Large Region of Homozygous (ROH) Identified in Indian Patients with Autosomal Recessive Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy with p.Thr182Pro Variant in SGCB Gene

The sarcoglycanopathies are autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) caused by the mutations in genes encoding the α, β, γ, and δ proteins which stabilizes the sarcolemma of muscle cells. The clinical phenotype is characterized by progressive proximal muscle weakness with childhood onset. Muscle biopsy findings are diagnostic in confirming dystrophic changes and deficiency of one or more sarcoglycan proteins. In this study, we summarized 1,046 LGMD patients for which a precise diagnosis was identified using targeted sequencing. The most frequent phenotypes identified in the patients are LGMDR1 (19.7%), LGMDR4 (19.0%), LGMDR2 (17.5%), and MMD1 (14.5%). Among the reported genes, each of CAPN3, SGCB, and DYSF variants was reported in more than 10% of our study cohort. The most common variant SGCB p.Thr182Pro was identified in 146 (12.5%) of the LGMD patients, and in 97.9% of these patients, the variant was found to be homozygous. To understand the genetic structure of the patients carrying SGCB p.Thr182Pro, we genotyped 68 LGMD patients using a whole genome microarray. Analysis of the array data identified a large ~1 Mb region of homozygosity (ROH) (chr4:51817441-528499552) suggestive of a shared genomic region overlapping the recurrent missense variant and shared across all 68 patients. Haplotype analysis identified 133 marker haplotypes that were present in ~85.3% of the probands as a double allele and absent in all random controls. We also identified 5 markers (rs1910739, rs6852236, rs13122418, rs13353646, and rs6554360) which were present in a significantly higher proportion in the patients compared to random control set ( $n=128$ ) and the population database. Of note, admixture analysis was suggestive of greater proportion of West Eurasian/European ancestry as compared to random controls. Haplotype analysis and frequency in the population database indicate a probable event of founder effect. Further systematic study is needed to identify the communities and regions where the SGCB p.Thr182Pro variant is observed in higher proportions. After identifying these communities and//or region, a screening program is needed to identify carriers and provide them counselling.

Dorsal Onlay Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty for Long Segment Anterior Urethral Strictures: A Retrospective Study of Mid and Long-term Outcomes

Introduction: Dorsal onlay urethroplasty with Buccal Mucosal Graft (BMG) is the single stage procedure and is most commonly used to treat long segment anterior urethral strictures. Unilateral mobilisation of the urethra prevents both chordee and ischaemia. Aim: To evaluate the feasibility, medium-term and long-term outcomes of dorsal onlay BMGs when used to treat long anterior segment penile urethral stricture with unilateral mobilisation of the urethra. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka, India, from January 2008-December 2018. A total of 56 patients with long anterior segment penile urethral strictures underwent BMG substitution for urethroplasty, with a follow-up period ranging from 1.2-10 years. The outcome of the procedure was assessed through clinical history and physical examination, uroflowmetry, retrograde and voiding cystourethrography and urethroscopy {6 French gauge (Fr)}. Statistical analysis was performed using the mean and median. Results: The mean age of 56 patients was 51.8±9.9 years, with a mean±Standard Deviation (SD) Maximum Flow Rate (MFR) of 20.1±5.3 mL at one month and 18.1±4.3 mL at three and 18.7±3.7 mL six months, 17.3±5.1 mL, 19.3±4.3 mL and 18.6±3.7 mL at one year, 2-5 years and 10 years postoperative respectively. Postvoid Residual urine (PVR) volume was higher till one year follow-up (i.e., 1st month it was 38.6±23.6 mL in 47 patients, 3rd month it was 45.8±22.4 mL in 12 patients, 6th month it was 49.0±28.8 mL in 14 patients and one year follow-up it was 43.9±30.8 mL in 24 patients). Minimal complications were noted over 5-10 years follow-up. Conclusion: For long segment anterior penile urethral strictures, unilateral mobilisation in BMG urethroplasty had shown success over both medium and long-term periods.

