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Objectives: To evaluate the incidence and severity of depression in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Materials and Methods: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered to 74 patients with RP and 60 healthy controls. Biomicroscopic anterior segment and fundus examination, visual field, optical coherence tomography, and full-field electroretinography tests were performed in all cases. Variables were evaluated with bivariate, multiple linear, and ordinal logistic regression analyses. Results: The RP group included 40 (54%) male and 34 (46%) female patients, while the control group included 23 (38%) male and 37 (62%) female subjects. The patient group had a mean age of 39.20±12.4 years, median best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.10 decimal (1.0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; range, 1.3-0.7 logMAR), and median visual field mean deviation (MD) score of -28.00 decibels (dB) (range, -1.00 to -34.00 dB). The median BDI score was statistically significantly higher in the patient group (19 points) than in the control group (12 points) (p<0.001). Moderate to severe depression (BDI ≥20) was detected in 61% of patients, while this rate was 25% in healthy controls. BCVA and visual field MD values were identified as predictors of depression score and severity level. The patients' age and gender did not affect total depression score or severity. Conclusion: The prevalence and severity of depression were found to be higher in RP patients than in healthy controls. There was a significant relationship between the patient's functional vision tests and the frequency and severity of depression. Depression reduces the reliability of visual function tests and impairs patients' quality of life. Therefore, assessing mental health as well as functional tests is important in patients with RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the ABCA4 variants in patients diagnosed with Stargardt disease. This is a retrospective study designed to investigate variants in the ABCA4 in Stargardt disease and the clinical findings of the cases. Sex, age, age of onset of symptoms, best-corrected visual acuity, color fundus photography, optical coherence tomography, and visual field test of the patients were recorded. Genetic analyses were screened, and patients with at least two variants in the ABCA4 were included in this study. Twenty-seven patients diagnosed with Stargardt disease with the ABCA4 variants were included in this study. Twelve of them (44.4%) were female and fifteen (55.5%) were male. The mean age of the cases was 27.44 years (ranging from 8 to 56 years). Thirty different variants were detected in 54 ABCA4 alleles of 27 patients. The two most common pathogenic variants were c.5882 G>A p.(Gly1961Glu) and c.52C>T p.(Arg18Trp) in this cohort. Two novel variants were identified (c.3855_3856dup, c.1554 + 3_1554 + 4del) and the patient with the c.1554 + 3_1554 + 4del variant additionally had a different ABCA4 variant in trans. The other novel variant was homozygous. In this study, two novel variants were described in a Turkish cohort with Stargardt disease. The variant c.52C>T p.(Arg18Trp) was the most common disease-causing variant besides the c.5882 G>A p.(Gly1961Glu) which was identified frequently in the previous studies. A larger sample size is necessary for describing different pathogenic variants and understanding the phenotype-genotype correlations. Identifying variants and their pathogenicity in inherited diseases is important for widening the disease-causing mutations and future treatment options. Two novel variants (c.3855_3856dup, c.5910_5912dup) were described in a cohort with Stargardt disease. The most common variants could be different in ethnic groups. The variant c.52C>T p.(Arg18Trp) was the most common variant besides the c.5882G>A p.(Gly1961Glu) which was frequently identified in the previous studies. Describing different pathogenic variants and clinical findings of the patients is important for understanding the phenotype-genotype correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The full-field stimulus threshold (FST) test was developed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatments of hereditary retinal diseases. In this study we performed the FST test in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and compared the results with findings from other ophthalmological tests. Materials and Methods: The study included 51 intermediate and advanced RP patients and 21 normal subjects. All patients and controls underwent routine examination and ophthalmological tests including visual field, optical coherence tomography, full-field and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG), and FST tests. During FST testing, the perception thresholds of retina to the white, blue, and red FST were determined in decibels. Results: The mean age of the patients and the controls were 35.2 and 33.5 years, respectively. For all RP patients, no response was obtained on fullfield ERG. All subjects were able to perform reliable FST tests. The mean values of visual acuity and central macular thickness were significantly lower and visual field mean deviation values were significantly higher in the RP group than the controls. When we evaluated the mfERG findings, the mean P1 wave amplitudes in all rings were significantly lower and the mean peak times were significantly longer in RP patients than controls. In comparisons of FST test results, the