Pharmacological Inactivation of Src Family Kinases Inhibits LPS-Induced TNF-α Production in PBMC of Patients with Behçet's Disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic chronic inflammatory disease characterized by relapsing oral and genital ulcers, uveitis, and skin lesions. The pathogenesis of BD is still unknown. Aberrant production of some cytokines/chemokines plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Revealing a key signaling regulatory mechanism involved in proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines production is critical for understanding of the pathogenesis of BD. The aim of this study was to determine the role of Src family kinases (SFKs) in production of some LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of active BD patients. Chemical inhibition of SFKs activity impaired LPS-induced TNF-α production in PBMC of active BD patients, suggesting that modulating SFKs activity may be a potential target for BD treatment.

The effects of delivery type and gender on intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in newborns.

PURPOSE: To analyze intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in newborns during the first 12 h of life. METHODS: Forty-three newborns born by vaginal delivery (VD) and 30 newborns born by cesarean section (CS) were evaluated. IOP and CCT were measured using Tono-Pen and handheld pachymeter, respectively, at both the 5th minute after delivery and at the 12th h of life. RESULTS: The mean IOP for the VD group was significantly higher than that of the CS group at both the 5th minute and 12th h (p =0.042 and p =0.018, respectively). In both groups, the IOP decreased by the 12th h, but the decrease was only significant for the CS group (p =0.020). The decrease in CCT over the 12 h was significant for both groups (p <0.001). In the VD and CS groups, the IOP values of the males were significantly higher than those of the females at the fifth minute only (p =0.024 and p =0.043, respectively). No other values were significantly different between the genders. CONCLUSIONS: Newborn IOP is affected by the mode of delivery and gender. A higher IOP was found in vaginally delivered newborns than in CS newborns for at least 12 h postpartum. CCT showed a significant decline within 12 h. Male newborns have significantly higher IOP values in the first minutes of life.

The effects of delivery type and gender on intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in newborns / Os efeitos do tipo de parto e sexo sobre a pressão intraocular e espessura corneana central em recém-nascidos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in newborns during the first 12 h of life. Methods: Forty-three newborns born by vaginal delivery (VD) and 30 newborns born by cesarean section (CS) were evaluated. IOP and CCT were measured using Tono-Pen and handheld pachymeter, respectively, at both the 5th minute after delivery and at the 12th h of life. Results: The mean IOP for the VD group was significantly higher than that of the CS group at both the 5th minute and 12th h (p =0.042 and p =0.018, respectively). In both groups, the IOP decreased by the 12th h, but the decrease was only significant for the CS group (p =0.020). The decrease in CCT over the 12 h was significant for both groups (p <0.001). In the VD and CS groups, the IOP values of the males were significantly higher than those of the females at the fifth minute only (p =0.024 and p =0.043, respectively). No other values were significantly different between the genders. Conclusions: Newborn IOP is affected by the mode of delivery and gender. A higher IOP was found in vaginally delivered newborns than in CS newborns for at least 12 h postpartum. CCT showed a significant decline within 12 h. Male newborns have significantly higher IOP values in the first minutes of life.

RESUMO Objetivos: Analisar a pressão intraocular (IOP) e a espessura corneana central (CCT) em recém-nascidos durante as primeiras 12 horas de vida. Método: Quarenta e três recém-nascidos nascidos por parto vaginal (VD) e 30 recém-nascidos nascidos após cesariana (CS) foram avaliados. IOP e CCT foram medidos com Tono-Pen e Handheld Pachymeter no quinto minuto após o parto e na décima segunda hora de vida. Resultados: A média de IOP para o grupo VD foi significativamente maior do que o grupo CS tanto no quinto minuto quanto na décima segunda hora (p=0,042, p=0,018, respectivamente). Em ambos os grupos, a IOP diminuiu na décima segunda hora, mas a redução foi significativa apenas para o grupo CS (p=0,020). A diminuição da CCT nas doze horas foi significativa para ambos os grupos (p<0,001). Nos grupos VD e CS os valores de IOP dos homens foram significativamente maiores do que das mulheres apenas no quinto minuto (p=0,024 e p=0,043, respectivamente). Outros valores não foram significativamente diferentes entre os sexos. Conclusões: A IOP em recém-nascidos é afetada pela via de parto e pelo sexo. A IOP é maior em recém-nascidos de parto normal durante pelo menos 12 horas. A CCT mostra queda significativa no prazo de 12 horas. Recém-nascidos do sexo masculino têm valores de IOP significativamente mais elevados nos primeiros minutos de vida.

