Attention TurkerNeXt: Investigations into Bipolar Disorder Detection Using OCT Images.

Background and Aim: In the era of deep learning, numerous models have emerged in the literature and various application domains. Transformer architectures, particularly, have gained popularity in deep learning, with diverse transformer-based computer vision algorithms. Attention convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been introduced to enhance image classification capabilities. In this context, we propose a novel attention convolutional model with the primary objective of detecting bipolar disorder using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Materials and Methods: To facilitate our study, we curated a unique OCT image dataset, initially comprising two distinct cases. For the development of an automated OCT image detection system, we introduce a new attention convolutional neural network named "TurkerNeXt". This proposed Attention TurkerNeXt encompasses four key modules: (i) the patchify stem block, (ii) the Attention TurkerNeXt block, (iii) the patchify downsampling block, and (iv) the output block. In line with the swin transformer, we employed a patchify operation in this study. The design of the attention block, Attention TurkerNeXt, draws inspiration from ConvNeXt, with an added shortcut operation to mitigate the vanishing gradient problem. The overall architecture is influenced by ResNet18. Results: The dataset comprises two distinctive cases: (i) top to bottom and (ii) left to right. Each case contains 987 training and 328 test images. Our newly proposed Attention TurkerNeXt achieved 100% test and validation accuracies for both cases. Conclusions: We curated a novel OCT dataset and introduced a new CNN, named TurkerNeXt in this research. Based on the research findings and classification results, our proposed TurkerNeXt model demonstrated excellent classification performance. This investigation distinctly underscores the potential of OCT images as a biomarker for bipolar disorder.

Exploring the Potential Link between Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy and Trimethylamine N-Oxide, Phoenixin, Spexin, and Alarin Molecules.

PURPOSE: Acute central serous chorioretinopathy (ACSCR) is a condition characterized by decreased visual acuity, macular thickening, and edema under the retinal layer. Although the underlying mechanisms of the disease are not fully understood, oxidative stress is considered to be a critical risk factor. The aim of this study was to shed light on the pathophysiology of ACSCR by investigating the levels of circulating trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), phoenixin (PNX), alarin (ALA), and spexin (SPX) molecules in ACSCR patients. METHODS: The study included 30 ACSCR patients and 30 healthy individuals as controls. ACSCR was diagnosed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Five mL blood samples were collected from all participants following overnight fasting. The levels of TMAO, PNX, ALA, and SPX in the blood samples were measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS: Visual acuity was found to be significantly reduced in ACSCR patients compared to the control group (<0.05), while macular thickness was increased (<0.05). Furthermore, TMAO, PNX, and ALA levels were significantly higher in ACSCR patients (<0.05), while SPX levels were significantly lower compared to the control group (<0.05). In ACSCR patients, there was a positive correlation between macular thickness and TMAO, PNX, and ALA; there was, however, a negative correlation with SPX. Additionally, visual acuity was negatively correlated with TMAO, PNX, and ALA, while SPX levels decreased as visual acuity decreased. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a correlation between the TMAO, PNX, ALA, and SPX levels of ACSCR patients and their visual acuity and macular thickness. Given the role of these molecules in ACSCR's pathophysiology, they hold promise as potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and follow-up markers in the future.

OCT Findings in Patients with Methamphetamine Use Disorder.

PURPOSE: In the present study, the purpose was to examine the results of optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements in patients diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) by comparing them with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 114 eyes were evaluated in this study (27 patients and 30 control group participants). After detailed biomicroscopic examinations of all participants by the same ophthalmologist, both eyes were evaluated by OCT. The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and macular thickness were calculated from OCT. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were detected between the demographic data of the patient and control groups (p > 0.05). When OCT findings were evaluated, macular thickness and volume were not different between the groups (p > 0.05). With respect to RNFL, the left eye superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal quadrants, as well as the left eye's total measurements were found to be thicker than those of controls (p < 0.05). In both eyes, the left eye nasal quadrant and APIS total score were negatively correlated, the total RNLF measurement of the right eye and APIS motivation subscale score were negatively correlated, central macular thickness and the APIS motivation subscale score were positively correlated, and the APIS substance use characteristics subscale score and left eye temporal quadrant RNLF measurement were positively correlated. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to evaluate addiction severity and OCT findings in MUD. However, this study needs to be supported by further studies so that OCT findings, which can be used as an effective method for demonstrating possible neurodegeneration in methamphetamine use disorder, gain importance.

Protective effects of ebselen on sodium-selenite-induced experimental cataract in rats.

