Mean Epithelial Thickness Research Articles

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Graft Preparation and Implantation of Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segments for Corneal Ectasia: 1-Year Results.

To evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with corneal allogeneic intrastromal ring segments cut with femtosecond laser (Femto-CAIRS) without concomitant corneal crosslinking. Patients with keratoconus treated with Femto-CAIRS at the American University of Beirut Medical Center were included (May 2022-January 2023). A proprietary software program was developed on the femtosecond laser to cut allogeneic segments. Visual, refractive, tomographic, aberrometric, and epithelial data by anterior segment optical coherence tomography were measured at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. 20 eyes of 15 patients were included and followed up for 12 months. The manifest refraction spherical equivalent and cylinder improved from -6.79 ± 4.9 diopter (D) and -4.25 ± 1.8 D to -1.88 ± 2.9 D (P < 0.001) and -2.64 ± 1.4 D (P = 0.01) 12 months postoperatively, respectively. 75% of eyes gained 3 or more corrected distance visual acuity lines, most of which (65%) gained 4 lines or more 12 months postoperatively. The maximum keratometry and vertical coma decreased by 5.2 D (P < 0.001) and 1 μm (P = 0.001), respectively, 3 months postoperatively and remained stable until 12 months. The largest anterior stromal elevation over the central 5-mm diameter decreased from 36.0 ± 18.2 μm preoperatively to 19.9 ± 9.25 μm at 1 week postoperatively (P < 0.001) and remained relatively stable. Epithelial thickness over the cone increased relative to baseline starting 1 month postoperatively and becoming stable after 6 months while the mean epithelial thickness central to the ring peaked at 1 month after which it decreased to reach a plateau at 6 months. The Femto-CAIRS procedure improves visual and tomographic parameters and allows repeatable and safe results with the possibility of customization for individualized management.

A 6-Month Follow-Up Comparative Study of Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (Trans-PRK) Using the StreamLight Software with and without Epithelial Thickness Customization.

To compare corneal aberrometry, densitometry, and refractive outcomes of single-step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (Trans-PRK) with and without epithelial thickness customization. This was a prospective, interventional, randomized controlled study. Patients undergoing Trans-PRK using the WaveLight EX500 laser with StreamLight software (Alcon Laboratories, Forth Worth, TX, USA) were randomly assigned to control (55µm standard epithelial thickness) or customized (thinnest point of epithelial thickness for each patient) groups. MS-39 (CSO, Italy) anterior segment optical coherence tomography was used to measure the epithelial thickness. Inclusion criteria were spherical equivalent <6 diopters (D), astigmatism <4D, and CDVA 20/25 or better. The assessments were at baseline and 6 months post-op: visual acuity, refraction, aberrometry, and corneal densitometry. 108 eyes were enrolled, [control group (n=56) and customized group (n=52)]. Mean epithelial ablation thickness in the customized group was 54.81±3.56µm (p=0.470 vs control group). Both groups experienced significant postoperative increases in higher-order aberrations (HOA) and spherical aberrations, with no significant intergroup differences. Mean HOA RMS (µm) of the frontal cornea and total cornea increased by 0.27, and 0.29, respectively, in the control group, and 0.26 and 0.28, respectively, in the customized group (p<0.001 for all). Mean change in spherical aberrations in the frontal cornea and total cornea was 0.23µm (p<0.001) and 0.25µm (p<0.001), in the control group, and 0.19µm (p<0.001) and 0.20µm (p<0.001), in the customized group. Mean corneal densitometry in anterior cornea decreased by 0.63GSU (p=0.021) and 1.18GSU (p<0.001) in the control and customized groups. In the posterior cornea, it increased by 1.67GSU (p=0.004) and 0.38GSU (p=0.006). No significant differences in refractive and aberrometry outcomes between control and customized Trans-PRK groups, with corneal densitometry changes not affecting visual acuity.

Histological characterization and morphological alterations in gill and digestive gland in non-native bivalve from the Province of Buenos Aires: Spatial and seasonal evaluation

Morphological alterations of the gill and digestive gland were studied in Magallana gigas from areas with different degrees of human activity over one year. For that, the height of the plicas and filaments of the gill and the mean epithelial thickness were measured, the ratio of cell type and tissue composition analyzed of the digestive gland as well as alterations in the pattern of structural organization in these organs were assessed. The specimens were collected in November 2021, and February, May and August 2022 from two representative sampling sites of distinct anthropic pressures in the coastal area of Buenos Aires Province: Arroyo Parejas (AP, 38° 55′ S, 62° 04′ W) and Pehuén-Có (PC, 39° 01′ S; 61° 32’ W). The results of the morphological parameters, ratio of cell-type, tissue composition, and histological alterations of M. gigas showed differences between the studied areas and seasons, suggesting a negative relationship between human activity and the health of the gills and digestive gland of the oyster. Understanding the gill and digestive gland morphology of oysters, as well as their response to varying levels of human activity in the study region, could help mitigate the impacts of this non-native species.

