1
|
Guterres H, Gusmao C, Pinheiro M, Martins J, Odio G, Maia C, da Conceicao V, Soares M, Osorio C, da Silva ES, Tilman A, Givney R, Oakley T, Yan J, Toto L, Amaral E, James R, Buising K, Mayo M, Kaestli M, Webb JR, Baird RW, Currie BJ, Francis JR, Muhi S. Melioidosis in Timor-Leste: First Case Description and Phylogenetic Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad405. [PMID: 37577114 PMCID: PMC10414804 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, has not yet been reported in Timor-Leste, a sovereign state northwest of Australia. In the context of improved access to diagnostic resources and expanding clinical networks in the Australasian region, we report the first 3 cases of culture-confirmed melioidosis in Timor-Leste. These cases describe a broad range of typical presentations, including sepsis, pneumonia, multifocal abscesses, and cutaneous infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Timor-Leste isolates belong to the Australasian clade of B. pseudomallei, rather than the Asian clade, consistent with the phylogeographic separation across the Wallace Line. This study underscores an urgent need to increase awareness of this pathogen in Timor-Leste and establish diagnostic laboratories with improved culture capacity in regional hospitals. Clinical suspicion should prompt appropriate sampling and communication with laboratory staff to target diagnostic testing. Local antimicrobial guidelines have recently been revised to include recommendations for empiric treatment of severe sepsis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Celia Gusmao
- National Hospital Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - Joana Martins
- National Hospital Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - Gustavo Odio
- National Hospital Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - Virginia da Conceicao
- National Health Laboratory, Dili, Timor-Leste
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Messias Soares
- National Health Laboratory, Dili, Timor-Leste
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Rodney Givney
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Tessa Oakley
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jennifer Yan
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Lucia Toto
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Elfiana Amaral
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Rodney James
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsty Buising
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Mayo
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Mirjam Kaestli
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jessica R Webb
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert W Baird
- Territory Pathology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Joshua R Francis
- Menzies School of Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Stephen Muhi
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sarmento N, Oakley T, Belo JC, da Conceição VL, Maia CDC, Santos CG, Amaral E, Toto L, da Silva ES, Marr I, Yan J, Francis JR. First case of NDM-1-producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolated in Timor-Leste. Commun Dis Intell (2018) 2022; 46. [PMID: 36154658 DOI: 10.33321/cdi.2022.46.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tessa Oakley
- Menzies School of Health Research, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | - Joana C Belo
- Menzies School of Health Research, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | | | - Celia G Santos
- Departamento Medicina Interna, Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - Lucia Toto
- Menzies School of Health Research, Dili, Timor-Leste
| | | | - Ian Marr
- The Canberra Hospital, ACT, Australia
| | - Jennifer Yan
- Menzies School of Health Research, Dili, Timor-Leste.,Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, Australia
| | - Joshua R Francis
- Menzies School of Health Research, Dili, Timor-Leste.,Royal Darwin Hospital, NT, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Parravano M, Eandi CM, Figus M, Lupidi M, Menchini F, Nicolo' M, Parisi V, Toto L, Viola F, Vujosevic S, Querques G. Effects of circadian rhythm disruption on retinal physiopathology: Considerations from a consensus of experts. Eur J Ophthalmol 2022; 32:2489-2493. [PMID: 35656746 PMCID: PMC9373193 DOI: 10.1177/11206721221106149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The circadian rhythms originate within the organism and synchronize with cyclic
fluctuations in the external environment. It has been demonstrated that part of the human
genome is under control of the circadian clock and that a synchronizer that helps to
maintain daily rhythms is Melatonin, a neuro-hormone primarily synthesized by the pineal
gland during the night. The chronic disruption of circadian rhythm has been linked to many
conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and
neurodegenerative diseases. Studies in the mice showed that the disruption of the retinal
circadian rhythm increases the decline during the aging of photoreceptors, accelerating
age-related disruption of cone cell structure, function, and viability and that the
melatonin receptor deletion seems to influence the health of retinal cells, speeding up
