Ocular Discharge Research Articles

Clinicopathological status of duck plague at Dinajpur district of Bangladesh

Clinicopathological status of duck plague was investigated at different upazila of Dinajpur district during the period from October, 2017 to March, 2018. The clinical features emphasiging the mortality and prevalence, necropsy for gross morbid lesions, histopathological features were examined. The farm and flock history, managemental aspects, vaccination status, nutrition, etc. were recorded carefully. The data was collected and statistically analyzed. Farmer’s complaints about their affected birds were also considered and emphasized. The average mortality rate was recorded as 14.42% and prevalence was 19.81%. The sick birds clinically showed moderate to severe depression, ocular and nasal discharges, ataxia, dypsia. The affected organs were pathologically characterized as mild to moderate congestion and haemorrhages with misshapen, ruptured cystic ova and histopathologically characterized as mild to moderate architectural destruction, reactive cell infiltration. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2021, 6 (3), 147-152

CLINICAL, FAEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEI‘./ECAL STUDIES ON ANAPLASMOSIS IN LOCAL BUFETALOES IN MOSUL, AREA

Fourty five local buffaloes naturally infected with A. marginal age of 2-5 years. Clinical signs, present parasireamia haematological and biochemical changes were studied. Thin thick blood smears Stained with Gimsas stain were used to identify the parasite. The results indicated that most of the infected were suffering from mild form of infection and the 1I11p01”l11I1E' clinical signs observed were mild rise of body temperature, increase respiratory and plus rate, weal: ruminal contraction and generalized weakness. Palcness and iteration of mucous membrane, loss appetite, nasal and ocular discharge, coughing, salivation, atarcp, constipation, diarrhea, and rccumbancy. Statistical analysis showc increase (P<0.01) in body temperature, respiratory and pulsera wlflc nigrrificant decrease (P<0.01) in ruminal contraction We. observed. Parasiteamia in infected animals ranged from 1.3- 5.2%. Values of red blood cell, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were significantly low (P<0.01). Total leulcocyric and neutrophils count was significantly increase (P<0.0l). and (P<0.05) respectively. Blood indices values showed a significant increase in (MCHC) (P<0.0l) while (MCV) values showed no difference, reticulocytes were also present mildly biochemical changes indicated higher levels of AST. Total bilirubin (P<0.01). Total protein concentration was less (P<0.01) and no difference was observed inALT and blood urea nitrogen levels between infected and control animals.

Trypanosoma evansi as a Cause of Ocular Disorders in Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the United Arab Emirates: A Clinical Report

Ocular disorders characterised by corneal opacity, hyperaemia, oedema, excessive lacrimation and ocular discharges were detected in 4 female dromedary camels naturally infected with the Trypanosoma evansi in the dairy camel farm in the United Arab Emirates. Animals with ocular lesions also showed clinical signs of emaciation, pyrexia, anorexia, ataxia and decreased milk yield. T. evansi antibodies were detected in the serum of affected animals by card agglutination trypanosomosis test (CATT/ T. evansi) and by the enzyme - Linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The presence of the parasite in the blood was confirmed in one animal by the use of the haematocrit technique.

Infectious rate of ocular discharges in patients with approved COVID-19 respiratory infection.

ABSTRACTBackground:Since the relation between ocular manifestation and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been not elucidated well, thus this study was performed to assess the transmission to patients and healthcare providers via ocular secretions, and to decide if there is a link between ocular symptoms and COVID-19.Methods:A total of 101 patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 based on the clinical symptoms, radiological studies and confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and hospitalized in Corona ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ardabil from April 15, 2020 to September 15, 2020. Ocular examination was done and patients’ demographical data and ocular symptoms were recorded. Also, ocular secretion specimens were obtained to evaluate the COVID-19 RT-PCR test to detect the virus in ocular secretion specimen.Results:In this study, we observed that 15.8% of patients had positive RT-PCR test for COVID-19 in their ocular secretion specimens. In addition, we showed that there is no difference between male and female as well as age in patients with positive RT-PCR and negative tests obtained from ocular secretion. In addition, we observed that 27 patients (26.7%) were symptomatic patients for ocular manifestations including conjunctivitis, epiphora, injection, discharge, etc., but only 2 patients (1.98%) had follicular conjunctivitis during examination. Besides, nonsymptomatic patients (for ocular manifestations) had significant lower rate of positive RT-PCR test from their ocular secretion.Conclusion:This study showed that ocular secretion might be a source of COVID-19 infection even in nonsymptomatic patients. Thus, self-protection from ocular secretion should be observed by ophthalmologists from all patients (even nonsymptomatic patients).