Anterior segment parameters of rabbits with rotating Scheimpflug camera.

BACKGROUND: Rabbit is one of the most commonly used experimental animals for corneal studies due to similarity of size to human cornea and ease of manipulation. In this study, we assessed anterior segment parameters of the healthy rabbit eyes with Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). METHODS: Six-month-old, approximately 2.5-3 kg weighted, 30 female New Zealand rabbits were used in the study. Right eye of the each rabbit was imaged with Pentacam HR under intramuscular ketamine hydrochloride (Ketalar; Eczacibasi, Turkey) anesthesia (50 mg/kg). After the imaging, the rabbits with blinking errors, which results in low-quality images, were excluded from the study. Keratometric readings, central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and anterior and posterior elevation values, and lens density were noted. RESULTS: In this study, the flattest and the steepest keratometric values were found as 43.34 ± 1.86, 42.7 ± 2.0, and 43.9 ± 1.9 diopters, respectively. The mean CCT and ACD of rabbits were found as 388 ± 39 µm and 2.08 ± 0.16 mm, respectively. Mean of the anterior and posterior elevation at thinnest point was found as 1.29 ± 4.28 and 3.91 ± 6.17 µm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Keratometric readings and anterior and posterior elevation values of rabbits were similar to human; however, corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth (ACD) values were lower than humans.

Inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS line) integrity in ocular Behçet's disease.

PURPOSE: In this study, we examined the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of ocular Behçet's disease (OB) in patients with inactive uveitis. Specifically, we analyzed the inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS line) integrity and the effect of disturbed IS/OS line integrity on visual acuity. METHODS: Patient files and OCT images of OB patients who had been followed-up between January and June of the year 2013 at the Dicle University Eye Clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Sixty-six eyes of 39 patients were included the study. RESULTS: OCT examination of the patients with inactive OB revealed that approximately 25% of the patients had disturbed IS/OS and external limiting membrane (EML) line integrity, lower visual acuity (VA), and lower macular thickness than others. Linear regression analysis revealed that macular thickness was not an independent variable for VA. In contrast, the IS/OS line integrity was an independent variable for VA in inactive OB patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that the IS/OS line integrity was an independent variable for VA in inactive OB patients. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the integrity of the IS/OS line in OB patients.

Inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS line) integrity in ocular Behçet's disease / Integridade da junção do segmento ınterno e externo (linha IS/OS) na doença de Behçet ocular

Purpose: In this study, we examined the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of ocular Behçet's disease (OB) in patients with inactive uveitis. Specifically, we analyzed the inner and outer segment junction (IS/OS line) integrity and the effect of disturbed IS/OS line integrity on visual acuity. Methods: Patient files and OCT images of OB patients who had been followed-up between January and June of the year 2013 at the Dicle University Eye Clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Sixty-six eyes of 39 patients were included the study. Results: OCT examination of the patients with inactive OB revealed that approximately 25% of the patients had disturbed IS/OS and external limiting membrane (EML) line integrity, lower visual acuity (VA), and lower macular thickness than others. Linear regression analysis revealed that macular thickness was not an independent variable for VA. In contrast, the IS/OS line integrity was an independent variable for VA in inactive OB patients. Conclusion: In this study, we showed that the IS/OS line integrity was an independent variable for VA in inactive OB patients. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the integrity of the IS/OS line in OB patients. .

Objetivo: Neste estudo, examinamos os achados da tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) de domínio espectral na doença de Behçet ocular (OB) em pacientes com uveíte inativa. Especificamente, analisamos a integridade da junção dos segmentos interno e externo (linha IS/OS) e o efeito da alteração da integridade da linha IS/OS na acuidade visual. Métodos: Avaliamos retrospectivamente os prontuários e as imagens de OCT dos pacientes com OB examinados entre janeiro e junho de 2013 na Dicle University Eye Clinic. Sessenta e seis olhos de 39 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Resultados: Análise das imagens de OCT dos pacientes com OB inativa revelou que aproximadamente 25% dos pacientes tinham alterações da integridade da linha IS/OS e da membrana limitante externa (ELM), e apresentavam acuidade visual (VA) e espessura macular menor do que os outros. A análise de regressão linear revelou que a espessura macular não é uma variável independente para VA. Por outro lado, a integridade da linha IS/OS foi uma variável independente para VA em pacientes com OB inativa. Conclusão: Neste estudo, nós mostramos que a integridade da linha IS/OS foi uma variável independente para a VA em pacientes com OB inativa. Precisamos de mais estudos prospectivos para avaliar a integridade da linha IS/OS em pacientes com OB. .