Tangeretin and its Derivatives: An Integrative Bioinformatic Study of Obesity and Related Immunodeficiency

Obesity is a complex and major public health concern known to exacerbate many diseases. There are increasing evidences stating the obese people due to adiposity are getting more susceptible to immune deficiency disorders. Tangeretin is a key member of flavonoids reported to have many favourable biological activities. In search of novel leads in ameliorating obesity and related immunodeficiency, the present study is aimed at the in silico evaluation of tangeretin derivatives to assess their biological role. Initially tangeretin derivatives are designed by molecular manipulation approach.Drug likeness and bioactivity score prediction was done using Molinspiration web tool. Swiss ADME prediction and toxicological predictions were performed. In silico Molecular Docking studies were performed by employing a flexible ligand docking approach using Schrodinger on the protein targets namely leptin, Fat mass and obesity associated protein (FTO), Pancreatic lipase, Peroxisome proliferated receptor (PPARɣ) and NADH oxidase. Further the electronic parameters were computed for the best fitted ligands by DFT analysis. The evaluation of results was made based on Glide (Schrodinger) dock score. Out of 18 screened compounds, some of them showed the best docking scores with the targets when compared with the standard (Lovastatin). Particularly the two ligands (L-13 and L-8) showed the best binding score with all five targets. Moreover, DFT analysis carried out for the tangeretin and best fitted ligands (L13 and L8) substantiated the other in silico studies. These findings probably provide excellent lead candidates for the development of therapeutic drugs in combating obesity and related immune deficiency.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Supine versus Prone Position in Tertiary Hospital in Mysore: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a procedure of choice for large renal calculi. It is a common urological procedure. PCNL can be performed in various positions. Aim: To determine the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing PCNL in supine and prone positions. Materials and Methods: A cohort study was conducted on patients with renal and upper ureteral stones who underwent PCNL in either prone or supine position between August 2019 to August 2020 at Urology Department, JSS Hospital, Mysuru. Supine PCNL was done in the flank Free Oblique Supine Modified Lithotomy (FOSML) position. All the procedures were performed under fluoroscopy guidance. Surgical outcomes including operative time, length of hospital stay, Stone Free Rate (SFR), radiation dose, and postoperative complications were evaluated. The collected data was tabulated and frequency (n) and percentage (%) analysis was performed. The Chi-square test was used to find the level of significance. Results: A total of 70 patients were included in the study and out of which 35 patients were in the supine (46.37±14.73 years, 28 males and 7 females) and 35 patients (47.54±12.45 years, 23 males and 12 females) were in the prone PCNL groups. Statistically significant difference was observed in the mean operating time in the supine and prone PCNL groups (81.43 vs 127.71 minutes; p-value=0.001), with a higher stone-free rate (94.29% vs 91.43%; p-value=0.643) observed in the supine PCNL group. One patient in supine group had postoperative sepsis and one patient in prone group had bleeding requiring transfusion. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score in supine PCNL was (5.08±0.32) less than in prone group (8.03±0.40) (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: PCNL in the supine position compared with the prone position demonstrates significantly lower operative time with similar SFR and lower VAS score.

The Button Project: Using Chart Rounds for Teaching Clinical Ophthalmology with an Electronic Medical Record

OBJECTIVE

Chart rounds have traditionally been used effectively for clinical teaching in ophthalmology. The introduction of the electronic health record has altered practice patterns and some evidence suggests interference with resident education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of chart rounds in our ophthalmology department and to see if a simple intervention, an "education button", could positively impact clinical teaching.

DESIGN

We used a cross-sectional survey, and pre- and post-intervention surveys to assess the utility of an intervention - an "education button".

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology at Duke University, a tertiary care academic ophthalmology practice, in Durham, North Carolina.

PARTICIPANTS

Ophthalmology trainees (37), including residents and clinical fellows, and clinical faculty (50) in the department were surveyed anonymously. The overall response rate for the cross-sectional survey was 83% (72/87). The overall response rate for the educational study was 53% for the first time-point and 59% for the second time-point.