Diagnostic study of trypanosomiasis of cats in Mosul, Iraq.

Trypanosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease endemic in Iraq but with limited information about its occurrence in cats. This study was designed to detect Trypanosoma spp. in cats using microscopic examination by Giemsa stain and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in Mosul, Iraq. A total of 120 blood samples from cats were microscopically examined using Giemsa stain. Only 35 positive blood samples were examined by the conventional PCR technique. Hematological changes were also reported. The infection rate of Trypanosoma spp. was 34.2% (41 out of 120). Results of conventional PCR technique for the positive 35 blood samples indicated 31.4% as Trypanosoma spp. and 20% Trypanosoma evansi. This study showed that the infection in younger cats was significantly more than in older cats, with significant differences between females and males. Affected cats suffered from fever, dullness, pale mucous membranes, emaciation, muco-purulent ocular discharge, anorexia, incoordination, and anemia. Results of the blood picture indicated increase in total leukocyte count and decrease in hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and total red blood cells. Trypanosoma spp. and T. evansi infection in Mosul of Iraq is reported for the first time in cats, and younger cats were more affected than older cats.

Prevalence of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction and its related risk factors among newborns

Introduction: Lacrimal drainage system disorders are among the most common ocular disorders faced by physicians. The prevalence of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is different in various studies, and the role of such factors as maternal and neonatal demographic characteristics have not been completely investigated in CNLDO. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of CNLDO and its related factors in newborns in Sabzevar. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 541 newborns in Shahidan Mobini hospital, Sabzevar, Iran from January to February 2015 after obtaining informed consent from their parents. Data were collected by interviewing mothers, filling out checklists, and physical examination of the newborns. Data analysis was carried out in Stata software using a logistic regression test at a 95% confidence interval. Results: The prevalence of CNLDO was 22.6%. Purulent ocular discharge was the most common symptom (16.82%). There was a significant relationship between the neonate’s head circumference and the incidence of CNLDO (P= 0.01); nonetheless, CNLDO in the newborns showed no significant association with weight, height, and Apgar score (P>0.05). Conclusion: Considering the significant prevalence of CNLDO in preterm and term neonates, as well as its variable prevalence rates reported in different studies and the absence of overlapping of various risk factors of such disorder, it is recommended to carry out more thorough studies from birth to 1 year of age.

Status of active trachoma infection among school children who live in villages of open field defecation: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough many efforts are made by different stakeholders, magnitude of active trachoma remains high among children in Ethiopia. Open field defecation was found to be the main source of active trachoma. However, comparative information on the effect of open field defecation and non-open field defecation on active trachoma is scarce in Ethiopia.MethodsComparative community based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1–30, 2019 in Boricha and Dale districts to assess prevalence of active trachoma among primary school children. We have selected four primary schools purposively from two districts in Sidama. Study participants were selected by using simpe random sampling method. Data were collected through face to face interview, direct observation and ophthalmic examination. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with active trachoma infection among primary school children. Adjusted Odds Ratios with 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05 were computed to determine the level of significance.ResultFrom the total of 746 study participants, only 701 study participants gave full response for interview questions making a response rate of 94%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma infection was 17.5% (95% CI, 14.1–20.8) among primary school students. Specifically, prevalence of active trachoma infection was 67.5% among children who lived in open field defecation villages, but it was 88.5% among school children who live in Non-ODF Kebeles. Factors like: Living in open field defecation Kebeles (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI, 1.5–4.1), having ocular discharge (AOR = 5.715, 95% CI, 3.4–9.4), having nasal discharge (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI, 1.06–3.39), and fly on the face (AOR = 6.47, 95% CI, 3.36–12.44) of children were positively associated with active trachoma infection. However, finger cleanness (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI, 0.21–0.9) was protective factor against active trachoma infection in this study.ConclusionSignificant variation in prevalence of active trachoma infection among school children between open filed and non-open field defecation Kebeles was observed. Surprisingly, the prevalence in open field defecation was significantly lower than non-open field defecation. Hence, this indicates active trachoma infection highly depends on the hand hygiene than environmental sanitation. Educational campaign of hand hygiene should be enhanced in the community for school students.