mean values for white, blue, red and the difference between blue-red thresholds were significantly lower in the RP group than the control group. Conclusion: The FST test is a fast and a reliable exam which can be done in subjects with poor visual acuity and reduced visual field. The results of this study confirm that the FST test can measure retinal sensitivity in severely affected RP subjects with flat flash ERG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of MN Opthalmology / MN Oftalmoloji is the property of Medical Network and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: Hereditary retinal dystrophies are a rare group of diseases which are heterogeneous in genotype and phenotype and result in total blindness. One of the genetic defects that cause hereditary retinal dystrophy is mutation of the RPE65 gene. Genetic therapy studies in hereditary retinal dystrophies have increased in number recently, and important developments have been reported in these studies. Voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna, Spark Therapeutics), a gene therapy drug for retinal dystrophy associated with RPE65 mutation, received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2017. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical findings of patients with RPE65 gene defects, which may be amenable to genetic treatment. Materials and Methods: The data of patients diagnosed with hereditary retinal dystrophy who were followed up between 2017 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 460 patients with genetic analysis results were included in the study. The clinical findings of patients with homozygous (biallelic) RPE65 mutation were screened. Results: RPE65 homozygous gene mutation was detected in only 11 of 460 cases (2.39%). Genetic results of the cases were presented in detail. The inheritance patterns of the cases were autosomal recessive. The demographic data and clinical findings were defined. Conclusion: RPE65 gene mutation is a very rare disorder. Genetic screening has gained importance with the emergence of gene therapy alternatives. New treatment methods are promising in cases for which there was no chance of a cure to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis (TB) is still one of the most common infectious diseases around the world despite the widespread use of BCG (bacille Calmette-Guerin) strain of Mycobacterium bovis as a vaccine. This vaccine does not always protect people from TB, and, thus, new effective vaccines or vaccination strategies are being investigated. In this study, alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (AhpC) from M. bovis was evaluated as a new candidate vaccine antigen against TB in BALB/c mice model. The ahpC gene was amplified from M.bovis genome, cloned, and expressed in Escherichia coli. Vaccine antigen AhpC was formulated with Montanide ISA 61 VG, an oil-based emulsion adjuvant. Both IgG and IL-12 responses were observed in mice after administering the formulation both as a subunit vaccine alone and also as a booster vaccine for BCG immunization. However, a long-lasting response was observed when AhpC formulation was used as a booster (for BCG-primed immunization) as compared to being used as a subunit vaccine alone. In short, these findings suggested that AhpC has the potential to be used as a booster vaccine candidate for BCG-primed immunization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Current Retina Journal / Güncel Retina Dergisi is the property of Anadolu Kitabevi Basim Yayim Medikal Turizm Kirtasiye Tic. Ltd. Sti. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Academic Social Science Studies is the property of Journal of Academic Social Science Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of the findings in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of two cases with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) before and after photodynamic therapy (PDT). Retinal and choroidal vasculature changes of two cases diagnosed with chronic CSCR of whom the duration of the symptoms were longer than 6 months and were decided to receive PDT were evaluated with OCTA before treatment and at 1 month follow-up. Choroidal vascular permeability is known to be increased in chronic CSCR. In both cases OCTA showed hyperreflectivity reflecting the changes in vascular structures before treatment. In the OCTA imagings, at the first month of treatment the vascular permeability and hyperreflectivity is shown to be decreased. In conclusion OCTA is a fast and reproducible technique that allows the evaluation of retinal and choroidal vasculature noninvasively. Choroidal vasculature changes after PDT can be evaluated in details with OCTA in cases with CSCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) findings in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) Methods: Sixty-two eyes of 31 patients with unilateral treatment naive CSC were included in the study. All subjects underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subfoveal and parafoveal choroidal thickness (CT), central foveal thickness (CFT), macular volumes with OCT, and also mfERG responses. Correlation analyses were performed between BCVA, OCT parameters, and mfERG responses. Results: There was significant increase in subfoveal and parafoveal CT in both affected and fellow eyes of CSC compared to healthy subjects. There was significant decrease in the N1, P1, and N2 amplitudes and increase in N1 implicit times for all rings in both affected and fellow eyes of CSC patients