Observation of posterior corneal vesicles with in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment OCT

The histopathology of posterior corneal vesicles (PCV) has not yet been revealed. A 15-year-old girl, who was diagnosed by slit-lamp microscopy as PCV, was examined using specular microscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy, and anterior segment OCT (optical coherence tomography). Anterior segment OCT showed that the thickness of both corneas was within normal limits. At the same time, in vivo confocal microscopy revealed endothelial cells in the rounded dark areas, acellular hyporeflective layers on the Descemet’s membrane, and hyperreflective linear lesions. These findings were not reported previously by slit-lamp and specular microscopy. The abnormal findings only existed at the Descemet’s membrane and corneal endothelial layer. Previous reports dealing with posterior polymorphous dystrophy (PPMD) examined using in vivo confocal microscopy reported almost the same findings, suggesting that PCV and PPMD may be the same at the microstructural level

Successful Removal of Large Intraocular Foreign Body by 25-Gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery

We describe a new technique for removing a large intraocular foreign body by 25-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery (25G-MIVS). Noncomparative interventional case series were performed at a single centre. Two patients with a long smooth intraocular vitreal foreign body underwent phacoemulsification and aspiration, intraocular lens implantation, 25G-MIVS, and extraction of the foreign body. The foreign body was removed through a posterior capsulorhexis, anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, and a corneal incision. In both cases, the foreign body was safely removed through the corneal incision, and IOL was implanted and well positioned. The surgical incision did not require suturing. No postoperative complications associated with this technique were found. The corneal endothelial cell density was maintained over 2000 cells/mm2 in both cases during recent follow-up examinations. Our findings indicate that 25G-MIVS with this technique can be used to extract a long slender smooth foreign body. It is safe, without complications, and can be performed without enlarging the 25-gauge sclerotomy

State-of-the-art of seismic response evaluation methods for metal roof spatial structures

[EN] The present paper is a result of a collaboration in IASS WG 8 for metal spatial structures to prepare state-ofthe-art reviews for earthquake response analysis methods and equivalent static seismic loads for metal spatial structures. It quotes mainly investigations from IASS symposia and related journals. First, the dynamic response characteristics of metal spatial structures are briefly explained. This is followed by a review of analytical methods for evaluating earthquake responses. Finally the equivalent seismic loads proposed for metal spatial structures are reviewed and some comments for future analysis of failure and fragility are provided.Nakazawa, S.; Kato, S.; Takeuchi, T.; Xue, S.; Lazaro, C. (2012). State-of-the-art of seismic response evaluation methods for metal roof spatial structures. Journal- International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures. 53(2):117-130. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/48932S11713053

Glaucoma and microglia-induced neuroinflammation

Glaucoma is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive optic neuropathy resulting in visual field defects. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the greatest risk factor for the development of glaucoma, and IOP reduction therapy is the only treatment currently available. However, there are many cases in which retinal degeneration progresses despite sufficient control of IOP. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the pathophysiology of glaucoma that is resistant to current IOP lowering therapies. Experiments using animal glaucoma models show the relationships between microglial neuroinflammatory responses and damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Inhibition of neuroinflammatory pathways associated with microglial activation appears to be neuroprotective, indicating that microglia may be an important therapeutic target for RGC protection. In this review, we will focus on microglia-induced neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of glaucoma to offer new insights into the possibility of developing novel neuroprotective therapies targeting microglia

Over 10 years follow-up of Coats’ disease in adulthood

Coats’ disease diagnosed in adulthood is rare; therefore, the treatment options and longer clinical course are not well established. We report on two cases of adult onset Coats’ disease, which have been observed for more than 10 years after conventional treatment. In the first case, a 76-year-old man with 9 years of diabetic retinopathy noticed a visual field defect in his left eye. Yellowish subretinal exudation with serous retinal detachment in his superior peripheral retina, and telangiectatic vessels with fluorescein leakage, numerous microaneurysms, and areas of capillary nonperfusion observed in a fluorescein angiography indicated adult Coats’ disease, and retinal photocoagulation was applied. Within 1 year, subretinal exudation was regressed and visual acuity was improved from 20/50 to 20/20, and was maintained for the next 11 years. In the second case, a 71-year-old man presented with decreased vision in his right eye. The fundus of his right eye showed multiple telangiectasic vessels and subretinal exudates extended to the fovea, which is diagnosed as adult Coats’ disease. Despite retinal photocoagulation, an increase of exudation and an enlargement of retinal detachment was observed within 1 month, and subsequently, additional treatment of cryotherapy was performed. Two months after these therapies, the exudation was regressed without retinal detachment, and visual acuity was improved to 20/200 which was maintained for the next 10 years. Even with adult Coats’ disease, conventional therapies of retinal photocoagulation and cryotherapy are effective and are the initial choice for improving or maintaining visual function