Changes in tail posture detected by a 3D machine vision system are associated with injury from damaging behaviours and ill health on commercial pig farms.

To establish whether pig tail posture is affected by injuries and ill health, a machine vision system using 3D cameras to measure tail angle was used. Camera data from 1692 pigs in 41 production batches of 42.4 (±16.6) days in length over 17 months at seven diverse grower/finisher commercial pig farms, was validated by visiting farms every 14(±10) days to score injury and ill health. Linear modelling of tail posture found considerable farm and batch effects. The percentage of tails held low (0°) or mid (1–45°) decreased over time from 54.9% and 23.8% respectively by -0.16 and -0.05%/day, while tails high (45–90°) increased from 21.5% by 0.20%/day. Although 22% of scored pigs had scratched tails, severe tail biting was rare; only 6% had tail wounds and 5% partial tail loss. Adding tail injury to models showed associations with tail posture: overall tail injury, worsening tail injury, and tail loss were associated with more pigs detected with low tail posture and fewer with high tails. Minor tail injuries and tail swelling were also associated with altered tail posture. Unexpectedly, other health and injury scores had a larger effect on tail posture- more low tails were observed when a greater proportion of pigs in a pen were scored with lameness or lesions caused by social aggression. Ear injuries were linked with reduced high tails. These findings are consistent with the idea that low tail posture could be a general indicator of poor welfare. However, effects of flank biting and ocular discharge on tail posture were not consistent with this. Our results show for the first time that perturbations in the normal time trends of tail posture are associated with tail biting and other signs of adverse health/welfare at diverse commercial farms, forming the basis for a decision support system.

Feasibility and Reliability of the AWIN Welfare Assessment Protocol for Dairy Goats in Semi-extensive Farming Conditions.

The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and reliability of the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocol for welfare assessment of dairy goats when applied to semi-extensive farming conditions. We recruited 13 farms located in the NW Italian Alps where three assessors individually and independently applied a modified version of the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for goats integrated with some indicators derived from the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for sheep. The applied protocol consisted of nine individual-level (body condition score, hair coat condition, abscesses, overgrown claws, udder asymmetry, fecal soiling, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, and improper disbudding) and seven group-level (severe lameness, Qualitative Behavior Assessment-QBA, thermal stress, oblivion, Familiar Human Approach Test-FHAT, synchrony at grazing, synchrony at resting) animal-based indicators. On most farms, the level of welfare was good. Many of the considered welfare problems (overgrown claws, fecal soiling, discharges, and thermal stress) were never recorded. However, oblivion, severe lameness, hair coat condition and abscesses were detected on some farms, with percentages ranging from 5 to 35%. The mean percentage of animals with normal body condition was 67.9 ± 5.7. The level of synchronization during resting was on average low (14.3 ± 7.2%). The application of the whole protocol required more than 4 h/farm and 3 min/goat. The inter-observer reliability varied from excellent (udder asymmetry, overgrown claws, discharges, synchrony at resting, use of shelter) to acceptable (abscesses, fecal soiling, and oblivion), but insufficient for hair coat condition, improper disbudding, synchrony at grazing, QBA. Differences in background of the assessors and feasibility constraints (i.e., use of binoculars in unfenced pastures, individual-level assessment conducted during the morning milking in narrow and dark pens, difficulties when using the scan and instantaneous sampling method due to the high number of animals that moved at the same time) can affect the reliability of data collection. Extensive training seems necessary for properly scoring animals when applying the QBA, whereas the FHAT to evaluate the Human-Animal Relationship of goats at pasture seems promising but needs to be validated. Indicators that evaluate the synchrony of activities require to be validated to identify the best moment to perform the observations during the day.

