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This paper reports results obtained using white light diffraction phase microscopy (wDPM) on captured images of breast and colon tissue samples, marking a contribution to the advancement in biomedical imaging. Unlike conventional brightfield microscopy, wDPM offers the capability to capture intricate details of biological specimens with enhanced clarity and precision. It combines high resolution, enhanced contrast, and quantitative capabilities with non-invasive, label-free imaging. These features make it a useful tool for tissue imaging, providing detailed and accurate insights into tissue structure and dynamics without compromising the integrity of the samples. Our findings underscore the potential of quantitative phase imaging in histopathology, in the context of automating the process of tissue analysis and diagnosis. Of particular note are the insights gained from the reconstructed phase images, which provide physical data regarding peripheral glandular cell membranes. These observations serve to focus attention on pathologies involving the basal membrane, such as early invasive carcinoma. Through our analysis, we aim to contribute to catalyzing further advancements in tissue (breast and colon) imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of visual morbidity worldwide. Fundus autofluorescence is a rapid, non-invasive imaging modality that has gained increased popularity in recent years in the multimodal evaluation of diabetic retinopathy and, in particular, of diabetic macular oedema. Acquired using either a fundus camera or the confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope, short-wavelength and near-infrared autofluorescence are the most used techniques in diabetic retinopathy. In diabetic macular oedema, short-wavelength autofluorescence, in its cystoid pattern, is useful for detecting cystoid macular oedema. Increased spot hyperautofluorescence in short-wavelength and granular changes in near-infrared autofluorescence correlate well with other imaging findings, indicating photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium damage and being associated with decreased visual acuity. While also being a marker of oxidative stress, increased short-wavelength autofluorescence in the setting of diabetic macular oedema appears to be a prognostic factor for poor visual outcome, even after the resolution of the intraretinal fluid. Autofluorescence also helps in the assessment of diabetic retinal pigment epitheliopathy and choroidopathy. Fundus autofluorescence is an evolving technology that will assist in gaining further insight into the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy and allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines two cases of odontogenic orbital cellulitis, highlighting the complexities and interdisciplinary approaches required for effective management. We present two cases and describe the clinical challenges and treatment strategies employed. We report the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients who developed orbital cellulitis as a complication of an odontogenic infection. Our objective is to report and discuss the clinical aspects and management of this pathology compared to those observed in the literature. This study underscores the necessity for collaboration among various specialties, including ophthalmology, otolaryngology, oral surgery, radiology, and infectious disease, to address the multifaceted challenges posed by this condition. Effective management of orbital abscesses of odontogenic origin requires a timely and multidisciplinary approach for successful outcomes. This article emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and coordinated care to prevent serious complications, such as vision loss or intracranial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating prevalence of retinal diseases—notably, age-related macular degeneration and hereditary retinal disorders—poses an intimidating challenge to ophthalmic medicine, often culminating in irreversible vision loss. Current treatments are limited and often fail to address the underlying loss of retinal cells. This paper explores the potential of stem-cell-based therapies as a promising avenue for retinal regeneration. We review the latest advancements in stem cell technology, focusing on embryonic stem cells (ESCs), pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and their ability to differentiate into retinal cell types. We discuss the challenges in stem cell transplantation, such as immune rejection, integration into the host retina, and functional recovery. Previous and ongoing clinical trials are examined to highlight the therapeutic efficacy and safety of these novel treatments. Additionally, we address the ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks governing stem cell research. Our analysis suggests that while stem-cell-based therapies offer a groundbreaking approach to treating retinal diseases, further research is needed to ensure long-term safety and to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This review summarizes the clinical evidence of stem cell therapy and current limitations in utilizing stem cells for retinal degeneration, such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and Stargardt's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and ocular complications has been extensively studied by many authors. Diabetic keratopathy has already been well characterized and defined as a clinical entity. This review focuses on exploring corneal epithelial changes in diabetic patients, aiming to provide a pragmatic overview of the existing knowledge on this topic. The paper systematically examines alterations in corneal epithelial structure and their impact on diabetic patients. Advanced imaging techniques are also discussed for their role in precise characterization and