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Multifocal pattern dystrophy simulating fundus flavimaculatus (MPDSFF) is a clinical entity characterized by several clinicopathological, angiographic, tomographic, and electrophysiological findings. A 58-year-old caucasian female patient presented with bilateral floaters and metamorphopsia. Best-corrected visual acuity (VA) was 6/6 in both eyes and intraocular pressure was 14 and 15 mm Hg, respectively. Fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), autofluoresence (AF), fluorescein angiography (FA) and pattern Electroretinogram were employed for the diagnosis of this case. Clinical and imaging findings were consistent with MPDSFF. Noticeable progression was observed in OCT scans 6 months following the baseline visit, while no significant changes were observed over the following 12 months. Prognosis of VA in MPDSFF patients may remain relatively good even in the presence of considerable anatomic changes. Disease progression may be slow and significant reduction in VA may present only secondary to a choroidal neovascular membrane. Patient follow-up should include OCT scans, PERG, and AF in addition to VA and dilated fundus examination every 6–12 months. As relevant literature is limited and no effective treatment modality has been employed for this clinical entity, the identification of the cellular death pathway in pattern dystrophies may lead to an applicable management approach.

Using the cancellability test, we investigate the relation between responsibility and four different ways of expressing causal relations: (a) through the use of the lemma 'cause', (b) through the use of causatives like 'crack', (c) through the use of 'made + causative' like made something crack, and (d) through the use of 'because'.

Using the cancellability test, we investigate the relation between responsibility and four different ways of expressing causal relations: (a) through the use of the lemma 'cause', (b) through the use of causatives like 'crack', (c) through the use of 'made + causative' like made something crack, and (d) through the use of 'because'.

There are many surgical techniques available for the management of pterygium. Excision with limbal conjunctival autograft is currently the most popular surgical procedure and has been shown to have low recurrence rate and fewer complications. The fixation of limbal conjunctival autograft is performed with either sutures or fibrin glue. The use of sutures results in longer operating time and intense postoperative irritation and epiphora. We describe a new technique for pterygium excision using a human amniotic membrane-derived dry matrix (Omnigen®; Nottingham, UK: Nu-Vision Biotherapies). The use of Omnigen instead of conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery is a new promising technique and results in shorter operation time, easier graft fixation, reduction in complications, and less postoperative discomfort. This is a simple technique for pterygium surgery with dry amniotic membrane matrix and without the need for anchoring limbal sutures or an assistant holding the graft whilst it is glued in place.

Brouzas Dimitrios, George Krassas, Maria Dettoraki, Anastasios Lavaris, Anna-Maria Sideri, Konstantinos Droutsas, Marilita M Moschos Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, GreeceCorrespondence: Brouzas DimitriosDepartment of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10 G. Papandreou Str, Byron-Athens 16231, GreeceEmail brouzas@yahoo.comPurpose: To assess the anatomic and functional outcomes of eyes undergoing vitrectomy and large retinectomy for the management of retinal detachment (RD) complicated by advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).Methods: A total of 66 eyes of 63 patients with RD complicated by PVR were treated with vitrectomy and 180° or more retinectomy and silicone oil (n=46) or perfluoropropane gas (n=20) were used as intraocular tamponades.Results: Retinal reattachment was achieved in 89.39% (59 eyes) of the cases. The mean follow-up was 33.7 months (range 12– 76 months). In gas-filled eyes, the final anatomic success rate was 85% (17 eyes) and in silicone oil-filled eyes was 91.3% (42 eyes) (p=0.46). After the initial retinectomy, the total anatomic success rate was 80.3% (53/66 eyes), 70% in gas-filled eyes (14/20 eyes) and 84.79% in silicone oil-filled eyes (39/46 eyes) (p=0.19). Visual acuity (VA) improved in 37 (56.06%) eyes, remained the same in 19 (28.78%) eyes and became worse in 10 (15.15%) cases. Best corrected VA was ≥ 20/200 in 22 eyes 33.33%. The final VA was associated with the preoperative VA (r=0.68), the preoperative status of the macula influence significantly the final visual acuity (p< 0.0001) and there is statistically significant difference in the final visual acuity between eyes with and without anatomic success (p< 0.05).Conclusion: The large circumferential retinectomies can be beneficial in eyes with RD complicated by advanced PVR. No significant difference was found in anatomic success rate, and rate of complications between eyes with silicone oil tamponade and long acting gas undergoing large retinectomy. Regarding the final BCVA, slight difference was found in favor of gas-filled eyes.Keywords: large retinectomies, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, silicone oil tamponade, perfluoropropane gas tamponade

