Profiling system-wide variations and similarities between Rheumatic Heart Disease and Acute Rheumatic Fever-A pilot analysis.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continues to affect developing countries with low income due to the lack of resources and effective diagnostic techniques. Understanding the genetic basis common to both the diseases and that of progression from its prequel disease state, Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF), would aid in developing predictive biomarkers and improving patient care. To gain system-wide molecular insights into possible causes for progression, in this pilot study, we collected blood transcriptomes from ARF (5) and RHD (5) patients.

Quantitative analysis of retinal microvascular changes in prediabetic and diabetic patients.

Purpose: To evaluate and correlate retinal microvascular changes in prediabetic and diabetic patients with functional and systemic parameters.

Methods: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed on all subjects after medical evaluation and laboratory investigations for blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, and others. Automated quantification of vascular indices of the superficial plexus were analyzed.

Early structural and functional neurovascular changes in the retina in the prediabetic stage.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to investigate the neurovascular changes in the retina of prediabetic subjects.

Methods: Subjects enroled in a prospective study were separated into prediabetic and normal control groups based on their glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels, fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance test. All the subjects underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation, which included fundus examination, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG).

Investigating the role of microRNA-27a gene polymorphisms and its interactive effect with risk factors in gastrointestinal cancers.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are known to have a high incidence worldwide and require an early diagnosis to successfully treat them, providing higher survival rates and better quality of life for the patients. MicroRNA-27a is a well-known oncogene that plays a significant role in various GI cancers. It is known to upregulate the expression of numerous oncogenes leading to cancer progression.

Interchangeability of retinal perfusion indices in different-sized angiocubes: An optical coherence tomography angiography study in diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: To evaluate the differences in vascular indices in different scan sizes of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images in normal persons versus persons with diabetic retinopathy.

Methods: OCTA scans of diabetic patients and age-matched controls were performed by a single operator. Automated quantification of vascular indices of the superficial plexus was analyzed in two angiocubes of 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm, respectively.