Flare Values Research Articles

Ultrasound versus physical examination in predicting disease flare in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a systematic literature review and qualitative synthesis.

In this systematic review we analyzed the published articles related to the predictive value for flare of subclinical synovitis assessed by ultrasound (US) in juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA). Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched from 1990 to 2020 by two authors, using PICO methodology. The study is built and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Searches identified four articles comprising a total of 187 JIA patients in clinical remission from at least 3 months. Two of the articles found US subclinical signs of synovitis to be predictive for flare, with a five times higher risk (with Power Doppler signal as an important feature), while in the other two baseline US abnormalities did not predict a clinical flare. The articles differed for protocols, definitions, and length of follow-up. US has an expanding role in pediatric rheumatology, with interest-ing applications especially during the follow-up, potentially identifying subclinical inflammatory signs predictive of flare. However, the few studies available do not allow definite conclusions at this time.

Prediction of oral food challenge outcomes via ensemble learning

Oral Food Challenges (OFCs) are essential to accurately diagnosing food allergy due to the limitations of existing clinical testing. However, some patients are hesitant to undergo OFCs, while those willing suffer from limited access to allergists in rural/community healthcare settings. Despite its success in predicting patient outcomes in other clinical settings, few applications of machine learning to food allergy have been developed. Thus, in this study, we seek to leverage machine learning methodologies for OFC outcome prediction. Retrospective data was gathered from 1,112 patients who collectively underwent a total of 1,284 OFCs, and consisted of clinical factors including serum-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE), total IgE, skin prick tests (SPTs), comorbidities, sex, and age. Using these features, multiple machine learning models were constructed to predict OFC outcomes for three common allergens: peanut, egg, and milk. The best performing model for each allergen was an ensemble of random forest (egg) or Learning Using Concave and Convex Kernels (LUCCK) (peanut, milk) models, which achieved an Area under the Curve (AUC) of 0.91, 0.96, and 0.94, in predicting OFC outcomes for peanut, egg, and milk, respectively. Moreover, all such models had sensitivity and specificity values ≥89%. Model interpretation via SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) indicates that specific IgE, along with wheal and flare values from SPTs, are highly predictive of OFC outcomes. The results of this analysis suggest that ensemble learning has the potential to predict OFC outcomes and reveal relevant clinical factors for further study.

Correlation between Widefield Fundus Fluorescein Angiography Leakage Score and Anterior Chamber Flare in Behçet Uveitis

ABSTRACT Aims To investigate the correlation between widefield fundus fluorescein angiography (WF-FA) and anterior chamber laser flare photometry (LFP-flare) in Behçet uveitis (BU). Methods Patients with BU who underwent Heidelberg WF-FA between March 2016 and March 2018 were included. Demographics, ocular findings, LFP-flare, central macular thickness were retrospectively analyzed. Results Eighty-six patients (162 eyes) were included. There was a high correlation between WF-FA leakage score and LFP-flare (rho: 0.691, p < .001). For a flare value of 5.75 ph/ms or higher, the sensitivity for predicting angiographic leakage was 70% and the specificity was 94% (AUC: 0.897, p < .001). Flare values that were equal or above 7.6 ph/ms were found to be 100% specific for leakage in the WF-FA. Conclusion A strong correlation was found between WF-FA leakage and LFP-flare in patients with BU. High LFP-flare levels indicate subclinical posterior segment inflammation in clinically inactive BU.

Lens status and degree of lens opacity influence laser flare photometry (objective tyndallometry).

