Homologous or heterologous COVID-19 vaccine schemes: comparison of immune responses and side effects.

Real-life data are needed regarding the appropriate time and selection of vaccination strategies, homologous or heterologous. We aimed to compare neutralizing antibody levels and side effects in different vaccination schemes. The study included 310 Health Care Workers (HCWs) vaccinated with 5 different schemes. Antispike/RBD IgG levels were measured between 28 and 60 days after the last dose. Side effects in participants were recorded, and pharmacovigilance records were reviewed from the outpatient vaccine clinic. Mean age of the participants was 38 ± 11 years of whom 226 (72.9%) were female, and 84 (27.1%) were male. After booster doses, increasing antibody levels were detected in all groups. Mean antibody levels were detected to be statistically lower in 3 doses of inactivated vaccines group. The side effects were no significant difference between groups. Booster dose administration with mRNA vaccines stands out as the most accurate strategy for those at risk of contracting severe COVID-19 and HCWs caring for this population.

The effect of nutritional interventions reducing oxidative stress on behavioural and gastrointestinal problems in autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although the exact cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is a neurodevelopmental disorder, is not known, it is thought that environmental factors are also effective in addition to genetic risk factors. Studies are showing an increase in oxidative stress markers and a decrease in some antioxidant enzymes in individuals with autism. This study aims to try to explain the effect of nutritional interventions that reduce oxidative stress on behavioural and gastrointestinal problems in ASD based on a literature review. METHODS: All relevant studies from 2000 to 2021 were identified through a systematic search in the PubMed and Web of Science databases by using key search terms. A systematic search of the electronic databases resulted in a total of 3235 potential articles, and data were extracted from 24 studies. RESULTS: There were 9 clinical trials and 15 animal studies. Most studies find statistically significant results for nutritional supplementation compared with placebo ASD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Most studies on the interventions of nutritional supplements that reduce oxidative stress in individuals with ASD have found improving effects on ASD symptoms, and no serious side effects have been observed. However, more interventional studies are needed to determine the precise effects of oxidative stress-reducing nutritional supplementation.

The Effect of Bigorexia Nervosa on Eating Attitudes and Physical Activity: A Study on University Students.

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between physical activity, eating attitude, and bigorexia nervosa among university students. Method: A questionnaire form consisting of sociodemographic characteristics, eating habits, the Eating Attitude Scale (EAT-40), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale (MASS) was conducted on undergraduate students at Üsküdar University. Results: There were 1006 students who participated in this study with a mean age of 22.58 ± 2.87 years. The median "muscle appearance satisfaction" score of the obese students was statistically higher than the normal weight and underweight students. The median score for "Obesity Anxiety" was statistically higher in underweight students than in obese ones. A one-unit increase in IPAQ scores was related to an elevation of 24.9% in the MASS and a decrease of 17.9% in the EAT-40 scores, while a one-unit increase in MASS scores was related to a reduction of 12.5% in the EAT-40 scores. Conclusion: Eating attitude is associated with bigorexia nervosa, and as MASS scores increase, EAT-40 scores decrease and as IPAQ scores increase, and EAT-40 scores decrease. In other words, as physical activity increases, muscle strength satisfaction elevates, and in parallel with this increase, a positive eating attitude improves.

