SNPs in toll-like receptor (TLR) genes as new genetic alterations associated with congenital toxoplasmosis?

Nearly 40 % of pregnant women are infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Primary infections in pregnant women result, in approximately 30–50 % of patients, in transmission of T. gondii through the placenta to the fetus and then in congenital infections with severe, sometimes fatal course. Studies still do not provide sufficient data on the genetic bases of the immunity in fetuses, newborns, and infants with congenital toxoplasmosis. Previous research showed the contribution of toll-like receptors (TLRs) to non-specific immunity against T. gondii invasion, observed in T. gondii-infected animals, especially mice. So far, the activity of TLRs in defense against T. gondii infections was observed particularly for TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 molecules. Differential TLR activity associates with both cell types, including a variety of placental cells and stage of pregnancy. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) residing in three genes encoding these receptors were reported as significant genetic modifications of TLRs associated with different pregnancy disorders. Despite those data, genetic alterations of TLRs which have contributed to innate immune response against T. gondii infections are still not precisely described. In this article, we present reasons for the research of the plausible role of SNPs residing in TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 genes in congenital toxoplasmosis development

Visual search habits and the spatial structure of scenes

Acknowledgement This research was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC, ES/S016120/1). Katie Black collected the data for Experiment 2 while undertaking a Bradshaw-Eagle Undergraduate Research Scholarship from the Applied Vision Association. We would like to thank her, and also Ana Sima, who collected the data for Experiment 1.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Variable search for orientation, uniformly optimal search for identity.

This work was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ES/S016120/1 to Amelia R. Hunt, Principal Investigator, Alasdair D. F. Clarke Co-investigator). Additional support came from the James S. McDonnell Foundation (Scholar award to Amelia R. Hunt). The authors wish to extend their gratitude for the contribution of Jessica Christie, who collected and prepared the icon stimuli and collected the data for the first experiment. They also wish to thank Jacqueline von Seth for helping with piloting the experiments and additional data collection. Open Access funding provided by University of Leicester:Peer reviewe

Secondary Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Plug due to Persistent Full-Thickness Macular Hole OCT-Angiography and Microperimetry Features: Case Series

Purpose. To study the features in OCT-angiography and microperimetry in eyes with persistent full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) closed with the secondary plana vitrectomy (PPV) with autologous internal limiting membrane (ILM) plug. Methods. Secondary PPV was performed with closing the persistent FTMH with ILM plug, C3F8 tamponade, and face-down positioning. Four patients were followed for 6 months with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, SD-OCT and OCT-A, and microperimetry. The results were compared with the fellow eye; in two patients, it was the healthy eye, and in two remaining eyes, successfully closed FTMH after primary PPV. Results. ILM flap was integrated in all cases with V-shape of closure, and atrophy was found in one case, with the largest diameter of FTMH. BCVA improved in two cases and remained the same in two cases. In OCT-A, the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was larger, and foveal vessel density (FVDS) was smaller in eyes after secondary PPV in comparison to fellow eyes. In microperimetry, retinal sensitivity was lower in eyes after secondary PPV, and eccentric fixation was found in 2 of 4 patients. Conclusion. Although the anatomical results of repeated surgeries of FTMH with ILM plug are favorable, visual function results may be limited. Secondary closure of FTMH with ILM plug may lead to atrophy, changes in the macular vasculature, and eccentric fixation. The trial is registered with NCT03701542

Ocena powikłań radioterapii onkologicznej — pozycja echokardiografii

Radiotherapy is an important anti-cancer treatment technique, which utilises ionising radiation to destroy cancer cells. Several clinical studies have identified adverse clinical consequences of radiation in the form of radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). Cardiovascular diseases represent the most common cause of death other than malignancy, thus recommendations for early identification and monitoring of cardiovascular consequences of radiotherapy have been long awaited. The echocardiography plays a critical role in early diagnosis and prognostic stratification of RIHD