Background Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterized by serous detachment of the central neurosensory retina and it is one of the most common retinal disorders. Various genetic polymorphisms have been associated with CSCR development. Methods The aim of our study was to investigate the potential association between ARMS2 (rs10490924) and NR3C2 (rs2070951 and rs5522) genes polymorphisms and CSCR development in a well defined Greek cohort for the first time in literature. We enrolled, in our case-control study, 48 CSCR patients and 137 controls. The ARMS2 (rs10490924) and NR3C2 (rs2070951 and rs5522) genes polymorphisms were analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. Results In our study, we found significant associations between ARMS2rs10490924 and NR3C2rs2070951 single nucleotide polymorphisms and CSCR development. Specifically, the GTrs10490924 genotype frequency of the ARMS2 gene was found to be significantly associated with risk of CSCR and T allele of rs10490924 ARMS2 gene was also found to increase risk for CSCR. The genotype frequency GC and CC of rs2070951 NR3C2 gene were observed more frequently in CSCR patients than controls and C allele of rs2070951 NR3C2 gene was also observed more frequently in CSCR patients than controls. Rs5522 of NR3C2 gene polymorphism was not found to be significantly associated with CSCR. Conclusion Our findings showed, for the first time in a Greek population, that SNPs in the ARMS2 and NR3C2 genes are significantly associated with risk of CSCR. The results of this study support the involvement of extracellular matrix ( ARMS2 gene) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the pathogenesis of CSCR.

Ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a severe complication of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It is a term used to describe a spectrum of signs and symptoms including ocular surface inflammation, dry eye syndrome, lacrimal and meibomian gland dysfunction. We present a case of a 73-year-old man with chronic myeloblastic leukaemia and chronic GVHD. On examination, severe corneal thinning was detected in his left eye. We performed multi-layer amniotic membrane patching of the affected area, in an ambulatory setting, without using sutures or glue, but only a bandage contact lens to keep amniotic membranes attached. Three months post-amniotic-membrane-patching symptoms improved, corneal integrity was maintained, and corneal thickness increased significantly. Multi-layer amniotic membrane patching without glue and sutures may be sufficient enough to prevent further deterioration of corneal thinning and can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure, reducing the need for tectonic corneal transplantation.

Multifocal pattern dystrophy simulating fundus flavimaculatus (MPDSFF) is a clinical entity characterized by several clinicopathological, angiographic, tomographic, and electrophysiological findings. A 58-year-old caucasian female patient presented with bilateral floaters and metamorphopsia. Best-corrected visual acuity (VA) was 6/6 in both eyes and intraocular pressure was 14 and 15 mm Hg, respectively. Fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), autofluoresence (AF), fluorescein angiography (FA) and pattern Electroretinogram were employed for the diagnosis of this case. Clinical and imaging findings were consistent with MPDSFF. Noticeable progression was observed in OCT scans 6 months following the baseline visit, while no significant changes were observed over the following 12 months. Prognosis of VA in MPDSFF patients may remain relatively good even in the presence of considerable anatomic changes. Disease progression may be slow and significant reduction in VA may present only secondary to a choroidal neovascular membrane. Patient follow-up should include OCT scans, PERG, and AF in addition to VA and dilated fundus examination every 6-12 months. As relevant literature is limited and no effective treatment modality has been employed for this clinical entity, the identification of the cellular death pathway in pattern dystrophies may lead to an applicable management approach. © 2021 The Author(s).

Purpose: To assess the anatomic and functional outcomes of eyes undergoing vitrectomy and large retinectomy for the management of retinal detachment (RD) complicated by advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: A total of 66 eyes of 63 patients with RD complicated by PVR were treated with vitrectomy and 180° or more retinectomy and silicone oil (n=46) or perfluoropropane gas (n=20) were used as intraocular tamponades. Results: Retinal reattachment was achieved in 89.39% (59 eyes) of the cases. The mean follow-up was 33.7 months (range 12–76 months). In gas-filled eyes, the final anatomic success rate was 85% (17 eyes) and in silicone oil-filled eyes was 91.3% (42 eyes) (p=0.46). After the initial retinectomy, the total anatomic success rate was 80.3% (53/66 eyes), 70% in gas-filled eyes (14/20 eyes) and 84.79% in silicone oil-filled eyes (39/46 eyes) (p=0.19). Visual acuity (VA) improved in 37 (56.06%) eyes, remained the same in 19 (28.78%) eyes and became worse in 10 (15.15%) cases. Best corrected VA was ≥20/200 in 22 eyes 33.33%. The final VA was associated with the preoperative VA (r=0.68), the preoperative status of the macula influence significantly the final visual acuity (p

