Ocular Secretion Research Articles

Efficacy of RCI001 as a Therapeutic Candidate in a Primary Sjögren Syndrome Mouse Model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of RCI001 (RCI) in a mouse model of primary Sjögren syndrome. Eight 12-week-old NOD.B10-H2b mice were used in this study. All experimental animals were randomly divided into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and RCI groups in NOD.B10-H2b mice. The eyes of mice were topically treated with PBS or RCI twice a day for a week. Ocular surface staining (OSS) and tear secretion were compared between before and after treatment. The transcript levels of inflammatory cytokines and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) in the conjunctiva and cornea (CC) and lacrimal gland were assayed. In addition, immunofluorescence staining of the conjunctiva was assessed. The RCI group showed significant clinical improvement in OSS and tear secretion after 1 week of treatment compared with the baseline (both P < 0.001) and showed better improvement in OSS and tear secretion than the PBS group after 1 week of treatment (both P < 0.05). The levels of IL-1β and IL-17 in CC and IL-6 in the lacrimal gland were also significantly reduced in the RCI group compared with the PBS group (each P < 0.05). Transcript levels of NOX2 and NOX4 were also significantly reduced in CC of the RCI group compared with those of the PBS group (P < 0.05). The RCI group also resulted in lower conjunctival expression of oxidative stress markers (4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, hexanoyl-lysine, and NOX4) than the PBS group. Topical RCI001 demonstrated excellent therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of primary Sjögren syndrome by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress.

Long-Term Corneal Endothelial Parameters of COVID-19 Patients With Ocular Surface Symptoms.

This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 on corneal endothelial cell morphology in patients with ocular symptoms to assess possible corneal involvement in patients who recovered. The COVID-19 group included patients diagnosed and treated at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and ocular irritation symptoms. The control group was comprised of age- and sex-matched individuals. The controls had no ocular pathologies. Noncontact specular microscopy (Konan Cell Check SL, Hyogo, Japan) was performed using the center method after 156 ± 16 days of COVID-19 diagnosis. Parameters such as endothelial cell density (ECD), hexagonality (HEX), coefficient of variation, and central corneal thickness were analyzed. Specular microscopy results of 54 COVID-19 patients with ocular irritation symptoms and 72 controls were evaluated. Ocular symptoms in COVID-19 patients included conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, tearing, ocular secretion, and chemosis. Mean (±SD) ECD was 2770 ± 31 (cells/mm 2 ) in the COVID-19 group and 2897 ± 26 in the control group, and mean (±SD) HEX was 46.52 ± 6.38 in the COVID-19 group and 58.22 ± 13.94 in the control group. COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly lower endothelial ECD and HEX levels than controls ( P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). Coefficient of variation and central corneal thickness analyses did not reach statistical significance. COVID-19 can cause long-term alterations in the corneal endothelial cells, leading to decreased ECD and HEX. Future research should focus on the long-term implications of COVID-19 on the corneal health and visual outcomes.

Effect of Mingmu nourishing cream on asthenopia

Purpose: To assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Mingmu nourishing cream in asthenopia. &#x0D; Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed data from 124 patients who were treated for asthenopia in the Affiliated Hospital of Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China from January 2015 to January 2018. Patients were divided into control group (n = 63; received conventional eye drops) and study group (n = 61; received Mingmu nourishing cream in addition to control group treatment). The ocular symptom scores and tear secretion test (Schirmer's I test (SIT)) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Furthermore, the clinical efficacy of Mingmu nourishing cream in the treatment of asthenopia was evaluated. &#x0D; Results: The differences in SIT, conjunctival congestion classification and ocular symptoms between the two groups after treatment were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the rate of total therapeutic efficacy in the study group was 86.9 % (53/61), which was significantly higher than the control group (p &lt; 0.05). &#x0D; Conclusion: Mingmu nourishing cream significantly improves symptoms and exhibits favourable tolerability profile. Multi-center large sample study is needed for further verifications of the findings of this study.