compared to control subjects. Correlation analysis revealed that BCVA was significantly correlated with N1, P1, and N2 amplitudes for Ring 1 (p<0.05). No significant correlations between BCVA and various OCT parameters were found. Conclusion: Our study showed significant correlations between BCVA (logMAR) and mfERG amplitudes in CSC patients. Furthermore, no significant correlations between BCVA and various OCT parameters were found. Our findings point out that mfERG and OCT could both serve as noninvasive tools for functional and anatomical assessments of CSC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of stem cells in the treatment of retinal diseases is a new and popular topic in ophthalmology. Embryonic and bone marrow derived stem cells can be used for treatment. Age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt’s macular dystrophy and retinitis pigmentosa are common encountered retinal diseases causing progressive vision loss. The researches therefore mostly focus on these diseases which have no curative treatment modality in order to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapy. In this review, we aimed to present the results of the phase 1/2 clinical studies about stem cell treatments in eye diseases. Stem cell therapies are the rising trends in treatment of retinal diseases. Further clinical studies are required for standardization of the therapy and obtaining long-term data about the results and complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: T o assess the effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs on retinal pigment epithelium cell culture. Materials and Methods: Aflibercept (0.5 mg/mL), bevacizumab (0.3125 mg/mL), and ranibizumab (0.125 mg/mL) were applied to retinal pigment epithelium cell cultures isolated from the enucleated eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. Viability, apoptosis, proliferation, and senescence of the cells were evaluated in control and drug-treated cultures at the end of 72 hours. Results: Cells treated with aflibercept showed increased viability and decreased apoptosis compared to the control culture and both the bevacizumab- and ranibizumab-treated groups (p<0.05). Statistically increased apoptosis and decreased viability were found in the bevacizumab and ranibizumab-treated groups compared with the control group (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in cell proliferation and senescence between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Anti-VEGF drugs did not affect senescence or proliferation of retinal pigment epithelium cells. Aflibercept was found to decrease apoptosis and increase cell viability, while ranibizumab and bevacizumab increased apoptosis and reduced cell viability in retinal pigment epithelium culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disorder of the developing retina of low birth weight preterm infants that potentially leads to blindness. Infants with a birth weight of 1500 gr or gestational age of 30 weeks or less and selected between 1500 and 2000 gr or gestational age of 30 weeks with an unstable clinical course at high risk for ROP, should have retinal screening examinations after pupillary dilation by using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Although most have a favorable anatomical and visual outcome, long-term follow-up even after a successful treatment in ROP is necessary. This patients have a high risk of developing visual impairment due to refractive errors, nistagmus, strabismus and ambliyopia due. Because of these long term complications, follow up examinations are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate pain scores of patients during intravitreal (IV) aflibercept versus ranibizumab injections. Materials and Methods: In this interventional study, 88 eyes of 88 patients who received IV anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti- VEGF) therapy were included. Fourty three patients received IV 2.0 mg/0.05 ml aflibercept injection with 30-gauge needle and 45 patients received IV 0.05 mg/0.05 ml ranibizumab injection with 30-gauge needle. The diagnoses of the patients were: 40 age related macular degeneration, 39 diabetic macular edema, 4 central and 5 branch retinal vein oclusion. Immediately after the injection, patients were asked to grade their pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) of 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable/ worst pain). The main outcome measure was the pain score assessment. Additional parameters recorded included demographics (age, gender, education level) and clinical characteristics (indication for the injection, number of previous IV injections). Results: The VAS pain scores in the aflibercept and ranibizumab groups were 1.67± 0.81 (range, 0-7) and 1.24 ± 1.15 (range, 0-6), respectively (p = 0.10). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that pain perception was significantly lower in patients of older age, male patients, with higher number of previous injections and higher educational status. Conclusions: Pain associated with both aflibercept and ranibizumab IV injection is generally mild, and may be associated with epidemiologic factors and the number of previous IV injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluation of the relationship between macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters with visual functions in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Materials and Methods: Demographic data and parameters of spectral domain-OCT of patients with RP whom applied to our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. One hundred and fifty-three eyes of 79 patients were included into the study. Mean visual acuity of the patients were converted to logMAR values. Vitreoretinal surface abnormalities, presence of cystoid macular edema (CME) and integrity of the outer retinal layers were evaluated, and central macular thickness (CMT) was calculated with OCT. Results: Mean visual acuity was 1.2 ± 0.9 logMAR. Median CMT was 154 μm (41-873) in RP group. This value was 267 (173-873) μm in cases with CME, and 140 μm (41-296) when cases with CME were withdrawn. There was a negative correlation between the patients' ages and visual acuities with their CMT. Twelve of the eyes (8%) had epiretinal membrane while 9 eyes (6%) had macular hole. All patients had disintegrity of outer retinal layers of varying degrees. Conclusion: With the aging and progression of the disease, visual acuity tend to decrease, central macula thins and disintegrity in the outer retinal layers increases. Patients have a significant correlation between OCT changes and visual functions. Optical coherence tomography is very helpful in determining retinal structure, morphological abnormalities and assessing the prognosis in patients with RP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells which have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into mature cells. They are highly proliferative, implying that an unlimited number of mature cells can be generated from a given stem cell source. On this basis, stem cell replacement therapy has been evaluated in recent years as an alternative for various pathologies. Degenerative retinal diseases cause progressive visual decline which originates from continuing loss of photoreceptor cells and outer nuclear layers. Theoretically, this therapy will enable the generation of new retinal cells from stem cells to replace the damaged cells in the diseased retina. In addition, stem cells are able to perform multiple functions, such as immunoregulation, anti-apoptosis of neurons, and neurotrophin secretion. With recent progress in experimental stem cell applications, phase I/II clinical trials have been approved. These latest stem cell transplantation studies showed that this therapy is a promising approach to restore visual function in eyes with degenerative retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardts' macular dystrophy, and age-related macular degeneration. This review focuses on new developments in stem cell therapy for degenerative retinal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hereditary retinal dystrophies (HRDs) are degenerative diseases of the retina which have marked clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Common presentations among these disorders include night or colour blindness, tunnel vision, and subsequent progression to complete blindness. The known causative disease genes have a variety of developmental and functional roles, with mutations in more than 120 genes shown to be responsible for the phenotypes. In addition, mutations within the same gene have been shown to cause different disease phenotypes, even amongst affected individuals within the same family, highlighting further levels of complexity. The known disease genes encode proteins involved in retinal cellular structures, phototransduction, the visual cycle, and photoreceptor structure or gene regulation. Significant advancements have been made in understanding the genetic pathogenesis of ocular diseases, and gene replacement and gene silencing have been proposed as potentially efficacious therapies. Because of its favorable anatomical and immunological characteristics, the eye has been at the forefront of translational gene therapy. Recent improvements have been made in the safety and specificity of vector-based ocular gene transfer methods. Dozens of promising proofs of concept have been obtained in animal models of HRDs and some of them have been relayed to the clinic. The results from the first clinical trials for a congenital form of blindness have generated great interest and have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of intraocular administrations of viral vectors in humans. This review summarizes the clinical development of retinal gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Disease / Türkiye Çocuk Hastalıkları Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Sakarya University Journal of Education is the property of Sakarya University, Institute of Education Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To examine central choroidal thickness in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and to determine the effect of disease activity to thickness using spectral-domain optical tomography (SD-OCT). Materials and Methods: Fourteen subjects with CSC in active phase (16 affected eyes and 12 fellow eyes), 12 subjects with CSC in inactive phase (24 eyes) and 20 subjects (40 eyes) with no retinal or choroidal disease, underwent SD-OCT testing with EDI technique. Results: The choroidal thickness at the center of the fovea during the active phase in the affected eyes (mean 505.2 μm), in the fellow eyes (mean 447.3 μm) and during the inactive phase of the CSC subjects (mean 399.5 μm) was significantly thickened compared with the control group (mean 287 μm; P <0.05). Conclusion: Central choroidal thickness is thicker in all CSC subjects than in normal subjects. The activity of the disease may affect the thickness of the choroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STEM education has received greater attention with increasing need of technology and engineering knowledge; therefore to improve young adults' knowledge in STEM, schools have been designated as STEM academies all over the world, especially in the US. The authors examined and compared Texas STEM (T-STEM) academies and non T-STEM schools' achievement longitudinally-2009 through 2011 to determine whether STEM schools fulfill their promises. Propensity score matching and HLM was used to determine the T-STEM and non T-STEM schools with similar backgrounds and analyze the longitudinal mathematics and science achievement of both types of schools, respectively. The results showed that from year to year for both school types, there was a statistically significant difference between students' mathematics and science scores; however, there was not a statistically significant difference between T-STEM academies' and their counterparts' academic achievement over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness over 50 years old population. Yet its pathogenesis remains poorly understood, it's thought to be a multifactorial disease. The main risk factors are age, genetic predisposition, sunlight, smoking and malnutrition. Dietary ingredients in the retina try to protect the tissue by fighting oxidative stress and inflamation. Oxygen plays a major role in the oxidative stress. Normally oxygen is reducted by turning into water. When incomplet reduction is formed, reactive oxygen specieses (ROS) are occured. They are called free radicals and affect proteins, DNA and lipids. Antioxidants fight harmful effects of oxygen, control the free radicals, work on a fine balance between the formation and elimination of ROS. When this balance fails, oxidative stress occurs. Retina is the most affected tissue by oxidation because of its rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and oxygen. In this review the role of antioxidants in the etiology and progression of the age-related macular degeneration is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CCSC) by measuring visual acuity, central foveal thickness, central choroidal thickness. Material and Methods: 29 eyes of 21 patients with chronic CCSC who received PDT and were followed-up for at least 6 months after PDT were included in this study. Visual acuity, central foveal thickness, central choroidal thickness were assessed before PDT and within the first week, first month, third and sixth month after PDT. Results: The mean visual acuity by using Snellen chart was 0.71 at baseline, 0.62 within the first week after PDT, 0.76 at first month, 0.85 at third month and 0.88 at sixth month. The mean central foveal thickness was 364.52±58.69 µm before treatment and 352.12±62.36 µm within the first week. It decreased significantly to 202.66±27.07 µm at first month after PDT. The mean central choroidal thickness was 435.88±59.15 µm before treatment and it increased significantly to 491.52±38.21 µm within the first week. During the follow-up period, it decreased significantly to 329.44±38.36 µm at 1st month after PDT. There was no significant difference between the first month and the third and sixth month thickness measurements. Complete resolution of subretinal fluid at the macula was achieved in 25 eyes at the 1st month, in 28 eyes at the third month and subsequent follow-up visits. Conclusions: PDT is an effective and safe method in the treatment of chronic CCSC with anatomical and functional success. After treatment, the therapy resulted with significant increase in visual acuity and decrease in central foveal and choroidal thicknesses in a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy is the major ocular complication associated with diabetes. It is the leading cause of legal blindness in the working-age population of developed countries. Control of hyperglisemia, blood pressure and serum lipid levels can prevent diabetic retinopathy onset and progression. However well diabetes control does not eliminate the potential for vision complications. Metabolic stresss which plays a role in the diabetic retinopathy increases the oxidative stress then vascular damage is formed. The degree of tissue damage depends on the balance between the antioxidant defance system and free radicals. In this review, the role of free radicals and antioxidants in diabetic retinopathy is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free radicals which are occured by oxigen metabolizm damage cellular structure such as lipid, protein and DNA. All cell membranes are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Therefore they are easily damaged by oxidation. Antioxidants fight harmful affects of oxygen, control the free radicals, work on a fine balance between the formation and elimination of reactive oxigen spieces (ROS). When this balance fails, oxidative stress occurs. Oxidative stress is a cellular damage caused by ROS. It is responsible for pathogenesis of many diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, age-related cataract and glaucoma. In this review, the role of antioxidants in the development of age-related cataract and glaucoma is discussed by scanning literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate stable cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as colloidal carriers for gene therapy. SLNs were mainly composed of three different biocompatible and biodegradable matrix lipids called tripalmitin, glyceryl dibehenate, and triglyceride, all containing the