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Cilioretinal artery occlusion is a serious condition that results in a sudden and severe decline in vision. There are various treatment methods for retinal artery occlusion, but their effect remains unclear. Cilioretinal artery occlusion post-intravitreal drug injection is rare, with no relevant reports published to date. A man in his early 50s was admitted to our department due to a nail injury to the right eye. The patient underwent exploratory and suture surgery for eyeball penetrating injury, intraocular foreign body removal, and intravitreal vancomycin injection. The patient’s preoperative visual acuity in the right eye was 0.1, which decreased to FC/5 cm one day after surgery. Wide-angle fundus photography revealed cilioretinal artery occlusion. We highly suspected that the sudden increase in intraocular pressure after intravitreal injection of vancomycin was the cause of cilioretinal artery occlusion in this case. Mouse nerve growth factor (30 μg) and anisodine hydrobromide tablets (3 mg) were used for neurotrophic and microcirculation-improving treatments. Follow-up fundus fluorescein angiography at 31 seconds on postoperative day 18 showed filling of the cilioretinal artery. At 14 months post-surgery, the patient’s right eye visual acuity recovered to 0.1. In conclusion, cilioretinal artery occlusion post-intravitreal vancomycin injection is an extremely rare but severe complication that significantly affects vision. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are vital in such cases.

Background Plasma renin activity (PRA) is one of the recommended screening indicators for primary aldosteronism (PA) diagnosis and had become increasingly important in hypertension identification, medication guidance, and endocrine disorder confirmation. Methods To provide an overview of the PRA measurement progress and clinical value, this review summarizes the main contributing factors related to PRA measurement and necessary precautions during the entire analysis process. We also outline the characteristics of PRA in different endocrine diseases and their clinical utility. Results Significant inconsistency was observed in PRA measurement methods, including immunoassay and isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (ID‐LC/MS/MS), which could be attributed to preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical variations. Meanwhile, consensus about environmental and procedural factors during the entire analytical process, including storage temperature, incubation condition, blank subtraction, and standardized operational procedures across different self‐developed assay laboratories, could be important to minimize analytical variations. Furthermore, commutable uniform calibrators should be prepared to improve consistency, ultimately achieving accurate and reliable measurement of PRA. Conclusion This review summarizes the clinical utilization of PRA as a biomarker in multiple diseases, elaborating on routine detection methods and the key factors in the analytical process. We also provide feasible strategies for improving standardization and facilitating PRA assessment for larger‐scale clinical applications. Plasma renin activity (PRA) is one of the recommended screening indicators for primary aldosteronism (PA) diagnosis. This review summarizes the clinical utilization of PRA as a biomarker in multiple diseases, elaborating on routine detection methods and the key factors in the analytical process. We also provide feasible strategies for improving standardization and facilitating PRA assessment for larger‐scale clinical application.

Background To investigate the association between Hemodialysis (HD) and postoperative outcomes in patients diagnosed with chronic renal failure (CRF) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods This was a retrospective study. Fifty-three eyes were divided into HD (25 eyes) and non-HD (28 eyes) groups. Follow-up assessments were performed preoperatively and at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 8 months and 12 months postoperatively. Independent risk factors affecting visual recovery following PPV were also determined. Results The HD group exhibited significantly lower intraocular pressure (IOP) from 1 week to 2 months postoperatively compared to the non-HD group (P < 0.05). While non-HD patients had better preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), HD patients achieved superior BCVA at 2 months (P < 0.05), with higher rates of visual improvement at 12 months (84.00% vs. 78.57%). Prolonged diabetes duration and elevated total cholesterol levels negatively correlated with postoperative VA prognosis (P < 0.05). The preoperative eye conditions, lens status, postoperative complications were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Conclusions Preoperative HD is associated with short-term reductions in IOP and improvements in BCVA after PPV, with long-term data correlating HD to better visual acuity outcomes. However, unmeasured confounders may influence these results. Prolonged diabetes duration and elevated total cholesterol levels also appear associated with slower visual recovery, warranting further validation.

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is used routinely in clinical diagnostics; however, automating the sample pretreatment is challenging. We established and evaluated an automated method based on the magnetic bead extraction principle (MBE) to measure normetanephrine (NMN), metanephrine (MN), and 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT). The target analytes were extracted, purified, and concentrated using different solvents and chemical bond–modified magnetic beads transferred via a magnetic bar. The linearity, recovery, matrix effect, and precision of MBE were evaluated thoroughly, and compared with traditional solid-phase extraction (SPE) using 131 plasma samples. The chromatography peaks of metanephrines and 3-MT, extracted via MBE, are symmetrical, without interfering peaks. The linearity was excellent with correlation coefficient (r) > 0.99. The MBE exhibited good reproducibility with within-run coefficient variations (CVs) of 1.96–2.00%, 4.06–5.75%, and 3.89–4.90% for MN, NMN, and 3-MT, respectively. The total CVs for MN, NMN, and 3-MT were 1.96–2.80%, 5.12–5.75%, and 5.44–6.27%, respectively. The relative recoveries for MN, NMN, and 3-MT varied between 93.5 and 107.4%, whereas their biases were all within 10%. The results for MN, NMN, and 3-MT extracted via MBE compared with SPE exhibited excellent correlation, with r > 0.99; the mean bias% for MN, NMN, and 3-MT were small (−2.9%, −3.2%, and −3.2%, respectively). In conclusion, the automated MBE method for measuring plasma metanephrines and 3-MT can be applied in future routine clinical diagnostics, and the MBE principle may indicate a new era for LC-MS/MS in clinical application.