Unraveling the conjunctivitis crisis: understanding the spiking incidence in Karachi and Lahore-Pakistan

Conjunctivitis is a contagious viral ocular disease that has increased highly in the different areas of Pakistan. Public health data confirmed 86 133 cases in September 2023, which crossed previous any other records. It is confirmed that this infection affects people of all ages, including adults and children frequently. Different clinical symptoms such as painful eyes, redness, inflammation, and augmenting tearing are observed. This infection is responsible for blindness. The transmission of ocular secretion spreads this infectious disease from an infected person to others by contact. In addition current year, less precipitation in Pakistan has impaired the air quality. Temperature, humidity, poor sanitation, polluted air, and other environmental factors are also related to the increase of the disease. This short article aims to present an overview of the rising incidence of conjunctivitis, its probable causes, signs, and symptoms, as well as potential treatments. Using saline for flushing eyes or eye drops is recommended by the Ophthalmologist. A few suggestions such as staying at home, avoiding allergens and contact lenses, washing eyes carefully, and using clean clothes need to be followed for this infection. Multiple immediate action steps are required to prevent and control including heightened public awareness.

The epidemiology and the pathogen distribution of pediatric dacryocystitis in Chinese population 2017–2022

BackgroundDacryocystitis is a common disease in pediatric ophthalmology. Analysis of basic information, flora distribution, and characteristics of information on drug-resistant bacteria in children with dacryocystitis for 6 years, providing evidence for ophthalmologic infection prevention and clinical management strategies.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the demographics of dacryocystitis in children and microbiological characteristics of secretion cultures, and to analyze the basic information, distribution of pathogenic bacteria, drug resistance, and to plot trendsand distribution pie charts according to the years.ResultsThis study recruited 5791 specimens. Decreased incidence of dacryocystitis from 2020 to 2022 (including the COVID-19 pandemic). The age of highest incidence of dacryocystitis is infancy, followed by the neonatal period, and the incidence decreased with age. Streptococcus pneumoniae had the highest percentage in 2017, and the overall trend was decreasing, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001); Streptococcus mitis showed an overall increasing trend, with the highest incidence in 2022 and the lowest in 2017, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001); Haemophilus influenzae was the most common gram-negative bacteria with an overall decreasing trend (p < 0.001); The incidence of Catamoeba and Stenotrophomonas varied from year to year, with statistically significant differences (p = 0.010, p = 0.033, respectively). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) had the lowest incidence in 2017 and 2022 the highest incidence in 2022, with a statistically significant difference in incidence between years (p = 0.003); β-lactamase-positive was the most common type of resistance, and MRSA was the second, with statistically significant differences between years (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common etiologic agent of dacryocystitis in all age groups.ConclusionsDacryocystitis in children is significantly associated with age characteristics and infection-related pathogens, and infection prevention and control can help reduce the infection of related pathogens and the increase of new drug-resistant strains. Close monitoring of changes in pathogen distribution in ocular secretion cultures can help in early intervention and treatment of infectious dacryocystitis.

Ophthalmomyiasis Externa and Importance of Risk Factors, Clinical Manifestations, and Diagnosis: Review of the Medical Literature.

This review aims to describe and compare the risk factors, clinical course, diagnosis, and parasitologic features of external ophthalmomyiasis. We also discuss the different preventive measures and the effect of global warming in a large case series reported from January 2000 to December 2022. We perform a literature review of reported cases of external ophthalmomyiasis to determine the clinical characteristics, therapeutic management, and information on the organisms that most commonly cause external ophthalmomyiasis. A total of 312 cases of external ophthalmomyiasis were recorded. The most common causative organism was Oestrus ovis (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Oestridae), accounting for 72.1% of cases, followed by Dermatobia hominis (Linnaeus Jr. in Pallas, 1781) (Diptera: Oestridae) at 5.4%, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at 0.96%, and Chrysomyia bezziana (Villeneuve) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at 0.96%. Before experiencing symptoms, 43.6% of cases reported having direct contact with flies or being hit in the eye, 33% reported no associated risk factors, 9.3% reported living with sheep and goats, and 7.7% reported a history of foreign objects entering the eye. The most common symptoms for those affected by O. ovis were sudden onset, including a foreign body sensation and movement, redness, tearing, itching, swelling, irritation, photophobia, burning, and ocular secretion. In cases caused by D. hominis, symptoms included eyelid edema, pain, redness, itching, movement within the lesion, ocular irritation, and discharge. Regarding occupational or recreational activity, agriculture, and livestock had the highest incidence, followed by trades and technical activities, being a student, and having traveled to an endemic region for work or recreation. Patients with red eyes may suffer from external ophthalmomyiasis, which requires a thorough examination to diagnose and treat it early. Moreover, as the temperature increases due to climate change, it is essential to consider how this will affect the spread of different pathogens.

