Senile Cataract Formation Does Not Affect Crystalline Lens Thickness.

INTRODUCTION: Characterizing lens thickness (LT) in patients with cataracts is important for better understanding the lens aging process and for designing new intraocular lens power formulas. This study aimed to analyze the influence of common senile cataract formation on the LT, anterior (ACS) and posterior (PCS) cortex space, and nuclear thickness (NT), controlling for sex, age, and axial length. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. A consecutive sample of 603 volunteers (403 women, 200 men) aged 59.1 ± 18.8 years was recruited. The standardized Lens Opacification Classification System (LOCS)-III was used to classify eyes (randomly selected) into cataractous and non-cataractous groups. Also, they were classified according to the cataract location (presence or absence of cortical, nuclear, or posterior subcapsular cataract). Optical biometry was performed to measure LT, ACS, NT, and PCS. Propensity score was used to match participants one-to-one for sex, age, and axial length. Groups were compared using the Student's t test or Yuen's test. RESULTS: The four classifications divided unmatched eyes into: 361 cataractous lenses and 242 non-cataractous, 226 cortical and 377 non-cortical cataractous, 313 nuclear and 290 non-nuclear cataractous and 242 subcapsular and 361 non-subcapsular cataractous. Before matching, cataractous eyes showed significantly higher LT (4.52 ± 0.39 vs. 3.94 ± 0.46 mm, p < 0.001), ACS (0.75 ± 0.20 vs. 0.58 ± 0.23 mm, p < 0.001), NT (3.34 ± 0.23 vs. 3.18 ± 0.25 mm, p < 0.001) and PCS (0.42 ± 0.19 vs. 0.37 ± 0.19 mm, p = 0.003). Matched lens, cortical, nuclear, and subcapsular cataract samples comprised 146, 258, 182, and 226 eyes, respectively. After matching, no significant differences were observed in LT (4.34 ± 0.37 vs. 4.33 ± 0.36 mm, p = 0.94), ACS (0.72 ± 0.20 vs. 0.76 ± 0.19 mm, p = 0.08), NT (3.31 ± 0.22 vs. 3.30 ± 0.23 mm, p = 0.24) and PCS (0.42 ± 0.19 vs. 0.43 ± 0.16 mm, p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of senile cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular cataract have no effect on LT, ACS, NT, and PCS. Confounding factors should be controlled for when measuring LT and its main components.

Assessment of the iridocorneal angle pigmentation and structures after the implantation of EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation on the iridocorneal angle pigmentation and structures. METHODS: Myopic refractive surgery candidates who underwent posterior chamber EVO+ ICL implantation were evaluated preoperatively and 3 and 6 months postoperatively. High-resolution images of the iridocorneal angle (nasal, superior, temporal and inferior quadrants) were acquired during gonioscopy. A masked observer, blinded to study visits and patients' information, evaluated the angle width, apparent iris root insertion, iris configuration, and trabecular meshwork pigmentation according to the Spaeth scale in two different occasions. The intra-rater reliability was estimated using the weighted Gwet's Agreement Coefficient (AC2). Differences between visits were analyzed using the Cochran Q test or the Friedman test. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (13 females and 8 males) aging 31.3 ± 6.3 years old were recruited. The intra-rater reliability of gonioscopy assessment was excellent for every parameter assessed (AC2 ≥ 0.97). No significant differences were found among the study visits for any quadrant in the angle width (p ≥ 0.74), apparent iris root insertion (p ≥ 0.22), iris configuration (p ≥ 0.21) and trabecular meshwork pigmentation (p ≥ 0.24). Mean pigmentation of trabecular meshwork for the four quadrants did not vary either among visits (p = 0.25). CONCLUSIONS: The EVO+ ICL implantation after uneventful procedures appears not to clinically affect the iridocorneal angle pigmentation and/or structures during a short-medium follow-up using gonioscopy assessment. The intra-rater reliability of glaucoma specialists assessing iridocorneal angle structures using gonioscopy images is very high.

