Does corneal tattooing affect the conjunctival microbiota?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of commercial tattoo inks used in corneal tattooing on conjunctival microbiota. METHOD: This prospective case control study consisted of 125 participants divided in the following three groups: 35 patients with corneal tattoos, 40 patients with corneal leukoma, and 50 healthy subjects. Corneal tattooing was performed in all the cases in this study using a tattoo pen machine and commercial tattoo ink. A total of 500 cultures were taken from 250 eyes of 125 individuals on chocolate and sheep blood agar. Bacteriological samples were taken from the inferior eyelid conjunctiva using a sterile cotton swab. Without any contact elsewhere, the swabs were smeared on bedside chocolate agars and 5% sheep blood agar. RESULTS: In tattooed eyes, bacterial growth was detected in 42.9% of the chocolate and sheep blood agar samples. In other healthy eyes of patients with corneal tattoos, 54.5% bacterial growth on chocolate agar and 57.1% on sheep blood agar were detected. No statistical difference was detected in the conjunctival microbiota of chocolate and sheep blood agar (p = 0.254, p = 0.134, respectively) in the tattooed eyes compared to the other eye of the individual. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of bacterial growth in tattooed, leukoma, or healthy eyes on chocolate and sheep blood agar (p = 0.408, p = 0.349). The growth rate of Staphylococcus epidermidis decreased by 33.3% (from 12 to 8) on chocolate agar in 35 tattooed eyes, and it decreased by 28.5% (from 14 to 10) on sheep blood agar, while gram-negative bacteria Brevundimonas diminuta, Acinetobacter lwoffii, and Psychrobacter faecalis were detected in three patients. CONCLUSION: Corneal tattooing using commercial dye does not affect conjunctival microbiota. In the past 3 years, 120 patients have been tattooed with commercial tattoo ink in Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital. No complications related to infection were found in the 3-year follow-up. The gram-negative bacteria detected in the healthy control group and tattooed eyes were bacteria found on normal skin or in the respiratory tract. Although some gram-negative bacteria do not cause infection, careful eye examination, follow-up, and culture are required in suspicious cases.

Evaluation of the effect of unilateral and bilateral inferior oblique myectomy on fundus torsion in primary and secondary inferior oblique overaction.

OBJECTIVE: This article evaluates the effects of unilateral and bilateral inferior oblique myectomy (IOM) on fundus torsion in primary and secondary inferior oblique overaction (IOOA). METHODS: This study analyzed 230 OCT images of 53 eyes of 32 patients who had undergone IOM by a single surgeon in the last two years. The disc-foveal angle (DFA) was calculated by digitally measuring the angle between the horizontal line passing through the geometric center of the optic disc and the curved line connecting the fovea to the geometric center of the optic disc. DFA was classified into intorsion, normal torsion, and extortion. The DFA was measured from the OCT images before the operation in the first week, first month, third month, and sixth month. RESULTS: When all the patients in our study were evaluated together, IOM statistically reduced the mean DFA in the third month (p=0.00). The DFA was higher in the secondary IOOA group than in the primary IOOA group (p=0.24). Bilateral IOM statistically significantly reduced DFA in the third month (p=0.00) and decreased the DFA difference between the two eyes in the third month (p=0.583). Unilateral IOM increased the DFA, rather than decreasing it, in the first week in operated eyes (p=0594) and increased the DFA difference between the two eyes after surgery (p=0.477). When we evaluated the localization of the macula as an intorsion, normal intorsion, or extortion, the extortion decreased from 36 to nine in the third month after bilateral IOM, and intorsion was seen in only two. Unilateral surgery did not significantly change fundus torsion in primary IOOA, and it caused intorsion in 3 of 6 (50%) operated eyes in secondary IOOA. CONCLUSION: Although unilateral IOM provides a clinical improvement in secondary IOOA, it increases the difference in DFA between both eyes and causes intorsion in 50% of patients. Masked IOOA was detected in 3 of 11 (27.3%) patients who underwent unilateral IOM. When deciding on unilateral surgery, the possibility of increased DFA difference between both eyes, intorsion in the operated eye, and masked IOOA in the other eye should be considered.

A cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Turkish version of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale (AOFAS-MTP-IP) for the hallux.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to translate and culturally adapt the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hallux Metatarsophalangeal (MTP)-Interphalangeal (IP) scale, which is used for the clinical assessment of patients with hallux valgus (HV), into Turkish and to evaluate its validity and reliability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2022 and October 2022, a total of 67 patients (18 males, 49 females; mean age: 51.5±15.9 years; range, 18 to 68 years) with HV deformity and able to communicate in Turkish were included. Following the translation of the AOFAS hallux MTP-IP scale into Turkish, its cultural appropriateness was confirmed. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), using data collected by two orthopedists. Agreement among test-retest evaluations was conducted using the Bland-Altman analysis. The construct validity of the scale was determined by the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Content validity was confirmed by the floor/ceiling effects. RESULTS: The Turkish AOFAS hallux MTP-IP had an excellent intra-rater reliability of 0.971. The intra-rater reliability of the pain, function, and alignment subscales ranged from 0.904 to 0.978. The inter-rater reliability was 0.913 for the total score, while ranging from 0.838 to 0.918 for the subscales. The total score of the AOFAS hallux MTP-IP had a high correlation with the physical domains of the MOXFQ and SF-36, while weaker correlations with mental domains were observed. No floor/ceiling effect was observed for the overall Turkish AOFAS hallux MTP-IP. CONCLUSION: The Turkish translated and culturally adapted AOFAS hallux MTP-IP scale is a valid and reliable measure, ensuring its use in assessing the clinical status of Turkish patients with HV deformity.

Aesthetic corneal tattooing/keratopigmentation using tattoo pen machine: choosing suitable method and color.

PURPOSE: This article aims to present the corneal tattooing method and how using a tattoo pen machine can improve aesthetic appearance in patients with corneal leukoma. METHODS: In this study, 42 patients were evaluated who had no visual potential and who had undergone colored corneal tattooing using an automatic tattoo pen machine for aesthetic purposes. The procedure was conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The commercially available tattoo ink that has traditionally been used on human skin (brown, green, and black) for years was used for all the patients in this study, and 252 corneal photographs (with a Topcon slit lamp imaging device at 16 magnifications, i.e., 16 ×) taken within the last 2 years were evaluated retrospectively. Red, green, and blue (RGB) and hue, saturation, and lightness (HSL) values of the tattooed areas, such as pupils and iris, in corneal photographs were determined online using the Color Code Finder program. The RGB and HSL values of the pupil and iris were compared before surgery on the first day and first week, first month, third month, and twelfth month after surgery. RESULTS: In the first postoperative month, the mean pupil lightness (L) and iris L values were found to have increased by 10.7% and 5.7%, respectively. Between the first month and the first year, the L value of the mean pupil and that of the iris increased by 1.7% and 5.2%, respectively. The increase in the RGB value of the mean pupil in the first month was statistically significant (p = 0.02). The highest increase in RGB values of the iris was observed in the first week and first month (p = 0.113). This result shows that the majority of fading occurred in the first month. After the first month, the increase in the L value in the black-colored pupil was less than that in the brown- or green-colored iris. These results show that light colors fade faster and more. CONCLUSION: Esthetically, corneal leukoma causes severe psychological problems. Many patients are unable to use prosthetic contact lenses. Evisceration surgery has many complications, and limbal stem cells are used in evisceration surgery. Corneal tattooing using a tattoo pen machine is an easy, practical, and repeatable method used for aesthetic purposes. Successful results require the use of appropriate methods, ink, and ophthalmologist's experience. All patients in this study had a more aesthetic appearance than the preoperative white eye. Further studies are needed to develop a colored aesthetic tattooing method with a tattoo pen machine.

Is it useful to do OCTA in coronary artery disease patients to improve SYNTAX-based cardiac revascularization decision?

