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We investigated the relationship between foveal avascular zone (FAZ)-related parameters, assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and visual field (VF) progression in early-stage open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with central visual field (CVF) defects. Early-stage glaucoma eyes [VF mean deviation (MD) ≥ − 6 dB] with CVF defects were included. The rates of longitudinal change in FAZ-related parameters and structural parameters were evaluated and compared between VF progressors and non-progressors, using linear mixed effects models. Cox proportional hazards model and linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with VF progression, the VF MD reduction rate and the change rate of mean total deviation in central 12 VF points (MTD10). A total of 131 eyes were included and VF progression was detected in 32 eyes (24.4%) during 3.45 years of follow-up. The rates of reduction in vessel density in the 300 µm width annular region surrounding the FAZ (FD300) and macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT) were significantly faster in progressors than in non-progressors. The faster VF MD or MTD10 reduction rates were associated with faster rates of FD300 loss and mGCIPLT reduction. The FD300 reduction rate is significantly associated with VF progression in early-stage OAG eyes with CVF defects. FD300 may be an adjunctive biomarker of VF progression in glaucomatous eyes with CVF defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationship between foveal avascular zone (FAZ)-related parameters, assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and visual field (VF) progression in early-stage open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with central visual field (CVF) defects. Early-stage glaucoma eyes [VF mean deviation (MD) ≥ − 6 dB] with CVF defects were included. The rates of longitudinal change in FAZ-related parameters and structural parameters were evaluated and compared between VF progressors and non-progressors, using linear mixed effects models. Cox proportional hazards model and linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with VF progression, the VF MD reduction rate and the change rate of mean total deviation in central 12 VF points (MTD10). A total of 131 eyes were included and VF progression was detected in 32 eyes (24.4%) during 3.45 years of follow-up. The rates of reduction in vessel density in the 300 µm width annular region surrounding the FAZ (FD300) and macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT) were significantly faster in progressors than in non-progressors. The faster VF MD or MTD10 reduction rates were associated with faster rates of FD300 loss and mGCIPLT reduction. The FD300 reduction rate is significantly associated with VF progression in early-stage OAG eyes with CVF defects. FD300 may be an adjunctive biomarker of VF progression in glaucomatous eyes with CVF defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multicenter (four institutions), randomized, investigator-masked, parallel-group clinical trial evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of preservative-free and preserved brimonidine tartrate 0.15% in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Sixty eyes of 60 patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥ 15 mmHg diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomized to preserved (n = 31) and preservative-free (n = 29) brimonidine groups. The enrolled eyes received brimonidine monotherapy three times daily. Main outcome measures were corneal/conjunctival staining score, ocular surface disease index, patient satisfaction score, drug tolerance, and drug adherence rate 12 weeks post first administration. Secondary outcome measurements included visual acuity, IOP, drug tolerance, tear-film break-up time, hemodynamic changes including blood pressure and heart rates, and ocular adverse events. After 12 weeks, both preserved and preservative-free groups showed similar IOP reduction, corneal and conjunctival staining scores, drug tolerance, and adherence rates. The preservative-free group showed significantly better tear-film break-up time and higher patient satisfaction regarding drug use and management. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions during the 12 weeks were significantly lower in the preserved group than in the preservative-free group. Preservative-free brimonidine tartrate showed comparable efficacy and safety, better corneal tear film stability, and patient satisfaction than preserved brimonidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the patterns of visual field (VF) defects and the diagnostic abilities of VF tests using different strategies in Asian patients with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. Patients screened for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy using optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, VF, and/or multifocal electroretinography were included. The VF was performed using the Humphrey 30-2 and/or 10-2 strategy, and 2,107 eyes of 1,078 patients with reliable results, including 136 eyes of 68 patients with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, were analyzed. The characteristics of VF findings were evaluated and the sensitivity and specificity were compared between the 30-2 and 10-2 tests in subgroups of retinopathy severity and pattern. The most common VF defect pattern was partial- or full-ring scotoma in both the 10-2 and 30-2 tests. Among the eyes with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy that underwent both tests, 14.2% showed a disparity between the two tests, almost all at the early stage. In overall and early pericentral retinopathy, the sensitivity of the 30-2 test was significantly higher than that of the 10-2 test (95.7% vs. 77.1% and 90.6% vs. 53.1%, respectively; P < 0.05). However, the specificity of the 10-2 test was significantly higher than that of the 30-2 test (89.6% vs. 84.8%, P < 0.001). Therefore, the pattern of retinopathy should be carefully considered when choosing a VF strategy for better detection