bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MATERNAL PROTEIN MALNUTRITION DURING LACTATION PREDISPOSES TO A METABOLIC SYNDROME PHENOTYPE IN MALE WISTAR RATS
Authors: Do Nascimento de Souza Rodrigues Willian , Natalia Chimirri Peres Maria , Rodrigues Raposo Scarlett , Debossan Fernandes Maryana , Vinícius Martins Marcos , Ferreira Barbosa Leticia , Lima dos Santos Filipe , Paulo Jacinto Saavedra Lucas , Mota Moreira Veridiana , Cezar de Freitas Mathias Paulo
Published: May 2023

Maternal nutritional insults during lactation can modulate the offspring phenotype associatedwith the risk of non-communicable diseases at different stages of ontogenetic development.The aim of this research was to analyze biometric and biochemical parameters of male Wistarrats, born to dams fed a low-protein diet in the first two-thirds of lactation. Therefore, themothers received ad libitum a normal (NP, 23%) or low-protein (LP, 4%) diet, originatingtwo experimental groups that were evaluated at 14 days old (NP-14 and LP-14). The resultsshowed that the LP-14 offspring male rats had lower body weight (p<0.0001), reduced liver(p<0.0001) and higher brown fat deposits (p<0.0001), compared to the equivalent control.They also exhibited hyperglycemia (p<0.05), hypercholesterolemia (p<0.0001), and increasedserum β-hydroxybutyrate (p<0.0001), contrasting with reduced triglycerides (p<0.05) levels.We conclude that maternal exposure to a low-protein diet during lactation was able toprogram 14-day-old male neonates to develop a metabolic syndrome phenotype, probably dueto restriction of body and visceral growth in these animals.
HIGH-FAT DIET IN THE PERI-PUBERTAL PERIOD PROGRAMS CARDIOVASCULAR DYSFUNCTION IN ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS
Authors: Vanusa Guedes Ribeiro Maiara , Rebeka F. Oliveira Anna , Natália C. Peres Maria , Piovan Silvano , A. Ferreira Lucas , M. Gomes Rodrigo , Cezar F. Mathias Paulo , Gemima Palma Rigo Wutzow Kesia
Published: May 2023

Stress during peri-pubertal period can determine no communicable disease in adulthood. Thisstudy aims to evaluate whether high fat diet exposure during adolescence induces long-termcardiovascular dysfunctions. The ethic committee approved the animal protocol nº1527130815. Wistar rats, 30-days-old, were feed to a high fat diet (HFD, 35% lard w/w) until60-days-old, then fed a normal fat diet for a further 60 days dietary recovery. Control animalsate normal fat diet throughout life. Body weight and food intake were evaluated weekly. AtPN120, cardiovascular and histological analysis were done. Student´s T test were applied.PN120, feed by HFD during adolescence increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure (upper10% and 4%, respectively; p <0.05 and p <0.005). Using ganglionic blocker, hexamethonium(30 mg/kg, iv), blood pressure was greater in the HFD rats (26%; p <0,01). Increasedperivascular and interstitial fibrosis (42% and 62% respectively; p<0,01 and p<0,001) wereobserved in the HFD rats, accompanied by a left ventricular hypertrophy (29%; p<0,001).Rats who were fed with HFD during peri-pubertal age present hypertension, hyperactivity ofthe vascular sympathetic nervous system and morphological cardiac alterations in adulthood.Current study remarks that adolescence is a plastic phase which permit to programs diseaseslater in life.
HIGH-CALORIE DIET DURING LACTATION PROGRAMS EARLY HYPERPHAGIA IN MALE AND FEMALE NEWBORN RATS
Authors: Milena D. Rodrigues Aline , F. Antunes Manoela , P. H. Rodrigues da Silva Luís , Cezar de Oliveira Júlio
Published: May 2023

Obesity is a serious and concerning disease for public health. Breastfeeding is crucial formetabolic programming and plays an important role in controlling newborn metabolism. Theaim of this study was to analyze weight gain and milk consumption in male and femalenewborn rats whose mothers were fed a high-calorie diet during the breastfeeding period. Atdelivery, female Wistar rats were divided into two groups, one was fed a hypercaloric diet(4,500 kcal/g and sucrose solution at 10%; Ob group), while control dams were fedcommertial diet (Cont group). Pups were weighed every two days, and milk intake wasrecorded on the 6 th , 11 th and 16 th days old. At 22 days old, the pups were weaned, and themother rats were euthanized for analysis. At 6 th day olds, Ob males consumed 42.7% moremilk than Cont, while Ob females consumed 33.9% more than Cont (P<0.001). On the 11 thday of life, Ob males consumed 42.7% more than Cont, while Ob females consumed 33.9%more than Cont (P<0.05). On the 16 th day, Ob males consumed 39.3% more than Cont(P<0.001), while Ob females consumed 29.8% more than Cont (P<0.01). During thebreastfeeding period, there was an increase in body mass of Ob males by 21.7% (P<0.05) andin females by 10%. It was observed that Ob males showed a weight increase of 18.65%compared to Ob females (P<0.001), while among the Cont group pups, no significantdifference was observed between males and females. We concluded that offspring breastfedby mothers who consumed a high-calorie diet during lactation are more likely to developearly hyperphagia, and a greater risk of developing obesity.
METABOLIC DYSFUNCTIONS OF PERIPUBERTAL PROTEIN RESTRICTION IN MALE RATS
Authors: Kian Guimarães Lopes Gabriel , R. O. Ferreira Anna , V. G. Ribeiro Maiara , N. C. Peres Maria , F. Barbosa Leticia , R. Raposo Scarlett , D. Fernandes Mariana , V. Martins Marcos , L. Almeida Douglas , Cezar de Freitas Mathias Paulo
Published: May 2023

