Automated identification of spotted-fever tick vectors using convolutional neural networks.

Ticks are key ectoparasites for the One Health approach, as they are vectors of pathogens that infect humans, domestic and wild animals. The bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri are the aetiological agents of tick-borne spotted fever (SF) in South America, where Amblyomma sculptum, A.

Correlation of Scleral Rigidity and Corneal Stress-Strain Measurements with Induced Elevation of Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Eyes.

Purpose: To correlate scleral rigidity and corneal stiffness parameters with induced elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in healthy subjects using an ophthalmodynamometer.

Methods: A combined calculation of applanation and indentation tonometric measurements using the Calixto nomogram was used to estimate scleral rigidity (SR) in healthy adults. The stiffness parameter (at first applanation - SP-A1), stress-strain index (SSI), and central corneal thickness were determined using the Corvis ST.

Topical anti-glaucoma medications effects on meibomian glands: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meibomian gland (MG) dysfunction and glaucoma are very prevalent ocular conditions that significantly impact patients' quality of life. A growing number of clinical and experimental studies have reported an association between the use of topical eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure and the development or exacerbation of MG dysfunction. Studies investigating the impact of glaucoma eyedrops on MG diagnostic parameters have shown variable results, particularly regarding the morphology and function of MG and tear film instability.

Glaucoma drainage devices in children: an updated review.

Implantation of glaucoma drainage devices is a valuable therapeutic option, particularly in children with glaucoma refractory to primary surgical treatment. Glaucoma drainage devices are typically used when conjunctival scarring hampers filtration surgery or prior angle procedures are not effective in controlling intraocular pressure. Despite known complications, the use of glaucoma drainage devices in children has increased in recent years, even as the primary surgical option.

Saccadic movements during an exploratory visual search task in patients with glaucomatous visual field loss.

Purpose: To evaluate the saccadic movements of patients with visual field loss due to primary open-angle glaucoma.

Methods: Thirteen patients with good visual acuity (0.2 logMAR or better) (seven patients with primary open-angle glaucoma 65 ± 13 years) and six controls (51 ± 6 years) yielded a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including Humphrey Visual Field tests (SITA-Standard 24-2), and performed a monocular, exploratory digital visual search task that quantifies the duration for finding the number "4" on a random array of digits distributed on the screen.

Angle-closure glaucoma associated with vitreous prolapse after neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminumgarnet laser posterior capsulotomy.

Capsulotomy with neodymium-doped yttriumaluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is an effective treatment for posterior capsule opacification following cataract surgery. A wide opening of the posterior capsule associated with the ruptured anterior hyaloid can cause anterior chamber vitreous prolapse. Two patients who developed angle-closure glaucoma associated with vitreous prolapse following Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy were successfully treated with antiglaucoma medication and peripheral iridotomies.

Comparison of the short-term results of nasal and temporal 180° selective laser trabeculoplasties for open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose: The nasal sector of the anterior chamber angle may present a higher density of collector channels, which may influence the results of angle surgeries. Considering the anatomical differences in the anterior chamber angle, we compared the results of the nasal and temporal 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty approaches for open-angle glaucoma.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients with open-angle glaucoma (primary, pseudoexfoliation, and pigmentary) who underwent at least one 180° selective laser trabeculoplasty session between December 2016 and October 2018.

Radiotherapy for the treatment of optic nerve sheath meningioma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The management of Optic Nerve Sheath Meningiomas (ONSM) has suffered a significant shift due to new radiation techniques. However, there is no conclusive information on which approach presents better results in the literature. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the outcomes of different radiotherapy (RT) modalities in the management of ONSM.

Acute angle closure triggered by oral benzodiazepines.

Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that are prescribed worldwide with limited information on their ocular side effects. Acute angle closure glaucoma is an adverse event with a high risk of blinding, especially in the elderly. We report two patients under 45 years old who presented with bilateral acute angle closure secondary to use of two long half-life benzodiazepines (clonazepam and alprazolam).

Anti-fibrotic effects of rosmarinic acid on Tenon's capsule fibroblasts stimulated with TGF-β: therapeutic potential in ocular surgery.

Purpose: Collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation are critical factors related to excessive scarring in ocular surgeries. This study evaluated the anti-fibrotic activity of rosmarinic acid on rabbit Tenon's capsule fibroblasts stimulated with transforming growth factor- β2.

