Potential Risk Factors for Ocular Pain in Patients Undergoing Multiple Intravitreal Injections of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

Purpose: To assess ocular pain in patients undergoing multiple intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) who have previous factors that may influence pain sensitivity. Methodology: This is a prospective, observational, case series study involving patients who underwent multiple (≥3) pro re nata intravitreal injections of ranibizumab or aflibercept to treat any cause of chorioretinal vascular disease. Ocular pain was assessed by the numerical analog scale during intravitreal injection. For this study, the main variable was ocular pain and the secondary variables included age, sex, previous history of glaucoma, primary retinal vascular disease, severe dry eye history, trigeminal pain, scleral buckle surgery, collagen diseases, fibromyalgia, severe migraine history, pars plana vitrectomy, scleral thickness measurements, and type of anti-VEGF. Results: In a total of 894 patients, 948 eyes (4822 intravitreal injections), 793 patients (88.6%) had ocular pain sensitivity between no pain to mild pain, 80 patients (8.9%) had moderate ocular pain, 15 patients (1.6%) had severe ocular pain, and 6 patients (0.7%) had extremely severe ocular pain. Patients with severe dry eye (p = 0.01) and previous history of scleral buckle surgery (p = 0.01) showed a significant correlation with ocular pain during intravitreal injection. Pars plana scleral thickness (>550 um) and diabetic neuropathy were associated with ocular pain but did not meet the criteria for statistical significance (p = 0.09 and p = 0.06, respectively). Conclusion: Dry eye and prior scleral buckle surgery may contribute to pain associated with intravitreal injection. These issues should be taken into consideration in patients undergoing multiple intravitreal injections.

Perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex and resembling lesions treated with intravitreal triamcinolone.

PURPOSE: To report the use of intravitreal triamcinolone to treat macular edema associated with isolated perifoveal exudative vascular anomalous complex (PVAC) and resembling lesion (PVAC-RL). METHODS: In this case series, three diabetic patients (3 eyes) with PVAC-RLs and one healthy patient (1 eye) with PVAC lesion associated with cystic spaces underwent three intravitreal injections of aflibercept before switching to one intravitreal triamcinolone injection in each patient. RESULTS: Macular edema improved from 297.5 ± 8.10 µm, at baseline, to 269.2 ± 8.89 µm, after triamcinolone; whereas visual acuity improved from 20/38 to 20/26 (ETDRS). CONCLUSION: PVAC and PVAC-RL are rare and often misdiagnosed lesions that may be associated with decreased vision. Our outcomes suggest that intravitreal injection of triamcinolone may be an effective and affordable treatment for PVAC and PVAC-RL with intraretinal fluid.

Branch retinal artery occlusion with paracentral acute middle maculopathy related to a COVID-19 infection in a patient with Anosmia.

PURPOSE: To report a case of paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) due to branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) as a complication of COVID-19. METHODS: A case report evaluated through spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fluorescein angiography, and OCT angiography. RESULTS: A 55-year-old man complained of blurred vision in the right eye. He presented with anosmia and tested positive for COVID-19 one week before. Fundus examination revealed a superior temporal whitening of the retina, SD-OCT showed a hyperreflective band-like lesion on the nuclear layer consistent with PAMM. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection involves inflammatory and thrombotic events. Even patients with just anosmia may have complications such as BRAO associated with PAMM.

Retinal microvascular abnormalities, cotton wool-like lesions, and macular edema following COVID-19 in a patient previously vaccinated with AstraZeneca and idiopathic myopathy.

