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The main objective of this placebo-controlled, triple-blind, balanced crossover study was to assess the acute effects of phenylcapsaicin (PC) intake (2.5 mg) on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and heart rate (HR) during a 30-min cycling task performed at 15% of the individual maximal power. Twenty-two healthy young adults performed the cycling task 45 min after ingesting PC or placebo. IOP was measured with a rebound tonometer before exercise, during cycling (every 6 min), and after 5 and 10 min of recovery. OPP was assessed before and after exercise. HR was monitored throughout the cycling task. We found an acute increase of IOP levels related to PC consumption while cycling (mean difference = 1.91 ± 2.24 mmHg; p =.007, η p 2 =.30), whereas no differences were observed for OPP levels between the PC and placebo conditions (mean difference = 1.33 ± 8.70 mmHg; p =.608). Mean HR values were higher after PC in comparison with placebo intake (mean difference = 3.11 ± 15.87 bpm, p =.019, η p 2 =.24), whereas maximum HR did not differ between both experimental conditions (p =.199). These findings suggest that PC intake before exercise should be avoided when reducing IOP levels is desired (e.g., glaucoma patients or those at risk). Future studies should determine the effects of different ergogenic aids on IOP and OPP levels with other exercise configurations and in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMutations in the genes encoding type IV collagen alpha 1 (COL4A1) and alpha 2 (COL4A2) cause a multisystem disorder that includes ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) and glaucoma. We previously showed that transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling was elevated in developing anterior segments from Col4a1 mutant mice and that reducing TGFβ signaling ameliorated ASD, supporting a role for the TGFβ pathway in disease pathogenesis. Here, we tested whether altered TGFβ signaling also contributes to glaucoma-related phenotypes in Col4a1 mutant mice.MethodsTo test the role of TGFβ signaling in glaucoma-relevant phenotypes, we genetically reduced TGFβ signaling using mice with mutated Tgfbr2, which encodes the common receptor for all TGFβ ligands in Col4a1+/G1344D mice. We performed slit-lamp biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography for qualitative and quantitative analyses of anterior and posterior ocular segments, histological analyses of ocular tissues and optic nerves, and intraocular pressure assessments using rebound tonometry.ResultsCol4a1+/G1344D mice showed defects of the ocular drainage structures, including iridocorneal adhesions, and phenotypes consistent with glaucomatous neurodegeneration, including thinning of the nerve fiber layer, retinal ganglion cell loss, optic nerve head excavation, and optic nerve degeneration. We found that reducing TGFβ receptor 2 (TGFBR2) was protective for ASD, ameliorated ocular drainage structure defects, and protected against glaucomatous neurodegeneration in Col4a1+/G1344D mice.ConclusionsOur results suggest that elevated TGFβ signaling contributes to glaucomatous neurodegeneration in Col4a1 mutant mice.

Introduction: Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for premature arteriosclerosis. Inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to contribute to endothelial dysfunction preceding vasculopathy. We investigated the association between inflammation, glycocalyx biomarkers, endothelial function, and vascular parameters in children with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: In 22 patients (LDL-cholesterol >130 mg/dL; median age [IQR]: 13 [2.3] years) and 22 controls (13 [2.5] years), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), oxidized cholesterol (oxLDL), and glycocalyx biomarkers (Syndecan-1, Hyaluronan) were measured using immunoassays. Endothelial function was assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry, sublingual glycocalyx and microcirculation by videomicroscopy and carotid intima-media thickness by ultrasound. Results: OxLDL was significantly higher in patients (78.9 [38.2] vs. 50.3 [16.6] U/L, p = 0.002), whereas all other experimental parameters were comparable between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of Syndecan-1 with TNF-α (β = 0.75, p < 0.001) and with hypercholesterolemia (β = 0.31, p = 0.030). The interaction term combining TNF-α and hypercholesterolemia showed a significant effect (p = 0.034). Sex was an independent predictor of endothelial function. Conclusion: The combined effect of hypercholesterolemia and inflammation on glycocalyx perturbation and the impact of sex in the premature development of arteriosclerosis deserve further evaluation. Therapeutic approaches tackling low-grade systemic inflammation may offer potential to prevent or delay progression of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) is crucial for identifying potentially damaging changes in the eyes, including diseases as glaucoma and uveitis. This study compared intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in cats using the Tonovet and Tonovet Plus (rebound), Tono-Pen Avia Vet (applanation), and Kowa HA-2 (Goldman's methodology applanation) tonometers. Materials and Methods: 55 healthy cats (108 eyes) were assessed through three distinct studies: An ex vivo experiment (10 eyes of five cats) to correlate IOP manometry and tonometry values and ascertain the correlation coefficient (r²); an in vivo study (10 eyes of five sedated cats) to contrast manometer and tonometer readings; and an outpatient clinical trial (80 eyes of 45 cats) to analyze only tonometer measurements. Results: The r² values observed in the ex vivo study were Tonovet (0.923), Tonovet Plus (0.925), Tono-Pen Avia Vet (0.877), and Kowa HA-2 (0.901). The IOP values in mmHg in the in vivo study were as follows: Manometer (16.1 ± 2.7), Tonovet (21.1 ± 3.6), Tonovet Plus (19.7 ± 7.2), Tono-Pen Avia Vet (17.6 ± 7.9), and Kowa HA-2 (16.8 ± 2.0). In the outpatient clinical study, the IOP values in mmHg were as follows: Tonovet (19.7 ± 6.6), Tonovet Plus (17.1 ± 5.4), Tono-Pen Avia Vet (16.3 ± 4.3), and Kowa HA-2 (14.5 ± 2.2). Conclusion: IOP and manometry readings were strongly correlated by all tonometers. In the clinical setting, the most and least IOP measurements were recorded using Tonovet and Kowa HA-2, respectively, stressing the importance of an IOP reference table for each tonometer in feline practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND A novel method for estimating central systolic aortic pressure (cSAP) has emerged, relying solely on the peripheral mean (MBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures. We aimed to assess the accuracy of this Direct Central Blood Pressure estimation using cuff alone (DCBPcuff = MBP2/DBP) in comparison to the use of a generalized transfer function to derive cSAP from radial tonometry (cSAPtono). METHODS This retrospective analysis involved the International Database of Central Arterial Properties for Risk Stratification (IDCARS) data (Aparicio et al. Am J Hypertens 2022). The dataset encompassed 10,930 subjects from 13 longitudinal cohort studies worldwide (54.8% women; median age 46.0 years; office hypertension: 40.1%; treated: 61.0%), documenting cSAPtono via SphygmoCor calibrated against brachial systolic BP (SBP) and DBP. Our analysis focused on aggregate group data from 12/13 studies (89% patients) where a full BP dataset was available. A 35% form factor was used to estimate MBP = (DBP + (0.35 × (SBP-DBP)), from which DCBPcuff was derived. The predefined acceptable error for cSAPtono estimation was set at ≤ 5 mm Hg. RESULTS The cSAPtono values ranged from 103.8–127.0 mm Hg (n  = 12). The error between DCBPcuff and cSAPtono was 0.2 ± 1.4 mm Hg, with no influence of the mean. Errors ranged from −1.8 to 2.9 mm Hg across studies. No significant difference in errors was observed between BP measurements obtained via oscillometry (n  = 9) vs. auscultation (n  = 3) (P  = 0.50). CONCLUSIONS Using published aggregate group data and a 35% form factor, DCBPcuff demonstrated remarkable accuracy in estimating cSAPtono, regardless of the BP measurement technique. However, given that individual BP values were unavailable, further documentation is required to establish DCBPcuff's precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study investigated intraocular pressure (IOP) in Dutch belted rabbits using two different tonometers, rebound tonometry (TonoVet Plus; TVP) and a Tonopen (Tono-Pen AVIA Vet; TPA). Post-pubescent male Dutch belted rabbits aged 36 weeks (n = 10 animals) were used in the study. IOP measurements were conducted every 2 weeks for 22 weeks using TVP and TPA on both eyes of each rabbit. The average IOP measurements were compared by the paired Student’s t-test. Pairwise Pearson’s correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman statistics were used. The overall mean IOP measured with TPA was significantly higher than that with TVP (23.5 ± 4.9 vs. 21.8 ± 2.4 mmHg for the right eyes; P = 0.045, and 23.0 ± 4.7 vs. 21.5 ± 2.4 mmHg for the left eyes; P = 0.047). Both tonometers tended to show increased IOP readings with age, and positive correlations between IOP and age were observed with both TPA (r = 0.95, P