Albúmina sérica predictor de resultados intrahospitalarios en pacientes admitidos a la UCIN del Hospital de la Mujer / Serum albumin predicator of intrahospital outcomes in patients admitted to the NICU of the women's hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: En el estrés metabólico existe una sobreproducción proteica de reactantes positivos de la fase aguda y en el hígado, se frena la síntesis de otras proteínas, incluyendo la albúmina, denominadas Reactantes Negativos de la Fase Aguda. Los rangos de referencia precisos para la hipoalbuminemia patológica han resultado difíciles de determinar en los recién nacidos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Descriptivo de corte transversal en 494 recién nacidos. Se realizó un análisis exploratorio de los datos con estadística descriptiva mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS v.20. RESULTADOS: 494 neonatos fueron seleccionados, 39% fueron prematuros tardíos, 27% reportó hipoalbuminemia en sus diferentes grados que se correlacionaron con los días de internación en UCIN (p=0,0001), necesidad y tiempo en ventilador mecánico (p=0,001), con la mortalidad (p=0,001) y patología infecciosa (p=0,001). DISCUSIÓN: La incidencia acumulada de sepsis no confirmada por hemocultivo fue de 54%, La hipoalbuminemia tiene asociaciones importantes con la evolución y pronóstico en pacientes pediátricos. La PCR no tiene correlación en el estudio (p=0,232) y solo fue reactiva en 4 pacientes (0,8%). CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de albúmina sérica reportada en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso a la UCIN es un predictor para los resultados intrahospitalarios (tiempo y requerimiento de ventilación mecánica), mortalidad neonatal, sepsis neonatal y enfermedad de membrana hialina. Su determinación sérica debe ser incluida en la lista de exámenes de laboratorio solicitados a su admisión y la PCR al ingreso debe ser excluida por su pobre sensibilidad como sugiere la SIBEN.

INTRODUCTION: In metabolic stress, there is a protein overproduction of positive acute phase reactants and in the liver, the synthesis of other proteins, including albumin, called negative acute phase reactants is slowed down. Precise reference ranges for pathologic hypoalbuminemia have proven difficult to determine in neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive cross section in 494 newborns. An exploratory analysis of the data with descriptive statistics was carried out using the statistical package SPSS v.20. RESULTS: 494 neonates were selected, 39% were late preterm, 27% reported hypoalbuminemia in its different degrees that correlated with the days of hospitalization in the NICU (p=0.0001), need and time on a mechanical ventilator (p=0.001), with mortality (p=0.001) and infectious pathology (p=0.001). DISCUSSION: The cumulative incidence of sepsis not confirmed by blood culture was 54%. Hypoalbuminemia has important associations with outcome and prognosis in pediatric patients. CRP does not correlate the study (p=0.232) and was only reactive in 4 patients (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Serum albumin level reported in the first 24 hours of NICU admission is a predictor for in-hospital outcomes (time and requirement of mechanical ventilation), neonatal mortality, neonatal sepsis, and hyaline membrane disease. Its serum determination should be included in the list of laboratory tests requested upon admission and the PCR upon admission should be excluded due to its poor sensitivity, as suggested by SIBEN.

Relationship between the main components of the crystalline lens and the anterior chamber depth after cataract formation.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT), as well as its three main components (anterior and posterior cortex and nucleus thickness), in cataractous and non-cataractous eyes, depending on the axial length (AxL). METHODS: Anterior and posterior cortex and nucleus thickness of the crystalline lens, ACD, and AxL were measured using optical low-coherence reflectometry in cataractous and non-cataractous eyes. They were also classified into hyperopia, emmetropia, myopia, and high myopia, depending on AxL; thus, eight subgroups were created. A minimum sample size of 44 eyes (of 44 patients) for each group was recruited. Linear models were fitted for the whole sample and each AxL subgroup to assess if there were differences in the relationships between the crystalline lens variables and ACD, including age as a covariate. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy cataract patients (237 females, 133 males) and 250 non-cataract controls (180 females, 70 males), aged 70.5 ± 9.4 and 41.9 ± 15.5 years, respectively, were recruited. The mean AxL, ACD, and LT for the cataractous and non-cataractous eyes were 23.90 ± 2.05, 24.11 ± 2.11, 2.64 ± 0.45, and 2.91 ± 0.49, 4.51 ± 0.38, 3.93 ± 0.44 mm, respectively. The inverse relationship of LT, anterior and posterior cortex, and nucleus thickness with ACD was not significantly (p ≥ 0.26) different between cataractous and non-cataractous eyes. Further subclassification of the sample depending on AxL showed that the inverse relationship between the posterior cortex and ACD was no longer significant (p > 0.05) for any non-cataractous AxL group. LT, anterior and posterior cortex, and nucleus thickness was not significantly (p ≥ 0.43) different between cataractous and non-cataractous eyes for the whole sample, and all AxL groups after adjusting for age. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of cataracts does not modify the inverse relationship of the LT, anterior and posterior cortex, and nucleus with ACD. And this relationship does not seem to depend importantly on AxL. Besides, the possible differences in LT, anterior and posterior cortex, and nucleus between cataractous and non-cataractous eyes may not be caused by lens opacification, but possibly by the progressive lens growth due to aging.