In this case study, the authors describe peculiar bilateral cotton wool-like retinal lesions associated with macular edema in a patient with COVID-19 who was vaccinated with a single dose of AstraZeneca one month earlier. This patient had no pulmonary or systemic cardiovascular complications from COVID-19, as reported in other papers that found retinal lesions. However, the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic myopathy when discovering the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient was a 22-year-old white female with no previous history of morbidity, complaining of blurred vision in both eyes seven days after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR (using nasal and oral swab) and confirmed through ELISA blood test (IgM positive). There was no ancillary test revealing diabetes mellitus. The patient presented with scattered whitish cotton wool-like lesions and a few hemorrhages on the posterior pole in fundus examination. On spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), there were hyperreflective lesions in the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner nuclear layer, and inner and outer plexiform layers at the site corresponding to the whitish cotton wool-like lesions in the posterior fundus photos. Moreover, the macula of both eyes had intraretinal and subretinal fluid, reversible with corticosteroid therapy. In conclusion, COVID-19 has been associated with capillary disorders at different target sites such as retina, lungs, and central nervous system. Similarly, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been linked to retinal complications in the literature; however, cotton wool-like lesions have not yet been reported. There are many questions yet to be answered about the implications of COVID-19 infection and its vaccines.

Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade / Epidemiological profile of patients with age-related macular degeneration

RESUMO Objetivo Demonstrar o perfil epidemiológico e fatores de riscos de pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Métodos Estudo observacional e seccional. Foi incluído um olho de cada paciente com maior comprometimento visual por degeneração macular relacionada à idade atendido no Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro. A variável principal a ser comparada foi a presença de degeneração macular relacionada à idade dividida nos estágios inexpressivo, inicial, intermediário e avançado, segundo classificação do estudo AREDS. As variáveis secundárias foram os dados demográficos (sexo, idade, raça, faixa etária), índice de massa corporal, cor da íris, história familiar de degeneração macular relacionada à idade, status do cristalino, longo tempo exposição à luz ultravioleta e tabagismo. Foram realizados testes estatísticos com análise de Kruskal-Wallis, do teste do qui-quadrado e teste t de Student. O nível de significância foi definido em 5%. Resultados Após os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 126 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo, sendo 20 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade inexpressiva, 30 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade inicial, 30 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade intermediária e 46 pacientes com degeneração macular relacionada à idade avançada. Dentre todos os fatores de risco pesquisados, apenas o tabagismo se mostrou estatisticamente significativo (p=0,03). Conclusão O tabagismo como fator de risco para degeneração macular relacionada à idade apresentou ter importância expressiva prevalente nesta pesquisa e até mesmo como fator preventivo dessa morbidade ocular.

ABSTRACT Purpose To demonstrate the epidemiological profile and risk factors of patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Methods Observational and sectional study. One eye of each patient with greater visual impairment due to AMD treated at the University Hospital Antônio Pedro was included. The main variable to be compared was the presence of AMD divided into inexpressive, initial, intermediate, and advanced stages, according to the classification of the AREDS study. The secondary variables were demographics (gender, age, race, age group), body mass index, iris color, family history of ARMD, lens status, long-term exposure to ultraviolet light and smoking. Statistical tests were performed with Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square analyses and Student's t test. The significance level was set at 5%. Results After the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 126 patients were included in this study, 20 patients with non-expressive AMD, 30 patients with early AMD, 30 patients with intermediate AMD, and 46 patients with advanced AMD. Among all the risk factors surveyed, only smoking was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Conclusion Smoking as a risk factor for AMD had significant relevance prevalent in this research and even as a preventive factor for this ocular morbidity.

Brazilian Academy of Neurology practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: part I.

The Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation are the result of a joint effort by the Scientific Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology aiming to guide professionals involved in the rehabilitation process to reduce functional disability and increase individual autonomy. Members of the group participated in web discussion forums with predefined themes, followed by videoconference meetings in which issues were discussed, leading to a consensus. These guidelines, divided into two parts, focus on the implications of recent clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in stroke rehabilitation literature. The main objective was to guide physicians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, nutritionists, and other professionals involved in post-stroke care. Recommendations and levels of evidence were adapted according to the currently available literature. Part I discusses topics on rehabilitation in the acute phase, as well as prevention and management of frequent conditions and comorbidities after stroke.