their aging. In conclusion, preserving the circadian rhythms could be to add to the
prevention and treatment of age-related degenerative retinal diseases, and although
additional studies are needed, melatonin could be a valid support to favor this
“chronoprotection action”.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - C M Eandi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Fondation Asile des Aveugles, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Macula Onlus Foundation, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Figus
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, 9310University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Lupidi
- Macula Onlus Foundation, Genoa, Italy.,Eye Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - F Menchini
- Department of Medicine-Ophthalmology, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - M Nicolo'
- Macula Onlus Foundation, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), 9302University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University Eye Clinic of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - V Parisi
- 61870IRCCS-Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - L Toto
- Ophthalmic Clinic, Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, University "G. 9301d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - F Viola
- Foundation IRCCS Cà Grande Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 9304University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Vujosevic
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Eye Clinic, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - G Querques
- Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, University Vita-Salute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Batra V, Chacko AM, Gagliardi M, Hou C, Mikitsh JL, Freifelder RH, Kachur A, LeGeyt BC, Schmitz A, Toto L, Vaidyanathan G, Zalutsky MR, Matthay KK, Weiss WA, Gustafson WC, Pryma D, Maris JM. Abstract B48: Preclinical development of meta-[211At] astatobenzylguanidine ([211At] MABG) targeted radiotherapy for neuroblastoma. Cancer Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.pedcan-b48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a radiosensitive malignancy accounting for 10% of childhood cancer mortality. NB cells frequently express the norepinephrine transporter (NET) providing a specific mechanism for uptake of NET-ligands. Meta-[131I]iodobenzylguanidine ([131I]MIBG) is a NET-ligand radiotherapeutic that shows single-agent response rates in refractory NB of 40-50%. However, due to the long path lengths of 131 I beta (β)-emission, and low biological effectiveness compared to alpha (α)-emitting radionuclides, [131I]MIBG is generally not curative, perhaps due to non-targeting of isolated circulating tumor cells. Here we report our efforts to optimize NET-targeted radiotherapy by developing relevant preclinical models of refractory NB for α-particle therapeutic [211At] MABG therapy.
Methods: We first determined NET (SLC6A2) mRNA and protein expression in 35 human NB cell lines using quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. We then chose 5 lines with absent to intermediate levels of native NET expression (NB1691, SKNSH, IMR5, NLF and SKNBE2) for dual forced overexpression of human NET and luciferase cDNAs. We used [125I]MIBG for cell-based uptake assays in all isogenic pairs and biodistribution experiments in athymic mice bearing three separate NET-transduced xenografts (N=5 per cell line). These cell lines were also treated with [131I]MIBG and/or external beam radiation (XRT) followed by multi-log cytotoxicity assays. Therapeutic trials of [131I]MIBG (25 mCi/kg) in NB1691 subcutaneous xenograft and metastatic mouse models were also conducted. In parallel, [211At] MABG was synthesized by: (i) cyclotron-production of 211 At via 209 Bi(α,2n)211At reaction (ii) distillation of 211 At from the target, and (iii) solid phase no-carrier-added synthesis of [211At] MABG by radioastato-destannylation. [211At] MABG uptake studies were performed in isogenic NB cell lines.
Results: Unlike primary human NBs, NET expression was low in the majority of 35 cell-lines studied (median normalized expression value = 0.145; range 0.000-1.005), but all transduced lines showed significant overexpression (0.860-1.107) comparable to human primary tumors. Transduced lines showed 4-10 fold higher uptake of [125I]MIBG than non-transduced isogenic parental cell lines in vitro, and demonstrated significant tumor-specific uptake and retention in vivo with tumor-muscle ratios ranging from 13.80 to 29.48. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments using [131I]MIBG showed NET-expressing cell lines to be more susceptible to treatment compared to non-NET expressing pairs (IC50 of 2.937nCi vs. 15.99 nCi). Treatment of mice bearing NB1691-NET xenografts with [131I]MIBG showed tumor growth delay (p=0.0065), but no significant impact on survival, likely due to de novo radioresistance (1200 cGy of XRT had no impact on NB1691 proliferation; IMR-05 showed 97% decreased cell viability). Lastly, we successfully synthesized [211At] MABG, with radiochemical yields of ∼20% and showed NET specific uptake of [211At] MABG into 1691 NET transfected cells.
