The difference in clinical characteristics between patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment during partial and complete lock-down periods related to COVID-19 pandemics 2-year long follow-up results.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare results of clinical presentation of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), and the surgical approach during partial or complete lock-down periods (LP), and non-COVID periods in a tertiary ophthalmology clinic. METHODS: The medical data of the patients who were diagnosed with RRD in a tertiary hospital. The demographic data of patients, the duration from the beginning of the visual symptoms to hospital admission, the status of lens, the anatomical quadrant of retinal break, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation, the type of intraocular tamponade, and final BCVA were recorded. The exclusion criteria were RD other than rhegmatogenous (tractional or exudative), and incomplete follow-up until 2nd-year. RESULTS: The study included 20 eyes of 20 RRD cases in partial LP, 20 eyes of 20 RRD cases in complete LP, and 23 eyes of 23 RRD cases in non-COVID period. The ratio of perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas to silicone oil which was applied as intraocular tamponade at the end of the surgery for RRD was 15/8 in non-COVID period, 11/9 in partial LP, and 11/9 in complete LP (p = 0.730). In final visit at postoperative 2nd-year, the BCVA was logMAR 0.613 ± 0.425 in non-COVID period, logMAR 0.668 ± 0.348 in partial LP, and logMAR 0.730 ± 0.368 in complete LP (p = 0.612). In both inferior and superior quadrant RD, there was significant difference between baseline and final BCVA after surgery. (Baseline and final BCVA in inferior RD: logMAR 1.71 ± 0.40, and logMAR 0.950 ± 0.30 (p = 0.011) and, in superior RD: logMAR 1.35 ± 0.59, and logMAR 0.505 ± 0.321 (p = 0.0001), respectively.) CONCLUSIONS: As a result, it seems that both partial and complete LP did not modify the typology of RRD surgeries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered. The study followed the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki, and it was approved by the local ethical committee (2023-088).

Clinical role of CD274 (PD-L1) and CD3+ lymphocytes in predicting high risk in advanced colorectal cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

In cancer research, the mechanism underlying the immune response to a tumour has been of great interest. In this study, we investigated the role of CD274 (programmed cell death-ligand 1 - PD-L1) and CD3+ tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the prognosis of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We retrospectively examined primary tumour specimens from stage III/IV CRC patients operated on between 2008 and 2018. We found a significant association between these biomarkers and pT stage (PD-L1, p = 0.020; CD3+TILs, p = 0.025), tumour grade (PD-L1, p = 0.005; CD3+TILs, p = 0.004), positive surgical margin (PD-L1, p = 0.001; CD3+TILs, p = 0.001), MSI (PD-L1, p < 0.001; CD3+TILs, p < 0.001), etc. We also discovered that these biomarkers are independent risk factors for MSI (PD-L1, OR = 1.84 [1.27-4.02], p = 0.003; CD3+TILs, OR = 1.92 [1.31-4.35], p = 0.008). Univariate analysis results revealed that patients with high PD-L1, low CD3+TIL, and both showed poor relapse-free survival (RFS) and poor overall survival (OS) (PD-L1: RFS, p = 0.008 and OS, p = 0.001; CD3+TILs: RFS, p = 0.003 and OS, p = 0.005; PD-L1 and CD3+TILs: RFS, p < 0.001 and OS, p < 0.001). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that the combined use of high PD-L1 and low CD3+TILs was a better predictor of poor RFS and OS (PD-L1 and CD3+TILs: RFS, hazard ratio - HR, = 2.85 [95% CI: 1.36-3.84], p < 0.001); OS, HR = 2.74 [1.32-3.71], p < 0.001). We also found a high PD-L1 parameter as another independent overall and relapse-free survival parameter. Our findings suggest that a combination of high PD-L1 and low CD3+TIL can reliably predict poor survival in CRC patients receiving chemotherapy. Therefore, these biomarkers may be promising for the planning and execution of appropriate targeted therapies.

The Effects of Colchicine on the Histopathological Findings of Celiac Disease During Familial Mediterranean Fever Treatment.