The current study investigate sound effects of low-protein diet (LP) during peripubertal periodto induce metabolic dysfunctions. In our study (CEUA 2910011021), 30 days-old Wistar malerats received LP (4% protein) and control rats were fed a 20.5% protein diet, for 60 days (NPgroup). Biometric parameters was taken and glucose, total and HDL-cholesterol, andtriglycerides were evaluated from plasma samples. Glycemia homeostasis was evaluated byOGTT and ITT, while hepatic parameters, including quantitative analysis of fat, triglyceridesand cholesterol in the liver was evaluated ex vivo. At 60 days, LP rats showed inferior bodymass (P=0.003), food intake (P=0.05), and nose-tail length (P=0.0001), compared to NP.Regarding biochemical assays, LP rats showed higher serum glucose (P=0.008); however,triglyceride (P=0.002), total cholesterol (P=0.02), and HDL levels (P<0.0001) were lower inLP animals compared to NP group. LP rats also had minor glucose tolerance (P=0.02) andgreater insulin sensitivity (P=0.01). In the hepatic parameters, LP rats showed an increase inliver fat (P<0.0001), hepatic triglycerides (P<0.0001), cholesterol (P<0.0001), and liverweight (P<0.0001). Considering the present data, peripuberty protein restriction inducedmetabolic and hepatic dysfunctions at the end of puberty. Therefore, malnourished adolescentanimals are at higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome in adulthood.
EXPOSURE OF YOUNG ANIMALS TO NUTRITIVE AND NON- NUTRITIVE SWEETENERS AND THEIR METABOLIC EFFECTS IN ADULTHOOD
Authors: Constantinov Jamarino Luana , Ferreira Barbosa Letícia , Santos Campos de Oliveira Carolina , De Oliveira Santos Eduardo , Edna Mareze-Costa Cecília
Published: May 2023

Sucralose (SCL) is one of the most widely used edulcorants in the world, including bychildren and adolescents, but its effects on metabolic programming are not sufficient andconclusive. In this study we evaluated whether ingestion of SCL or sucrose (SUC) by youngrats interferes with metabolic parameters in the adult rat. We used 21-day-old male wistarrats, which received pure water (control) or water added SUC or SCL, until 60 days of age.When they reached 90 days of age, half of the animals were fed a high fat diet (HFD). Theanimals were euthanized at 120 days of age. When fed only the standard diet, SUC intake inthe young phase caused significant (p<0,05; ANOVA) increase in body weight (11%),adiposity (48%), insulinemia (53%) and insulin resistance (56%) and reduced lipolyticresponse to adrenergic stimulation (53%) in the adult animal. When fed the HFD diet, bothsweeteners causing significant (p<0,05; ANOVA) increases in adiposity (SUC=32%;SCL=36%) and liver fat (SUC=34%; SCL=41%), with increased insulinemia (75%) only inthe SLC group. We conclude that adding SUC and SCL to the diet during youth may increasethe risks of obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in adulthood and accentuate themetabolic disturbances caused by HFD diets.
LIVER METABOLIC EFFECTS OF A HIGH-FAT LOW- CARBOHYDRATE DIET IN RATS: A STUDY UNDER DIFFERENT ENERGY CONDITIONS
Authors: Indianara Bonetti Carla , José Oliveira Mateus , Silva Moreira Evelyn , Lopes Correia Bruna , Conti Souto Gabriel , Bracht Lívia
Published: May 2023

The beneficial effects of high-fat, low-carbohydrate (HFLC) diets on glucose metabolismhave been questioned and its effects on liver metabolism are not totally clear. This workaimed to evaluate the HFLC diet effects under different energy conditions on glucosehomeostasis, fatty liver development and hepatic gluconeogenesis using the isolated perfusedrat liver. HFLC diet (79% fat, 19% protein, and 2% carbohydrates in Kcal%) wasadministered to rats over four weeks under three conditions: hypercaloric; isocaloric andhypocaloric (energy reduction of 20%). Fasting blood glucose levels and total fat in the liverwere higher in all HFLC diet rats. Oral glucose tolerance was impaired in isocaloric andhypercaloric groups, although insulin sensitivity wasn´t altered. HFLC diet also causedmarked liver metabolic alterations: higher gluconeogenesis rate from lactate and a reducedcapacity to catabolize alanine, the latter effect more intense in the hypocaloric condition. Weconcluded that, even when HFLC diets are used for weight loss, our data imply that they canpotentially cause harmful consequences for the liver.
THE EFFECT OF BOLDINE ON BODY COMPOSITION AND CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN OBESE MICE
Authors: Paes Silva Beatriz , Henrique de Souza Gustavo , Mikuska Cordeiro Maiara , Franco de Oliveira Vinicius , Bracht Lívia , Fernando Comar Jurandir , Marina Peralta Rosane , Bracht Adelar , Babeto de Sá-Nakanishi Anacharis
Published: May 2023