Microbial distributions in the conjunctiva and lacrimal sacs of patients with chronic dacryocystitis in a tertiary hospital.

The aim was to clarify the distributions of bacteria in the conjunctival sac and lacrimal sac in patients with chronic dacryocystitis. In total, 297 (322 eyes) chronic dacryocystitis patients who underwent nasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) were included. Conjunctival sac secretions from the affected eye were collected preoperatively, and lacrimal sac retention fluid from the affected side in the same patient was collected intraoperatively. Bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing were performed to determine bacterial distributions. In total, 127 bacterial isolates (49 species) were detected in 123 eyes in the conjunctival group, with a positivity rate of 38.2% (123/322); 85 bacterial isolates (30 species) were detected in 85 eyes in the lacrimal sac group, with a positivity rate of 26.4% (85/322). The positivity rates were significantly different (P = 0.001) between two groups. The gram-negative bacilli proportion in the lacrimal sac group (36/85, 42.4%) was significantly higher than that in the conjunctival sac group (37/127, 29.2%) ( P = 0.047). Positive conjunctival sac secretion culture (123/322) was significantly associated with increased ocular secretion (281/322, 87.3%) (P = 0.002). Among the culture-positive bacteria in the conjunctival sac group and the lacrimal sac group, 30/127, 23.6% and 43/127, 26.7% and 21/85, 24.7% and 20/85, 23.5% were resistant to levofloxacin and tobramycin, respectively. This study illustrated differences in bacterial distributions between conjunctival sac secretions and retained lacrimal sac fluid in chronic dacryocystitis patients, with a higher proportion of gram-negative bacilli in lacrimal sac secretions. The ocular surface flora in chronic dacryocystitis patients is partially resistant to levofloxacin and tobramycin, which need to be considered by ophthalmologists.

Development of a multivariable prediction model to identify dairy calves too young to be transported to auction markets in Canada using simple physical examination and body weight

Calves born on Eastern Canadian dairy farms that are not kept in the herds are traditionally sold through auction markets and are raised for meat purposes such as veal calves. Since February 2020, a new Canadian federal regulation has forbidden calves <9 d old to be sold through auction markets. However, in the absence of a real-time birth registry consultation system, it would be of interest to look for predictors that could be associated with age to allow identification of calves too young to be transported. In the current retrospective cross-sectional study, 1,178 calves with a declared birth date (411 calves aged <9 d old; 34.9%) were assessed in 2 large Québec auction sites. Easy-to-record covariates [body weight (BW), breed phenotype, and presence of an umbilical cord remnant] as well as other clinical signs (umbilical swelling, enlargement, umbilical pain, wet umbilicus, skin tent, sunken eyes, ocular and nasal secretion, and hide cleanliness) were assessed. Two logistic regression models using age as a dichotomous dependent variable (<9 d old vs ≥9 d old) were built. The first model (model 1) considered all covariates, which were selected after univariable analyses and a backward stepwise selection process, whereas a more pragmatic model (model 2) only included the 3 easy-to-record variables (i.e., BW, breed, umbilical cord). Both models had similar accuracy to detect calves <9 d old (sensitivity of 38.4 and 37.5%, and specificity of 85.7 and 84.6% for model 1 and 2, respectively). Model 2 was subsequently more specifically studied as it employs a faster and easier assessment. Decision thresholds were tested for their robustness based on misclassification cost term (MCT) analysis with various prevalence of calves <9 d old and various costs of false-negative:false-positive ratio. Despite statistical significance, model accuracy, even if refined with MCT analysis, was limited at the individual level, showing the limits of using physical signs and BW or their combination as a reliable proxy of age. The sensitivity of these models to find calves <9 d old was not to be used for monitoring compliance with the Canadian federal regulation. The relatively high model specificity may help to use this model as a rule-in test (i.e., targeting positive calves for further investigation) rather than a rule-out test (due to its low sensitivity).