Vision-related quality of life in patients after ocular penetrating injuries.

PURPOSE: To measure and investigate visual functioning and health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients after ocular penetrating injuries (OPI). METHODS: Fifty-four adult patients with OPI and 26 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) were administered. Sociodemographic and clinical data also were collected. The primary outcome measures were comparisons and multivariate analysis among groups for the NEI VFQ-25 and SF 36 subscale scores. RESULTS: All NEI VFQ-25 scores, except general health, were significantly lower in the OPI group than those in the control group. All SF 36 scores were significantly lower in the OPI group than in the control group. The NEI VFQ-25 subscale item scores showed no significant differences with respect to age, educational level, or visual acuity in the injured eye. The SF 36 subscale item scores revealed no significant differences according to gender or educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OPI have increased psychological symptoms and lower levels of QOL than healthy control subjects have. Deteriorations in QOL should be kept in mind when managing patients with OPI.

Vision-related quality of life in patients after ocular penetrating injuries / Qualidade de vida relacionada à visão em pacientes após ferimentos oculares penetrantes

Purpose: To measure and investigate visual functioning and health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients after ocular penetrating injuries (OPI). Methods: Fifty-four adult patients with OPI and 26 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. The National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) were administered. Sociodemographic and clinical data also were collected. The primary outcome measures were comparisons and multivariate analysis among groups for the NEI VFQ-25 and SF 36 subscale scores. Results: All NEI VFQ-25 scores, except general health, were significantly lower in the OPI group than those in the control group. All SF 36 scores were significantly lower in the OPI group than in the control group. The NEI VFQ-25 subscale item scores showed no significant differences with respect to age, educational level, or visual acuity in the injured eye. The SF 36 subscale item scores revealed no significant differences according to gender or educational level. Conclusions: Patients with OPI have increased psychological symptoms and lower levels of QOL than healthy control subjects have. Deteriorations in QOL should be kept in mind when managing patients with OPI. .

Objetivo: Medir e investigar a função visual e a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QOL) em pacientes após ferimentos ocular penetrantes (OPI). Método: Cinquenta e quatro pacientes adultos com OPI e 26 indivíduos saudáveis (controles) foram incluídos no estudo. O questionário de função visual do National Eye Institute (NEI VFQ-25) e a avaliação curta de 36 itens (Short Form Health Survey - SF 36) foram administrados. Dados sociais, demográficos e clínicos também foram coletados. As comparações e análise multivariada entre os grupos para as subescalas do NEI VFQ-25 e do SF 36 foram consideradas como resultados primários. Resultados: Todos os índices do NEI VFQ-25, exceto saúde geral, foram significativamente menores no grupo OPI do que aqueles no grupo controle. Todos os índices do SF 36 foram significativamente menores no grupo OPI do que no grupo controle. Os índices das subescalas do NEI VFQ-25 não apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação à idade, escolaridade, ou acuidade visual no olho ferido. Os índices das subescalas do SF 36 não revelaram diferenças significativas de acordo com o nível de escolaridade ou sexo. Conclusões: Pacientes com OPI apresentaram sintomas psicológicos aumentados e níveis mais baixos de qualidade de vida que os indivíduos saudáveis. Deteriorações na qualidade de vida devem ser consideradas ao gerenciar pacientes com OPI. .

Ocular Blood Flow Changes in Behçet Disease Patients with/without Thrombotic Disease.