Boldine is an alkaloid widely found in boldo leaves. Recent studies have determined itspotential effect on glycemic and lipidemia control. Because of this, the objective of this workwas to evaluate the effect of boldine on body composition and carbohydrate metabolism inobese mice induced by a high-calorie diet. 21-day-old male Swiss mice were divided intocontrol (standard diet), cafeteria (high-calorie diet) and treatment (boldine 20mg/Kg) groups.After 90 days of treatment, the animals were euthanized, the liver was collected, andepididymal, retroperitoneal, mesenteric and brown fats were weighed. Obese animalsincreased body and fat weight, but boldine treatment decreased body weight (17%) andabdominal circumference (15%) and reduced retroperitoneal (66%) and mesenteric (33%) fatweight. Obesity altered the activity of glucokinase and glucose 6-phosphatase in the liver.However, the treatment decreased glucose 6-phosphatase activity (30%) and increasedglucokinase activity (43%). We conclude that boldine can be a potential preparation for themanagement and treating obesity.
METFORMIN DURING ADOLESCENCE ATTENUATES METABOLIC MARKERS IN ADULT RATS OVERFED DURING LACTATION
Authors: Tezolim Gabriel , Mota Moreira Veridiana , Cezar de Freitas Mathias Paulo
Published: May 2023

The growing prevalence of obesity around the world requires a better understanding of thispathophysiology and strategies to mitigate its deleterious effects. Obesity, related to lifestyle,is also associated with the DOHAD concept or ontogenetic plasticity. On the other hand, theadministration of certain drugs in critical periods of development can inhibit or reverse thissituation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of metformin treatment during adolescenceon the metabolism of overfed rats during lactation. For this purpose, the litters werestandardized in 9 pups until the 3rd day of life, and later adjusted in Normal Litters (NL, 9pups), and Reduced Litters (SL, 3 pups). At 30 days of age, they were subdivided into 4 newgroups: NL-saline gavage (NL-S), NL-metformin gavage (NL-M), SL-saline gavage (SL-S)and SL-metformin gavage (SL-M). Metformin treatment (300 mg/kg body weight) was givendaily during adolescence (PN30-PN60). At the end of lactation (PN21), SL animals presenteda greater body mass and abdominal size. In contrast, at 120 days old, SL-M rats exhibitedbetter peripheral insulin sensitivity, oral glucose tolerance, visceral adiposity, and lipid profilecompared to SL-S rats. Metformin did not alter the metabolism of NL animals. In conclusion,treatment with metformin during adolescence, in rats induced obesity by the litter reductionmodel, was effective in attenuating signs of obesity and/or metabolic syndrome, as well asrestoring the glycemic homeostasis of these animals to levels similar to equivalent controls.
HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING DOES NOT CHANGE THE AREA IN THE ADIPOCYTES OF THE EPICARDIUM OF FAT RATS
Authors: Candido Fernanda , Costa Gonçalves do Vale; Daniel , Rodrigues Jimenes Diogo , Cristina Buttow Nilza , Patrícia Barbosa Carmem
Published: May 2023

The obesity due to high caloric ingestion is related to the accumulation of body fat andpredisposes cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies about the High Intensity Interval Training(HIIT) evidence benefits of its practice in patients that maybe carrying this disease, mainlybecause of the reduction of comorbidities associated with obesity. This present study has theobjective of evaluating the HIIT effects on the adipocytes’ changes of the epicardium adiposetissue in fat animals induced by the consumption of high-fat diet. It was used male rats ofWistar lineage fed daily with HFD and trained by HIIT three times a week for 8 consecutiveweeks. The animals were weighted during the training sections and, after its euthanasia, wererealized histological analyses of the epicardium adipose tissue. The results showed that HFDincreased the body weight of the animals and the side view of the adipocytes. However, theHIIT did not change the area of the adipocytes of the epicardial adipose tissue, even thoughthe diet had been a hypertrophy factor of this tissue. Then, we can conclude that HIITcontributes to avoid the body weight gain but was not capable of reducing the area of theadipocytes of the epicardium adipose tissue.
FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE E O USO POTENCIAL DAS TECNOLOGIAS DIGITAIS DE COMUNICAÇÃO E INFORMAÇÃO
Authors: Santos Sonia Regina Mendes dos , Ferreira Diego , Maneschy Patricia
Published: May 2023

A inserção e o desenvolvimento profissional de docentes têm sido objeto de estudo com vistas a compreender os formatos de aprender a profissão e seus desafios. No cenário atual, entre os inúmeros desafios da profissão, tem-se convivido com novas demandas advindas, sobretudo, do isolamento social decorrente da pandemia do novo coronavírus. Expôs-se, de modo contundente, o baixo repertório didático-pedagógico dos professores para atuarem em uma educação não presencial e uso das tecnologias. Neste artigo, discute-se, principalmente, a superação das visões simplistas de integração das Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação aos processos de ensinar e aprender. Ao se valer do diálogo com as mudanças e a formação de professores, compreende-se a necessidade de romper com a mera transferência da aula expositiva para suportes tecnológicos em prol do repensar o uso das tecnologias numa perspectiva crítica, mantendo-se os ideários pedagógicos e a luta para se romper as desigualdades educacionais.
PANDEMIA E FRACASSO ESCOLAR
Authors: Petersen Andrielle Silva , Meneghel Stela Maria , Rausch Rita Buzzi
Published: May 2023