Surgical treatment of limbal dermoid: Reports of cases

Ocular dermoid occur in an unusual and sporadic manner, being considered a congenital alteration, characterized by the presence of tissue of ectopic origin in ocular structures. They can develop in several places, including eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea and nictitating membrane. The objective was to report the cases of two dogs referred to the specialized service of veterinary ophthalmology, presenting tearing and ocular secretion secondary to the dermoid in the temporal limbus region, with extension to the cornea or conjunctiva. The dermoid were surgically treated by resection through conjunctivectomy combined with superficial lamellar keratectomy and corneal polishing with a diamond burr. Surgical excision of dermoid was curative.

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).

Feline cutaneous atopic syndrome: Case Report

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory, itchy and chronic disease and is characterized by a predisposition to develop signs of hypersensitivity after repeated exposure to allergens that in most cases are aeroallergens (pollen and mites). Its development is related to the interaction between genetic and environmental factors that promote changes in the skin barrier. This facilitates the transepidermal penetration of allergens, which come into contact with immune cells present in the skin, triggering an immune response by Th2 lymphocytes. These, in turn, stimulate a high production of IgE, which activates mast cells, stimulating the release of chemical mediators, culminating in the inflammatory process characteristic of AD. In this case, a 7-year-old castrated, spayed female cat weighing 3,900 kg was seen. The animal had intense itching and skin lesions since the age of 1.5 years, which were responsive to the steroid, but when weaning was performed, the lesions returned. On physical examination, the animal presented plaque lesions in the abdominal and axillary region and abrasions in the left ear. The animal was initially treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone, which showed good improvement of the symptoms presented, but had some side effects such as diarrhea, sneezing and nasal and ocular secretion and gingival hyperplasia, which were treated with Fanciclovir and azithromycin-based paste. The animal improved its symptoms after the treatment and even after weaning from cyclosporine it remained well and with a good response to the treatment

Effects of Topical Gabapentin on Ocular Pain and Tear Secretion.

Neuropathic ocular pain is a frequent occurrence in medium to severe dry eye disease (DED). Only palliative treatments, such as lubricants and anti-inflammatory drugs, are available to alleviate patients’ discomfort. Anesthetic drugs are not indicated, because they may interfere with the neural feedback between the cornea and the lacrimal gland, impairing tear production and lacrimation. Gabapentin (GBT) is a structural analog of gamma-amino butyric acid that has been used by systemic administration to provide pain relief in glaucomatous patients. We have already shown in a rabbit model system that its topic administration as eye drops has anti-inflammatory properties. We now present data on rabbits’ eyes showing that indeed GBT given topically as eye drops has analgesic but not anesthetic effects. Therefore, opposite to an anesthetic drug such as oxybuprocaine, GBT does not decrease lacrimation, but–unexpectedly–even stimulates it, apparently through the upregulation of acetylcholine and norepinephrine, and by induction of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression in the lacrimal gland. Moreover, data obtained in vitro on a primary human corneal epithelial cell line also show direct induction of AQP5 by GBT. This suggests that corneal cells might also contribute to the lacrimal stimulation promoted by GBT and participate with lacrimal glands in the restoration of the tear film, thus reducing friction on the ocular surface, which is a known trigger of ocular pain. In conclusion, GBT is endowed with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and secretagogue properties, all useful to treat neuropathic pain of the ocular surface, especially in case of DED.

OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID 19) AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN EASTERN INDIA

Background: A Worldwide concern, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which is caused by a novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been also found to be associated with ocular signs and symptoms. Apart from being transmitted among close contacts via respiratory droplets, it is being considered that ocular mucosa, its secretions can also be responsible for transmission. Aims and objectives: To see the different ocular manifestations in patients admitted with COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care hospital along with presence of the virus in ocular secretions. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study on 80 patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection diagnosed by Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive results and followed up during their hospital stay in COVID isolation wards, till discharge or death within a time period from 15th April,2020 to 10th August,2020. Results: Out of the 80 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients studied, 10(12.5%) patients had conjunctival chemosis, 8(10%) patients had conjunctival hyperaemia,12(15%) patients had epiphora and 9(11.25%) patients had increased ocular discharge. 5(6.25%) patients had positive results for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in both conjunctival as well as nasopharyngeal swabs. Conclusion: Ocular involvement can be one of the different systemic involvements of SARS-CoV-2 infection and ocular secretion can be a potential source of transmission of the virus. Hence, ocular protection in the form of spectacles or face shields must be undertaken apart from the other barriers to reduce the possible chances of transmission of the disease.

Ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda (DALK) como tratamento de úlcera estromal profunda em cão: relato de caso

Characterized by the rupture of the corneal epithelium, corneal ulcers threaten ocular integrity, with multifactorial development, such as decreased protection and excessive abrasion applied to the corneal surface. Keratoplasty restores the corneal anatomy, removing the inflamed or infected tissues, in order to promote visual acuity. The technique of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) selectively removes the diseased layers of the cornea, keeping the Descemet membrane and endothelium healthy, reducing the risk of rejection, aimed at tissue recovery. In the present report, a canine, from the Shih Tzu breed, a female, that has not been castrated, 2 years and 6 months old, was treated, she had a history of ocular discomfort and mucous secretion in both eyes. In the ophthalmic examination, keratoconjunctivitis sicca was found in the left eye and ectopic cilia was found in both eyes. With the aid of a fluorescein test, the presence of a deep stromal ulcer affecting the right eye was confirmed. The patient underwent ectopic cilia removal using the wedge resection technique and an allogeneic corneal transplantation using DALK, with only the diseased epithelium and stroma being replaced, reducing the risk of rejection and failures related to surgery. 90 days after the procedure, there was no reaction to the graft, there was complete epithelial repair and maintenance of visual function with slight corneal opacity. &nbsp

High occurrence of felid alphaherpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus in domestic cats from southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) affect cats worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in cats with clinical signs of respiratory, oral and/or ocular disease. Samples were collected from cats cared for in veterinary ambulatory and clinics and submitted to molecular detection and viral isolation. Of the 49 cats evaluated, 45 (92%) were positive for at least one of the viruses; 82% (40/49) were positive for FeHV-1 and 41% (20/49) for FCV. Of these, 31% (15/49) were coinfection cases. For FeHV-1, 45% (18/40) of the cats tested were positive from the collection of eye swab, and the same percentage (9/20) was obtained for the FCV by the oral swab. FeHV-1 and/or FCV were isolated in 35% (17/49) of the samples. The main clinical sign observed was ocular secretion in 71% (35/49) of cats, characterized as mild serous, purulent or serosanguineous, and in some cases associated with ocular injury and marked chemosis. Our findings demonstrate the high occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in domestic cats in southern Brazil and indicate that measures should be implemented to improve the diagnostic, prevention and management against of these important diseases.