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcome of eccentric macular holes presenting after vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for the treatment of macular pathology and discuss the pathogenesis of holes formation. A retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case-series study of five patients who developed eccentric macular holes postoperatively following vitrectomy in 198 consecutive patients who underwent ILM peeling for idiopathic macular hole and epiretinal membrane formation between 2008 and 2015. Five patients (2.5 %) developed full-thickness eccentric macular holes postoperatively. Three patients presented with a single eccentric macular hole, one patient had an eccentric hole after a failed idiopathic macular hole surgery and one patient developed four eccentric macular holes. The mean diameter of the holes was 584 μm (range 206-1317 μm) and the average time of holes formation after vitrectomy was 27.7 weeks (range 1-140 weeks). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity ranged from "counting fingers" to 20/25. The eyes with the holes distant from the fovea had the best final visual acuity. No further intervention was attempted and no complications occurred. The mean follow-up time was 26.8 months. The postoperative macular holes after vitrectomy and ILM peeling were variable in number, size, and time of appearance but remained stable and were not associated with any complications. The pathogenesis of macular holes is most consistent with contraction of the residual ILM or secondary epimacular proliferation probably stimulated by ILM peeling.

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the western world, among the working-age people. Its exact pathogenesis, however, remains obscure. Systemic inflammation is regarded to play a significant role in diabetes by contributing, among others, to the development of diabetic retinopathy. This review focuses on the possible involvement of the systemic inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.We performed a systematic search of the literature of published papers until August 2017 using the PubMed search engine.We demonstrated that many systemic inflammatory markers contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of retinopathy, while we highlighted in several occasions their usefulness as a key tool in the monitoring of the disease progression and the treatment efficacy.To the best of our knowledge this is the first review in the literature that elaborates the possible association of serum inflammatory markers and diabetic retinopathy, a disease that may cause irreversible loss of vision.

Histone modification that occurs through the process of acetylation plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The balance between histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyltransferases controls this process. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) can induce cancer cell cycle arrest, differentiation and cell death, reduce angiogenesis and modulate immune response. Therefore, HDAIs represent a group of enzymes that can be used for the development of pharmaceutical agents against a variety of malignant diseases. The mechanisms of their anticancer effect depend on many factors. HDACIs vorinostat, romidepsin and belinostat have been approved for some T-cell lymphomas and panobinostat for multiple myeloma. Other HDACIs are tested in clinical trials for the treatment of hematological and solid malignancies. The results of such studies are promising but further larger studies are needed.

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults, representing approximately 3% of all melanoma cases. Despite progress in chemotherapy, radiation and surgical treatment options, the prognosis and survival rates remain poor. Acetylation of histone proteins causes transcription of genes involved in cell growth, DNA replication and progression of cell cycle. Overexpression of histone deacetylases occurs in a wide spectrum of malignancies. Histone deacetylase inhibitors block the action of histone deacetylases, leading to inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. This article reviewed the potential therapeutic effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on uveal melanoma. MEDLINE database was used under the key words/phrases: histone deacetylase, inhibitors, uveal melanoma and targeted therapies for uveal melanoma. A total of 47, English articles, not only referring to uveal melanoma, published up to February 2018 were used. Valproic acid, trichostatin A, tenovin-6, depsipeptide, panobinostat (LBH-589), vorinostat (suberanilohydroxamic acid) entinostat (MS-275), quisinostat, NaB, JSL-1, MC1568 and MC1575 are histone deacetylase inhibitors that have demonstrated promising antitumor effects against uveal melanoma. Histone deacetylase inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of uveal melanoma.

The study was designed to investigate the potential effect of fish consumption on macular structure and function of healthy individuals.The participants were Greek, who used to consume less than one portion of fish per week since their childhood. All participants underwent body mass index (BMI) measurements and ophthalmological examination. At their first examination, they were asked to consume at least 2 portions of fish per week over a period of 8 weeks, after which all the measurements were repeated.Eighteen healthy individuals (36 eyes) participated in this study. The central macular thickness was reduced, while the amplitudes in the foveal and parafoveal area were increased after the fish consumption. However, all measurements remained within the normal range at both visits.Regular fish consumption could enhance the structural and functional status of the macula.