Assessment of coastal pollutants and health status of Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) in the Bahía Blanca Estuary and adjacent beaches (Argentina)

This study assessed the effects of pollutants on Magallana gigas along a coastal zone with different levels of human activity: a highly impacted zone in the Bahía Blanca Estuary and a less impacted zone on the adjacent sandy beaches. Oysters collected in 2021 were analyzed for various factors, including metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides, microplastics, oxidative stress and histology. Oysters of both environments exhibited detectable concentrations of all these pollutants in their tissues. However, the estuarine oysters showed higher concentrations of Zn, Cu and As and total PAHs than the beach oysters. Banned organochlorine pesticides were detected only in beach oysters. Estuarine oysters displayed morphological changes in their digestive gland including a reduction in the mean epithelial thickness of the tubule and elevated lipid peroxidation levels, indicating cellular damage. This study underscores the widespread presence of pollutants in M. gigas, indicating the need for effective strategies to safeguard coastal ecosystem health.

Epithelial Thickness Mapping in Keratoconic Corneas: Repeatability and Agreement Between CSO MS-39, Heidelberg Anterion, and Optovue Avanti OCT Devices.

To assess repeatability and agreement of corneal epithelial thickness mapping in eyes with keratoconus using three optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices featuring different technologies: spectral-domain (SD) OCT combined with Placido disk corneal topography (MS-39), swept-source OCT (Anterion), and SD-OCT (Avanti). Three consecutive measurements were acquired with the three devices in 60 eyes with keratoconus. The mean epithelial thickness was calculated in the central 2-mm zone and in 2- to 5-mm and 5- to 7-mm diameter rings. The repeatability was calculated using pooled within-subject standard deviation (Sw). The agreement was assessed by paired t tests and Bland-Altman plots. The repeatability (Sw) of the epithelial thickness for the central 2-mm zone was 0.91, 0.71, and 0.93 μm for the MS-39, Anterion, and Avanti, respectively. All thicknesses with the MS-39 were greater than those of the Anterion and Avanti, with mean differences of 4.11 ± 1.34 μm (P < .001) and 0.52 ± 1.30 μm (P = .003), respectively. The 95% limits of agreement were 1.484 to 6.736 μm for the MS-39 and Anterion, -3.068 to 2.028 μm for the Avanti and MS-39, and 1.258 to 5.922 μm for for the Avanti and Anterion. Epithelial thickness mapping results were most repeatable with the Anterion, followed by the MS-39 and Avanti. The MS-39 gave the thickest values, followed by the Avanti and Anterion. The differences were significant, making the devices not interchangeable for epithelial thickness mapping in eyes with keratoconus. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(7):474-480.].

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) Reduces the Corneal Epithelial Thickness in Fuchs' Patients.

Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the occurrence of corneal edema due to endothelial cell dystrophy. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is considered to be the gold standard of treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the corneal epithelial thickness of FECD patients before and after DMEK and to compare these results with a healthy control cohort. In this retrospective analysis, 38 eyes of patients with FECD that were treated with DMEK and 35 healthy control eyes received anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT; Optovue, XR-Avanti, Fremont, CA, USA). The corneal epithelial thicknesses in different locations were analyzed and compared between the preoperative, postoperative, and control cohorts. The median follow-up time was 9 months. There was a significant degression of the mean epithelial thickness after DMEK in the central, paracentral, and mid-peripheral zones (p < 0.01) of the cornea. The total corneal thickness and stromal thickness decreased significantly as well. No significant differences were observed between the postoperative and control cohorts. In conclusion, the FECD patients had an increased epithelial thickness compared to the healthy controls, which decreased significantly after DMEK and reached thickness levels comparable to those of healthy control eyes. This study emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the corneal layers in anterior segment pathologies and surgical procedures. Moreover, it accentuated the fact that the structural alterations in FECD extend beyond the corneal stroma.

