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Purpose: To investigate longitudinal changes in optic nerve head (ONH) superficial vessel density (VD), macular VD, circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness, and their associations with future VF defects in unaffected hemifields of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes with baseline VF defect confined to a single hemifield. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 61 POAG eyes with VF defect confined to a single hemifield monitored over a mean follow-up time of 2.7 years. Development of VF defect in opposite hemifield was defined based the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trail criteria. Each eye was classified into either "conversion" or "no conversion" groups according to development of VF defect in the unaffected hemifield. The rates of longitudinal changes in VD and structure parameters in each hemiretina were compared between the two groups. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify potential risk factors for VF conversion in the unaffected hemifield. Results: Among 61 eyes, 17 eyes (27.9%) were classified as "conversion" and 44 eyes (72.1%) were classified as "non-conversion" groups. The conversion group exhibited significantly greater rates of both VD and structural changes in both hemiretinas. In Cox proportional hazard model, greater rate of change in GCIPL thickness, ONH superficial VD, and macular VD of both hemiretinas and greater rate of change in RNFL thickness of the unaffected hemiretina were identified as risk factors for VF conversion in the unaffected hemifield. Conclusions: Monitoring progressive changes in VD and structural parameters effectively predict future VF defect in the opposite hemifields of POAG eyes with single-hemifield defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correction notice in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences addresses an error in Figure 3 of the original publication by Kim et al. regarding the neuroprotective effect of statins in a rat model of chronic ocular hypertension. The corrected figure now accurately reflects the study's findings, and the author Jin A Shin's name has been adjusted to "Jin-A Shin." The authors assure that the scientific conclusions remain unchanged despite the mistake, and the original publication has been updated accordingly. [Extracted from the article]

Background: To compare the surgical outcomes and postoperative complications with and without Ologen collagen matrix augmentation during XEN gel stent implantation.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent XEN gel stent implantation with an ab externo technique. The amount of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, percentage of postoperative complications and additional management, and surgical success defined as IOP reduction greater than 20% compared with the preoperative IOP measurement were compared between Ologen-augmented and non-augmented groups. Groups of patients who underwent XEN gel stent implantation alone and combined with phacoemulsification were analyzed separately.Results: A total 103 eyes of 103 participants were included. Of those, 72 eyes underwent standalone XEN gel stent implantation: 42 eyes with Ologen augmentation (Oloxen group) and 30 eyes without Ologen augmentation (Xen group). Thirty-one eyes underwent XEN gel stent implantation with phacoemulsification: 19 eyes with Ologen augmentation (Phaco-Oloxen group) and 12 eyes without Ologen augmentation (PhacoXen group). The surgical success rate at six months postoperatively was not different between the Oloxen and Xen groups (56.4% vs 43.3%, P > 0.05) or between the Phaco-Oloxen group and PhacoXen group (57.9% vs 41.7%, P > 0.05). The prevalence of postoperative hypotony, 5-fluorouracil injections, use of anti-glaucoma medications, bleb needling, and additional glaucoma surgeries was not different between the Oloxen and Xen groups or between the Phaco-Oloxen and PhacoXen groups when assessed six months postoperatively.Conclusions: All groups showed significant IOP reduction after XEN gel stent implantation, but there was no significant difference between the Ologen collagen matrix augmented and non-augmented groups in surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the progression detection capabilities of circumpapillary and macular vessel density (cpVD and mVD) in advanced primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes using the rates of change in VD (trend-based analysis) and variability limits derived from healthy eyes. (event-based analysis) This study included 75 POAG eyes [visual field (VF) mean deviation < − 10 decibels, mean follow-up; 2.3 years] and 33 healthy eyes. Of 75 POAG eyes, 17 (22.7 %) and 58 eyes (77.3 %) were classified into the VF progression and stable groups, respectively. The VF progression group showed significantly faster VD loss than the stable group. (cpVD; − 1.76 vs. − 0.84 %/year, mVD; − 1.10 vs. − 0.47 %/year, P < 0.05) However, the rates of change in circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell complex thickness were similar between the groups. (cpRNFLT; − 0.67 vs. − 0.53 μ m/year, GCCT; − 0.48 vs. − 0.12 μ m/year, P > 0.05) Event-based analysis showed stronger agreement between VD and VF progression (cpVD; kappa value (k) = 0.630, mVD; k = 0.667, P < 0.05) than that between structure and VF progression. (cpRNFLT; k = 0.111, GCCT; k = 0.194, P > 0.05). In conclusion, VD loss showed better progression detection capabilities than structural loss in advanced POAG eyes. Detection of cpVD and mVD loss may be useful for detecting progression in the advanced stages of POAG to complement other reference standard strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We characterized Müller cell gliosis induced by the activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-type 4 (TRPV4) and assessed whether statins could modulate the gliosis. The human Müller cell line, MIO-M1, was used to analyze the gliosis caused by glaucomatous stimulation. To induce Müller gliosis in MIO-M1 cells, GSK101 was used to activate TRPV4, and Müller gliosis was evaluated by analyzing vimentin, nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. The expression level of TNF-α was determined by ELISA. To evaluate the GSK101 activation of the NF-κB pathway, p65 phosphorylation was measured by Western blotting, and the nuclear translocation of p65 and IκBα phosphorylation were assessed by immunostaining. To assess the effect of statins on MIO-M1 gliosis, cells were pretreated for 24 h with statins before GSK101 treatment. Vimentin, nestin, and GFAP expression were upregulated by GSK101, while statins effectively inhibited them. The expression of TNF-α was increased by GSK101. The phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 and IκBα phosphorylation, which occurs prior to p65 activation, were induced. Statins suppressed the GSK101-mediated phosphorylation of IκBα and p65 translocation. Statins can mitigate gliosis in the human Müller cell line. Because TRPV4 activation in Müller cells reflects glaucoma pathophysiology, statins may have the potential to prevent RGC death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to explore factors associated with glaucomatous deterioration in eyes with primary angle closure (PAC) after lens extraction, including PAC suspect (PACS), PAC, and PAC glaucoma (PACG). We retrospectively analyzed data of 77 eyes with PACS, PAC, and PACG that underwent lens extraction with more than 2 years postoperative follow-up. Postoperative glaucoma progression was analyzed by either structural (optic disc/retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) photographs or optical coherent tomography (OCT)) or functional (visual field (VF)) criterion. Cox proportional hazard analysis (hazard ratio (HR)) was used to determine risk factors for progression using uni-and multivariate analysis. The analysis was conducted in groups with or without glaucomatous optic neuropathy (PACS/PAC vs. PACG). Forty-one eyes with PACS/PAC and 36 eyes with PACG were included. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 3.5 ± 1.4 years. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced postoperatively from 23.1 ± 14.4 to 13.4 ± 2.1 mmHg. In the PACS/PAC group, seven eyes (17.0%) showed structural progression, but none showed progression in VF. Preoperative RNFL thickness was the only risk factor for structural progression (HR = 0.928, p = 0.002) in the PACS/PAC group. In the PACG group, 24 eyes (66.7%) showed structural progression and 12 eyes (33.3%) showed VF progression. Thinner preoperative RNFL thickness (HR = 0.964, p = 0.043) and high postoperative IOP fluctuation (HR = 1.296, p = 0.011) were significantly associated with VF progression; none of the factors were associated with structural progression. Angle closure eyes with thinner baseline RNFL thickness and higher postoperative IOP fluctuation may require careful follow-up for glaucoma progression after lens extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to investigate the association between optic nerve head (ONH)/choroidal microvasculature perfusion and optic disc hemorrhage (ODH) in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA). A total of 266 POAG eyes (59 with a single instance of ODH, 40 with a history of recurrent ODH, and 167 eyes without ODH) with a mean follow-up of 5.4 years were included. Intradisc vessel density (VD), parapapillary choroidal VD, optic disc microvascular dropout (MvD), and choroidal microvascular dropout (CMvD), were evaluated on a 3 × 3 mm SS-OCTA image of ONH and compared between eyes with and without ODH. Recurrent ODH was defined as occurrence 1 year after first ODH detection during the total follow-up period. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with ODH. The prevalence of CMvD, optic disc MvD, and β-parapapillary atrophy were not different among the no ODH, single ODH, and recurrent ODH groups. Eyes with ODH had lower intradisc VDs than those without ODH (P = 0.021), but no difference was found in intradisc VDs between the single and recurrent ODH groups (P = 0.977). Better VF MD at baseline (odds ratio [OR], 1.150; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.055–1.254; P = 0.002) and lower intradisc VD (OR, 0.863; 95% CI, 0.812–0.918; P < 0.001) were associated with ODH occurrence. Among POAG eyes, those with ODH had lower intradisc VDs than those without ODH. POAG eyes in an earlier disease stage or those with lower intradisc VDs should be monitored for the possibility of ODH occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses are the largest group of healthcare workers in the world, and during the COVID‐19 pandemic, nurses have been recognized worldwide as frontline warriors working hard to stem suffering, infection rates and deaths. Korean nurses experienced the effects of the pandemic earlier than in most other countries, and the work of our nurses has been recognized as a successful model in responding COVID‐19. In this paper, we share the experiences of Korean nurses, including their experiences of workload, acute shortages of staff and equipment and work overload, and suggest ongoing tasks that need to be addressed to combat the pandemic's second wave and other possible waves. Specifically, the nursing issues relating to COVID‐19 are critically reviewed and recommendations for each issue are suggested in terms of nursing staffing, practice and policy, as well as health policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To investigate the effect of refractive error on the physiologic thinning rate of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in healthy eyes. Materials and Methods. This study analyzed 223 eyes of 141 healthy subjects followed for more than 5 years and underwent at least five serial spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) examinations. Longitudinal RNFL measurements were analyzed by linear mixed models incorporating follow-up duration, baseline RNFL thickness, spherical equivalent (SE), age, intraocular pressure, and visual field mean deviation. Thinning rates were classified according to SE into three groups: nonmyopic (NM; >0 D), mild-to-moderately myopic (MM; >–6 D and ≤0 D), and highly myopic (HM; ≤–6 D). Results. The overall slopes of change in RNFL thickness over time in the NM, MM, and HM groups were −0.305 ± 0.128, −0.294 ± 0.068, and −0.208 ± 0.097 μm/yr, respectively. Slopes of RNFL thickness changes in these groups were −0.514 ± 0.248, −0.520 ± 0.133, and −0.528 ± 0.188 μm/yr, in the superior quadrant; −0.084 ± 0.145, 0.107 ± 0.082, and −0.161 ± 0.112 μm/yr, in the temporal quadrant; −0.807 ± 0.242, −0.794 ± 0.130, and −0.727 ± 0.183 μm/yr, in the inferior quadrant; and 0.160 ± 0.157, 0.118 ± 0.084, and 0.429 ± 0.119 μm/yr, in the nasal quadrant. Overall and in all four quadrants, there was no significant difference in the rate of RNFL thickness change among the three groups. Conclusions. Refractive error did not affect the physiologic thinning rate of RNFL when assessed by SD OCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess influence of the location of visual field (VF) loss on vision‐related quality of life (VRQOL) in patients with glaucoma. Methods: We included 826 patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) enrolled in the prospectively designed Life Quality of Glaucoma Patients Who Underwent Treatment (LIGHT) study organized by the Korean Glaucoma Society. We divided the integrated binocular visual field (IVF) into four regions and evaluated the associations between Rasch‐analysed 25‐item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ‐25) and location of the IVF using univariate and hierarchical multivariable linear regression. Results: Mean deviation (MD) of the IVF at superior centre showed the lowest value among the four regions. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed significant correlation of the composite score and all subscales of the NEI VFQ‐25 except ocular pain and near activities at each of four IVF regions. Mean deviation at superior centre showed significant correlation with composite score (R2 = 0.181), near activities (R2 = 0.175), and social functioning (R2 = 0.166); MD at superior periphery showed highest correlation with role difficulties (R2 = 0.137); MD at inferior centre showed highest correlation with driving (R2 = 0.145); and MD at inferior periphery showed significant correlation with distance activities (R2 = 0.214) and dependency (R2 = 0.119). Conclusion: Four different regions of the IVF had a similarly important impact on subscales of the NEI VFQ‐25 in glaucoma patients. Preservation of the superior field should be considered as much as that of the inferior field for maintaining a good VRQOL in patients with glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To identify factors influencing vision‐related quality of life (VRQOL) according to glaucoma severity. Methods: A total of 901 patients with varying stages of glaucoma were recruited from the prospectively designed LIGHT (Life Quality of Glaucoma Patients Who Underwent Treatment) study organized by the Korean Glaucoma Society. Participants completed a basic