scholarly journals High Myopia and the Complement System: Factor H in Myopic Maculopathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2600
Author(s):  
Enrique García-Gen ◽  
Mariola Penadés ◽  
Salvador Mérida ◽  
Carmen Desco ◽  
Rafael Araujo-Miranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Axial Length ◽  
High Myopia ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Factor H ◽  
Molecular Pattern ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
System Factor ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Complement System

High myopia (HM) is both a medical problem and refractive error of the eye owing to excessive eyeball length, which progressively makes eye tissue atrophic, and is one of the main causes for diminishing visual acuity in developed countries. Despite its high prevalence and many genetic and proteomic studies, no molecular pattern exists that explain the degenerative process underlying HM, which predisposes patients to other diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment and chorioretinal atrophy that affect the macular area. To determine the relation between complement Factors H (CFH) and D (CFD) and the maculopathy of patients with degenerative myopia, we studied aqueous humor samples that were collected by aspiration from 122 patients during cataract surgery. Eyes were classified according to eyeball axial length as high myopia (axial length > 26 mm), low myopia (axial length 23.5–25.9 mm) and control (axial length ˂ 23.4 mm). The degree of maculopathy was classified according to fundus oculi findings following IMI’s classification. Subfoveal choroid thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography. CFH and CFD measurements were taken by ELISA. CFH levels were significantly high in the high myopia group vs. the low myopia and control groups (p ˂ 0.05). Significantly high CFH values were found in those eyes with choroid atrophy and neovascularization (p ˂ 0.05). In parallel, the CFH concentration correlated inversely with choroid thickness (R = −0.624). CFD levels did not correlate with maculopathy. All the obtained data seem to suggest that CFH plays a key role in myopic pathology.

Rheumatic fever

1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cleonice de Carvalho Coelho Mota ◽  
Zilda Maria Alves Meira
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatic Fever ◽  
Cardiac Involvement ◽  
Unsolved Problem ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Complete Understanding ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
And Control

AbstractIn recent years, rheumatic fever has been declining in the industrialized countries, and has became a rare disease. In developing areas, nonetheless, the sequels of its cardiac involvement have important implications from the stance of public health, and this disease is still the main cause of heart disease in children and young adults. From a historical perspective, the long-term prevention and the control of socioeconomic problems have been proven to be effective, and it is these measures which have contributed to the decline of the disease in developed countries. But, due to its present high prevalence around the world, and the potential for his resurgence, this disease remains an unsolved problem. Furthermore, the complete understanding of its pathophysiology remains a challenge. In this presentation, we will discuss our experience with epidemiological, clinical and prophylatic aspects of this enigmatic disease, and the strategies we have developed to study and control heumatic fever in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Relationship of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 levels in human vitreous with axial length

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-41
Author(s):  
Ting-Ting Zhao ◽  
◽  
Jing Jin ◽  
Shu-Nong Xie ◽  
Ying Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Axial Length ◽  
High Myopia ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
Relationship Of

AIM: To investigate the relationship of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2) levels in human vitreous with axial length (AL) of patients with high myopia. METHODS: The concentrations of MMP-2 and TGF-β2 levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA). Fifty-five human vitreous samples of 55 patients were collected during vitrectomy surgery, and were divided into two groups according to their spherical equivalent (SE) and AL. High myopia group (25 cases): AL≥26.00 mm, and control group or non-high myopia group (30 cases): AL<26.00 mm. RESULTS: The MMP-2 levels in vitreous of high myopia group (96.87±55.95 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of control group (77.24±41.81 ng/mL, P<0.05), but not correlated with AL (r=0.088, P=0.544). While the vitreous TGF-β2 concentration was negatively correlated with AL (r=-0.344, P=0.014), and there was significant difference of TGF-β2 vitreous levels between high myopia group (3729.08±1890.88 pg/mL) and control group (3926.00± 1333.88 pg/mL, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: MMP-2 and TGF-β2 in human vitreous may play a critical role in human high myopia development, and the TGF-β2 appears to be associated with AL.

scholarly journals Playing ‘hide-and-seek’ with factor H: game-theoretical analysis of a single nucleotide polymorphism

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (142) ◽  
pp. 20170963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Hummert ◽  
Christina Glock ◽  
Stefan N. Lang ◽  
Christian Hummert ◽  
Christine Skerka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathogen Detection ◽  
Classification Problem ◽  
Factor H ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Battle Of The Sexes ◽  
System Factor ◽  
The Complement System

As a part of the complement system, factor H regulates phagocytosis and helps differentiate between a body's own and foreign cells. Owing to mimicry efforts, some pathogenic microorganisms such as Candida albicans are able to bind factor H on their cell surfaces and, thus, become similar to host cells. This implies that the decision between self and foreign is not clear-cut, which leads to a classification problem for the immune system. Here, two different alleles determining the binding affinity of factor H are relevant. Those alleles differ in the SNP Y402H; they are known to be associated with susceptibility to certain diseases. Interestingly, the fraction of both alleles differs in ethnic groups. The game-theoretical model proposed in this article explains the coexistence of both alleles by a battle of the sexes game and investigates the trade-off between pathogen detection and protection of host cells. Further, we discuss the ethnicity-dependent frequencies of the alleles. Moreover, the model elucidates the mimicry efforts by pathogenic microorganisms.