Comparison of Propolis Extracts and Bioplacenton at Epidermal Re-epithelialization Process in Burn Wound of Mice (Mus musculus)

Effective treatment is needed in accelerating the healing process of burn. Propolis extract is a bee product that has a high flavonoid content. Propolis extract is thought to stimulate the process of re-epithelialization of the epidermis. This research was an experimental study with a post-test only control group design. This study used experimental animal, male mice (Mus musculus) Swiss webster strain. Mice were grouped randomly into a control group and a treatment group. Each mouse was given treatment in the form of burn on the back. The control group was the group that was not given propolis or bioplacenton extract. The treatment group was given 5%, 10%, and bioplacenton propolis extract, respectively. Skin histopathological tissue collection was carried out on day 1, day 4, and day 21 to observe the process of re-epithelialization of the epidermis. The results showed that the means of epithelial thickness in the control group and the 5% and 10% propolis extract treatment were significantly thicker on the 21st day of observation when compared to the control group. The administration of bioplacenton showed an increase in the re-epithelialization process of the epidermis on the 4th day. The administration of 10% propolis extract was better in increasing the mean epithelial thickness on the 4th day than the group given 5% propolis extract and bioplacenton.

How Can We Diagnose Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia With Optical Coherence Tomography?

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the differential diagnosis of anterior segment diseases such as ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and pterygium. Patients who were pre-diagnosed with either OSSN (21) or pterygium (19) between January 2020 and November 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Anterior segment photographs and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) measurements were obtained from each patient. Excisional or incisional biopsy materials underwent pathological evaluation. Preoperative AS-OCT images of the patients with OSSN showed similarities with histopathological specimens. Both ocular and pathological specimens appeared to have a thicker epithelial layer with a distinct change from healthy to neoplastic epithelium. Preoperative AS-OCT images of individuals with pterygium were also comparable with histopathological samples. Both pathological and AS-OCT images of the pterygium patients showed a normal thickness epithelium and a thickened subepithelial layer under the epithelium. The mean epithelial thickness measured with AS-OCT in OSSN patients was found to be 295.3 ± 111.3 µm, while it was 80.7 ± 43.4 µm in pterygium patients. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a cut-off value of 97 µm for the differential diagnosis of OSSN from pterygium, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94.7%. AS-OCT can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for the evaluation of ocular surface lesions. Its ability to distinguish between OSSN and pterygium is demonstrated by the statistically significant difference in epithelial thickness and the significant morphological association with histopathological findings.

Polystyrene microplastics alleviate adverse effects of benzo[a]pyrene on tissues and cells of the marine mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis

As two major ubiquitous pollutants, microplastics (MPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) coexist in the marine environment. However, the role of MPs in altering the toxicity of PAHs to marine organisms is poorly understood. We therefore investigated the accumulation and toxicity of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P, 0.4 nM), in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis over a 4-day of exposure with or without the presence of 10 μm polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) (10 particles/mL). The presence of PS MPs significantly decreased B[a]P accumulation in soft tissues of M. galloprovincialis by approximately 6.7%. Single exposure of PS MPs or B[a]P decreased the mean epithelial thickness (MET) of digestive tubules and enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in haemolymph, while upon co-exposure the adverse impacts were alleviated. Real-time q-PCR results showed that most selected genes involved in stress response (FKBP, HSP90), immune (MyD88a, NF-κB) and detoxification (CYP4Y1) were induced for both single exposure and co-exposure. The co-presence of PS MPs down-regulated the mRNA expression of NF-κB in gills compared with of B[a]P alone. The uptake and toxicity reductions of B[a]P might result from the decrease of its bioavailable concentrations caused by the adsorption of B[a]P by PS MPs and the strong affinity of B[a]P to PS MPs. Adverse outcomes for the co-existence of marine emerging pollutants under long-term conditions remain to be further validated.