questionnaire collecting socioeconomic status and clinical information, in addition to the 25‐item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ‐25). Subjects were classified by mean deviation (MD) of integrated binocular visual field (IVF) into mild, moderate and severe damage groups. Factors were evaluated for their influence on VRQOL according to glaucoma severity using univariate and multivariable regression models between Rasch‐analysed NEI VFQ‐25 subscale scores and different variables. Results: The mild, moderate and severe groups contained 720, 111 and 70 patients, respectively; the mean IVF MD in each group was −1.4, −8.5 and −17.9 dB. Significant differences were observed among the three groups with respect to age, IVF MD, visual acuity (VA), education level, income level, number of glaucoma medications prescribed and follow‐up period. The most influential factor associated with VRQOL according to glaucoma severity was VA. The VA of the better eye was much more influential on VRQOL than the VA of the worse eye in the moderate and severe defect groups, and the impact of VA on VRQOL was more prominent in advanced glaucoma. Conclusions: Visual acuity is the most influential factor on VRQOL in patients with glaucoma. Preservation of VA should be strongly prioritized to maintain good VRQOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies on ridge preservation focusing on fresh extraction sockets using graft materials for ridge preservation procedures have reported a delay in the tissue modeling and remodeling phases. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on healing of infected sockets.Methods: Six beagle dogs were used in this study. Both mandibular third premolars were hemisected, and the distal roots were extracted. Subsequently, periodontal and endodontic lesions were induced at the remaining mesial root. After communication of the periodontal lesion, an endodontic periapical lesion was observed at 4 months, and the mesial roots of both the right and left sides were extracted. HA was applied into the socket of the test group, and no treatment was administered to the other group (control group). Three months after extraction of the mesial roots, the dogs were sacrificed, and histologic evaluations were performed.Results: The sockets were filled by mineralized bone (47.80% ± 6.60%) and bone marrow (50.47% ± 6.38%) in the control group, whereas corresponding values were 63.29% ± 9.78% and 34.73% ± 8.97% for the test group, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups. Reversal lines and a copious lineup of osteoblasts were observed in the middle and apical parts of the sockets in the test group.Conclusion: An infected socket shows delayed healing of the socket wound, and HA, because of its osteoinductive, bacteriostatic, and anti-inflammatory properties, may improve bone formation and accelerate wound healing in infected sockets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the progressive change in peripapillary atrophy (PPA) according to its shape and to explore the relationship between PPA progression and glaucoma worsening in myopic eyes. Methods A total of 159 eyes of 159 patients with myopic (axial length (AXL) >24 mm) glaucoma (mean follow-up 4.4 years, 35 eyes with minimal PPA, 40 concentric-type PPA eyes (>270° around the optic disc) and 84 eccentric-type PPA eyes (<270°)) were included. Sequential stereoscopic colour optic disc photographs were evaluated to qualitatively determine PPA progression. Factors associated with PPA progression were explored by Cox proportional hazard modelling in each PPA group. Results Patients with concentric PPA were older than patients with eccentric PPA (54.1±11.7 vs 44.1±11.7 years,P<0.001), and AXL was longer in the eccentric group than in the other groups (25.54±1.68 vs 25.28±1.53 vs 26.41±1.29 mm,P<0.001). Twenty-six eyes (65%) in the concentric group and 36 eyes (42.9%) in the eccentric group showed PPA progression. Older age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.059, P=0.008), worse baseline visual field mean deviation (HR 0.857, P=0.009) and greater baseline PPA area (HR 1.000, P=0.012) were associated with PPA progression in the concentric type. Glaucoma progression (HR 3.690, P=0.002) and longer AXL (HR 1.521, P=0.002) were associated with PPA progression in the eccentric type. Conclusions Relationship between glaucoma worsening and PPA progression was strongest in myopic glaucomatous eyes with eccentric type PPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate glaucoma progression and its relationship with corrected and uncorrected intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with a history of refractive corneal surgery (RCS). Methods: Totally, 56 eyes of 56 primary open-angle glaucoma patients who had a history of RCS were included. Mean keratometry and central corneal thickness were measured at the time of glaucoma diagnosis. Three IOP measurements, i.e., uncorrected IOP (UCIOP) and corrected IOP calculated by applying the Kohlhaas (CKIOP) and Ehlers (CEIOP) formulas, were used. Participants were categorized into two groups (low-teen [<15 mmHg] and high-teen [≥15 mmHg] groups) according to the mean follow-up IOP, in each of the three IOP measurements. Glaucoma progression was determined based on either structurally or functionally by stereoscopic optic disc/retinal nerve fiber layer photographs or visual field tests. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared between the low-teens group and high-teens group for each IOP measurement. Risk factors for glaucoma progression, including uncorrected and corrected IOP measurements, were analyzed using a Cox proportional-hazards model. Results: Among total eyes, glaucoma progression was found in 19 (34%) eyes during 4.3 years of mean follow-up period. Individual values of uncorrected IOP and corrected IOP showed significant differences (p < 0.001). Incidence of glaucoma progression was higher in high-teens group than in low-teens group by corrected IOP values (both Kohlhaas and Ehlers, p = 0.006, 0.003), but not by uncorrected IOP values (p = 0.749). The cumulative probability of glaucoma progression was significantly greater in the high-teens group than in the low-teens group using the Elhers formula determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.030). Conclusions: For glaucoma eyes with history of RCS, high-teen group by corrected mean follow-up IOP showed more glaucoma progression than low-teen group. More intensive IOP-lowering treatment will be required for patient with high-teen follow-up corrected IOP to prevent glaucoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To compare the clinical courses of patients with myopic primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with and without optic disc shape alterations. Methods In this longitudinal retrospective study, 146 eyes from 146 patients with myopic (axial length(AXL), >24 mm) POAG were classified according to optic disc shape alterations defined by optic disc tilt and/or rotation. Glaucomatous progression was determined by either serial optic disc/retinal nerve fibre layer photographs or visual field (VF) exams. Rate of progression was calculated from serial VF mean deviation (MD) and visual field index values. Results Mean age, AXL and follow-up duration were 50.1±12.7 years, 26.1±1.6 mm and 4.6±1.3 years, respectively. The progression rate was faster in eyes with a non-tilted optic disc than with a tilted optic disc (−0.30(95% CI; −0.42 to −0.16) vs 0.05(−0.07 to 0.17) dB/year, −0.85(−1.20 to −0.49) vs −0.35(−0.68 to −0.03) %/year, all p<0.05). Twenty eyes (21.3%) in the non-tilted group but only one eye (1.9%) in the tilted group showed VF progression in both superior and inferior hemifields. By logistic regression analysis, worse initial VF MD and less optic disc tilt were significantly associated with both superior and inferior VF progression (OR=0.909 and 0.561 (for 0.1 tilt ratio); p=0.020 and 0.018, respectively). Conclusion Significant differences in glaucomatous progression were found between eyes with and without optic disc shape alterations, particularly disc tilt. More localised and stable courses of glaucoma progression were observed in eyes with tilted optic discs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the sub-classification of myopic glaucomatous eyes by optic disc and peripapillary features. Methods: Optic disc tilt and torsion were determined from retinal nerve fiber layer photographs. Based on the location of the Bruch’s membrane (BM) opening within the β-zone of the peripapillary atrophy (PPA) area, the widths of β-zone PPA (PPA1W), PPA+BM (PPA2W), and PPA-BM (PPA3W) were measured with enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Cluster analysis that employed partitioning around medoids was performed with these parameters, the presence of inward rotation of BM ending axial length (AXL), and central corneal thickness. Results: A total of 115 eyes (AXL≥24 mm) were included. Two clusters produced maximum overall silhouette widths (average = 0.43). Visual field (VF) mean deviation was not different between cluster 1 (52 eyes; -4.02±3.01 dB) and cluster 2 (63 eyes; -5.21±5.62 dB; p = 0.174). In cluster 1 compared to cluster 2, optic disc tilt was significantly greater, PPA1W and PPA3W were longer, and AXL was longer (all p<0.001). The presence of an inward rotation of BM ending was more frequent in cluster 2 (p = 0.043). Forty-one eyes (78.8%) in cluster 1 had superior VF defects while 10 eyes (19.2%) had inferior defects, and only one eye (2%) had defects in both hemifields. Eyes in cluster 2 were more evenly distributed: 55.6% had superior defects, 34.9% had inferior defects, and 9.5% had defects in both hemifields (p = 0.023). Conclusions: Myopic glaucomatous eyes characterized by optic disc and peripapillary configurations can be classified as two distinct types, and the most distinct difference between the two was degree of optic disc tilt and width of PPA. The location of VF defects were also significantly different between two clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection on the surgical outcome