Strawberry, Blueberry, and Strawberry-Blueberry Blend Beverages Prevent Hepatic Steatosis in Obese Rats by Modulating Key Genes Involved in Lipid Metabolism.

There is an increasing interest in developing natural herb-infused functional beverages with health benefits; therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of strawberry, blueberry, and strawberry-blueberry blend decoction-based functional beverages on obesity-related metabolic alterations in high-fat and high-fructose diet-fed rats. The administration of the three berry-based beverages for eighteen weeks prevented the development of hypertriglyceridemia in obese rats (1.29-1.78-fold) and hepatic triglyceride accumulation (1.38-1.61-fold), preventing the development of hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, all beverages significantly down-regulated Fasn hepatic expression, whereas the strawberry beverage showed the greatest down-regulation of Acaca, involved in fatty acid de novo synthesis. Moreover, the strawberry beverage showed the most significant up-regulation of hepatic Cpt1 and Acadm (fatty acid ß-oxidation). In contrast, the blueberry beverage showed the most significant down-regulation of hepatic Fatp5 and Cd36 (fatty acid intracellular transport). Nevertheless, no beneficial effect was observed on biometric measurements, adipose tissue composition, and insulin resistance. On the other hand, several urolithins and their derivatives, and other urinary polyphenol metabolites were identified after the strawberry-based beverages supplementation. In contrast, enterolactone was found significantly increase after the intake of blueberry-based beverages. These results demonstrate that functional beverages elaborated with berry fruits prevent diet-induced hypertriglyceridemia and hepatic steatosis by modulating critical genes involved in fatty acid hepatic metabolism.

EVO/EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses for the correction of myopia and myopia with astigmatism.

INTRODUCTION: Intraocular lens implantation in phakic eyes for the correction of refractive error is currently a widespread procedure. The EVO and EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses (ICL) are two of the most prevalent lenses implanted. They incorporate a central orifice to avoid the need for iridotomy. The main difference between both ICL is the higher optical diameter zone provided by the EVO+, allowing a better quality of vision at night. This review aims to provide an overview of the current ICL models available for correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism. AREAS COVERED: During the last decade, more than 100 scientific papers analyzing the performance of EVO and EVO+ lenses have been published. This review describes the objective visual performance achieved with the implantation of central hole ICL lenses and the subjective perception of the patients implanted with these lenses. In addition, the safety and the potential complications associated with undergoing an EVO and EVO+ ICL implantation have been addressed. EXPERT OPINION: Refractive surgeons and candidates to undergo ICL implantation should be aware of the excellent safety and visual outcomes provided by the implantation of central hole ICL lenses. However, future research could address minor issues currently not resolved.

Reliability and agreement of apparent chord mu measurements between static and dynamic evaluations.

PURPOSE: To assess the repeatability and agreement of Cartesian coordinates and the length of apparent chord mu and pupil diameter measurements during static (Galilei G4) and dynamic (Topolyzer Vario) evaluations. SETTING: IOBA-Eye Institute, Valladolid, Spain. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: 3 consecutive measurements per scenario (Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario under low mesopic and photopic conditions) were performed by the same clinician. The intrasession repeatability was assessed using the within-subject SD (Sw), the precision, the coefficient of variation, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The agreement was analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: Thirty-seven healthy participants were recruited. The Sw values for chord mu parameters and pupil diameter ranged from 0.01 to 0.03 and 0.08 to 0.21, respectively. The ICC was ≥0.89 for all parameters. Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario under low mesopic and photopic conditions provided significantly different measures of apparent chord mu length (0.23 ± 0.11 mm, 0.30 ± 0.10 mm, and 0.25 ± 0.11 mm, respectively, P ≤ .02), X-coordinate (-0.18 ± 0.12 mm, -0.27 ± 0.11 mm, and -0.21 ± 0.12 mm, respectively, P < .001), and pupil diameter (3.38 ± 0.50 mm, 6.29 ± 0.60 mm, and 3.04 ± 0.41 mm, respectively, P < .001). Y-coordinate values obtained by Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario under low mesopic conditions were significantly different (0.06 ± 0.13 mm vs 0.03 ± 0.11 mm, respectively, P = .02), in contrast to Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario under photopic conditions (0.05 ± 0.13 mm, P = .82) and both illumination conditions of Topolyzer Vario (P ≥ .23). CONCLUSIONS: Galilei G4 and Topolyzer Vario provide consistent measurements of apparent chord mu Cartesian coordinates and length, as well as pupil diameter; however, the measurements are not interchangeable. Ophthalmic surgeons should consider these findings when planning customized intraocular lens implantation and refractive surgery procedures.