RESULTS

For the cross-sectional survey, trainees found chart rounds to be useful and would like to increase their frequency. Most faculty reported doing them regularly, although not having enough time was the most common barrier (76% of the faculty). In the pre- and post-assessment of the "education button" (overall response rate 53%), the overall impression was positive with the button easy to use, but the implementation of the button did not appear to change the quality or frequency of chart rounds; nor did it appear to have an effect on covering learning objectives.

CONCLUSION

While the "education button" could help with communication between the faculty and trainees during a busy clinic session to identify cases for discussion, it did not address the most common barrier identified by faculty members, that of not having enough time.

Risk Factors for Earlier Reexposure of Glaucoma Drainage Devices

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with a second exposure of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) following repair of an initial GDD exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This IRB-approved retrospective cohort study examined the incidence of a second exposure of a GDD following initial repair for exposure. Logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between demographic and clinical characteristics and a second exposure of the GDD. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted and Cox regression was performed to examine factors impacting the time to a second GDD exposure.

RESULTS

Ninety-four eyes of subjects that underwent initial revision for GDD exposure were reviewed. Approximately 44% (N=41/94) of subjects underwent surgical revision for a second exposure. Factors associated with reexposure in multivariate logistic regression included caucasian race (odds ratio, 2.99; P=0.02) and use of a nonscleral patch graft (odds ratio, 2.93; P=0.019). Time from revision of the initial exposure to reexposure was significantly shorter for those with a nonscleral patch graft (hazard ratio, 2.23; P=0.01) and caucasian race (hazard ratio, 2.08; P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Caucasian race and use of a nonscleral patch graft during revision surgery was associated with a higher risk of experiencing a sooner reexposure of the GDD following revision of an initial exposure. Future studies should examine whether particular graft materials increase the risk of GDD reexposure.

Feasibility of measuring superior mesenteric artery blood flow during cardiac surgery under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass using transesophageal echocardiography: An observational study

Background:

Abdominal complications being rare but results in high mortality, commonly due to splanchnic organ hypoperfusion during the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. There are no feasible methods to monitor intraoperative superior mesenteric artery blood flow (SMABF). Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and to measure SMABF using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during cardiac surgery under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methodology:

Thirty-five patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery under CPB were enrolled. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), SMABF, superior mesenteric artery (SMA) diameter, superior mesentric artery blood flow over cardiac output (SMA/CO) ratio and arterial blood lactates were recorded at three time intervals. T0: before sternotomy, T1: 30 min after initiation of CPB and T2: after sternal closure.

Results:

SMA was demonstrated in 32 patients. SMABF, SMA diameter, SMA/CO, MAP and CO decreased significantly (P < 0.0001) between T0 and T1, increased significantly (P ≤ 0.001) between T0 and T2. Lactates increased progressively from T0 to T2.

Conclusion:

Study shows that there is decrease in SMABF during CPB and returns to baseline after CPB. Hence, it is feasible to measure SMABF using TEE in patients undergoing cardiac surgery under hypothermic CPB. TEE can be a promising tool in detecting and preventing splanchnic hypoperfusion during perioperative period.

Potential Co-Relation Between Chronic Periodontitis And Cancer - An Emerging Concept

Periodontal disease caused chiefly by bacteria is characterized by inflammation, bacteremia, and a strong immune response. It is based on evidence that a continuous long-term exposure to oral bacteremia and bacterial toxins induces inflammatory immune response after immune evasion releases growth factors such as FGF, EGF, TGF-Beta, free radicals such as ROS and NOS, cytokines such as TNFAlfa, IL-1 Beta, IL-6; and matrix metalloproteinase such as MMP-9. Immature myeloid cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells and granulocytes involved in chronic inflammation and tumor progression through immunosuppressive activity against innate and adaptive immunity by factors such as iNOS, Arginase1 and ROS, activate major transcriptional factors such as NF-KB and STAT3 that could contribute to genetic instability, uncontrolled cell proliferation, angiogenesis, resistance to apoptosis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, immunosuppression, invasion and metastasis. This study is a product of research and analysis on the role of chronic inflammatory mediators of chronic periodontitis in progression to cancer.