Dirofilaria infections in working dogs in Slovakia

2009 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Miterpáková ◽  
D. Antolová ◽  
Z. Hurníková ◽  
P. Dubinský ◽  
A. Pavlačka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Active Service ◽  
Heartworm Disease ◽  
Northern Regions ◽  
Working Dogs ◽  
And Control ◽  
Police Dogs ◽  
North Western

AbstractA monitoring programme aimed at the diagnosis of subcutaneous dirofilariasis and heartworm disease in working (police and military) dogs in Slovakia has been performed during the period of September 2007 to February 2008. In co-operation with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence, in total, 710 dogs (591 police dogs and 119 military dogs) were investigated for the presence of microfilariae in blood. All police and military dogs in active service held on the territory of Slovakia were included. Microfilariae were detected in 118 (20.0%) police dogs and 10 (8.4%) military dogs. The most infected individuals originated from southern parts of Slovakia (Trnava region 53.6% and Nitra region 39.6%); the prevalence was low in northern regions (Žilina 3.1% and Prešov 6.6%). In several districts of southern Slovakia, the prevalence of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in working dogs exceeded 40%. In all infected animals, the autochthonous origin of the disease was confirmed; however, due to the frequent movement of working dogs, it was not possible to identify the exact locality of infection. At present, a dog living in Nemšová village in Trenčín district (north-western part of the country) is regarded as the northernmost localized autochthonous case of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in Slovakia. In three dogs, co-infection of Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis was detected. High prevalence rates in working dogs and the zoonotic characteristic of the disease represent an undoubtedly important veterinary and medical problem that requires the urgent introduction of prophylactic and control measures.

scholarly journals High prevalence of qnrA and qnrB genes among fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli isolates from a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chibuzor M. Nsofor ◽  
Mirabeau Y. Tattfeng ◽  
Chijioke A. Nsofor
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Vaginal Swab ◽  
Fluoroquinolone Resistance ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Diffusion Technique ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of qnr genes among fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli (FREC) isolates from Nigeria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by disc diffusion technique. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify Escherichia coli (E. coli) and for the detection of qnr genes. Results A total of 206 non-duplicate E. coli were isolated from 300 clinical specimens analyzed. In all, 30 (14.6%) of these isolates were FREC; the resistance to fluoroquinolones among these 30 FREC showed 80% (24), 86.7% (26), 86.7% (26), 100% (30), 86.7% (26), 93.3% (28) and 86.7% (26) were resistant to pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin, levofloxacin, nalidixic acid, ofloxacin and moxifloxacin, respectively. The distribution of FREC among the various sample sources analyzed showed that 14%, 10%, 13.3%, 16.7% and 20% of the isolates came from urine, stool, high vaginal swab, endo cervical swab and wound swab specimens, respectively. More FREC were isolated from female samples 73.3% (22) compared to male samples 26.7% (8) and were more prevalent among the age group 26–35 years (40%). Twenty eight out of the 30 (93.3%) FREC isolates possessed at least one fluoroquinolone resistance gene in the form of qnrA 10 (33.3%) and qnrB 18 (60%), respectively; qnrS was not detected among the FREC isolates analyzed and 13.5% of the isolates possessed both the qnrA and qnrB genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these isolates were genetically diverse. Conclusions These findings suggest a possible resistance to fluoroquinolone is of high interest for better management of patients and control of antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria.

scholarly journals POS1118 THE RELEVANCE OF OSTEOPOROSIS DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR DOCTORS WORKING IN THE FIELD OF PHYSICAL AND REHABILITATION MEDICINE

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 838.2-838
Author(s):  
L. Marchenkova ◽  
V. Vasileva
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Rehabilitation Medicine ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Medical Rehabilitation ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Medical Institutions ◽  
Physical And Rehabilitation Medicine ◽  
High Prevalence

