Alarin potentiates ongoing epileptiform activity in rat brain slices: an in vitro electrophysiological study.

Alarin is a newly discovered neuropeptide that belongs to the galanin peptide family with a wide range of bioactivity in the nervous system. Its function in the brain's autonomic areas has been studied, and it has been reported that alarin is involved in the regulation of excitability in hypothalamic neurons. Its role in the regulation of excitability in the hippocampus, however, is unknown. In this study, we investigated if alarin induced any synchronous discharges or epileptiform activity, and if it had any effect on already initiated epileptiform discharges. We used thick acute horizontal hippocampal slices obtained from 30­ to 35­day­old rats. Extracellular field potential recordings were evaluated in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Our data demonstrated that, alarin application did not result in any epileptiform activity or abnormal discharges. 4­aminopyridine was applied to induce epileptiform activity in the slices. We found that alarin increased the frequency of interictal­like events and the mean power of local field potentials in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, which was induced by 4­aminopyridine. These results demonstrated for the first time that alarin has a modulatory effect on synchronized neuronal discharges and showed the contribution of the neuropeptide alarin to epilepsy­like conditions.

Effects of housing conditions on stress, depressive like behavior and sensory-motor performances of C57BL/6 mice.

BACKGROUND: The effects of housing conditions on animal physiology, behavior or stress are still debated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of three different housing systems, individually ventilated cages (IVC), classical small cages with floor surface area of 500 cm2 (CC500) and classical large cages with floor surface area of 800 cm2 (CC800) on body weight, sensory-motor performances, depression-like behavior, plasma corticosterone and brain oxidative stress parameters in C57BL/6 mice. The mice housed in one of the cages from birth to 6 months of age. Hang wire and adhesive removal tests were performed to evaluate somatosensory and motor performances. The extent of depression was determined by the forced swim test. Blood corticosterone levels were measured. In addition, brain malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) levels were analyzed. RESULTS: The depression-like behavior of the groups was similar. Although there were no significant differences in hang wire test among groups, CC500 group required longer durations in adhesive removal test. The body weight and plasma corticosterone levels of CC800 group were significantly higher than other groups. The oxidative stress parameters were highest in CC500 cage. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the least stressful housing condition was IVC cage systems. Interestingly, the number of mice in the classical cages had a significant effect on stress levels and sensory-motor performance.

retrospective evaluation of condylar morphology using panoramic radiography in a sample of Turkish population.

BACKGROUND: The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex anatomic structures. It takes a great role in masticatory system and helps to make possible some functions such as speaking, chewing and swallowing. Clinicians should have sufficient anatomical knowledge to assess relationships of the hard and soft tissues, including the mandibular condyle, glenoid fossa, articular eminence of the temporal bone, the articular disc and its attachments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of different types of mandibular condyles and its distribution according to the age and gender. It was also evaluated whether the condyle types were bilaterally symmetrical or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1315 digital panoramic images which obtained from the patients suffering from the dental problems were assessed. Demographic data, condylar morphology were noted. All obtained data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. Morphology of mandibular condyles were classified into four shapes as identified in other studies, namely: type I - oval shape, type II - diamond shape, type III - bird beak shape, type IV - crooked finger shape. Two independent examiners, who have 19 and 7 years of experience in oral and dentomaxillofacial radiology, made a consensus and evaluated all images. RESULTS: A total of 1315 digital panoramic images were assessed. Seven hundred sixty-seven [58.3%] the patients were female and 548 [41.6%] were male. The age range of patients was from 18 to 84 years. Right-left condyle types were found to be symmetrical in the range of 67% of the subpopulation examined in the study. For the consensus, 'oval' condyle was common on both the right and left, while 'crooked finger' condyle was the rarest. CONCLUSIONS: The temporomandibular joint is the most important structure for all jaw functions such as speech, swallowing. In order for all these functions to continue in a healthy way, the anatomical structure should be known very well down to the finest detail. Identification of anatomical structures and their variations can play an important role in implant dentistry. Clinicians commonly prefer conventional radiologic methods to evaluate dentomaxillofacial region. Although the most of the variations are asymptomatic and require no treatment,correct identification of these findings will reduce unnecessary further diagnostic assessments and will provide more appropriate treatment plans.