BACKGROUND: To investigate retinal and optic disk microcirculation using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in order to predict related outcomes based on the SYNergy between PCI with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score (SS) system in coronary artery disease patients. METHODS: 104 patients were grouped based on coronary angiography results: 32 chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients, 35 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, and 37 healthy controls. The SS system determined atherosclerosis degree and lesion-related mortality risk, followed by scoring as SYNTAX I score (SS-I) and SYNTAX II score (SS-II). Patients were further subdivided into SS-I, SS-II percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and SS-II coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) groups. Following a thorough ophthalmological examination, an OCTA Angio Retina mode (6 × 6 mm) automatically quantified retinal and optic disk microcirculation. RESULTS: The mean ages did not differ significantly among groups (p = 0.940). The outer retinal select area varied significantly among groups, with the highest values found in ACS patients (p = 0.040). Despite non-significant differences between SS-I patients and healthy controls, the former had lower capillary plexus vessel densities in all regions and in foveal vessel density 300 µm around foveal avascular zone (FD-300) (p>0.05). Vessel densities were lowest in SS-II PCI≥28.5 patients, particularly in whole (p = 0.034) and parafoveal (p = 0.009) superficial capillary plexus, and in FD-300 (p = 0.019). Vessel densities were lowest in SS-II CABG (p = 0.020), and perifoveal (p = 0.017) deep capillary plexus, and in FD-300 (p = 0.003). The outer retina flow area increased the most in SS-II CABG≥25.1 patients (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: Using OCTA, a non-invasive imaging technique, to assess retinal and optic disk microcirculation appears to have the potential to yield significant clinical results in the early diagnosis or prognosis of cardiovascular diseases.

Bacterial contamination of multi-use antibiotic steroid eye ointments and drops.

PURPOSE: This comprehensive prospective study aimed to investigate the bacterial contamination of antibiotic steroid eye ointments and drops frequently used by eye patients. METHOD: In this comprehensive prospective study, a total of 410 multi-use topical eye medications containing 15 different ingredients from 22 pharmaceutical companies used by 185 patients were analyzed. Four groups were formed as follows: group 1: antibiotic ointments (n: 109); group 2: antibiotic drops (n: 103); group 3: steroid ointments (n: 67); and group 4: steroid drops (n: 131). Topical multi-use eye drops and ointments used by patients at home for at least 1 week were randomly collected. The caps and contents were separately bacteriologically examined in a chocolate agar medium. RESULTS: Our study detected bacterial contamination in 23 containers (5.6%) of the total 410 topical drugs. According to the groups, bacterial contamination was detected in 10 of 67 (14.9%) steroid ointments, 6 of 109 (5.5%) antibiotic ointments, 4 of 131(3.1%) steroid drops, and 3 of 103 (2.9%) antibiotic drops. While the bacterial contamination rate in ointments was 9.1%, this rate was 3% in drops. The difference between them was statistically significant (p = 0.015). According to the post-hoc pairwise comparisons, the difference between steroid drops and steroid ointment (p = 0.0023) was statistically significant. Among all drugs, contamination was detected in 12 of the 93 (12.9%) containers used after keratitis, conjunctivitis, and inflammatory conditions. It was determined that preservatives statistically reduced bacterial growth on the cap. The preservatives did not have a statistically significant effect on the bacterial contamination of the contents compared to the caps. While all contaminations were detected in illiterate and primary school graduates, no contamination was seen in the drugs used by any secondary school or university graduate. CONCLUSION: Our study detected contamination in all topical ophthalmic drug groups. Contamination rates were found to be higher in ointments and steroids. Bacterial contamination was also seen in drugs containing preservatives. We should be careful in the use of topical medications. We do not recommend the bilateral use of ointments and drops in infected eyes, such as those with keratitis, or after intraocular surgeries, such as those for cataracts.

Ocular surface lesions in clinical grades of Bell's phenomenon.