Objective tyndallometry using laser flare photometry can be utilized e.g., in management of uveitis. Previous studies showed a significant difference in flare values between pseudophakic and phakic eyes. We investigate a potential association between the degree of lens opacification and flare value in a large cohort phakic eyes. Retrospective, non-interventional single center study. Laser flare values of 460 healthy fellow eyes from two large cohorts (primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), macular holes (MH)) were correlated with lens status, degree of lens opacity, and age. Out of 460 patients (mean age 64.6 ± 11.2, 57% male) 30.4% were pseudophakic (70.2 ± 10.9) and 69.6% phakic, of which 47.8% showed a clear lens (57.3 ± 9.1), 43.2% an mild cataract (65.2 ± 9.0) and 9.0% a moderate cataract (73.5 ± 9.0).In pseudophakia, flare (8.14 ± 4.6 pc/ms) was significantly higher compared to phakia (6.4 ± 3.9 pc/ms; p < 0.001). In phakic eyes, flare values increased significantly with increasing lens opacity (clear lens 5.3 ± 2.8 pc/ms; mild cataract 7.0 ± 4.0 pc/ms; moderate cataract 9.5 ± 6.1 pc/ms; p < 0.001). In clear lenses and mild cataract, age correlated significantly with flare (two-sided, p < 0.001, clear lenses R = 0.3; mild cataract R = 0.4). In clear lenses, flare values increased with age by 0.09 per year, in mild cataract by 0.17 (regression coefficients). No significant correlation was found between age and flare value in moderate cataract and pseudophakic eyes. The level of objective tyndallometry seems to be dependent on lens status, degree of lens opacity and age. These factors should therefore be taken into account when interpreting laser flare values in the future.

Transient Increase of Flicker Electroretinography Amplitudes after Cataract Surgery: Association with Postoperative Inflammation

To determine the characteristics and cause of the increase in the amplitude of flicker electroretinography (ERG) after cataract surgery. Prospective, observational clinical study. Thirty patients who underwent cataract surgery. Flicker ERGs were recorded with the RETeval system without mydriasis. The central macular thickness (CMT) was measured by OCT and the aqueous flare value (AFV) by laser flare-cell photometry. These examinations were performed before surgery and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after surgery. Linear regression analysis through the origin was used to compare the correlations between the relative changes in flicker ERG amplitudes and the changes in the CMT and AFV at different times after the surgery. The amplitude of flicker ERGs, CMT, and AFV. The mean amplitude of flicker ERGs increased significantly by 31% at 1 week after surgery (P<0.001); a significant increase in the amplitudes was not present at 3 months after the surgery. The mean AFV was significantly increased at 1 day after surgery (P < 0.001), and the CMT was significantly increased at 1 to 3 months after surgery (P < 0.001). The changes in flicker ERG amplitudes at 1 week after surgery were significantly associated with the changes in the CMT at 1 to 3 months after surgery (P < 0.05), and they were weakly associated with the changes in AFV at 1 day after surgery (P= 0.05). These results suggest that the increase in the amplitude of flicker ERGs after cataract surgery is a transient phenomenon that has a peak at 1 week after surgery. The increase of flicker ERG amplitude was associated with measures that are frequently used to evaluate postoperative inflammation. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Comparative study of laser flare photometry versus slit-lamp cell measurement in pediatric chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis.

To evaluate the role of laser flare photometry (LFP) for monitoring the course of intraocular inflammation in children with chronic anterior uveitis. Seventy-six eyes of 43 children with non-infectious chronic anterior uveitis were reviewed retrospectively. The median follow-up was 48.6 ± 23.1 months. Patients on immunosuppressive treatment at last follow-up, showed significantly higher flare values than patients who discontinued treatment (20.47 ± 15.49 vs. 6.33 ± 4.87 p < 0.001). The higher LFP values were correlated with the duration of immunosuppressive treatment, total duration of topical corticosteroid use and the risk for development of ocular complications at all follow-ups (all p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the AC cell grades and the duration of immunosuppressive treatment, topical corticosteroid use and the prevalence of complications. LFP measurements have a predictive value of monitoring the course of uveitis and the occurrence of ocular complications, and it should be considered as a primary modality to monitor intraocular inflammation in children with chronic anterior uveitis.