The Prevalence of Ocular Surface Disease in Glaucoma Patients

Introduction: Glaucoma is the third cause of blindness in developed countries after age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ocular surface disease in patients treated for glaucoma or ocular hypertonia. Patients and methods: We conducted a one-year observational study including glaucoma patients older than 15 years, diagnosed and treated for more than six months. The impact of anti-glaucoma treatment on the ocular surface was assessed by a questionnaire derived from the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Results: Antiglaucoma treatment caused an alteration of the ocular surface in 59% of patients. 61.7% of patients had a mean epithelial thickness below normal. Discussion: Several observational studies have shown a high prevalence of ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients. The prevalence of surface involvement in our study is close to most studies in the literature. The strong correlation between the number of eye drops prescribed and the severity of ocular surface involvement has been proven. This correlation is attributed to the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAK). Among the cellular alterations, we noted a decrease in mucus cells with a decrease and instability of the thickness of the tear film, which was more important in patients under BAK preserved eye drops than in those without BAK. Conclusion: Our study allowed us to determine the frequency of ocular surface damage in patients treated long-term with hypotonizing eye drops. The mechanisms of this damage are multiple. Preservatives seem to play a central role in the genesis of these reactions.

Avocado Oil (Persea americana) Reduces Epithelial Proliferation on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of avocado oil on the histoarchitecture of the prostate of normal rats and on rats with induced benign prostatic hyperplasia using computerized histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. Methods Twenty-eight Wistar rats were divided into four groups: the control group (CG), the avocado oil group (AOG) fed with avocado oil-based diet, the induced group (IG), and the avocado oil testosterone-induced group (AOIG). Prostate hyperplasia was induced by subcutaneous implantation of silicone pellets, filled with testosterone, to promote androgen stimulation. After 12 weeks, the rats were euthanized, and their prostates were removed. The material was prepared for paraffin processing and stained using hematoxylin-eosin and immunostaining for p63 nuclear antigen. Results The mean epithelial thickness obtained from AOIG (19.44 ± 2.62 µm) was significantly reduced compared to that from IG (27.02 ± 4.1 µm). The average alveolar area in AOIG was 0.100 ± 0.03, which was greater than that of CG. The immunostaining for p63 in basal cells in AOIG was 17.77% ± 2.72 of the total area, a result greater than that in AOG (12.13% ± 2.04) and CG (12.01 ± 2.05). Collagen remodeling was observed with thicker fibers predominating in CG and AOG over thinner fibers in IG and AOIG. Conclusion The results suggest that avocado oil has a protective effect on the prostatic epithelium of Wistar rats subjected to long-term induced prostate hyperplasia.

Effect of 4% and 15% moringa leaf extract gel on gingival wound healing in rats

Traumatic dental procedures such as incisions and gingival flaps are the leading causes of injury to the gingival structure. One of natural ingredients that can potentially accelerate the wound healing process is Moringa leaves Moringa oleifera). Moringa leaf has several active compounds, one of which is flavonoids, which can be an antiinflammatory and antibacterial agent, and increase collagen synthesis. A randomized posttest-only control-group design was used in this study. 48 wistar rats were categorized into four groups: CMC-Na gel, hyaluronic acid, 4% Moringa leaf extract gel, and 15% Moringa leaf extract gel. The samples were then euthanized on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The two-way ANOVA test described significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) for all the components of the observation (neutrophils, fibroblasts, angiogenesis, and epithelial thickness). The lowest mean number of neutrophils, the highest mean number of fibroblasts, and the highest mean of angiogenesis were found in the 15% Moringa extract group on the 7th day. The highest mean epithelial thickness was found in the use of 4% Moringa extract on the 5thday. The microscopic images showed that the treatment group gained more effective wound healing processes than the control group. The microscopic image showed that, in terms of neutrophils, fibroblasts, and angiogenesis, 15% Moringa extract was more effective for wound healing compared to 4% Moringa extract.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography analysis of regional epithelial thickness in keratoconus following intracorneal ring segment implantation

Background The changes in the epithelial thickness profile were found to be highly predictable and were responding to compensate for the changes in stromal curvature gradient. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the epithelial thickness after intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in patients with keratoconus and to correlate it with the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA). Patients and methods This is a prospective nonrandomized clinical study that was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. It included 24 eyes with keratoconus, which were implanted by ICRS and were scanned by CIRRUS HD-OCT 5000 preoperatively, at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. The mean epithelial thickness (MET) at the cone and at the zone of ICRS implantation (5–7 mm) and UCVA were documented. Results The MET increased significantly from a preoperative value of 42.9±6.3–50.8±7.1 µm at 3 months postoperatively (P=0.01). In addition, the mean minimum (and not the mean maximum) epithelial thickness at the 5–7-mm zone increased significantly from 35.8±4.2 µm preoperatively to 38.7±5.4 µm at 3 months postoperatively (P=0.000). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the MET and the mean UCVA preoperatively (r=−0.389, P=0.03), at 1 week (r=−0.415, P=0.04), and at 3 months postoperatively (r=−0.479, P=0.01). Conclusions The significant increase in the MET indicates the immediate, dynamic epithelial remodeling that continued up to 3 months after implantation. The increase in the minimum but not the maximum epithelial thickness confirms the epithelial remodeling rather than hyperplasia. The MET can be a prognostic factor for the visual outcome after ICRS as it correlated with the UCVA.