PURPOSE: To determine whether ebselen has a protective effect or antioxidative potential in a sodium-selenite-induced experimental cataract model. SETTING: Firat University, Elazig, Turkey. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Twenty-one Sprague-Dawley rat pups were randomly divided into a control group, a sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group, and an ebselen-treated group; each group contained 7 rat pups. Rats in the control group received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) intraperitoneally only and rats in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group received 30 nmol/g body weight sodium selenite subcutaneously and DMSO intraperitoneally 10 days postpartum. Rats in the ebselen group received 30 nmol/g body weight sodium selenite subcutaneously 10 days postpartum and were treated with 5 mg/kg body weight ebselen once a day for 4 consecutive days. Cataract development was assessed weekly for 3 weeks by slitlamp examination and graded using a scale. Reduced glutathione (GSH), total nitrite, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in lens supernatants were measured at the end of 3 weeks. RESULTS: In the control group, all lenses were clear. In the ebselen-treated group, the mean cataract stage was significantly lower than in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group (P = .022). The GSH levels were significantly lower in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group than in the control and ebselen groups (P < .001). The MDA levels were lower in the ebselen group than in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group (P < .001). The mean total nitrite level was significantly lower in the sodium-selenite-induced-cataract group than in the ebselen group (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Ebselen had a protective effect on cataract development in a sodium-selenite-induced experimental model. The protective effect of ebselen appears to be due to inhibition of oxidative stress. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

A case of vogt-koyanagi-harada disease associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

UNLABELLED: We report a female patient diagnosed as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She has diagnosed as VKH with diminished vision, bilateral serous retinal detachment, the signs of fundus fluorescein angiography and the findings of optical coherence tomography. The patient was referred to the gynecology clinic for her complaints as weight gain, hirsutismus and amenorrhea. She has also been diagnosed with PCOS. With oral steroid treatment, visual acuity has improved and the detachments have resolved within a month. VKH disease may be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. The two conditions may have a common autoimmune pathogenesis. KEYWORDS: Autoimmune pathogenesis; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada.

Levels of circulating homocysteine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folate in different types of open-angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B6 (vit-B6), serum vitamin B12 (vit-B12), and folate in healthy individuals and in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG), or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Forty healthy subjects, 48 patients with NTG, 38 patients with PXG, and 34 patients with POAG were included in the study. Those who used vitamin supplements or medications affecting Hcy and vitamin levels were excluded from the study. The levels of Hcy and vit-B6 were measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The levels of serum vit-B12 and folic acid were measured by competitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CEI). One-way analysis if variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and the Tukey honestly significant difference test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean Hcy level of the PXG group was 15.46+/-9.27 micromol/L which was significantly higher (P=0.03) than that of the control group. There were no statistical differences in serum vit-B12 and folate levels among control subjects and NTG, PXG and POAG groups (P>0.05). It was found that the mean plasma vit-B6 level was significantly higher in subjects with NTG (P=0.03) and POAG (P=0.025) versus controls. Mean vit-B6 levels in NTG and POAG were 30.50+/-11.29 microg/L and 30+/-12.15 microg/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The plasma level of Hcy was found to be increased only in PXG patients and the plasma levels of vit-B6 were found to increase in the NTG and POAG sample groups. Using homocysteine and vit-B6 levels as the determinants of hyperhomocysteinemia still needs further research.

The evaluation of vestibular functions in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

The main objective of the study is to evaluate vestibular system of the inner ear with postural tests in the patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). It is clinical case-control study. The study group included 34 patients with PEX and 40 controls without PEX. The patients and controls underwent complete ophthalmic and otorhinolaryngologic examinations. Vestibular functions were done by Fitzgerald and Dix-Hallpike, caloric tests, Romberg test, tandem Gait test, Quiks test in both control and study groups. Pur-tone and high-frequency audiography were also performed in all cases. The mean patient age was 63 years (+/-11.80) (range 47-74 years) in the PEX group and 65 years (+/-8.70) (range 61-68 years) in the control group with no differences among the two groups (P > 0.05). Although none of the 34 patients with PEX had clinical history of balance disturbance, 21 (61.76%) had significant pathologic sign in vestibular function tests (P < or = 0.05), while only 3 (7.5%) of 40 cases in the control group had pathologic sign in vestibular function tests. The scales from pure tone and high-frequency audiogram in the PEX group were similar to those of the control group. In conclusion, the patients with PEX, there may be a vestibular involvement in the pathological level in the inner ear. Larger clinical studies, experimental animal studies, and post mortem studies in humans are needed to disclose the pathology in the vestibulocochlear system in the patients with PEX.

An atypical case of optic disk drusen with nerve fiber layer thickening.

We report an atypical case of optic disk drusen (ODD). A 12-year-old girl complained of blurred vision in both eyes. However, visual acuities in both eyes were 20/20. Fundus examination revealed blurring of the optic disk margins and elevation of the optic disk in both eyes. Initially it was considered that the diagnosis would be papilledema. However, neurologic examination revealed no pathology which would cause the visual field defect and disk elevation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans showed hyperreflectance lesions on the disk and shadowing areas beneath the optic nerve head in both eyes. Orbital ultrasound and orbital and cranial tomography revealed protuberances with hyperechogenicity and calcification in both eyes. It was considered that these findings were consistent with ODD. Repeated visual field tests showed constricted peripheral field loss in both eyes. Using OCT software, peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickening in both eyes corresponded to visual field defects in the superior and inferior quadrants, in which drusen was detected. Despite the extensive literature, in cases of ODD with blurred margins, elevated disks, and visual field defects, the peripapillary nerve fiber layer may be increased due to nerve layer infarct in the area which has calcification.