Investigation of Eating Habits in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional habits of patients with functional dyspepsia can affect the progression of functional dyspepsia. We aimed to determine the foods and dietary habits that may cause symptoms of postprandial fullness, early satiety, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning in functional dyspepsia patients. METHODS: Sixty functional dyspepsia patients, who were diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria in the endoscopy unit of a gastroenterology institute, were included in the study. Data on the demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, and food consumption frequency questionnaire of functional dyspepsia patients were collected. RESULTS: Postprandial fullness was found more common in those who preferred roasting as a cooking method. There was no significant difference between symptoms and meal frequency. Epigastric burning and pain were found to be more pronounced in women, and alcohol consumption was less in patients who experienced more epigastric pain. In non-smoker participants, the complaint of early satiety was lower. It was found that broccoli, radish, celery, green olives, and olive oil consumption was less in participants who experienced excessive postprandial fullness. Patients with stomach pain consumed less dry fruits, green olives, butter, alcohol, and fast food. It was found that patients with stomach burning consumed less alcohol and fast food. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, functional dyspepsia patients should avoid or reduce consuming broccoli, radish, celery, green olives, olive oil, dry fruits, and butter which may trigger symptoms. Reducing consumption of these foods, abandoning unhealthy cooking methods such as roasting, reducing smoking, and reducing consumption of alcohol and fast food might be beneficial for relieving symptoms.

The Effect of Chronotype on Addictive Eating Behavior and BMI among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of chronotype on addictive eating behavior and BMI in university students. A questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits, as well as the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) and the morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), were given to students at Üsküdar University. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 26.0. This study included a total of 850 students, 46.8% of whom were male and 53.2% were female. The mean BMI was 22.94 ± 3.30 kg/m2. As the BMI values of students increased, there was a decrease of 25.6% in the TFEQ scores, regardless of gender (s = −0.256; p < 0.001), and an increase of 10.6% in their chronotype scores, meaning that the students tended to be morning types (s = 0.106; p < 0.01). A significantly negative, very weak correlation was found between the students' TFEQ and MEQ scores (s = −0.123; p < 0.001). The students' BMI (p < 0.01) and TFEQ scores (p < 0.001) were affected by their MEQ scores in a statistically significant way. It was found that each 1-point increase in the MEQ score led to a 4.0% increase in the BMI score and a 15.8% decrease in the TFEQ score. It was observed that the morning-type students tended to be obese in terms of their BMI, and these students demonstrated fewer addictive eating behaviors.

Effect of Hydroxychloroquine on the Retinal Layers: A Quantitative Evaluation with Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of hydroxychloroquine on retinal pigment epithelium- (RPE-) Bruch's membrane complex, photoreceptor outer segment, and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods. In this prospective case-control study, 51 eyes of 51 hydroxychloroquine patients and 30 eyes of 30 healthy subjects were included. High-quality images were obtained using a Cirrus HD-OCT with 5-line raster mode; the photoreceptor inner segment (IS) and outer segment (OS), sum of the segments (IS + OS), and RPE-Bruch's membrane complex were analyzed. Results. The thicknesses of the IS + OS and OS layers were significantly lower in the hydroxychloroquine subjects compared to the control subjects (P < 0.05). RPE-Bruch's membrane complex thicknesses were significantly higher in the hydroxychloroquine subjects than for those of the control subjects (P < 0.05). The minimum and temporal-inferior macular GCIPL thicknesses were significantly different between the patients with hydroxychloroquine use and the control subjects (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, resp.). Conclusions. The foveal photoreceptor OS thinning, loss of GCIPL, and RPE-Bruch's membrane thickening were detected in patients with hydroxychloroquine therapy. This quantitative approach using SD-OCT images may have important implications to use as an early indicator of retinal toxicity without any visible signs of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy.

Comparison of corneal topographic measurements and high order aberrations in keratoconus and normal eyes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this report was to compare corneal topographic measurements and anterior high order corneal aberrations in eyes with keratoconus and normal eyes by using Scheimpflug-Placido topography. METHODS: Eighty cases diagnosed with mild (group 1), moderate (group 2), and advanced (group 3) stage keratoconus (KC) according to Amsler-Krumeich Classification and 81 healthy (control group) cases were retrospectively examined. The mean keratometric measurements (as both diopters (Kavg) and mm values (mmavg)), central corneal thickness values (CCT), high order aberration (HOA), total wavefront aberration (TWA), coma, trefoil, and spherical aberration measurements were performed using Sirius topography equipment. The topographic values were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were 25 cases in group 1 KC (15.5%), 34 cases in group 2 KC (21.1%), 21 cases in group 3 KC (13.1%), and 81 cases (50.3%) in the control group. In terms of mean age and gender distributions, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). However, there was significant difference between the groups in terms of Kavg, CCT, HOA, TWA, coma, trefoil, and spherical aberration values (p<0.01). Mean HOA, TWA, coma, trefoil, and spherical aberration values were observed to increase with the severity of KC disease. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior high order corneal aberrations were significantly increased in eyes with moderate and advanced keratoconus. Anterior high order corneal aberration measurements are a useful tool to guide the physician in diagnosis and classification of keratoconus.

Retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and choroidal thicknesses in migraine.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the thicknesses of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCL), and choroid layer using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for investigating the effects of vascular changes on the eye and optic nerve in patients who have migraine with aura. METHODS: Forty-five patients who had migraine with aura (migraine group) and 45 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in the study. Age, gender, duration after migraine diagnosis, intraocular pressure, and axial length measurements were recorded in each case. RNFL, GCL, and choroid layer thicknesses were measured using SD-OCT in all participants. RESULTS: The mean age was 36.1 ± 6.7 (20-45) years in the migraine group and 35.7 ± 8.6 (19-45) years in the control group. There was no significant difference in the RNFL thicknesses of the temporal and nasal quadrants (p >0.05). The RNFL thicknesses of the superior and inferior quadrants were significantly lower in the migraine group compared with those in the control group (p =0.001, p <0.01, respectively). Measurements for the superior and inferior GCL were not significantly different between the groups (p >0.05). Subfoveal, temporal, and nasal choroidal thickness measurements at 500 µm, 1000 µm, and 1500 µm were significantly lower in the migraine group than in the control group (p =0.001; p <0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the controls, the RNFL and choroid layer were determined to be thinner in patients who had chronic migraine with aura.

A PILOT STUDY OF CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN LONG-TERM SMOKERS.

PURPOSE: To compare the choroidal thicknesses in long-term smokers with those of nonsmoking healthy individuals using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six individuals who had been smoking at least for 20 years, but otherwise without systemic problems, participated in this prospective pilot study. The control group comprised 42 nonsmoking individuals. METHODS: The ages, refractions, and axial length measurements of the cases were recorded. Central macular thickness and choroidal thickness at the fovea and at 500 µm intervals from the foveal center in both temporal and nasal directions were measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Although the smoking period of the smokers was mean 32.4 ± 9 years (range: 20-60), the mean pack-years of cigarettes was 35.1 ± 23.8 (range: 10-120). No significant difference was observed regarding refraction value and axial length between smokers and nonsmokers group. In addition, no significant difference was observed for central macular thickness and choroidal thickness values at 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 µm nasal and temporal part of the fovea, between 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Macular and choroidal thicknesses in long-term smokers were observed to be similar to those of healthy individuals.

Retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, and choroidal thicknesses in migraine / Espessuras da camada de fibras nervosas retinianas, complexo de células ganglionares e coroide na enxaqueca