Responses of microRNA in digestive glands of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics

Polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) are typical accumulated nanoplastics in the marine environment and organisms, and have strong potential risks to marine ecological environment and human health. MiRNAs could respond to and participate in the response process of environmental stressors. However, the response of miRNAs to nanoplastics has not been fully explored. In this study, miRNA responses of digestive glands in mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis treated by 200 nm PS-NPs (20, 200, 2000 μg/L) for 7 days were characterized by BGISEQ-500 deep sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, along with histopathological quantification with planimetric parameters on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results showed that one novel miRNA (novel_mir63) and seven known miRNAs (miR-34_2, miR-34_5, miR-281_8, let-7–5p_6, miR-10, miR-124, miR-29b-3p) were significantly (adjusted P-value < 0.05) differentially expressed after PS-NPs treatments, and most of them were down-regulated expect for novel_mir63 and miR-34_2. Function analysis of target genes corresponding to these differentially expressed miRNAs indicated that PS-NPs disturbed the process related to metabolism, aging, cardiac function, neural excitation, and repairment. Among them, acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase and purine metabolism pathway played vital connection roles. Meanwhile, significantly morphology changes of digestive tubes obtained from H&E stained sections also implied severely disrupted metabolic capability in digestive glands, reflected by significantly increased mean diverticular radius (MDR) and mean luminal radius (MLR) values and the ratio of MLR to mean epithelial thickness (MET), and significantly decreased MET value and MET/MDR. Overall, these findings have revealed new characterization of miRNAs and their target genes in mussel M. galloprovincialis under PS-NPs stress, and provide important clues to further elucidate the toxicity mechanisms of PS-NPs.

Acute Foggy Corneal Epithelial Disease: Seeking Clinical Features and Risk Factors.

(1) Purpose: Here, we describe the clinical characteristics and predisposing factors of acute foggy corneal epithelial disease, a rare disease newly found during COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Methods: In this single-arm, ambispective case series study, ten patients with acute foggy corneal epithelial disease admitted between May 2020 and March 2021 were enrolled. Their detailed medical history and clinical and ophthalmic findings were recorded and analyzed; (3) Results: All the patients were female (100%), aged from 28 to 61 years (mean age of 40.4 ± 9.3 years). Seven cases (70%) had excessive eye use, and six cases (60%) had stayed up late and were overworked. Ten subjects (100%) presented with acute onset and a self-healing tendency. There was a mild-to-moderate decrease in the corrected visual acuity (0.35 ± 0.21 (LogMAR)). Slit-lamp examination showed diffuse dust-like opacity and edema in the epithelial layer of the cornea. By in vivo confocal microscope, epithelial cells presented characteristically a “relief-like” appearance. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography examination revealed that the mean epithelial thickness was increased (69.25 ± 4.31 μm, p < 0.01); (4) Conclusions: Acute foggy corneal epithelial disease is a rare disease in clinic, which tends to occur in young and middle-aged females. The typical clinical symptom is sudden foggy vision, which occurs repeatedly and can be relieved without treatment. Sex, an abnormal menstrual cycle, overuse of the eyes, fatigue and pressure might be risk factors. Changes in lifestyle and eye use habit during the COVID-19 pandemic may have possibly contributed to this disease incidence.

Impact of Low-Volume, Low-Pressure Tracheostomy Cuffs on Acute Mucosal Injury in Swine.

