Enhancing Ex Vivo Limbal Epithelial Cell Expansion on Amniotic Membrane: A Comparative Study of Monolayer (2D) Versus Sandwich (3D) Culture Configurations.

Purpose: This study compared two-dimensional (monolayer) and three-dimensional (sandwich) systems for expanding ex vivo limbal epithelial cells on amniotic membrane and evaluated the outcomes after transplantation into rabbits with experimentally induced limbal stem cell deficiency.

Methods: Evaluations included markers for progenitor cells, proliferation, apoptosis, and clinical monitoring for up to 63 days. In the monolayer culture, epithelial cells derived from limbal explants were expanded on amniotic membrane as the substrate.

Clinician accuracy in identifying essential laryngeal landmarks on swallowing fluoroscopy.

Objective: Identification of anatomical landmarks is essential for interpretation of video fluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS). This investigation sought to confirm the location of essential laryngeal landmarks and determine clinician accuracy in structure identification on VFSS.

Methods: A single human cadaver was used to generate unmarked standard lateral and anterior-posterior (AP) fluoroscopic images.

Birefringence analysis of collagen supraorganization in cat corneas with tropical keratopathy.

Objective: To evaluate the birefringent properties of the cornea and examine the supraorganizational aspects of collagen fibers in cats with tropical keratopathy.

Procedure: In this study, 10-micrometer-thick sections of corneal tissue from cats with tropical keratopathy were examined, both in the opaque and transparent areas of the anterior stroma. Control samples were obtained from healthy cat corneas.

Patterns of Postoperative Trismus Following Mandibulectomy and Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction.

The factors that contribute to postoperative trismus after mandibulectomy and fibula free flap reconstruction (FFFR) are undefined. We retrospectively assessed postoperative trismus (defined as a maximum interincisal opening ≤35 mm) in 106 patients undergoing mandibulectomy with FFFR, employing logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with this sequela. The surgical indication was primary ablation in 64%, salvage for recurrence in 24%, and osteonecrosis in 12%.

Longitudinal Analysis of Swallowing Displacement Kinematics After Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment.

Background/objective: Quantitative swallowing displacement kinematics evolve in patients treated for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We aimed to longitudinally assess these measurements and correlate them with functional swallowing outcomes.

Method: A retrospective review was conducted on patients with OPSCC treated with definitive (chemo)radiation ([C]RT) or surgery with adjuvant (chemo)radiation (S-[C]RT) who completed at least two videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS).

Examining the Relationships Between Lingual Strength, Perihyoid Strength, and Swallowing Kinematics in Dysphagic Adults: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the relationships of clinical measures of lingual and perihyoid strength with displacement swallowing kinematics and swallowing safety in a heterogenous group of dysphagic adults. Method A retrospective analysis was completed of videofluoroscopic swallow studies of consecutive dysphagic outpatient adults presenting to a tertiary swallowing center from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017. Videofluoroscopic swallow study records were included if containing displacement swallowing kinematics of a 20-ml single liquid swallow and clinical measures of anterior (L-MIPA) or posterior (L-MIPP) lingual maximal isometric press, saliva mean swallowing pressures (S-MSP), and/or open mouth-maximal isometric press (OM-MIP).

THE EYE OF CRAB-EATING FOX (): ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND NORMATIVE VALUES OF SELECTED DIAGNOSTIC TESTS, MORPHOMETRY OF CORNEAL TISSUE, AND ARRANGEMENTS OF CORNEAL STROMAL COLLAGEN FIBERS.

This study aimed to evaluate the ophthalmic parameters, morphometric features of corneal tissue, and arrangements of corneal stromal collagen fibers in crab-eating fox (), a species of neotropical wild canid. We conducted the study on six juvenile crab-eating foxes (12 eyes), whilst 16 eyes were obtained post mortem from eight adult crab-eating foxes. The research was divided into two stages.

Open Mouth-Maximal Isometric Press: Development and Norms for Clinical Swallowing Evaluations and Treatment.

Purpose The aims of this study were to (a) describe the development and utility of the Open Mouth-Maximal Isometric Press (OM-MIP), a tool designed for the quantitative assessment of suprahyoid-infrahyoid muscle strength; (b) examine the effects of age and sex on the OM-MIP; and (c) establish age- and sex-based OM-MIP norms. Method Two hundred sixteen healthy male and female volunteers were recruited. Participants performed the OM-MIP, and the maximum of 3 trials that were within 10% of each other was recorded.