Comparison of different 3D printers in terms of dimensional stability by image data of a dry human mandible obtained from CBCT and CT.

OBJECTIVES: To manage the mandibular traumas, for the expression of the complex anatomy or pathology in education of health sciences related branches, a model of the traumatized mandible is indispensable. For these, different 3D-print-technologies can be used. The aim of this study is, to measure how close these 3D-printed-models are to human-mandible (trueness) and the effectiveness of CT and CBCT at this point. STUDY DESIGN: One-dry-human-mandible and 10-models manufactured by five different 3D-printers in four different-kinds of additive-manufacturing technology (Fused-Deposition-Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Binder-jetting (BJ), Polyjet (PJ)) were used, five-anatomic-landmarks and eight-distances were measured and evaluated. Mandible's data were constructed based on DICOM-3.0 data from CBCT and CT scans. Images were opened in MIMICS (software-program). RESULTS: Study compared the devices that produced models with the same dry human-mandible. It was seen that the model with the highest margin of error (132.5 mm) was manufactured by Fused-deposition-modeling device using CT-data. In terms of distance to real-data, the model with the lowest error was generated by Binder-Jetting (ZCorp) with CBCT-data. Models produced with CBCT-data are closer to dry-human-mandible than models with CT-data. CONCLUSION: The current study shows that CBCT generates significantly better data than CT in producing mandibular models. The first choice for manufacturing of human mandible is BJ and the second choice is the technology of SLA.

Retinal thickness profiles in patients with Behçet uveitis during remission / Perfis de espessura da retina em pacientes com uveíte de Behçet durante remissão

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraretinal layer thickness in the macular region and its correlation with the duration of uveitis and visual acuity in patients with Behçet uveitis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 93 eyes of 57 patients with Behçet uveitis and 100 eyes of 50 healthy individuals admitted to a tertiary center from January to September 2017. We performed macular measurements in all subjects via spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and divided the retina into layers using automated segmentation software on the SD-OCT device. We then compared layer thicknesses between the patient and control groups and evaluated the correlation between OCT parameters and the duration of uveitis and visual acuity in the patient group. Results: Our records show a mean age of 37.9 ± 10.8 (18-64) years and 37.7 ± 12.2 (21-61) years in the patient and control groups (p=0.821), respectively. Meanwhile, data reveal a mean duration of uveitis of 6.9 ± 4.7 (1-20) years. We found a reduction in the total outer layer thickness in the patient group (p<0.001). However, we did not find a statistically significant difference in the inner retinal layers except in the inner nuclear layer. The duration of uveitis negatively correlated with the outer retinal layer's thickness (correlation coefficient = -0.250). On the other hand, visual acuity positively correlated with the central macular, the total inner layer, and the outer retinal layer thicknesses (correlation coefficients: 0.194, 0.154, and 0.364, respectively). However, the inner nuclear layer negatively correlated with visual acuity. Conclusions: Using retinal segmentation via SD-OCT for follow-ups can help estimate visual loss in patients with Behçet uveitis, which can cause significant changes in intraretinal layers in the macular region.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a espessura das camadas intraretinianas na região macular e sua relação com a duração da uveíte e acuidade visual em pacientes com uveíte de Behçet. Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu 93 olhos de 57 pacientes com uveíte de Behçet e 100 olhos de 50 indivíduos saudáveis que foram admitidos em um hospital terciário entre janeiro de 2017 e setembro de 2017. As medições maculares foram realizadas com tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral (SD-OCT) em todos os pacientes. A retina foi dividida em camadas usando software de segmentação automatizado no dispositivo SD-OCT. As espessuras da camada foram comparadas entre os pacientes e os grupos controle. No grupo de pacientes, foi avaliada a correlação entre os parâmetros obtidos na OCT e a duração da uveíte e acuidade visual. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 37,9 ± 10,8 (18-64) no grupo de pacientes e 37,7 ± 12,2 (21-61) no grupo controle (p=0,821). A duração média da uveíte foi de 6,9 ± 4,7 (1-20) anos. A espessura total das camadas externas no grupo de pacientes foi reduzida (p<0,001). Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa não foi encontrada nas camadas internas da retina, exceto na camada nuclear interna. Uma correlação negativa foi detectada entre a duração da uveíte e a espessura da camada externa da retina (coeficiente de correlação = -0,250). Uma correlação positiva significativa foi detectada entre a acuidade visual e a espessura macular central bem como a espessura total das camadas internas e externas da retina (coeficientes de correlação 0,194; 0,154 e 0,364, respectivamente). A camada nuclear interna foi negativamente correlacionada com a acuidade visual. Conclusões: A uveíte de Behçet pode causar alterações significativas nas camadas intraretinianas na região macular. A segmentação da retina com SD-OCT pode ser útil para acompanhamentos e para estimar a perda visual em pacientes com uveíte de Behçet.

