Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the interplay between the ocular surface microbiome and the tear proteome in humans in order to better understand the pathogenesis of ocular surface-associated diseases. Methods Twenty eyes from 20 participants were included in the study. The ocular surface microbiome was sequenced by whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing using lid and conjunctival swabs. Furthermore, the tear proteome was identified using chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. After compositional and functional profiling of the metagenome and functional characterization of the proteome by gene ontology, association studies between the ocular microbiome and tear proteome were assessed. Results Two hundred twenty-nine taxa were identified with Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria being the most abundant phyla with significantly more Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis in lid compared to conjunctival swabs. The lid metagenomes were enriched in genes of the glycolysis lll and adenosine nucleotides de novo and L-isoleucine biosynthesis. Correlations between the phylum Firmicutes and fatty acid metabolism, between the genus Agrobacterium as well as vitamin B1 synthesis and antimicrobial activity, and between biosynthesis of heme, L-arginine, as well as L-citrulline and human vision were detected. Conclusions The ocular surface microbiome was found to be associated with the tear proteome with a role in human immune defense. This study has a potential impact on the development of treatment strategies for ocular surface-associated diseases.
Purpose: To compare conventional 30° spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with 55° wide-field SD-OCT for the assessment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: This study included 50 DME patients. Both 55° and 30° SD-OCT was conducted. Two readers evaluated scans according to a standardized grading protocol. Intergrader agreement as well as agreement between 30° and 55° SD-OCT were assessed. Results: Intergrader agreement (κ) was strong and ranged from 0.79 to 1.0. Perfect interdevice agreement (κ = 1.0) was found for the detection of intra- and subretinal fluid. Excellent agreement (κ ≥ 0.9) was found for the presence of epiretinal membrane (κ = 0.92) and cotton-wool spots (κ = 0.92). A strong agreement was found for the presence of hard exudates (κ = 0.89) and microaneurysms (κ = 0.81). A moderate correlation was found for ellipsoid zone integrity (κ = 0.69) and configuration of the vitreomacular interface (VMI) (κ = 0.69). A weak agreement was found for retinal pigment epithelium atrophy (κ = 0.51) and external limiting membrane integrity (κ = 0.35). Conclusion: Wide-field OCT imaging may be beneficial for evaluating DME, particularly for assessing the VMI and the integrity of hyperreflective bands.
Purpose To investigate the influence of lens opacifications on fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscopy (FLIO). Methods Forty-seven eyes of 45 patients were included. Mean fluorescence lifetimes ( Tm ) were recorded with a fluorescence lifetime imaging ophthalmoscope in a short spectral channel (SSC) and a long spectral channel (LSC). Retinal and lens autofluorescence lifetimes were measured in subjects before and after cataract surgery. Lens opacification was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) classification. Results The retinal Tm decreased significantly after cataract surgery in both spectral channels (SSC: –53%, P < 0.0001; LSC: –26%, P = 0.0041). The lens Tm differed significantly between the crystalline and the artificial lens in both spectral channels ( P < 0.0001). The “nuclear opacity” and “nuclear color” score of the LOCS III classification correlated significantly with the mean Tm difference in both spectral channels ( P < 0.0001). Conclusions Lens opacification results in significantly longer retinal Tm . Therefore the lens status has to be considered when performing cross-sectional fluorescence lifetime analysis. Cataract-formation and cataract-surgery needs to be considered when conducting longitudinal studies. Grading of nuclear opacity following the LOCS III classification provides an approximate conversion formula for the mean change of lifetimes, which can be helpful in the interpretation of data in patients with lens opacities. Translational Relevance FLIO is significantly influenced by lens opacities. Using a lens opacity grading scheme and measuring fluorescence lifetimes before and after cataract surgery, an approximative conversion formula can be calculated, which enables the comparison of lifetimes after cataract surgery or over the course of time.
Macular fluorescence lifetimes 1 month after the surgery for macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment correlate significantly with long-term functional outcomes at 6 months after the surgery
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