Familial mediterranean fever (FMF) and Celiac Disease (CD) are both autoinflammatory and autoimmune diseases with common clinical features affecting the gastrointestinal system. Familial mediterranean fever may coexist with CD. Inflammatory cells and cytokines are up-regulated within the intestinal mucosa of patients with CD. In this perspective, lymphocyte infiltration to the lamina propria of the small intestinal mucosa is a critical pathological sign. In the present study, we aimed to find out whether the treatment of an FMF patient with colchicine affects the pathological signs of concomitant developed CD on the same patient. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 147 patients with FMF who were followed up in our center between 2015 and 2020. Of the 147 patients with FMF, 3 patients also had CD. In this report, we presented these 3 cases. The findings obtained in this study suggest that pathological findings may be misinterpreted in autoimmune diseases, such as CD, when patients administer anti-inflammatory treatments, such as colchicine.

The impact of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on experimental testiculartorsion in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the healing effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on experimental testicular torsion in rats. METHODS: Three groups consisting of 10 Wistar albino rats were created. In Group I, the left testicle was explored and relocated in the scrotum without any attempt to modify it. In Group II, the left testicle underwent torsion for three h and then was detorsed and relocated. In Group III, in addition to torsion and detorsion, BM-MSCs were administered intratesticularly. The rats were sacrificed on the seventh day, and the healing status of the testicles was investigated with histopathological and biochemical analyses. BM-MSC involvement was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all variables. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that BM-MSCs were located around the Leydig cells in Group III. Under light microscopy, the mean Johnsen Score of Group III was significantly higher than that of Group II (p = 0.035). The interleukin-10 (IL-10) level was significantly higher in Group III compared to Group II (p = 0.003). While the malondialdehyde (MDA) values in Group I (the control group) were lower than in the other groups (p = 0.037), the superoxide dismutase (SOD) values were similar (p = 0.158). Although there was no statistically significant difference between Group II and Group III in terms of MDA, it was lower in Group III. Although the tissue SOD levels were higher in Group III than in Group II, the difference was not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: : This study has demonstrated that BM-MSCs significantly corrected the Johnsen Score and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels after testicular torsion. BM-MSCs can be used in testicular torsion as supportive therapy to minimize tissue damage.

The impact of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on experimental testicular torsion in rats.

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the healing effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on experimental testicular torsion in rats. Materials and methods: Three groups consisting of 10 Wistar albino rats were created. In Group I, the left testicle was explored and relocated in the scrotum without any attempt to modify it. In Group II, the left testicle underwent torsion for three h and then was detorsed and relocated. In Group III, in addition to torsion and detorsion, BM-MSCs were administered intratesticularly. The rats were sacrificed on the seventh day, and the healing status of the testicles was investigated with histopathological and biochemical analyses. BM-MSC involvement was investigated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all variables. Results: Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that BM-MSCs were located around the Leydig cells in Group III. Under light microscopy, the mean Johnsen Score of Group III was significantly higher than that of Group II (p = 0.035). The interleukin-10 (IL-10) level was significantly higher in Group III compared to Group II (p = 0.003). While the malondialdehyde (MDA) values in Group I (the control group) were lower than in the other groups (p = 0.037), the superoxide dismutase (SOD) values were similar (p = 0.158). Although there was no statistically significant difference between Group II and Group III in terms of MDA, it was lower in Group III. Although the tissue SOD levels were higher in Group III than in Group II, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that BM-MSCs significantly corrected the Johnsen Score and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels after testicular torsion. BM-MSCs can be used in testicular torsion as supportive therapy to minimize tissue damage.

Contribution of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Healing of Pulmonary Contusion-Created Rats.

BACKGROUND: The most common thoracic injury in children, resulting in trauma, is pulmonary contusion (PC). Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are used in wound healing and many other diseases. This study aims to examine the effects of BM-MSCs on PC healing in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 male Wistar albino rats were used. Four groups were formed. BM-MSCs were labeled with the green fluorescent protein. PC was observed in the control group. In group II, PC occured and left to spontaneous healing. In group III, PC formed and BM-MSCs were given. In group IV, BM-MSCs were given without PC formation. Subjects were sacrificed 1 week later. Whether there was any difference in terms of BM-MSC involvement and lung injury score was investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 17.0, software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL), and p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: BM-MSCs were collected much more in the lungs in group III than in group IV. Group III had a lower lung injury score value than group II. CONCLUSION: The greater involvement of the BM-MSCs in the injury site, and further reductions in lung injury score suggest that BM-MSCs are contributing to the healing of the injury. The use of BM-MSCs in risky patients with diffuse PC may be an alternative treatment to conventional methods.