Brazilian Academy of Neurology practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: part I / Diretrizes da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia para reabilitação do acidente vascular cerebral: parte I

ABSTRACT The Guidelines for Stroke Rehabilitation are the result of a joint effort by the Scientific Department of Neurological Rehabilitation of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology aiming to guide professionals involved in the rehabilitation process to reduce functional disability and increase individual autonomy. Members of the group participated in web discussion forums with predefined themes, followed by videoconference meetings in which issues were discussed, leading to a consensus. These guidelines, divided into two parts, focus on the implications of recent clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in stroke rehabilitation literature. The main objective was to guide physicians, physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, nutritionists, and other professionals involved in post-stroke care. Recommendations and levels of evidence were adapted according to the currently available literature. Part I discusses topics on rehabilitation in the acute phase, as well as prevention and management of frequent conditions and comorbidities after stroke.

RESUMO As Diretrizes Brasileiras para Reabilitação do AVC são fruto de um esforço conjunto do Departamento Científico de Reabilitação Neurológica da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia com o objetivo de orientar os profissionais envolvidos no processo de reabilitação para a redução da incapacidade funcional e aumento da autonomia dos indivíduos. Membros do grupo acima participaram de fóruns de discussão na web com pré-temas, seguidos de reuniões por videoconferência em que as controvérsias foram discutidas, levando a um consenso. Essas diretrizes, divididas em duas partes, focam as implicações de recentes ensaios clínicos, revisões sistemáticas e metanálises sobre reabilitação do AVC. O objetivo principal é servir de orientação a médicos, fisioterapeutas, fonoaudiólogos, terapeutas ocupacionais, enfermeiros, nutricionistas e demais profissionais envolvidos no cuidado pós-AVC. As recomendações e níveis de evidência foram adaptados de acordo com a literatura disponível atualmente. Aqui é apresentada a Parte I sobre tópicos de reabilitação na fase aguda, prevenção e tratamento de doenças e comorbidades frequentes após o AVC.

Ecotoxicological impacts of the Fundão dam failure in freshwater fish community: Metal bioaccumulation, biochemical, genetic and histopathological effects.

This study investigates the ecotoxicological impacts of the Fundão dam rupture, one of the major environmental disaster that occurred in Brazil and in the world mining industry history, through multi-biomarkers responses and metals bioaccumulation in the fish community of different trophic levels. Specimens of the fishes (omnivorous/herbivorous and carnivorous) were collected along the Doce River channel and its affluent Guandú River, and in different lakes and coastal lagoons adjacent to the river channel, in the Espirito Santo State, Southeast of Brazil. Four sampling collections were carried out over two years (2018 to 2020, during dry and rainy seasons). For both trophic groups the biomarkers responses indicated physiological alterations related to metals exposure and showed strong seasonal variations. The principal component analysis and integrated biomarker response index showed that DNA damage and lipid peroxidation were more associated with dry season 2 (Sep/Oct 2019) and the oxidative damage in proteins, metallothioneins concentration and the activity of superoxide dismutase in the gills showed a greater association with rainy season 2 (Jan/Feb 2020). On the other hand, the enzymes of energy metabolism, catalase and histological damage in the liver and the gills, were more associated with the dry and rainy campaigns of the first year of monitoring. The multivariate approach also suggested a temporal intensification in the bioaccumulation of metals and biological effects in the lacustrine environments. Thus, these results demonstrate that the release of mineral residues from the rupture of the Fundão mine dam affects the health status of the fish from the Doce River basin, provoking metals bioaccumulation, hepatic and branchial damage in the fish besides inducing of enzyme activity related to metal contamination, even four years after the rupture.

Impacts of tailings of Fundão dam (Brazil) rupture on marine fish: Metals bioaccumulation and physiological responses.

This study evaluated the impacts of the mining tailings after the rupture of the Fundão dam on fish communities on the Atlantic Ocean southeast coast. Four sample collections were carried out over two years (2018-2020), in seasonal periods. Omnivorous/herbivorous and carnivorous fish were collected for analysis of metal bioaccumulation, multibiomarkers of environmental contamination and histopathology. Metal bioaccumulation was stronger correlated in carnivorous fish in the dry-2018 collection, besides higher activity of antioxidant enzymes, energy metabolism and higher morphological damage; however, there was less oxidative damage and less metallothioneins induction, and these variables were strongly associated with the wet-2020 collection. In a temporal view, it was possible to observe a reduction in metal levels in fish, except in the mouth of the Doce River. These events can be explained by seasonal natural events, which tend the resuspension and boost metal levels, mainly in the mouth region during the rainy season.

