MicroRNA profile of extracellular vesicles released by Müller glial cells.

Introduction: As with any other radial glia in the central nervous system, Müller glia derive from the same neuroepithelial precursors, perform similar functions, and exhibit neurogenic properties as radial glia in the brain. Müller glial cells retain progenitor-like characteristics in the adult human eye and can partially restore visual function upon intravitreal transplantation into animal models of glaucoma. Recently, it has been demonstrated that intracellular communication is possible via the secretion of nano-sized membrane-bound extracellular vesicles (EV), which contain bioactive molecules like microRNA (miRNA) and proteins that induce phenotypic changes when internalised by recipient cells.

Cell-Based Therapies for Glaucoma.

Glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) is the major cause of irreversible visual loss worldwide and can result from a range of disease etiologies. The defining features of GON are retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration and characteristic cupping of the optic nerve head (ONH) due to tissue remodeling, while intraocular pressure remains the only modifiable GON risk factor currently targeted by approved clinical treatment strategies. Efforts to understand the mechanisms that allow species such as the zebrafish to regenerate their retinal cells have greatly increased our understanding of regenerative signaling pathways.

Transcriptomics of CD29/CD44 cells isolated from hPSC retinal organoids reveals a single cell population with retinal progenitor and Müller glia characteristics.

Müller glia play very important and diverse roles in retinal homeostasis and disease. Although much is known of the physiological and morphological properties of mammalian Müller glia, there is still the need to further understand the profile of these cells during human retinal development. Using human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal organoids, we investigated the transcriptomic profiles of CD29/CD44 cells isolated from early and late stages of organoid development.

Efficacy of Tacrolimus in Uveitis, and the Usefulness of Serum Tacrolimus Levels in Predicting Disease Control. Results from a Single Large Center.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus in patients with noninfectious uveitis, as well as the usefulness of serum tacrolimus concentration measurements in predicting disease control.

Methods: A retrospective review was carried out on 71 eligible patients from a single specialist uveitis center for minimum 1-year follow-up. Analysis was carried out on disease activity, visual acuity, and trough serum tacrolimus concentrations (STC).

Evaluation of fluocinolone acetonide 0.19 mg intravitreal implant in the management of birdshot retinochoroiditis.

Purpose: To report treatment outcomes and efficacy of the fluocinolone acetonide 0.19 mg intravitreal implant (Iluvien) in controlling retinal and choroidal inflammation in 11 patients with birdshot retinochoroiditis.

Methods: A single-centre, retrospective, interventional case series.

Strain Specific Responses in a Microbead Rat Model of Experimental Glaucoma.

Purpose: A major challenge in glaucoma research is the lack of reproducible animal models of RGC and optic nerve damage, the characteristic features of this condition. We therefore examined the glaucomatous responses of two different rat strains, the Brown Norway (BN) and Lister Hooded (LH) rats, to high intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by injection of magnetic beads into the anterior chamber.

Methods: Magnetic microsphere suspensions (20 µl of 5-20 mg/ml) were injected into the anterior chamber of BN (n = 9) or LH (N = 15) rats.

Galectins and their involvement in ocular disease and development.

Galectins are carbohydrate binding proteins with high affinity to ß-galactoside containing glycoconjugates. Understanding of the functions of galectins has grown steadily over the past decade, as a result of substantial advancements in the field of glycobiology. Galectins have been shown to be versatile molecules that participate in a range of important biological systems, including inflammation, neovascularisation and fibrosis.

The Risk of Posterior Capsule Rupture during Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery in Eyes with Previous Intravitreal Anti Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections.

Purpose: To investigate if previous intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections are a predictor for posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Setting: National Health Service: Whipps Cross University Hospital Eye Treatment Centre. District General, London, United Kingdom DESIGN:: Single centre, retrospective, electronic medical record (EMR) database study with univariate analysis.

Ocular toxoplasmosis: phenotype differences between toxoplasma IgM positive and IgM negative patients in a large cohort.

Purpose: To investigate the differences in demographics and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis according to their IgM status.

Methods: Retrospective case note analysis was carried out on patients who tested positive for serum -specific IgM antibodies (IgM+) as well as a comparator group who tested negative for serum IgM (IgM-), but positive for serum IgG. Patient demographics and clinical features were compared between the two groups to evaluate for any significant differences.

Risk of posterior capsular rupture during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in eyes with previous intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injections.

Purpose: To investigate whether previous intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections are a predictor for posterior capsular rupture (PCR) during phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Setting: Whipps Cross University Hospital Eye Treatment Centre, London, United Kingdom.

Design: Single-center, retrospective, electronic medical record (EMR) database study with univariate analysis.

Potential of Müller Glia for Retina Neuroprotection.

Müller glia constitute the main glial cells of the retina. They are spatially distributed along this tissue, facilitating their close membrane interactions with all retinal neurons. Müller glia are characterized by their active metabolic functions, which are neuroprotective in nature.

Patient-reported outcome measuring tools in cataract surgery: Clinical comparison at a tertiary hospital.

Purpose: To assess the performance of patient-reported outcome measure questionnaires and determine their appropriateness for routine use in cataract patients.

Setting: Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Poppers retinopathy.

We present a case of a 52-year-old man with sudden, bilateral central loss of vision as a result of inhalation of 'poppers'. He was found to have characteristic changes on optical coherence tomography. With conservative treatment, the patient's vision improved marginally at 3 months follow-up.

Leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel: Report of a case and review of the literature.

Introduction: Leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel is an extremely rare form of gastrointestinal malignancy. Small bowel tumours are usually asymptomatic at the early stages, and difficult to visualise by upper and lower endoscopy.

Presentation Of Case: An 83-year-old gentleman presented in surgical outpatient clinic with chronic anaemia, abdominal discomfort and a single episode of malaena.