cationic lipid N-(1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl)-N, N, N-trimethylammonium (DOTAP®). Each of these SLNs were divided into three parts and characterized by applying different processes: Part I was autoclaved (121 °C, 15 min), Part II was lyophilized (5 mbar, -50 °C), and Part III was kept in its intact form. These parts were stored at 4 °C, 25 °C (room temp.), and 40 °C for short-term stability tests. The formulations were tested physically regarding the particle size and zeta potential. pUC18 plasmid DNA was used as the genetic material. Zeta potentials of all SLNs and pDNA-SLN complexes were determined to be highly positive (between +28.90 and +59.39). Crystallization processes of lipid matrices were characterized by X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry. pDNA binding ability of SLNs and the stability of pDNA-SLN complexes with DNase I enzyme were also determined by gel electrophoresis. It was determined that all formulations became positively charged with DOTAP®. They were able to bind DNA and were partially protective against enzyme degradation. Although additional studies are necessary, this study reveals the promising potential of this gene delivery system for gene therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in differentiating optic disc edema (ODE) due to papilledema and other optic neuropathies from optic nerve head drusen (ONHD). Material and Methods: Optical coherence tomographic images from 42 subjects (18 with ONHD: group 1, 24 with ODE: group 2,) were examined qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative criteria for ODE were an elevated optic nerve head with smooth internal contour and subretinal hyporeflective space (SHYPS) with recumbent "lazy V" pattern. Optic nerve head drusen showed a "lumpybumpy" internal optic nerve contour and a rapid decline in SHYPS thickness. Quantitative comparisons included optic nerve head thickness (ONHT) and SHYPS thickness. Results: All of the eyes matched the qualitative criteria for ONHD in group 1 and for ODE in group 2. The mean age of group 1 was 27.44±15.01 and in group 2 was 32.66±11.48 and there was no significance between groups (p>0.05). The mean ONHT measurement was 747.33±50.35 µm in group 1, and 820.07±150.78 µm in group 2. Although the ONHT was greater in ODE patients, there was not a statistically significant difference between groups (p>0.05). When we evaluate the SHYPS thickness, the mean value was 478.77±53.77 µm in group 1 and 596.01±126.37 µm in group 2. The difference between the measurements was statistically significant (p<0.005). Conclusions: SD-OCT is a viable instrument to differentiate optic nerve pathologies. The qualitative criteria and SHYPS as a quantiatative measurement seems to be useful for differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the demographic, clinical and laboratory data of the children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), and to determine prognostic factors that affect the clinical outcome of the patients. Methods: Medical charts of 372 patients diagnosed to have INS and followed up at least 5 years between January 1990 and December 2008 were evaluated, respectively. After initial demographic, clinical and laboratory findings of the patients were documented, therapeutic protocols, prognosis and prognostic factors were investigated. Results: 299 of the patients (80.4%) were steroid responsive and 73 (19.6%) were not. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was observed in 57%, minimal change disease (MCD) in 20.6% and diffuse mesengial proliferation in 21.9% renal biopsy materials. Steroid sensitivity was higher in patients with MCD and under the age of five years. Resistance to steroids was higher in children with FSGS. Complete remission was achieved in 96% of patients who were sensitive to steroids and in 46.6% who were resistant. 15% of patients who were steroid resistant developed chronic kidney disease (CKD). Conclusion: Intercurrent infections and response to steroid therapy are the most important factors affecting the prognosis of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in functions of the retina and electrophysiologic tests after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Material and Methods: 21 eyes of 21 diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy who received laser treatment were included in the study. At each visit a complete ophthalmic examination was performed including electrophysiologic tests (ERG, PERG, PVER and FVER). Results: When compared with pretreatment values there was not a statistically significant reduction in the amplitudes and latencies of P50 and N95 waves of PERG, P 100 waves of PVER at the first month recordings after PRP. However we found a statistically significant reduction in the b wave amplitude of rod response, maximal combined response and cone response at the first month recordings after PRP. Conclusion: These findings indicated that both rods and cones could be damaged during the PRP treatment, however the damage might be more significant in the rod photoreceptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bruch's membrane (BM) is a collagen-rich pentalaminar structure, which is located between the retina and the general circulation and regulating the diffusion of biomolecules. Recently, interest in BM has increased exponentially; because of its crucial role in retinal function, aging and ocular disease. Dystrophies of BM comprise a group of inherited diseases characterized by bilateral