Contribution of amniotic membrane to the healing of iatrogenic vas deferens injury

Background/aim: Iatrogenic vas deferens injury is one of the most serious complications of operations in the inguinal region. Vasovasostomy is performed as treatment. However, stenosis is common after vasovasostomy. Oligospermia or azoospermia may develop and result in infertility. This study aimed to investigate the effect of amniotic membrane on healing in vas deferens injuries. Materials and methods: Four groups consisting of 10 rats each were formed. No procedure was performed in Group-I. In Group- II, the left vas deferens was transected and left to spontaneous healing. In Group-III, the left vas deferens was transected, and end- to-end anastomosis was performed. In Group-IV, the left vas deferens was transected, end-to-end anastomosis was performed, and it was closed with a wrapping of amniotic membrane on the anastomosis line. Rats were sacrificed after 60 days, and each left vas deferens was evaluated. Lumen patency was checked by passing methylene blue through the vas deferens. Subsequently, the vas deferens was evaluated both macroscopically and histopathologically. Data were evaluated using SPSS version 21.0. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all variables. Results: The anastomosis lines in Group-IV healed better than those in Group-III, and less stenosis was observed. There were differences between the groups in terms of luminal patency (p = 0.009), adhesions to surrounding tissues (p = 0.02) and separation of the ends of the vas deferens (p = 0.03). Conclusion: We observed improvement on luminal patency and histology of rat vas deferens injury after surrounding human amniotic membrane on the transected and repaired surface. Further studies are needed to apply this promising result on human beings.

Simultaneous Cataract, Maculopathy and Optic Atrophy Secondary to High-Voltage Electrical Shock Injury.

A 32-year-old man presented to our clinic with complaint of vision loss in both eyes (oculus utro; OU). Past medical history revealed that he had been exposed to high-voltage electrical current that passed through the temporal region of the head 2 months ago. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated cortico-nuclear cataract and mature cataract in his right eye (oculus dexter; OD) and left eye (oculus sinister; OS), respectively. On fundus examination, a macular hole was observed in OD. Optic atrophy and foveal atrophy were observed in the left fundus examination after cataract surgery. Simultaneous cataract, maculopathy and optic atrophy may occur after high-voltage electrical current injury. Therefore, clinicians should perform detailed anterior and posterior segment examinations in such patients.

Orbital Metastasis Secondary to Breast Cancer: A Rare Cause of Unilateral External Ophthalmoplegia.

Orbital metastases are rare causes of orbital tumours, and may present with pain, photophobia, red eye, vision loss, diplopia, proptosis, or external ophthalmoplegia. Breast cancer is responsible for a great majority of orbital metastases. Herein, we report a 78-year-old female who had unilateral external ophthalmoplegia due to orbital metastasis of primary breast cancer.

Tumour budding in preoperative biopsy specimens is a useful prognostic index for identifying high-risk patients in early-stage (pN0) colon cancer

Background/aim: Tumour budding (BD) is considered a valuable prognostic factor in colon cancer (CC), but its use in daily practice is uncertain. We investigated the prognostic effect of BD using preoperativebiopsy specimens in a fairly homogeneous population. Materials and methods: Eighty-two (pN0) CC patients who underwent surgery after preoperativebiopsy between 1997 and 2013 were included in the study. Model A (using the 'deeply invasive blocks & hot-spot area & invasive margin) and method 1 (using the '20× objective & immunohistochemistry staining & quantitive counting') were used as standard methods. Results: High BD was significantly associated with poor prognostic factors (lymphatic invasion [P = 0.008], perineural invasion [P = 0.041], advanced pT [P = 0.015], invasive margin [P = 0.008], and margin involvement [P = 0.019]). Moreover, correlations between different BD estimates (r = 0.613­0.696), reproducibility of study (Κappa = 0.68­0.73), and usefulnessofcut-off value (area of under ROC = 0.746 [0.663­0.829]) were well. In univariate analysis, 5-year survival was poor in patients with high BD (relaps-free survival [RFS]: 71 %, P < 0.001; overall survival [OS]: 73 %, P = 0.004, local recurrence [LR]: 18 %, P = 0.032). Multivariate analyses confirmed that high BD is an independent worse survival parameter for RFS (Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.53 [1.14­2.80], P = 0.015), OS (HR: 1.44 [1.17­2.75], P = 0.032, and LR (HR: 1.59 [1.05­2.76], P = 0.045). Conclusion: Our data show that BD provides valuable prognostic information for early-stage (pN0) CC in preoperativebiopsy specimens and that adding BD to current risk classification may contribute to better patient selection.