Analysis of listeriosis infection cases during pregnancy among 70 131 deliveries.

To provide evidence for the diagnosis of listeriosis through a retrospective study of clinical features and results of pregnant women infected with listeriosis. Twenty-nine pregnant women infected with listeriosis visiting West China Second University Hospital affiliated to Sichuan University from July 2010 to February 2019 were included in the retrospective analysis. Data like general information, clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and pathogen detection were analyzed to conclude clinical characteristics. The median age of 29 patients was 28 (18.0-42.0). Nine individuals visited in the second trimester, while 20 in the last trimester. The median course before visiting was 3.4 (0.1-19) days. The main symptoms of the first attendance were fever (21/29), increased white blood cells (26/29), abdominal pain (16/29), and decreased or vanished fetal movements (7/29). Samples where listeria were identified were maternal blood (14 cases), excreta from birth canal (24 cases), placenta (one case), newborn blood (seven cases), newborn sputum (eight cases), newborn excreta from auditory meatus (three cases), cerebrospinal fluid (two cases) and ocular discharge (one case). Inflammation was detected in pathological examination of placenta in all subjects. Among them, three were diagnosed with mild chorioamnionitis; five with moderate chorioamnionitis; nine with moderate-to-severe chorioamnionitis and 12 with severe chorioamnionitis. Among 33 fetuses carried by 29 subjects, fetal outcomes include six miscarriages, nine stillbirths, four newborn deaths immediately after birth and four after treatment discontinuation, nine discharges after successful treatment in hospital, and one death after treatment. As for maternal outcomes, 29 pregnant women all recovered after delivery. With the acute onset, high incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and low coverage of initial treatment, clinical physicians need to raise the awareness of listeriosis during pregnancy.

Uveal Malignant Melanoma in a Hybrid Macaw Parrot (Ara chloropterus × Ara militaris).

An adult male green-winged (Ara chloropterus) × military (Ara militaris) hybrid macaw of unknown age was presented to the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for evaluation of left periocular swelling, blepharospasm, and ocular discharge. Complete ophthalmic examination and B mode ocular ultrasonography were performed to evaluate the affected eye. Ocular examination revealed a blind left globe with exophthalmos, periocular swelling, diffuse corneal edema, and severe anterior fibrinous uveitis obscuring visualization of the intraocular structures. An ultrasound examination revealed a hyperechoic mass that filled the posterior segment of the globe. Focal discontinuity of the posterior sclera suggested scleral rupture. Enucleation with histopathology was recommended and performed 1.5 months later. Intraoperatively, a heavily pigmented and friable soft tissue mass extruded through the posterior sclera and extended into the orbit. Histologically, the mass was consistent with a malignant melanoma. The patient died 18 hours after the surgical procedure because of unknown complications. Postmortem examination did not identify evidence of metastasis. This study described the clinical appearance and histopathologic findings of a rare ocular neoplasm with extrascleral extension in a hybrid macaw. Although uncommon in psittacine birds, primary ocular melanocytic neoplasms may display features of malignancy with scleral or orbital invasion, or both.

Corneal stromal abscess and anterior uveitis in a pet goat

A 3-year-old non-lactating pet goat was referred to our clinic due to advanced ocular lesions and blindness of the left eye (Figure 1). According to the case history, two weeks ago, a grass awn penetrated and injured the eye. The awn was removed by the owner immediately. The following day, the goat had serous ocular discharge and photophobia and was referred to a private veterinarian. The veterinarian did not find any remaining piece of the awn and prescribed tetracaine eye drops to be administered twice a day for the next 4 days. The treatment was not successful and the eye’s condition deteriorated the following days.