Background: Bell's phenomenon, also known as the palpebral oculogyric reflex, is a critical reflex that protects the cornea. We developed an innovative, simple, and practical grading scale for Bell's phenomenon that includes the inverse Bell's phenomenon. Using this scale, we investigated the characteristics of Bell's phenomenon among asymptomatic individuals in different age groups and examined the frequency of ocular surface lesions in asymptomatic and symptomatic participants with different grades. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we randomly included 330 eyes of 165 asymptomatic, healthy, White Turkish individuals who attended the outpatient eye clinic, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.4, in the control group. These were categorized into four age groups: 4 - 20 years, 21 - 40 years, 41 - 60 years, and > 60 years. Eighty eyes from 40 patients with ocular surface lesions and absence of grade + 2 Bell's phenomenon were included in the symptomatic group. Bell's phenomenon was classified into five grades: grade + 2 (strong positive), grade + 1 (weak positive), grade 0 (no Bell's phenomenon, no eye movement), grade -1 (weak inverse), and grade -2 (strong inverse). Results: We detected higher frequencies of grade + 2, + 1, and 0 in individuals aged 4 - 40, 41 - 60, and > 60 years, respectively. There was a significant difference between age groups in the frequencies of different grades (P < 0.001). Pairwise analysis revealed a significantly lower frequency of grade + 2 in the age group > 60 years compared with the 4 - 20 and 21 - 40 year groups (both P < 0.05). Grade + 2 was the most frequent in both sexes. We detected grade 0 in 27.1% of men and 22.1% of women in the control group, with no significant difference in the frequencies of different grades between sexes (P > 0.05). We observed significant differences between grades with respect to the frequency of ocular surface lesions (P < 0.001). Pairwise analysis revealed a significantly higher frequency of ocular surface lesions in asymptomatic individuals with grade 0 and all four other grades (all P < 0.001). However, the frequency of ocular surface lesions was comparable between sexes (P > 0.05). Of the 40 symptomatic individuals, 28 (70%), 5 (12.5%), 4 (10%), and 3 (7.5%) had grade 0, + 1, -1, and -2, respectively. The number of symptomatic patients was higher in grade 0 (n = 28) than in other grades (grade + 1, -1, and -2: n = 12 patients), and these individuals had a higher frequency of ocular surface lesions (n = 38 lesions) than others (grade + 1, -1, and -2: 7 lesions). Conclusions: Using a simple, practical grading scale for Bell's phenomenon that includes inverse Bell's phenomenon, we observed that inverse Bell's phenomenon is a reflex that may be present in healthy individuals and could have a protective effect on the eye, although not to such a degree as a strong Bell's phenomenon. Our observations imply that bilateral conjunctival calcifications/Vogt's limbal girdle may be associated with grades 0 and + 1 Bell's phenomenon. Further large-scale studies are needed to determine the frequency of Bell's phenomenon in the general population using this innovative, simple, practical grading scale, and to identify the protective or injurious effect of each grade on the ocular surface.

Anatomical Factors Which Influence the Formation of Peroneal Tendon Tears: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

This study aims to investigate the anatomical factors that are effective in the formation of peroneal tendon tears comparing with the control group. The patients with ankle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to pain on the lateral side of the ankle were retrospectively analyzed using the clinical archive between July 2015 and January 2020. Peroneal tendon tears, peroneal tubercle type and size, presence of peroneal quartus, presence and type of retromalleolar groove, retromalleolar groove area, lateral malleolus type, presence of os peroneum, peroneus brevis-lateral malleolus distance (PBLMD), and accompanying pathologies in coronal, axial, and sagittal planes MRI were evaluated. PBLMD was measured as 27.1 ± 12.3 mm in Group 1. With PBLMD, it was measured as 39.6 ± 11.68 mm in Group 2. There was a significant relationship between low-lying peroneus brevis muscle and peroneal tear (p < .001). Peroneal tendon tear was more common in patients with peroneal quartus muscle (p < .001). There was a relationship between the retromalleolar groove type and the presence of peroneal tear (p = .004). More peroneal tears were observed in the concave retromalleolar groove type. The presence of concave type retromalleolar groove, peroneus quartus, and low-lying peroneus brevis muscle was found to be associated with peroneal tendon tears.