Continuous hemodynamic monitoring in a wearable means can play a crucial role in managing hypertension and preventing catastrophic cardiovascular events. In this study, we have described the fully wearable tonometric device, referred to as flexible adaptive sensing tonometry (FAST), which is capable of continuous and accurate monitoring of hemodynamic parameters within the medical-grade precision. In particular, the FAST system integrates a 1 × 8 unit array of highly sensitive and highly flexible iontronic sensing (FITS) with 1 mm spatial resolution and a closed-loop motion system. The flexible tonometric architecture has been used to determine the radial arterial position with high sensitivity and high conformability, which simplifies the biaxial searching process of the traditional applanation tonometry into a highly efficient uniaxial applanation while keeping the medical-precision assessments. Importantly, a self-calibration algorithm can be automatically implemented during the applanation process, from which the intra-arterial blood pressure wave can be continuously predicted within the medical-grade precision, and subsequently, multi-parametric hemodynamic analysis can be performed in real-time. Experimental validations on health volunteers have demonstrated that the FAST measurements are all within the required accuracy of the clinical standards for continuous pulse wave assessments, blood pressure monitoring as well as other key hemodynamic parameter evaluations. Therefore, the FAST system, by integrating the flexible iontronic sensing array, provides a real-time, medical-grade hemodynamic monitoring solution in a continuously wearable manner, from which remote patient-centered monitoring can be delivered with both medical precision and convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a candidate gene within a POAG susceptibility locus by GWAS analysis, and it is involved in IOP modulation via the Cav1/eNOS/NO signaling pathway. We aim to examine the phenotype of ABCA1 deletion in the ABCA1 gene knockout (Abca1−/−) mice. Methods. The anterior segments of Abca1−/− eyes were imaged by slit‐lamp microscopy and anterior segment OCT. IOPs were measured by rebound tonometry. By perfusing enucleated eyes at various pressures, the aqueous humor outflow facility was determined. The mRNA expressions of ABCA1, Cav1, and eNOS were measured by RT‐qPCR. The protein expressions were analyzed by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Results. There was no significant difference in the anterior segment morphology of Abca1−/− mice. IOP and aqueous humor outflow facility did not change in Abca1−/− mice compared with wild‐type mice. mRNA and protein expressions of ABCA1 were significantly lower in the outflow tissue of Abca1−/− eyes. The expressions of Cav1 and eNOS were both significantly upregulated in the outflow tissue of Abca1−/− eyes. Conclusion. ABCA1 deletion does not affect IOP and aqueous humor outflow function but the Cav1/eNOS/NO pathway is changed in Abca1−/− mice. The function of ABCA1 in aqueous humor outflow still requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this clinical report was to describe an unprecedented case of bilateral pressure-induced stromal keratopathy (PISK) following corneal photorefractive keratectomy, associated with presumed herpetic keratitis, and to present tomographic and biomechanical findings before and after appropriate treatment. Case Presentation: A 33-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic with suspected delayed corneal epithelial healing 3 weeks after an uncomplicated PRK. A central layer of corneal opacity with a presumed fluid-filled interface area was observed upon slit lamp biomicroscopy. Scheimpflug images from the Pentacam® revealed a hyperreflective area beneath the central cornea. Scheimpflug-based corneal tomography, biomechanical assessment using the Pentacam® AXL Wave, and the Corvis ST® were conducted. Goldmann applanation tonometry measured 23/13 mm Hg, while noncontact tonometry intraocular pressure measured with the Corvis ST® (Corvis ST IOPnct) was 40.5/43.5 mm Hg. Treatment with oral valacyclovir, combined with ocular hypotensive therapy, led to a significant reduction in IOP and improved corneal deformation parameters after 1 month. Conclusion: Surgeons should be aware of the inaccuracy of Goldmann applanation tonometry in PISK, which can occur after LASIK or surface ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The European Glaucoma Society recommends that selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) be considered as a first-line treatment option for patients with mild or moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or for those who have not responded well to medications. Purpose: To assess the efficacy of POAG treatment with SLT based on examination of the function of Schlemm's canal (SC) Methods: This paper presents the results of clinical studies and one-month dynamic follow-up of 38 POAG patients (52 eyes) who underwent SLT with a Tango Reflex YAG/SLT laser (Ellex, USA) at the VISUS clinic (Zaporizhzia). Of the 38 patients, 18 (47.37%) were males and 20 (52.63%) females. Patient age ranged from 58 to 85 years (mean age ± standard deviation, 69 ± 9.9 years). Results: There was a significant difference in the response to SLT between eyes with a functional blockage and those with an organic blockage of SC. In the former eyes, true intraocular pressure (P0) decreased from 25.66 ± 0.41 mmHg before SLT to 19.2 ± 0.24 mmHg, outflow facility coefficient increased by 40%, and Becker's coefficient decreased by 46.63% at 1 month after SLT (p < 0.05). In eyes with an organic blockage of SC, P0 changed from 27.69 ± 0.51 mmHg before SLT to 27.64 ± 0.49 mmHg at 1 week, and even increased to 28.75 ± 0.52 mmHg at month 1 after SLT (p 0.05), and tonography characteristics did not change. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that the success rate of SLT in eyes with POAG was 69.2%. The success rate, however, may reach 100% (with a mean percentage IOP reduction of 25.18%, 40 percent increase in the outflow facility coefficient, and 46.63 percent decrease in the Becker's coefficient) if SLT is performed only in POAG eyes with a functional blockage of SC. If established, the functional state of SC may be used for determining indications and contraindications for SLT in POAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the elastic characteristics of the common carotid artery (CCA) during endurance exercise at 3 different intensities. Methods: Twenty young healthy participants (10 males and 10 females) participated in this quasi-experimental cross-sectional study. Participants were tested in two sessions: (1) we took resting measurements of the elastic characteristics of the CCA and performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a cycle ergometer to determine submaximal exercise intensities, and we conducted (2) measurements of the elastic characteristics of the CCA while exercising in a cycle ergometer at 3 intensities based on blood lactate levels of low (<2 mmol/L), moderate (2–4 mmol/L), and high (>4 mmol/L). Beta stiffness was calculated using CCA diameters during systole and diastole, measured with high-definition ultrasound imaging, and CCA systolic and diastolic pressures were measured via applanation tonometry. Results: Overall, there were no differences