ACUTE EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON MACULAR MICROCIRCULATION IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the acute effects of caffeine on macular microvasculature using quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography analysis. METHODS: Fifty-two healthy subjects aged 24 to 48 years were randomly divided into 2 groups: a control group, which received placebo, and a study group, which was subjected to caffeine. All participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography at baseline and 1 hour after 200-mg oral caffeine intake in the study group and after oral placebo in the control group. Macular flow area, macular vessel density, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area were analyzed in both the groups. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 14 men and 12 women with a mean age of 40.6 ± 8.9 years. The mean age of control group was 39.5 ± 9.4 years, which consisted of 13 men and 13 women. Baseline macular flow area, vessel density, and FAZ area measurements of the study and control groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Oral caffeine intake caused a significant reduction in macular flow area (superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris) and vessel density (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in FAZ area after caffeine intake when compared with baseline measurements (P = 0.063). CONCLUSION: We found a significant decrease in macular flow area (superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris) and vessel density after caffeine intake. Our findings are consistent with previous studies using other techniques. We believe that the results of this preliminary study will be useful in future studies about this topic.

Prognostic role of tumour-infiltrating T lymphocytes in stage IIA (T3N0) colon cancer: A broad methodological study in a fairly homogeneous population.

AIM: Tumour-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL) are considered to be a reliable prognostic marker in CC, but the use in daily practice is unclear. We investigated the survival effect of TIL methodologically in a highly homogeneous population. METHODS: Seventy-two stage IIA (T3N0) CC patients who underwent surgical resection from 2000 to 2014 were included. CD3 and CD8 were separately scored for different blocks, areas and foci. To the best of our knowledge, this study has the most comprehensive methodology in the literature. RESULTS: Foremost, we searched for the optimal evaluation method. We found better results with Model A (deepest invasive block&hot spot area&invasive margin focus), e.g. for CD3, the relationship with prognostic factors [Crohn's-like reaction (p = 0.015), positive surgical margin (p = 0.019), Mismatch repair proteins deficiency (p = 0.003), advanced grade (p = 0.015)], the correlation of distinct estimates (r = 0.708), the reproducibility of research (Κappa = 0.60-0.71), and the usefulness of cut-off value (area of under ROC = 0.800 [0.683-0.917]) were best. Then, survival analysis was performed with two better methods including Model A. In univariate analysis, low TIL with Model A was associated with worse OS (CD3, p < 0.001; CD8, p = 0.023) and RFS (CD3, p < 0.001; CD8, p = 0.005). Multivariate analyses confirmed low TIL with same method as an independent worse prognostic marker for OS (CD3, Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.42 [1.10-1.85], p = 0.005) and RFS (CD3, HR = 1.46 [1.17-1.83], p = 0.001; CD8, HR = 1.32 [1.05-1.64], p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that low TIL is an independent worse prognostic marker in stage IIA (T3N0) CC and that the use of CD3 with Model A can contribute to improving the prognostication of early CCs.

Acute Unilateral Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Secondary to Optic Nerve Head Drusen: Report of a Rare Coexistence.

A 45-year-old white male noticed on awakening the painless loss of inferior vision in the left eye 2 days ago. He was otherwise well and his medical history was unremarkable. Visual acuity was 20/20 in OD and 20/32 in OS with a left inferior altitudinal defect and right blind spot enlargement demonstrable on visual field test. On fundus examination, both disc margins were blurred and the left disc was diffusely oedematous, with linear haemorrhages in the adjacent nerve fibre layer. Radiologic imaging and laboratory tests were unremarkable. Bilateral optic nerve head drusen (ONHD) was demonstrated by optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Unilateral acute non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and concomitant bilateral ONHD were diagnosed. NAION may develop secondary to ONHD. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this rare association and inform the patients about this risk. Patients with ONHD should be followed-up periodically in terms of possible ischemic complications.