Risk factors for morbidity in 1- to 9-day-old dairy calves following caustic paste disbudding

Calfhood morbidity is an important issue on commercial dairy operations, with substantial production and welfare impacts. The objective of this observational study was to evaluate potential risk factors for morbidity, including disbudding, disbudding pain control, serum total protein (STP) concentrations, and haptoglobin concentrations in young dairy calves. A total of 140 heifer calves from a commercial dairy farm in southwestern Ontario, Canada, were enrolled at 1 to 9 d of age and followed for 1 wk. Calves were scored at enrollment for several health parameters using a scale from 0 to 3, with 0 representing normal and 3 representing severely abnormal. Calves were only included if they were considered healthy enough to participate using cut points of <3 for rectal temperature and fecal score; ≤2 for nasal discharge, ocular discharge, and cough score; and 1 for ear position, navel score, and joint score. To ensure that only calves that were considered healthy on the baseline day were included, 17 calves were excluded from analysis, resulting in a total of 123 calves. These calves were a part of a disbudding trial, with 100 disbudded using a commercial caustic paste and 23 sham disbudded with a placebo paste. The disbudding paste (commercial or sham) was applied to calves on enrollment day (baseline) with health scoring at baseline and 3 and 7 d later. The following health outcomes were analyzed: diarrhea (a fecal consistency score of ≥2), respiratory disease (a total respiratory score of ≥5), and general sickness [suffering from either diarrhea, respiratory disease, or a navel or joint infection (joint or navel score of ≥2)]. The following variables were assessed for association with the outcomes: STP, inadequate transfer of passive immunity (<5.2 g/dL STP), pain control treatment for disbudding (lidocaine nerve block alone, meloxicam alone, lidocaine nerve block and meloxicam, no pain control, sham), disbudding (disbudded or sham), and haptoglobin concentrations (taken on the baseline day, +3 d and +7 d). We did not detect any relationship between the development of a health outcome of interest (diarrhea, respiratory, or sick) and disbudding or pain control on any of the days following disbudding. However, for every 1 g/dL increase in STP concentration, calves had 0.24 and 0.33 times the odds of suffering from diarrhea or any sickness event, respectively, 3 d after disbudding. At 3 d after disbudding, for every 0.1 mg/mL increase in haptoglobin concentration on that day, calves had 1.34 and 1.20 times the odds of having diarrhea or a general sickness, respectively. These findings suggest that disbudding itself or the pain control method does not appear to influence health after the procedure when healthy calves are disbudded. Calves developing an illness 3 d after disbudding were more likely to have had lower STP concentrations and increased haptoglobin concentrations.

Periorbital Mass in a 2-month-old Girl.

Periorbital Mass in a 2-month-old Girl.

Metaphyseal Osteopathy in a Caucasian Shepherd Crossbred Dog

A six-month old, 24 kg, intact male Caucasian Shepherd crossbred dog was presented at the Sokoine University of Agriculture Teaching Animal Hospital with a history of difficulty standing and walking, and bilateral swelling of the distal antebrachial and crural metaphyeal region. The owner also reported prior calcium supplementation in form of dietary tablets. Upon physical examination; the animal was lethargic with fever, bilateral ocular discharge, tachypnea and reduced appetite. Hard painful bilateral swelling of the distal antebrachial and crural metaphyseal region was observed. Differential cell count showed neutrophilia and monocytosis. Sclerosis and paracortical cuffing of the distal antebrachial and crural metaphyseal region were seen on radiographic examination. Similar changes were also visualised in the proximal crural metaphyseal region. Further, cranial bowing of the radius with lateral deviation of the foot (carpal valgus) were also observed. Metaphyseal osteopathy was diagnosed based on the history, clinical and radiographic findings. The exact cause of metaphyseal osteopathy is unknown, however there have been reports linking it to breed predisposition and mineral over supplementation. Administration of corticosteroids and supportive care are recommended in dogs with metaphyseal osteopathy. However, a bony change that is paracortical cuffing requires several months for resorption.

Evaluation of inter-rater agreement of the clinical signs used to diagnose bovine respiratory disease in individually housed veal calves