Inter-eye and postoperative prediction of vault after implantation of EVO + Visian phakic implantable collamer lens.

PURPOSE: To assess whether the postoperative outcomes of the implantation of an EVO + implantable collamer lens (ICL) in one eye can be used as a predictor of the vault of the fellow eye, and to evaluate the vault changes of the implantation in both eyes during the postoperative period. METHODS: A prospective study including 40 eyes of 20 patients with a bilateral EVO + ICL implantation was performed. Subjects were evaluated before the surgery and 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Central vault was assessed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The inter-eye and follow-up analyses were performed using lineal models and the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The vault of the first implanted eye at the 1-day visit highly predicts the vault of the second eye (R2 = .87; P < .001); the mean inter-eye difference was - 0.95 µm, and the superior and inferior limits of agreement were -50.27 µm and 148.37 µm, respectively. This relationship was maintained during the medium-term follow-up, not finding differences in the slopes among visits (P ≥ .09). A progressive decrease of vault was found during the follow-up (P < .001). Larger vault change 6 months after the surgery was associated with higher vault 1 day after the ICL implantation (R2 = .19;P = .005). CONCLUSION: One-day postoperative vault in the first eye can help to predict the optimal ICL sizing in the second eye. Vault tends to decrease during the first 6 months after EVO + ICL implantation. Eyes with higher initial vaults will also show larger reductions during the medium-term follow-up.

Influence of decentration and tilt of Tecnis ZCB00 on visual acuity and higher order aberrations.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of decentration and tilt of a pseudophakic aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) on visual acuity (VA) and higher-order aberrations (HOAs), and to analyze the agreement between pupil center/axis and iridocorneal angles center/axis when assessing IOL decentration and tilt. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A prospective interventional case series study including thirty-three patients undergoing Tecnis ZCB00 (Abbott Medical Optics) implantation. IOL decentration and tilt with respect to two reference systems (pupil and iridocorneal angles centers/axes), in cartesian (X,Y) and polar (radius/tilt, polar angle/azimuth) coordinates, were assessed with optical coherence tomography. VA and internal and ocular HOAs were evaluated. Multiple linear regression models and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were computed. RESULTS: IOL decentration only showed a significant effect on internal HOAs for [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.04). IOL decentration with respect to the pupil center showed a significant effect on ocular [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.18, P = 0.05), [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.36, P = 0.001) and [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.24, P = 0.02); and with respect to the center of iridocorneal angles, on ocular [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.21, P = 0.03), [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.32, P = 0.003), primary coma (R2 = 0.41, P < 0.001), and coma-like (R2 = 0.40, P = 0.001). Poor agreement between both reference systems was found for IOL decentration measurements (ICC ≤ 0.41), except for the polar angle coordinate (ICC = 0.83). Tilt measurements showed good agreement (ICC ≥ 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Tecnis ZCB00 decentration and tilt values after uneventful implantation appear not to have influence on VA, and their effect on HOAs are not high enough to clinically affect quality of vision. Pupil and iridocorneal angles used as reference systems may be interchangeable for IOL tilt measurements, but not for decentration.

Effect of Shock Waves on the Growth of Aspergillus niger Conidia: Evaluation of Germination and Preliminary Study on Gene Expression.

Shock waves, as used in medicine, can induce cell permeabilization, genetically transforming filamentous fungi; however, little is known on the interaction of shock waves with the cell wall. Because of this, the selection of parameters has been empirical. We studied the influence of shock waves on the germination of Aspergillus niger, to understand their effect on the modulation of four genes related to the growth of conidia. Parameters were varied in the range reported in protocols for genetic transformation. Vials containing conidia in suspension were exposed to either 50, 100 or 200 single-pulse or tandem shock waves, with different peak pressures (approximately 42, 66 and 83 MPa). In the tandem mode, three delays were tested. To equalize the total energy, the number of tandem "events" was halved compared to the number of single-pulse shock waves. Our results demonstrate that shock waves do not generate severe cellular effects on the viability and germination of A. niger conidia. Nevertheless, increase in the aggressiveness of the treatment induced a modification in four tested genes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant changes to the cell wall of the conidia. Under optimized conditions, shock waves could be used for several biotechnological applications, surpassing conventional techniques.