between males and females in terms of any of the studied variables (p > 0.05). In addition, no significant changes were found in the CCA beta stiffness and vessel diameter (p > 0.05) between exercise intensities. There was a significant exercise intensity effect on CCA systolic pressure (p < 0.05), but not on CCA diastolic pressure (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The biomechanical characteristics of the CCA, determined via compliance and beta-stiffness, do not change during cyclical aerobic exercise, regardless of exercise intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated intraocular pressure (IOP) in Dutch belted rabbits using two different tonometers, rebound tonometry (TonoVet Plus; TVP) and a Tonopen (Tono-Pen AVIA Vet; TPA). Post-pubescent male Dutch belted rabbits aged 36 weeks (n = 10 animals) were used in the study. IOP measurements were conducted every 2 weeks for 22 weeks using TVP and TPA on both eyes of each rabbit. The average IOP measurements were compared by the paired Student’s t-test. Pairwise Pearson’s correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman statistics were used. The overall mean IOP measured with TPA was significantly higher than that with TVP (23.5 ± 4.9 vs. 21.8 ± 2.4 mmHg for the right eyes; P = 0.045, and 23.0 ± 4.7 vs. 21.5 ± 2.4 mmHg for the left eyes; P = 0.047). Both tonometers tended to show increased IOP readings with age, and positive correlations between IOP and age were observed with both TPA (r = 0.95, P < 0.001 for right eyes; r = 0.95, P < 0.001 for left eyes) and TVP (r = 0.91, P < 0.001 for right eyes; r = 0.64, P = 0.024 for left eyes). The average bias calculated by subtracting TPA from TVP was − 1.60 (95% confidence intervals − 1.927, − 1.281) mmHg. IOP in post-pubescent Dutch belted rabbits tended to increase with age throughout the 22 week study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A lower ability to buffer pulse pressure (PP) in the face of increasing mean arterial pressure (MAP) may underlie the disproportionate increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in women from young adulthood through middle-aged relative to men. Aim: To evaluate the contribution of MAP to the change in PP and pressure wave contour in men and women from young adulthood to middle age. Methods: Central pressure waveform was obtained from radial artery applanation tonometry in 312 hypertensive patients between 16 to 49 years (134 women, mean age 35 ± 9 years), 185 of whom were on antihypertensive treatment. Results: Higher MAP levels (≥ 100 mmHg) were significantly associated with higher brachial and central SBP (P < 0.001), PP (P < 0.001), incident wave (P = 0.005), AP (P < 0.001), and PWV (P < 0.001) compared to lower MAP levels. The relationship between MAP and brachial PP (P < 0.001), central PP (P < 0.001), incident wave (P < 0.001), and AP (P < 0.01), but not PWV, strengthens with age. The age-related increase in the contribution of MAP to brachial PP (P < 0.001), central PP (P < 0.001), and incident wave (P < 0.001) was more prominent in women than in men beginning in the fourth decade. In multiple regression analyses, MAP remained a significantly stronger predictor of central PP and incident wave in women than in men, independent of age, heart rate, and antihypertensive treatment. In turn, age remained a significantly stronger predictor of central PP and incident wave in women than in men, independent of MAP, heart rate, and antihypertensive treatment. Conclusions: Women of reproductive age showed a steeper increase in PP with increasing MAP, despite comparable increases in arterial stiffness in both sexes. The difference was driven by a greater contribution of MAP to the forward component of the pressure wave in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A meta-analysis found that including atmospheric pressure as altitude in generalized linear models reveals higher differences between Goldmann tonometry and Pascal dynamic contour tonometry at higher altitudes, with the difference increasing in thinner corneas. To examine the difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by using Goldman applanation tonometry (GAT) and dynamic contour tonometer (DCT) tonometry in published literature and determine the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT), age, and altitude on that difference. Methods: Articles that compare GAT and DCT were selected for an extensive literature review, and the location and altitude of the research centers were found online. CCT and age were analyzed as covariates, when available. Results: A total of 157 studies including 24,211 eyes of 20,214 patients were included in the study. The results showed that the difference between DCT and GAT was higher at higher altitudes above sea level and increased with thinner corneas. However, the results were different in eyes with corneal transplants, where altitude and CCT had less influence, and in those post-refractive surgery where age was found to influence the difference. Theoretical correction formulas using altitude, CCT, and age were derived from this meta-analysis, but their accuracy and usefulness in clinical practice need validation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that there is a higher risk of underestimating IOP when the Goldmann tonometer is used at a higher altitude, particularly in eyes with glaucoma, thinner corneas, or corneal refractive surgery. Further research is needed to validate the accuracy of the correction formulas derived from this meta-analysis in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This retrospective longitudinal study evaluated the biomechanical E-staging in KC corneas before and after intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation (Intacs® SK, Addition Technology, Illinois, United States). Methods: Biomechanical E-staging for ectatic corneal diseases was applied retrospectively on 49 KC corneas of 41 patients who underwent ICRS implantation. The main outcome parameters included the Corvis Biomechanical Factor (CBiF, the linearized Corvis Biomechanical Index and the biomechanical parameters included), the resulting biomechanical E-staging, the stress-strain index, thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), maximal anterior keratometry (Kmax), and the anterior radius of curvature (ARC). They were evaluated at 1.9 ± 1.1 months preoperatively and postoperatively after 2.8 ± 0.7, 5.8 ± 1.0, and 10.6 ± 2.3 months. Results: The CBiF decreased (4.9 ± 0.5 | 4.7 ± 0.5, P = 0.0013), and the E-staging increased significantly (2.8 ± 0.8 | 3.1 ± 0.9, P = 0.0012, paired t-test) from preoperatively to the first postoperative follow-up. The difference remained significant after 6 months; however, there was no more difference after 11 months. TCT was stable, whereas Kmax and ARC significantly decreased after ICRS implantation (TCT: 464 ± 49, 470 ± 51, 467 ± 38, 461 ± 48; Kmax: 56.3 ± 4.5, 54.7 ± 4.5, 54.2 ± 4.8, 54.1 ± 4.3; ARC: 51.5 ± 3.4, 48.3 ± 3.8, 48.6 ± 3.0, 48.6 ± 3.2 preoperatively and 3, 6, and 11 months postoperatively, respectively). Besides Kmax and ARC, Ambrósio's relational thickness to the horizontal profile (ARTh) was the only parameter that was significantly lower than preoperatively at any follow-up (P = 0.0024, Wilcoxon matched-pairs test). Conclusion: Intacs® SK implantation results in an increasing biomechanical E-staging in the first postoperative months with stabilization near preoperative values after 1 year. Significantly lower ARTh values at any follow-up document the ICRS effect and contribute to a slightly higher postoperative biomechanical E-staging value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Haemophilic arthropathy is likely to influence posture and muscle stiffness in adolescent male haemophilia patients (HP). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the possible change in upright standing posture and stiffness of the superficial postural muscles in HP. METHODS: Twenty-two HP aged between 12 and 19 years and twenty-two healthy peers were included in the study. The photogrammetry was used to assess the upright standing posture from sagittal and frontal planes. Also, stiffness of the superficial postural muscles was evaluated using the myotonometry. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the craniovertebral, lumbar lordosis, knee flexion-valgus, and ankle plantar flexion angles between the groups (p < 0.05). Craniovertebral, knee flexion, and knee valgus angles were lower; whereas lumbar lordosis and ankle plantar flexion angles were higher in HP compared to the healthy peers. Stiffness of the rectus femoris muscle was lower in HP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the ankle, knee, lumbar, and craniovertebral segments' posture angles were changed and the stiffness of the rectus femoris muscle decreased in HP. Postural alterations and reduced rectus femoris stiffness should be considered in management of the musculoskeletal complications of haemophilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate the accuracy of the new Tono-Vera rebound tonometer (Reichert Inc, Buffalo, NY) compared to Goldmann Applanation Tonometry.MethodsThis prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was designed in accordance with ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009 guidelines for tonometer comparison. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) was measured by Goldmann Applanation and Tono-Vera on 160 eyes of 160 subjects. Corneal Astigmatism and Central Corneal Thickness were also measured. A single investigator (CN) conducted all measurements. The average of two measurements from each tonometer was used in the analysis. Bland-Altman plots, total least squares regression analysis, and simple linear regression were used to evaluate agreement between the tonometers.ResultsAverage IOP values from Goldmann Applanation and Tono-Vera were not significantly different (19.17 and 19.03 respectively, p=0.40, paired t-test). The total least squares regression analysis indicated strong agreement between the two tonometers (slope +0.97, offset +0.49 mmHg, standard deviation 2.11 mmHg). There were 2 IOP measurement pairs that exceeded the ± 5 mmHg limits of agreement required in ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009, which is within the range of acceptability specified in the standards.ConclusionWe evaluated IOP measurements by Tono-Vera Rebound Tonometer vs Goldmann Applanation Tonometry for eyes with a wide range of IOP values and found no statistically significant differences in the results. Tono-Vera meets the requirements of ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009, demonstrating accuracy comparable to Goldmann tonometry.

Abstract Objective Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) and augmentation index (Aix) can be evaluated in office and also in ambulatory condition, during 24-h monitoring. The aim of our study was to measure cSBP and Aix in the office and in 24-h setting cSBP with two calibration methods and also Aix. Thereafter, we aimed to compare their changes after the initiation of lifestyle modifications or antihypertensive medications. Methods Office cSBP and Aix were measured with the tonometric PulsePen device (PP-cSBP, PP-Aix, respectively), while 24-h ambulatory cSBP and Aix (24 h-Aix) were evaluated with Mobil-O-Graph. For the calculation of 24-h cSBP both systolic/diastolic and systolic/mean BP calibration methods were considered (24 h-cSBPC1 and 24 h-cSBPC2, respectively). In new hypertensive patients (HT) the measurements were repeated 3 months after the initiation of antihypertensive medication while in white-coat hypertensive patients (WhHT) 12 months after lifestyle modifications. Results 105 patients were involved including 22-22 HT and WhHT subjects, respectively. PP-cSBP (128 ± 13 mmHg,) was higher than 24 h-cSBPC1 (118 ± 9 mmHg, p

Objective Animals Studied Procedure Results Conclusions To assess the accuracy of canine intraocular pressure (IOP) estimates from the eyeTelemed IOPvet indentation tonometer.Part 1 included 54 eyes from 28 Beagle dogs—23 ADAMTS10‐mutants with open‐angle glaucoma and 5 normals. Part 2 involved five normal canine ex vivo globes.Part 1 (in vivo) compared IOPvet estimates in normal and glaucomatous dogs to Reichert Tono‐Vera® Vet rebound tonometry. The three IOPvet estimates were green (normal; <20 mmHg, according to the manufacturer), yellow (elevated; 20–30 mmHg), and red (high; >30 mmHg). In Part 2 (ex vivo), the pressure inside freshly enucleated normal canine eyes was progressively increased from 5 to 80 mmHg and compared to IOPvet estimates. Descriptive statistics compared IOPvet estimates to rebound tonometry and direct manometry, with the threshold from normal to glaucoma set at 30 mmHg.In Part 1 (in vivo), normal pressures (≤30 mmHg) were mainly identified correctly as green or yellow—110 of 111 estimates, corresponding to a specificity of 99%. Only 16 of 125 affected estimates were correctly displayed in the >30‐mmHg range; the remaining 109 showed ≤30 mmHg, corresponding to a sensitivity of 13%. In Part 2 (ex vivo), all normal pressures were correctly estimated with green, but 64 of 88 manometric IOPs >30 mmHg were falsely estimated as 20–30 mmHg.The IOPvet is inaccurate in estimating canine IOP with a low sensitivity at identifying dogs with IOP > 30 mmHg. Canine‐specific instrument revision is required to correctly identify elevated (yellow = 20–30 mmHg) and high (red >30 mmHg) IOPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify differences in the muscle mechanical properties of the pelvic floor (PF) and lumbar paravertebral (LP) muscles between young nulliparous and uni/multiparous women. Secondarily, specific behaviors, depending on the presence or absence or urinary incontinence (UI), were also researched. Design: Case–control study. Setting: Higher education institution. Participants: One hundred young women participated, divided into two groups depending on whether they had vaginal birth (nulliparous or uni/multiparous). Each group included women with and without UI. Main measures: A muscle mechanical properties (tone, stiffness, decrement—inverse of elasticity—, and viscoelastic properties: relaxation and creep) assessment of the PF and LP muscles were performed with a hand-held tonometer. Results: Tone and stiffness of both sides of the PF presented group by UI interaction (p < 0.05), with uni/multiparous women with UI showing higher tone and stiffness compared to multiparous women without UI. In LP muscles, uni/multiparous women showed greater tone and stiffness on the right and left sides [−2.57 Hz (95% confidence interval −4.42,−0.72) and −79.74 N/m (−143.52,−15.97); −2.20 Hz (−3.82,−0.58) and −81.30 N/m (−140.66-,21.95), respectively], as well as a decrease in viscoelastic properties compared to nulliparous women [relaxation: 2.88 ms (0.31,5.44); creep: 0.15 (0.01,0.30); relaxation: 2.69 ms (0.13,5.25); creep: 0.14 (0,0.28), respectively]. Conclusions: Vaginal birth and UI have a differential influence on the muscle mechanical properties of the PF and LP muscles. The determination of muscle mechanical properties by externally applied hand-held tonometry improves the knowledge of the lumbopelvic status, with applicability in clinical and research fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective incontinence scoring, and anal manometry were done preoperatively and postoperatively. High RVF (involving RV-septum) were excluded. Results: Twenty-seven patients with low RVF (not involving RV-septum) were operated like anal fistula[age:35.2± 9.2 years, median follow-up-15 months (3– 36 months)]. 