Ensuring sustainability in the reverse supply chain in case of the ripple effect: A two-stage stochastic optimization model.

The devastating impact of the ripple effect increases the importance of the reverse supply chain (RSC) design to ensure sustainability in the long-term. That being the case, in this study, a two-stage stochastic mixed-integer optimization model is proposed to design an RSC network under uncertainty sourcing from the ripple effect (i.e. external side of RSC) by considering the environmental and economic dimensions of sustainability. The environmental and economic disruptions of the ripple effect are represented by the increase in the carbon emission levels and the distance of roads, and the decrease in the capacity of facilities, respectively. Accordingly, a set of scenarios is considered based on the disruption levels (low- and high-impact) in case of the ripple effect. Furthermore, an α -reliability constraint is integrated into the model to further analyze the occurrence of scenarios. The model allows us to make integrated operational and strategic decisions by placing an emphasis on the carbon emission levels (i.e. environmental dimension) and the total cost (i.e. economic dimension). To obtain some remarkable insights, the proposed model is validated through computational experiments based on data extracted from a real case. The computational results show that the ripple effect increases the emission level and total cost up to 40%. For this reason, it suggested that the regulations regarding WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) should be prepared by considering sustainability in the entire RSC network. Besides, it is realized that the centralized distribution strategy leads to a more resilient RSC network design.

Investigating the effect of intracameral cefuroxime on oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat cornea / Investigando o efeito de cefuroxima intracameral sobre o estresse oxidativo e a apoptose na córnea de ratos

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: We examined the effect of intracameral administration of cefuroxime on oxidative stress and endothelial apoptosis in rat corneal tissue. METHODS: In total, 30 rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each (intracameral administration of cefuroxime 0.1 mg/0.01 mL (cefuroxime group); intracameral administration of balanced salt solution 0.01 mL (control group); or absence of intracameral injection (sham group). Corneal endothelial apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis using caspase-3 and caspase-8. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, and paraoxonase and arylesterase levels were examined in corneal endothelial tissue and serum. RESULTS: Paraoxonase levels in the serum were significantly different between the sham and cefuroxime groups (p=0.027). A significant difference was also observed in total oxidant status levels between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.023). In addition, there were significant differences in total antioxidant status levels in corneal tissue between the cefuroxime and sham groups (p<0.001) and between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were also observed in oxidative stress index levels between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.001) and between the cefuroxime and sham groups (p=0.026). According to the immunohistochemical staining results, a significant association with caspase-3 activity existed between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.007), while no significant difference was found with caspase-8 activity (p=0.541). Caspase-3 activity exhibited a significant relationship between the sham and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.018), but no relationship was found with caspase-8 activity (p=0.623). CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical examination revealed that intracameral cefuroxime increased apoptosis when compared to the sham and balanced salt solution groups. Moreover, intracameral cefuroxime increased oxidative stress in the cornea and simultaneously induced apoptosis.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Examinamos o efeito da administração intracameral da cefuroxima sobre o estresse oxidativo e a apoptose endotelial no tecido corneano de ratos. MÉTODOS: No total, 30 ratos foram divididos em 3 grupos de 10 ratos cada (administração intracameral de cefuroxima 0,1 mg/0,01 mL (grupo cefuroxima), administração intracameral de solução salina balanceada 0,01 mL (grupo controle) ou ausência de injeção intracameral (grupo sham)). A apoptose endotelial da córnea foi avaliada por análise imuno-histoquimica usando caspase-3 e -8. O status oxidante total, o status antioxidante total, o índice de estresse oxidativo e os níveis de a paraoxonase e arilesterase foram investigados no tecido endotelial da córnea e no soro. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de paraoxonase no soro foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos sham e cefuroxima (p=0,027). Foi também observada uma diferença significativa nos níveis de estado oxidante total entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,023). Além disso, houve diferenças significativas nos níveis de status antioxidante total no tecido da córnea entre os grupos cefuroxima e sham (p<0,001) e entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p<0,001). Diferenças significativas também foram observadas nos níveis do índice de estresse oxidativo entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,001) e entre os grupos cefuroxima e sham (p=0,026). De acordo com os resultados de coloração imuno-histoquimica, houve associação significativa com a atividade da caspase-3 entre os grupos cefuroxima e solução salina balanceada (p=0,007), enquanto não houve diferença significativa com a atividade da caspase-8 (p=0,541). A atividade da caspase-3 exibiu uma relação significativa entre os grupos sham e solução salina balanceada (p=0,018), mas nenhuma relação foi encontrada com a atividade da caspase-8 (p=0,623). CONCLUSÃO: O exame imuno-histoquímico revelou que a cefuroxima intracameral aumentou a apoptose quando comparada com os grupos sham e solução salina balanceada. Além disso, a cefuroxima intracameral aumentou o estresse oxidativo na córnea e induziu simultaneamente a apoptose.