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the thicknesses of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCL), and choroid layer using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) for investigating the effects of vascular changes on the eye and optic nerve in patients who have migraine with aura. Methods: Forty-five patients who had migraine with aura (migraine group) and 45 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in the study. Age, gender, duration after migraine diagnosis, intraocular pressure, and axial length measurements were recorded in each case. RNFL, GCL, and choroid layer thicknesses were measured using SD-OCT in all participants. Results: The mean age was 36.1 ± 6.7 (20-45) years in the migraine group and 35.7 ± 8.6 (19-45) years in the control group. There was no significant difference in the RNFL thicknesses of the temporal and nasal quadrants (p >0.05). The RNFL thicknesses of the superior and inferior quadrants were significantly lower in the migraine group compared with those in the control group (p =0.001, p <0.01, respectively). Measurements for the superior and inferior GCL were not significantly different between the groups (p >0.05). Subfoveal, temporal, and nasal choroidal thickness measurements at 500 µm, 1000 µm, and 1500 µm were significantly lower in the migraine group than in the control group (p =0.001; p <0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Compared with the controls, the RNFL and choroid layer were determined to be thinner in patients who had chronic migraine with aura.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as espessuras de camada peripapilar de fibras nervosas retinianas (RNFL), complexo de células ganglionares (GCL) e da coroide utilizando a tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral (SD-OCT), a fim de investigar os efeitos das alterações vasculares no olho e nervo óptico em pacientes que apresentam enxaqueca com aura. Métodos: Quarenta e cinco pacientes que apresentavam enxaqueca com aura (grupo enxaqueca) e 45 indivíduos saudáveis (grupo controle) foram incluídos no estudo. Idade, sexo, duração da enxaqueca, pressão intraocular e medidas de comprimento axial foram registrados em cada caso. Medidas da RNFL, GCL e espessuras da coroide foram obtidas com SD-OCT em todos os participantes. Resultados: A média da idade foi de 36,1 ± 6,7 (20-45) anos no grupo enxaqueca e 35,7 ± 8,6 (19-45) anos no grupo controle. Não houve diferença significativa em espessuras RNFL nos quadrantes temporal e nasal (p>0,05). A espessura da RNFL nos quadrantes superiores e inferiores foram significativamente menores no grupo de enxaqueca em comparação ao grupo controle (p=0,001; p<0,01). Medidas da GCL superior e inferior não mostraram diferença significativa entre os grupos (p>0,05). Espessuras subfoveais, temporais e nasais da coroide (CT) a 500 µm, 1000 µm e 1500 µm foram significativamente menores no grupo de enxaqueca em relação ao grupo controle (p=0,001; p<0,01). Conclusões: Comparados aos controles, as espessuras da RNFL e coroide foram mais finas em pacientes que apresentavam enxaqueca crônica com aura.

Choroidal and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in adults with anisometropic amblyopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate choroidal thickness, macular thickness, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in amblyopic eyes compared to fellow and normal control eyes using high-definition spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Fifty-four without any systemic problem and ocular disease participated in this prospective study. Inclusion criteria included individuals older than 18 years with anisometropic amblyopia. Choroidal thickness, central macular thickness (CMT), and RNFL thickness were measured by using enhanced depth imaging SD-OCT. The choroidal thickness was measured at the fovea and at 500 µm intervals from the foveal center in both temporal and nasal directions. Axial length measurements of the cases were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean peripapillary RNFL thickness of the amblyopic, fellow, and control eyes was 107.5 ± 15.5 µm, 109.3 ± 12.7 µm, and 108.8 ± 8.6 µm, respectively (p = 0.343). The average CMT was 231.7 ± 14.7 µm in amblyopic eyes, 232.5 ± 15.7 µm in fellow eyes, and 230.8 ± 14.8 µm in control eyes (p = 0.599). Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly greater in the amblyopic eyes than in the fellow and control eyes (396.3 ± 104.3 µm, 361.0 ± 103.9 µm, 390.6 ± 91.7 µm). Mean axial measurement in amblyopic eyes was 22.7 ± 1.3 mm (20.5-26.1), in fellow eyes 23.1 ± 0.9 mm (20.9-25.0), and in control eyes 23.3 ± 0.9 mm. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with anisometropic amblyopia, subfoveal, temporal, and nasal choroidal thickness of amblyopic eyes are significantly thicker than in fellow eyes. However, no significant differences in peripapillary RNFL thickness or CMT were found between amblyopic and fellow or control eyes.

