Optimizing Retinal Imaging: Evaluation of ultrasmall TiO nanoparticle- fluorescein conjugates for improved Fundus Fluorescein Angiography.

Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) has been extensively used for the identification, management, and diagnosis of various retinal and choroidal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, among others. This exam enables clinicians to evaluate retinal morphology and the pathophysiology of retinal vasculature. However, adverse events, including from mild to severe reactions to sodium fluorescein, have been reported.

Mapping possible interaction sites for crotoxin in CNF, a gamma PLA inhibitor from Crotalus durissus terrificus rattle snake, using SPOT synthesis.

Phospholipases A (PLAs) are main components of snake venoms. Several snake species possess endogenous PLA inhibitors in their circulating blood, which are generally known as sbPLIs (an acronym for snake blood phospholipase Ainhibitors). The sbPLIs are categorized in three classes (alpha, beta or gamma) depending on the existence of distinguishing protein domains in their structure.

Clinical outcomes of intravitreal treatment for ocular toxoplasmosis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Ocular toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of infectious posterior uveitis worldwide, accounting for 30-50% of all cases in immunocompetent patients. Conventional treatment is associated with adverse effects and does not prevent recurrence. Intravitreal drug administration can improve disease outcomes and reduce side effects.

Endogenous phospholipase A inhibitors in snakes: a brief overview.

The blood plasma of numerous snake species naturally comprises endogenous phospholipase A inhibitors, which primarily neutralize toxic phospholipases A that may eventually reach their circulation. This inhibitor type is generally known as snake blood phospholipase A inhibitors (sbPLIs). Most, if not all sbPLIs are oligomeric glycosylated proteins, although the carbohydrate moiety may not be essential for PLA inhibition in every case.

Mixed infection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in rodents from endemic urban area of the New World.

Background: In Brazil Leishmania braziliensis and L. infantum are the principal species responsible for cutaneous and visceral leishmaniases, respectively. Domestic dogs are the main reservoirs of visceral leishmaniasis, while rodents and marsupials are the main reservoirs for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Insights on the structure of native CNF, an endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitor from Crotalus durissus terrificus, the South American rattlesnake.

Several snake species possess endogenous phospholipase A2 inhibitors (sbPLIs) in their blood plasma, the primary role of which is protection against an eventual presence of toxic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from their venom glands in the circulation. These inhibitors have an oligomeric structure of, at least, three subunits and have been categorized into three classes (α, β and γ) based on their structural features. SbγPLIs have been further subdivided into two subclasses according to their hetero or homomeric nature, respectively.

Relationship of Leishmania-specific IgG levels and IgG avidity with parasite density and clinical signs in canine leishmaniasis.

The clinical status and tissue parasite burden of the skin and spleen of 40 dogs naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi (syn. Leishmania infantum), together with 5 uninfected control dogs, were assessed. On the basis of the clinical evaluation, infected dogs were classified as asymptomatic (AD) or symptomatic (SD).