Drop Of Serum Research Articles

Voltammetric and flow amperometric determination of drug guaifenesin in pharmaceutical and biological samples using screen-printed sensor with boron doped diamond electrode

New voltammetric and flow amperometric methods for the determination of guaifenesin (GFE) using a perspective screen-printed sensor (SPE) with boron-doped diamond electrode (BDDE) were developed. The electrochemical oxidation of GFE was studied on the surface of the oxygen-terminated BDDE of the sensor. The GFE provided two irreversible anodic signals at a potential of 1.0 and 1.1 V (vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl sat.) in Britton-Robinson buffer (pH 2), which was chosen as the supporting electrolyte for all measurements. First, a voltammetric method based on differential pulse voltammetry was developed and a low detection limit (LOD = 41 nmol L−1), a wide linear dynamic range (LDR = 0.1–155 μmol L−1), and a good recovery in the analysis of model and pharmaceutical samples (RSD <3.0 %) were obtained. In addition, this sensor demonstrated excellent sensitivity and reproducibility in the analysis of biological samples (RSD <3.2 %), where the analysis took place in a drop of serum (50 μL) without pretreatment and additional electrolyte. Subsequently, SP/BDDE was incorporated into a flow-through 3D printed electrochemical cell and a flow injection analysis method with electrochemical detection (FIA-ED) was developed, resulting in excellent analytical parameters (LOD = 86 nmol L−1, LDR = 0.1–50 μmol L−1). Moreover, the mechanism of electrochemical oxidation of GFE was proposed based on calculations of HOMO spatial distribution and spectroelectrochemical measurements focused on IR identification of intermediates and products.

Abstract P199: Renal kallikrein-1 is not essential in adaptation to an overnight potassium load

Background: Kallikrein-1 is a serine protease expressed in multiple tissues including the kidney, where it is secreted into the urine. Low urinary kallikrein levels are associated with essential hypertension, whereas high levels are associated with primary hyperaldosteronism in humans. Global kallikrein-1 deletion in mice has been shown to lead to hyperkalemia in response to an acute potassium load as well as defective cleavage of gamma-ENaC, suggesting a direct role in distal K + handling. However, it remains unclear whether effects seen with global kallikrein-1 loss are secondary to loss of extrarenal or renal kallikrein, which is primarily expressed in the connecting tubule. Methods: To test the hypothesis that renal kallikrein-1 is necessary for increased K + secretion in response to acute dietary K + load, we generated mice with conditional knockout of kallikrein-1 in the distal tubule (Klk1 flox - Calbindin-Cre, KS-Klk1 KO). Mice were treated with a K + deficient diet (0% K + , LK) for 9.5 days and then placed in metabolic cages for 12hr overnight collection of urine on control (LK) or high K + (5%, OHK) diets. Metabolic parameters in plasma were measured using iSTAT and kidneys were harvested for downstream western blotting. Results: Deletion of kallikrein-1 in KS-Klk1 kidney was confirmed by western blotting and urine kallikrein activity assay. On LK diet, both WT and KS-Klk1 KO mice developed marked hypokalemia (WT 2.83+/-0.23 vs KO 2.88+/-0.15 meq/dL). Following OHK challenge, hyperkalemia developed to similar levels in both groups (WT 7.13+/-0.56 vs KO 7.74+/-0.35). However, KS-Klk1 KO mice with HK challenge exhibited a more pronounced drop in serum [Na + ] compared with WT (WT 142.6+/-1.4 vs KO 136.6+/-1.3, p=0.022) and correspondingly lower serum [Cl - ] (WT 119.0+/-0.62 vs KO 115.9+/-0.96). Gamma-ENaC quantitation by western blot revealed similar ratios of cleaved: uncleaved species between genotypes. No significant changes between genotypes were detected in urine volume or urine Na+/K+ ratios. Conclusions: KS-Klk1 KO mice do not display defective K+ handling or ENaC processing in response to an acute 12 hr overnight high K + diet. However, they do display relative hyponatremia compared with WT. These data may suggest compensatory mechanisms for potassium transport or a direct a role for renal kallikrein-1 in regulation of renal water transport.