Omalizumab: for severe ocular allergy

Identify the efficacy of Omalizumab in severe atopic and vernal ketatoconjunctivitis (AKC e VKC). Four pediatric patients with severe refractory allergic keratoconjunctivits were selected and received Omalizumab 300mg once a month for at least 6 months. Ocular symptoms need for medication and use of topical steroids were analyzed before and after the treatment. −Patient 1: Severe AKC, IgE of > 2000 UI/mL and skin prick test for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus(Dp) 7x7mm wheal. Improve of pruritus and conjunctival hyperemia after the first dose of Omalizumab; however, after the 2nd dose there was worsening of the pruritus and increased ocular secretion. After the 6thdose the drug was discontinued for treatment failure.−Patient 2: Had increase intraocular pressure due to chronic use of topical steroids; IgE of 488UI/mL and no sensitization to any aeroallergns. The VKC symptoms of pruritus, lacrimation, photophobia and conjuctival hyperemia improved after the first dose, and he remained asymptomatic thereafter up to one year.−Patient 3: Showed significant improvement of symptoms and resolution of corneal ulcers. After 3-month ocular symptoms of AKC returned. The treatment was discontinued after 6 months. Serum IgE of 996 UI/mL and 8x8mm wheal in skin prick test for Dp.−Patient 4: Showed no improvement of AKC after 6 doses of Omalizumab 300mg, and after 6 months, the treatment was discontinued. Serum IgE 171 UI/mL and skin prick test positive for Dp (8x8mm) and Blomia(4x4mm). Omalizumab should be tried as a therapy for severe and refractory conjunctivitis. Of the 4 patients evaluated, one VKC presented complete response to the treatment, two had partial remission of symptoms, and one AKC did not remit with omalizumab. The best patient profile and treatment regimen are yet to be determined. Controlled studies are needed in the future.

Effects of 2% Dorzolamide Hydrochloride and 0.005% Latanoprost Solutions on the Eye Surface of Rabbits

Background: The glaucoma is a progressive optical neuropathy generally associated to the increase of the intraocular pressure (IOP). It is a disease of difficult therapeutic conduct and potential cause of blindness. The dorzolamide at 2% and the latanoprost at 0.005% are topical antiglaucoma drugs that cause significant reduction of the IOP. We decided to evaluate the local adverse effects of the dorzolamide at 2% and of the latanoprost at 0.005% in rabbits treated during 120 days.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Eighteen adult male rabbits were used in this study. They were randomly distributed into 3 groups (G) [n = 6]. Each animal received topical treatment in both eyes: GI (latanoprost at 0.005%, SID); GII (dorzolamide at 2%, TID) and GIII (ultra-pure water, TID) during 120 days. Ophthalmological evaluation was carried out through daily clinical examination, and at the end of the 120 days of treatment, it was verified clinical-ophthalmological alterations in the eyelids. The measurement of ECC was performed in triplicate, obtaining the lowest value among them as a result. They were carried out at the same time, in the morning between 9 and 10 am in order to avoid the effects of daytime ECC variation related to corneal hydration. In animals from group I, changes were observed in two eyes. Conjunctival hyperemia and ocular secretion, both in mild degree, were evidenced, respectively, in 13.75% and 9.1% of the observations. Conjunctival hyperemia was characterized from the 16th day and lasted until the final time (120 days). The animals from GII, treated with dorzolamide at 2%, presented the highest number of ophthalmological alterations. At the end of the experiment, conjunctival and eyelid changes and presence of ocular secretion, both ranging from mild to moderate, were observed in 60% and 16.32% of eyes, respectively. The animals from control group, GIII, did not present ophthalmological alterations.Discussion: Clinical signs observed in eyes treated with 0.005% latanoprost and 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride demonstrated manifestations of toxicity and / or ocular allergy. The adverse effects described may be related to the preservative of eye drops, benzalkonium chloride, a quaternary ammonia, which demonstrated ocular tissue toxicity, in vivo and in vitro. Benzalkonium chloride present in antiglacomatous drugs can cause conjunctival inflammation affecting the normal immunological functions of the eye. The presence of the preservative mainly justifies the changes found in the group of animals treated with 0.005% latanoprost, considering that the concentration of benzalkonium chloride in this drug is 0.02%, that is, two and a half times greater than of 2% dorzolamide, which is 0.008%. It should be noted that deleterious effects were associated. The other hypothesis associated with the adverse effects observed in the 2% dorzolamide treated group is related to the pH of the drug. This eye drop has a pH of 5.6, while that of 0.005% latanoprost is 6.7. This indicates that 2% dorzolamide may have secondarily induced ocular changes by virtue of its acidic pH. The association of low pH and the presence of benzalkonium chloride in concentration above 0.005% as a preservative of eye drops explains the high percentage of changes observed in this group. When facing the results, one can conclude that the treatment with the latanoprost at 0.005% and dorzolamide at 2% promoted clinical alterations to the eyelids and the conjunctive of rabbits.