Transient central retina artery occlusion in patients undergoing intravitreal anti vegf injections.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the occurrence of transient central retinal artery occlusion following intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection. METHODS: Prospective, observational study of 807 patients (807 eyes) who were given intravitreal injections of ranibizumab or aflibercept to treat any cause of retinal vascular diseases between 1 January 2017 and 30 November 2018 at the Federal Fluminense University Hospital in Niteroi, and a private facility in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Patients who did not present transient central retinal artery occlusion were excluded. RESULTS: Among 4069 injections, only 18 patients (0.44%) presented transient central retinal artery occlusion, 14 mild cases (77.7%), and 4 severe cases (22.3%). The clinical factors associated with more severe cases of transient central retinal artery occlusion were the duration of the transient central retinal artery occlusion (p = 0.001), number of prior injections (p = 0.01), and a positive carotid Doppler test (p = 0.01). Twelve cases (66.6%) had positive carotid artery obstruction (atheroma plaque size ≥70%) while 6 cases (33.3%) had negative carotid artery obstruction (atheroma plaque size <70%). The age group >60 years old (p = 0.06), cup/disc ratio >0.6 (p = 0.06), and pseudophakic lens status were also factors with association with transient central retinal artery occlusion, although did not meet criteria for statistical significance. The only patient who experienced a recurrent episode of transient central retinal artery occlusion had diabetic macular edema, positive carotid Doppler test, and cup/optic disc ratio >0.6. CONCLUSION: Transient central retinal artery occlusion is a rare adverse event that can appear in patients with retinal vascular disease receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The atheroma plaque size and the number of prior injections can be associated with the severity of the event.

Retinopatia hipertensiva maligna secundária a lúpus eritematoso sistêmico em adolescente / Malignant hypertensive retinopathy secondary to systemic lupus erythematous in adolescent

RESUMO O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico é uma doença que pode apresentar comprometimento oftalmológico geralmente benigno, sendo as alterações mais encontradas a síndrome do olho seco e a catarata. Nos pacientes com a doença estável, o dano oftalmológico parece estar relacionado ao tratamento sistêmico a longo prazo, o que enfatiza a importância do exame oftalmológico completo de rotina. Porém, quando a doença está em franca atividade e, em especial, quando há o envolvimento renal, deve-se iniciar o tratamento precoce com corticoterapia sistêmica e com medidas de suporte, para se evitarem repercussões mais complexas, como as crises hipertensivas que podem levar ao óbito.

ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus may present ophthalmological involvement, usually benign, and the most common changes are dry eye syndrome and cataract. In patients with stable disease, ophthalmologic damage appears to be related to long-term systemic treatment, emphasizing the importance of routine complete ophthalmologic examination. However, in full-blown disease, especially when there is renal involvement, early treatment should start with systemic steroid therapy and supportive measures, to avoid major repercussions, such as hypertensive crises that may lead to death.

Diferenças de mensuração de acuidade visual e velocidade de leitura para perto entre pacientes com retinopatia diabética. Repercussão entre conceitos de deficiência visual parcial e cegueira legal / Differences in measurement of visual acuity and reading speed for near vision among patients with diabetic retinopathy. Repercussion in concepts of partial vision loss and legal blindness