Clinical features and corneal optical anisotropies in a rabbit model of limbal stem cell deficiency.

Purposes: To investigate the intra-laboratory reproducibility of clinical features and to evaluate corneal optical anisotropies in a rabbit model of limbal stem cell deficiency.

Methods: Limbal injury was induced in the right eye of 23 adult New Zealand White rabbits using a highly aggressive protocol that combined 360 degrees limbal peritomy, keratolimbectomy, alkaline chemical burn, and mechanical removal of the epithelium. Clinical evaluation of the injured eyes was performed for 28 days and included corneal impression cytology.

Effect of metronidazole ophthalmic solution on corneal neovascularization in a rat model.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of metronidazole ophthalmic solutions on corneal neovascularization (CNV) in a rat model.

Methods: A chemical burn was created in the right central cornea of 40 rats. Animals were randomized and distributed into four study groups (n = 10 rats per group) designated Met_0.

Nuclear parameters and chromatin remodeling in epithelial cells and lymphocytes from the palpebral conjunctiva of dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Objective: To study parameters related to nuclear morphology and chromatin remodeling in epithelial cells and lymphocytes from the inferior palpebral conjunctiva of dogs with and without keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS).

Animals Studied: Thirty-two dogs (64 eyes) were included in the study. Based on the tear production measured by Schirmer tear test 1, the dogs were distributed into control and KCS groups.

Reduction in Histone H3 Acetylation and Chromatin Remodeling in Corneas of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Purpose: To evaluate acetylation of histone H3, chromatin remodeling, nuclear size and shape, DNA ploidy, and distribution of nucleolus organizing regions (NORs) in corneal epithelial and stromal cells of diabetic and nondiabetic rats.

Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. All diabetic rats (n = 20) included in the study had 4 weeks of moderate-to-severe hyperglycemia (plasma glucose levels >400 mg/dL).

Molecular characterization and potential sources of aqueous humor bacterial contamination during phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in dogs.

Bacterial contamination of the anterior chamber during cataract surgery is one of the main responsible for endophthalmitis postoperative. Phacoemulsification is a less invasive technique for cataract treatment, although it does not exclude the possibility of contamination. In this study, bacterial contaminants of aqueous humor collected pre- and post-phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation (IOL) of twenty dogs were identified.

A supramolecular look at microenvironmental regulation of limbal epithelial stem cells and the differentiation of their progeny.

Various approaches have been taken to improve our knowledge of the microenvironmental regulation of limbal epithelial stem cells. Researchers have extensively investigated the roles of growth factors, survival factors, cytokines, enzymes, and permeable molecules secreted by the limbal cells. However, recent evidence suggests that stem cell fate (i.

Corneal angiogenesis based on different protocols of alkaline cauterization in murine models.

Purpose:: To establish and compare protocols of alkaline cauterization for inducing corneal angiogenesis in murine models.

Methods:: Twenty-four adult Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4). The right eye cornea from each rat was cauterized using filter paper (3 mm), soaked in a solution of silver and potassium nitrates (3:1).

Histological, morphometric, protein and gene expression analyses of rat retinas with ischaemia-reperfusion injury model treated with sildenafil citrate.

The aim of this study was to better understand the role of apoptosis in a retinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury model and to determine whether sildenafil citrate treatment can prevent retinal cell apoptosis. Thirty-six rats were divided into a control group (n = 6) and two experimentally induced ischaemia-reperfusion groups (7 and 21 days; n = 15 per group). The induced ischaemia-reperfusion groups were treated with sildenafil for 7 and 21 days (n = 10 per group), and 10 animals were treated with a placebo for the same period (n = 5 per group).

Effects of intracameral ascorbic acid on the corneal endothelium of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification.

Objective: Cataracts are the most common ocular disorder in dogs. Phacoemulsification is the preferred treatment method among ophthalmologists, but the cellularity of the endothelium must be considered for its success, as endothelial lesions may produce permanent corneal decompensation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intracameral ascorbic acid, a known antioxidant, on the corneal endothelium of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification.

Short-Term Effects of Y-27632, a Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibitor, on Chromatin Supraorganization and DNA Amount in Epithelial Cells of the Rat Cornea and Limbus.

Purpose: To assess the short-term effects of instilling Y-27632, an inhibitor of Rho/Rho-associated protein kinases, on the chromatin supraorganization and DNA amount of corneal and limbal epithelial cells of healthy rats.