improved diagnostics. Additionally, the paper explores the mechanisms behind corneal epithelial changes in diabetes, looking at factors such as hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and Advanced Glycation End-Products. The impact of altered corneal epithelial integrity on barrier function and susceptibility to external issues is considered, addressing potential links to heightened proteolytic enzyme activities and delayed wound healing observed in diabetic individuals. The review also covers the practical implications of corneal epithelial changes, including the association with corneal erosions, persistent epithelial defects, and an increased risk of dry eye syndrome in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanoma is a complex and heterogeneous malignant tumor with distinct genetic characteristics and therapeutic challenges in both cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM). This review explores the underlying molecular features and genetic alterations in these melanoma subtypes, highlighting the importance of employing specific model systems tailored to their unique profiles for the development of targeted therapies. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in unraveling the molecular and genetic characteristics of CM and UM, leading to notable advancements in treatment options. Genetic mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway drive CM, while UM is characterized by mutations in genes like GNAQ, GNA11, BAP1, EIF1AX, and SF3B1. Chromosomal aberrations, including monosomy 3 in UM and monosomy 10 in CM, play significant roles in tumorigenesis. Immune cell infiltration differs between CM and UM, impacting prognosis. Therapeutic advancements targeting these genetic alterations, including oncolytic viruses and immunotherapies, have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies. Oncolytic viruses selectively infect malignant cells, inducing oncolysis and activating antitumor immune responses. Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is an FDA-approved oncolytic virus for CM treatment, and other oncolytic viruses, such as coxsackieviruses and HF-10, are being investigated. Furthermore, combining oncolytic viruses with immunotherapies, such as CAR-T cell therapy, holds great potential. Understanding the intrinsic molecular features of melanoma and their role in shaping novel therapeutic approaches provides insights into targeted interventions and paves the way for more effective treatments for CM and UM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both cutaneous melanoma (CM) and uveal melanoma (UM) represent important causes of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we evaluate the available knowledge on the differences and similarities between cutaneous melanoma and uveal melanoma, focusing on the epidemiological aspects and risk factors. Uveal melanoma is a rare condition but is the most prevalent primary intra-ocular malignant tumor in adults. Cutaneous melanoma, on the other hand, is significantly more common. While the frequency of cutaneous melanoma has increased in the last decades worldwide, the incidence of uveal melanoma has remained stable. Although both tumors arise from melanocytes, they are very distinct entities biologically, with complex and varied etiologies. Both conditions are encountered more frequently by individuals with a fair phenotype. ultraviolet-radiation is an important, well-documented risk factor for the development of CM, but has shown not to be of specific risk in UM. Although cutaneous and ocular melanomas seem to be inherited independently, there are reported cases of concomitant primary tumors in the same patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious keratitis is a major global cause of vision loss and blindness. Prompt diagnosis and targeted antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing the condition. Topical antimicrobials are the most effective therapy for bacterial keratitis, but they can lead to unsatisfactory results due to ocular perforation, scarring, and melting. Intrastromal injection is a newer technique for delivering antimicrobials directly to the site of infection and has been successful in treating severe, treatment-resistant infectious keratitis, especially when surgery is not recommended. In cases where deep stromal disease is resistant to topical treatment, intrastromal antimicrobial injections may be necessary to achieve higher drug concentration at the infection site. However, the use of intrastromal antibiotics is limited, as topical antibacterial agents have better penetration than antifungal agents. Bacterial and fungal keratitis have been extensively researched for intrastromal medication injections, while there is limited evidence for viral keratitis. This review emphasizes the potential of intrastromal antimicrobial injections as an alternative for managing severe refractory infectious keratitis. The technique offers direct targeting of the infection site and faster resolution in some cases compared to topical therapy. However, further research is needed to determine the safest antimicrobials options, minimal effective doses, and concentrations for various pathogens. Intrastromal injections may serve as a non-surgical treatment option in high-risk cases, with benefits including direct drug delivery and reduced epithelial toxicity. Despite promising findings, more studies are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper explores genetic polymorphism and its association with thromboembolic retinal venous disorders, such as central/hemi-retinal vein occlusion, as well as possible correlations with other ocular findings, such as closed angle glaucoma, but also with autoimmune general disorders. In this review, we are highlighting the importance of establishing a correspondence between all of the above, since they all have complex