Visual Outcomes of Traumatic Lens Dislocations and Subluxations Managed by Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Lensectomy

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual outcome of lens dislocation and subluxation managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and lensectomy in patients with open (OGIs) or closed globe injuries (CGIs). Methods: Medical records of 70 consecutive patients treated by PPV and lensectomy over a period of 11 years (1 January 2010–31 December 2020) were retrospectively reviewed. We collected demographic data, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using a Snellen Chart pre- and postoperatively, associated ocular injuries and treatment strategy. Visual outcome was evaluated according to the final BCVA which was defined as poor p = 0.014), iridodonesis (p = 0.011) and initial BCVA (p = 0.000) achieved statistical significance in predicting visual outcome. After treatment, 45.71% of patients achieved a final BCVA ≥ 0.1. Conclusion: RD, iridodonesis and initial BCVA were risk factors for poor visual outcome in our series

Outcomes and Prognostic Factors Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Intraocular Foreign Bodies—11-Year Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care Center

Aim: To evaluate the visual outcome of penetrating ocular injuries with a retained intraocular foreign body (IOFB) managed by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and to describe the risk factors associated with poor visual acuity and retinal detachment (RD) development. Methods: Medical records of 56 patients with IOFB that were removed by PPV over a period of 11 years (1 January 2010–31 December 2020) were reviewed. We extracted the demographic data, initial and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using standard Snellen chart, IOFB characteristics, complications and surgical details. Outcome was evaluated according to the final BCVA: poor <0.1, good 0.1–<0.5 or excellent ≥0.5. Results: The mean age was 36.1 ± 14.1 (range, 16–71) years and the majority of patients were males (55 out of 56, 98.2%). IOFB was retinal in 27 (48.2%) cases and intravitreal in 29 cases (51.8%). IOFB size was ≤3mm in 26 (46.4%) cases and >3mm in 30 (53.6%) cases. Preoperative RD was identified in 12 (21.4%) cases and endophthalmitis in 17 cases (30.4%). IOFBs larger than 3 mm and retinal location were associated with RD development. Poor visual outcome was associated with initial BCVA, retinal location, RD and endophthalmitis. Conclusion: Initial BCVA, retinal foreign body, RD and endophthalmitis were risk factors for poor visual outcome

Contribution of Global and Regional Longitudinal Strain for Clinical Assessment of HFpEF in Coronary and Hypertensive Patients

Background: Contribution of global and regional longitudinal strain (GLS) for clinical assessment of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not well established. We sought to evaluate subclinical left ventricular dysfunction secondary to coronary artery disease (CAD) in HFpEF patients compared with hypertensive patients and age-matched healthy subjects. Material and methods: This was a retrospective study that included 148 patients (group 1 = 62 patients with HFpEF, group 2 = 46 hypertensive patients, and group 3 = 40 age-matched control subjects). Peak systolic segmental, regional (basal, mid, and apical), and global longitudinal strain were assessed for each study group using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Results: GLS values presented statistically significant differences between the three groups (p < 0.001); markedly increased values (more negative) were observed in the control group (−20.2 ± 1.4%) compared with HTN group values (−18.4 ± 3.0%, p = 0.031) and with HFpEF group values (−17.6 ± 2.3%, p < 0.001). The correlation between GLS values and HTN stages was significant, direct, and average (Spearman coefficient rho = 0.423, p < 0.001). GLS had the greatest ability to detect patients with HFpEF when HFpEF + CAD + HTN diastolic dysfunction (n = 30) + CON diastolic dysfunction (n = 2) from HFpEF + CAD + HTN + CON was analyzed. (optimal GLS limit of −19.35%, area under curve = 0.833, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Global longitudinal strain can be used for clinical assessment in differentiating coronary and hypertensive patients at higher risk for development of systolic dysfunction

Preparation, Characterization and Wound Healing Effects of New Membranes Based on Chitosan, Hyaluronic Acid and Arginine Derivatives

New membranes based on chitosan and chitosan-hyaluronic acid containing new arginine derivatives with thiazolidine-4-one scaffold have been prepared using the ionic cross-linking method. The presence of the arginine derivatives with thiazolidine-4-one scaffold into the polymer matrix was proved by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a micro-porous structure that is an important characteristic for the treatment of burns, favoring the exudate absorption, the rate of colonization, the cell structure, and the angiogenesis process. The developed polymeric membranes also showed good swelling degree, improved hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility in terms of surface free energy components, which supports their application for tissue regeneration. Moreover, the chitosan-arginine derivatives (CS-6h, CS-6i) and chitosan-hyaluronic acid-arginine derivative (CS-HA-6h) membranes showed good healing effects on the burn wound model induced to rats. For these membranes a complete reepithelialization was observed after 15 days of the experiment, which supports a faster healing process