The fire safety of infrastructure facilities for hydrogen-powered vehicles

Introduction. The article offers an analytical review of domestic and foreign publications on the fire safety of hydrogen refueling stations and garages for hydrogen-powered vehicles.General characteristics of the fire hazard of infrastructure facilities for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The authors offer the general characteristic of a specific fire hazard from facilities using compressed and liquid hydrogen.Hydrogen refueling stations. Refueling stations using compressed and liquid hydrogen were considered in the article. It was found that compressors are the most hazardous items installed at refueling stations; therefore, the value of potential risks, arising in the area of a refueling station, exceeds 10–4 year–1. Experiments, simulating accidents at hydrogen refueling stations, are described. According to the authors, the minimal distance between the compressor and facilities located outside the station area should exceed 50 m.Garages for hydrogen-powered vehicles. Features of the fire safety of garages for hydrogen-powered vehicles were analyzed. The authors have found that the overpressure inside a small garage (an individual garage) can reach 55 kPa in case of a jet flame caused by the release of hydrogen through the safety valves of fuel tanks. The overpressure of a hydrogen jet can reach 10 kPa in case of the unignited release of hydrogen. High pressure values that accompany the jet formation are triggered by the high normal burning velocity of hydrogen that boosts the velocity of heat release in the flame front, exceeding the same value for flares of hydrocarbon gases. Therefore, requirements, applicable to storage premises designated for vehicles powered by hydrocarbon fuel, may be erroneously extended to garages for hydrogen-powered vehicles (pursuant to NFPA 2).Conclusions. The results of this analysis can be contributed to regulatory documents to be developed in the area of fire safety of infrastructure facilities for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Novel corneal morphological alterations in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease.

To determine whether visual function, especially when dependent on the anterior segment of ocular tissue, is altered during high-dose steroid treatment for Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH). Retrospective case series METHODS: This case series included 18 eyes of 18 patients with VKH who received high-dose steroid therapy as initial treatment. All patients underwent anterior swept-source optical coherent tomography (CASIA-2) examinations during their clinical course to measure the central corneal thickness (CCT), average central corneal power (ACCP), maximum curvature (Kmax) and anterior chamber depth (ACD). The treatment duration was classified into the initial phase (earliest initial phase eIP; 0-1 month, initial phase: IP; 1-3months), middle phase (MP; 3-6 months), and late phase (LP; 6-9 months). The CCT decreased significantly after treatment (eIP vs. IP, p<0.01, eIP vs. MP, p<0.01; eIP vs. LP, p<0.01). The CCT at eIP was correlated with the flare value at 0M (R2=0.22). The change in Kmax at MP and LP was correlated with the flare value at 0M. Moreover, CCT at MP was correlated with rate of change in nasal angle open distance (AOD) at IP and rate of change in temporal AOD at IP. This study was the first to reveal morphological changes in the anterior segment of the eye in VKH using CASIA-2, which may affect visual acuity and the astigmatic axis. It is vital to assess corneal morphology to determine the cause of visual function deterioration in patients with VKH.

Association between blood-aqueous barrier disruption and extent of retinal detachment.

To investigate the association between anatomical features of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and the extent of blood-aqueous barrier disorder measured by non-invasiv laser flare photometry. Retrospective evaluation of consecutive patients with RRD that underwent surgery between November 2016 and October 2018. Descriptive evaluation of pre- and postoperative parameters and correlation to preoperative laser flare value, extent of retinal detachment and re-detachment rate were performed. 266 patients (mean age 62.73 ± 10.40 years, 62.8% male) were included. Mean preoperative flare value was 11.0 ± 11.9 pc/ms. In pseudophakia flare values were higher than in phakia (12.7 ± 10.4 pc/ms versus 9.8 ± 12.9 pc/ms; p = 0.042). Flare increased and correlated significantly with the number of affected retinal quadrants (Q) (1 Q 6.4 ± 3.3 pc/ms; 2 Q 10.5 ± 8.8 pc/ms; 3 Q 15.6 ± 9.1 pc/ms; 4 Q 27.5 ± 33.3 pc/ms; p < 0.001; r = 0.40). Macular status correlated significantly with flare values (macula on 8.6 ± 7.1 pc/ms, off 13.1 ± 15.0 pc/ms; p = 0.004; r = 0.17). The level of objective tyndallometry in RRD seems to be influenced by lens status and extent of retinal detachment. Thus, the greater the affected retinal area is, the more blood-aqueous barrier disruption seems to be present.