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a acurácia entre a acuidade visual com melhor correção óptica em pacientes com retinopatia diabética e acuidade visual com correção óptica menor ou igual a 20/200 em ambos os olhos mensurada pela tabela de Snellen e pela tabela ETDRS, além da avaliação do tempo de leitura com tabela de leitura de Jaeger. Métodos: Estudo observacional e transversal. ormação de Grupos de Pesquisa: o Grupo I foi formado por pacientes com acuidade visual de 20/200 e o Grupo II, por pacientes com acuidade visual maior de 20/200. Os pacientes de ambos os grupos foram subdivididos em aqueles com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa e os com retinopatia diabética proliferativa. As variáveis pesquisadas foram sexo, idade, tabela ETDRS nos subgrupos (igual a 20/200, igual a 20/400 e maior de 20/200 e 20/400) e tempo de leitura da tabela de Jaeger para perto. O índice de significância estatística deste estudo foi de 5%. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 62 pacientes diabéticos, sendo 33 com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa e 29 com retinopatia diabética proliferativa. Dentre os pacientes com retinopatia diabética não proliferativa, 19 tinham acuidade visual com melhor correção óptica de 20/200 (30,6% da amostra), e 13 pacientes eram portadores de retinopatia diabética proliferativa com acuidade visual com melhor correção óptica de 20/200 (20,9% da amostra). A correlação entre a tabela Snellen e a tabela ETDRS revelou que 16 pacientes (25,8% da amostra) com cegueira legal apresentaram acuidade visual entre 20/180 e 20/120 segundo a tabela ETDRS. Para os pacientes portadores de retinopatia diabética não proliferativa com acuidade visual de 20/200 pela tabela ETDRS, houve tempo médio de leitura para perto da tabela de Jaeger de 23,6±1,4 segundos. Na análise estatística da acuidade visual mensurada com a Tabela de Snellen em comparação com a Tabela de Leitura para perto (Jaeger), mensurando tempo de leitura, ahouve significância estatística (p=0,04). Conclusão: Pacientes diabéticos com cegueira legal segundo a tabela de Snellen apresentam sua real capacidade visual residual subavaliada. É importante levar em consideração o tempo de leitura e o uso da tabela ETDRS para melhor acurácia.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the accuracy of best-corrected visual acuity in patients with diabetic retinopathy to corrected visual acuity ≤ 20/200 in both eyes, measured by Snellen and ETDRS charts, in addition to evaluation of reading time by Jaeger chart. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study. Study Groups: Group I, patients with visual acuity 20/200, and Group II, patients with visual acuity >20/200. Patients were subdivided into those with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The study variables were sex, age, ETDRS chart in the subgroups (equal to 20/200; equal to 20/400 and greater than 20/200 and 20/400), and reading time by Jaeger chart on the near vision. The statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: A total of 62 diabetic patients participated in the study; in that, 33 with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 29 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Among patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 19 had best-corrected visual acuity 20/200 (30.6% of sample), and 13 patients had proliferative diabetic retinopathy with best-corrected visual acuity 20/200 (20.9% of sample). The correlation between the Snellen and ETDRS charts revealed 16 patients (25.8% of sample) with legal blindness presented visual acuity between 20/180 and 20/120, as per the ETDRS chart. For patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with visual acuity 20/200 measured by the ETDRS chart, the mean reading time to near vision was 23.6±1.4 seconds, as measured by Jaeger chart. In the statistical analysis, the comparison of visual acuity measured by Snellen chart, with the reading chart to near vision (Jaeger) measuring reading time, was statistically significant (p=0.04). Conclusion: Diabetic patients with legal blindness as per Snellen chart showed their real underestimated residual visual capacity. It is important to consider reading time and use of the ETDRS chart for better accuracy.

The Central Subfoveal Bouquet in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes.