Investigating the effect of intracameral cefuroxime on oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat cornea.

PURPOSE: We examined the effect of intracameral administration of cefuroxime on oxidative stress and endothelial apoptosis in rat corneal tissue. METHODS: In total, 30 rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each (intracameral administration of cefuroxime 0.1 mg/0.01 mL (cefuroxime group); intracameral administration of balanced salt solution 0.01 mL (control group); or absence of intracameral injection (sham group). Corneal endothelial apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis using caspase-3 and caspase-8. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, and paraoxonase and arylesterase levels were examined in corneal endothelial tissue and serum. RESULTS: Paraoxonase levels in the serum were significantly different between the sham and cefuroxime groups (p=0.027). A significant difference was also observed in total oxidant status levels between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.023). In addition, there were significant differences in total antioxidant status levels in corneal tissue between the cefuroxime and sham groups (p<0.001) and between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p<0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were also observed in oxidative stress index levels between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.001) and between the cefuroxime and sham groups (p=0.026). According to the immunohistochemical staining results, a significant association with caspase-3 activity existed between the cefuroxime and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.007), while no significant difference was found with caspase-8 activity (p=0.541). Caspase-3 activity exhibited a significant relationship between the sham and balanced salt solution groups (p=0.018), but no relationship was found with caspase-8 activity (p=0.623). CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical examination revealed that intracameral cefuroxime increased apoptosis when compared to the sham and balanced salt solution groups. Moreover, intracameral cefuroxime increased oxidative stress in the cornea and simultaneously induced apoptosis.

Acute, chronic, and combined pulmonary responses to swimming in competitive swimmers.

The combined effects of swimming on the inspiratory muscles and pulmonary functions are not well known. The aim of the present study was to determine the acute, chronic, and combined effects of swimming on the pulmonary functions and respiratory muscles of competitive swimmers. Thirty males (15 in the experimental group [EG] and 15 in the control group [CG]) participated in this study. The EG subjects participated in an 8-week swim training program and performed 1 day before and after an 8-week 100-m swimming event. Pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength were measured immediately before and after the swimming event in the EG and before and after an 8-week period in the CG. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated measures one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference, and independent- and paired-sample t-tests. Swimming exerted negative acute effects (p < 0.05) and positive chronic effects (p < 0.05) on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions. Further, the negative acute effects decreased the combined effects of the chronic and acute effects of swimming on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions (p < 0.05). The results indicated that swimming exerts negative acute, positive chronic, and combined effects on respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions.