Comparison of Aqueous Flare Values after Micropulse Transscleral Laser Treatment and Continuous Wave Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this study was to analyse the changes in flare values after Micropulse Transscleral Laser Treatment for Glaucoma (MP-TLT) in patients with refractory glaucoma and to compare with the outcomes of patients who underwent continuous wave (CW) diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCPC). Methods In this single-centre study, we reviewed the medical records of 54 patients who underwent MP-TLT and 35 patients who underwent CW-TSCPC at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. Aqueous flare values were measured by laser flare photometry. Results The mean laser flare values in both groups (MP-TLT/CW-TSCPC) increased after surgery from 20.85 ± 8.74/22.14 ± 7.39 ph/ms at baseline to 48.52 ± 18.23/57.38 ± 20.08 ph/ms (P = .001) on day 1 and then progressively decreased to 44.13 ± 18.32/52.24 ± 20.56 in week 1, 40.5 ± 18.5/48.24 ± 19.23 week 2 and 35.28 ± 17.09/41.11 ± 16.7 month 1 (all p < .05) and returned to similar levels to baseline at month 3 and month 6 (both p > .05). Patients who achieved treatment success had significantly higher flare values than patients who failed on post-operative day 1, week 1 and week 2 in both groups. The flare values were significantly lower in the MP-TLT group than the CW-TSCPC group on post-operative day 1, week 1, week 2 and month 1 (all p < .05). There were no cases of prolonged post-operative inflammation or serious complications in both groups. Conclusion Intraocular inflammation, quantified by aqueous flare, may be a contributing factor to the IOP lowering effect of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the early post-operative period.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHOROIDAL FINDINGS AND GROWTH FACTORS, CYTOKINES, AND OTHER INFLAMMATORY MEDIATORS AFTER INTRAVITREAL RANIBIZUMAB INJECTION IN PATIENTS WITH MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.

To examine possible associations between subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), choroidal blood flow, aqueous flare value, and aqueous humor levels of multiple growth factors, cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion and macular edema who received antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. We recruited 65 patients with macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion who received intravitreal ranibizumab injection and measured aqueous levels of eight factors by the suspension array method. Furthermore, we evaluated choroidal blood flows by laser speckle flowgraphy and quantified them as the mean blur rate and measured aqueous flare values using a laser flare meter and SCT and central macular thickness by optical coherence tomography. At 1 month after intravitreal ranibizumab injection, central macular thickness was significantly improved and SCT, choroidal mean blur rate, and aqueous flare value were significantly decreased. SCT was significantly correlated with vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, and the change in both SCT and central macular thickness was significantly correlated with the change in aqueous flare value. However, only SCT was significantly negatively correlated with the aqueous flare value. Growth factors seem to play a role in SCT. In macular edema with branch retinal vein occlusion, antivascular endothelial growth factor agents may decrease SCT by reducing inflammation.

Intraocular Inflammation in Eyes Operated for Late In-the-bag intraOcular lens dislocatioN (LION): A Randomized Clinical Trial

To compare the intraocular inflammation after 2 surgical approaches for late in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation. Prospective, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. We randomly assigned 100 patients (100 eyes) referred to Oslo University Hospital (tertiary referral center) with late in-the-bag IOL dislocation into IOL repositioning by scleral suturing (n=49) or IOL exchange with retropupillary fixation of an iris-claw lens (n=51). Patients were examined before surgery and 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 months after surgery. The main outcome measure was anterior chamber laser flare, measured with a laser flare meter as photon counts per millisecond (pc/ms). Two weeks following surgery, median flare values were 28.9 pc/ms (range, 7.9-140) in the repositioning group and 31.6 pc/ms (range, 9.8-92.3) in the exchange group (P=.83). Flare levels were still elevated after 6 weeks with no difference between the groups (P=.93), whereas it decreased to baseline levels after 6 months. Six weeks following surgery, the central retinal thickness was similar (P=.97); cystoid macular edema (CME) was found in 4 and 5 patients, respectively (P=.85); and the mean best corrected visual acuity was 0.17 (95% CI 0.09, 0.25) and 0.21 (95% CI 0.09, 0.32) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively (P=.61). This study revealed similar levels of intraocular inflammation following IOL repositioning and IOL exchange. There was no significant difference regarding risk of CME and visual outcome. The prolonged elevation in postoperative flare indicates a possible requirement for an extended anti-inflammatory treatment period after these operations.