Background/aim Acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis is the most common form of ocular allergies. The pathogenetic mechanisms are based on an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. On the other hand, tear osmolarity has been suggested to be an index of ocular surface damage and inflammation. These data were the motive to investigate the levels of tear osmolarity in subjects with acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis, before and after administration of artificial tears. Patients and methods Forty-five subjects with acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis were randomly divided into three groups, based on the type of artificial tears that they received: Group A (Thera tears), Group B (Wet therapy) and Group C (Tears Naturale free). The eye drops were administered six times a day for 60 days and all subjects underwent grading of subjective symptoms and clinical examination at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results The diagnosis of severe eye disease, which was based on ocular surface disease index (OSDI; Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA, USA) and tear osmolarity values, concerned all patients at baseline. Although the administration of artificial tears significantly ameliorated the symptoms and the ocular variables in all groups, the results were better in the first group. Tear osmolarity was strongly and negatively correlated with tear film breakup time (BUT) and Schirmer I test at 2 months. Contrariwise, symptoms were eliminated, when tear osmolarity was decreased. Conclusion Acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis is characterized by tear hyperosmolarity, which can be rehabilitated with the administration of hypotonic artificial tears.

AIM To determine depression in patients with choroidal melanoma (CM) treated with proton beam radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study including 50 patients with CM (50% males, mean age=49.88±6.34 years) and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (52% males, mean age=48.60±8.05 years). Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) questionnaires. RESULTS There was a considerable difference in visual acuity as logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) between the patient and control groups (1.16±0.97 and 0.04±0.05 logMAR, respectively, p

Background/Aim: Cataract is the leading cause of reversible blindness and visual impairment worldwide. Although cataract surgery using phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is one of the commonest surgical procedures, IOL opacification remains a potential complication that can affect the visual outcome of the operation. Case Report: A 50-year-old female patient presented to our clinic complaining of glare and blurry vision in her right eye over the previous 6 weeks. She had undergone bilateral refractive lens exchange elsewhere 9 months earlier. Her unaided distance visual acuity was 8/10 in the right eye and 10/10 in the left. On slit-lamp examination, we observed the presence of in-the-bag, multifocal, hydrophobic acrylic IOLs bilaterally. Specifically, calcified deposits within the substance of the IOL were observed. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case of spontaneous calcification of a hydrophobic multifocal IOL and all cataract/refractive surgeons should be aware of this rare complication. © 2018 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to investigate the potential effect of fish consumption on macular structure and function of healthy individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The participants were Greek, who used to consume less than one portion of fish per week since their childhood. All participants underwent body mass index (BMI) measurements and ophthalmological examination. At their first examination, they were asked to consume at least 2 portions of fish per week over a period of 8 weeks, after which all the measurements were repeated. RESULTS: Eighteen healthy individuals (36 eyes) participated in this study. The central macular thickness was reduced, while the amplitudes in the foveal and parafoveal area were increased after the fish consumption. However, all measurements remained within the normal range at both visits. CONCLUSIONS: Regular fish consumption could enhance the structural and functional status of the macula. © 2018 Verduci Editore s.r.l. All rights reserved.

Background/Aim: Acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis is the most common form of ocular allergies. The pathogenetic mechanisms are based on an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. On the other hand, tear osmolarity has been suggested to be an index of ocular surface damage and inflammation. These data were the motive to investigate the levels of tear osmolarity in subjects with acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis, before and after administration of artificial tears. Patients and Methods: Forty-five subjects with acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis were randomly divided into three groups, based on the type of artificial tears that they received: Group A (Thera tears), Group B (Wet therapy) and Group C (Tears Naturale free). The eye drops were administered six times a day for 60 days and all subjects underwent grading of subjective symptoms and clinical examination at baseline and at the end of the treatment. Results: The diagnosis of severe eye disease, which was based on ocular surface disease index (OSDI; Allergan, Inc, Irvine, CA, USA) and tear osmolarity values, concerned all patients at baseline. Although the administration of artificial tears significantly ameliorated the symptoms and the ocular variables in all groups, the results were better in the first group. Tear osmolarity was strongly and negatively correlated with tear film breakup time (BUT) and Schirmer I test at 2 months. Contrariwise, symptoms were eliminated, when tear osmolarity was decreased. Conclusion: Acute allergic rhinoconjuctivitis is characterized by tear hyperosmolarity, which can be rehabilitated with the administration of hypotonic artificial tears. © 2018 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All Rights Reserved.