etiopathogeneses; sometimes, when all coexist together, they could generate effects that may be very difficult to manage. There are studies supporting that genetic polymorphism, such as the variant MTHFR A1298C, may increase the risk for developing glaucoma, especially in the heterozygote model. Being aware of all these aspects may prove to be useful in patients with several associated diseases, as a combined effort between several medical specialties may prove to the benefit of these patients. Our review, completed with an exemplifying clinical case, shows that it is necessary to raise awareness of all aspects of a complex medical situation, including the genetic one, of a patient being at risk for thromboembolic episodes, for preventing them or managing them promptly and properly in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Radiation therapy, comprising brachytherapy, proton beam therapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, and radiosurgery, is the most used eye-sparing treatment for uveal melanoma worldwide. However, radiotherapy is associated with many complications, some of which are vision-threatening. Being aware of the different adverse effects of radiotherapy, the risk factors for their occurrence, their prognosis, and the available treatments for each complication is essential in aiding both the practitioner and patient to make the choice regarding the most appropriate therapy. Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor in adults. Radiation therapy has replaced enucleation and is now the preferred treatment in most cases. Nonetheless, around 70% of patients develop radiation-related complications, some of which are vision-threatening. The objective of this review is to present the most important complications associated with radiotherapy in the treatment of uveal melanoma and their pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, and available preventive and therapeutic measures. The most common complications are cataracts, with a reported incidence ranging from 4% to 69%, and radiation retinopathy, reported in 5–68% of cases. Radiation-related complications are responsible for approximately half of secondary enucleations, the leading cause being neovascular glaucoma. A poor visual outcome is mainly associated with the presence of radiation retinopathy and radiation optic neuropathy. Therapeutic options are available for the majority of complications with the notable exception of optic neuropathy. However, many studies report a final visual acuity of less than 20/200 in more than 60% of treated eyes. Reducing complication rates can be achieved by lowering the dose of radiation, with the use of eccentric, customized plaques and careful planning of the irradiation delivery in order to protect structures vital to vision and by associating radiation therapy with other methods with the aim of reducing tumor volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to estimate the success rate of subliminal transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for refractory glaucoma and to determine the correlation between the decrease in intraocular pressure and the variation in choroidal thickness. Methods: A pre–post study was conducted over a period of 3 years, including 81 eyes from 67 patients with different types of drug-refractory glaucoma who underwent subliminal transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. The variables included best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure and choroidal thickness. Results: We observed the following success rates (defined as IOP < 21 mmHg): 80% at 1 month (65 patients), 74% at 3 months (60 patients), 64% at 6 months (52 patients) and 50.6% at 1 year (41 patients). A strong correlation was noted between the decrease in intraocular pressure and the increase in the average choroidal thickness at 1 year (318.42 µm) compared to the average preoperative thickness (291.78 µm). A correlation of increased choroidal thickness at 1-month with the success rate of the procedure was also observed. Conclusions: We observed a statistically significant correlation between the success rate, decrease in intraocular pressure and choroidal thickness. The correlation of increased choroidal thickness at 1-month with the success rate of the procedure could be used clinically as a predictive factor for the final outcome of patients. Further experimental research is warranted to determine whether the increase in choroidal thickness after subliminal transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is indeed evidence of increased uveoscleral drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the article was to assess the surgical outcome of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in patients presenting with glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty. We conducted a retrospective study that included 26 eyes of 26 patients who presented with glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty, and who were treated using micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation between January 2017 and December 2020. The surgeries were performed using the Iridex Cyclo G6 MicroPulse P3 Probe. The intraocular pressure, mean number of antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity, corneal status, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. The success rate after 12 months was 76.9%. The baseline median intraocular pressure was 29 mm Hg and decreased to 18 mm Hg after 12 months. The median number of antiglaucoma medications was also reduced from three preoperatively to one after one year. In seven cases (29.92%), the visual acuity decreased and, in four cases (15.38%), the corneal graft was not transparent. We concluded that micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is an effective and safe method for the treatment of glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]