Evaluation of peripheral anterior synechia formation following gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy surgery.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively assess the development of peripheral anterior synechia (PAS) formation rate and PAS locations on gonioscopic examination following gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) surgery and investigate the surgical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 35 eyes from 31 patients with open angle glaucoma who underwent GATT or combined GATT and phacoemulsification surgery were analyzed. Presence of PAS was assessed on gonioscopy in nasal, temporal, superior and inferior quadrants at months 1, 3 and 6 following surgery. Surgical outcomes were also noted. RESULTS: Frequencies of PAS formation were 38.3%, 25.3%, 17.0% and 19.1% at postoperative 1 month, 34.0%, 26.4%, 17% and 22.6% at postoperative 3 months and 32.3%, 25.8%, 16.1% and 25.8% at postoperative 6 months, in nasal, temporal, superior and inferior quadrants, respectively. The highest amount of PAS involvement was 3 clock hours in the study which was identified only in nasal and inferior quadrants. Frequency of PAS formation did not significantly differ between nasal, temporal, superior and inferior quadrants at all time points (p > 0.05). No significant differences of mean IOP levels were observed between patients who developed PAS and who did not develop PAS at postoperative 1 month (p = 0.72), 3 months (p = 0.21) and 6 months (p = 0.59). The mean IOP and mean number of antiglaucoma medications decreased from 31.5 ± 7.2 mmHg and 3.6 ± 0.6 at baseline to 13.8 ± 3.1 mmHg and 1.6 ± 1.3 at postoperative 6 months, respectively (p < 0.001, for both). Cumulative success rate (95% confidence interval) was 74.3% (69.9-78.6%) at the end of the study. Mild to moderate degrees of hyphema occurred in all cases postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Although PAS formation was observed to be relatively higher in nasal quadrant, PAS frequency was not statistically different between the angle quadrants.

Sarcoid-like Uveitis with or without Tubulointerstitial Nephritis during COVID-19.

PURPOSE: To report sarcoid-like uveitis with or without tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to discuss diagnostic evaluation and treatment. METHODS: Detailed information on the subject's demographics, medical history, ophthalmic examination findings, and laboratory results were obtained from medical records. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) images were evaluated. RESULTS: All seven patients aged between 8 and 17 had bilateral granulomatous panuveitis. TIN preceded in four patients. Thorax computed tomography of patient 1 was found to be compatible with COVID-19, patients 2 and 3 were in contact with Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive parents, patients 4 and 5 were found to be SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive, and patients 6 and 7 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. ICGA revealed hypofluorescent dots in six patients. Intraocular inflammation was controlled with corticosteroid and/or immunomodulatory therapy. Visual acuity was maintained or improved in all. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 infection may be related to sarcoid-like uveitis and acute tubulointerstitial nephritis.