Εισαγωγή: Το γλαύκωμα είναι μια ετερογενής ομάδα οπτικών νευροπαθειών που οδηγούν σε σταδιακή εκφύλιση του οπτικού νεύρου και απώλεια όρασης. Τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες υπεύθυνα γονίδια έχουν ταυτοποιηθεί και η θεωρία πολυπαραγοντικής κληρονομικότητας ερευνάται για πολλές περιπτώσεις γλαυκώματος. Σκοπός αυτής της μελέτης είναι να ερευνηθεί η κατανομή πολυμορφισμών στα γονίδια glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2) και optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) σε ομάδα ασθενών Ελληνικής καταγωγής. Ασθενείς και μέθοδος: Έγινε μια μελέτη ασθενών-μαρτύρων που συμπεριέλαβε 106 ασθενείς με πρωτοπαθές γλαύκωμα ανοικτής γωνίας (ΠΓΑΓ) και 120 υγιείς-μάρτυρες Ελληνικής καταγωγής. Δείγμα DNA από κάθε έναν εκ των συμμετεχόντων αναλύθηκε γενετικά για τον εντοπισμό πολυμορφισμών στα γονίδια GSTM1(πολυμορφισμός null), SOD2 (πολυμορφισμός rs4880) και OPA1 (πολυμορφισμοί rs166850, rs10451941). Αποτελέσματα: Οι φορείς του γονότυπου GSTM1 null φαίνεται ότι εμφανίζουν αυξημένο κίνδυνο να εκδηλώσουν ΠΓΑΓ (OR=1.86, 95%CI=1.07-3.21; p=0.03). Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης δεν δείχνουν σημαντική συσχέτιση των πολυμορφισμών rs166850 and rs10451941 στο γονίδιο ΟΡΑ1 με το ΠΓΑΓ. Ο πολυμορφισμός SOD2 rs4880 δεν έδειξε στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά εμφάνισης μεταξύ των ασθενών με ΠΓΑΓ και των υγιών μαρτύρων. Η μέση ενδοφθάλμια πίεση (ΕΟΠ) των δύο οφθαλμών της ετεροζυγωτικής ομάδας (T / C) βρέθηκε σημαντικά υψηλότερη από την ομάδα με ομόζυγο (Τ / Τ) γονότυπο (19,13 ± 0,60 έναντι 17,59 ± 0,33, p = 0,02). Όταν συγκρίναμε την ΕΟΠ σε κάθε οφθαλμό ξεχωριστά, οι φορείς των (Τ / C) και (C / C) γονότυπων είχαν σημαντικά υψηλότερη ΕΟΠ στο αριστερό μάτι τους σε σύγκριση με τους φορείς του (Τ / Τ) γονότυπου [(Τ/C) 18,79 ± 0,56 έναντι (Τ / Τ) 17,2 ± 0,36, p= 0,02 και (C / C) 20,75 ± 2,14 έναντι (Τ / Τ) 17,2 ± 0,36, p= 0,03)]. Συμπεράσματα: Ο γονότυπος GSTM1 null φαίνεται να σχετίζεται με αυξημένο κίνδυνο εκδήλωσης ΠΓΑΓ στον Ελληνικό πληθυσμό. Δεν φάνηκε σημαντική συσχέτιση ανάμεσα στους πολυμορφισμούς του ΟΡΑ1 που μελετήθηκαν και το ΠΓΑΓ. Η μελέτη μας δεν διαπίστωσε σημαντική συσχέτιση μεταξύ του πολυμορφισμού SOD2 rs4880 και του ΠΓΑΓ. Η μέση ΕΟΠ των φορέων του C αλληλόμορφου σε ομόζυγη ή ετερόζυγη μορφή βρέθηκε σημαντικά υψηλότερη από ό, τι στην ομόζυγη (Τ / Τ) ομάδα. Καθώς δεν μπορούμε να απορρίψουμε την πιθανότητα ότι το οξειδωτικό στρες μπορεί να είναι καθοριστικός παράγοντας για την ανάπτυξη του ΠΓΑΓ, ενδέχεται να απαιτηθούν περαιτέρω μελέτες για να επιβεβαιωθεί η σημασία του γονιδίου SOD2 στην παθογένεση της νόσου. Introduction: Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of optic neuropathies that lead to gradual degeneration of the optic nerve and vision loss. During the pas decades, responsible genes have been identified and the theory of multifactorial heredity is being investigated for many cases of glaucoma. Purpose of this study is to investigate the distribution of polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1), Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2) and Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1) genes in a group of patients of Greek descent. Patients and Method: This is a case-control study involving 106 