A Versatile Class of 1,4,4-Trisubstituted Piperidines Block Coronavirus Replication In Vitro.

There is a clear need for novel antiviral concepts to control SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the promising anti-coronavirus activity observed for a class of 1,4,4-trisubstituted piperidines, we here conducted a detailed analysis of the structure-activity relationship of these structurally unique inhibitors. Despite the presence of five points of diversity, the synthesis of an extensive series of analogues was readily achieved by Ugi four-component reaction from commercially available reagents. After evaluating 63 analogues against human coronavirus 229E, four of the best molecules were selected and shown to have micromolar activity against SARS-CoV-2. Since the action point was situated post virus entry and lying at the stage of viral polyprotein processing and the start of RNA synthesis, enzymatic assays were performed with CoV proteins involved in these processes. While no inhibition was observed for SARS-CoV-2 nsp12-nsp7-nsp8 polymerase, nsp14 N7-methyltransferase and nsp16/nsp10 2'-O-methyltransferase, nor the nsp3 papain-like protease, the compounds clearly inhibited the nsp5 main protease (Mpro). Although the inhibitory activity was quite modest, the plausibility of binding to the catalytic site of Mpro was established by in silico studies. Therefore, the 1,4,4-trisubstituted piperidines appear to represent a novel class of non-covalent CoV Mpro inhibitors that warrants further optimization and development.

Coping strategies in parents of children with disabilities: A case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article is to determine whether there are differences in the coping strategies of parents of children with disabilities (autism spectrum disorder or other disabilities) and children without disabilities, in reference to the most stressful situation they have experienced with their child in the last year. METHOD: To conduct the study, a purposive sample selection based on case-control characteristics was carried out, in which a total sample of 170 participants was recruited. Participants were assigned, according to their characteristics, to the group of parents of children without disabilities, with ASD or with other disabilities. An ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire and the Coping Responses Inventory for adults were administered. RESULTS: The results obtained indicate that there are differences in the use of coping strategies between parents of children without disabilities and with disabilities but not between the two disability groups. Parents of children with disabilities have significantly higher scores on the four subscales defined as avoidance strategies, and on one subscale identified as an approach strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children with disabilities use avoidance strategies, to a greater extent, during the most stressful situations they have experienced in the last year with their child. In addition, they tend to use avoidance strategies regardless of the type of disability their child has.

Management of United Airway Disease Focused on Patients With Asthma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The clinical approach to upper and lower respiratory diseases from a joint perspective, known as united airways disease (UAD), is challenging for health care professionals owing to a paucity of specific studies. OBJECTIVE: This study reviews recent scientific evidence on the management of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) from a UAD perspective. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for 9 research questions, and studies published from January 2015 to July 2021 were included. Quality assessment was performed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. RESULTS: In total, 32 publications met the inclusion criteria. Control of type 2 inflammation in UAD (reported in 9 studies) was associated with biologic therapies, for which an impact on asthma, CRSwNP, and/or aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-exacerbated respiratory disease outcomes was described in 9 studies. However, there was a lack of scientific evidence on clinical and/or biochemical markers associated with response to biologics in patients with UAD. The benefit on corticosteroid reduction in patients receiving biologics was reported in 9 studies. Three publications reported a positive impact of surgery on asthma and/or CRSwNP outcomes, and the effect of biologics on reducing the need of surgery was consistent across 6 studies. CONCLUSIONS: Our results underscore an overall scarcity of scientific evidence on the treatment strategies for these frequent coexisting entities from an UAD approach but also identify several research gaps and unmet needs that should be addressed to ensure optimal diagnosis, management, and follow-up of these patients.

EVO+ Implantable Collamer Lens KS-aquaPORT Location, Stability, and Impact on Quality of Vision and Life.