PURPOSE: To report both the unoperated clinical course and the surgical outcomes of eyes with a central foveal bouquet (CB) secondary to idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs). DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive, and observational case series. METHODS: All patients examined between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, for evaluation of epiretinal membrane with a CB lesion identified on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were included. Exclusion criteria included vitreoretinal comorbidities associated with secondary ERMs and an absence of CB lesions on SD-OCT. Patients were divided into two groups: those who were followed with observation (Group I) and those who received surgery (Group II). Each group had 3 different types of mechanical abnormalities of the CB previously described as cotton ball sign, subfoveal detachment, or acquired vitelliform lesion, without a subanalysis discrimination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and last follow-up, subjective metamorphopsia, central retinal thickness (CMT), mechanical stress lesions of the CB, and resolution or evolution of the CB lesions during the follow-up interval. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-six eyes with iERM were reviewed, and 46 eyes met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 21 of 46 (46%) were observed, and 25 of 46 (54%) underwent surgery. Metamorphopsia was identified in 61.9% of patients in Group I and 81.2% of patients in Group II, at baseline. The mean BCVA was 0.19 ± 0.17 (20/30) in Group I and 0.31 ± 0.33 (20/40) in Group II at presentation. At the final exam, patients in Group I achieved a mean BCVA of 0.24 ± 0.18 (20/30), while patients in Group II obtained a mean BCVA of 0.15 ± 0.21 (20/30). Spontaneous resolution of the CB sign occurred in 5 of 21 eyes (23.8%) that were observed, whereas, after surgery, the CB sign resolved in 16 of 25 eyes (61.5%). Mean CMT was 422 ± 84.2µm in Group I and 531 ± 143.9µm in Group II, at baseline, while at the latest follow-up, the mean CMT was 400 ± 40.8µm in the cases followed with observation and 454 ± 148.7µm in the surgical cases. CONCLUSION: The clinical course and surgical outcomes of CB findings in iERM are favorable in terms of visual acuity. However, those receiving surgery had an increase in visual acuity and resolution of the CB abnormality.

Um Jogo Sério para Análise de Dados Psicossociais no enfrentamento do Câncer Infantil / Um Jogo Sério para Análise de Dados Psicossociais no enfrentamento do Câncer Infantil / Un Juego Sério para Análisis de datos psicosociales de la afrontación del Cáncer Infantil

Objetivo: Realizar a coleta, análise e cruzamento de dados comportamentais destas crianças de maneira transparente sem que elas percebam que estão sendo monitoradas. Métodos: Por intermédio de um sistema de informação e jogos digitais coletaram-se os dados e sua análise é por meio de uma plataforma digital integradora. Resultados: Descobriu-se que a combinação destes dados tende a oferecer melhores condições de análise aos terapeutas, podendo monitorar mais de uma criança no período. Conclusões: A plataforma apresentada contribui diretamente com o cruzamento de dados necessário para avaliação comportamental de crianças enfrentando o câncer infantil.

Objective: To carry out the collection, analysis and cross-checking of behavioural data from these children in a transparent manner without them noticing that they are being monitored. Methods: Through an information system and digital games the data were collected and their analysis is through an integrating digital platform. Results: It has been found that the combination of this data has a tendency to offer better conditions of analysis to therapists, being able to monitor more than one child in the period. Conclusions: The platform shown contributes directly to the cross-checking of data required for behavioural assessment of children coping with childhood cancer.

Objetivo: Llevar a cabo la recogida, análisis y comprobación cruzada de los datos sobre el comportamiento de estos niños de forma transparente sin que se den cuenta de que están siendo vigilados. Métodos: A partir de un sistema de información y de juegos digitales se han recogido los datos y su análisis se realiza a través de una plataforma digital integradora. Resultados: Se ha visto que la combinación de estos datos tiende a ofrecer mejores condiciones de análisis a los terapeutas, pudiendo monitorizar más de un niño en el período. Conclusiones: La plataforma mostrada contribuye directamente a la verificación cruzada de los datos necesarios para la evaluación del comportamiento de los niños que se enfrentan al cáncer infantil.

The chemotactic properties of various topical brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic preparations.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the leukocyte chemotactic activities of various brimonidine tartrate (BT) eye drop formulations. METHODS: A 96-well dot-blot platet using a Boyden-style well was used to study the chemotactic effects of BT ophthalmic preparations. A modification was made to create blind wells where the tested agents were placed. Leukocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. As positive controls, we used diluted drugs, benzalkonium chloride solution (BAK), zymosan-activated serum, and formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine peptides. The negative control in our study was a phosphate-buffered saline solution. For each experimental condition, we measured leukocyte migration through a Millipore membrane. The differences in the mean migration distance between groups were compared using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: The measured migration distances (in µm ± SD) were 62.14 ± 3.71 for BT 0.2% with BAK (Alcon Laboratories Inc.); 63.61 ± 3.81 for BT 0.2% with BAK (Allergan Inc); 40.36 ± 3.17 for BT 0.15% without BAK; and 41.02 ± 2.17 for BAK alone. The negative controls showed no chemotactic activity, while the positive controls showed the highest neutrophil migration of all experimental conditions. The differences between BT 0.15% without BAK and the other commercial formulations were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Commercial ophthalmic preparations of BT 0.2% with BAK 0.005% had higher chemotactic properties than the alternative of a lower concentration of BT and without the preservative BAK. Therefore, the latter should be considered for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension in order to minimize iatrogenic ocular inflammation.