of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the clock-hour topographic characteristics and extent of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage and correlated the extent with functional defects in eyes with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. A total of 146 eyes of 75 patients diagnosed with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy were included. The clock-hour topographic characteristics (relative to the fovea) and extent of the photoreceptor and RPE defects in the parafoveal and pericentral areas were evaluated by reviewing the radial-scan optical coherence tomography (OCT) and wide-field fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images. The extent of outer retinal damage in the parafoveal and pericentral areas were correlated with the perimetric parameters of the Humphrey 10–2 and 30–2 tests, respectively. Although the photoreceptor damage was most commonly noted at the temporal to inferior locations in both parafoveal and pericentral areas, the RPE damage in the pericentral eyes was most commonly noted in the nasal area and showed topographic discrepancies with photoreceptor damage. The extent of RPE damage was almost identical between OCT and FAF images, whereas photoreceptor defect extent was significantly greater on OCT images. The extent of parafoveal and pericentral photoreceptor damage on OCT images was significantly correlated with perimetric parameters of the 10–2 and 30–2 tests, respectively (all P < 0.05). Our findings on the detailed topographic characteristics using a clock-hour-based system and significant correlation between the structural extent and perimetric parameters suggest that this evaluation may facilitate more comprehensive descriptions of structural damage extent and predictions of visual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the use of a retinal thickness deviation map generated from swept-source (SS) OCT images for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy screening. Retrospective cohort study. This study included 1192 Korean patients with a history of hydroxychloroquine treatment: 881 patients (1723 eyes) in the discovery set and 311 patients (591 eyes) in the validation set. Patients were screened for retinal toxicity using SS OCT, fundus autofluorescence, and standard automated perimetry. According to the 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines, hydroxychloroquine retinopathy was diagnosed by the presence of abnormalities on ≥1 objective structural tests alongside corresponding visual field defects. The 12 × 9-mm2 macular volume SS OCT scan was performed, and the retinal thickness deviation map was generated automatically using the built-in software. On this map, yellow (retinal thickness, <5% of the normative level) or red (<1% of the normative level) pixels were defined as abnormal. Abnormal findings were evaluated, and diagnostic criteria were developed based on the discovery set data; criteria were validated using the validation set data. The rate and patterns of abnormalities on the retinal thickness deviation map and sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic criteria. The retinal thickness deviation map showed the following abnormal patterns in eyes with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy: pericentral (36.0%) or parafoveal (6.1%) ring, mixed-ring (34.2%), central island (13.2%), and whole macular thinning (10.5%). The criterion of ≥5 contiguous red pixels showing 1 of the 5 characteristic patterns in both eyes yielded the greatest diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity of 98.2% and 89.1% and of 100% and 87.5% in the discovery and validation set data, respectively). Moreover, the area of abnormal pixels on the map was correlated significantly with the mean deviation (P < 0.001) and pattern standard deviation (P < 0.001) on the Humphrey 30-2 test in eyes with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. The retinal thickness deviation map may facilitate the objective evaluation of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy because it does not require subjective, morphologic evaluation of the outer retinal layers. The map has the potential to enhance hydroxychloroquine retinopathy screening when used in conjunction with conventional screening methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate significant intraocular pressure (IOP) levels associated with the risk of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in the treatment-naïve Korean population. Methods: Participants ≥20 years of age in Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2011 were divided into two groups, those with higher and lower IOP values, compared with the reference IOP value. We compared the risk of OAG in each group using regression analyses. The IOP value that yielded the highest statistical significance was determined as an IOP significantly associated with the OAG risk. Results: A total of 7,650 participants (7,292 control, 358 OAG) were included. The mean IOP was significantly higher in OAG group (14.4 ± 2.9 mmHg), compared to control group (13.9 ± 2.7 mmHg, P = 0.022). In association with an increased risk of OAG, the significant IOP value was 18 mmHg (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–2.80, P = 0.011). Additionally, sex-difference was identified and they were 19 mmHg (OR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.27–6.16, P = 0.011) in men and 18 mmHg (OR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.32–5.33, P = 0.006) in women. The IOP values associated with significantly decreased risk of glaucoma were determined to be 14 mmHg in men (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.99, P = 0.042) and 16 mmHg in women (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.27–0.81, P = 0.007). Conclusions: In consideration of the risk to benefit ratio, the reference IOP level for screening or setting the target IOP for treatment could be considered different from traditional 21 mmHg in Korean population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) has been proposed as an important risk factor for glaucoma development and progression, but controversy still exists between studies. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the association between OPP and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Studies were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE databases. The pooled absolute and standardised mean difference in OPP between OAG patients and controls were evaluated using the random-effects model. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors associated with OPP difference between OAG patients and controls. A total of 43 studies were identified including 3,009 OAG patients, 369 patients with ocular hypertension, and 29,502 controls. The pooled absolute mean difference in OPP between OAG patients and controls was −2.52 mmHg (95% CI −4.06 to −0.98), meaning significantly lower OPP in OAG patients (P = 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that OAG patients with baseline IOP > 21 mmHg (P = 0.019) and ocular hypertension patients also had significantly lower OPP than controls (P < 0.001), but such difference in OPP was not significant between OAG patients with baseline IOP of ≤21 mmHg and controls (P = 0.996). In conclusion, although no causal relationship was proven in the present study, our findings suggest that in patients with high baseline IOP, who already have a higher risk of glaucoma, low OPP might be another risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify an Alzheimer's disease (AD) subtype with right predominant focal atrophy. We recruited 17 amyloid PET positive logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) and 226 amyloid PET positive AD patients. To identify AD with right focal atrophy (Rt-AD), we selected cortical areas that showed more atrophy in lvPPA than in AD and calculated an asymmetry index (AI) for this area in each individual. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, we found that the optimal AI cut-off to discriminate lvPPA from AD was −3.1 (mean AI – 1.00 standard deviation) (sensitivity 88.2, specificity 89.8). We identified 32 Rt-AD patients whose AI was above mean AI + 1.00 standard deviation, 38 Lt-AD patients whose AI was lower than mean AI − 1.00 standard deviation, and 173 Symmetric-AD patients whose AI was within mean AI ± 1.00 standard deviation. We characterized clinical and cognitive profiles of Rt-AD patients by comparing with those of Lt-AD and Symmetric-AD patients. Compared to Symmetric-AD patients, Rt-AD patients had asymmetric focal atrophy in the right temporoparietal area and showed poor performance on visuospatial function testing (p = 0.009). Our findings suggested that there is an AD variant characterized by right focal atrophy and visuospatial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To develop a new scoring system that uses topographic diagnostic signs of spectral-domain (SD) OCT to enhance glaucoma diagnostic performance for myopic eyes and to validate the system's diagnostic ability. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants A total of 517 patients (517 eyes; spherical equivalent [SE] <–1.0 diopters [D] or axial length >24.0 mm), including 175 highly myopic eyes (SE <–6.0 D or axial length >26.0 mm), were recruited and divided into 2, training (241 eyes) and validation (276 eyes) test sets. Methods Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) topographic signs were selected based on the morphologic patterns of RNFL (size, shape, location, and agreement between deviation and thickness maps) and GCIPL (size, shape, location, color tone, agreement between maps, and step sign) abnormalities indicative of higher likelihood of myopic glaucoma on deviation and thickness maps. The diagnostic score was compiled according to the sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of each diagnostic sign using the training set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was plotted and compared between the OCT-provided parameters and the scoring system in the validation set. Main Outcome Measures The diagnostic performance of a new scoring system as validated by AUC. Results Among all of the RNFL and GCIPL parameters, the presence of temporal hemifield asymmetry on the GCIPL thickness map (PLR, 5.98) showed the highest diagnostic ability, followed by location of the RNFL defect (PLR, 5.79) and color tone of the GCIPL defect (PLR, 5.04). The AUC of the topographic scoring system in myopic eyes was 0.979, which was significantly higher than those of the inferior (0.895; P < 0.001) and average (0.894; P < 0.001) RNFL thickness parameters. For highly myopic eyes, the scoring system (AUC, 0.983) also showed a higher diagnostic performance than that of the RNFL and GCIPL thickness parameters (all P < 0.001). Conclusions Our scoring system including OCT topographic parameters demonstrated to be beneficial for clinicians to differentiate real glaucomatous damage from myopic healthy eyes. Our results support the value of using multitopographic OCT parameters for detecting glaucoma in myopic eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. Smoking is a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus, mainly due to decreased insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance. However, there has been little research on the effects of smoking cessation period on changes in insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the length of time since smoking cessation period and insulin resistance in asymptomatic Korean male ex-smokers. Methods. A total of 851 male adults were included in this study. We considered several factors that can affect insulin resistance, and through multiple linear regression analysis, we assessed the effect the length of time since smoking cessation on insulin resistance in ex-smokers. Insulin resistance was represented as the insulin resistance index estimated by homeostasis model assessment. Results. HOMA-IR values showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the length of time since smoking cessation (p=0.009) in ex-smokers. After performing multiple linear regression analysis using factors that could potentially influence insulin resistance, we found that waist circumference (p=0.026) and the