Wide-energy programmable microwave plasma-ionization for high-coverage mass spectrometry analysis

Although numerous ambient ionization mass spectroscopy technologies have been developed over the past 20 years to address diverse analytical circumstances, a single-ion source technique that can handle all analyte types is still lacking. Here, a wide-energy programmable microwave plasma-ionization mass spectrometry (WPMPI-MS) system is presented, through which MS analysis can achieve high coverage of substances with various characteristics by digitally regulating the microwave energy. In addition, ionization energy can be rapidly scanned using programmable waveforms, enabling the simultaneous detection of biomolecules, heavy metals, non-polar molecules, etc., in seconds. WPMPI-MS performs well in analyzing real samples, rapidly analyzing nine toxicological standards in one drop of serum, and demonstrating good quantification and liquid chromatography coupling capability. The WPMPI-MS has also been used to detect soil extracts, solid pharmaceuticals, and landfill leachate, further demonstrating its robust analytical capabilities for real samples. The prospective uses of the technology in biological and chemical analysis are extensive, and it is anticipated to emerge as a viable alternative to commercially available ion sources.

Diagnosis and classification of kidney transplant rejection using machine learning-assisted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using a single drop of serum

The quest to reduce kidney transplant rejection has emphasized the urgent requirement for the development of non-invasive, precise diagnostic technologies. These technologies aim to detect antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) and T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR), which are asymptomatic and pose a risk of potential kidney damage. The protocols for managing rejection caused by ABMR and TCMR differ, and diagnosis has traditionally relied on invasive biopsy procedures. Therefore, a convergence system using a nano-sensing chip, Raman spectroscopy, and AI technology was introduced to facilitate diagnosis using serum samples obtained from patients with no major abnormality, ABMR, and TCMR after kidney transplantation. Tissue biopsy and Banff score analysis were performed across the groups for validation, and 5 μL of serum obtained at the same time was added onto the Au–ZnO nanorod-based Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering sensing chip to obtain Raman spectroscopy signals. The accuracy of machine learning algorithms for principal component-linear discriminant analysis and principal component-partial least squares discriminant analysis was 93.53% and 98.82%, respectively. The collagen (an indicative of kidney injury), creatinine, and amino acid-derived signals (markers of kidney function) contributed to this accuracy; however, the high accuracy was primarily due to the ability of the system to analyze a broad spectrum of various biomarkers.

DNA-AuNP encoders array Integrating a multi-modal coupled analysis approach for noninvasive precision screening of myocardial function injury disease in children

Limited-species serum biomarkers could only partially reflect the information on myocardial function injury disease in children, leading to some important information being inevitably lost, which affects the judgment of the whole information, resulting in a high rate of false positives and negatives. There is a critical unmet need for noninvasive precision screening for myocardial function injury disease in children. Here, we introduced a multi-modal coupled analysis of the DNA-AuNP encoders to achieve this goal. The DNA-AuNP encoders react with the serum specimen from myocardial function injury disease in children to generate the multi-modal response signals, such as the fluorescence spectrum, size distribution, and surface ζ-potential distribution. Interestingly, we used dark-field microscopy to observe the interface changes between the DNA-AuNP encoder and serum at the microscopic level. Different machine learning algorithms analyze the correlation of a clinical outcome with multi-modal response signals from a target disease. As the number of modal response signals increases, our approach monotonically increases screening performance. The three-modal coupled analysis provided an average accuracy of up to 91.7% using 37 serum specimens in children from myocarditis, myocardial injury, and health. This study provides a highly generic tool for noninvasive screening using a drop of serum.

Correlation between serum cytokine levels and the effect of allogeneic serum-based eye drops