Retinal thickness profiles in patients with Behçet uveitis during remission.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraretinal layer thickness in the macular region and its correlation with the duration of uveitis and visual acuity in patients with Behçet uveitis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we included 93 eyes of 57 patients with Behçet uveitis and 100 eyes of 50 healthy individuals admitted to a tertiary center from January to September 2017. We performed macular measurements in all subjects via spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and divided the retina into layers using automated segmentation software on the SD-OCT device. We then compared layer thicknesses between the patient and control groups and evaluated the correlation between OCT parameters and the duration of uveitis and visual acuity in the patient group. RESULTS: Our records show a mean age of 37.9 ± 10.8 (18-64) years and 37.7 ± 12.2 (21-61) years in the patient and control groups (p=0.821), respectively. Meanwhile, data reveal a mean duration of uveitis of 6.9 ± 4.7 (1-20) years. We found a reduction in the total outer layer thickness in the patient group (p<0.001). However, we did not find a statistically significant difference in the inner retinal layers except in the inner nuclear layer. The duration of uveitis negatively correlated with the outer retinal layer's thickness (correlation coefficient = -0.250). On the other hand, visual acuity positively correlated with the central macular, the total inner layer, and the outer retinal layer thicknesses (correlation coefficients: 0.194, 0.154, and 0.364, respectively). However, the inner nuclear layer negatively correlated with visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Using retinal segmentation via SD-OCT for follow-ups can help estimate visual loss in patients with Behçet uveitis, which can cause significant changes in intraretinal layers in the macular region.

Fisetin decreases the duration of ictal-like discharges in mouse hippocampal slices.

There is an increasing interest in the biological and therapeutic effects of fisetin, a natural phenolic compound. Fisetin has affinity on some neuronal targets and may have the potential to modulate neuronal activity. In this study the effects of acute application of fisetin on synchronized events were evaluated electro-physiologically. Besides, interaction of fisetin with closely related channels were investigated in silico. Acute horizontal hippocampal slices were obtained from 32- to 36-day-old C57BL/6 mice. Extracellular field potentials were recorded from CA3 region of the hippocampus. Bath application of 4 aminopyridine (4AP, 100 µM) initiated ictal- and interictal-like synchronized epileptiform discharges in the brain slices. Fifty micromolar fisetin was applied to the recording chamber during the epileptiform activity. The duration and frequencies of both ictal-like and interictal-like activities were calculated from the electrophysiological records. Molecular docking was performed to reveal interaction of fisetin on GABA-A, NMDA, AMPA receptors, and HCN2 channel, which are neuronal structures directly involved in recorded activity. Although fisetin does not affect basal neuronal activity in brain slice, it reduced the duration of ictal-like discharges significantly. Molecular docking results indicated that fisetin has no effect on GABA-A, NMDA, and AMPA receptors. However, fisetin binds to the (5JON) HCN2 channel strongly with the binding energy of -7.66 kcal/mol. Reduction on the duration of 4AP-induced ictal-like discharges can be explained as HCN channels can cause an inhibitory effect via enhancing M-type K + channels which increase K outward currents.

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields exposure during the prenatal and postnatal periods alters pro-inflammatory cytokines levels by gender.

Maternal exposure to the excessive electromagnetic fields is considered harmful to infants and associated with several health problems in life, such as neurological or immune diseases. In this present study we aimed to investigate the potential effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure during the gestational and lactational period of dams on immune system parameters. The development of white blood cells (WBC), lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Natural Killer (NK) cells, and B cells) and production of T cell related cytokines were explored in the offsprings. Significant changes were found in WBC and lymphocyte counts. Although no changes in lymphocyte subunits were observed among groups, CD4+ cells were significantly increased in the female group exposed to ELF-EMF. Also, IL-17A and IFN-γ levels increased in plasma and spleen. The mean IL-4 level and the expression level of the IL-4 gene were not changed, in the experimental groups. But the expression of the IL-17A gene was also upregulated, which supports cytokine quantification analyses. In conclusion, ELF-EMF exposure in the prenatal and postnatal period increases the level of IL-17A in the spleen and blood of young female rats, and it upregulates IL-17 gene expression in the spleen, resulting in CD4+ cell proliferation and inflammation.