19/27 were low fistula[< 1/3 external anal sphincter(EAS) involved] and fistulotomy was performed, whereas 8/27 were high fistula (> 1/3 EAS involved) and underwent a sphincter-sparing procedure. Three patients were excluded. The fistula healed well in 22/24 (91.7%) patients and did not heal in 2/24 (8.3%). The healing was confirmed on MRI, and there was no significant change in mean incontinence scores and anal pressures on tonometry. RV-septum injury did not occur in any patient. Conclusions: RVF not involving RV-septum were managed like anal fistulas with a high cure rate and no significant change in continence. RV-septum injury or formation of RVF with septum involvement did not occur in any patient. The RENISTA concept was validated in the present study. A new classification was developed to prevent any inadvertent injury to the RV-septum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Normal values of tear production (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) are important values resulting from ophthalmic examinations in animals, but so far there are no data from conscious red deer. The establishment of reference value ranges specific to conscious animals may be useful to institutions in settings where chemical immobilization is not necessary for the examination of the species. A total of 60 red deer were examined in this study. Both eyes of all red deer underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including evaluation of tear production with the Schirmer tear test and IOP readings. The mean ± standard deviation of STT values were 18.35 ± 4.54 mm/30 s in the right eye and 17.87 ± 4.12 mm/30 s in the left; for both eyes, 18.11 ± 4.33 mm/30 s, with a reference range of 17.33–18.89 mm/30 s. IOP was as follows: 26.96 ± 4.42 mmHg in the right eye and 26.67 ± 3.80 mmHg in the left; for both eyes, 26.81 ± 4.11 mmHg, with a reference range of 26.07–27.55 mm/30 s. No statistically significant differences were found between the right and left eye in terms of IOP and STT values. This study provides the normal range for STT and IOP in healthy red deer. It demonstrates that STT is a practical method for determining tear production, and rebound tonometry is a practical method for evaluating IOP in ophthalmic examinations of deer. Normal values of tear production (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) have not been reported in conscious red deer to date. The objective was to determine the normal range of STT and IOP in clinically healthy, conscious red deer (Cervus elaphus) by utilizing a chute restraint. A total of 60 red deer were examined in this study. Both eyes of all red deer underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including evaluation of tear production with the Schirmer tear test (STT) and assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP) with rebound tonometry, employing the TonoVet® device. The mean ± standard deviation of STT values were 18.35 ± 4.54 mm/30 s in the right eye and 17.87 ± 4.12 mm/30 s in the left; for both eyes, 18.11 ± 4.33 mm/30 s, with a reference range of 17.33–18.89 mm/30 s. IOP was as follows: 26.96 ± 4.42 mmHg in the right eye and 26.67 ± 3.80 mmHg in the left; for both eyes, it was 26.81 ± 4.11 mmHg, with a reference range of 26.07–27.55 mm/30 s. No statistically significant differences were observed between the IOP and STT values of the right and left eyes. This study provides a reference range for the STT and IOP in healthy red deer, showing that STT determination of tear production, and rebound tonometry to evaluate the IOP methods, are practical methods for ophthalmic examination in deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after intravitreal aflibercept injections in Japanese patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) complicated by glaucoma. Study design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 27 eyes of 25 Japanese patients diagnosed with nAMD complicated by glaucoma. The patients were treated with 2 mg/0.05 ml of aflibercept and followed for 52 weeks according to a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen after 3 consecutive monthly injections. The IOP of each eye was measured at each visit using non-contact tonometry. IOP changes as well as additional glaucoma treatments during 52 weeks were recorded. Results: The mean of aflibercept injections was 8.3 ± 1.9. The mean IOP at baseline was 14.0 ± 3.1 mmHg, and the mean IOP after aflibercept therapy was 13.0 ± 2.4 mmHg at the final visit (P = 0.0463). No patients received additional glaucoma treatment of eye drops or surgery. Conclusion: Our results suggest that intravitreal aflibercept injections may be beneficial for patients with nAMD complicated by glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goldmann applanation tonometry is widely used for the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and its use is considered standard of care. However, the precision of this method may be reduced by a clinician tendency to round to even numbers. Studies have previously demonstrated an even-number measurement bias with Goldmann applanation tonometry during examination of a general patient population. Since it has not been determined whether this bias persists among glaucoma suspects and patients with glaucoma, further investigation was conducted. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a random sample from a large dataset of >69,000 patients seen during a six-year period at an urban, academic primary eye care service. Patients without suspicion of glaucoma, patients with a suspicion of glaucoma, and patients with glaucoma were selected who had Goldmann tonometry performed. Chart reviews were performed to confirm status, and even/odd-numbered Goldmann tonometry measurement frequencies were compared. The analysis included 961 controls, 506 glaucoma suspects, 159 ocular hypertensives not taking medication, and 314 patients taking medications who carried a diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Among controls the Goldmann tonometry even/odd digit proportions were 62.8%/37.2% (N = 961, p < 0.0001), and the even-number bias persisted among the other groups with specific even/odd distributions being 61.9%/38.1% (N = 506, p < 0.0001) for glaucoma suspects not taking medications, 66.0%/34.0% (N = 159, p < 0.0001) for ocular hypertensives not taking medications, and 64.3%/35.7% (N = 314, p < 0.0001) for glaucoma/ocular hypertension patients taking medications. An even-number measurement bias with Goldmann tonometry may be prevalent even when the examiner is aware of there being greater importance for intraocular pressure measurement accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal ophthalmic parameters of the blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides), one of the largest members of the skink family of lizards, have yet to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to establish baseline ophthalmic parameters for a captive population of 12 healthy, 1-yr-old blue-tongued skinks. Ophthalmic examination, corneal touch threshold, tear production including phenol red thread test (PRTT) and modified Schirmer tear test-2 (mSTT-2), horizontal palpebral fissure length (HPFL), rebound tonometry (TONOVET and TONOVET Plus), and bacterial and fungal cultures were performed. The blue-tongued skinks were all amenable to ocular diagnostic testing. Corneal touch threshold (mean ± SD) was 5.48 ± 0.81 cm. PRTT (mean ± SD) was 9.17 ± 6.62 mm/15 sec. mSTT-2 (mean ± SD) was 2.54 ± 2.72 mm/60 sec. HPFL (mean ± SD) was 6.96 ± 0.62 mm and was positively correlated with body weight. Intraocular pressure (IOP) assessed using TONOVET (mean ± SD) was 8.43± 1.51 mmHg, whereas IOP assessed using TONOVET Plus (mean ± SD) was 12.39± 1.54 mmHg. Differences in TONOVET and TONOVET Plus tonometry values were statistically significant (P < 0.0001), and TONOVET values were positively correlated with body weight. The most common bacterial species identified were Staphylococcus xylosus (10/12) and Staphylococcus sciuri (8/12). Fungal cultures were all negative. One animal had superficial corneal ulceration that resolved with treatment. Ophthalmic examination and testing is readily performed in blue-tongued skinks. These parameters may be useful for ocular assessment of this species in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postmenopausal women have augmented pressure wave responses to low-intensity isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) due to an overactive metaboreflex (postexercise muscle ischaemia, PEMI), contributing to increased aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP). Menopause-associated endothelial dysfunction via arginine (ARG) and nitric oxide deficiency may contribute to exaggerated exercise SBP responses. L-Citrulline supplementation (CIT) is an ARG precursor that decreases SBP, pulse pressure (PP) and pressure wave responses to cold exposure in older adults. We investigated the effects of CIT on aortic SBP, PP, and pressure of forward (Pf) and backward (Pb) waves during IHG and PEMI in twenty-two postmenopausal women. Participants were randomised to CIT (10 g/d) or placebo (PL) for 4 weeks. Aortic haemodynamics were assessed via applanation tonometry at rest, 2 min of IHG at 30 % of maximal strength, and 3 min of PEMI. Responses were analysed as change (Δ) from rest to IHG and PEMI at 0 