Coexistence of Papillitis and Posterior Placoid Chorioretinopathy as the Presenting Symptoms of Syphilis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection.

A 27-year-old male was presented with a decrease in vision in the left eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in the right eye and counting fingers at 2 m in the left eye. On fundus examination, the left optic disc was oedematous and there was a wide yellowish, well-defined placoid lesion between the temporal vascular arcades with mild vitreous inflammation. However, a small yellowish well-defined placoid lesion was detected in the inferior temporal region of the macula in the right eye. He was diagnosed with posterior placoid chorioretinopathy (PPC), papillitis, and neurosyphilis after performing fundus fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, serology for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis, and cerebrospinal fluid examination. Intravenous penicillin treatment was commenced as soon as the diagnosis was established. Seven days after treatment initiation, lesions were partially regressed. PPC and papillitis are rare manifestations of ocular syphilis. In addition, neurosyphilis may also accompany these manifestations. Therefore, syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who have PPC or papillitis and all patients should be tested for HIV coinfection and neurosyphilis.

Could Buerger's disease cause nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy?: a rare case report.

We present an interesting case with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) accompanied by Buerger's disease. A 43-year-old man was referred to our neuro-ophthalmology clinic with a complaint of visual deterioration in the left eye that started 5 days ago. He suffered from Buerger's disease, and he had acute pain in the right lower limb below the knee. His best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in the right eye and 2/10 in the left eye by Snellen chart. There was a relative afferent pupil defect in the left eye. The right optic disc was normal on fundus examination, and blurring, hemorrhagic swelling was found at the left optic disc. Inferior altitudinal visual field defect was observed in the left eye. Neurological examination was normal. Computed tomography angiography scan revealed occlusion in the right posterior tibial artery. Brain imaging and laboratory tests such as blood analyses, genetic screening, coagulation, and lipid panels were unremarkable. NAION may occur in patients with Buerger's disease, but it is extremely rare. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this rare association.

Risk factors for multiple retinal tears in patients with acute posterior vitreous detachment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate possible risk factors for multiple retinal tears in patients with acute posterior vitreous detachment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and seventy-six consecutive patients presenting with symptoms of floaters and/or flashes were examined. The associations of retinal tears with the duration of symptoms, multiple floaters, flashing, a family history of retinal detachment, peripheral retinal degeneration, lens status, myopia, tobacco dust, and retinal or vitreous hemorrhage were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-four (14.4%) of the 376 patients had 71 initial retinal tears. Forty of the 54 eyes had one retinal tear, and 14 eyes had multiple retinal tears. The presence of retinal or vitreous hemorrhage increased the risk of multiple retinal tears 6.1 times using univariate analysis and 7.0 times using multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Unrecognized retinal tears in patients with acute posterior vitreous detachment can cause subsequent retinal detachment. It is therefore important to consider multiple retinal tears, especially in patients with retinal or vitreous hemorrhage.

The effect of caffeine on choroidal thickness in young healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of oral caffeine intake on choroidal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Eighteen otherwise healthy caffeine users and 18 controls were enrolled. All participants underwent OCT scanning with high-speed and resolution spectral-domain OCT device (3D OCT 2000, Topcon, Japan) at baseline, and 1 and 3 h following 200-mg oral caffeine intake in the study and after oral placebo in the control group. The measurements were taken in the morning (10-12 am) to avoid diurnal fluctuation. RESULTS: The median choroidal thickness at the fovea prior to oral caffeine intake was 337.00 (IQR 83.75) µm, which decreased to 311.00 (IQR 79.25) µm at 1 h and 311.00 (IQR 75.00) µm at 3 h following oral caffeine intake (p = 0.001, 0.002, respectively). The median choroidal thickness was also significantly decreased following oral caffeine intake at other five extrafoveal points (p < 0.05 for all). The difference in choroidal thickness was not statistically significant between 1 and 3 h of caffeine intake at all six points. In the control group, the median baseline choroidal thickness at the fovea was 330.00 (IQR 88.75) µm, which was 330.50 (IQR 80.75) µm at 1 h and 330.50 (IQR 90.75) µm at 3 h (p = 0.552, 0.704, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine causes a significant decrease in choroidal thickness following oral intake. This decrease might be a result of reduced ocular blood flow due to its vasoconstrictive effect.

