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Johnson AW, Bloomquist RF, Fowler TE, Bloomquist DT. Framboesiform Facial Lesions and Chorioretinopathy as Presenting Signs of Syphilis in an Immunocompetent Patient. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:81-83. [PMID: 38100818 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Syphilis has long been considered the "great masquerader," notorious for its varying presentations and ability to affect most organ systems in the body. We report the case of a 41-year-old immunocompetent man who presented to ophthalmology with rapidly progressive visual complaints from bilateral panuveitis and concomitant verrucous facial lesions initially disregarded by the patient as acne. Serum testing for syphilis was positive, and he was admitted for 14 days of intravenous (IV) penicillin with multiservice care from dermatology, ophthalmology, and infectious disease. We present photographic documentation showing his stepwise resolution of his facial and retinal involvement with penicillin treatment course. This case is unusual in the concomitant presentation of ocular and facial syphilitic findings in an immunocompetent patient and highlights the need to include syphilis in the differential for unusual appearances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex W Johnson
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | - Teresa E Fowler
- From the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Doan T Bloomquist
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta GA
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Bloomquist RF, Goodbee M, Fowler TE, Prosser A. COVID-19-associated vestibular neuritis in an infant. Can J Ophthalmol 2023; 58:e213-e214. [PMID: 36965508 PMCID: PMC9998288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mya Goodbee
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | - Andrea Prosser
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.
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Fowler TE, Bloomquist RF, Sakhalkar MV, Bloomquist DT. Chronic Purulent Conjunctivitis Associated With Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. JAMA Ophthalmol 2023; 141:609-610. [PMID: 37166824 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.1529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This case report describes a patient with a chronic urinary tract infection whose long-term treatment for right eye redness, discharge, pain, and decreased vision ultimately led to hospitalization and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to multiple antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa E Fowler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta
| | | | - Monali V Sakhalkar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Doan Tam Bloomquist
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia
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Fowler TE, Choudhary V, Melnyk S, Farsi M, Chang LY, Fortingo N, Chen X, Watsky MA, Bollag WB. Dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol Inhibits Heat Shock Protein B4 (HSPB4)-Induced Inflammatory Pathways In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5839. [PMID: 36982926 PMCID: PMC10059050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065839] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous work shows that dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) accelerates corneal epithelial healing in vitro and in vivo by unknown mechanisms. Prior data demonstrate that DOPG inhibits toll-like receptor (TLR) activation and inflammation induced by microbial components (pathogen-associated molecular patterns, PAMPs) and by endogenous molecules upregulated in psoriatic skin, which act as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to activate TLRs and promote inflammation. In the injured cornea, sterile inflammation can result from the release of the DAMP molecule, heat shock protein B4 (HSPB4), to contribute to delayed wound healing. Here, we show in vitro that DOPG inhibits TLR2 activation induced in response to HSPB4, as well as DAMPs that are elevated in diabetes, a disease that also slows corneal wound healing. Further, we show that the co-receptor, cluster of differentiation-14 (CD14), is necessary for PAMP/DAMP-induced activation of TLR2, as well as of TLR4. Finally, we simulated the high-glucose environment of diabetes to show that elevated glucose levels enhance TLR4 activation by a DAMP known to be upregulated in diabetes. Together, our results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory actions of DOPG and support further investigation into its development as a possible therapy for corneal injury, especially in diabetic patients at high risk of vision-threatening complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa E. Fowler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Vivek Choudhary
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Samuel Melnyk
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Mishma Farsi
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Luke Y. Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Nyemkuna Fortingo
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Xunsheng Chen
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Mitchell A. Watsky
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Wendy B. Bollag
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Fowler TE, Bloomquist RF, Brinsko KJ, Lovas TR, Bloomquist DT. Bilateral zonular dehiscence during cataract surgery in a patient with systemic sclerosis. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2023; 30:101817. [PMID: 36860889 PMCID: PMC9969197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2023.101817] [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] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare and chronic autoimmune connective disorder that affects most organs. While clinical findings of scleroderma patients in the context of the eye have been described to include lid fibrosis and glaucoma, almost nothing has been reported regarding ophthalmologic surgical complications in scleroderma patients. Observations Here, we report bilateral zonular dehiscence and iris prolapse during two independent cataract extractions performed by separate experienced anterior segment surgeons in a patient with known systemic sclerosis. The patient did not have any other known risk factors for these complications to occur. Conclusions and Importance In our patient, bilateral zonular dehiscence raised the possibility of poor connective tissue support secondary to scleroderma. We recommend that clinicians are aware of potential complications in performing anterior segment surgery in patients with known or suspected scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa E. Fowler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, 30904, Georgia
| | - Ryan F. Bloomquist
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, 6311 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC, 29209, USA
| | - Kenneth J. Brinsko
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 950 15th Street, Augusta, 30904, Georgia
| | - Thomas R. Lovas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 950 15th Street, Augusta, 30904, Georgia
| | - Doan T. Bloomquist
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 950 15th Street, Augusta, 30904, Georgia,Corresponding author. Ophthalmology, Surgery Service/Ophthalmology Section Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia.