length of time since smoking cessation (p=0.039) were independent predictors of HOMA-IR in asymptomatic male ex-smokers. Conclusion. The longer the smoking cessation period, the more the insulin resistance tended to decrease in asymptomatic Korean male ex-smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Like nonverbal cues in oral interactions, text-based emoticons, which are textual portrayals of a writer's facial expressions, are commonly used in electronic device-mediated communication. Little is known, however, about how text-based emoticons are processed in the human brain. With this study, we investigated whether the text-based emoticons are processed as face expressions using fMRI. Methods During fMRI scan, subjects were asked to respond by pressing a button, indicating whether text-based emoticons represented positive or negative emotions. Voxel-wise analyses were performed to compare the responses and contrasted with emotional versus scrambled emoticons and among emoticons with different emotions. To explore processing strategies for text-based emoticons, brain activity in the bilateral occipital and fusiform face areas were compared. Results In the voxel-wise analysis, both emotional and scrambled emoticons were processed mainly in the bilateral fusiform gyri, inferior division of lateral occipital cortex, inferior frontal gyri, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex ( DLPFC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex ( dACC), and parietal cortex. In a percent signal change analysis, the right occipital and fusiform face areas showed significantly higher activation than left ones. In comparisons among emoticons, sad one showed significant BOLD signal decrease in the dACC, the left AIC, the bilateral thalamus, and the precuneus as compared with other conditions. Conclusion The results of this study imply that people recognize text-based emoticons as pictures representing face expressions. Even though text-based emoticons contain emotional meaning, they are not associated with the amygdala while previous studies using emotional stimuli documented amygdala activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the research "One-Pot Synthesis of Nitronaphthalenes from Morita-Baylis-Hillman Acetates and Primary Nitroalkanes via Sequential-Intramolecular Oxidative Nucleophilic Substitution of Hydrogen-E2 Elimination." Topics discussed include synthesis of naphthalenes by using sodium nitrite-mediated intramolecular Friedel-Crafts (IMFC) cyclization; reaction between MBH acetate of m-nitrobenzaldehyde and nitroethane; and E2 elimination of nitrous acid.

The article presents a study conducted by Ko Hoon Kim and colleagues which evaluates the efficiency of isothiocyanates (ITC) in organic synthesis. It mentions experimental procedures of synthesis, study of chemical compounds including benzene, thiourea, and acetate, and study on the scope of reaction and biological activity of ITC.

Purpose To investigate the prevalence, awareness, and risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the Korean population. Design The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a population-based cross-sectional study using a complex, stratified, multistage, probability-cluster survey. Participants A total of 13 831 participants 40 years of age or older were included from the KNHANES database for the years 2008 through 2011. Methods Glaucoma diagnosis was based on the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology criteria. The prevalence of POAG and the proportion of POAG patients previously informed of the disease were calculated using KNHANES sample weights. Ocular and systemic factors were compared between the POAG and control groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors for POAG. Main Outcome Measures Weighted prevalence, awareness, and risk factors for POAG. Results The prevalence of POAG in the Korean population was 4.7% (95% confidence interval, 4.2–5.1): 5.5% in men and 3.9% in women, respectively, which increased with age ( P < 0.001). The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) in POAG eyes was 15.0±0.4 mmHg, which was higher than that of the control group (14.0±0.1 mmHg; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age ( P < 0.001), male gender ( P < 0.001), higher IOP ( P < 0.001), myopia ( P < 0.001), hypertension ( P = 0.031), and nonoverweight status ( P = 0.017) were associated significantly with POAG in the Korean population. Among the 710 study participants diagnosed with POAG, only 8.0% were aware of the disease. Conclusions This was the first study to examine the prevalence, awareness, and risk factors of POAG in the Korean population using 4-year KNHANES data. Koreans with higher IOP, myopia, older age, male gender, hypertension, and nonoverweight status require more attention and support from the glaucoma screening and surveillance systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of annulation strategy for synthesis of poly-substituted benzene from morita-baylis-hillman adducts. It analyses the importance of Moritaâ€Baylisâ€Hillman (MBH) adducts in organic synthesis, and refers to the synthesis of nicotinates by palladium-catalyzed consecutive 5-exo/3-exo cyclization and subsequent aromatization process.

An efficient stereoselective synthesis of ( E , Z )-3,4-dialkylidene- N -phenylpyrrolidine-2,5-diones from Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and phenyl isocyanate has been developed. Synthetic usefulness of the compounds has been demonstrated by the preparation of 2,4,5-triphenylisoindole-1,3-diones and N -phenylbenzo[ f ]isoindole-1,3-dione derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the studies conducted by the authors using the Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) adducts of cinnamaldehydes, explaining that introduction of a primary amine such as benzylamine at the primary position of MBH acetate 1a could provide methyl tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylate 2a. It details and summarizes the results of the examination of the reactions with some representative MBH acetates of α&#x03B2-unsaturated aldehydes 1a-e.

Lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP) as a reducible additive is employed to overcome the unsatisfactory rate capability and cycling instability of highly pressed graphite electrodes with high mass loading (8.1 mg/cm 2 ) with a vinylene carbonate (VC)-derived surface film that hampers the charge transport at the graphite–electrolyte interface at high rates. Our investigation reveals that LiDFP modifies the surface chemistry induced by VC and makes a more ionically conductive surface film on graphite, ensuring good rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) decrease long-term cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, there is little evidence that ChEIs affect cognitive test scores in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Conventional endpoints, such as cognitive tests or clinical rating scores, may lack the sensitivity to subtle treatment effects in participants with MCI. Therefore, there is an immediate need to refocus on direct physiological assessments to detect the effects of ChEIs in patients with MCI due to AD.Methods: We propose a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of donepezil, a ChEI, on patients with MCI due to AD. We plan to recruit 78 participants (39 in each arm) with MCI who had amyloid positron emission tomography (PET)-positive results for this open-label study. To evaluate subtle differences, we will measure eye-tracking metrics and digital pen data while participants perform the simplified Rey Complex Figure (RCFT) and clock drawing tests. The primary outcome is a change in the ratio of the number of fixations (working space/perceptual space) performed using the simplified RCFT, from baseline to 12 weeks, as assessed using eye-tracking metrics. The secondary outcomes are changes in general cognition, clinical severity, activities of daily living, and visuospatial function assessed using standard rating scores and digital pen data. The analyses of the primary and secondary outcomes will be based on the difference in changes during follow-up between the donepezil and control groups using the t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, as well as adjusting for baseline values.Discussion: This study is designed to determine whether eye-tracking metrics can detect the effect of donepezil on visuospatial dysfunction more sensitively in patients with MCI. It is expected that multimodal data, such as eye-tracking and digital pen data, may provide helpful biomarkers for identifying subtle changes that are difficult to measure using conventional methods.Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service, Republic of Korea (CRIS, cris.nih.go.kr) KCT0006236. Registered on June 10, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ramirez ylides were synthesized in good yields from Morita–Baylis–Hillman acetates of α-bromocinnamaldehyde and phosphines in a one-pot reaction. The Ramirez ylides were formed by a novel intramolecular 1,6-conjugate addition of phosphorus ylide as a key step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wittig reaction of isatin derivatives with Morita-Baylis-Hillman bromides of cinnamaldehydes afforded 3-dienylidene-2-oxindoles. These trienes were converted into the corresponding spirooxindoles in a stereoselective manner in refluxing toluene in good yields. The diastereomeric spirooxindoles could be obtained stereoselectively by adding a catalytic amount of palladium(II) acetate via the palladium-catalyzed isomerization of EEE-trienes to ZEE-trienes followed by a more facile 6π-electrocyclization process. The obtained spirooxindoles could be further functionalized by palladium-catalyzed oxidative arylation, thionation with Lawesson's reagent, catalytic hydrogenation and Friedel-Crafts-type reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare central retinal venous pressure (CRVP) among eyes with and without optic disc hemorrhage (ODH) in bilateral normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients and NTG eyes without an episode of ODH. Methods: In this prospective study, 22 bilateral NTG patients showing a unilateral ODH and 29 bilateral NTG patients without an episode of ODH were included. Eyes were categorized into group A (n = 22, eyes with ODH), group B (n = 22, fellow eyes without ODH), and group C (n = 29, NTG eyes without an episode of ODH). A contact lens ophthalmodynamometer was used to measure CRVP and central retinal arterial pressure (CRAP). Results: Intraocular pressure (IOP) measured on the day of contact lens ophthalmodynamometry showed no difference among groups. However, the mean baseline IOP in group A was significantly lower than that in group C (P = .008). The CRVP in group A (29.1 ± 10.8 mmHg) was significantly lower than that in group C (40.1 ± 8.8 mmHg, P = .001), but similar to that in group B (30.5 ± 8.7 mmHg, P = .409). A similar relationship was noted for CRAP. No significant eye-associated variable for ODH was found in group A and B by conditional logistic regression analysis (all P > 0.05). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis in groups A and C revealed that low mean baseline IOP (odds ratio [OR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.98, P = 0.043) and low CRVP (OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.80-0.95, P = 0.003) were associated with ODH. Conclusions: CRVP was lower in NTG eyes with ODH than in eyes without an episode of ODH, but similar to that of fellow eyes without ODH. These imply less likelihood of association between increased central retinal venous resistance and ODH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The palladium-catalyzed, one-pot arylative cyclization of 3-(γ,δ-disubstituted)allylidene-2-oxindoles afforded spirodihydronaphthalene-2-oxindole frameworks via an oxidative Heck arylation (Fujiwara-Moritani reaction), an allylic palladium migration, and an aryl CH bond functionalization/arylation cascade of reactions. This is a first example of the palladium-catalyzed oxidative arylation and an aryl CH bond functionalization/arylation cascade reaction which involves an electrophilic arylative quenching of a π-allylpalladium intermediate and a regio-controlled aryl CH bond activation assisted by a weak palladium-arene interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To investigate the rate and associated factors of false-positive diagnostic classification of ganglion cell analysis (GCA) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) maps, and characteristic false-positive patterns on optical coherence tomography (OCT) deviation maps. Design Prospective, cross-sectional study. Participants A total of 104 healthy eyes of 104 normal participants. Methods All participants underwent peripapillary and macular spectral-domain (Cirrus-HD, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Dublin, CA) OCT scans. False-positive diagnostic classification was defined as yellow or red color-coded areas for GCA and RNFL maps. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine associated factors. Eyes with abnormal OCT deviation maps were categorized on the basis of the shape and location of abnormal color-coded area. Differences in clinical characteristics among the subgroups were compared. Main Outcome Measures (1) The rate and associated factors of false-positive OCT maps; (2) patterns of false-positive, color-coded areas on the GCA deviation map and associated clinical characteristics. Results Of the 104 healthy eyes, 42 (40.4%) and 32 (30.8%) showed abnormal diagnostic classifications on any of the GCA and RNFL maps, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that false-positive GCA diagnostic classification was associated with longer axial length and larger fovea-disc angle, whereas longer axial length and smaller disc area were associated with abnormal RNFL maps. Eyes with abnormal GCA deviation map were categorized as group A (donut-shaped round area around the inner annulus), group B (island-like isolated area), and group C (diffuse, circular area with an irregular inner margin in either). The axial length showed a significant increasing trend from group A to C ( P = 0.001), and likewise, the refractive error was more myopic in group C than in groups A ( P = 0.015) and B ( P = 0.014). Group C had thinner average ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness compared with other groups (group A = B > C, P = 0.004). Conclusions Abnormal OCT diagnostic classification should be interpreted with caution, especially in eyes with long axial lengths, large fovea-disc angles, and small optic discs. Our findings suggest that the characteristic patterns of OCT deviation map can provide useful clues to distinguish glaucomatous changes from false-positive findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various 3-(γ,δ-disubstituted)allylidene-2-oxindoles were synthesized by the Wittig reaction between isatins and the phosphorous ylide derived in situ from the Morita- Baylis- Hillman bromides. The 3-allylidene-2-oxindole could be used as an efficient synthetic precursor of 1-thiacarbazole derivatives. During the conversion of 2-oxindole moiety to 2-thiooxindole by Lawesson's reagent, 1-thiacarbazole derivative was obtained in good yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the structure-function relationship between macular mean sensitivity (mMS) and ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness (GCIPLT) according to glaucoma severity and to compare it with that between mMS and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFLT), using spectraldomain (Cirrus) optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Three hundred and sixty-two eyes of 362 patients with open-angle glaucoma of differing severity (preperimetric, early, moderate, and advanced) together with 130 eyes of 130 healthy controls, all of whom underwent Cirrus OCT imaging and 30-2 standard automated perimetry (SAP), were included in the study. The mMS was assessed by calculating the average of sensitivities at 12 central SAP points. The relationships between mMS and the various GCIPLT (average, minimum, superior, and inferior) parameters obtained by Cirrus OCT were evaluated according to disease severity using a linear regression model and were then compared with those between pRNFLT parameters and mMS. Results: The mMS and GCIPLT showed stronger relationships with the increase in glaucoma severity, but this was not the case with the pRNFLT parameters. In preperimetric glaucoma, the associations between mMS and both GCIPLT and pRNFLT were not significant. In moderate and advanced glaucoma, all GCIPLT parameters showed a statistically significant relationship with mMS. However, pRNFLT showed a moderate association in early and moderate glaucoma and none at all in advanced glaucoma. Conclusions: GCIPLT showed a stronger structure-function relationship with mMS in more advanced stages of glaucoma compared to pRNFLT. GCIPLT reflected macular functional damage better than pRNFLT in advanced glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various 3-azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane derivatives were synthesized from Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct-derived 1,3-dienes bearing a 4,4-diaryl moiety through a thermal intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition approach. By using the same approach, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, 3-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane, and 3-oxabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane derivatives could also be synthesized. A structurally similar dimethylallyl derivative underwent an intramolecular ene reaction to afford the pyrrolidine derivative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient intramolecular arene-alkene oxidative coupling of 1,4-diaryl-1,3-butadienes has been developed involving the use of a 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano- para-benzoquinone (DDQ)/acid catalyst. The reaction involves the generation of a radical cation by abstraction of an electron from the substrate with DDQ, an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts-type reaction, and the loss of hydrogen radical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An expedient oxidative phosphorylation of pyrroles has been disclosed. The reaction of dialkyl phosphite and pyrrole in the presence of AgNO3/K2S2O8 in DMF/H2O (8:1) produced pyrrole-2-phosphonates in good yields. In the absence of dialkyl phosphite, γ-hydroxy-γ-butyrolactam derivative was formed as a major product. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Our aim was to evaluate and compare diagnostic capabilities of time-domain (Stratus) and spectral-domain (Cirrus) optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect diffuse retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) atrophy. Methods: This study assessed 101 eyes from 101 glaucoma patients with diffuse RNFL atrophy and 101 eyes from 101 age-matched healthy individuals. Two experienced glaucoma specialists graded red-free RNFL photographs of eyes with diffuse RNFL atrophy using a four-level grading system. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) of normal eyes was compared with that of eyes with diffuse atrophy. Sensitivity and specificity of each OCT device were calculated on the basis of its internal normative database. Results: The largest AUC for Stratus and Cirrus were obtained for average RNFL thicknesses (0.96 and 0.94, respectively). Comparison of the AUC with different RNFL atrophy grades revealed no significant difference between the two OCT devices. Using an internal normative database at a <5 % level, the overall sensitivity of Stratus ranged from 58.0 to 84.0 %, whereas that of Cirrus ranged from 75.0 to 87.0 %. According to the normative database, the highest Stratus sensitivity was obtained with the temporal–superior–nasal–inferior–temporal (TSNIT) thickness graph, and the highest Cirrus sensitivity with the TSNIT thickness graph and the deviation map. Conclusions: The AUC obtained from Cirrus were comparable with those from Stratus. On the basis of their normative databases, these devices had similar diagnostic accuracy. Our results suggest that the diagnostic capabilities of the two instruments to detect diffuse RNFL atrophy are similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A facile synthesis of benzofulvenes was carried out starting from the Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts of 2-bromobenzaldehyde. The synthesis was carried out via the sequential bromination, Wittig reaction with aldehyde, and Pd-catalyzed intramolecular Mizoroki–Heck reaction. The stereochemistry of benzofulvenes was dependent on the reaction condition, especially on the kinds of base and reaction time, and the substituent of starting materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adduct-derived dienes bearing a Z-alkenyl dienophile tether afforded hexahydroisoindole-3a-carboxylates in excellent yields and stereoselectivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To compare the detection of localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects by two different spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) devices. Methods: Eyes of 42 normal control subjects and 48 patients with a localized RNFL defect on red-free fundus photographs were imaged by the Cirrus (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA) and 3D OCT (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) devices. We compared sensitivities, specificities, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of circumpapillary RNFL (cpRNFL) thickness and ganglion cell complex (GCC) parameters between the two devices. Results: The devices provided different cpRNFL thickness measurements. The highest sensitivities at fixed specificities of 80 % (Cirrus: 83.3 %; 3D OCT: 77.1 %) and 95 % (Cirrus: 69.8 %; 3D OCT: 68.8 %) and the largest AUCs (Cirrus: 0.90; 3D OCT: 0.88) obtained by the cpRNFL parameters of the two devices were similar. Based on the internal normative database, the deviation-from-normal map of the Cirrus OCT device and the 36-segment map of the 3D OCT device had the highest sensitivity (89.6 and 91.7 %, respectively). Among the macular GCC parameters of the 3D OCT device, inferior macular RNFL thickness had the highest sensitivity (81.2 % at a specificity of 80 %) and the largest AUC (0.89). Conclusions: Although the two SD-OCT devices have different measurement protocols, they showed similar abilities for the detection of a localized RNFL defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various 4-arylnicotinate derivatives were synthesized via a palladium-catalyzed cascade reaction of N-(2-bromoallyl)- N-cinnamyltosylamides in a one-pot procedure in good yields. The reaction involves a domino 5- exo/3- exo carbopalladation, ring-expansion by palladium rearrangement, and an aromatization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An expedient controlled synthesis of 1-vinylnaphthalenes and various dienyne derivatives has been carried out from the Morita–Baylis–Hillman bromides and propargyl acetate or p-nitrophenyl propargyl ether. By judicious choice of base, reaction temperature, and leaving group, a selective synthesis of 1-vinylnaphthalenes and dienynes, (E)-α-(1,3-enyn-4-yl)-α,β-unsaturated esters, could be performed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although choices of both humans and animals are more strongly influenced by immediate than delayed rewards, methodological limitations have made it difficult to estimate the precise form of temporal discounting in animals. In the present study, we sought to characterize temporal discounting in rats and to test the role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in this process. Rats were trained in a novel intertemporal choice task in which the sequence of delay durations was randomized across trials. The animals tended to choose a small immediate reward more frequently as the delay for a large reward increased, and, consistent with previous findings in other species, their choice behavior was better accounted for by hyperbolic than exponential discount functions. In addition, model comparisons showed that the animal''s choice behavior was better accounted for by more complex discount functions with an additional parameter than a hyperbolic discount function. Following bilateral OFC lesions, rats extensively trained in this task showed no significant change in their intertemporal choice behavior. Our results suggest that the rodent OFC may not always play a role in temporal discounting when delays are randomized and/or after extensive training. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Palladium-catalyzed arylation of methyl 2-(acetoxymethyl)acrylate with aryl iodides afforded the primary acetates of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts in good yields with high stereoselectivity under mild conditions (50°C). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A palladium-catalyzed chelation-controlled oxidative arylation of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactones with arenes provided 3-arylmethylbutenolides as major products along with a low yield of α-arylidene-γ-butyrolactones. The selectivity might be due to a chelation between the palladium center and a directing group at the γ-position of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A palladium-catalyzed oxidative arylation of 3-(monosubstituted)alkylidene-oxindoles with arenes afforded 3-(disubstituted)alkylidene-oxindoles in good to moderate yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An expedient synthetic approach of naphthalenes was developed by the reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman bromides and arylacetylenes. The synthesis was carried out via a tandem copper-catalyzed alkynylation, propargyl–allenyl isomerization, and 6π-electrocyclization protocol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Palladium-catalyzed arylation of α,β-unsaturated Weinreb amides has been examined to obtain β-aryl-α,β-unsaturated Weinreb amides. The chelation between the palladium center of an alkylpalladium intermediate and Weinreb amide moiety facilitated both coordination and insertion steps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An efficient synthesis of tetrasubstituted olefins was achieved via a palladium-catalyzed, chelation-assisted oxidative Heck arylation protocol from trisubstituted olefins bearing a tether with a directing group in a completely stereo- and regioselective manner. The stereo- and regioselectivity as well as excellent yields of tetrasubstituted olefins originated from the stabilization of a palladium intermediate by chelation between the palladium center and a directing group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of missing RR-interval data on nonlinear heart rate variability (HRV) analysis were investigated using simulated missing data in actual RR-interval tachograms and actual missing RR-interval data. For the simulation study, randomly selected data (ranging from 0 to 100s) were removed from actual data in the MIT-BIH normal sinus rhythm RR-interval database. The selected data are considered as a simulated artefact section. In all, 7182 tachograms of 5-min duration were used for this analysis. For each missing interval, the analysis was performed by 100 Monte Carlo runs. Poincaré plot, detrended fluctuation, and entropy analysis were executed for the nonlinear HRV parameters in each run, and the normalized errors between the data with and without the missing data duration for these parameters, were calculated. In this process, the usefulness of reconstruction was considered, for which bootstrapping and several interpolation methods (nearest neighbour, linear, cubic spline, and piecewise cubic Hermite) were used. The rules for the reconstruction, derived from the results of these simulations, were evaluated with actual missing RR-interval data obtained from a capacitive-coupled ECG during sleep. In conclusion, nonlinear parameters, excepting Poincaré-plot-analysis parameters, may not be appropriate for the accurate HRV analysis with missing data, since these parameters have relatively larger error values than time- or frequency-domain HRV parameters. However, the analysis of the long-term variation for nonlinear HRV values can be available through applying the rules for the reconstruction obtained in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A palladium-catalyzed oxidative arylation of chromones was examined. A regioselective 2-arylation of chromone was carried out via a double C–H activation process. The procedure provided an expedient approach for the preparation of flavone derivatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A palladium-catalyzed oxidative homo-coupling of 1,3-dimethyluracil was examined. Two types of uracil dimer, C5–C5′ linked dimer and C5–C6′ linked dimer were obtained in variable yields depending on the conditions along with a low yield of C5–C5′ and C6–C5′ linked uracil trimer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular arylation at the C-6 position of uracil moiety was examined. Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts bearing an uracil moiety at the primary position served an efficient way to a benzo[c]pyrimido[1,6-a]azepine scaffold. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An expedient synthetic procedure of γ-alkylidenebutenolides was developed via a sequential indium-mediated Barbier-type reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman bromide with aldehyde, lactonization, and double-bond isomerization. Various γ-alkylidenebutenolides including bovolide and its derivatives were synthesized in good overall yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alkenylbutenolides were synthesized regioselectively in good to moderate yields from Baylis–Hillman adducts via a consecutive indium-mediated Barbier type reaction between Baylis–Hillman bromide and aldehyde, PCC oxidation of the homoallylic alcohol, double bond isomerization, and zinc-mediated Barbier type alkenylation protocol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An efficient method of palladium-catalyzed direct 5-arylation of 1,3-dimethyluracil was developed with a various range of aryl bromides including electron-deficient aryl bromides. 5-Aryluracil derivatives were obtained in moderate to good yields regioselectively most likely via an electrophilic metalation–deprotonation process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]