A Comparison of Central Corneal Thicknesses Measured with Two Different Methods in Cases of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Accurate and repeatable measurement of the central cornea thickness (CCT) is important in terms of follow-up of glaucoma patients. The aim of this study was to compare CCT measurements made with an ultrasonic pachymeter (USP) and with the Spectralis Anterior Segment Module optical coherence tomography (OCT) device. The study included 52 eyes of 26 primary open-angle glaucoma patients. CCT measurements were taken with the USP device and then with the OCT by imaging cornea slices. The mean CCT was measured as 555.71 ± 47.76 µm with USP and 569.46 ± 49.5 µm with OCT. Despite the differences between the measurements of the two methods, a very strong degree of consistency was seen between the CCT measurement with USP and OCT (ICC = 0.93, p < 0.001).

Fonsecaea pedrosoi as a rare cause of acute conjunctival ulceration.

Conjunctival ulceration accompanied with secretion and pain was observed in a 30-year-old male, 3 days after a perforating corneal trauma. Cultures of conjunctival ulcer samples grew Fonsecaea pedrosoi, a major causative agent of chromoblastomycosis that is typically transmitted during trauma. The conjunctival ulcer was successfully treated with amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole. This case report summarizes the diagnosis and treatment of a conjunctival ulcer due to F. pedrosoi, which is a rare complication of contaminated ocular trauma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of F. pedrosoi causing acute conjunctival ulceration in the literature.

Fonsecaea pedrosoi as a rare cause of acute conjunctival ulceration / Fonsecaea pedrosoi como agente raramente associado à úlcera conjuntival aguda

ABSTRACT Conjunctival ulceration accompanied with secretion and pain was observed in a 30-year-old male, 3 days after a perforating corneal trauma. Cultures of conjunctival ulcer samples grew Fonsecaea pedrosoi, a major causative agent of chromoblastomycosis that is typically transmitted during trauma. The conjunctival ulcer was successfully treated with amphotericin B, itraconazole, and fluconazole. This case report summarizes the diagnosis and treatment of a conjunctival ulcer due to F. pedrosoi, which is a rare complication of contaminated ocular trauma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of F. pedrosoi causing acute conjunctival ulceration in the literature.

RESUMO O quadro clínico de uma úlcera conjuntival acompanhada de secreção e dor foi observado em homem de 30 anos de idade, 3 dias após um trauma perfurante da córnea. As culturas de uma amostra retirada da úlcera conjuntival foi positiva para Fonsecaea pedrosoi, uma cromoblastomicose, geralmente transmitido após traumatismos. O caso foi tratado com sucesso com a anfotericina B, itraconazol e fluconazol. Este relato de caso reporta o diagnóstico e tratamento de uma úlcera conjuntival causada por F. pedrosoi, que raramente é visto nos olhos expostos a traumatismos contaminados. Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro caso relatado na literatura de F. pedrosoi causando úlcera conjuntival aguda.

Evaluating the safety of intracameral bevacizumab application using oxidative stress and apoptotic parameters in corneal tissue.

AIM: To investigate the possible effects of intracameral bevacizumab on oxidative stress parameters and apoptosis in corneal tissue. METHODS: In total, 30 rats were assigned randomly into the following three groups of 10 rats each: a sham group (Group 1; n=10), a control group [Group 2; balanced salt solution (BSS) was administered at 0.01 mL; n=10], and a treatment group (Group 3; bevacizumab was administered at 0.25 mg/0.01 mL; n=10). The total antioxidant status (TAS) and the total oxidant status (TOS) in the corneal tissue and blood samples were measured, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Additionally, corneal tissue histopathology was evaluated for caspase-3 and -8 staining and apoptotic activity. RESULTS: In the blood samples, the TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were not significantly different (all P>0.05). Compared with the sham and control groups, the TOS and OSI levels in the corneal tissues were significantly different in the bevacizumab group (all P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the sham and control groups (all P>0.05). However, compared with the sham and control groups, greater immunohistochemical staining for caspases-3 and -8 and an elevated level of apoptotic activity were observed in the bevacizumab group. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that intracameral bevacizumab injections seemed to be systemically safe but may have elicited local toxic effects in the corneal tissue, as indicated by the oxidative stress parameters and histopathological evaluations.