fundus abnormalities and visual acuity loss and commonly manifest at early age of life. These dystrophies are classified into 4 large groups: Myopic degeneration, angioid streaks, age related macular dystrophy and pseudoinflammatory macular dystrophy (Sorsby's macular dystrophy). In this paper, the author review clinical findings, prognosis, the results of new treatment strategies in BM dystophies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the pattern and the magnitude of diurnal variation of central choroidal thickness in healthy Turkish subjects measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Materials and Methods: This study included thirty eyes of 15 volunteers with no retinal or choroidal disease and refractive error, who underwent high-definition raster scanning using SD-OCT on the same day at 10 fixed, one-hour time intervals beginning from 8 AM using a standardized protocol. Results: The mean choroidal thickness at the center of the fovea showed a relative peak early in the morning hours at 8 AM with a mean thickness measurement of 317.06±45.42 pm. When we evaluate the thickness measurements we found a progressive decrease during the day. The mean choroidal thickness was 274.83± 48.46 pm at 5:00 PM which was the thinnest value of the day. Conclusions: Choroidal thickness may vary with time during the day and this should be considered when evaluating choroidal thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognostic factors, the outcome and the most favorable treatment regimen are not entirely known for children with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). MPGN is a rarely observed disease more prevalent in adolescents, so we aimed to review the clinical and histological properties, treatments and the outcome of our patients who were diagnosed as MPGN. Methods: Fifty-one children - diagnosed with MPGN - were selected from biopsy records in Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Hospital Pediatric Nephrology Department from January 1999 to January 2011. A retrospective analysis was made of 33 regularly followed children. Results: Thirty-three patients were identified, 13 female and 20 male. Their age groups at presentation ranged from 4 to 15 years. The following duration was 26-144 months (mean 74). Following the initial treatment, 20 (60%) patients achieved complete remission. Six patients with nephrotic syndrome and one with non-nephrotic proteinuria showed partial remission. The condition of one patient with nephrotic syndrome was unchanged with the persisting symptoms. The one patient with nephrotic syndrome and four others with non-nephrotic proteinuria did not respond to initial treatment as their renal functions decreased gradually. Conclusion: We concluded that only degree of tubulointerstitial damage on the initial biopsy is determinative for prognosis of childhood MPGN. If the patient receives high doses of steroid therapy in the early stages, their treatment is more likely to be successful. The effect of immunosuppressive treatment on MPGN is not clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), primarily affects premature infants and it can cause severe visual disability in childhood. It is characterized by anormal retinal neovascularizations and the main reason of blindness in children in developing countries. The well known risk factors are premature birth, low birth weight, high oxygen therapy ; the others are asidozis, blood transfusion, intracranial hemorrhage, multiple birhts and etnicity. The pathogenezis of ROP occurs in two phases. In the first phase there is relative hyperoxia and obliteration in vessels, in the second phase there is neovascularization which is induced by hypoxia. Neovascularization, occured by interruption of normal angiogenesis, reaches vitreus. Anormal fibrovasküler doku develops and it causes retinal traction and detachment. In this review we discuss risk factors, epidemiology, pathogenesis, screening and management of ROP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the renal expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins b-cell lymphoma 2 (bcl-2) and bcl-2 associated X (bax) in children with Henoch--Schönlein nephritis (HSN) Materials and methods: Renal expression of antiapoptotic bcl-2 and proapoptotic bax proteins were studied immunohistochemically in 22 children with HSN. The kidneys of 5 children who died due to nonrenal reasons were used as the control. The patients were compared according to their renal histopathology and prognosis. Results: Nephrotic or nephrotic-nephritic renal involvement was the most common presentation. Histopathological findings were Class I in 1, Class II in 5, Class III in 10, Class IV in 4, and Class V in 2 patients. IgA staining was shown in all biopsies. Bcl-2 and bax proteins mainly showed tubular and crescentic expression. This was significantly different for bcl-2 in tubules and bax in distal tubules compared to the controls (P < 0.05). No significant difference between bax and bcl-2 expression was observed among patients. However the mean values of the bcl-2/bax ratio, that is, the balance between survival and apoptosis, were significantly higher in crescents of the severe histopathologic group and in distal tubules of the poor prognosis group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A higher bcl-2/bax ratio, that is relative to the predominance of cell survival in distal tubules and crescents in HSN, seems to be a poor prognostic factor in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]