and 4 weeks. CIT attenuated ΔSBP (−9 ± 2 v. −1 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·006), ΔPP (−5 ± 2 v. 0 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·03), ΔPf (−6 ± 2 v. −1 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·01) and ΔPb (−3 ± 1 v. 0 ± 1 mmHg, P = 0·02) responses to PEMI v. PL. The ΔPP during PEMI was correlated with ΔPf (r = 0·743, P < 0·001) and ΔPb (r = 0·724, P < 0·001). Citrulline supplementation attenuates the increase in aortic pulsatile load induced by muscle metaboreflex activation via reductions in forward and backward pressure wave amplitudes in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement should be accurate in a paediatric population with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). Aim: This study aims to investigate the difference between the change in IOP measurements using rebound tonometry (RBT) and handheld applanation tonometry (AT) (Perkins applanation tonometer [PAT]) in patients with and without PCG. Setting: Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods: Measurements were taken under anaesthesia, using RBT and AT at 0 min, 5 min and 10 mins after induction and prior to intubation. Corneal pachymetry and corneal diameters were measured. Results: Sixty-five children were included, 19 with PCG and 46 without PCG. The mean age (standard deviation [s.d.]) was 3.2 (2.25) years and 4.8 (2.4) years, respectively. The overall mean difference in IOP between RBT and PAT across both PCG and non-PCG groups was found to be 4.92 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.80 – 7.03) p 0.001, with RBT having higher readings. This difference was greater in the PCG group, with the IOP difference of 9.05 mmHg (95% CI: 2.6 – 15.5) p = 0.004. Mean corneal pachymetry (s.d.) was 585.6 (81.48) µm in the PCG group and 518.31 (39.9) µm in the non-PCG group. Univariate analysis showed that IOP was significantly related to corneal pachymetry, with a 11 mmHg increase in IOP for every 100 μm change in corneal thickness for measurements done with RBT (p 0.001), compared to 4 mmHg using PAT (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Intraocular pressure measurements done with RBT in children with and without PCG were overestimated compared to PAT. Contribution: This difference was more pronounced in PCG patients. In addition, IOP was significantly related to corneal thickness.

In this study, we propose a comprehensive mechanical model of ocular bulb vibrations and discuss its implications for acoustic tonometry. The model describes the eye wall as a spherical, pre-stressed elastic shell containing a viscoelastic material and accounts for the interaction between the elastic corneoscleral shell and the viscoelastic vitreous humor. We investigate the natural frequencies of the system and the corresponding vibration modes, expanding the solution in terms of scalar and vector spherical harmonics. From a quantitative point of view, our findings reveal that the eyebulb vibration frequencies significantly depend on IOP. This dependency has two origins: "geometric" stiffening, due to an increase of the pre-stress, and "material" stiffening, due to the nonlinearity of the stress-strain curve of the sclera. The model shows that the second effect is by far dominant. We also find that the oscillation frequencies depend on ocular rigidity, but this dependency is important only at relatively large values of IOP. Thus close to physiological conditions, IOP is the main determinant of ocular vibration frequencies. The vitreous rheological properties are found to mostly influence vibration damping. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanical behavior of the eye under dynamic conditions and thus has implications for non-contact intraocular pressure measurement techniques, such as acoustic tonometry. The model can also be relevant for other ocular pathological conditions, such as traumatic retinal detachment, which are believed to be influenced by the dynamic behavior of the eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In recent years, glaucoma remains the main cause of irreversible blindness both in the world and in Ukraine. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) remains a decisive risk factor for the development of glaucoma. Biomechanical properties of the cornea can potentially affect the accuracy of IOP measurements. Previous studies have shown that the relationship between central retinal thickness and IOP is non-linear and may be different in the corneas of normal eyes and eyes with chronic diseases. The purpose of our study was to investigate intraocular pressure indicators with different types of tonometry in patients with dry eye disease. Material and methods. Seventy-eight right eyes (78 patients) with emmetropia and mild myopic refraction were examined. The average age of patients was 23.8 ± 3.2 years. Among them, there were 36 men (46.15 %) and 42 women (53.85 %). Exclusion criteria: glaucoma, diabetes, hypertension, connective tissue disease, pregnancy, macular degeneration, corneal dystrophy, corneal scar, corneal edema, keratoconus, corneal and ocular surgery, spherical equivalent ≥ 4.00 diopter, corneal astigmatism ≥ 3.00 diopter. Before the start of the study, all patients signed informed consent to participate in it and were informed about the purpose and course. During the study, all patients underwent a comprehensive eye examination. When determining IOP, the principles of randomization were followed. In order to evaluate the biomechanical properties, the coefficient of corneal rigidity (KER), formulas and a method for assessing the corneal rigidity (Sergienko M.M., Shargorodska I.V., 2008) were used. For each eye, intraocular pressure was calculated taking into account the corneal rigidity coefficient — IOP(k) and the correction factor taking into account the corneal rigidity coefficient — k. Windows Microsoft Excel 2010, statistical software SPSS 17.0 (USA) were used for statistical processing of research results. Results. It was found that the non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) was equal to 16.23 ± 10.20 seс on average for the group, while 34.16 % of the study participants had a NIBUT value below 10 sec. There was no statistically significant difference in NIBUT values between women and men (p = 0.518). It was found that the obtained average Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was 10.54 ± 6.41 points and in 41.02 % of cases, it exceeded 12 points. The detected differences between women and men were not statistically significant (p = 0.613). In addition, the analysis of the results showed that the average values of intraocular pressure measured using different tonometers with changes in the indicators of diagnostic tests and manifestations of dry eye were inflated. The least vulnerable were the values obtained using Goldmann applanation tonometry. A poor-quality tear film has a negative optical effect. An important result of our research is that the biomechanical properties of the cornea determined by the method for assessing the corneal rigidity (Sergienko M.M., Shargorodska I.V., 2008) did not depend on the quality and quantity of tears and other markers of dry eye. No statistically significant relationship was found between the corneal rigidity coefficient, the correction factor taking into account the corneal rigidity coefficient and NIBUT (< 10 s), OSDI (> 12 points), Schirmer’s test (< 15 mm) and fluorescein eye stain test (> 0.04 points). The value of IOP adjusted for corneal rigidity was not statistically significantly different between different models. Conclusions. The results of the study are evidence that the tear film influences the parameters of intraocular pressure measured by rebound tonometry (RT), Maklakov applanation tonometry (MAT) and pneumotonometry (PT). It has been shown that IOP measured by RT, MAT and PT has a certain relationship with OSDI and NIBUT, and a correlation with the LIPCOF and fluorescein eye stain test at MAT and PT. It was proved that there is no dependence between the coefficient of corneal rigidity KER, the correction factor k and IOP(k) and changes in the indicators of diagnostic tests. Further studies are needed to understand the nature of changes in corneal rigidity with severe degrees of dry eye disease, different conditions of the ocular surface, and