Corneal collagen crosslinking for ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) treatment for post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia. SETTINGS: Turkiye Hospital Eye Clinic and Fatih University Medical Faculty, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Retrospective case series study. METHODS: Consecutive patients with ectasia after LASIK were treated with CXL. The main outcome measures were uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, spherical and cylindrical refractions, and simulated keratometry (K) values. RESULTS: The study enrolled 20 eyes (14 patients; 7 women) with a mean age of 34.8 years ± 6.0 (SD) (range 25 to 45 years) and mean follow-up of 42 months (range 36 to 60 months). The UDVA and CDVA improved significantly, from 0.78 ± 0.61 logMAR to 0.53 ± 0.36 logMAR (P=.007) and from 0.27 ± 0.23 logMAR to 0.19 ± 0.13 logMAR, respectively (P≤.028). No eye lost 1 or more Snellen lines of UDVA or CDVA. Although the mean spherical refraction was not significantly different at the last visit (P=.074), the mean cylindrical refraction decreased significantly (P=.036). The maximum K value decreased from 46.0 ± 4.4 diopters (D) at baseline to 45.6 ± 3.8 D at the last visit (P=.013). By the last visit, the maximum K value decreased (≥1.0 D) in 5 eyes and remained stable in 15 eyes. No serious complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal collagen crosslinking yielded long-term stability in cases with post-LASIK corneal ectasia without significant side effects. Improvements in visual acuity, cylindrical refraction, and maximum K values occurred. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Risk Factors in Post-LASIK Corneal Ectasia.

Purpose. To evaluate the risk factors for post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia. Materials and Methods. Medical records of 42 eyes of 28 (10 women, 18 men) patients who developed corneal ectasia after LASIK were retrospectively reviewed. Topographical features and surgical parameters of those patients were evaluated. Results. The mean age of patients was 34.73 ± 6.50 (23-48) years and the mean interval from LASIK to the diagnosis of post-LASIK ectasia was 36.0 ± 16.92 (12-60) months. The following factors were determined as a risk factors: deep ablation (>75 µ m) in 10 eyes, FFK (forme fruste keratoconus) in 6 eyes, steep cornea (>47 D) in 3 eyes, pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) in 2 eyes, thin cornea (<500 µ m) in 2 eyes, thin and steep cornea in 2 eyes, thin cornea and deep ablation in 5 eyes, FFK and steep cornea in 2 eyes, and FFK, steep cornea, and deep ablation in 1 eye. However no risk factor has been determined in 9 eyes (21.4%). Conclusion. The findings of our study showed that most of the patients who developed post-LASIK ectasia have a risk factor for post-LASIK ectasia. However, the most common risk factor was deep ablation.

Same-day intrastromal corneal ring segment and collagen cross-linking for ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of combined same-day intrastromal corneal ring segment placement and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for postoperative laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. METHOD: This retrospective, interventional cases series was performed in Turkiye Hospital Eye Clinic and the Department of Ophthalmology, Fatih University Medical Faculty Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Sixteen eyes of 14 patients with postoperative ectasia after LASIK were enrolled. All consecutive patients were treated with femtosecond laser-assisted intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation and followed by same-day corneal collagen cross-linking for ectasia occurring after LASIK. Main outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, spherical and cylindrical refraction, and simulated keratometry values. RESULTS: The mean age ± standard deviation of the 10 women and 4 men was 33.0 ± 6.5 years (range, 23 to 44 years), and the mean follow-up was 43 months (range, 36 to 62 months). The uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 1.18 ± 0.42 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) units to 0.44 ± 0.22 logMAR (P < .001), and the corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 0.46 ± 0.26 logMAR to 0.21 ± 0.14 logMAR (P < .001). The mean spherical and cylindrical refraction decreased significantly (P < .001 for both). The maximum keratometry value decreased from baseline by 49.3 ± 4.9 diopters (D) to 43.9 ± 2.8 D at the last visit, and the minimum keratometry value decreased from 44.3 ± 4.7 D to 41.5 ± 3.5 D (P < .001 for both). No serious complications were shown during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation combined with same-day corneal collagen cross-linking was a safe and effective treatment for ectasia occurring after LASIK. It also significantly improved the visual acuity, refraction, and keratometry values.