Familial Mediterranean fever associated frosted branch angiitis, retinal vasculitis and vascular occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the entity of retinal vasculitis, including frosted branch angiitis (FBA), or retina vascular occlusion in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). METHODS: Retrospective collaborative case series using invitation by email to uveitis specialists around the Mediterranean basin. This series was combined with a literature review. Exclusion criteria included infectious diseases, Behçet's disease or other autoimmune diseases. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients (21 eyes) had FMF and retinal vasculitis (FBA 11 patients, mild retinal vasculitis 5 patients). The mean age at onset of vasculitis was 29.5 ± 13.4 (range 9-62) with a female to male ratio of 9 to 7. In 19 eyes treated with various forms of corticosteroid and/or immunosuppression, the mean initial spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 6/194 to 6/10.5 at the last mean follow-up of 29.0 ± 34.9 months (p < 0.001). The most common FEVR mutations were M680I and M694V. In addition, retinal vascular occlusions included one case of central retinal artery occlusion and one case of branch retinal artery occlusion. CONCLUSION: FBA and milder forms of retinal vasculitis are associated with FMF. Therapy involves an increase in colchicine dosage in early cases, a long period of oral corticosteroid, intravitreal dexamethasone implant or periocular corticosteroid in select cases, and combination therapy with systemic immunosuppression in severe cases. FMF needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of retinal vasculitis.

Evaluation of a metal artifact reduction algorithm and an adaptive image noise optimization filter in the estimation of peri-implant fenestration defects using cone beam computed tomography: an in-vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the effects of metal artifact reduction (MAR) and adaptive image noise enhancer (AINO) in CBCT imaging on the detection accuracy of artificially created fenestration defects in proximity to titanium and zirconium implants in sheep jaw. METHODS: Six zirconium and 10 titanium implants were planted on mandibular jaws of three sheep, and artificial defects were created. All images were obtained with a standard voxel size (0.150 mm3) and with 4 scan modes: (1) without MAR/without AINO; (2) with MAR/without AINO; (3) without MAR/with AINO; and (4) with MAR/with AINO during CBCT scanning. A total of 60 CBCT scans were produced. RESULTS: For all types of implants, intra- and inter-observer kappa values were the highest for MAR filter. The scan mode of with MAR filter was found to have the highest area under the curve (AUC), whereas the scan mode of without both MAR and AINO filters was found to have the lowest AUC values with statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05). Titanium implants were found to have higher AUC values than zirconium (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both MAR module and AINO filters enhance the accuracy of the detection of peri-implant fenestrations; however, the use of MAR filter solely can be recommended for detection of peri-implant fenestrations.

The Effect of Vision-Related Quality of Life on Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Behçet Uveitis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of vision-related quality of life on depression and anxiety in patients with Behçet uveitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) I-II, and the Visual Functioning Questionnaire (VFQ)-25 were used to evaluate 105 patients being followed for Behçet uveitis. Sociodemographic data and VFQ-25 scores were compared between the groups with and without depression and anxiety. Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the variables. RESULTS: Forty-eight (82.8%) men and 10 (17.2%) women who completed the questionnaires were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 37.76±11.14 (18-65) years and the mean duration of uveitis was 8.57±7.43 (1-27) years. The mean VFQ-25 composite, BDI, STAI-I, and STAI-II scores were 74.90±18.50 (18.79-97.04), 10.76±8.90 (0-43), 42.52±6.23 (25-55), and 46.53±6.80 (27-58), respectively. Of 58 patients, 31% had depressive symptoms and 58.6% had anxiety symptoms. VFQ-25 composite score was lower in the depressive group than in the group with no depression (p=0.030), while there was no significant difference in this score between the groups with and without anxiety. Regression analysis revealed a negative relationship between total VFQ-25 composite score and depression. CONCLUSION: In our study, high rates of depression and anxiety were detected in patients with Behçet uveitis. Patient-reported visual functioning was associated with depression. In patients with Behçet uveitis, it is important to evaluate vision-related quality of life as well as visual acuity.