O Brasil tem uma vasta literatura que, desde a década de 1970, debate a “cultura do fracasso escolar” (Patto, 1997). A pandemia provocada pela Covid-19, deflagrada em 2020, acentuou a necessidade de famílias, educadores e a sociedade em geral questionarem e discutirem a validade da aprendizagem escolar nesse período e, também, a questão do fracasso. O texto é de caráter qualitativo, por meio de análise de documentos (Ludke; André, 2012) e de conteúdo (Bardin, 1979). O objetivo desta pesquisa reside em compreender os enunciados de fragmentos recentes, publicados na mídia, à luz das principais teorias sobre fracasso escolar. Os teóricos utilizados são Patto (1990, 1999), Charlot (2000), Arroyo (2000), Gouveia (1971). Utilizamos, também, dados da Unicef (2020) e entrevistas disponibilizadas na internet. Como resultados, descobrimos que tais enunciados envolvem: desigualdades econômicas, carências socioculturais, ambiente familiar, atuação dos professores, transtornos observados na escola. Geralmente, diversos deles se fazem presentes, em visão fragmentada do problema. Ao final, identificamos que a desigualdade é uma realidade brasileira e que políticas que amparem o uso das tecnologias são necessárias para uma boa formação dos professores, para a utilização adequada dos recursos e a disponibilidade desses recursos para todos os estudantes.
GÊNERO E SEXUALIDADE NO CURRÍCULO DA PEDAGOGIA
Authors: Soares Alexandre Gomes , Paraíso Marlucy Alves
Published: May 2023

Este trabalho é um recorte de uma pesquisa de Pós-doutorado realizada na Faculdade de Educação da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, a qual propôs analisar as percepções de docentes e discentes sobre gênero e sexualidade no currículo da Pedagogia na formação transversal nessa instituição de Ensino Superior. O objetivo foi compreender os percursos curriculares propostos na formação transversal. A pesquisa de natureza pós-crítica envolveu expectativas do pesquisador, contextos da proposta de pesquisa, variáveis que abrangem os sujeitos, bem como os aportes teóricos dessa perspectiva. Ficou evidenciado que, no currículo, gênero e sexualidade no Ensino Superior se realizam na composição do estranhamento, da resistência, da invenção, da criatividade e na percepção do currículo como território de afirmação da vida. As análises possibilitaram identificar os movimentos curriculares das disciplinas transversais com foco em gênero e sexualidade como estratégias de inserção dessas temáticas na Graduação em Pedagogia.
EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA
Authors: Dos Santos Francelino Kenia , Côco Valdete
Published: May 2023

Resumo: Este artigo tematiza as orientações ao funcionamento da Educação Infantil (EI) no período de pandemia de Coronavírus (Covid-19) decorrentes dos atos normativos promulgados, em âmbito nacional, no período compreendido entre abril de 2020 e agosto de 2021. Sustentado em referenciais bakhtinianos, constitui estudo bibliográfico, desenvolvido a partir de levantamento de bases legais, focalizando as análises nos indicadores voltados ao trabalho docente. Como resultados, destaca o tom uníssono da Base Nacional Comum Curricular para a Educação Infantil (BNCC-EI) e o apagamento das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais da Educação Infantil (DCNEI) nos direcionamentos ao desenvolvimento do trabalho docente. Tais indicadores integram políticas de padronização curricular, reverberam na precarização do trabalho docente e impactam as proposições de atendimento as crianças nos distintos contextos, tensionando a luta pela afirmação do direito à educação.
C3/CD11b-Mediated Leishmania major Internalization by Neutrophils Induces Intraphagosomal NOX2-Mediated Respiratory Burst but Fails to Eliminate Parasites and Induces a State of Stalled Apoptosis
Authors: Ranson Adam J , Carneiro Matheus B , Perks Benjamin , Penner Robert , Melo Leon , Canton Johnathan , Egen Jackson , Peters Nathan C
Published: May 2023

Recruited neutrophils are among the first phagocytic cells to interact with the phagosomal pathogen Leishmania following inoculation into the mammalian dermis. Analysis of Leishmania-infected neutrophils has revealed alterations in neutrophil viability, suggesting that the parasite can both induce or inhibit apoptosis. In this study, we demonstrate that entry of Leishmania major into murine neutrophils is dependent on the neutrophil surface receptor CD11b (CR3/Mac-1) and is enhanced by parasite opsonization with C3. Infected neutrophils underwent robust NADPH oxidase isoform 2 (NOX2)–dependent respiratory burst based on detection of reactive oxygen species within the phagolysosome but largely failed to eliminate the metacyclic promastigote life cycle stage of the parasite. Infected neutrophils displayed an “apoptotic” phosphatidylserine (PS)-positive phenotype, which was induced by both live and fixed parasites but not latex beads, suggesting that PS expression was parasite specific but does not require active infection. In addition, neutrophils from parasite/neutrophil coculture had increased viability, decreased caspase 3, 8, and 9 gene expression, and reduced protein levels of both the pro and cleaved forms of the classical apoptosis-inducing executioner caspase, Caspase 3. Our data suggest that CD11b-mediated Leishmania internalization initiates respiratory burst and PS externalization, followed by a reduction in both the production and cleavage of caspase 3, resulting in a phenotypic state of “stalled apoptosis.”
Incorporating Translation and Interpreting into the Business Language Classroom
Authors: Mellinger Christopher D.
Published: May 2023