Evaluation of adjusted central venous blood gases versus arterial blood gases of patients in post-operative paediatric cardiac surgical intensive care unit

Background and Aims:

Central venous catheters are in situ in most of the intensive care unit (ICU) patients, which may be an alternative for determining acid-base status and can reduce complications from prolonged arterial cannulation. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability between adjusted central venous blood gas (aVBG) and arterial blood gas (ABG) samples for pH, partial pressure of carbon-di-oxide (pCO₂), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), base excess (BE) and lactates in paediatric cardiac surgical ICU.

Methods:

We applied blood gas adjustment rule, that is aVBG pH = venous blood gas (VBG) pH +0.05, aVBG CO₂ = VBG pCO₂ - 5 mm Hg from the prior studies. In this study, we validated this relationship with simultaneous arterial and central venous blood obtained from 30 patients with four blood sample pairs each in paediatric cardiac surgical ICU patients.

Results:

There was a strong correlation (R i.e., Pearson's correlation) between ABG and aVBG for pH = 0.9544, pCO₂ = 0.8738, lactate = 0.9741, HCO₃⁻ = 0.9650 and BE = 0.9778. Intraclass correlation co-efficients (ICCs) for agreement improved after applying the adjustment rule to venous pH (0.7505 to 0.9454) and pCO₂ (0.4354 to 0.741). Bland Altman showed bias (and limits of agreement) for pH: 0.008 (−0.04 to + 0.057), pCO₂: −3.52 (–9.68 to +2.65), lactate: −0.10 (−0.51 to +0.30), HCO₃⁻: −2.3 (–5.11 to +0.50) and BE: −0.80 (−3.09 to +1.49).

Conclusion:

ABG and aVBG samples showed strong correlation, acceptable mean differences and improved agreement (high ICC) after adjusting the VBG. Hence, it can be promising to use trend values of VBG instead of ABG in conjunction with a correction factor under stable haemodynamic conditions.

Transesophageal echocardiography estimation of coronary sinus blood flow for the adequacy of revascularization in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft

Aims and Objectives:

Physiologically coronary sinus (CS) drains the left coronary artery (LCA) territory. Stenosis of the branches of LCA may decrease the coronary sinus blood flow (CSBF). Any intervention that aims at restoring the flow of the stenosed vessel increases coronary artery flow that should consequently increase the CSBF. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the CSBF before and after each branch of LCA to determine the adequacy of surgical revascularization in patients undergoing elective off pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty consecutive patients scheduled for elective OPCAB were enrolled. CSBF was assessed before and after each branch of LCA revascularization using TEE. Left internal mammary artery (LIMA) Doppler was also obtained post LIMA to left anterior descending (LAD) grafting.

Results:

Hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables were compared by means of Student's t-test for paired data before and after revascularization. The CSBF per beat (1.28 ± 0.71), CSBF per minute (92.59 ± 59.32) and total velocity time integral (VTI) (8.93 ± 4.29) before LAD grafting showed statistically significant increase to CSBF per beat (1.70 ± 0.89), CSBF per minute (130.72 ± 74.22) and total VTI (11.96 ± 5.68) after LAD revascularization. The CSBF per beat (1.67 ± 1.03), CSBF per minute (131.91 ± 86.59) and total VTI (11.00 ± 5.53) before obtuse marginal (OM) grafting showed statistically significant increase to CSBF per beat (1.91 ± 1.03), CSBF per min (155.20 ± 88.70) and total VTI (12.09 ± 5.43) after OM revascularization. In 9 patients, color flow Doppler of LIMA could be demonstrated which showed diastolic predominant blood flow after LIMA to LAD grafting.

