Automatic Detection of Microaneurysms in Fundus Images Using an Ensemble-Based Segmentation Method.

In this study, a novel method for automatic microaneurysm detection in color fundus images is presented. The proposed method is based on three main steps: (1) image breakdown to smaller image patches, (2) inference to segmentation models, and (3) reconstruction of the predicted segmentation map from output patches. The proposed segmentation method is based on an ensemble of three individual deep networks, such as U-Net, ResNet34-UNet and UNet++.

Associations of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Gene Polymorphisms TNF-863A/C (rs1800630), TNF-308A/G (rs1800629), TNF-238A/G (rs361525), and TNF-Alpha Serum Concentration with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a neurodegenerative disease leading to irreversible central vision loss among the elderly in developed countries. While the disease accounts for 9% of all cases of vision loss, the prevalence of AMD is likely to increase due to the exponential aging of the population. Due to this reason, our study aimed to determine the associations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) TNF-863A/C (rs1800630), TNF-308A/G (rs1800629), TNF-238A/G (rs361525), and TNF-α serum concentration with age-related macular degeneration.

SIRT1: Genetic Variants and Serum Levels in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

The aim of this paper was to determine the frequency of rs3818292, rs3758391, rs7895833 single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes and SIRT1 serum levels associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the Lithuanian population. Genotyping of rs3818292, rs3758391 and rs7895833 was performed using RT-PCR. SIRT1 serum level was determined using the ELISA method.

Telomere Lengths and Serum Proteasome Concentrations in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Different Severities of Diabetic Retinopathy in Latvia and Lithuania.

The aim of the study was to compare telomere lengths and circulating proteasome concentrations in patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy and type 1 diabetes in Latvia and Lithuania. Methods. Patients with no diabetic retinopathy and with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy were included in the NDR/NPDR group (n = 187).

rs1883025 and rs2108622 Gene Polymorphism Association with Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Anti-VEGF Treatment.

: The age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathophysiology is multifactorial, as it consists of interactions between aging, genetic, and environmental factors. We aimed to determine a relationship between AMD and the genes controlling lipid metabolism, and to assess its association with treatment results. The purpose was to find the rs1883025 and rs2108622 gene polymorphisms in patients with exudative AMD (eAMD) treated with anti-VEGF.

Real-World Treatment Patterns and Vision Outcomes with Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema.

Purpose: To assess injection patterns and vision outcomes in patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab injections for diabetic macular edema in a real-world clinical setting.

Methods: Retrospective chart review involving 74 eyes of 62 patients who started ranibizumab treatment for diabetic macular edema at the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos. Data collected included follow-up visits, injections administered, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

The Burden of Macular Diseases in Central and Eastern Europe-Implications for Healthcare Systems.

Background: Despite the significant impact of retinal diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), there is a limited understanding of how these conditions are managed in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Objectives: To provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical and economic burden of wAMD and DME in CEE and the status quo associated with their management.

Methods: A narrative literature review was undertaken to identify existing data on wAMD and DME, including epidemiology, economic burden, clinical guidelines, and available and reimbursed treatments.

CYP4F2 (rs2108622) Gene Polymorphism Association with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Background. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in elderly individuals where aetiology and pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration are not absolutely clear. Purpose.

RADIANCE: a randomized controlled study of ranibizumab in patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of ranibizumab 0.5 mg, guided by visual acuity (VA) stabilization or disease activity criteria, versus verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) in patients with visual impairment due to myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Design: Phase III, 12-month, randomized, double-masked, multicenter, active-controlled study.

Photodynamic therapy and central serous chorioretinopathy.

Central serous chorioretinopathy is a common acquired maculopathy. Multiple studies showed that photodynamic therapy is useful treatment for acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. The exact mechanism of photodynamic therapy in treating central serous chorioretinopathy is not clear, but it is thought to be caused by short-term choriocapillaris hypoperfusion and long-term choroidal vascular remodeling, leading to a reduction in choroidal congestion, vascular hyperpermeability and extravascular leakage.