This article presents a research-based proposal on how to integrate translation and interpreting into the business language classroom, focusing on both text-based and interactional approaches to language pedagogy in specialized domains. As a point of departure, the article first reviews the pedagogical possibilities of integrating translation and interpreting into the language classroom more generally. Then, the article specifically advocates for their integration in business language classrooms to support language learning outcomes while also developing what has been termed translation and interpreting literacy. Text-based and interactional approaches to pedagogy are suggested as potential ways the practice of translation and interpreting naturally dovetail with business language education. The article concludes with a call for additional research on these interlingual practices in business language studies to support domain-specific language learning that aligns with the professional realities encountered by students upon graduation.
Toward the Systematic Integration of Naturalistic Inquiry in LSP Research
Authors: Sacco Steve
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the author presents a case for the systematic integration of naturalistic inquiry in language for specific purposes (LSP) research. Naturalistic inquiry (NI), in the context of LSP, is an empirical approach to better understand human behavior in natural settings such as classrooms, workplaces, healthcare facilities, criminal justice, community service, and other venues for the purpose of designing courses, training, and instructional materials on behalf of LSP students. NI, which includes the use of diary studies, single-researcher ethnography, team ethnography, and mixed methods, is one approach answering to Doyle’s call (2012) for the teaching of LSP based on empirical research. To make the case, the author illustrates the impact of several NI studies on LSP curriculum development and then proposes a five-step program to educate, train, fund, and mentor future NI researchers. The paper concludes with an overview of challenges to conducting NI, coupled with a description of a key funding source to support NI training and research in LSP.
Autoethnography: An Examination of the Self, Language for Specific Purposes, and Departmental Culture
Authors: Abbott Annie
Published: May 2023

The research on language for specific purposes (LSP) is rich and varied in part because scholars bring to the field their research expertise from other disciplines, such as linguistics, literary studies, and cultural studies. The array of research topics and approaches also reflects the efforts from within LSP to foment research, such as providing conference, publication, and professional development opportunities that build a community of researchers. Mostly absent from the LSP literature, however, is autoethnography, an increasingly popular research method with the potential to examine complexities within specific professions, the courses we teach and ourselves as LSP scholars. In this essay, I argue that autoethnography­—a research methodology that describes the author’s (my) personal experience in order to present and analyze “cultural beliefs, values, practices and identities,” (Adams et al., 2022, p. 3)—should have a place in the future of LSP research, as a complement to other research methodologies. I share an autoethnographic account of my experiences developing and teaching a new LSP course. In particular, I focus on the role of self-doubt, isolation, and imposter syndrome as I ventured into an unfamiliar professional terrain to me: healthcare. In the end, this study of the self reflects the troubling position of LSP within the culture of one language department in US higher education and raises questions for further inquiry.
Geological Survey of Canada, year in review: 2021-22
Authors: Lebel D
Published: May 2023

This report highlights the GSC's contribution to NRCan's core mandated responsibility, Natural Resource Science and Risk Mitigation through Geological Knowledge for Canada's Onshore and Offshore Lands; Geoscience for Sustainable Development; and Geoscience for
Keeping Canada Safe. The mission of the GSC is to provide authoritative and cutting-edge geoscience information. This document presents a high-level corporate overview of the GSC and its science programs and activities.
Clinical profile and management with immunosuppressants and biologics in Behcet’s uveitis: A cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India
Authors: Ramdoss Jeyasooriya , Singh Prerana , Ahmed Arshee S , Biswas Jyotirmay
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To report the clinical profile of Behcet’s disease and its management with immunosuppressants and biologics in a cohort of 25 patients from a tertiary eye care center in South India.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, observational study. Records of 45 eyes of 25 patients between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrieved from the hospital database. Complete ophthalmic evaluation and systemic examination by the rheumatologist with appropriate investigations had been done. Results were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Results:

Males (19, 76%) were found to be more affected than females (6, 24%). Mean age of presentation was 27.68 ± 11.08 years. Twenty patients had bilateral involvement (80%), and unilateral involvement was seen in five patients (20%). Seven eyes of four patients (16%) had isolated anterior uveitis, out of which one patient had unilateral and three patients had bilateral involvement. Twenty-six eyes of 16 patients (64%) had posterior uveitis, out of which six patients had unilateral and 10 had bilateral involvement. Twelve eyes of seven patients (28%) had panuveitis, out of which two patients had unilateral and five had bilateral involvement. Hypopyon was seen in five eyes (11.1%) and posterior synechiae in seven eyes (15.55%). Posterior segment findings included vitritis (24.44%), vasculitis (17.78%), retinitis (17.78%), disc hyperemia (11.11%), and disc pallor (8.89%). Steroids alone were given in five patients (20%) and intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) was given in four patients (16%). Immunosuppressive agents along with steroids were given in 20 patients (80%), of which azathioprine alone was given in seven patients (28%), cyclosporin alone was given in two patients (8%), mycophenolate mofetil alone was given in three patients (12%), combination of azathioprine and cyclosporin was given in six patients (24%), and combination of methotrexate and mycophenolate mofetil was given in one patient (4%). Biologics were given in 10 patients (40%) – adalimumab in seven patients (28%) and infliximab in three patients (12%).