PURPOSE: To determine the longitudinal variation in the KS-aquaPORT central hole location of the phakic EVO+I Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) (STAAR Surgical) and analyze its influence on visual performance, quality of vision (QoV), and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: A prospective study was performed including 36 patients who had EVO+ ICL implantation. The KS-aquaPORT central hole location (Cartesian and polar coordinates) was determined with respect to the pupil center and visual axis. The effect of time (6-month follow-up) on central hole location was analyzed using linear mixed models. The effect of the KS-aquaPORT location on visual performance, QoV, and QoL parameters was assessed with multivariate regression models. RESULTS: With respect to the visual axis, no significant changes in KS-aquaPORT location were found during follow-up. With respect to the pupil center, the X-coordinate and radius of KS-aquaPORT location showed modest, but significant (P ≤ .05) differences between 1-week and 3-month postoperative visits, and between 1-week and 6-month visits. X-coordinate variation was significant (P = .022) between 1-and 6-month visits. With respect to the visual axis, greater KS-aquaPORT decentration was associated with worse visual acuity (X-coordinate: P = .004; radius: P = .006), and inferior decentration with longer xenon-type glare photostress recovery time (P = .021). With respect to the pupil center, a lower radius was associated with better QoV scores (P ≤ .01) and temporal decentration produced higher ring-shaped dysphotopsia (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: EVO+ ICL KS-aquaPORT location appears to be clinically stable up to 6 months postoperatively. A central location of the EVO+ ICL KS-aquaPORT hole is preferred because it allows reduced perception of dysphotopic phenomena that can result in better QoV. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(3):177-183.].

Mesopic Disability Glare in Stage-Two Dysfunctional Lens Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of evidence about the exact deterioration of visual function associated with the age-related natural changes in the lens, particularly in intermediate (stage-2) dysfunctional lens syndrome (DLS). Standard photopic visual acuity and contrast sensitivity tests may not show the visual worsening in daily life activities, such as oncoming vehicle headlights at night. The purpose of this study was to analyze visual function under different conditions and glare sources in stage-2 DLS. METHODS: Forty patients over 49 years of age with initial bilateral lens opacification (Lens Opacities Classification System III [LOCS-III] scores up to 3), best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better, and no ocular disease were evaluated. Binocular photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity (CS) with/without halogen and xenon increasing glare sources were analyzed. Mesopic disability glare (MDG) was calculated as the difference between mesopic CS with/without the glare source. RESULTS: The median logarithmic CS (logCS) values were lower under mesopic conditions (1.05) than under photopic illumination (1.65; P < 0.001). Halogen and xenon glare further decreased mesopic CS (both, median logCS 0.75, P < 0.001). The mean MDG was 0.31 ± 0.10 log units for halogen glare and 0.33 ± 0.09 log units for xenon glare. The mesopic CS and MDG were not associated with any photopic test. The mesopic CS with glare but not photopic CS or mesopic CS was correlated with the LOCS-III scores. The best association was provided by MDG, which showed a pooled correlation with LOCS-III nuclear opalescence (r = 0.411, P < 0.001) and cortical scores (r = 0.226, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The mesopic CS under a glare source is an independent early indicator of visual impairment in stage-2 DLS patients, and appears to be substantial. Furthermore, the MDG is more sensitive than photopic and mesopic CS for evaluating patients with initial phacosclerosis. Surgeons should consider this in the decision-making process of the correct timing for lens surgery.

Epithelial cells removed in advanced surface ablation (ASA) surgery can be used as a source of corneal samples to perform in vitro studies.

Human corneal epithelial cells are needed to study corneal pathophysiology in vitro. Due to the limitations of cell lines, the use of primary cells is highly desirable, but the scarcity of human tissues, along with ethical issues, make it difficult to accomplish all required experiments. In advanced surface ablation (ASA), the central corneal epithelium is removed and discarded. We hypothesized that ASA samples could be used to perform in vitro assays. In this study, 29 samples from patients undergoing ASA were recovered in supplemented DMEM/F12 culture medium, RIPA buffer, or RLT lysis buffer. The first aim was to determine whether cells could be maintained in culture. Although with the explant technique, tissue pieces did not attach to the culture surface, after disaggregation, cells showed high viability (90.0 ± 6.0%), attached to plates, and remained viable for up to 14 days. The second aim was to elucidate if ASA samples could be used to study protein or gene expression. Cytokeratin-3, ZO-1, Ki67, and E-cadherin protein expression were confirmed by immunofluorescence. Total protein (485.8 ± 115.8 µg) was isolated from cells in RIPA buffer, and GAPDH was detected by Western blotting, indicating that samples are adequate for protein studies. RNA (9.0 ± 3.6 µg) was isolated from samples in RLT lysis buffer, and GAPDH gene expression was studied by PCR, confirming that samples were also suitable for gene expression studies. These results suggest that samples obtained from corneal surface ablation procedures may constitute a valuable source of human cells to accomplish in vitro studies.