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 120 healthy controls of Greek origin. DNA samples from each of the participants was analyzed genetically for identifying polymorphisms in genes GSTM1 (polymorphism null), SOD2 (polymorphism rs4880) and OPA1 (polymorphisms rs166850, rs10451941). Results: Carriers of the GSTM1 null genotype appear to be at increased risk of POAG (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.07-3.21; p = 0.03). The results of the study show no significant correlation between polymorphisms rs166850 and rs10451941 in the OPA1 gene and PGAG. The SOD2 rs4880 polymorphism did not show a statistically significant difference in appearance between patients with POAG and healthy controls. The mean intraocular pressure of the two eyes of the heterozygote group (T / C) was significantly higher than the homozygous (T / T) group (19.13 ± 0.60 vs. 17.59 ± 0.33, p = 0.02). When we compared the intraocular pressure at each eye separately, carriers of the (T / C) and (C / C) genotypes had significantly higher intraocular pressure on their left eye compared to the genotype [(T / C) 18.79 ± 0.56 vs. (T / T) 17.2 ± 0.36, p = 0.02 and (C / C) 20.75 ± 2.14 versus (T / T) 17.2 ± 0 , 36, p = 0.03)]. Conclusions: The GSTM1 null genotype appears to be associated with an increased risk of POAG in the Greek population. There was no significant correlation between polymorphisms in OPA1 studied and POAG. Our study did not find any significant correlation between SOD2 rs4880 polymorphism and POAG . The average intraocular pressure of the C allele carriers in homozygous or heterozygous form was found to be significantly higher than in the homozygous (T / T) group. Since we can not reject the possibility that oxidative stress may be a determining factor in the development of POAG, further studies may be needed to confirm the importance of the SOD2 gene in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults, representing approximately 3% of all melanoma cases. Despite progress in chemotherapy, radiation and surgical treatment options, the prognosis and survival rates remain poor. Acetylation of histone proteins causes transcription of genes involved in cell growth, DNA replication and progression of cell cycle. Overexpression of histone deacetylases occurs in a wide spectrum of malignancies. Histone deacetylase inhibitors block the action of histone deacetylases, leading to inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. This article reviewed the potential therapeutic effects of histone deacetylase inhibitors on uveal melanoma. MEDLINE database was used under the key words/phrases: histone deacetylase, inhibitors, uveal melanoma and targeted therapies for uveal melanoma. A total of 47, English articles, not only referring to uveal melanoma, published up to February 2018 were used. Valproic acid, trichostatin A, tenovin-6, depsipeptide, panobinostat (LBH-589), vorinostat (suberanilohydroxamic acid) entinostat (MS-275), quisinostat, NaB, JSL-1, MC1568 and MC1575 are histone deacetylase inhibitors that have demonstrated promising antitumor effects against uveal melanoma. Histone deacetylase inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of uveal melanoma. © 2018 International Institute of Anticancer Research. All rights reserved.