Conclusion:

Behcet’s disease is an uncommon uveitis in India. Addition of immunosuppressants and biologics to conventional steroid therapy gives better visual outcomes.
Case of acute vision loss after injectable remdesivir with anticoagulants and overdose of antibiotics: A late report
Authors: Mitra Sudipta
Published: May 2023

A woman reported decreased vision in the right eye since hospitalization for COVID-19. Vision in the right eye was 6/18 and in the left eye was counting fingers. Her left eye had cataract and right eye was pseudophakic with earlier documented good recovery. In the right eye, she had branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with macular edema documented on optical coherence tomography (OCT). It was suspected that it might be an ocular manifestation of COVID-19 which had not been reported and had worsened. An overdose of antibiotics or remdesivir might also be responsible for the same. She was advised anti-VEGF injections and was kept under treatment.
Concomitant sutureless scleral fixation of intraocular lens with keratoplasty: Review of surgical techniques
Authors: Agarwal Rinky , Shakarwal Chetan , Sharma Namrata , Titiyal Jeewan S
Published: May 2023

Sutureless scleral fixation of intraocular lens (sSFIOL) is a commonly employed method of optical rehabilitation of aphakic patients with deficient capsular support, and corneal transplant surgeries can be simultaneously combined with sSFIOL to handle aphakic corneal opacities. A single-stage procedure circumvents the need for repeat intraocular procedures and carries lower risk of graft endothelial damage, endophthalmitis, and macular edema associated with sequential surgeries. However, it mandates surgical expertise and increases the chances of postoperative inflammation. A basket of options is available with the corneal surgeons regarding the manner of host and donor preparation as well as the approaches to scleral fixation and certain intraoperative modifications along with postoperative vigilance may enhance the surgical outcomes. Most of the studies pertaining to keratoplasty with sSFIOL categorize to case reports/series, surgical techniques, and retrospective studies with very limited prospective data available currently. The purpose of the present review is to consolidate all available literature on concomitant sSFIOLs and keratoplasty procedures.
Choroidal metastasis: Radiation and bevacizumab at presentation
Authors: Maheshwari Abhilasha , Finger Paul T
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To reveal early intervention outcomes for patients describing with choroidal metastasis.

Methods:

A retrospective interventional case series on 27 eyes of 22 patients treated for choroidal metastasis with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) With and without intravitreal injections. The prescribed radiation dose was a mean and median 30 Gy (range of 30–40 Gy in 180–200 cGy daily fractions). Outcome measures included change in tumor thickness, subretinal fluid, visual acuity, radiation oculopathy, and survival.

Results:

Decreased vision was the most common presenting symptom (n = 20/27, 74%). Pre-treatment vision for subfoveal lesions was a mean 20/400, median 20/200, and range 20/40 to hand motions (HM). Pre-treatment vision for extrafoveal tumors were a mean 20/40, median 20/25, range 20/20 to counting fingers (CF) which improved to a mean 20/32, median 20/20, range 20/12.5 to 20/200. Local control, with ultrasonographic height regression (44.5%; mean: 2.7–1.5 mm), was observed in all eyes at mean follow-up of 16 months (range: 1–72 months). Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) was given in nine cases (n = 9/27, 33%) to slow the growth of the metastasis and suppress their exudative detachments and to treat radiation maculopathy in 10 cases (n = 10/27, 37%). Late radiation complications included keratoconjunctivitis sicca in four cases (n = 4/27, 15%), exposure keratopathy in two cases (n = 2/27, 7%), and radiation retinopathy in 10 cases (n = 10/27, 37%). Of the 23 phakic eyes, four (n = 4, 17%) developed cataract.

Conclusion:

Radiation therapy with or without intravitreal anti-VEGF injections was a safe and effective treatment for choroidal metastasis. It was associated with local tumor control, reduction of secondary retinal detachments, and vision preservation.
Acute abducens nerve palsy with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis-like presentation following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Kalita Iva R , Singh Harsh V , Sharma Swati
Published: May 2023

We report two adult cases of abducens nerve palsy presenting immediately (within weeks) after they received the first dose of Covishield vaccination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain obtained after the onset of diplopia demonstrated demyelinating changes. The patients had associated systemic symptoms. Post-vaccination demyelination typically known as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) associated with several vaccines is more common in children. Although the mechanism of the nerve palsy remains unclear, it is suspected to be related to the post-vaccine neuroinflammatory syndrome. Cranial nerve palsies and ADEM-like presentations may represent part of the neurologic spectrum following COVID-vaccination in adults, and ophthalmologists should be aware of these sequelae. Although cases of sixth nerve palsy following COVID vaccination are already reported, associated MRI changes have not been reported from India.
A goat eye, wet lab model for training in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Bhogal Maninder , Vaddavalli Pravin K , Boldini Alessandro , Semeraro Francesco , Varshney Akhil , Romano Vito
Published: May 2023