Aqueous Flare and Intraocular Pressure in the Early Period Following Panretinal Photocoagulation in Patient with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on aqueous flare and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the early period. Eighty-eight eyes of 44 patients were included in the study. The patients underwent a full ophthalmologic examination including the best corrected visual acuity, IOP measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry, biomicroscopy, and dilated fundus examination before PRP. Aqueous flare values were measured by the laser flare meter. Aqueous flare and IOP values were repeated in both eyes at the 1st and 24th h after PRP. The eyes of the patients who underwent PRP were included in the study as the study group, and the other eyes as the control group. In eyes treated with PRP, 1st h (19.44 pc/ms) and 24th h (18.53 pc/ms) aqueous flare values were statistically higher than before PRP (16.66 pc/ms) (p<0.05). In the study eyes which were similar to the control eyes before PRP, the aqueous flare was higher at the 1st and 24th h after PRP compared to control eyes (p<0.05). The mean IOP at the 1st h (18.69 mmHg) after PRP in study eyes was higher than both pre-PRP (16.25 mmHg) and post-PRP 24th h (16.12 mmHg) IOP values (p<0.001). At the same time, the IOP value at the 1st h after PRP was higher than the control eyes (p=0.001). No correlation was observed between aqueous flare and IOP values. An increase in aqueous flare and IOP values was observed after PRP. Besides, the increase in both values starts even in the 1st h, and the values at 1st h are the highest values. At the 24th h, while IOP values return to baseline, aqueous flare values are still high. In patients who may develop severe intraocular inflammation or cannot tolerate increased IOP (such as previous uveitis, neovascular glaucoma, or severe glaucoma), control should be performed at the 1st h after PRP to prevent irreversible complications. Furthermore, the progression that may develop in diabetic retinopathy due to increased inflammation should also be kept in mind.

Effect of Myopic Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK on Anterior Chamber Inflammation (Flare Values) and Corneal Endothelium: A Prospective before and after Study.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK) surgery causes inflammation in the anterior chamber and to analyze its effect on endothelial cells. Methods This prospective, longitudinal study included left eyes of 30 patients (19 females) who had undergone FS-LASIK surgery due to myopia and myopic astigmatism. Endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphological measurements were performed using a specular microscopy, and laser flare photometry was used to measure the anterior chamber flare values on the day of surgery. iFS™ Advanced FS and VISX STAR S4-IR Wavescan Excimer Laser platforms were used. Flare measurements were repeated on the postoperative 1st day and 7th day and the 1st and 3rd months. The endothelial measurements were repeated in the 3rd month. Results Preoperatively, the mean flare was 5.59 ± 1.24 photons/ms; it was 6.49 ± 2.42 on the postoperative 1st day, 5.87 ± 2.27 on the 7th day, 5.68 ± 1.66 on the 1st month, and 5.35 ± 1.24 on the 3rd month. A significant difference was observed only between the preoperative and postoperative 1st day flare values (p=0.047). The decrease in the ECD was clinically insignificant but statistically significant, with an average of 97.0 ± 209.9 cell count/mm2 (3.3%, p=0.017). However, there was no significant change in the coefficient of variation (p=0.448) and hexagonality (p=0.096). No significant correlation was found between the increase in the flare value on the postoperative 1st day and variables. A significant correlation was found between the decrease in ECD and the preoperative ECD (r = 0.356, p=0.027). Conclusion FS-LASIK caused minimal inflammation in the anterior chamber on only the 1st postoperative day; additionally, a minimal decrease of cell count with no morphological changes were noted in the endothelial cells on postoperative 3rd month. This trial is registered with NCT04899258.