In dairy calves raised for veal, typical clinical signs of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) are ocular discharge, nasal discharge, ear droop or head tilt, abnormal respiration, cough, and increased rectal temperature. Despite the existence of several clinical scoring systems, there are few studies on the variability of human recognition of individual BRD clinical signs. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the inter-rater agreement of BRD clinical signs in veal calves. We hypothesized that BRD clinical signs were not detected equally between veterinarians, technicians, and producers of the veal industry and that some clinical signs have higher inter-rater agreement than others. During 2017-2018, we prospectively recorded 524 videos of physical examinations of random veal calves from 48 different batches in Québec, Canada. A researcher, not involved in the inter-rater assessment, classified each video as presence/absence of each BRD clinical sign except rectal temperature. For each of the 5 clinical signs, 15 videos with and 15 videos without the clinical signs were randomly selected to avoid kappa paradoxes. Those 30 videos were then presented in a random order to experienced raters of BRD in veal calves: 6 veterinarians, 6 technicians, and 6 producers. The raters assessed the clinical signs using scores based on the Wisconsin and California scoring system with modifications (0 = absent, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe for nasal discharge, ocular discharge, and ear droop or head tilt; and 0 = absent, 1 = moderate, 2 = severe for abnormal respiration and induced cough). We used median percentage agreement (Pa), median Cohen's kappa (κ), and Gwet's agreement coefficient 1 (AC1) to assess inter-rater agreement. The effect of scale combination was also tested to determine the optimal combination (4-scale 0/1/2/3 vs. 3-scale 0/1/2 vs. 2-scale 0/1,2,3; 0,1/2,3; or 0/1,2). The differences of inter-rater agreement between veterinarians, technicians, and producers were estimated by a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The 2-scale combination (0,1/2,3 or 0/1,2) had the highest inter-rater agreement for all clinical signs. With this combination, induced cough was the clinical sign with the highest inter-rater agreement (Pa = 0.93; κ = 0.79; AC1 = 0.87) and abnormal respiration was the sign with the lowest inter-rater agreement (Pa = 0.77; κ = 0.20; AC1 = 0.74). According to Pa and AC1 values, the 2-scale inter-rater agreement of the 5 clinical signs was good (value > 0.6). According to κ, only ear droop or head tilt and induced cough had a substantial 2-scale inter-rater agreement (κ > 0.6). In general, the 2-scale inter-rater agreement was better among veterinarians than among technicians and producers, except for the ear droop/head tilt, where agreement was better among producers. We concluded that with severity scores assessed on a scale of 2 (0,1/2,3 or 0/1,2), the inter-rater agreement of BRD clinical signs was variable according to the sign in veal calves. BRD clinical signs were not detected equally between veterinarians, technicians, and producers of the veal industry. Future research could determine if this discrepancy could be improved by standardization training.

Photo Quiz: A 45-Year-Old Man with Acute Unilateral Eye Pain.

A 45-year-old immunocompetent man presented at the emergency unit of the Sainte-Anne hospital in Toulon (south of France) after 3 h of left-eye pain. He did not describe ocular discharge. He had no specific medical or travel history. He experienced sudden ocular pain with foreign-body sensation while moving out the garbage. The clinical examination showed a red and painful eye without photophobia. Ophthalmologic examination with a slit lamp revealed four foreign bodies, 1 mm long, fleeing light and moving on the lower palpebral conjunctiva to the fornix. Hyperhemia was observed on the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva. Fluorescein examination did not indicate corneal keratitis. The anterior chamber showed no deposit or hemorrhage, and iris was normal. After local application of oxybuprovacaine, 4 foreign bodies were removed by physiological saline irrigation and sent to the microbiology laboratory for identification. The obtained elements had a pearly white aspect and were motile. Microscopic examination revealed that these elements were covered with spines (Fig. 1A) and possessed hooks and spines in the extremities (Fig. 1B and C).

Spontaneous subconjunctival and retinal hemorrhage in acute on chronic liver failure: A case report and brief review of the literature

A 48-year-old male with a history of significant alcohol consumption (120 gm per day for six years) and a recent binge presented with jaundice for one month followed by abdominal distention for ten days. At presentation, he was normotensive (BP 110/70 mmHg), had tachycardia (HR 122/min), and maintained saturation at room air (Sp02 98%). Physical examination was remarkable for scleral icterus, palmar erythema, enlarged liver (span 14 cm), and free fluid in the abdomen. Laboratory investigations revealed anemia (Hemoglobin 10.1 gm%), leucocytosis (White blood cell count 17000/mm3), thrombocytopenia (Platelet count 90 X 103)/mm3), deranged liver function tests (Total bilirubin 9.5 gm/dl, Alanine Transaminase 52 U/L, Aspartate Transaminase (112 U/L), and coagulopathy (International normalized ratio 2.2, Prothrombin time 20 sec). A provisional diagnosis of Acute on Chronic Live Failure (ACLF) with severe alcoholic hepatitis as the precipitating event was made. The patient was started on standard therapy with nutritional supplementation, diuretics, laxatives. On day 4 of admission, the patient developed bilateral red-eye. There was no history of any diminution of vision, double diplopia, ocular discharge, orbital pain, antecedent trauma, cough, or any interventional procedure. Vision, pupillary reflexes, intraocular pressure as well as range of extraocular movements were normal.