Here we describe a new, non-human, ex-vivo model (goat eye model) for training surgeons in DMEK surgeons. In a wet lab setting, goat eyes were used to obtain a pseudo-DMEK graft of 8 mm from the goat lens capsule that was injected into another goat eye with the same maneuvers described for human DMEK. The DMEK pseudo-graft can be easily prepared, stained, loaded, injected, and unfolded into the goat eye model reproducing the similar maneuvers used for DMEK in a human eye, except for the descemetorhexis, which cannot be performed. The pseudo-DMEK graft behaves similar to human DMEK graft and useful for surgeons to experience and understand steps of DMEK early in learning curve. The concept of a non-human ex-vivo eye model is simple and reproducible and obviates the need for human tissue and the issues of poor visibility in stored corneal tissue.
Scleral thickness in normal Indian eyes measured using spectral domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kommula Hasna , Murthy Somasheila I , Loomba Abhinav , Mohamed Ashik , Ranjan Rashmi
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To establish normative data on anterior scleral thickness using the spectral domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Methods:

In total, 200 eyes of 100 healthy subjects underwent AS-OCT scans in the temporal and nasal quadrants. The scleral + conjunctival complex thickness (SCT) was measured by a single examiner. Mean SCT was analyzed for differences across age groups, gender, and location (nasal versus temporal).

Results:

Mean age was 46.4 ± 18.3 (21–84) years; male to female ratio was 54:46. Mean SCT (nasal + temporal) of the right eye (RE) was 682.3 ± 64.2 μm in males and 660.6 ± 57.1 μm in females. In the left eye (LE), it was 684.6 ± 64.9 μm in males and 661.8 ± 49.3 μm in females. These differences between male and female for both eyes were statistically significant (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002). The mean SCT of temporal and nasal quadrants in the RE was 678.54 ± 57.50 and 666 ± 66.2 μm, respectively. In the LE, the temporal mean SCT quadrant was 679.6 ± 55.8 μm, and the nasal was 668.6 ± 63.6 μm. Age had a negative correlation with SCT (−0.62 μm/year; P = 0.03), and males had a higher temporal SCT than females (22 μm higher; P = 0.03). After adjusting for age and gender in a multivariate analysis, temporal SCT was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than nasal SCT.

Conclusion:

In our study, mean SCT decreased with age and males had a higher temporal SCT. This is the first study to evaluate scleral thickness in the Indian population, and the data can be used as a baseline for comparing variations in scleral thickness in disease.
Assessment of the efficacy of olopatadine 0.1% in the treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in terms of clinical improvement based on total ocular symptom score and ocular surface disease index
Authors: Mohan S , Kumar Santosh , Kumar G Pawan , Maheswari Anjali , Bhatia Agrima , Sagar Anand
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

The main objective of this study is to explore the efficacy of olopatadine 0.1% treatment in the resolution of symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) among the Indian population.

Methods:

This single-center, prospective cohort study involved 234 patients with VKC. Patients were treated with olopatadine 0.1%, twice daily for a period of 12 weeks and then followed up in 1st week, 4th week, 3rd month, and 6th month. The extent of relief in the symptoms of VKC was measured using total ocular symptom score (TOSS) and ocular surface disease index (OSDI).

Results:

In the present study, the dropout rate was 5.6%. Total of 136 males and 85 females with a mean age of 37.68 ± 11.35 years completed the study. TOSS score reduced from 58.85 to 5.06 and the OSDI score reduced from 75.41 to 11.2 with statistical significance (P < 0.01) from 1st week to 6th week after olopatadine 0.1% treatment. The data showed relief in subjective symptoms of itching, tearing, and redness, and relief in discomfort in functions related to ocular grittiness, visuals like reading, and environmental like tolerability in dry conditions. Further, olopatadine 0.1% was effective in both males and females, and patients across ages 18–70 years.

Conclusion:

Based on TOSS and OSDI scores, the findings of this study validate safety and tolerability as revealed by low adverse effects and moderate efficacy of olopatadine 0.1% in reducing VKC symptoms in a broader age group (18–70 years) of both genders.
Comparison of the effect of tea tree oil eye gel with standard treatment in patients with anterior blepharitis: An open-label clinical trial
Authors: Aghaei Hossein , Torabi Behrouz , Abdolalizadeh Parya , Vaghfipanah Homa
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

Daily cleansing of eyelids is very important to carry out a successful blepharitis treatment. However, there are no therapeutic guidelines for blepharitis. The aim was to compare the symptomatic relief of anterior blepharitis using Blephamed eye gel, a cosmetic product, versus standard treatment.

Methods:

The study was a prospective, interventional open label clinical trial at a university-based hospital. The test population was subjects aged 18–65 years who presented with mild to moderate anterior blepharitis. Eyelid hygiene was applied twice a day. At each visit, a detailed assessment of symptomatology was carried out. A two-way repeated measure mixed model ANOVA was used to compare two groups by time.

Results:

In total, 61 patients with mean age of 60.08 ± 16.69 years were enrolled in the study including 30 patients in standard group and 31 patients in Blephamed group. Two groups did not differ in terms of age (P = 0.31) and eye laterality (P = 0.50). The baseline scores of erythema, edema, debris, and symptoms as well as total score were similar between two groups (all P values >0.50). Two groups became different for all these parameters at day 45 (all P values <0.001). Significant interaction was detected between time and intervention groups for all severity parameters of blepharitis as well as total score (all P values <0.001).

Conclusion:

Eyelid hygiene with Blephamed more significantly decreased symptoms of anterior blepharitis compared to standard treatment.
The efficacy of anti–TNF-α agents in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis in a pediatric cohort
Authors: ElMohsen Mai Nasser Abd , Hassan Lameece Moustafa , Youssef Maha Mohamed , Naga Shereen H Aboul
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

Biologic therapy has shown promising control in children with often intractable juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated uveitis (JIA-U).