Aqueous Flare, Functional-Morphological Parameters, and Cytokines in Age-Related Macular Degeneration after Anti-VEGF Treatment

Purpose:The role of inflammation and cytokines in AMD and anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) treatment remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether anti-VEGF treatment for exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects aqueous flare value (an indicator of inflammation), functional-morphologic parameters, and aqueous humor levels of cytokines or inflammatory mediators.Methods:We compared aqueous humor levels of 8 cytokines, growth factors (including VEGF), and inflammatory mediators in 43 patients who received anti-VEGF treatment with aflibercept for AMD and 24 healthy controls by the suspension array method. In addition, we measured aqueous flare values with a laser flare meter and Central Macular Thickness (CMT) and Macular Volume (MV) by optical coherence tomography.Results:The patient group had a significantly higher aqueous flare value than the control group. At baseline, CMT showed significant correlations with aqueous humor levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 and MV, with aqueous humor levels of VEGF, sICAM-1, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8. Moreover, we found significant correlations between aqueous flare value and aqueous humor levels of MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8, and interferon-gamma–inducible protein 10. One month after anti-VEGF treatment, the patient group showed a significant correlation between the change in MV and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA); CMT showed no such correlation.Conclusion:Inflammation appears to be involved in AMD. Change in MV may be an index of improvement in BCVA in patients receiving anti-VEGF treatment for AMD.

Anterior chamber laser flare photometry after diode laser cyclophotocoagulation

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate changes in intraocular inflammation according to energy delivered per eye during transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TDLC) in refractory glaucoma using laser flare (LF) photometry and to investigate the relationship between the change in anterior chamber flare values ​​and the success of TDLC. MethodsPatients who underwent TDLC for refractory glaucoma and had LF photometry data were analyzed retrospectively. We recorded the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) with Goldmann applanation tonometer, number of anti-glaucoma medications, LF photometry values (ph/ms) on pre-and postoperative days 1, 10 and 30. ResultsThe mean laser power applied during TDLC procedure was 2.45±0.35 W. The mean laser duration was 2.09±0.28 s. The mean total energy applied per eye was 114.69±16.13 J, the mean number of pulses was 22.43±4.3. While the mean LF value was 49.71±11.99 ph/ms preoperatively, it was 63.94±12.41 ph/ms at the postoperative 30th day.Possible predictors of success of TDLC were investigated using linear regression analysis (R adjusted 0.454 p = 0.001). The IOP decrease at postoperative 30th day was significantly related to the difference between the postoperative 1st day and the preoperative LF (p = 0.025, B/95% CI -0.358/-0.107- -0.008), and total cyclodiode energy delivered per eye (joules) (p = 0.016, B/95% CI -0.396/-0.287 to -0.031). ConclusionsAnterior chamber flare values increases after TDLC, though it does not regress to the preoperative level on the postoperative 30th day. Total cyclodiode energy delivered per eye and the difference between the postoperative 1st day and the preoperative LF can be used to predict TDLC response.

Vitreous cytokine expression profiles in patients with retinal detachment

To compare the expression profiles of various cytokines and chemokines in vitreous samples from patients with retinal detachment (RD) to those from controls and to analyze their association with various clinical features. In this prospective study, undiluted vitreous fluid was obtained from 41 patients with primary RD and 33 controls with macular hole or vitreomacular traction. A multiplex bead immunoassay was performed to determine the expression of 27 inflammatory mediators. Eleven mediators were significantly upregulated in the vitreous of RD patients compared with controls, including the following: cytokines IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IFN-γ; chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL10 and CCL11 and growth factor G-CSF. Correlation analyses showed that levels of IL-1ra, CXCL10, CCL11 and G-CSF were positively correlated to the extent of detachment, while those of IL-1ra and CXCL10 were associated with the duration of detachment. There was also a positive association between the concentrations of CXCL10 and CCL11 and preoperative flare values. Additional analysis revealed that flare values and both CXCL10 and CCL11 levels were significantly higher in eyes with grade B or C proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Our results confirm that RD induces a marked inflammatory response with a complex cytokine network. We identified proteins specifically linked to several clinical features that might contribute to photoreceptor degeneration and PVR-related redetachment. These proteins may represent potential therapeutic targets for improving the anatomical and functional outcomes of RD surgery.