Conclusion:

Demonstration of CSBF was simple and monitoring the trend of CSBF values before and after each graft of LCA territory will guide to determine the adequacy of surgical revascularization.

Role of perioperative transesophageal echocardiography in the management of adolescent truncus arteriosus: rare case report

Truncus arteriosus (TA) is a rare congenital heart disease defined as a single arterial vessel arising from the heart that gives origin to the systemic, pulmonary and coronary circulations. The truncal valve in majority of the cases is tricuspid though quadricuspid and bicuspid valves have been reported. Patients with TA typically have a large nonrestrictive sub truncal ventricular septal defect. Survival of these infants beyond 1-year is uncommon. Here, we report a unique case of 12-year-old female patient with persistent TA who underwent surgical repair by using transesophageal echocardiography as a monitoring device during the perioperative management.

Chordoma arising from cranial base extending to oropharynx: an unusual presentation

Chordoma is a relatively rare tumor of the skull base thought to originate from embryonic remnants of the notochord. Chordomas arising from the skull base/clivus are typically locally aggressive with lytic bone destruction. When chordomas occur in an extraosseous location, they may mimic other lesions of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. We present a case of primarily extraosseous chordoma involving the oropharynx in an effort to improve the preoperative diagnosis of this rare tumor among the dental fraternity. In addition, we review regional notochordal embryology to explain this variant tumor location.

Dentinogenesis imperfecta type I: A case report with literature review on nomenclature system

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is an inherited disorder affecting dentin. Defective dentin formation results in discolored teeth that are prone to attrition and fracture. Mutation in dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) has been found to cause the dentin disorders DI - I and II (shields II and III). Early diagnosis and treatment of DI is recommended as it may prevent or intercept deterioration of the teeth and occlusion and improve esthetics. Here, we report a case with characteristic clinical, radiological and histological features of DI-I. The etiology and classification followed in literature is confusing since dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) in DI seems to be structurally and functionally normal and DI is clearly a disorder distinct from osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), but we still relate etiology of DI to DEJ and follow Shields classification. Therefore, we have briefly reviewed etiology and nomenclature system of DI.

Effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on choroidal thickness in diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy on choroidal thickness in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME).

DESIGN

A retrospective, cohort analysis of 59 eyes from 59 patients with DME without prior anti-VEGF therapy.

METHODS

Choroidal thickness was measured using semiautomated segmentation of enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography images at 0.5-mm intervals from 2.5 mm nasal to 2.5 mm temporal to the fovea. Changes in choroidal thickness with and without anti-VEGF treatment over 6 months were compared. Best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness were analyzed to evaluate the association of choroidal thickness with functional and anatomic outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 59 eyes with DME, 26 eyes were observed without treatment, whereas 33 underwent intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy (mean number of injections, 2.73) over 6 months. In untreated eyes, there was no significant change in best-corrected visual acuity (P = .098), central foveal thickness (P = .472), or choroidal thickness at all measurements along the macula (P = .057 at the fovea). In eyes treated with anti-VEGF injections, choroidal thickness decreased significantly at the fovea (246.6 to 224.8 μm; P < .001) and at 0.5 mm nasal (240.9 to 221.9 μm; P = .002) and 0.5 mm temporal (249.3 to 224.8 μm; P = .011) to the fovea. The decrease in subfoveal choroidal thickness after anti-VEGF treatment was not associated with the cumulative number of anti-VEGF injections (R(2) = 0.031; P = .327) or to changes in best-corrected visual acuity (R(2) = 0.017; P = .470) or central foveal thickness (R(2) = 0.040; P = .263).

CONCLUSIONS

Central choroidal thickness decreases after anti-VEGF therapy for DME after 6 months, but may not be associated with functional or anatomic outcomes in eyes with DME.

Analysis of short-term change in subfoveal choroidal thickness in eyes with age-related macular degeneration using optical coherence tomography

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To measure the subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over 6 months.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective, observational study of patients with AMD followed up for 6 months at the New England Eye Center. Baseline and 6-month follow-up subfoveal choroidal thickness was measured using spectral-domain OCT and compared.