Background:There is a high prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) among patients of the older age undergoing rehabilitation. Therefore, it is obvious that physicians working in the field of physical and rehabilitative medicine should be well oriented in this medical problem.Objectives:to study the relevance of the problem of osteoporosis (OP) for physicians working in the field of physical and rehabilitation medicine, their awareness of the main methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this disease, as well as the frequency of their use in daily clinical activities.Methods:A cross-type study was carried out using a questionnaire survey. The study included 157 doctors (M-34, F-123) of 8 medical specialties working in 27 specialized medical institutions on the profile of “medical rehabilitation. The questionnaire for doctors consisted of 21 items of special questions.Results:90.45% of the surveyed doctors believed that the problem of OP is relevant for their clinical activities, 100% of the respondents indicated that the presence of OP significantly affects the rehabilitation prognosis and 95.54% - on the degree of effectiveness of medical rehabilitation. According to the respondents, patients with OP make up on average 30.0% [20.0; 50.0] (0-90) of the total flow of patients. 92.36% (145/157) of doctors indicated that they know the risk factors for OP, 98.73% (155/157) - methods for diagnosing OP, 68.79% (108/157) - methods for treating OP, 80.25 % (126/157) - methods of preventing OP, 47.13% (74/157) - what is FRAX. However, 35.01% (55/157) of the respondents considered their level of awareness of the problem sufficient for managing patients with OP. Diagnostic procedures for OP are recommended by all endocrinologists (100%) and the majority of traumatologists (72.73%), gynecologists (66.67) and cardiologists (64.28%), as well as on average half (50%) neurologists and therapists. Endocrinologists (100%), gynecologists (66.67%) and therapists (60%) are mainly involved in the treatment of OP. 32.48% (51/157) of physicians have ever referred their patients to a bone mineral density assessment.Conclusion:Conclusion. The problem of OP is relevant for the clinical activities of specialists in physical and rehabilitation medicine, and there is the need for advanced training on the problem of OP among these specialists.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

scholarly journals High prevalence, low awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension in Guinea: results from a population-based STEPS survey

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Camara ◽  
N M Baldé ◽  
M Diakité ◽  
D Sylla ◽  
E H Baldé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Steps Survey ◽  
And Control

scholarly journals Simple Method To Distinguish between Primary and Secondary C3 Deficiencies

2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-220
Author(s):  
Marlene Pereira de Carvalho Florido ◽  
Patrícia Ferreira de Paula ◽  
Lourdes Isaac
Keyword(s):  
Human Serum ◽  
Complement System ◽  
Factor H ◽  
Normal Human Serum ◽  
Alternative Complement Pathway ◽  
Complement Pathway ◽  
Factor B ◽  
Alternative Complement ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
The Complement System

ABSTRACT Due to the increasing numbers of reported clinical cases of complement deficiency in medical centers, clinicians are now more aware of the role of the complement system in the protection against infections caused by microorganisms. Therefore, clinical laboratories are now prepared to perform a number of diagnostic tests of the complement system other than the standard 50% hemolytic component assay. Deficiencies of alternative complement pathway proteins are related to severe and recurrent infections; and the application of easy, reliable, and low-cost methods for their detection and distinction are always welcome, notably in developing countries. When activation of the alternative complement pathway is evaluated in hemolytic agarose plates, some but not all human sera cross-react to form a late linear lysis. Since the formation of this linear lysis is dependent on C3 and factor B, it is possible to use late linear lysis to routinely screen for the presence of deficiencies of alternative human complement pathway proteins such as factor B. Furthermore, since linear lysis is observed between normal human serum and primary C3-deficient serum but not between normal human serum and secondary C3-deficient serum caused by the lack of factor H or factor I, this assay may also be used to discriminate between primary and secondary C3 deficiencies.

scholarly journals Comparison between Widefield Optical Coherence Tomography Devices in Eyes with High Myopia

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 658
Author(s):  
Federico Corvi ◽  
Federico Zicarelli ◽  
Matteo Airaldi ◽  
Salvatore Parrulli ◽  
Mariano Cozzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
High Myopia ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Horizontal Line ◽  
Optical Coherence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Swept Source ◽  
Image Artifact ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
And Control

Background: To compare four different optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices for visualization of retinal and subretinal layers in highly myopic eyes. Methods: In this prospective, observational, cross-sectional study, consecutive patients with high myopia and control subjects were imaged by four OCT devices: Spectralis OCT2, PlexElite 2.0 100 kHz, PlexElite 2.0 200 kHz and the Canon Xephilio OCT-S1. The acquisition protocol for comparison consisted of single vertical and horizontal line scans centered on the fovea. Comparison between the devices in the extent of visible retina, presence of conjugate image or mirror artifacts, visibility of the sclerochoroidal interface and retrobulbar tissue. Results: 30 eyes with high myopia and 30 control subjects were analyzed. The visualized RPE length was significantly different between the OCT devices with Xephilio OCT-S1 imaging the largest extent (p < 0.0001). The proportion of eyes with conjugate image artifact was significantly higher with the Spectralis OCT (p < 0.0001), and lower with the PlexElite 200 kHz (p < 0.0001). No difference in visibility of the sclerochoroidal interface was noted among instruments. The retrobulbar tissue was visible in a higher proportion of eyes using swept-source PlexElite 100 kHz and 200 kHz (p < 0.007) compared to the other devices. Conclusions: In highly myopic eyes, the four OCT devices demonstrated significant differences in the extent of the retina imaged, in the prevalence of conjugate image artifact, and in the visualization of the retrobulbar tissue.

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