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of 35 eyes of 35 children who received biologics for JIA-U. Pretreatment and posttreatment data (at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and >24 months) were analyzed to determine functional success (stable/improved visual acuity), quiescence success (≤0.5 cells in the anterior chamber), complete steroid success (termination of systemic, periocular therapy and decreased topical drops to ≤2/day) or systemic steroid success (termination of systemic steroids only), and complete success (all of the above).

Results:

This study included 35 eyes up to 12 months and 21 eyes beyond 24 months. Steroid-sparing, functional, and quiescence success showed a rate of success of 52.43%, 77%, and 91%, respectively, at 12 months and 66.67%, 85.7%, and 76.2%, respectively, beyond 24 months. Complete success was 34.29% at 12 months, peaking at 18 months (65.62%) and reached 57.14% beyond 24 months. In their final follow-up, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained the same in 45.71%, improved in 37.14%, and worsened in 17.14% children.

Conclusion:

Biologic therapy is effective in JIA-U, especially in termination of systemic steroids, stabilization of vision, and maintaining quiescence.
Complications of Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty – A retrospective interventional study at a tertiary eye care center in Southern India
Authors: Kodavoor Shreesha Kumar , Patekar Komal B , Ramamoorthy Dandapani
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To analyze the visual outcome and complications of Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) with their management in 256 eyes at a tertiary eye care center in southern India.

Methods:

This is a retrospective interventional study of 62 months duration conducted at a tertiary eye care center in southern India. Two hundred and fifty-six eyes of 205 patients were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent from the patients. All cases of DSEK were performed by a single experienced surgeon. In all cases, donor dissection was performed manually. A Sheet’s glide was inserted through the temporal corneal incision and donor button was placed on the Sheet’s glide with the endothelial side down. The lenticule was separated and inserted into the anterior chamber by pushing the lenticule into the anterior chamber using Sinskey’s hook. Any complication, either intraoperative or postoperative, was recorded and managed either medically or by appropriate surgical means.

Results:

The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before surgery was CF-1 m, which improved to 6/18 after surgery. Intraoperative donor graft perforation during dissection was seen in 12 cases, thin lenticule in three eyes, and repeated artificial Anterior Chamber (AC) collapse in three eyes. Dislocation of lenticule was the most common complication seen in 21 eyes, which was managed by graft repositioning and rebubbling. Eleven cases had minimal separation of the graft and seven cases had interface haze. Pupillary block glaucoma was seen in two cases that resolved with partial release of bubble. Surface infiltrate was seen in two cases, which was managed with topical antimicrobial agents. Primary graft failure was seen in two cases.

Conclusion:

DSEK is a promising alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for corneal endothelial decompensation, but it also has its own merits and limitations, and most often, merits overweigh limitations.
Clinical manifestations and vision-related quality of life in pediatric uveitis
Authors: Li Yiran , Yang Liu
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

To analyze clinical manifestations, visual ability, and quality of life in pediatric uveitis and to explore factors affecting visual ability and quality of life.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 40 patients with pediatric uveitis in the database of Ophthalmology of Peking University First Hospital. All patients completed the Cardiff visual ability questionnaire for children (CVAQC) and pediatric quality of life inventory measurement models (PedsQL4.0).

Results:

A total of 40 cases (68 eyes) with pediatric uveitis were included in this study. Better visual acuity in the better eye was predictive of lower CVAQC, education, and distance vision scores. Better visual acuity in the worse eye was predictive of a lower CVAQC score and distance vision. Better CVAQC scores were predictive of lower PedsQL4.0, physical health, psychosocial health, and school functioning scores.

Conclusion:

Patients with pediatric uveitis tend to be seriously affected by ocular complications. The visual ability of patients with pediatric uveitis decreases significantly. Better visual acuity in the better eye is associated with better total visual ability, education, and distance vision. Better visual acuity in the worse eye is associated with better total visual ability and distance vision. Health-related quality of life is related to vision ability in pediatric uveitis.
Assistive technology: The current perspective in India
Authors: Senjam Suraj S , Mannan Hasheem
Published: May 2023

The world, today, recognizes the increasing importance of assistive technology (AT) that can reduce the functional limitations of persons with disabilities, individuals with chronic debilitating diseases, and elders. This indicates that at some point, everyone, either temporary or permanent, will require AT to improve their physical and functional abilities, thus contributing to independent living, social inclusion, and education. Besides this, the need for AT will be growing with a majority from low-middle-income countries. The same is true for India though we are not sure how many people have met a need, and unmet need for AT to date, but the requirement will continue to increase. There is a significant gap between needs and access to AT. Recently, the WHO has led many initiatives related to AT services after the 71st World Health Assembly’s resolution in 2018, to improve access to AT for its member states. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have pledged that no one should be left behind irrespective of personal characteristics. India, a ratified member state, needs to align with various initiatives undertaken by the WHO and the UN. Despite many challenges, India needs to formulate evidence-based AT policy, planning within the purview of the healthcare delivery system in collaboration with various government and nongovernment sectors, including industries. This article explores the need, access, and potential challenges associated with AT services in India. Finally, we discussed various initiatives on AT in the country and possible recommendations to improve AT services across.