with perfluoropropane gas and intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator for subretinal subfoveal hemorrhage after focal laser photocoagulation in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Objective. To report the visual and anatomic outcomes of pneumatic displacement with perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas and intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator (IVTPA) for subretinal subfoveal hemorrhage after focal laser photocoagulation in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). Method. Interventional, retrospective case report of one eye (one patient). Outcome measures included visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT), and size of the lesion at two weeks of followup. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherent tomography (OCT) were used to measure anatomic outcomes. Results. A 35-year-old man with history of chronic CSCR received focal laser photocoagulation in the right eye two days before presentation. At initial examination, VA was 20/200 (ETDRS chart), CMT was 398 µ, and a subretinal subfoveal hemorrhage was seen. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) at a dose of 25 µg/0.1 mL was injected intravitreally before intravitreal C3F8 injection, and prone positioning was indicated postoperatively. At 24 hours, the hemorrhage had been displaced inferiorly and VA improved to 20/100. Two weeks later, VA improved to 20/80, CMT decreased to 225 µ, and the hemorrhage decreased without foveal involvement. Conclusions. The technique seems safe and effective in treating visually significant subretinal subfoveal hemorrhage.

Clinical applications of optical coherence tomography in the posterior pole: the 2011 José Manuel Espino Lecture - Part I.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is now a standard of care in ophthalmology and is considered essential for the diagnosis and monitoring of many retinal diseases. One of the major advances obtained with OCT was the understanding of the pathophysiology of macular holes. Non-full-thickness macular holes have been revisited because high-resolution OCT images can detect a lamellar macular defect that is not always visible clinically, and surgery has been advocated by some authors. OCT can be valuable in determining the need for and/or timing of surgical intervention on epiretinal membranes or vitreomacular traction syndrome. In addition, we can use this technology as a predictive factor in the prognosis and follow-up of the most common posterior pole pathologies.