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Bloomquist RF, Fowler TE, Bloomquist DT. Inadvertent Injection of Botox Into the Anterior Chamber of the Eye With Crystalline Deposition. Cornea 2023; 42:e1-e2. [PMID: 36446031 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa E Fowler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA; and
| | - Doan T Bloomquist
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, GA
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An Z, Sabalic M, Bloomquist RF, Fowler TE, Streelman T, Sharpe PT. A quiescent cell population replenishes mesenchymal stem cells to drive accelerated growth in mouse incisors. Nat Commun 2018; 9:378. [PMID: 29371677 PMCID: PMC5785476 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02785-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The extent to which heterogeneity within mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) populations is related to function is not understood. Using the archetypal MSC in vitro surface marker, CD90/Thy1, here we show that 30% of the MSCs in the continuously growing mouse incisor express CD90/Thy1 and these cells give rise to 30% of the differentiated cell progeny during postnatal development. In adulthood, when growth rate homeostasis is established, the CD90/Thy1+ MSCs decrease dramatically in number. When adult incisors are cut, the growth rate increases to rapidly re-establish tooth length and homeostasis. This accelerated growth rate correlates with the re-appearance of CD90/Thy+ MSCs and re-establishment of their contribution to cell differentiation. A population of Celsr1+ quiescent cells becomes mitotic following clipping and replenishes the CD90/Thy1 population. A sub-population of MSCs thus exists in the mouse incisor, distinguished by expression of CD90/Thy1 that plays a specific role only during periods of increased growth rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen An
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Dental Institute, Kings College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Maja Sabalic
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Dental Institute, Kings College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ryan F Bloomquist
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA
| | - Teresa E Fowler
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA
| | - Todd Streelman
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA
| | - Paul T Sharpe
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Dental Institute, Kings College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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Bloomquist RF, Fowler TE, Sylvester JB, Miro RJ, Streelman JT. A compendium of developmental gene expression in Lake Malawi cichlid fishes. BMC Dev Biol 2017; 17:3. [PMID: 28158974 PMCID: PMC5291978 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-017-0146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lake Malawi cichlids represent one of a growing number of vertebrate models used to uncover the genetic and developmental basis of trait diversity. Rapid evolutionary radiation has resulted in species that share similar genomes but differ markedly in phenotypes including brains and behavior, nuptial coloration and the craniofacial skeleton. Research has begun to identify the genes, as well as the molecular and developmental pathways that underlie trait divergence. RESULTS We assemble a compendium of gene expression for Lake Malawi cichlids, across pharyngula (the phylotypic stage) and larval stages of development, encompassing hundreds of gene transcripts. We chart patterns of expression in Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch and Wingless (Wnt) signaling pathways, as well as genes involved in neurogenesis, calcium and endocrine signaling, stem cell biology, and numerous homeobox (Hox) factors-in three planes using whole-mount in situ hybridization. Because of low sequence divergence across the Malawi cichlid assemblage, the probes we employ are broadly applicable in hundreds of species. We tabulate gene expression across general tissue domains, and highlight examples of unexpected expression patterns. CONCLUSIONS On the heels of recently published genomes, this compendium of developmental gene expression in Lake Malawi cichlids provides a valuable resource for those interested in the relationship between evolution and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R F Bloomquist
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Medical College of Georgia, School of Dentistry, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - T E Fowler
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J B Sylvester
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - R J Miro
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J T Streelman