Conclusions: Development of targeted radiotherapy for neuroblastoma has been limited by the lack of preclinical models and alternative therapeutics. Our development of multiple isogenic pairs with varying NET expression, documentation of de novo radiation sensitivity, and the production of [211At] MABG, will allow for rapid assessment of targeted radiotherapeutic strategies (including combination approaches) to support clinical development of alpha-particle therapeutics in a childhood cancer.
Citation Format: V Batra, AM Chacko, M Gagliardi, C Hou, J L. Mikitsh, R H. Freifelder, A Kachur, B C. LeGeyt, A Schmitz, L Toto, G Vaidyanathan, M R. Zalutsky, K K. Matthay, W A. Weiss, W C. Gustafson, D Pryma, J M. Maris. Preclinical development of meta-[211At] astatobenzylguanidine ([211At] MABG) targeted radiotherapy for neuroblastoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pediatric Cancer at the Crossroads: Translating Discovery into Improved Outcomes; Nov 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;74(20 Suppl):Abstract nr B48.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Batra
- 1The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA,
| | - AM Chacko
- 2University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,
| | - M Gagliardi
- 1The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA,
| | - C Hou
- 2University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,
| | | | | | - A Kachur
- 2University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,
| | - B C. LeGeyt
- 2University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,
| | - A Schmitz
- 2University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,
| | - L Toto
- 2University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,
| | | | | | - K K. Matthay
- 4University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - W A. Weiss
- 4University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - W C. Gustafson
- 4University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - D Pryma
- 2University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,
| | - J M. Maris
- 1The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Carpineto P, Nubile M, Toto L, Aharrh Gnama A, Marcucci L, Mastropasqua L, Ciancaglini M. Correlation in foveal thickness measurements between spectral-domain and time-domain optical coherence tomography in normal individuals. Eye (Lond) 2009; 24:251-8. [PMID: 19390564 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2009.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare a time-domain (Stratus) and a spectral-domain (Spectralis) optical coherence tomography (OCT) device in assessing foveal thickness in healthy subjects. METHODS In this observational study 40 healthy subjects (40 eyes) underwent Stratus OCT and Spectralis OCT measurements of foveal thickness using three consecutive horizontal and vertical B-scan. Paired samples t-test was used to compare means between Stratus and Spectralis OCT measurements. Coefficient of variation (CoV) was used to compare dispersion in datasets. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to quantify linear relation between Spectralis and Stratus OCT measurements. To assess agreement between Spectralis and Stratus OCT foveal thickness measurements, the Bland and Altman plots were used. RESULTS Sample age ranged from 19 to 49 years (mean 33.25, standard deviation (SD) +/-4.22). The Spectralis OCT foveal thickness measurements resulted significantly higher than those obtained with Stratus OCT (227.64+/-11.74 vs 144.36+/-12.25 microm, and 227.63+/-11.43 vs 144.92+/-12.34 microm, for horizontal and vertical foveal thickness, respectively) (P<0.05). Coefficient of variations were 5.16 and 5.02% using Spectralis OCT, and 8.49 and 8.51% using Stratus OCT. Mean Spectralis/Stratus ratio was 1.58 for both horizontal and vertical measurements. A linear relation between the two technologies was found (r(horiz)=0.899 and r(vert)=0.869) (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS A good correlation between Stratus and Spectralis OCT foveal measurements was found, independently of retinal thickness. This preliminary study suggests the existence of a conversion factor between Stratus and Spectralis OCT when measuring healthy foveal thickness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Carpineto