Treatment of Radiation Retinopathy with Intravitreal Injection of Ranibizumab (Lucentis®).

To report a treatment of radiation retinopathy in a patient exposed to ionizing radiation for a period of 2 years. A 26-year-old female patient with no comorbidities diagnosed with myelodysplasia confirmed by bone marrow biopsy. She presented a complaint of bilateral progressive visual acuity reduction. At the ophthalmologic examination, she presented alterations suggestive of radiation retinopathy as well as macular thickness to optical coherence tomography (OCT) of over 500 µm. The patient underwent intravitreal injection (0.05 mL) of ranibizumab (Lucentis®) monthly in both eyes and follow-up through visual acuity and OCT examination. She presented reduction of macular edema as well as a slight improvement of visual acuity. In this case, the treatment of radiation retinopathy with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (Lucentis) was relatively useful, with a slight improvement of visual acuity, due to the regression of macular edema, not being curative.

Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice: Subacute and Subchronic Route-Dependent Effects.

This study aimed to compare Cd exposure by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral routes, evaluating the testicular subacute and subchronic effects. Adult male mice were separated into three groups subdivided according to the experimental period (7 and 42 days after Cd exposure: subacute and subchronic effects, respectively): one group received water and two groups received CdCl2 (1.2 mg/kg i.p. and 24 mg/kg oral). The testicular concentration of essential minerals and Cd, activity of antioxidant enzymes and markers of oxidative stress, histology, and testicular histomorphometry were evaluated. The subacute effect of oral Cd showed reduced Fe concentration, while Ca and Cu increased in this route. The subchronic effect promoted decreasing in Mg in i.p. and oral routes, whereas Zn decreased only in the oral, and the Fe concentration did not change. SOD activity decreased in the oral subacute evaluation and in both pathways, i.p. and oral routes, in the subchronic evaluation, while GST activity increased, and MDA concentration decreased. Labeling of apoptotic cells was increased in the subacute and subchronic evaluation. Seminiferous epithelium degeneration, death of germ cells, and Leydig cell damages occurred in i.p. and oral routes. However, these damages were more intense in the oral route, mainly evaluating the subchronic effects. The results confirm that the severity of Cd-induced testicular injury depends on the pathway, as well as the duration of exposure.

The Clinical Course of Patients with Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes and Good Visual Acuity Managed Without Surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To report the clinical course of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) and good baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) managed without surgical treatment. METHODS: Retrospective, observational case series of patients with iERMs and 20/50 or better BCVA who did not undergo surgery between January 2014 and December 2017 with a 1-year follow-up. Secondary epiretinal membranes were excluded. iERMs were stratified into two groups: Group I (BCVA 20/30 or better) and Group II (BCVA 20/40 to 20/50). The main outcome measures included baseline and final follow-up BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT) on OCT. RESULTS: The study included 174 eyes (145 patients): 139 eyes (79.8%) had typical iERMs and 35 eyes (18%) had LMH. For Group I typical iERMs, the logMAR baseline and final mean BCVA were 0.09 ± 0.1 (Snellen equivalent 20/25) and 0.10 ± 0.1 (20/25+) respectively (p = 0.22). In this group, the baseline and final mean CMT were 335 ± 73µm and 342 ± 78µm, respectively (p = 0.47). For Group II typical iERMs, the logMAR baseline and final mean BCVA were 0.3 ± 0.1 (20/44) and 0.4 ± 0.2 (20/45) respectively (p = 0.31). In this group, the baseline and final mean CMT were 386 ± 95µm and 391 ± 93µm, respectively (p = 0.84). CONCLUSION: The clinical course of patients with iERM and good baseline BCVA is generally favorable without surgery and includes stable BCVA and OCT measurements after at least one year.