RESULTS

For the entire cohort, there was statistically significant thinning of the subfoveal choroidal thickness at 6 months compared to baseline that was driven by the cohort of patients with neovascular AMD (181.2 ± 75 μm to 173.4 ± 63 μm; P = .049).

CONCLUSION

There was a statistically significant decrease in subfoveal choroidal thickness observed in this cohort of patients with AMD over 6 months, but it was driven by the subgroup of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Analysis of choroidal thickness in age-related macular degeneration using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To understand the relationship between choroidal thickness and various disease factors in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, retrospective analysis.

METHODS

Fifty-seven eyes of 47 patients with wet and dry AMD seen between November 2009 and January 2010 at the New England Eye Center, Boston, Massachusetts, were analyzed. Choroidal thickness was measured by 2 independent observers at 11 sites with high-definition horizontal 1-line raster scans through the foveal center. A retrospective chart review was performed to obtain data concerning duration of disease, number of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, visual acuity, lens status, and concomitant retinal pathologic features. The Pearson correlation and Student t test were used for statistical analysis for assessment of choroidal thickness changes in wet and dry AMD.

RESULTS

The choroid in eyes with wet and dry AMD demonstrated a wide range of thicknesses above and below the normal mean (range, 77.5 to 399.5 μm; standard deviation [SD], 90.2). Nearly one third (33.3%) of the eyes with AMD measured less than 1 SD below the mean. Eyes with wet AMD demonstrated a mean subfoveal choroidal thickness of 194.6 μm (SD, 88.4; n = 40) compared with 213.4 μm (SD, 92.2; n = 17) in the dry AMD group. The choroidal thickness in eyes with dry AMD was correlated inversely with age (r = -0.703; P = .002); however, analysis of the number of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, number of years of disease, and visual acuity failed to demonstrate any significant correlations with choroidal thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that choroidal thickness can be measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and that variable choroidal thickness exists among patients with the clinical diagnosis of wet and dry AMD. However, it is unclear at this time why in some eyes, choroidal thickness either increases or decreases with the disease. Further studies need to be carried out to understand the significance of choroidal thickness with respect to visual function and disease progression over time.

Odontogenic Myxoma of the Maxilla: A Report of Unusual Pediatric Case

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare and locally benign neoplasm of high aggressive behavior found exclusively in the jaws. OM commonly occurs in the second and third decade, its quite rare to find in maxilla that to invading the maxillary sinus completely. The lesion often grows without symptoms and presents as a painless swelling. The radiographic features are variable, and the diagnosis is therefore not easy. This article presents a case of OM of maxilla in a 13-year-old boy, which was previously diagnosed as fibrosseous lesion with the help of CT.

Analysis of peripapillary atrophy using spectral domain optical coherence tomography

OBJECTIVE

To study retinal morphologic changes around the optic disc in patients with peripapillary atrophy (PPA) with high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, retrospective analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 103 eyes of 73 patients with PPA and 21 eyes of 12 normal patients seen at the New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, between January 2007 and August 2009.

METHODS

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography images taken through the region of PPA were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. Inclusion criteria included eyes with at least 300 μm of temporal PPA as detected on color fundus photographs. The study population was divided into subgroups according to the following clinical diagnoses: glaucoma (n=13), age-related macular degeneration (n=11), high myopia (n=11), glaucoma and high myopia (n=3), and optic neuropathy (n=11). Fifty-four patients were classified with other diagnoses. By using OCT software, retinal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were both manually measured perpendicular to the internal limiting membrane and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) 300 μm temporal to the optic disc, within the region of PPA. Qualitative analysis for morphologic changes in the atrophic area was also performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Qualitative assessment and quantitative measures of retinal and RNFL thickness in PPA.