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University G. d'Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carpineto P, Ciancaglini M, Nubile M, Di Marzio G, Toto L, Di Antonio L, Mastropasqua L. Fixation patterns evaluation by means of MP-1 microperimeter in microstrabismic children treated for unilateral amblyopia. Eur J Ophthalmol 2008; 17:885-90. [PMID: 18050112 DOI: 10.1177/112067210701700603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to evaluate the fixation patterns of microstrabismic children previously treated for unilateral amblyopia. METHODS Thirty-three children (mean age 7.3+/-1.5 years) were included in the study. Visual acuity (VA) was measured using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts. Fixationwas assessed by MP-1 microperimeter. Differences in position and stability of fixation between the fellow and the microstrabismic eyes were calculated by using the percentage of the preferred fixation points within central fixation and the percentage of the fixation points within target fixation, respectively. For statistical analysis Mann-Whitney test was used. To evaluate the influence of age and duration of anti-amblyopic treatment on microstrabismic eyes fixation, linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS In the microstrabismic eyes VA was significantly reduced when compared to the fellow eyes (0.1236+/-0.0204 vs 0.0042+/-0.0032 logMAR; p<0.001). Position and stability of fixation were significantly better in the fellow eyes (93.21+/-0.65% vs 70.91+/-4.80%; p=0.002, and 89.88+/-0.94% vs 71.73+/-2.94%; p<0.001, respectively). A significant correlation was found between fixation stability and both the duration of anti-amblyopic treatment and pretreatment VA (p=0.024 and p=0.009, respectively) and between fixation centrality and pretreatment VA (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS VA, centrality, and stability of fixation were significantly impaired in the microstrabismic eyes. Pretreatment VA was a risk factor for fixation impairment. The severity of fixation stability impairment was linked to the duration of anti-amblyopic treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Carpineto
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Section of Ophthalmology, University G. D'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nubile M, Dua HS, Lanzini TEM, Carpineto P, Ciancaglini M, Toto L, Mastropasqua L. Amniotic membrane transplantation for the management of corneal epithelial defects: an in vivo confocal microscopic study. Br J Ophthalmol 2007; 92:54-60. [PMID: 17584997 DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2007.123026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate amniotic membrane (AM) tissue morphology and corneal epithelial healing in human eyes after amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT), using laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty eyes of 20 patients, treated with single layer epithelial side up AMT for chemical burns in the acute stage (n = 8) and persistent corneal epithelial defect (n = 12) were studied by serial IVCM post-AMT until complete re-epithelisation. Changes in morphology of transplanted amniotic tissue and healing corneal epithelium were noted. AM and corneal epithelial cell density was calculated using image-analysis software. RESULTS IVCM enabled visualisation of transplanted AM and of regenerating epithelial cells under the AM. The mean AM epithelial cell density, 1 day after transplant, was 4613 (SD 380) cells/mm2. The average AM epithelial thickness was 35 (4) microm, while the AM stromal thickness was 116 (31) microm. The amniotic stroma appeared to be composed of a superficial dense fibrous layer and a deeper loose reticular network of fibres. Amniotic epithelium was lost within 15 days of transplant, and complete re-epithelisation of the corneal surface was achieved between 1 and 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Laser scanning IVCM is a useful method for evaluating AM tissue morphology, degradation and corneal epithelial healing after AMT for different clinical indications. When the amniotic membrane acts as a patch, that is epithelial cells migrate under rather than over the membrane, the membrane disintegrates and is lost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Nubile
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Science, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mastropasqua L, Toto L, Zuppardi E, Nubile M, Carpineto P, Di Nicola M, Ballone E. Zyoptix wavefront-guided versus standard photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in low and moderate myopia: randomized controlled 6-month study. Eur J Ophthalmol 2006; 16:219-28. [PMID: 16703538 DOI: 10.1177/112067210601600205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the refractive and aberrometric outcome of wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) compared to standard PRK in myopic patients. METHODS Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients were included in the study and were randomly divided into two groups. The study group consisted of 28 eyes with a mean spherical equivalent (SE) of -2.25+/-0.76 diopters (D) (range: -1.5 to -3.5 D) treated with wavefront-guided PRK using the Zywave ablation profile and the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217z excimer laser (Zyoptix system) and the control group included 28 eyes with a SE of -2.35+/-1.01 D (range: -1.5 to -3.5 D) treated with standard