Long-Term Safety and Tolerability of BMP7 and HGF Gene Overexpression in Rabbit Cornea.

PurposeTissue-targeted localized BMP7+HGF genes delivered into the stroma via nanoparticle effectively treats corneal fibrosis and rehabilitates transparency in vivo without acute toxicity. This study evaluated the long-term safety and tolerability of BMP7+HGF nanomedicine for the eye in vivo.MethodsOne eye each of 36 rabbits received balanced salt solution (group 1, naïve; n = 12), naked vector with polyethylenimine-conjugated gold nanoparticles (PEI2-GNP; group 2, naked-vector; n = 12), or BMP7+HGF genes with PEI2-GNP (group 3, BMP7+HGF; n = 12) via a topical delivery technique. Safety and tolerability measurements were performed by clinical biomicroscopy in live rabbits at predetermined time intervals up to 7 months. Corneal tissues were collected at 2 months and 7 months after treatment and subjected to histology, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR analyses.ResultsClinical ophthalmic examinations and modified MacDonald–Shadduck scores showed no significant changes in corneal thickness (P = 0.3389), tear flow (P = 0.2121), intraocular pressure (P = 0.9958), epithelial abrasion, or ocular abnormality. Slit-lamp, stereo, confocal, and specular biomicroscopy showed no signs of blepharospasm chemosis, erythema, epiphora, abnormal ocular discharge, or changes in epithelium, stroma, and endothelium after BMP7+HGF therapy for up to 7 months, as compared with control groups. Throughout the 7-month period, no significant changes were recorded in endothelial density (P = 0.9581). Histological and molecular data were well corroborated with the subjective clinical analyses and showed no differences in the naïve, naked-vector, and BMP7+HGF groups.ConclusionsLocalized BMP7+HGF therapy is a safe, tolerable, and innovative modality for the treatment of corneal fibrosis.Translational RelevanceNanoparticle-mediated BMP7+HGF combination gene therapy has the potential to treat corneal fibrosis in vivo without short- or long-term toxicity.

Erratum: Investigation of Feline calicivirus infection in cats with upper respiratory tract disease in Diyarbakir, Turkey

Feline calicivirus is among the most common pathogenic microorganisms in upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) and oral lesions of cats. It leads to stomatitis, oral ulceration, ocular and nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, fever, lameness, anorexia, hypersalivation, pneumonia, respiratory distress, coughing, and depression in infected cats. This study aimed to determine the role of Feline calicivirus (FCV) in cats with the upper respiratory tract disease in the Diyarbakir region, Turkey, to provide treatment for infected cats and contribute to the disease prophylaxis. The study material consisted of 10 cats (control group) considered to be healthy according to the clinical examination and 20 cats with URTD that were not vaccinated against Feline calicivirus infection of different breeds, ages, and genders brought to Dicle University Veterinary Faculty Prof. Dr. Servet SEKIN Polyclinic with URTD. After routine clinical examinations of the animals, oral and conjunctival swabs and blood samples were taken. Hematological and biochemical analyzes of blood samples were performed. Swab samples were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the diagnosis of the agent. Oral lesions, hypersalivation, ocular and nasal discharge, coughing, and breathing difficulties were seen in clinical examinations of cats with URTD. Feline calicivirus was detected in only one cat's conjunctival swab sample in PCR analyses. As a result, we found that Feline calicivirus infection was present in cats with URTD in the Diyarbakir region, and 5% positivity was found in cats with clinical symptoms according to PCR analysis.