Tapered low-volume, low-pressure (LVLP) cuffs have been introduced to improve sealing and reduce injury from tracheostomy and endotracheal intubation compared to traditional cylindrical high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) cuffs. The objective of this study is to develop a swine model of tracheostomy injury and to compare live tissue response following LVLP and HVLP tracheostomy placement. In vivo animal study. Academic institution. Swine underwent tracheostomy followed by placement of LVLP and HVLP tracheostomy cuffs at 30 cm H2O. After 24 and 48 hours, tracheal specimens underwent histopathological analysis including cilia, lamina propria and epithelial thickness, and mucosal injury score. In all cuff contact areas, mean epithelial thickness for both tracheostomy cohorts was decreased compared to control epithelium at 24 and 48 hours (P < .01). HVLP proximal epithelium thickness was decreased at 24 and 48 hours relative to LVLP sections (P < .05). Lamina propria thickness in proximal LVLP sections was less than HVLP sections at 24 hours and 48 hours (P < .05). Mucosal injury score at areas of cuff contact was increased in tracheostomy cohorts relative to controls (P < .001), with HVLP injury score greater than LVLP at the proximal cuff (P < .05). In a swine model, tracheostomy resulted in increased mucosal injury compared to normal tracheal mucosa. LVLP cuffs resulted in less injury than HVLP cuffs, with reduced mucosal inflammation and improved health of epithelium and lamina propria. The wider proximal LVLP cuff demonstrated improved mucosal health compared to the HVLP cylindrical cuff.

ORAL LICHEN PLANUS AND ORAL LICHENOID REACTION: A MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY

<h3>Objectives</h3> To evaluate morphologic parameters of cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid reaction (OLR), correlating them with clinical parameters. <h3>Study Design</h3> The sample consisted of 33 cases of OLP and 4 cases of OLR. Clinical parameters (age, sex, anatomic site, symptomatology, and clinical subtypes of OLP) were obtained from records. Morphologically, absence/present of germinal centers, epithelial thickness (ET), and lymphocytic infiltrate thickness (LIT) were considered. Statistical analysis used the Mann-Whitney test (<i>P</i> < .05). <h3>Results</h3> OLP occurred in individuals with a mean age of 52.1 ± 14.9 years, mainly in women (25, 75.8%), and in the buccal mucosa (18, 54.5%), and reticular was the most frequent clinical subtype (23, 69.7%). Morphologically, OLP exhibited an absence of germinal centers (32, 97.0%), the mean ET was 563.23 ± 237.39 µm, and the mean LIT was 411.30 ± 149.94 µm, in reticular subtype. Erosive subtype (10, 30.3%) exhibited a mean ET of 514.68 ± 203.8 µm and mean LIT of 418.86 ± 178.71 µm. There was no significant difference in ET (<i>P</i> = .548) and LIT (<i>P</i> = .313) between reticular and erosive OLP. OLR showed the presence of germinal centers (3, 75.0%) and lower mean ET (287.57 ± 67.15 µm) and LIT (360.61 ± 172.8 µm). <h3>Conclusions</h3> It is suggested that ET and LIT are not capable of differentiating clinical subtypes of OLP. Germinal center–like structures could differentiate OLP and OLR.

Differential effects on urethral function, epithelial morphology, and molecular profile in two different rat models of stress urinary incontinence by simulated birth trauma or estrogen deficiency

ABSTRACT Introduction Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the common type of urinary incontinence with a significantly negative impact on quality of life, including sexual dysfunction, in women. Although the etiology of SUI in women seems to be multifactorial, multiple vaginal parities and estrogen deficiency (ED) are considered to be major risk factors of SUI in elderly women. Thus, animal models of simulated birth trauma induced by multiple vaginal distention (VD) and ED induced by bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) have been used to study the SUI pathophysiology in rats. In previous studies, bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) reportedly induces the morphological changes in the rat urethral epithelium. It has also been reported that serotonergic (5HT+) paraneurons uniquely located in the urethra modulate urethral sensory function and that their numbers decrease in aged or diabetes rats. However, the difference of changes in the urethra such as those in epithelial morphology and expression of 5HT+ paraneurons in the urethra, in these two models has not been well characterized. Objective We therefore evaluated the histological changes of the urethral epithelium and 5HT+ cell expression, and urethral continence function in rats with OVX-induced ED or VD-induced simulated birth trauma. Methods Nulliparous SD rats were divided into: (1) sham group; (2) OVX 3-weeks group; (3) OVX 6-weeks group; (4) VD-1 group (1 time VD 2 weeks before assays); (5) VD-3 group (3 times VDs every 2 weeks). VD was induced by balloon catheter inflation for 4 hours in the vagina under isoflurane anesthesia. Urethral function was evaluated by the amplitude of urethral pressure responses during sneezing (A-URS) and urethral baseline pressure (UBP), which was measured by a microtransducer-tipped catheter inserted into the mid-urethra (n=6, each group). Following the urethral function analysis, the mid urethra was harvested, and the tissue sections (10 μm) were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin (H&amp;E) and anti-5HT antibodies for immunofluorescent detection of 5HT+ paraneurons. In addition, in separate groups of rats, changes in urethral mRNA levels of tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1), a key enzyme of 5HT synthesis, were quantified by RT-PCR (n=6, each group). All data are represented as means ± SE. P &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results OVX 6-weeks and VD-3 rats exhibited significant decreases in UBP and A-URS vs. sham (Fig. 1A). The mean epithelial thickness was significantly decreased in OVX 3, 6-weeks, VD-1 and 3 rats (Fig 1B,C) vs. sham. The number of urethral 5HT+ paraneurons was significantly decreased in OVX 3, 6 weeks, VD-1 and 3 rats (Fig. 2A,B) vs. sham. TPH-1 mRNA levels were significantly decreased in OVX 3, 6-weeks and VD-3 rats (Fig. 2C) vs. sham. Conclusions These results indicate that urethral epithelial atrophy and loss of 5HT+ paraneurons occur prior to SUI- inducing urethral dysfunction in both models, with the changes being rapid and greater in OVX compared to VD. These histological changes in the urethra may contribute to the establishment of SUI in ED and multiple birth trauma. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.