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Abstract
In many aquatic vertebrates, including bony and cartilaginous fishes, teeth and taste buds colocalize on jaw elements. In these animals, taste buds are renewed continuously throughout life, whereas teeth undergo cycled whole-organ replacement by various means. Recently, studies of cichlid fishes have yielded new insights into the development and regeneration of these dental and sensory oral organs. Tooth and taste bud densities covary positively across species with different feeding strategies, controlled by common regions of the genome and integrated molecular signals. Developing teeth and taste buds share a bipotent epithelium during early patterning stages, from which dental and taste fields are specified. Moreover, these organs share a common epithelial ribbon that supports label-retaining cells during later stages of regeneration. During both patterning and regeneration stages, dental organs can be converted to taste bud fate by manipulation of BMP signaling. These observations highlight a surprising long-term plasticity between dental and sensory organ types. Here, we review these findings and discuss the implications of developmental plasticity that spans the continuum of craniofacial organ patterning and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Todd Streelman
- School of Biology, Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Ryan F Bloomquist
- School of Biology, Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Teresa E Fowler
- School of Biology, Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Bellaire BA, Carmody J, Braud J, Gossett DR, Banks SW, Lucas MC, Fowler TE. Involvement of abscisic acid-dependent and -independent pathways in the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity during NaCl stress in cotton callus tissue. Free Radic Res 2000; 33:531-45. [PMID: 11200086 DOI: 10.1080/10715760000301071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The role of abscisic acid (ABA) in the signal transduction pathway associated with NaCl-induced up-regulation of antioxidant enzyme activity was examined in a NaCl-tolerant cotton callus cell line treated with NaCl, ABA, paraquat, or H2O2 in the presence and absence or fluridone, an inhibitor of terpene, and therefore, ABA synthesis. Treatment with NaCl resulted in a rapid increase (within 30 minutes) in the ABA levels of the callus tissue, and the NaCl, ABA, and paraquat treatments induced rapid increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Pre-treatment with fluridone significantly suppressed the NaCl-induced increases, but only slightly delayed the increases in tissue subjected to exogenous ABA treatment. This implies that ABA is involved in the signal transduction pathway associated with the NaCl-induced up-regulation of these antioxidant enzymes. Pre-treatment with fluridone had no effect on the paraquat-induced increases, suggesting that these enzymes can also be up-regulated by a pathway other than the one mediated by ABA. Both the NaCl and paraquat treatments produced significant increases in the superoxide levels within the callus, but the increase resulting from the paraquat treatment was significantly higher than the increase resulting from the NaCl treatment. These data suggest that NaCl stress results in the production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) which signals the induction of an ABA-dependent signaling pathway. The production of very high levels of ROI, such as those that occur with paraquat treatment or perhaps during periods of prolonged or extreme stress, may induce an ABA-independent signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Bellaire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisianna State University-Shreveport, 71115, USA
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Abstract
In studies of college students, normal children at three grades, and learning-disabled children, physical and nominal matching procedures were highly correlated, (range .72-.96). In each instance, expected time differences favoring physical matches were replicated. Comparable results were found with both tachistoscopic and paper-and-pencil methods. In two studies where relevant data were available, correlations were not significantly attenuated when the effects of motor speed were partialled out. The results challenge the premise that nominal and physical matching measures are empirically independent, invalidate their application as measures of independent types of information processing, and help explain inconsistent findings in hemispheric specialization research.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Freides
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
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