RESULTS

The study group was categorized by 6 characteristics demonstrated in the area of PPA by SD OCT: RPE loss with accompanying photoreceptor loss, RPE disruption, RNFL thickening with plaque-like formation, intraretinal cystic changes, inner and outer retinal thinning, and abnormal retinal sloping. Statistical analysis of measurements revealed a statistically significant difference in the total retinal thickness between normal eyes and eyes with PPA (P=0.0005), with normal eyes 15% thicker than the eyes with PPA; however, the RNFL thickness was not significantly different between the normal eyes and the eyes with PPA (P=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with PPA manifest characteristic retinal changes that can be described via SD OCT.

Intraretinal deposition of triamcinolone acetonide after treatment of diabetic macular edema

PURPOSE

To report a case of intraretinal triamcinolone acetonide crystal deposition visualized both clinically and on optical coherence tomography after intravitreal injection for diabetic macular edema refractory to focal/grid laser treatment.

METHODS

Observational case report. A 46-year-old man with severe bilateral diabetic macular edema underwent focal/grid laser therapy, Avastin (Genetech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) injections, and multiple intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide treatments but remained refractory to treatment.

RESULTS

Visual acuity continued to worsen, and clinical and optical coherence tomography examination revealed scattered hyperreflective deposits throughout the retina.

CONCLUSION

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide can deposit within the retina after treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema.

Choroidal thickness in normal eyes measured using Cirrus HD optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To examine choroidal thickness and area in healthy eyes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational case series.

METHODS

Thirty-four eyes (34 subjects), with no retinal or choroidal disease, underwent high-definition raster scanning using SD-OCT with frame enhancement software. Choroidal thickness was measured from the posterior edge of the retinal pigment epithelium to the choroid/sclera junction at 500-microm intervals up to 2500 microm temporal and nasal to the fovea. The central 1-mm area of the choroid was also measured, along with foveal thickness of the retina. All measurements were performed by 2 independent observers. Statistical analysis was used to correlate inter-observer findings, choroidal thickness and area measurements with age, and choroidal thickness with retinal foveal thickness.

RESULTS

The 34 subjects had a mean age of 51.1 years. Reliable measurements of choroidal thickness were obtainable in 74% of eyes examined. Choroidal thickness and area measurements had strong inter-observer correlation (r = 0.92, P < .0001 and r = 0.93, P < .0001 respectively). Area had a moderate negative correlation with age (r = -0.62, P < .0001) that was comparable to the correlation between mean subfoveal choroidal thickness and age (r = -0.61, P < .0001). Retinal and choroidal thickness were found to be poorly correlated (r = -0.23, P = .18). Mean choroidal thickness showed a pattern of thinnest choroid nasally, thickening in the subfoveal region, and then thinning again temporally. Mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was found to be 272 microm (SD, +/- 81 microm).

CONCLUSIONS

Choroidal thickness can be measured using SD-OCT high-definition raster scans in the majority of eyes. Choroidal thickness across the macula demonstrates a thin choroid nasally, thickest subfoveally, and again thinner temporally, and a trend toward decreasing choroidal thickness with age.

The atypical protein kinase C in Aplysia can form a protein kinase M by cleavage

In vertebrates, a brain-specific transcript from the atypical protein kinase C (PKC) zeta gene encodes protein kinase M (PKM) zeta, a constitutively active kinase implicated in the maintenance of synaptic plasticity and memory. We have cloned the atypical PKC from Aplysia, PKC Apl III. We did not find a transcript in Aplysia encoding PKMzeta, and evolutionary analysis of atypical PKCs suggests formation of this transcript is restricted to vertebrates. Instead, over-expression of PKC Apl III in Aplysia sensory neurons leads to production of a PKM fragment of PKC Apl III. This cleavage was induced by calcium and blocked by calpain inhibitors. Moreover, nervous system enriched spliced forms of PKC Apl III show enhanced cleavage. PKC Apl III could also be activated through phosphorylation downstream of phosphoinositide 3-kinase. We suggest that PKM forms of atypical PKCs play a conserved role in memory formation, but the mechanism of formation of these kinases has changed over evolution.