In silicoinvestigation of Alliin as potential activator for AMPA receptor.

Natural products from plants, such as flavonoids, arouse immense interest in medicine because of the therapeutic and many other bioactive properties. The molecular docking is a very useful method to screen the molecules based on their free binding energies and give important structural suggestions about how molecules might activate or inhibit the target receptor by comparing reference molecules. Alliin and Allicin differ from many other flavonoids because of containing no benzene rings and having nitrogen and sulfur atoms in their structure. In this study Alliin and Allicin affinity on AMPA, NMDA and GABA-A receptors were evaluated in the central nervous system by using the molecular docking method. Both Alliin and Allicin indicated no inhibitory effects. However Alliin showed significant selectivity to human AMPA receptor (3RN8) as an excitatory. The binding energy of glutamate to 3RN8 was -6.61 kcal mol-1, while the binding energy of Allin was -8.08 kcal mol-1. Furthermore Alliin's affinity to the other AMPA and NMDA receptors is quite satisfactory compared to the reference molecule glutamate. In conclusion based on the molecular docking study, Alliin can be useful for synaptic plasticity studies whereas might be enhance seizure activity because of the increased permeability to cations. It also can be beneficial to improve learning and memory and can be used as a supportive product to the hypofunction of NMDA associated problems.

Phoenixin-14 reduces the frequency of interictal-like events in mice brain slices.

Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) has a wide bioactivity in the central nervous system. Its role in the hypothalamus has been investigated, and it has been reported that it is involved in the regulation of excitability in hypothalamic neurons. However, its role in the regulation of excitability in entorhinal cortex and the hippocampus is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether i. PNX-14 induces any synchronous discharges or epileptiform activity and ii. PNX-14 has any effect on already initiated epileptiform discharges. We used 350 µm thick acute horizontal hippocampal-entorhinal cortex slices obtained from 30- to 35-day-old mice. Extracellular field potential recordings were evaluated in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus CA1 region. Bath application of PNX-14 did not initiate any epileptiform activity or abnormal discharges. 4-Aminopyridine was applied to induce epileptiform activity in the slices. We found that 200 nM PNX-14 reduced the frequency of interictal-like events in both the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus CA1 region which was induced by 4-aminopyridine. Furthermore, PNX-14 led to a similar suppression in the total power of local field potentials of 1-120 Hz. The frequency or the duration of the ictal events was not affected. These results exhibited for the first time that PNX-14 has a modulatory effect on synchronized neuronal discharges which should be considered in future therapeutic approaches.

Quantitative measurements with optical coherence tomography angiography in Behçet uveitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quantitative measurements obtained by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with Behçet uveitis. METHODS: A total of 22 consecutive patients with Behçet uveitis and 19 age-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. Quantitative analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography images was performed. Comparisons between the patients and the control groups and correlation analysis between optical coherence tomography angiography results and age, visual acuity, duration of uveitis, central macular thickness, and fluorescein angiography scores in the patient group was performed. RESULTS: The mean superficial foveal avascular zone area was 283.040 ± 113.003 µm2 in the patient group and 254.268 ± 75.813 µm2 in the control group (p = 0.821). The mean deep foveal avascular zone area was 317.657 ± 116.225 µm2 in the patient group and 332.954 ± 94.783 µm2 in the control group (p = 0.775). The foveal avascular zone area could not be calculated in eight eyes with macular atrophy in the patient group because of unclear foveal avascular zone borders. Both superficial and deep capillary vessel density in all regions were lower in the patient group than in the control. Superior, inferior, and temporal capillary vessel density were correlated with fluorescein angiography score (Pearson's r = -0.380, 0.392, and -0.384, p < 0.05 in superficial plexus; r = -0.357, -0.401, and -0.321, p < 0.05 in deep plexus, respectively). The foveal avascular zone area was correlated with central macular thickness in both superficial and deep plexus (r = -0.387 and -0.331, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Recurrent uveitis attacks affecting the macula are associated with a decrease in capillary vessel density and expansion in the foveal avascular zone area in Behçet disease. The qualitative evaluation of the optical coherence tomography angiography findings may be more valuable in patients with macular atrophy.