An Evaluation of Central Corneal Epithelial Thickness and Central Corneal Thickness Determined On Optic Coherence Tomography Before and After Applanation Tonometry

Objective: To determine the changes in corneal epithelial thickness and central corneal thickness using optic coherence tomography taken after Goldmann applanation tonometry measurements. Material and Methods: The study included 25 patients who presented at our clinic for routine ophthalmological examination. Before taking tonometry measurements of the patients, epithelial corneal thickness and central corneal thickness values were determined using optic cohence tomography (OCT). The intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with tonometry and then the corneal OCT measurements were repeated. All the OCT and tonometry measurements were taken by the same clinician. Results: Evaluation was made of 25 patients comprising 18 males and 7 females with a mean age of 36.6 years (range, 17-55 years). The mean epithelial corneal thickness was 52.58 microns before the applanation tonometry measurement, and 52.02 microns after the tonometry (p=0.059). Central corneal thickness was measured as mean 530.96 microns before tonometry and 529.88 microns after (p&amp;gt;0.05). No statistically significant difference was determined in the changes of both measurements. Following tonometry, a change was seen in corneal epithelial thickness, but not of a statistically significant level (p=0.059). Conclusion: The study results showed no statistically significant difference in the measurements of corneal epithelial thickness and central corneal thickness following applanation tonometry. Although not statistically significant, the difference seen in thickness indicates desquamation in the epithelial cells as a result of the procedure. This may cause complaints such as a reduction in visual acuity and the feeling of burning or pricking in the eye. If glasses are to be prescribed for patients, this should be taken into consideration and the examination should be made before the tonometry measurement. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no previous study in literature of central corneal epithelial thickness measured before and after tonometry, and therefore the results obtained in this study are the first on this subject.

Evaluation of Wide Corneal Epithelial Remodeling after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) with Wide-Field Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose This study aims to assess the corneal epithelial remodeling within a 9 mm diameter zone induced by small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and evaluate its relationship with the refractive outcomes. Methods A total of 64 eyes of 64 patients were included. Wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure the epithelial thickness (ET) across a 9 mm diameter area, preoperatively, and after one day, one week, one month, three months, and six months postoperatively. The ET changes were compared among the different time points and analyzed zones. Results The ET increases from one week to three months and stabilized from three months to six months. Compared to the preoperative values, the mean ET changes at six months in central (2 mm), paracentral (2–5 mm), mid-peripheral (5–7 mm), and peripheral (7–9 mm) zones were 4.37, 4.36, 1.61, and −1.59 μm, respectively. The correlation between the epithelial thickening and the amount of myopia correction was positive in central (P = 0.001) and paracentral zones (P < 0.001) and negative in peripheral zone (P = 0.006). The intended diameter of the optical zone was negatively related to epithelial hyperplasia in the central (P = 0.020) and paracentral zone (P = 0.006), and the correlation was positive in the mid-peripheral zone (P = 0.001). The epithelial thickening of central zone (P = 0.012) and the difference of mean ET between central and paracentral zone (P = 0.020) were negatively related to the spherical equivalent at six months. Conclusion An asymmetric lenticule-like pattern of epithelial remodeling occurred in 9 mm diameter cornea at six months after myopic SMILE. The epithelial remodeling may affect the refractive outcomes of SMILE.