Amaranth Seeds and Sprouts as Functional Ingredients for the Development of Dietary Fiber, Betalains, and Polyphenol-Enriched Minced Tilapia Meat Gels.

There is an increasing interest in the development of meat processed products enriched with antioxidant dietary fiber to augment the consumption of these health beneficial compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional, nutraceutical, and antioxidant potential, as well as the physicochemical properties of minced tilapia fillets (meat) gels with added amaranth seed or sprout flours (0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, and 10% w/w). Dietary fiber content was significantly increased with the addition of amaranth seed (1.25-1.75-fold) and sprout flours (1.99-3.21-fold). Tilapia gels with added 10% amaranth seed flour showed a high content of extractable dihydroxybenzoic acid and cinnamic acid, whereas the addition of 10% amaranth sprout flour provided a high and wide variety of bioactive compounds, mainly amaranthine and bound ferulic acid. The addition of amaranth seed and sprout flours increased hardness (1.01-1.73-fold) without affecting springiness, decreased luminosity (1.05-1.15-fold), and increased redness and yellowness. Therefore, amaranth seed and sprout flours could be used as functional ingredients for the development of fish products rich in bioactive compounds.

Síndrome de eagle - barret: a propósito de un caso / Eagle-barrett syndrome: about a case

RESUMEN: INTRODUCCIÓN. El síndrome de la triada del abdomen en "Ciruela pasa" o Prune Belly es una alteración congénita infrecuente, caracterizada por la ausencia de la musculatura de la pared abdominal, anormalidades del tracto urinario y criptorquidia bilateral. CASO CLÍNICO. Lactante de 4 meses con ecografía prenatal que reportó mega vejiga, sometido a derivación vesico-amniótica (primer tiempo) a la semana 22 de gestación con evacuación de la vejiga por catéter implantado in útero. Se obtuvo por cesárea de urgencia al obstruirse al catéter instalado. Al nacer se realiza la derivación vejigo-cutánea (segundo tiempo) y cistoscopía diagnóstica (tercer tiempo). Se realizó un abordaje multidisciplinario hasta su alta hospitalaria y defunción del paciente al quinto mes de vida en su domicilio. DISCUSIÓN. Corresponde a la variedad Prune Belly verdadero por la falla en la pared abdominal, compromiso de las vías urinarias, persistencia del uraco y criptorquidia confirmado por ultrasonografía. No fue posible clasificarlo cabalmente según la probabilidad de mortalidad que adoptó Bedron. La sospecha diagnóstica al nacimiento fue clínica. El tratamiento quirúrgico depende de la gravedad, diagnóstico prenatal y se puede realizar la cirugía intrauterina derivativa con el fin de descomprimir la vejiga y evitar el oligohidramnios, de esta manera, aminorar el daño renal y sus consecuencias. El pronóstico depende de la gravedad y compromiso del sistema renal al momento del diagnóstico. Todos son susceptibles a infecciones urinarias recurrentes. Conocer la embriogénesis, diagnóstico prenatal, clasificación y alternativas terapéuticas según la función renal coadyuvan a un adecuado manejo multidisciplinario.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION. The syndrome of the triad of the abdomen in "Prune Plum" or Prune Belly is an infrequent congenital alteration, characterized by the absence of the muscles of the abdominal wall, abnormalities of the urinary tract and bilateral cryptorchidism. CLINICAL CASE. A 4-month-old infant with a prenatal ultrasound that reported a mega bladder, underwent vesico-amniotic bypass (first stage) at week 22 of gestation with evacuation of the bladder and a catheter implanted in the uterus. It was obtained by emergency cesarean section as the installed catheter was obstructed. At birth, the bladder-cutaneous diversion was performed (second stage) and diagnostic cystoscopy (third stage). A multidisciplinary approach was carried out until discharge from hospital and death of the patient at the fifth month of life at home. DISCUSSION. Corresponds to the true Prune Belly variety due to abdominal wall failure, urinary tract involvement, persistence of the urachus and cryptorchidism confirmed by ultrasonography. It was not possible to classify it fully according to the probability of mortality that Bedron adopted. The diagnostic suspicion at birth was clinical. Surgical treatment depends on the severity, prenatal diagnosis and intrauterine derivative surgery can be performed in order to decompress the bladder and avoid oligohydramnios, thus reducing kidney damage and its consequences. The prognosis depends on the severity and involvement of the renal system at the time of diagnosis. They are susceptible to recurrent urinary infections. Knowing embryogenesis, prenatal diagnosis, classification and therapeutic alternatives according to renal function contribute to an adequate multidisciplinary management.