In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate ocular blood flow changes in Behçet disease (BD) with and without thrombotic disease. Ninety eyes of 90 patients with a diagnosis of BD (30 eyes with active uveitis, 23 eyes with inactive uveitis, 25 eyes without ocular involvement, and 12 eyes without ocular involvement and with a history of thrombosis) and 30 eyes of 30 age- and sex-matched control patients without any systemic disease with a total of 120 eyes were evaluated. In all cases, ophthalmic, central retinal, and ciliary artery flow parameters were measured with colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDU). The ocular blood flow parameters of all vessels in patients with active uveitis were found to be affected. All the flow parameters in the CRAs of the study groups were significantly different from the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, in non-ocular BD patients with thrombosis, blood flow parameters were affected more than the parameters in non-ocular BD patients without thrombosis and control patients. In conclusion, major haemodynamic changes were observed using CDU in the ophthalmic vessels of ocular Behçet patients. Also, CDU may detect ocular blood flow alterations before initial ocular clinical manifestations appear in BD patients.

One year results of anti-VEGF treatment in pigment epithelial detachment secondary to macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) may be seen in all stages of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and may lead to poor prognosis. In this study, we retrospectively examined the effect of anti-VEGF treatments in ARMD patients with vascularized PED. METHODS: Medical records of 15 patients with PED secondary to ARMD were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of PED was made with fundoscopy, fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Patients were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab or/and bevacizumab and followed up for a minimum of one year. PED height and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was obtained before the first intravitreal anti-VEGF injection and again at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month after the injection. RESULTS: The mean baseline BCVA was 0.71 ± 0.48 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) unit and the mean baseline PED height was 361 ± 153 µ. The mean injection count per eye was 3.9 ± 2.9. There was a significant reduce in mean PED height (247 ± 177 µ) also in 2 eyes PED completely resolved at the end of the follow up period. The mean BCVA at 12th month (0,69 ± 0,37) were not different from the baseline record. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective case series showed that intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy preserved vision and reduced PED height in PED patients in a one-year follow-up period.

One year results of anti-VEGF treatment in pigment epithelial detachment secondary to macular degeneration / Resultados após um ano de tratamento anti-VEGF para o descolamento do epitélio pigmentado secundário à degeneração macular

PURPOSE:Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) may be seen in all stages of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and may lead to poor prognosis. In this study, we retrospectively examined the effect of anti-VEGF treatments in ARMD patients with vascularized PED. METHODS:Medical records of 15 patients with PED secondary to ARMD were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of PED was made with fundoscopy, fundus fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Patients were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab or/and bevacizumab and followed up for a minimum of one year. PED height and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was obtained before the first intravitreal anti-VEGF injection and again at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month after the injection. RESULTS: The mean baseline BCVA was 0.71 ± 0.48 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) unit and the mean baseline PED height was 361 ± 153 µ. The mean injection count per eye was 3.9 ± 2.9. There was a significant reduce in mean PED height (247 ± 177 µ) also in 2 eyes PED completely resolved at the end of the follow up period. The mean BCVA at 12th month (0,69 ± 0,37) were not different from the baseline record. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective case series showed that intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy preserved vision and reduced PED height in PED patients in a one-year follow-up period.

OBJETIVO: O descolamento do epitélio pigmentado (DEP) pode ser observado em todas as fases da degeneração macular relacionada com a idade (ARMD) e pode propiciar um mau prognóstico. Neste estudo, analisamos retrospectivamente o efeito dos tratamentos anti-VEGF em pacientes com DMRI e DEP vascularizado. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados ​​prontuários de 15 pacientes com DEP secundário à DMRI. O diagnóstico do DEP foi feito por meio de fundoscopia, angiofluoresceínografia e tomografia de coerência óptica. Os pacientes foram tratados com injeção intravítrea de ranibizumab e/ou bevacizumab e acompanhados por um período mínimo de um ano. A altura do DEP e a melhor acuidade visual corrigida (AVCC) foi obtida antes e no primeiro, terceiro, sexto e 12º mês após a primeira injeção. RESULTADOS: A média inicial da AVCC foi de 0,71 ± 0,48 (logaritmo do ângulo mínimo de resolução unidade - logMAR) e a média inicial da altura do DEP foi 361 ± 153 µ. A contagem média de injeções por olho foi de 3,9 ± 2,9. Houve uma significativa redução na altura média do PED (247 ± 177 µ) e, em dois olhos, o DEP estava completamente resolvido ao final do período de acompanhamento. A acuidade visual média aos 12 meses (0,69 ± 0,37) não foi diferente da inicial. CONCLUSÕES: Esta série de casos retrospectiva mostrou que a injeção intravítrea de terapia anti-VEGF preservou a visão e a reduziu a altura do DEP em pacientes com DMRI por um período de seguimento de um ano.