Effect of wind velocity and flare height parameters on pollution dispersion from one flare with zonal method

With increasing growth of industrial units in developing countries and pollutants produced by these units, nowadays distribution and dispersion modelling of atmosphere pollutants especially in urban areas is an inevitable importance. Dispersion modelling of atmosphere pollutants is a methodology to estimate focus and concentration values of pollutants related to emission source in different seasons. In current study, using numerical analysis, a thermal diffusion of flare and focus values of industrial pollutants simulation using air zonal methodology has been presented. After studying pollutants emission in open area, validation has been done using laboratory data results and computational fluid dynamics method. The results of this study indicate the ability of presented air zonal methodology to predict thermal diffusion of flare and distribution concentration of pollutant source and information gained from this analysis. Then an exploration of effective parameters in pollution emission such as wind velocity, flare height, and pollution emission rate in downstream has been done. As the results show, when wind velocity rises by 130%, pollution will reach far away from production source and with increase in flare height by 25%, the pollution concentration values on the ground has been reduced by 44%. Also with addition of barrier in pollution dispersion path, pollution level will increase by 60%.

Understanding flare in axial spondyloarthritis: novel insights from daily self-reported flare experience.

ObjectivesOur objective was to explore daily self-reported experiences of axial SpA (axSpA) flare based on data entered into the Project Nightingale smartphone app (www.projectnightingale.org), between 5 April 2018 and 1 April 2020.MethodsPaired t-tests were conducted for mean_flare_on and mean_flare_off scores for each recorded variable. The mean estimated difference between flare and non-flare values for each variable was calculated with 95% CIs. Mean, S.d. and range were reported for flare duration and frequency. Participants with ≥10 days of data entry were included for affinity propagation cluster analysis. Baseline characteristics and mean flare on vs mean flare off values were reported for each cluster. Welch’s t-test was used to assess differences between clusters.ResultsA total of 143/189 (75.7%) participants recorded at least one flare. Each flare lasted a mean of 4.30 days (S.d. 6.82, range 1–78), with a mean frequency of once every 35.32 days (S.d. 65.73, range 1–677). Significant relationships were identified between flare status and variable scores. Two clusters of participants were identified with distinct flare profiles. Group 1 experienced less severe worsening of symptoms during flare in comparison to group 2 (P < 0.01). However, they experienced significantly longer flare duration (7.2 vs 3.5 days; P < 0.01), perhaps indicating a prolonged, yet less intense flare experience. Groups were similar in terms of flare frequency and clinical characteristics.ConclusionsTwo clusters of participants were identified with distinct flare experiences but similar baseline clinical characteristics. Smartphone technologies capture subtle changes in disease experience not currently considered in clinical practice.

Correlation between intraocular pressure reduction and anterior chamber aqueous flare after micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation

BackgroundMicropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-CPC) is a technique that has been approved in recent years to treat glaucoma. MP-CPC causes anterior chamber inflammation; a relationship with reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) has not been reported. Therefore, we analyzed the correlation between IOP and anterior chamber aqueous flare after MP-CPC.MethodsThis retrospective study included 37 eyes of 37 patients who underwent MP-CPC between November 2018 and October 2020. IOP and flare values were measured at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after MP-CPC. Correlations were assessed between the percentage IOP reduction and flare elevation by calculating Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.ResultsThe percentage IOP reduction at 1 week after surgery was correlated with the flare elevation at 1 week after surgery (ρ = 0.47, P = 0.006). The percentage IOP reduction at 12 weeks after surgery was correlated with the flare elevation at 4 weeks after surgery (ρ = 0.53, P = 0.006).ConclusionsA short-term correlation was implied between reduced IOP and flare elevation after MP-CPC.