PRK (PlanoScan ablation) using the same laser. A Zywave aberrometer was used to analyze and calculate the root-mean-square (RMS) of total high order aberrations (HOA) and Zernike coefficients of third and fourth order before and after (over a 6-month follow-up period) surgery in both groups. Preoperative and postoperative SE, un-corrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated in all cases. RESULTS There was a high correlation between achieved and intended correction. The differences between the two treatment groups were not statistically significant for UCVA, BCVA, or SE cycloplegic refraction . Postoperatively the RMS value of high order aberrations was raised in both groups. At 6-month control, on average it increased by a factor of 1.17 in the Zyoptix PRK group and 1.54 in the PlanoScan PRK group (p=0.22). In the Zyoptix group there was a decrease of coma aberration, while in the PlanoScan group this third order aberration increased. The difference between postoperative and preoperative values between the two groups was statistically significant for coma aberration (p=0.013). No statistically significant difference was observed for spherical-like aberration between the two groups. In the study group eyes with a low amount of preoperative aberrations (HOA RMS lower than the median value; <0.28 microm) showed an increase of HOA RMS while eyes with RMS higher than 0.28 microm showed a decrease (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Zyoptix wavefront-guided PRK is as safe and efficacious for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism as PlanoScan PRK. Moreover this technique induces a smaller increase of third order coma aberration compared to standard PRK. The use of Zyoptix wavefront-guided PRK is particularly indicated in eyes with higher preoperative RMS values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Mastropasqua
- Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, Section of Ophthalmology, University G. D'Annunzio, Chieti - Pescara, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Malattia Leventinese (ML) is a dominant macular dystrophy characterized by drusen at the posterior pole. ML has been associated with a single mutation (R345W) in the EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP-1) gene, but also the EFEMP-2 gene, known to share genetic homology with EFEMP-1, is considered a candidate gene for this genetic disorder. We have characterized clinically and genetically seven members of a three-generation family affected by ML. Results showed that five family members were clinically affected but the DNA sequencing failed to reveal the typical R345W mutation. Furthermore, the linkage analysis to EFEMP-1 (using polymorphic markers D2S337 and D2S2368) and to EFEMP-2 (using D11S987 and D11S1314 markers) gave negative results. Therefore, our results suggest EFEMP-1 or EFEMP-2 genes cannot be excluded as being responsible for ML but other genes have to be considered in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Toto
- Eye Clinic, Ospedale Maggiore, University of Trieste, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
Abstract
AIMS To report 6 cases in which indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) failed to convert occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) into well-defined CNV in adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AOFVD). METHODS Patients with AOFVD observed from 1993 to 1999 were prospectively followed up. Whenever the development of CNV was suspected, ICGA was performed to detect the precise location and extension of CNV by means of the IMAGEnet System. RESULTS Six out of 51 patients (11.7%) developed CNV during the follow-up. The CNV was of the occult type, with an associated detachment of the pigment epithelium in 1 eye. On ICGA, a large hyperfluorescent lesion appeared after about 10 min, irregularly increasing with time, without a clear visualization of site and extension of CNV. CONCLUSIONS In AOFVD, ICGA may fail to convert occult CNV into well-defined CNV, which is amenable to laser treatment, since hyperfluorescence caused by the probably vitelliform material binding to the ICG molecule and the CNV-induced hyperfluorescence cannot be angiographically distinguished from each other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Da Pozzo
- Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
A series of pits varying in depth and size appeared on the anterior surface of hydrogel intraocular lenses (IOLs) soon after they were implanted. In all cases, the pits increased in size but not in number during a 1 year follow-up. The origin of the pit defects is unknown and does not seem related to inflammatory or lens epithelial cell activity. Hydration of the IOL could be a cause even if a manufacturing defect were present. This IOL surface alteration did not seem to impair visual function or cause visual disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Tognetto