Aim: To determine depression in patients with choroidal melanoma (CM) treated with proton beam radiotherapy. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 50 patients with CM (50% males, mean age=49.88±6.34 years) and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (52% males, mean age=48.60±8.05 years). Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) questionnaires. Results: There was a considerable difference in visual acuity as logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) between the patient and control groups (1.16±0.97 and 0.04±0.05 logMAR, respectively, p

OBJECTIVE: Endometrial cancer is increasingly prevalent in western societies and affects mainly postmenopausal women; notably incidence rates have been rising by 1.9% per year on average since 2005. Although the early-stage endometrial cancer can be effectively managed with surgery, more advanced stages of the disease require multimodality treatment with varying results. In recent years, endometrial cancer has been extensively studied at the molecular level in an attempt to develop effective therapies. Recently, a family of compounds that alter epigenetic expression, namely histone deacetylase inhibitors, have shown promise as possible therapeutic agents in endometrial cancer. The present review aims to discuss the therapeutic potential of these agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This literature review was performed using the MEDLINE database; the search terms histone, deacetylase, inhibitors, endometrial, targeted therapies for endometrial cancer were employed to identify relevant studies. We only reviewed English language publications and also considered studies that were not entirely focused on endometrial cancer. Ultimately, sixty-four articles published until January 2018 were incorporated into our review. RESULTS: Studies in cell cultures have demonstrated that histone deacetylase inhibitors exert their antineoplastic activity by promoting expression of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, that have important roles in cell cycle regulation; importantly, the transcription of specific genes (e.g., E-cadherin, PTEN) that are commonly silenced in endometrial cancer is also enhanced. In addition to these abstracts effects, novel compounds with histone deacetylase inhibitor activity (e.g., scriptaid, trichostatin, entinostat) have also demonstrated significant antineoplastic activity both in vitro and in vivo, by liming tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis and potentiating the effects of chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The applications of histone deacetylase inhibitors in endometrial cancer appear promising; nonetheless, additional trials are necessary to establish the therapeutic role, clinical utility, and safety of these promising compounds.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the western world, among the working-age people. Its exact pathogenesis, however, remains obscure. Systemic inflammation is regarded to play a significant role in diabetes by contributing, among others, to the development of diabetic retinopathy. This review focuses on the possible involvement of the systemic inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic search of the literature of published papers until August 2017 using the PubMed search engine. RESULTS: We demonstrated that many systemic inflammatory markers contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of retinopathy, while we highlighted in several occasions their usefulness as a key tool in the monitoring of the disease progression and the treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge this is the first review in the literature that elaborates the possible association of serum inflammatory markers and diabetic retinopathy, a disease that may cause irreversible loss of vision. © 2018 Verduci Editore.All right reserved.

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcome of eccentric macular holes presenting after vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for the treatment of macular pathology and discuss the pathogenesis of holes formation. A retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case-series study of five patients who developed eccentric macular holes postoperatively following vitrectomy in 198 consecutive patients who underwent ILM peeling for idiopathic macular hole and epiretinal membrane formation between 2008 and 2015. Five patients (2.5 %) developed full-thickness eccentric macular holes postoperatively. Three patients presented with a single eccentric macular hole, one patient had an eccentric hole after a failed idiopathic macular hole surgery and one patient developed four eccentric macular holes. The mean diameter of the holes was 584 μm (range 206–1317 μm) and the average time of holes formation after vitrectomy was 27.7 weeks (range 1–140 weeks). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity ranged from “counting fingers” to 20/25. The eyes with the holes distant from the fovea had the best final visual acuity. No further intervention was attempted and no complications occurred. The mean follow-up time was 26.8 months. The postoperative macular holes after vitrectomy and ILM peeling were variable in number, size, and time of appearance but remained stable and were not associated with any complications. The pathogenesis of macular holes is most consistent with contraction of the residual ILM or secondary epimacular proliferation probably stimulated by ILM peeling. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Purpose: To compare the impact of trabeculectomy and trabeculectomy with an anterior chamber (AC) maintainer on intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD), and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: The two groups consisted of 36 (trabeculectomy, Group A) and 42 (trabeculectomy with AC maintainer, Group B) patients with POAG. IOP, CCT, and ECD were measured one day prior to surgery, one month, six months, and 12 months postoperatively. Results: No complications were observed. The mean decrease of mean IOP from baseline to 12 months was statistically significant for both groups (all p < 0.0001), but more significant in Group B (p = 0.01). ECD decrease was significant in both Groups (all p < 0.01), but more significant in Group A (p < 0.0001). CCT decrease was also greater in Group A (p < 0.0001). The surgical procedure’s duration was significantly longer in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Both techniques seem to be effective and safe options for patients with POAG. Using an AC maintainer might add some safety for the ECD and a bit greater IOP reduction; however, the classic technique, which is of less complexity and less time-consuming, has comparable results. © Taylor & Francis.

To compare the impact of trabeculectomy and trabeculectomy with an anterior chamber (AC) maintainer on intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD), and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).The two groups consisted of 36 (trabeculectomy, Group A) and 42 (trabeculectomy with AC maintainer, Group B) patients with POAG. IOP, CCT, and ECD were measured one day prior to surgery, one month, six months, and 12 months postoperatively.No complications were observed. The mean decrease of mean IOP from baseline to 12 months was statistically significant for both groups (all p0.0001), but more significant in Group B (p = 0.01). ECD decrease was significant in both Groups (all p0.01), but more significant in Group A (p0.0001). CCT decrease was also greater in Group A (p0.0001). The surgical procedure's duration was significantly longer in Group B than in Group A (p0.0001).Both techniques seem to be effective and safe options for patients with POAG. Using an AC maintainer might add some safety for the ECD and a bit greater IOP reduction; however, the classic technique, which is of less complexity and less time-consuming, has comparable results.