of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation according to the angle status in neovascular glaucoma (NVG) eyes. Materials and Methods. This retrospective study included 70 NVG patients who underwent AGV implantation and were followed up for at least 12 months. An IVB injection before AGV implantation was administered to 45 eyes (IVB group), while it was not administered to 25 eyes (control group). Subgroup analyses were done at different stages in terms of the extent of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS). Results. Mean follow-up period after AGV implantation was 27 ± 15 months. The IVB group showed higher prevalence of the eyes with less than 50% of PAS than that of the control group (78% versus 44%). The overall success rate 1 year postoperatively was 80% and 64% for the IVB and control groups, respectively (P=0.142). When PAS extent was less than 50%, preoperative IVB had a marginally positive effect on surgical outcome (HR = 0.39, P=0.064, per 1-time IVB injection). Conclusions. Preoperative IVB may enhance the success rate of AGV implantation in NVG eyes, before PAS has extensively formed. Further prospective randomized studies controlling the extent of PAS are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of newly bone formation and dimensional change in diseased extraction sockets using Bio-Oss® Collagen with or without a collagen membrane. Material and methods: In six beagle dogs, right and left 3rd and 4th mandibular premolars were hemisected and the distal roots were removed. Combined endodontic–periodontic lesions were induced in all sites using black silk, collagen sponge, endodontic files, and application of Porphyromonas gingivalis. After 4 months, among 4 premolars, three teeth were randomly selected per dog and allocated to the following experimental groups: Control group (no treatment but debridement), Test 1 group (only Bio-Oss® Collagen graft), and Test 2 group (Bio-Oss® Collagen graft with a collagen membrane). After 7 months from the baseline, the beagle dogs were sacrificed for histomorphometric and Micro-CT analysis. Results: The vertical distance between buccal and lingual crests in the Control group (2.22 ± 0.26 mm) and Test 2 group (1.80 ± 0.16 mm) was significantly different. The socket of the Test 2 group (27.04 ± 5.25%) was occupied by a greater quantity of bone graft compared to the Test 1 group (18.49 ± 2.11%). Conclusion: Ridge preservation in diseased extraction sockets could compensate for buccal bone resorption by contact osteogenesis surrounding the bone graft particles at the bucco-coronal area during socket healing, and the application of a collagen membrane at the entrance of the socket is useful for preserving graft material at the coronal part of the socket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: This study aimed to investigate treatment patterns and medication adherence of glaucoma. It also identified key factors associated with non-adherence. Methods: It was a cross-sectional, observational study. Patients who use eye-drops for =2 years were recruited at 15 eye clinics from March to November 2013. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and medical chart review. Medication adherence was evaluated using patients' self-report on pill count and defined as patients' administering drug for =80% of prescribed days. Medication adherence rate was calculated by dividing actual number of administration from total prescribed number of administration for 7 days. Patients whose self-reported prescription was different from total daily doses of physicians' prescription were considered as non-adherent. Results: A total of 1050 patients included, and medication adherence rate was evaluated in 1046 patients whose verification of adherence was available. Of the total, 27.4% were non-adherent, and the medication adherence rates of the total, the adherent, and the non-adherent were 90.6±17.8%, 96.8±5.5% and 56.6±24.7%, respectively. The most commonly used medication was prostaglandin (PGA) alone and the second was combination of two-class (ß-blocker and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI)) and three-class combination of PGA, ß-blocker and CAI followed. In multivariate analysis, the risk of non-adherence was 1.466 times greater in males than in females (95% CI 1.106 to 1.943) and 1.328-fold greater as the daily number of administration was increased (95% CI 1.186 to 1.487). Conclusion: Approximately, one-third of the patients were non-adherent, and males and increased daily number of administration were associated with nonadherence. It highlights that more systematic treatment strategies should be considered for better medication adherence, leading to effective glaucoma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the risk factors associated with a progressive loss of visual function (LV) in medically treated advanced normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods: In this retrospective observational study, a total of 87 eyes of the 87 NTG patients with a baseline visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD) of