IntroductionThe Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (IHTM) in Warsaw has produced autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs) for the treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) since 1991. In 2019, IHTM introduced allogeneic tears (alloSEDs) for patients on long-term treatment. Materials and methods114 patients who applied alloSEDs were included in the study.They were asked to complete the OSDI questionnaire before and after using ASEDs and 100 units of alloSEDs drops from each donation. The OSDI index rates DES severity (0 no symptoms; 100 severe). We also compared the content of IL-1β, IL-2, IL- 6, IL-10 and VEGF in ASEDs (38 samples) and alloSEDs (15 serum samples). The study data covered the 2019–2022 period. Results114 patients participated in the study. We compared the the effectiveness of ASEDs and alloSEDs. The average, OSDI dropped from 68.42 ± 5,86 (before application) to 51.05 ± 19,06 (after application). Data from the questionnaires (prepared at IHTM) completed and returned (41/114) present the most common indications for the use of serum drops, including DES with no underlying disease, DES secondary to GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease), Sjögren's Syndrome (SS). The study reported higher cytokine levels associated with disease entities such as SS. After application of drops with high cytokine levels, patients reported adverse reactions such as sand under the eyelids, impaired visual acuity, and worse eye lubrication. ConclusionsAlloSEDs with acceptably low values of pro-inflammatory cytokines and sufficiently high levels of VEGF growth factor may contribute to alleviation of inflammatory eye symptoms.

Prevention and Treatment of Persistent Epithelial Defects After Common Refractive Surgery Procedures.

To discuss the prevention and treatment of persistent epithelial defects after the most common refractive surgeries-photorefractive keratectomy, laser in situ keratomileusis, or small incision lenticule extraction. PubMed was used to search the medical literature. Persistent epithelial defects are infrequent after photorefractive keratectomy, laser in situ keratomileusis, or small incision lenticule extraction. In the authors' opinion, any persistent epithelial defect present at 1 week or beyond after surgery should be treated aggressively with a properly fit bandage contact lens, lubrication with non-preserved artificial tears, and treatment of any eyelid abnormalities, including nocturnal lagophthalmos. Consideration should be given for presumptive treatment for herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus infection. If the persistent epithelial defect does not close within 2 weeks, then other measures should be considered, such as autologous serum drops, topical losartan, amniotic membranes, and topical human recombinant nerve growth factor to limit corneal scarring fibrosis and microbial infection. Persistent epithelial defects are among the most feared complications of refractive surgery. Timely and aggressive treatment should be instituted to close the epithelium prior to the development of scarring fibrosis and/or microbial corneal infection. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(2):e117-e124.].

Comparative study between topical insulin, autologous serum, and honey-based eye drops as adjunctive treatment in resistant corneal ulcer

Background Resistant keratitis is a difficult situation faced every day in ophthalmology clinics. Resistance to healing may be attributed to many factors. Many adjunctive agents are widely used in a trial to accelerate healing and to prevent resistance to eliminate the chance of development of disabling complications. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of topical insulin, autologous serum, and honey-based eye drops as adjunctive therapies in resistant corneal ulcers. Patients and methods This prospective study investigated 45 eyes of infected keratitis not responding to culture-based medical treatment for 2 weeks. The eyes were divided into three groups each of 15 eyes. The insulin group was treated with topical insulin drops, the serum group with autologous serum drops, and the honey group with honey-based drops. Culture-based medical treatment was also continued in the three groups till complete healing was achieved. The results of the three groups were compared regarding the time needed for healing and best-corrected visual acuity outcome. Results Best-corrected visual acuity improved by one or more lines in 11 (73.33%) cases in the insulin group, in 10 (66.67%) cases in the serum group, and in nine (60%) cases in the honey group, with no statistically significant difference (χ 2=1.525, P=0.822). Healing occurred in 14–28 days in 12 (80%) cases in the insulin group, in 13 (86.67%) cases in the serum group, and in 10 (66.67%) cases in the honey group, with no statistically significant difference (χ 2=1.8, P=0.407). The remaining cases in each group required amniotic membrane transplantation due to thinning. Conclusion The effects of topical insulin, autologous serum, and honey-based eye drops, when used as adjunctive methods added to the culture-based medical therapy in the management of resistant corneal ulcers, were comparable. Autologous serum gave slightly higher effect than topical insulin and honey-based eye drops but the difference was statistically insignificant.