Methods: Primary cultures of rabbit Tenon's capsule fibroblasts were treated with various concentrations of rosmarinic acid for 12 h, in the presence and absence of transforming growth factor-β2.

Fixed-combination Bimatoprost/Brimonidine/Timolol in Glaucoma: A Randomized, Masked, Controlled, Phase III Study Conducted in Brazil.

Purpose: Many patients with open-angle glaucoma eventually require >2 medications to lower their intraocular pressure (IOP). Fixed-combination ophthalmic solutions can be advantageous in patients who require multiple medications, but the number of fixed combinations combining 3 complementary IOP-lowering agents remains limited. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of a triple fixed combination (TFC) of bimatoprost 0.

Prevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among adults in a small Brazilian city.

Introduction: The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection varies markedly among different populations, especially depending on factors related to socioeconomic development and eating habits. Cássia dos Coqueiros is a small city in Brazil with rural characteristics and increased risk factors traditionally associated with T. gondii infection.

Alleles and Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Brazilian Patients with AIDS.

Purpose: Since cytomegalovirus retinitis (CR) is an important cause of visual impairment among AIDS patients and alleles have been associated with AIDS disease outcome, we typed locus in patients with AIDS exhibiting or not CR.

Methods: Three groups of individuals were studied: (i) 49 patients with AIDS and CR (Group I), (ii) 161 patients with AIDS without CR (Group II), and (iii) 202 healthy HIV-negative individuals (Group III). typing was performed using commercial kits.

Visual Search Performance in Patients with Vision Impairment: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: Patients with visual impairment are constantly facing challenges to achieve an independent and productive life, which depends upon both a good visual discrimination and search capacities. Given that visual search is a critical skill for several daily tasks and could be used as an index of the overall visual function, we investigated the relationship between vision impairment and visual search performance.

Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken using electronic PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Cochrane databases from January 1980 to December 2016, applying the following terms: "visual search", "visual search performance", "visual impairment", "visual exploration", "visual field", "hemianopia", "search time", "vision lost", "visual loss", and "low vision".

Haigis and SRKT formulae accuracy for intentional myopic overcorrection.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of preoperative biometric parameters on the accuracy of Haigis and SRKT formulae in predicting postoperative target refraction.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 108 eyes (70 patients) underwent uneventful phacoemulsification surgery with implant of Alcon-SN60WF intraocular lens (IOL). Forty-five eyes were intentionally targeted to myopia (-0.

Feasibility of laser trabeculoplasty in angle closure glaucoma: a review of favourable histopathological findings in narrow angles.

Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) has been indicated as a safe and efficient treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma; however, recent studies have also shown positive results with the use of SLT in some clinical conditions related to primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Despite the potential benefits of SLT in selected cases of PACG, the mechanisms underlying the modifications in the trabecular meshwork tissue of patients with PACG are poorly understood. This narrative review approached both the current, limited knowledge about the histological changes observed in different forms of PACG and the clinical results of SLT treatment for PACG.

Safety and feasibility of the use of a bevacizumab-methylcellulose mixture as an adjunct to glaucoma surgery: a pilot study.

Bevacizumab, a monoclonal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, has been suggested as a potential healing therapeutic following glaucoma surgery. Here, we aimed to improve the bioavailability of bevacizumab when used as an adjunct therapy to non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (DS) by using a bevacizumab-methylcellulose mixture (BMM). Ten previously non-operated eyes in ten patients diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma underwent DS with a subconjunctival injection of 0.

Rosmarinic Acid Suppresses Subconjunctival Neovascularization in Experimental Glaucoma Surgery.

Purpose: Excessive subconjunctival scarring is associated with increased angiogenesis and leads to filtration failure in glaucoma surgery. In this study, we describe that rosmarinic acid (RA) has anti-angiogenic activity during wound healing in a rabbit model of glaucoma surgery.

Methods: Forty New Zealand rabbits underwent an experimental trabeculectomy and were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: RA group - treated with subconjunctival injections of 0.

Comparison of diagnostic tests in distinct well-defined conditions related to dry eye disease.

Purpose: This study compares signs, symptoms and predictive tools used to diagnose dry eye disease (DED) and ocular surface disorders in six systemic well-defined and non-overlapping diseases. It is well known that these tests are problematic because of a lack of agreement between them in identifying these conditions. Accordingly, we provide here a comparative clinical profile analysis of these different diseases.