Clinical, parasitological, and serological characteristics of toxoplasmosis in felines (Felis catus) infected with isolates i and III of Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, characterized by a clinical or subclinical infection attributed mainly to the isolate of the parasite responsible for the infection. Although domestic felines are considered the only urban hosts of this parasite and, consequently, the animals responsible for perpetuating T. gondii cycle in this environment, there is still a lack of information regarding the potential of different strains/isolates of this parasite and appearance of clinical signs during infection in domestic felines. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, parasitological, and serological characteristics of toxoplasmosis in felines infected with T. gondii isolates type I (RH strain) and III (P strain). Twelve healthy and serologically negative felines were selected for T. gondii (IgG titer &lt; 16). These animals were divided into three experimental groups, GI: (P1, P2, P3, and P4) inoculated with 600 cysts of T. gondii (P strain), GII: (RH1, RH2, RH3, and RH4) inoculated with 2 × 105 tachyzoites (RH strain), and GIII: (C1, C2, C3, and C4) uninoculated. From the seventh day before (day ?7) to the 70th day after inoculation (DAI), the animals were observed daily to verify the occurrence of alterations in the digestive, nervous, locomotor, cardiorespiratory, and urinary systems, as well as skin and appendages. The clinical signs most observed in felines inoculated with T. gondii were apathy, hyporexia, shivering, nasal secretion, ocular secretion, and diarrhea. The results obtained in this study allow inferring that T. gondii isolate type I (RH strain) was more pathogenic to feline species than isolate type III (P strain), although both showed clinical symptomatology in all infected animals.

A New Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical Formulation, Topical Sulglycotide, Enhances the Ocular Mucin Secretion in Desiccation Stress-Mediated Dry Eye Disease.

The aim of this study was the investigation of the effect of sulglycotide (SOS), a polysulfated glycopeptide derived from porcine duodenal mucin, for the treatment of dry eye disease. NOD.B10.H2b mice were exposed to an air draft for 10 days, and, simultaneously, scopolamine hydrobromide was injected subcutaneously. The mice were randomly divided into nine groups as follows: four kinds of SOS formulations and three kinds of commercial medicine. After 10 days of treatment, we estimated the effect of treatment on tear production, epithelium stabilization, mucin secretion, and inflammation. The desiccation stress significantly decreased tear production and corneal epithelium stabilization, as well as markedly decreased the numbers of goblet cells and mucin-stained cells in conjunctiva. However, the topical 4% SOS eye drops markedly increased tear production and corneal stabilization, which recovered to baseline levels. In addition, topical 4% SOS significantly induced an increase in the numbers of goblet cells and the expression of membrane-associated mucins including MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16, as well as the gel-forming mucin, MUC5AC. Furthermore, SOS formulations provided anti-inflammatory improvement in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, we suggest that a new ophthalmic pharmaceutical formulation, topical sulglycotide, enhances the ocular mucin secretion in dry eye disease and can be used as a new ophthalmic pharmaceutical material to treat dry eye disease.

Conjunctival Diphtheria

Three cases of conjunctival diphteria in 3 siblings of one family with the ages of 7 months, 6 and 8 years bad been reported. These children bad never obtained complete D1P immunization, one of them bad been once immunized with D1P.&#x0D; General signs encountered were conjunctival hyperemia, ocular secretion and palpebral edema.&#x0D; A relationship between length of ailment with appearance of clinical symptom and severity of the disease was noted.&#x0D; Myocarditis as a complication was found in one case. Treatment in this series consisted of intravenous anti diphtheria serum (ADS) and intramuscular procain penicillin.