Medical and surgical management of neurotrophic keratopathy

Neurotrophic Keratopathy (NK) is not a specific disease entity but a consequence of several conditions with varied aetiopathogenesis, of which a loss or reduction in corneal sensitivity is the hallmark. NK is clinically graded as Mild (stage1), Moderate (stage 2) and Severe (stage 3). The grading helps in understanding severity and planning treatment. Management can be considered in two parts. The first is the management of the underlying condition when active, for example herpes virus keratitis, bacterial ulcers and immune mediated ulcerative keratitis; and the second part, which deals with treatment of the non‐healing epithelial defect, stromal melting with or without vascularization and perforation that remains due to epithelial, stromal and corneal nerve pathology.Management of mild and moderate NK begins with the identification and elimination of any obvious underlying cause such as neuroleptic, antipsychotic, antihistamine and other systemic medications, preservatives in long term topical medications; and treatment of concurrent ocular surface infection. Tear substitutes and anti‐inflammatory agents both steroids and specific immunosuppressors like cyclosporin and lifitegrast should be used early. Antibiotics can be used prophylactically or to treat subclinical or overt infection. Medication with preservatives should be avoided. Prevention of progression to severe (stage 3) NK can be achieved with antiproteases such as citrate, tetracyclines and macrolides. Substrate re‐generating agents like Cacicol and promoters of epithelial regeneration like co‐enzyme Q10 target aspects of the underlying pathology. The introduction of recombinant human nerve growth factor (rh)NGF (Cenegermin/Oxervate) has provided specific therapy that addresses the basic defect related to corneal nerves. Insulin drops are proving to be useful and amniotic membrane extracts/amniotic fluid has also been tried. Autologous and pooled allo serum or plasma drops, which provide a variety of known and unknown factors have also proved useful but may at times aggravate the condition. Usually a combination of two or more of the above are required but rhNGF and insulin hold considerable promise for long term remission.Medical treatment is often augmented with non‐surgical interventions such as bandage contact lens, padding, punctal plugs, botulinum toxin, frost suture and glue. These are primarily designed to deal with exposure, dry eyes and reduce the abrasive effect of lid blinks, to promote healing. Useful surgical procedures include tarsorrhaphy, amniotic and conjunctival grafts, penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty and limbal stem cell transplants. Surgical interventions are designed to augment effects of the non‐surgical interventions, reduce scarring, deal with complications and restore sight. A key principle is that wound healing after any form of surgery or transplant, is poor if the corneal sensations remain impaired or absent.

Can Serum Drops Containing Doxycycline Provide a Supplemental Anti-Bacterial Effect in the Treatment of Bacterial Keratitis?

Systemic doxycycline has been prescribed to reduce inflammation and enhance corneal healing in bacterial keratitis. Topical autologous serum drops (ASD) containing doxycycline following oral supplementation may additionally confer an anti-bacterial effect. The potential of this supplementation was evaluated by determining the in vitro susceptibility of bacterial keratitis isolates to doxycycline. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of doxycycline against 100 bacterial keratitis isolates were determined using Etests. Twenty-seven Staphylococcus aureus, ten coagulase-negative Staphylococci, six Streptococcus pneumoniae, seven viridans group streptococci, seven other Gram-positive bacteria, nineteen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, eight Serratia marcescens, four Moraxella spp., two Haemophilus spp., and ten other Gram-negative bacteria isolates were tested. MICs of doxycycline were compared to a serum standard concentration of doxycycline (SSCD) of 4 µg/mL and concentrations that would be found in 50% and 20% serum component clinical preparations of ASD, corresponding to 50% SSCD (2 µg/mL) and 20% SSCD (0.8 µg/mL), respectively. MICs equal to or less than these values were used to deem a bacterial isolate susceptible. For Gram-positive bacteria, susceptibilities to SSCD, 50% SSCD, and 20% SSCD were 86%, 65%, and 60%, respectively. For Gram-negative bacteria, susceptibilities to SSCD, 50% SSCD, and 20% SSCD were 37.2%, 23.3%, and 11.6%, respectively. Chi-squared analyses comparing Gram-positive and Gram-negative susceptibilities showed significantly greater susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria at all three tested MICs (<0.0001, <0.0001, <0.0001). Our data suggest that autologous serum drops containing theoretic concentrations of doxycycline may provide an additional anti-bacterial effect in the treatment of bacterial keratitis, especially for Gram-positive bacterial keratitis compared to Gram-negative bacterial keratitis.