in various age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine intraocular pressure (IOP) and tear production, as well as to compare the IOP obtained with the TonoVet Plus® (rebound) with the Tono‐Pen Avia® (applanation) tonometers. Animals: Twenty‐five Mini Lionhead rabbits (n = 50 eyes). Procedure: Tear production was measured at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. by using the STT. The IOP reading was performed with the rebound tonometer, followed by the applanation tonometer, at 6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. Regression analysis, analysis of variance (anova) and Bland–Altman statistics were used. Results: Daily tear production was 10.25 ± 3.75 mm/min, with no differences among the moments evaluated. Average daily IOP was 17.7 ± 3.08 mmHg with the TonoVet Plus® and 11.5 ± 4.56 mmHg with the Tono‐Pen Avia®. IOP values were higher at the beginning and end of the day with both tonometers. Conclusion: The IOP values are higher with the TonoVet Plus® tonometer. The reference values of IOP and tear production obtained in this work may support the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of ocular disorders in pet Mini Lionhead rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in dogs taken with the Reichert® Tono‐Vera® Vet rebound tonometer with and without the automatic positioning system. Animals Studied: Measurements were taken on 49 eyes from 26 Beagle‐derived dogs with variable genetics—four non‐glaucomatous and 22 ADAMTS10‐mutant dogs affected with different stages of open‐angle glaucoma. Seventeen of the 26 dogs were measured 2–4 times on different days with variable intervals since IOP‐lowering medications were administered. Procedures: In each dog, tonometry was performed with the Tono‐Vera® Vet using three different methods in a randomized order: (Method 1) Average of three readings with an automatic positioning system; (Method 2) one reading with an automatic positioning system; and (Method 3) average of three readings obtained without the automatic positioning system. Statistical analyses included one‐way ANOVA, Tukey pairwise comparisons, and Bland–Altman plots (MiniTab®). Results: With each of the three tonometry methods, 116 measurements were taken, resulting in 348 total IOP measurements with a range of 12.8–49.9 mmHg. The means and standard deviations for each method were 25.4 ± 6.9 mmHg (Method 1), 26.0 ± 7.2 mmHg (Method 2), and 26.9 ± 7.7 mmHg (Method 3), with no significant differences (p =.27). Mean IOP variances were also not significantly different between tonometry methods (p =.24 to.78). Conclusions: Because mean IOPs and their standard deviations were not statistically different between the three tonometry methods, we conclude that Tono‐Vera® Vet measurements conducted without the aid of the positioning system still provide reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rehabilitation clinicians that work with physically active populations are challenged with how to safely return patients back to performing deadlift movements following low back injury. Application of reliable and valid tests and measures to quantify impairments related to low back pain (LBP) enhances clinical decision making and may affect outcomes. Myotonometry is a non-invasive method to assess muscle stiffness which has demonstrated significant associations with physical performance and musculoskeletal injury. Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the stiffness of trunk (lumbar multifidus [LM] and longissimus thoracis [LT]) and lower extremity (vastus lateralis [VL] and biceps femoris [BF]) muscles between individuals with and without LBP during the lying, standing, and deadlifting body positions. Study Design Cross-sectional cohort comparison Methods Muscle stiffness measures were collected in the VL, BF, LM, and LT muscles with participants in lying (supine and prone), standing, and the trap bar deadlift position. Separate analyses of covariance were conducted to compare absolute and relative muscle stiffness between the groups for each muscle and condition. Results Sixty-eight participants (41 female, 21.3 years, 34 LBP) volunteered for the study. Within the deadlift condition there was a significantly greater increase in the percent-muscle stiffness change in the VL (p = .029, 21.9%) and BF (p = .024, 11.2%) muscles in the control group than in the LBP group. There were no differences in percent-muscle stiffness changes for the standing condition nor were there any absolute muscle stiffness differences between the two groups for the three conditions. Conclusion No differences in muscle stiffness were identified in the lying, standing, or deadlifting conditions between participants with and without LBP. Differences in percent stiffness changes were noted between groups for the deadlift position, however the differences were modest and within measurement error. Future studies should investigate the utility of myotonometry as a method to identify LBP-related impairments that contribute to chronic and/or recurrent low back injury. Level of Evidence Level 3 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) and its relevance in managing glaucoma. It compares different techniques for measuring IOP and explores various factors that can affect IOP levels, such as immobilization, fasting, laparoscopic surgery, anesthesia, glucose levels, obesity, and seasonal variation. The study found no statistically significant changes in IOP in response to changes in local barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature. However, the findings may not be applicable to glaucoma patients or individuals living at high altitudes. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a multicenter analysis of intraocular pressure after the insertion of a preloaded hydrophobic acrylic monofocal intraocular lens (IOL). The EyeCee One preloaded IOLs were withdrawn from UK eye centers due to reports of high intraocular pressures. The analysis found that 1.3% of eyes had an intraocular pressure equal to or greater than 30mmHg at the first postoperative visit. The cause of the raised intraocular pressure was determined to be the inadvertent injection of a coating agent called polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) into the anterior chamber, obstructing the trabecular meshwork. The authors call for further information on the mechanism and biocompatibility of PVP. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the use of rebound tonometry, as a noninvasive diagnostic tool, in arachnids., Methods: 5 juvenile (yearling) female and 1 juvenile male curlyhair tarantulas (Tliltocatl albopilosus, previously Brachypelma albopilosum) were used to track estimated ventral opisthosoma pressures over a 9-month period of time. Younger, growing animals were selected as they are more likely than adults to go through multiple molts throughout the 9 months of the study length. An iCare TONOVET TV01 rebound tonometer was used to measure the estimated ventral opisthosoma pressures of the spiders. Measurements were obtained from the ventral opisthosoma, 1 of the thinnest areas of exocuticle throughout the body. Readings were obtained once per week from the ventral opisthosoma for the first 2 months, then once every 2 weeks for 1 month, then back to once per week for the remainder of the study. Additional measurements were obtained following each ecdysis, after a 2% body weight sampling of hemolymph, and at the end of the study to evaluate readings in response to induction of general anesthesia with 5% isoflurane gas and oxygen flow at 2 L/min for 10 minutes., Results: The average of all estimated ventral opisthosoma pressure when spiders were not in molt was 26.19 mm Hg (SD, 3.54), with a statistically significant decrease postmolt to an average of 15.31 mm Hg (SD, 3.81), followed by a gradual increase back to premolt pressures over a 3-week period with an average of 22 days (SD, 1.93). Estimated ventral opisthosoma pressures decreased post hemolymph removal. There is not sufficient evidence that estimated ventral opisthosoma pressures changed over time following the anesthesia., Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrates that tonometry can be used to generally assess the estimated ventral opisthosoma pressure, which could correlate with where a spider is in an ecdysis cycle.