worse than –10 decibel (dB) (average follow-up period: 5.3 years) were included. All the participants were categorized into two groups according to the baseline VF MD [group 1 (≥−16 dB) and group 2 (<−16 dB), respectively]. The participants were also divided into older (≥64 years) and younger (<64 years) groups according to the median split of baseline age. Hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between potential risk factors and LV were obtained using the Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Fifty-one eyes were classified as group 1 (VF MD; −13.5 ± 1.8 dB), and 36 eyes as group 2 (−21.0 ± 4.1 dB). LV occurred in 33 eyes (64.7%) in group 1 and in 29 eyes (80.6%) in group 2 during the follow-up period. In total participants, younger age (HR; 0.971,p= 0.008) and lower initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (HR; 18.4,p= 0.007) were found to be significant risk factors for LV. In group 1, younger age and lower baseline BCVA were associated with LV; whereas, no significant risk factor was found in group 2. In the younger group, myopia and disc hemorrhage were found to be the risk factors. Conclusion: The risk factors associated with progressive LV differed according to the baseline VF stages or the age among advanced medically treated NTG patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in myopia by age. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study using a stratified, multistage, probability cluster survey. Participants in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2010 and 2011 were included. A standardized protocol was used to interview every participant and perform comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Glaucoma was diagnosed according to the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology (ISGEO) criteria. Results: After adjusting for age and sex, there was a positive correlation between OAG prevalence and increasing myopic refractive error except in participants with hyperopia. Younger participants with higher myopic refractive error had higher OAG prevalence than older participants with lower myopic refractive error. Participants with high myopia (OR 3.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.30–6.59) had significantly greater age- and sex-adjusted odd ratios (ORs) than did those with emmetropia who were younger than 60 years. Conclusions: These data suggest that OAG develops earlier in participants with high myopia than in others. There was a high prevalence of OAG in participants with high myopia, even in those 19–29 years of age. Therefore, OAG screening should be performed earlier in participants with high myopia than is suggested by traditional guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of optic disc center displacement on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurement determined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: The optic disc center was manipulated at 1-pixel intervals in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions. According to the manipulated optic disc center location, the RNFL thickness data were resampled: (1) at a 3.46-mm diameter circle; and (2) between a 2.5-mm diameter circle and 5.4-mm square. Error was calculated between the original and resampled RNFL measurements. The tolerable error threshold of the optic disc center displacement was determined by considering test-retest variability of SD-OCT. The unreliable zone was defined as an area with 10% or more variability. Results: The maximum tolerable error thresholds of optic disc center displacement on the RNFL thickness map were distributed from 0.042 to 0.09 mm in 8 directions. The threshold shape was vertically elongated. Clinically important unreliable zones were located: (1) at superior and inferior region in the vertical displacement; (2) at inferotemporal region in the horizontal displacement, and (3) at superotemporal or inferotemporal region in the diagonal displacement. The unreliable zone pattern and threshold limit varied according to the direction of optic disc displacement. Conclusions: Optic disc center displacement had a considerable impact on whole RNFL thickness measurements. Understanding the effect of optic disc center displacement could contribute to reliable RNFL measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and factors associated with PXS in South Koreans by analyzing data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Using the KNHANES database of 2009–2012, 13,223 participants aged 50 years or older were included. Participants underwent standardized interviews and systemic and ocular examinations. Systemic factors analyzed included age, sex, daily length of sun exposure, presence of Raynaud phenomenon or migraine, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, serum lipid profile, duration and frequency of smoking, and alcohol consumption. Evaluated ocular factors were refractive error, presence of cataract and glaucoma, intraocular pressure, and peripheral anterior chamber depth. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the presence of PXS. Results: PXS was found in 16 participants (0.12%). When compared with the non-PXS group, eyes with PXS showed a higher prevalence of cataract (p= 0.020). In logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio, OR, 1.04, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.99–1.09;p= 0.016) and the presence of cataract (OR 8.17, 95% CI 1.06–62.84;p= 0.044) were associated with the presence of PXS. Sun exposure for ≥5 hours/day was marginally associated with the presence of PXS (OR 2.76, 95% CI 0.96–7.95;p= 0.060). Conclusion: The prevalence of PXS per 1000 persons was 1.10 in South Koreans aged ≥50 years. Participants with PXS had a higher prevalence of cataract, were older, and were more likely to be exposed to the sun for ≥5 hours/day than participants without PXS. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a benign soft tissue tumor of neural origin and is characterized by eosinophilic granular cells showing positivity for neuronal markers. Herein, we report the first case of primary intraosseous GCT arising in the maxilla of an adolescent girl. Methods and Results A 16-year-old female patient presented with palatal swelling. Radiographic findings revealed a well-defined radiolucent lesion centrally located in the right maxilla. Mass excision was performed, and histopathologic examination showed sheets and cords of eosinophilic granular cells with cellular pleomorphism. Tumor cells were strongly positive for vimentin, S-100 protein, and CD56, and negative for cytokeratin, desmin, smooth muscle actin, and c-kit. High expression of p53 and Ki-67 was found. The final diagnosis was atypical GCT. Conclusion When evaluating an intraosseous radiolucent lesion with histopathologic features of granular cells, clinicians and pathologists should include GCT in the differential diagnosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:E2467-E2470, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the value of lamina cribrosa (LC)-related parameters assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the future prediction of glaucomatous progression. Methods: Glaucoma or glaucoma suspect eyes were followed up for more than 2 years. Glaucoma progression was defined by optic disc/retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) photographic assessment or serial visual field exams. LC thickness, anterior LC distance (ALD) and prelaminar tissue thicknesses were determined with optic disc images obtained by Spectralis OCT enhanced depth imaging. Kaplan–Meier life table analyses were carried out, and survival experience was compared between eyes with thicker baseline LC (HLC) and thinner baseline LC (LLC) by a log rank test. Hazard ratios (HRs) of various risk factors, including LC-related parameters, for future glaucomatous progression, were determined using uni- and multi-variate Cox’s proportional hazard models. Results: Among the 118 eyes, 33 showed progression during follow-up period. The progression group had a significantly thinner average circumpapillary RNFL (cRNFL,p = 0.005), LC (p = 0.005) and prelaminar tissue (p = 0.023) than the non-progression group at baseline. The LLC group showed a greater cumulative probability of glaucoma progression than did the HLC group (p = 0.001). Average cRNFL thickness (HR, 0.972,p = 0.007), prelaminar tissue thickness (0.990,p = 0.028) and LC thickness (0.971,p = 0.002) were significantly associated with progression of glaucoma. In multivariate analysis, only LC thickness (0.975,p = 0.015) showed significant association with progression. Conclusion: Thinner baseline LC was independently associated with glaucoma progression in our study. LC thickness may be a risk factor for predicting future glaucoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) on cell viability and apoptosis in cultured astrocytes obtained from the lamina cribrosa (LC) of the human optic nerve head (ONH). Methods: Astrocytes were cultured from LC samples obtained from human donor ONH and treated with three kinds of acid form of PGAs: latanoprost (LAT-A), tafluprost (TAF-A), and bimatoprost (BIM-A) (0.1, 1, 10, 50 and 100 ug/mL). Cell viability was assessed using the WST-1 assay. Cell apoptosis was measured using the deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. Apoptotic protein expression was evaluated using western blot analysis. Results: ONH astrocytes expressed FP receptor in western blot analysis. In the presence of 0.1 ug/mL of LAT-A, BIM-A, and TAF-A, the cell viability was 85%, 85% and 82%, respectively. WST-1 assay revealed about 50% of cell viability following treatment with 50 ug/mL of all PGAs. After exposing astrocytes to 10 ug/mL of each PGA for 24 hours, apoptotic cells were stained in TUNEL assay. Western blot analysis revealed that the PGAs up-regulated Bax (pro-apoptotic protein) and down-regulated Bcl-xL (anti-apoptotic protein) in the astrocytes. Conclusions: PGAs affected cell viability in cultured astrocytes obtained from human ONH LC. PGA treatment may induce apoptosis in ONH astrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]