Investigate the Possibility of Using Phosphorescence in Clinical Oncology as an Early Prognostic Test in Detecting Brain Carcinogenesis

Phosphorescence is considered one of the non-invasive glioblastoma testing methods based on studying molecular energy and the metabolism of L-tryptophan (Trp) through KP, which provides essential information on regulating immunity and neuronal function. This study aimed to conduct a feasibility study using phosphorescence in clinical oncology as an early prognostic test in detecting Glioblastoma. This study was conducted on 1039 patients who were operated on with follow-up between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2022, and retrospectively evaluated in participating institutions in Ukraine (the Department of Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Oncosurgery, and Palliative Care at the Kharkiv National Medical University). Method of protein phosphorescence detection included two steps. During the first step, of luminol-dependent phosphorescence intensity in serum was carried out after its activation by the light source, according to the spectrofluorimeter method, as follows. At a temperature of 30 °C, serum drops were dried for 20 min to form a solid film. After that, we put the quartz plate with dried serum in a phosphoroscope of luminescent complex and measured the intensity. With the help of Max-Flux Diffraction Optic Parallel Beam Graded Multilayer Monochromator (Rigaku Americas Corporation) following spectral lines as 297, 313, 334, 365, 404, and 434 nm were distinguished and absorbed by serum film in the form of light quantum. The monochromator exit split width was 0.5 mm. Considering the limitations of each of the non-invasive tools currently available, phosphorescence-based diagnostic methods are ideally integrated into the NIGT platform: a non-invasive approach for visualizing a tumor and its main tumor characteristics in the spatial and temporal order. Because trp is present in virtually every cell in the body, these fluorescent and phosphorescent fingerprints can be used to detect cancer in many different organs. Using phosphorescence, it is possible to create predictive models for GBM in both primary and secondary diagnostics. This will assist clinicians in selecting the appropriate treatment option, monitoring treatment, and adapting to the era of patient-centered precision medicine.

Effect of time and autologous serum addition on the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in horses.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is highly labile and delayed processing might alter results of analysis. To determine the effects of time and addition of autologous serum on cytological evaluation of CSF. Ten client-owned adult horses requiring euthanasia. Prospective study. Serum and CSF were collected from each horse before and within 10minutes after euthanasia. CSF samples were divided into 15 aliquots (2mL each); 1 aliquot was submitted for routine CSF analysis within 60 minutes of collection. Four drops of autologous serum were added to 7 of the aliquots, and stored at 4°C (serum group); the remaining 7 samples were stored unaltered at 4°C (control group). Total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and cell morphology score were done at T4, T8, T12, T24, T48, T72, and T96 hours after collection. Protein concentration was measured in the control group at T0 and T96 hours. The cell morphology scores were significantly different in the control group at T48 (median 2, range 0-4), T72 (2, 0-4), and T96 (3, 0-4) in comparison to T0 (1). No change was observed in the serum group. TNCC remained stable over time in both groups. No statistically significant difference in CSF protein concentration was found between T0 and T96. The addition of autologous serum to an aliquot of CSF sample before shipping improves the preservation of cell morphology up to 96 hours after collection.

The effectiveness of galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica combination serum in the treatment of post-acne hyperpigmentation

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous gland that may result in non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions. A hypermelanotic reaction to skin inflammation causes post-acne hyperpigmentation (PAH). It can occur secondary to the inflammation process and, depending on the severity, may persist for a prolonged period.&#x0D; Objective To determine the effectiveness of galactomyces ferment filtrate (GFF), dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica combination serum in the treatment of PAH&#x0D; Methods: This was a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Sixty-eight subjects were divided into two groups: the experimental group received combination serum while the control group received a placebo for eight weeks. Three drops of serum were applied to the area with PAH twice daily in the morning and night. The melanin, erythema, roughness, and L*, a*, and b* scores were assessed objectively using mexameter, chromameter and skin analyzer every two weeks. Pearson’s correlation test and independent T-test were used to assess the trend of the parameters and compare the results of both groups.&#x0D; Results: The results of statistical calculations using the Pearson correlation test showed the treatment group showed a significant decreasing trend of the melanin and spots score. Both groups showed a significant decreasing trend in erythema, L* score and roughness. However, no significant difference was found between both groups in all parameters.&#x0D; Conclusion: The combination serum may decrease the melanin and spot scores suggesting that it affects the melanocyte activity. It has shown good efficacy in treating PAH.