Methods: Longitudinal sections (7 μm) of enucleated eyes of healthy rats that received, by instillation, balanced salt solution with or without 10 mM of Y-27632 daily for 7 or 15 days, were subjected to the Feulgen reaction. Feulgen-stained nuclei of corneal and limbal epithelial cells were studied by microscopy and video image analysis to establish the nuclear size (area and perimeter), supraorganization of chromatin (texture and degrees of condensation), and the Feulgen-DNA amount.

Ophthalmic parameters in adult lowland paca (Cuniculus paca) raised in captivity.

Objective: To investigate the ophthalmic parameters of lowland pacas, including the anatomic features, tear production, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and morphology of the corneal endothelium.

Animals Studied: Thirteen adult, anesthetized Cuniculus paca.

Procedure: Eyes were evaluated using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, the Schirmer tear test I, digital applanation tonometry, binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, and noncontact specular microscopy.

Supra-organization and optical anisotropies of the extracellular matrix in the amniotic membrane and limbal stroma before and after explant culture.

In this research we evaluated the supramolecular organizations and the optical anisotropical properties of the de-epithelialized human amniotic membrane and rabbit limbal stroma, before and after explant culture. Birefringence, monochromatic light spectral absorption and linear dichroism of the main extracellular matrix biopolymers, that is, the fibrillar collagens and proteoglycans, were investigated by polarized light microscopy combined with image analysis. Our results demonstrated that the culture procedure-induced stimuli altered the supra-organizational characteristics (in terms of collagens/proteoglycans spatial orientation and ordered-aggregational state) of the amniotic and limbal extracellular matrix, which led to changes in optical anisotropical properties.

Functional and Structural Evaluation of Sildenafil in a Rat Model of Acute Retinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Purpose: Retinal ischemia is a common cause of visual impairment and blindness. Sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor which inhibits cGMP degradation and in turn prolongs the effect of nitric oxide, has been shown to be protective in a number of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries, as well as in neuronal damage. We hypothesized that treatment with sildenafil might be neuroprotective in a model of acute retinal I/R injury.

Static endoscopic evaluation of swallowing: Transoral endoscopy during clinical swallow evaluations.

Objectives/hypothesis: To determine the sensitivity and specificity for assessing pharyngeal residue, laryngeal penetration, and tracheal aspiration when comparing findings from the Static Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (SEES) with findings from the Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS).

Methods: Retrospective study at a tertiary academic medical center. Records were reviewed consecutive outpatients who underwent both SEES and VFSS evaluations.

Effects of morphine on the expression of cytokines and inflammatory mediators in a rabbit model of endotoxin-induced experimental uveitis.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of 1% morphine instillation on clinical parameters, aqueous humor turbidity, and expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in rabbits with endotoxin-induced experimental uveitis.

Methods: Twenty four New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four groups (n=6 each): control (CG), morphine (MG), naloxone (NG), and morphine-naloxone (MNG) groups. Under dissociative anesthesia, 0.

Expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -9 and opioid growth factor in rabbit cornea after lamellar keratectomy and treatment with 1% nalbuphine.

Purposes: To evaluate the effects of nalbuphine 1% on the expression of metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), and opioid growth factor (OGF) in rabbit corneas after lamellar keratectomy.

Methods: The rabbits were assigned to two groups: group nalbuphine (GN, n=30), which received 30 µL of nalbuphine 1% in 4 daily applications at regular intervals until corneal epithelialization, and group control (GC, n=30), which received physiological saline solution under the same conditions adopted in GN. The corneas were collected for immunohistochemistry on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 after lamellar keratectomy, and the expressions of MMP-1, MMP-9, and OGF were analyzed.

The prognostic effect of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytic subpopulations in bladder cancer.

Background: Intratumoural lymphocytic infiltration is strongly associated with the outcome of many human epithelial cancers. The current paper investigated whether subpopulations of tumour-infiltrating T lymphocytes are associated with certain clinicopathological parameters and the prognosis of patients with invasive bladder cancer (BCa).

Patients And Methods: The infiltration densities of the adaptive immune markers CD3 (the whole T cell population), FOXP3 (regulatory T cells; Tregs), CD8 (T effector cells) and CD45R0 (T effector memory cells) were analysed by immunohistochemistry and image analysis with tissue microarrays of tumour tissues from 149 patients with invasive BCa treated with radical cystectomy.