Prevalencia de sindrome post conmocion cerebral en pacientes atendidos en el hospital del niño. un estudio longitudinal de julio a octubre de 2019 / Prevalence of post-concussion syndrome in patients seen at the children's hospital. A longitudinal study from July to October 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN. El síndrome post conmoción cerebral (SPC) es una secuela muy común de la conmoción cerebral (CC). El diagnóstico es desafiante porque los síntomas varían de paciente a paciente, son auto informados, sutiles y los estudios de imagen convencionales pueden o no revelar anomalías mínimas. ¿Cuál es la prevalencia del síndrome post conmoción cerebral en pacientes que fueron atendidos en el Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría? MATERIAL Y MÉTODO. Estudio descriptivo longitudinal, que enroló 45 pacientes de 1 a 15 años de edad, durante los meses de julio a octubre de 2019. Se utilizó la herramienta SCAT5 modificado como cribado, diagnóstico y seguimiento del SPC. Se evaluó a cada paciente de forma individual en 5 entrevistas planificadas. El análisis descriptivo utilizó medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Para el análisis inferencial se empleó pruebas de correlación. RESULTADOS. Se encontró una prevalencia del 22,2% (n=10) en el segundo mes de seguimiento que reduce a 6,6% (n=3) hasta el tercer mes. DISCUSIÓN. Las definiciones más aceptadas de SPC son de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades 10a revisión (CIE-10) y del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales, quinta edición (DSM-5). Las náuseas y la somnolencia son muy comunes después de la conmoción y se resuelven rápidamente (horas o días). La cefalea abarca todo el espectro y ocurre inmediatamente después de la lesión y frecuentemente se vuelve crónica. CONCLUSIÓN. Los pacientes padecieron SPC, no existe un protocolo institucional de diagnóstico y manejo para la recuperación escalonada.

INTRODUCTION. Post-concussion syndrome (PPS) is a very common sequela of concussion (CC). Diagnosis is challenging because symptoms vary from patient to patient, are self-reported, subtle, and conventional imaging studies may or may not reveal minimal abnormalities. What is the prevalence of post-concussion syndrome in patients who were treated at the Hospital del Niño Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría? MATERIAL AND METHOD. Longitudinal descriptive study, which enrolled 45 patients from 1 to 15 years of age, during the months of July to October 2019. The modified SCAT5 tool was used for screening, diagnosis and follow-up of the PPS. Each patient was evaluated individually in 5 planned interviews. The descriptive analysis used measures of central tendency and dispersion. Correlation tests were used for inferential analysis. RESULTS. A prevalence of 22.2% (n = 10) was found in the second month of follow-up, which reduces to 6.6% (n = 3) until the third month. DISCUSSION. The most widely accepted definitions of SPC are from the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Nausea and drowsiness are very common after shock and resolve quickly (hours to days). Headache spans the entire spectrum and occurs immediately after injury and frequently becomes chronic. CONCLUSION. The patients suffered from SPC, there is no institutional diagnostic and management protocol for staggered recovery.

Improving of Gelling Capacity of Cooked Crab Meat Proteins.

Cooked crab meat subjected to a cutting process can aggregate again, forming weak gels. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of two mixing methods, combined with the addition of the microbial enzyme TGase (MTGase) on the mechanical and functional properties of gels from washed or unwashed blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) meat. Live crabs were obtained from Laguna Madre, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and cooked at 120°C for 20 min before hand-picking the meat from the shell. Cooked meat was processed by mixing and cut at temperatures of 25 or 60°C, without (control) or 0.5% of MTGase. Then cooked at 90°C for 15 min. Changes in texture profile analysis, percentage of extractable water, and color were evaluated. The mixing method at 60°C allowed increasing the textural properties of the gels, and the addition of MTGase significantly improved the mechanical properties. The results allowed stablishing a viable technique to obtain restructured gels from cooked crab meat with no need to extract the soluble compounds responsible for their distinctive odor and taste which often affect the mechanical properties.