Choroidal thickness in relation to sex, age, refractive error, and axial length in healthy Turkish subjects.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between choroidal thickness (CT) and sex, age, refractive error (RE), and axial length in healthy subjects. This is a study of 154 eyes in 154 healthy subjects. CT measurements were performed by the same experienced technician using a spectral domain optical coherence tomography device. CT was measured perpendicularly from the outer edge of the retinal pigment epithelium to the choroid-sclera boundary at the fovea and at six more points which are located at, respectively, 500 µm nasal to the fovea, 1,000 µm nasal to the fovea, and 1,500 µm nasal to the fovea, 500 µm temporal to the fovea, 1,000 µm temporal to the fovea, and 1,500 µm temporal to the fovea. The RE was measured by autorefractometry, and the axial length was measured by interferometry. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate CT at each location, and to the correlations of CT with sex, age, RE, and axial length. The mean subfoveal CT was 265.86 ± 60.32 µm, the mean age was 49.01 ± 19.19 years, the mean RE was -0.17 ± 1.20 diopters (D), and the mean axial length was 23.39 ± 0.76 mm. CT profile indicated that the choroid was thicker at the fovea than at temporal and nasal locations. Univariable linear regression analysis showed that subfoveal CT decreased 3.14 µm for each year of age and decreased 79.33 µm for each mm of axial length (P = 0.000, R(2) = 0.249; P = 0.000, R(2) = 0.487, respectively). In a similar analysis, subfoveal CT was found to decrease by 50.24 µm/D myopia-shifted change in refraction (P = 0.000, R (2) = 0.201). The subfoveal choroid was 99.16 µm (39.22 %) thicker in men than women when adjusting for age and axial length (P = 0.000, R(2) = 0.249). CT decreases with increasing myopia, age, and axial length. Men had thicker choroid than women, and CT varies depending on location.

Choroidal thickness changes in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

To evaluate the choroidal thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and to compare them with healthy controls. This observational comparative study consisted of 35 PXS patients and 35 age- and sex-matched control cases. The control cases had neither systemic nor ocular disease. All 70 patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination as well as choroidal thickness measurement using a high speed and high resolution SD-OCT device (Topcon 3D OCT-2000, Japan). There was no significant difference with respect to mean refractive error and intraocular pressure measurement between patients with PXS and controls (p = 0.237 and 0.433, respectively). The mean choroidal thickness was found as 206.6 ± 37.6 µm in the PXS group and 215.9 ± 47.3 µm in controls, respectively. The mean choroidal thickness was not significant between the PXS patients and the control cases (p = 0.362). Although PXS patients had lower mean choroidal thickness than controls, our results did not reach any statistical significance.

Tumour Budding Is a Useful Predictor to Identify High-Risk Stage II Colon Cancer Patients After Curative Surgery.

Aim. Although it is now accepted in the literature that tumour budding (TB) is a useful survival indicator in colon cancer (CC), there are still uncertainties about daily use. Here we methodologically examined the role of TB on survival in CC. Methods. In our study, we examined colon cancer patients who had surgery up to 15 years before presentation. TB was calculated separately using different comprehensive methodological methods. Results. We first investigated an optimal evaluation method. Relationship with prognostic factors was better (Venous invasion [p = .001], advanced pT [p = .003], perineural invasion [p = .040], MSS [p = .016], advanced size [p = .001], tumour obstruction [p = .005], margin involvement [p = .043], and nodal involvement [p = .028]) in Method-1. Similarly, with the same method, the success of the cut-off value, the correlation of TB data (r = .724), and the repeatability of the method (Κappa = .53-.75) were quite good (ROC = .816 [.707-.925]). Then, survival analysis was performed using the best three methods, including this method. In univariate analysis using Method-1, survival analyses were worse in high TB patients (RFS: 81%, p < .001; OS: 84%, p < .001). Multivariate analyses using the same method confirmed that high TB for RFS and OS was an independent poor prognostic parameter for survival (p = .002, Hazard ratio [HR]: 1.42 [1.13-1.80]) and OS (p = .014, HR: 1.38 [1.07-1.79]). Conclusions. With our study, we showed that tumour budding calculated by the standard method is a very valuable prognostic parameter in stage II CC and can contribute to the detection of patients with poor prognosis in stage II CC.