Age-Related Differences in the Clinical Patterns of Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease.

To evaluate age-related differences in clinical patterns of ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this cross-sectional study, patients diagnosed with ocular GVHD were evaluated in two groups: Group I included those aged 18 years or younger and Group II included those over 18 years of age. Demographic and clinical information were recorded and compared between the groups. Forty eyes of 20 patients were included (11 patients were in Group I and 9 patients were in Group II). Follow-up was at least 6 months. All patients had burning, dryness, and foreign body sensation. Conjunctival hyperemia, cicatricial conjunctivitis, and limbal stem cell disease (LSCD) was observed more frequently in Group II. In addition to non-preserved artificial tears, cyclosporine A 0.05% (65%) and autologous/allogeneic serum eye drops (80%) were given and silicone plugs were inserted (28%). In Group I, an improvement in GVHD scoring and best corrected visual acuity was observed after 6 months of treatment (p<0.0005). In ocular GVHD, conjunctival cicatrization and limbal stem cell deficiency might be observed more often in adults. Topical cyclosporine, autologous/allogenic serum drops, and punctal plugs are helpful in moderate or more severe cases. With early diagnosis and treatment, an improvement in clinical signs and visual acuity might be observed, particularly in younger patients.

The iron deficiency anemia in association to Helicobacter pylori infection in Najran city, Saudi Arabia

Despite previous studies showing that Helicobacter pylori influences iron consumption, it is unknown what causes iron deficiency anemia in response to H. pylori infection. The goal of the study was to find out whether having an infection with H. pylori was linked to a drop-in serum iron level. Detection of H. pylori infection presented by serological test to detect titers of IgG and IgA in blood serum. The determination of iron serum level was performed by using biochemistry spectrophotometry test. Additionally, a full blood count was done to assess the haemoglobin concentration and establish whether the patient was anemic. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test. Approximately 35% of the H. pylori group reported a low serum iron level against a 5% only in the control group. Also, the total bilirubin levels were 2.6-fold more among H. pylori positive cases than controls. H. pylori can cause a decrease in serum iron levels in infected individuals and eventually lead to iron deficiency anemia. Moreover, high total bilirubin levels are recorded among H. pylori-infected patients.

Optical Biosensor for the Detection of Infectious Diseases Using the Copolymer F8T2 with Application to COVID-19.

The coronavirus pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has accelerated the development of biosensors based on new materials and techniques. Here, we present our effort to develop a fast and affordable optical biosensor using photoluminescence spectroscopy for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection. The biosensor was fabricated with a thin layer of the semiconductor polymer Poly[(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-alt-2,2′-bithiophene-5,5′-diyl)] (F8T2) as a signal transducer material. We mounted the biosensors by depositing a layer of F8T2 and an engineered version of RBD from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with a tag to promote hydrophobic interaction between the protein and the polymeric surface. We validated the biosensor sensitivity with decreasing anti-RBD polyclonal IgG concentrations and challenged the biosensor specificity with human serum samples from both COVID-19 negative and positive individuals. The antibody binding to the immobilized antigen shifted the F8T2 photoluminescence spectrum even at the low concentration of 0.0125 µg/mL. A volume as small as one drop of serum (100 µL) was sufficient to distinguish a positive from a negative sample without requiring multiple washing steps and secondary antibody reactions.

Serum drops—the last resort for topical treatment after refractive surgery and laser in situ keratomileusis-induced neuropathic epitheliopathy (LINE)