Background: Purpose of this case report is to describe, for the first time in literature assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual evoked potentials (VEP), a rare case of partially reversible unilateral vision loss accompanied by retrobulbar optic neuritis symptomatology, after nasal polyps removal using endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) technique. Case presentation: A 41-year old Greek male developed unilateral vision loss, partially reversible within 72 hours, reduced color vision, superior scotoma and retrobulbar pain on eye movement immediately after recovering from nasal polyp removal with (ESS) technique. He underwent complete ophthalmological examination including optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, visual fields and visual evoked potentials. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neurological examination and laboratory evaluation were also performed revealing no abnormalities. Conclusions: Sinus surgeons and ophthalmologists should be familiar with the possibility of irreversible visual impairment after endoscopic sinus surgery and enhance collaboration for facilitating better recognition and early treatment.

Purpose: Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic neuropathy and leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. Multigenic inheritance hypothesis is being investigated over the past decades and numerous mainly causative and synergic polymorphisms have been revealed. Aim of this study is to investigate whether superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) polymorphism rs4880 is associated with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in Greek population. Materials and method: This is a case control study of 106 POAG patients and 120 thoroughly examined, unrelated, healthy control subjects of Greek origin, surveyed for SOD2 polymorphism rs4880 and potential correlation to POAG. Results: SOD2 rs4880 polymorphism showed no statistically significant difference between POAG patients and healthy controls. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) of both eyes of the heterozygous (T/C) group was found significantly higher than in homozygous (T/T) group (19.13 ± 0.60 vs. 17.59 ± 0.33, p = 0.02). When we compared the IOP in each eye separately, the (T/C) and (C/C) carriers had significantly higher IOP on their left eye compared to the (T/T) carriers [(Τ/C) 18.79 ± 0.56 vs. (Τ/Τ) 17.2 ± 0.36, p = 0.02 and (C/C) 20.75 ± 2.14 vs. (Τ/Τ) 17.2 ± 0.36, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Our study did not find any significant association between SOD2 rs4880 polymorphism and POAG. Mean IOP of the polymorphic (C) allele carriers was found significantly higher than in homozygous (T/T) group. As we cannot reject the possibility that oxidative stress might be a crucial factor for the POAG development further studies may be needed to confirm the importance of SOD2 gene in POAG pathogenesis.

Purpose: To evaluate the psychological impact and depression prevalence in patients with Stargardt disease. Methods: We conducted a case-control study including 39 patients with Stargardt disease and 32 age- and sexmatched healthy controls. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Zung Depression Inventory questionnaire. Results were analyzed using IBM SPSS 22.0 software. Results: The patient group consisted of 19 men and 20 women with mean age of 36.9 ± 5.4 years and control group of 19 men and 13 women with mean age of 42.5 ± 10.1 years. The mean values of PHQ-9 and Zung scores for patients and healthy individuals were 10.9 ± 4.9, 46.7 ± 11.1, 6.7 ± 5.4, and 41.1 ± 8.5, respectively. There were statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in PHQ-9 scores (independent samples t test: p = 0.001), but not in Zung scores (Mann-Whitney test: p = 0.053). The PHQ-9 and Zung scores appeared to be moderately but significantly correlated (Pearson coefficient 0.44, p

This poster describes the "Computer Science for All Bulldogs (CS4ALL-B) pilot, a 7-week long course taught in Fall 2013 at Opelika Middle School, located in the Auburn- Opelika, Alabama Metropolitan Area (https://cs4allb.eng.auburn.edu). The program marks the first time a formal Computer Science (CS) course has been taught in an Alabama middle school. The CS4ALL-B curriculum builds upon the Auburn University innovative 'three-step' model of K-12 computing and robotics instruction that introduces CS and Computational Thinking (CT) concepts for K-12 students. This model uses programming frameworks such as Kodu, Alice, App Inventor, Lego NXT-G and Tetrix, and Computer Science Unplugged (CSU) activities. While moving between the three steps, students explore the fundamentals of CS/CT concepts. The CS4ALL-B curriculum is structured in four main sections: First, introduction to Kodu for 7th graders and Alice for 8th graders; Second, introduction to CS/CT Concepts; Third, participation in selected CSU activities, then students develop their programs to demonstrate their abilities to design and create Kodu or Alice worlds that implement the concepts learned while participating in CSU activities; Fourth, students build their own course project that includes all concepts and skills grasped throughout their training. This model helps maintain high levels of motivation, concentration, and engagement during the entire course. The results of the pilot assessment, including tools such as traditional written assessments (e.g. quizzes, tests) as well as alternative assessments tools (e.g. projects and blog posts), will be presented. We have found that our methods foster the learners' nascent development in CS.