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Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women, driven by the molecular complexity of its various subtypes. This study aimed to investigate the differential expression of genes and miRNAs involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, a critical regulator of cancer progression. Methods: We analyzed tumor tissues from five breast cancer subtypes—luminal A, luminal B HER2-negative, luminal B HER2-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—and compared them with non-cancerous tissues. Microarray and qRT-PCR techniques were employed to profile mRNAs and miRNAs, while bioinformatic tools predicted miRNA-mRNA interactions. Statistical analysis was performed with a statistical significance threshold (p) < 0.05. Results: We identified several upregulated genes across all subtypes, with TNBC and HER2-positive cancers showing the most significant changes. Key genes such as COL1A1 , COL4A1 , PIK3CA , PIK3R1 , and mTOR were found to be overexpressed, correlating with increased cancer aggressiveness. miRNA analysis revealed that miR-190a-3p, miR-4729, and miR-19a-3p potentially regulate these genes, influencing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. For instance, reduced expression of miR-190a-3p may contribute to the overexpression of PIK3CA and other pathway components, enhancing metastatic potential. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and its miRNA regulators play crucial roles in breast cancer progression, particularly in aggressive subtypes like TNBC. The identified miRNAs and mRNAs hold potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment, but further validation in functional studies is required. This study provides a foundation for targeted therapies aimed at modulating this critical pathway to improve breast cancer outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare corneal parameters and compliance using a Pentacam HR–Scheimpflug (Pentacam HR) and a swept-source OCT Casia (Casia) in keratoconus (KC) patients post penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and KC patients without PKP, as well as a control group. Pachymetry measurements were also analyzed using a spectral domain OCT Solix (OCT Solix), Pentacam HR, and Casia. Methods: The study included 71 patients (136 keratoconic eyes; group A), 86 eyes with KC post-PKP (group B), 50 eyes with KC without PKP (group C), and 52 control participants (104 eyes). All participants were adults, Polish Caucasian, and met specific inclusion criteria. Patients with ophthalmological or systemic diseases, cognitive impairment, or pregnancy were excluded. Corneal parameters were measured using two devices (Casia and Pentacam HR), while pachymetry was assessed with three devices (Casia, Pentacam HR, and OCT Solix), with the inter-device agreement and group differences analyzed. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found across all groups. The post-PKP KC eyes showed significant differences in all front parameters and K2 and Astig. back, while the non-PKP KC eyes showed differences in the K1 back (p = 0.025). The controls displayed differences in all parameters except front astigmatism (p = 0.61). The Pentacam HR overestimated the thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) compared to the OCT Casia across groups. The inter-device agreement was excellent for the anterior parameters (ICC > 0.9) but good for the posterior parameters and TCT. Conclusions: This study highlights significant variability in corneal and pachymetry measurements across devices, with OCT Casia providing more consistent and clinically reliable results than Pentacam HR. Clinicians should exercise caution when using these devices interchangeably, particularly for posterior parameters and TCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes and early postoperative complications in patients undergoing Boston type I keratoprosthesis (BKPro) implantation, with a specific focus on the onset and nature of ocular surface disorders during the early postoperative period. Methods: This retrospective study included 77 eyes that underwent BKPro implantation between 2019 and March 2022. Patients were treated at the Saint Barbara Hospital, Trauma Centre, Sosnowiec, Poland, and District Railway Hospital, Katowice, Poland. Data were collected from medical records, including patient demographics, medical history, surgical outcomes, postoperative visual acuity, and complications. The analysis incorporated both detailed medical history and direct clinical examination results. Results: The most common early postoperative complication was glaucoma, affecting 32 eyes (42%). Retroprosthetic membrane formation occurred in 20 eyes (26%), while partial extrusion of the BKPro was observed in 10 eyes (13%). Severe corneal surface damage was noted in patients with underlying autoimmune diseases (36%) and after chemical burns (24%). Five patients suffered from transient hypotony resulting from keratoprosthesis extrusion. The results highlight the complex nature of managing ocular surface conditions and the frequent challenges associated with early postoperative complications. Conclusions: BKPro implantation is an effective solution for severe corneal diseases that are resistant to conventional treatments. However, it is associated with a significant risk of early complications, particularly glaucoma and retroprosthetic membrane formation. Early identification and management of these complications are crucial for improving outcomes and maintaining visual function. Further research into optimizing postoperative care is needed to minimize these risks and enhance patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: In this study, we aimed to analyze the changes in the expression profiles of selected messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and their encoded proteins in the tears of patients undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), femtosecond-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedures. Methods: A total of 120 patients were divided into three groups based on the laser vision correction (LVC) procedure: PRK, FS-LASIK, or SMILE. Tear samples were collected preoperatively and at 1, 7, 30, and 180 days postoperatively. The expression levels of selected messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and proteins were analyzed by using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Results: PRK and FS-LASIK elicited significantly stronger biological responses than SMILE. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) expression increased notably in the PRK and FS-LASIK groups, with mRNA levels reaching fold changes of 4.65 ± 0.65 and 4.99 ± 0.28, respectively, on day 1, compared with only 2.09 ± 0.23 in the SMILE group. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) levels were also elevated in the PRK (2.98 ± 0.23 fold change) and FS-LASIK groups (3.45 ± 1.09 fold change) on day 1, while the SMILE group showed minimal fluctuations. The protein concentration analysis based on the ELISA confirmed these trends, with IL-15 levels peaking at 54.2 ± 2.5 pg/mL in the PRK group and 52.8 ± 3.1 pg/mL in the FS-LASIK group, compared with 32.4 ± 1.9 pg/mL in the SMILE group on day 1. Similarly, VEGFA protein concentrations were the highest in the PRK (72.4 ± 4.1 pg/mL) and FS-LASIK patients (69.5 ± 3.8 pg/mL) on day 1 but remained low in the SMILE patients (45.6 ± 2.3 pg/mL). By day 180, gene expression and protein levels in all groups had stabilized, returning to near-preoperative values. Conclusions: PRK and FS-LASIK induced more pronounced molecular and protein-level changes during corneal wound healing than the less invasive SMILE procedure, indicating stronger biological responses. These findings suggest that tailored postoperative care based on the specific procedure could optimize healing and patient outcomes. However, further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups is needed to confirm these observations and develop personalized treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs that could potentially influence the activity of SMAD proteins involved in TGFβ signal transduction in five types of breast cancer in Polish women. Patients with five breast cancer subtypes were included in the study: luminal A (n = 130), luminal B HER2− (n = 100), luminal B HER2+ (n = 96), non-luminal HER2+ (n = 36), and TNBC (n = 43). During surgery, tumor tissue was removed along with a margin of healthy tissue (control). Molecular analysis included determination of the expression of genes related to SMAD protein signal transduction using mRNA microarrays and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Protein expression was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The miRNA profiling was performed using miRNA microarrays and the miRDB database. SMAD3 and SMAD5 were overexpressed in all types of breast cancer, which could be related to the reduced expression of miR-145, and the findings for SMAD4 and miR-155 were similar. Additionally, the level of SMAD7 was reduced, which may be due to the low activity of miR-15b and miR21b. This study determined the gene expression profiles involved in SMAD protein signal transduction across five different types of breast cancer and identified the miRNAs potentially regulating their activity. Overexpression of SMAD3, SMAD4, and SMAD5 suggests excessive activation of the TGFβ pathway, potentially promoting tumor growth and development. Concurrently, a significant reduction in SMAD7 expression removes inhibitory control in the TGFβ pathway, a phenomenon that is particularly evident in more aggressive breast cancer types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Keratoconus (KC) is a bilateral eye disease characterized by corneal thinning and cone-like deformation, leading to visual impairment. This study evaluated the radial peripapillary capillaries (RPCs) in keratoconus patients with and without penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) using OCT and angio-OCT, comparing the results to a control group. Methods: This retrospective study included 149 eyes, 97 from patients who underwent PKP between January 2018 and February 2023 and 52 from patients who did not undergo PKP. The control group comprised 72 patients (144 eyes) who were healthy volunteers. Measurements included the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, a fundus examination, and corneal topography, as well as OCT and angio-OCT assessments of the RPCs, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), and central retinal thickness (CRT). Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The RNFL was significantly thinner in KC eyes after PKP compared to control eyes (p < 0.001), and the CRT was significantly thicker in KC eyes after PKP compared to control eyes (p = 0.003). However, the GCC was similar across the groups (p = 0.0885). Additionally, RPCs inside the disc were significantly reduced in KC eyes after PKP compared to control eyes (p < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was found between RPC whole vessel density and RNFL thickness as measured via angio-OCT (r = 0.308, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study found that the RPC density inside the disc is significantly reduced in keratoconus patients after penetrating keratoplasty, highlighting RPCs inside the disc as a potential diagnostic tool for further assessment of keratoconus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, the changes in corneal cap and residual stromal thickness (RST) values during a 180-day observation period after refractive lenticule extraction small incision lenticule extraction (ReLEx SMILE) were assessed. Methods: Fifty patients underwent ReLEx SMILE using the VisuMax 500 femtosecond laser, with corneal imaging conducted pre and post procedure via anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Cap thickness in the center and 1.5 mm from the center in four meridians was measured at various intervals. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in cap thickness 180 days post procedure compared to earlier intervals (p < 0.05). Similarly, RST decreased gradually and significantly post procedure (p < 0.05). Notably, changes in cap thickness within the central 1.5 mm area were more dynamic than RST changes during the 6-month observation period following SMILE. Conclusions: The corneal cap thickness measured with swept-source AS-OCT within the central 1.5 mm area underwent more dynamic changes than the residual stromal thickness during the 6-month observation following SMILE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse the impact of ultrasound and optical intraocular lens (IOL) calculation methods on refractive outcomes of cataract phacoemulsification performed after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in keratoconus., Methods: Phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed on 42 eyes of 34 patients with keratoconus who had previously undergone PK. The IOL power was determined by using both standard and corneal topography-derived keratometry using the SRK/T formula. We used two independent methods-ultrasound biometry (UB) and interferometry [optical biometry (OB)] for IOL calculation. The analysed data from medical records included demographics, medical history, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on Snellen charts, technique of IOL calculation and calculation formula and its impact on final refractive result., Results: BCVA ranged from 0.01 to 0.4 (mean 0.09±0.19) before surgery and ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 (mean 0.38±0.14) at 1mo and from 0.2 to 1.0 (mean 0.56±0.16) ( P <0.05) at 3mo, postoperatively. The refractive aim differed significantly from the refractive outcome in both the UB and OB groups ( P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the accuracy of the two biometry methods., Conclusion: The refractive aim in keratoconus eyes post-PK is not achieved with either ultrasound or OB.