Introduction: The idea to apply blood or blood product topical treatment is not new in ophthalmology, but about 40 years ago Ralph was the first to publish this idea. The biochemical properties of serum eye drops are very similar to the water component of the tears. Serum contains several growth factors, including epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factors, nutrients and proteins, all of which are key components for tissue regeneration. Aim: The aim of this article is to set a prospective study in order to identify and follow patients with laser in situ keratomileusis ( LASIK)-induced neuropathic epitheliopathy (LINE) and analyze the benefits of the application of 20% autologous serum drops. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 subjects (10 females and 6 males) at a mean age of 34 years (19 the youngest and 41 the oldest) were recruited prospectively. All patients were seeking second opinion as they were bothered by discomfort, visual fluctuations, chronic red eye, and pain with different characteristics. Each patient was advised to have a week of wash-out period when only non-preserved artificial tears (Hyabak 0.15%, Thea ®) were applied. Then patients were advised to apply autologous serum drops four times (during the day), and assessment was done on 4th and 8th week. The primary outcome parameters were ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT) and corneal staining, the secondary included visual acuity and redness. Preparation of the autologous serum drops followed the in-house methodology. Results: The patients were significantly affected by their underdiagnosed condition. Statistical analysis of the outcome parameters demonstrated that only visual acuity did not change significantly. The main outcome parameter OSDI presented highest improvement from 57 ± 12 to 12 ± 6 after 8 weeks of application of 20% autologous serum drops. Corneal staining decreased and TBUT improved in all subjects. Conclusion: Epithelial complications after LASIK are not uncommon and their recognition is the first step to long-term satisfaction of the patients with refractive procedures. After diagnosis of LINE after LASIK, especially with microkeratome, 20% autologous serum drops are an efficient long-term solution. The standard topical treatment usually takes 8 weeks to achieve good results.

Comparative study of pregnancy diagnosis in ewes (Ovis aries) using barium chloride and progesterone-kit

One hundred and twenty sheep were used to test a low-cost technique for early diagnosis of pregnancy in sheep from July 2017 to June 2018. Different age groups were randomly categorized under four groups (15 to 30 days, 31 to 45 days, 46 to 60 days &amp; 61 to 75 days). One mL barium chloride (1, 1.5 &amp; 2%) was mixed with one mL of urine and kept for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature: precipitation indicated non-pregnant. Three to five drops of serum were added to Bovipreg kit (progesterone-based kit) and left at room temperature for 5 minutes. One red line was interpreted as negative and two red lines positive for pregnancy. Barium chloride solution gave 67 - 70.5% accuracy. The accuracy for progesterone-based early pregnancy diagnostic kit was 80 - 85%. Progesterone-based early pregnancy diagnostic kit is much more accurate. The Bangladesh Veterinarian (2020) 37(1 - 2): 36-41

Outcomes of scleral lenses for dry eye disease in chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease

Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, seen in approximately 40% of patients [1]. Dry eye symptoms in ocular GVHD can be debilitating [2,3]. Despite initial measures such as frequent preservative-free lubrication, autologous serum drops, punctal occlusion, and topical steroids, symptoms can be refractory [4].

The Long Non-Coding BC200 Is a Novel Circulating Biomarker of Parathyroid Carcinoma

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an important class of epigenetic regulators involved in both physiological processes and cancer development. Preliminary evidence suggested that lncRNAs could act as accurate prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. Parathyroid cancer is a rare endocrine neoplasia, whose management represents a clinical challenge due to the lack of accurate molecular biomarkers. Our previous findings showed that human parathyroid tumors are characterized by a different lncRNAs signature, suggesting heterogeneity through the different histotypes. Particularly, we found that the lncRNA BC200/BCYRN1 could represent a candidate biomarker for parathyroid carcinomas (PCas). Here we aimed to extend our preliminary data evaluating whether BC200 could be an accurate non-invasive biomarker of PCas to support the clinical management of patients affected by parathyroid tumors at diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up. To provide a non-invasive point-of-care for parathyroid carcinoma diagnosis and follow-up, we analyzed BC200 expression in patients’ serum through digital PCR. Our results show that BC200 counts are higher in serum from patients harboring PCa (n=4) compared to patients with parathyroid adenoma (PAd; n=27). Further, in PAd patients circulating BC200 levels are positively correlated with serum total calcium. Then, we found that BC200 is overexpressed in metastatic PCas (n=4) compared to non-metastatic ones (n=9). Finally, the lncRNA expression in PCa patients’ serum drops are reduced after parathyroidectomy, suggesting its possible use in the post-operative setting for patients follow-up. Overall, these findings extend the knowledge on BC200 in parathyroid tumors, supporting its role as a useful biomarker for management of PCa.