Pediatric Uveitis in a Referral Center in North Part of Turkey.

Purpose: To analyze the demographic characteristics, clinical features, ocular complications, and visual outcome of pediatric patients with uveitis.Methods: Retrospective evaluation of medical records.Results: The study included 156 eyes of 93 patients. Fifty-three patients were female and 40 were male. Mean age at onset of the uveitis was 9.54 ± 4.29 years. The mean follow-up period was 29.88 ± 28.97 months. Anterior uveitis (49.5%) was the most common anatomic type followed by panuveitis (21.5%), intermediate uveitis (18.3%), and posterior uveitis (10.7%). Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the most common leading systemic disease (18.3%) followed by Behçet disease (11.8%). It was detected at least one complication in 53 (34.0%) eyes at presentation. Mean LogMAR visual acuity was found <0.3 in 136 (87.2%) eyes at final examination.Conclusion: The most common localization was the anterior segment and the most common etiologic relationship was JIA. Visual outcome could be satisfactory with early and appropriate treatment.

Changes in corneal thickness, upper and lower tear film in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis by steroid treatment: anterior segment optical coherence tomography study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of loteprednol etabonate on cornea and tear film in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: The right eyes of 52 subjects with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis were evaluated in the study. Central corneal thickness (CCT), the thicknesses of central corneal epithelium (CET) and central non-epithelial cornea (CnET), and lower and upper tear meniscus areas were measured by spectral-domain OCT and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were obtained at baseline. After topical use of loteprednol etabonate 0.5% eye drop three times a day for 1 week, the measurements were repeated. Paired T test was used for analysis. RESULTS: Mean CCT and mean thicknesses of CET and CnET at baseline were 528.19 ± 34.47 µm, 64.10 ± 5.30 µm and 462.84 ± 33.43 µm, respectively, and these were 526.31 ± 33.37 µm, 64.65 ± 4.84 µm and 459.84 ± 32.11 µm after the treatment, respectively. OSDI score was 21.55 ± 4.40 at baseline and 13.13 ± 2.39 after 1 week. The lower and upper tear meniscus areas at baseline were 0.026 ± 0.017 mm2 and 0.017 ± 0.007 mm2, respectively, and they were 0.017 ± 0.009 mm2 and 0.016 ± 0.007 mm2, respectively, after the treatment. There is statistically significant difference between before and after values of CCT, CnET, lower tear meniscus area and OSDI score (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is no change in corneal epithelial thickness and upper tear meniscus area after 1-week treatment with loteprednol etabonate in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, but it may cause decrease in non-epithelial corneal thickness and lower tear meniscus area.

Sarcoid-like Granulomatous Intraocular Inflammation Caused by Vemurafenib Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma

Vemurafenib is a potent inhibitor of genetically activated BRAF, which is responsible for tumoral proliferation in cutaneous melanoma. A 56-year-old man receiving vemurafenib therapy presented with uveitis. Over the course of the disease, he developed bilateral, granulomatous uveitis with multiple peripheral chorioretinal lesions. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels increased. The patient was diagnosed with probable ocular sarcoidosis related to vemurafenib and was treated with an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. This case is the first report that shows the clinical and angiographic features of a patient with vemurafenib-related sarcoid-like granulomatous uveitis.