- Eye Clinic, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nodine CF, Krupinski EA, Kundel HL, Toto L, Herman GT. Satisfaction of search (SOS). Invest Radiol 1992; 27:571-3. [PMID: 1644560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
14
|
Abstract
Four subjects searched a chest image for lung nodules using an eye position-dependent display that presented the image of a nodule selectively to either the central or peripheral visual field, while preserving the appearance of the chest. The time required to scan the image and fixate the nodule was shortest for nodules that were both reported and accessible to the peripheral vision. A stepwise concentric reduction in the size of the peripheral field that could access the nodules only affected search performance when the field was less than 5 degrees. (A chest image subtends about 25 degrees.) These data support the hypothesis that the optimal scanning strategy for lung nodules consists of spacing fixation clusters 5 degrees apart, and that peripheral vision only acts as an adjunct in guiding the gaze to inconspicuous nodules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H L Kundel
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6086
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kundel HL, Nodine CF, Thickman D, Toto L. Searching for lung nodules. A comparison of human performance with random and systematic scanning models. Invest Radiol 1987; 22:417-22. [PMID: 3597010 DOI: 10.1097/00004424-198705000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The contrast sensitivity of the retina is greatest in the center and decreases rapidly toward the periphery. Therefore, the detection of low-contrast lung nodules depends upon the manner in which the image is sampled by retinal receptors as eye fixations jump across the image during scanning. The scanning performance of two radiologists was compared with two computed models, a systematic and a random scanner. Although radiologists do not seem to have random scanning patterns, their coverage of the image was matched more closely by the random model. This suggests that radiologists employ a scanning strategy that is designed to cover the image of the lungs in a minimum time using the smallest possible visual field. The visual field size that is most effective in detecting nodules during search has a radius of 3.5 degrees visual angle. Nodule detection may be limited by basic neurologic constraints on human scanning performance.
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
The detectability of nodules displayed on uniform backgrounds was compared with their detectability on chest images by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The images were displayed using a digital television system. Two conditions, chest image and uniform background, were compared at three different levels of added random noise. The viewing conditions were made as similar as possible by setting the luminance of the uniform background equal to the luminance of the lung in the chest image. Nodule detectability was significantly lower for the chest image than for the uniform background at each level of added random noise. The anatomic structure of the chest image interferes with the structural integrity of the nodule image resulting in lower detection performance.
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Experiments were conducted with the aim of deriving quantitative indexes from radiographs that describe the status of the pulmonary vasculature under hypervolemic doncitions. Hypervolemia was induced in four baboons by the infusion of dextran solution. Left ventricular pressures were monitored in the erect animals during the infusion and radiographs were obtained. The radiographs subsequently were digitized with a scanning laser-densitometer and a PDP 11/40 minicomputer. An index was derived (the vascular complexity index, Cx), which combined the mean density difference between upper and lower lung zones (indicative of incipient pulmonary edema) and the ratio of density variations in the upper versus lower zones (indicative of redistribution of blood flow). The data indicate a good correlation between left ventricular and diastolic pressure and Cx during the infusion in each animal.
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
The effects of edge gradient and blur on the detection pulmonary nodules were studied, using a test series of 175 artificial nodules on 30 chest films. The nodules were of homogeneous texture, about 1 cm in diameter and had a mean contrast of .12. Six observers viewed the film set, scoring both location and confidence. The sensitivity or the probability of a true-positive response was linearly related to the blur and a modified ROC analysis resulted in a family of ROC curves with the index of detectability monotonically decreasing with increased blur.
Collapse
|