Background: Muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) are relevant in the pathophysiology of lumbopelvic disorders. However, they have not been described in the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) and lumbar paravertebral muscles (LPM) of women with urge urinary incontinence (UUI)., Objective: To identify differences between MMPs of PFM and LPM in patients with UUI and healthy controls. Secondarily also aimed to observe the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical variables with the PFM and LPM MMPs., Methods: The participants of this case-control study comprised 34 women with UUI (UUI group) and 34 continent women (control group). Sociodemographic variables were obtained together with data on the clinical status of the pelvic floor. The MMPs, i.e., frequency (tone), stiffness, decrement (inverse of elasticity), and viscoelastic properties (VP), such as relaxation time and creep, of PFM and LPM were assessed with a hand-held tonometer. Between-group differences and intra-group correlations were identified., Results: The UUI group presented higher frequency and stiffness, as well as lower relaxation time in PFM, whereas the LPM had lower tone and stiffness, and higher VP, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The UUI group showed a pattern of moderate correlations (|0.403|

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of the new Tono-Vera rebound tonometer (Reichert Inc, Buffalo, NY) compared to Goldmann Applanation Tonometry., Methods: This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was designed in accordance with ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009 guidelines for tonometer comparison. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) was measured by Goldmann Applanation and Tono-Vera on 160 eyes of 160 subjects. Corneal Astigmatism and Central Corneal Thickness were also measured. A single investigator (CN) conducted all measurements. The average of two measurements from each tonometer was used in the analysis. Bland-Altman plots, total least squares regression analysis, and simple linear regression were used to evaluate agreement between the tonometers., Results: Average IOP values from Goldmann Applanation and Tono-Vera were not significantly different (19.17 and 19.03 respectively, p=0.40, paired t-test). The total least squares regression analysis indicated strong agreement between the two tonometers (slope +0.97, offset +0.49 mmHg, standard deviation 2.11 mmHg). There were 2 IOP measurement pairs that exceeded the ± 5 mmHg limits of agreement required in ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009, which is within the range of acceptability specified in the standards., Conclusion: We evaluated IOP measurements by Tono-Vera Rebound Tonometer vs Goldmann Applanation Tonometry for eyes with a wide range of IOP values and found no statistically significant differences in the results. Tono-Vera meets the requirements of ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009, demonstrating accuracy comparable to Goldmann tonometry., Competing Interests: Authors DT and RB were employed by the company Reichert, Inc. Authors AC and CN have received consulting payments from Reichert. The authors declare that the study received funding from Reichert Inc. Reichert Inc. was involved in the design, analysis, and interpretation of the data, the writing of the article, and the decision to submit it for publication., (Copyright © 2024 Niles, Crinzi, Bonaventura and Taylor.)

Objective/purpose: Standardization of eye care data is important for clinical interoperability and research. We aimed to address gaps in the representations of glaucoma examination concepts within Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT), the preferred terminology of the American Academy of Ophthalmology., Design: Study of data elements., Methods: Structured eye examination data fields from 2 electronic health records (EHR) systems (Epic Systems and Medisoft) were compared against existing SNOMED-CT codes for concepts representing glaucoma examination findings. Glaucoma specialists from multiple institutions were surveyed to identify high-priority gaps in representation, which were discussed among the SNOMED International Eye Care Clinical Reference Group. Proposals for new codes to address the gaps were formulated and submitted for inclusion in SNOMED-CT., Main Outcome Measures: Gaps in SNOMED-CT glaucoma examination concept representations., Results: We identified several gaps in SNOMED-CT regarding glaucoma examination concepts. A survey of glaucoma specialists identified high-priority data elements within the categories of tonometry and gonioscopy. For tonometry, there was consensus that we need to define new codes related to maximum intraocular pressure (IOP) and target IOP and delineate all methods of measuring IOP. These new codes were proposed and successfully added to SNOMED-CT for future use. Regarding gonioscopy, the current terminology did not include the ability to denote the gonioscopic grading system used (e.g., Shaffer or Spaeth), degree of angle pigmentation, iris configuration (except for plateau iris), and iris approach. There was also no ability to specify eye laterality or angle quadrant for gonioscopic findings. We proposed a framework for representing gonioscopic findings as observable entities in SNOMED-CT., Conclusion: There are existing gaps in the standardized representation of findings related to tonometry and gonioscopy within SNOMED-CT. These are important areas for evaluating clinical outcomes and enabling secondary use of EHR data for glaucoma research. This international multi-institutional collaborative process enabled identification of gaps, prioritization, and development of data standards to address these gaps. Addressing these gaps and augmenting SNOMED-CT coverage of glaucoma examination findings could enhance clinical documentation and future research efforts related to glaucoma., Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: This study aimed to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) values obtained from two groups of dogs using the IOPvet indentation tonometer to those obtained from the same dogs using an established rebound tonometer (TONOVET Plus). Methods: Tonometry was performed on 36 dogs with ocular diseases (70 eyes; group A) and 25 healthy dogs (49 eyes; group B). First, the TONOVET Plus rebound tonometer was used. Then, one drop of oxybuprocaine hydrochloride was applied to each eye, and 1 minute later, the IOP was estimated using the IOPvet. Results: The IOPvet was safe, well tolerated and easy to use. The instrument had a high specificity (98.5%) for identifying IOPs of 20 mmHg or less. A lack of sensitivity (67.9%) was noted when evaluating eyes with an IOP between 20 and 30 mmHg. The sensitivity (33.3%) for identifying canine eyes with an IOP of greater than 30 mmHg (n = 24) was low. Limitations: This study lacks manometric work, which would be hard to justify with client‐owned dogs. Quantitative numerical data were compared with qualitative values and the same investigator obtained readings using both tonometers without being masked. Conclusions: The IOPvet is highly sensitive for assessing normal IOPs, but underestimation of higher IOPs can lead to poor diagnostics. Digital tonometers remain the best way to assess IOP in veterinary clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Measuring intraocular pressure in horses can be challenging. • First probe-corneal touch measurements (PCT) had good agreement with the average. • 89.5% and 78.9% first PCT were within 4 mmHg of the average of six PCT measurements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained from first, second, and third probe-cornea touch (PCT) and compare them with the average of six PCTs using two rebound tonometers in horses. This study enrolled a total of thirty-eight stallions, comprising of 24 Arabian horses and 14 cross-breeds (with an average age of 8 ± 3 years). The IOP measurements of first, second, and third, as well as the average of six PCTs were obtained using either Tonovet (TV) or Tonovet Plus (TV+) rebound tonometers. The mean differences (95% limits of agreement) between the average of six PCTs and the first, second, and third PCTs were 0.1 (-4.8 to 5), 0.2 (-4.8 to 4.5), and 0.2 (-3.6 to 4.0) mmHg with TV, respectively. With TV+, the differences were 0.3 (-6.6 to 7.2), 1.1 (-8.6 to 10.8), and -0.2 (-3.6 to 4.0) mmHg, respectively. Compared to the average of six PCTs, only 89.5%, 92.1%, and 97.4% of IOP measurements obtained from TV and 78.9%, 73.3%, and 65.8% of IOP measurements obtained from TV+ were within 4 mmHg of the average of six PCTs for first, second, and third PCTs, respectively. In conclusion, the measurement of IOP in the first PCT achieved best agreement with the IOP measurement of six average PCTs. Therefore, the first PCT could be considered as an alternative option for measuring IOP in horses when obtaining an average of six PCTs is not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]