Optic disc capillary hemangiomas, a rare capillary hamartoma that often invades optic nerve fibers and disc plaque bundles, have been a therapeutic challenge for ophthalmologists in recent years due to their unique location. A woman in her early 50s presented with blurred vision in the right eye for 2 days. On ocular examination, her best-corrected visual acuity was 20/340 in the right eye. Wide-field fundus imaging revealed a red mass on the temporal side of the optic disc. Optical coherence tomography revealed macular edema. The diagnosis was optic disc capillary hemangioma. Subsequently, 0.5 mg ranibizumab was intravitreally injected into the right eye once monthly, for a total of two injections. The patient was re-examined at 15 days, 50 days, and 21 months after the first operation. The patient’s postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/60, and macular edema and exudation were reduced in the short term compared with those in the previous period; however, the tumor did not change significantly. The anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent ranibizumab is effective in treating optic disc capillary hemangiomas.

Background This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the implantation of foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) in severe retinal detachment eyes. Methods A retrospective study in retinal detachment eyes was performed at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University. A standard three-port pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and the FCVB was triple folded and implanted into the vitreous cavity. The silicone oil (SO) was then injected into the capsule of the FCVB to support the retina and eye. During the follow-up period, The treated eyes were examined by ophthalmoscopy, fundus photography, and tonometry. B-scan ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and computed tomography (CT), were also performed. Results From May 2020 to November 2021, 31 cases with severe retinal detachment were enrolled in the study. The postoperative follow-up time gradient ranged from 1 to 72 weeks, At various observation time points during the 72 weeks after surgery, The postoperative IOP was maintained at around 10 mmhg at various time points, with a slight decrease compared to the preoperative IOP (14.2 ± 4.6 mmHg n  = 18), and was statistically significant. 9 of 31 patients had clear refractive media, both fundus and OCT showed retinal reattachment, OCT showed the 200 μm thick FCVB capsule support retina. The remaining 22 patients with unclear refractive media, B-scan showed arcuate hyperechoes in front of the retina. There was also no significant difference in visual acuity compared to preoperative. The FCVB was well positioned in the vitreous cavity, and no serious complications such as endophthalmitis, glaucoma, silicone oil emulsification, product exposure, or sympathetic uveitis were found. Conclusions FCVB has retinal support with certain ability to maintain IOP and eye morphology and avoid eye removal in patients with severe retinal detachment during the 72-week observation period.

Background This study aimed to investigate the implementation and quality control of the quantitative detection of serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody in clinical laboratories in China. Methods Online external quality assessment (EQA) questionnaires were distributed to the clinical laboratories by National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) of China. We collected information on the quantitative detection procedures of serum H. pylori antibody in clinical laboratories, including detection reagents, methods, instruments, calibrators, and internal quality control (IQC). We distributed quality control products to some select laboratories that conducted quantitative detection and analyzed the obtained test data. We evaluated the quantitative detection procedure based on the standard evaluation criteria set at a target value of ±30%. Results 70.9% (146/206) of the laboratories conducted quantitative detection of H. pylori antibody; 29.1% (60/206) of the laboratories performed qualitative detection. Domestic reagents and matching calibrators accounted for more than 97.1% (200/206) of all reagents. Latex‐enhanced immunoturbidimetry was used in 89.7% (131/146) of the laboratories for quantitative determination, while the colloidal gold method was used in 66.7% (40/60) of the laboratories for qualitative determination. A total of 130 laboratories participated in the EQA; 123 completed the assessment, and the pass rate was 75.6% (93/123). Conclusion Clinical quantitative detection of serum H. pylori antibody is performed at a high rate in China. Thus, further studies on the specificity of commercial detection reagents are needed. EQAs are useful to monitor and improve the detection quality of H. pylori antibodies. This is the first report from China where the status of quantitative detection of serum H. pylori antibody was investigated. Online questionnaires were used to collect information on the quantitative detection procedures of serum H. pylori antibody in clinical laboratories. Distributed quality control products to select laboratories and analyzed the obtained test data. This study laid a foundation for the development of a formal EQA for the detection of serum H. pylori antibodies.

The Slit-Robo signal has an important role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Our study examined the expression of Slit2 and its receptor, Robo1, in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes and in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats via a single, intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The rats were sacrificed 1, 3 or 6 months after the injection. The expression of Slit2 and Robo1 in retinal tissue was measured by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and protein levels were measured by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Recombinant N-Slit2 protein was used to study the effects of Slit2 on the expression of VEGF in vivo. The concentration of Slit2 protein in human eyes was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 27 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 28 eyes in control group. The expression of Slit2, Robo1 and VEGF in the excised human fibrovascular membranes was examined by fluorescence immunostaining and semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of Slit2 and Robo1 in the retina was altered after STZ injection. Recombinant N-Slit2 protein did not increase the retinal VEGF expression. Vitreous concentrations of Slit2 were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. In the human fibrovascular membranes of the study group, the co-localization of VEGF with the markers for Slit2 and Robo1was observed. The expression of Slit2 mRNA, Robo1 mRNA, and VEGF mRNA was significantly higher in human fibrovascular proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes than in the control membranes. The alteration of Slit2 and Robo1 expression in the retinas of diabetic rats and patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy suggests a role for the Slit-Robo signal in the various stages diabetic retinopathy. Further studies should address the possible involvement of the Slit-Robo signal in the pathophysiological progress of diabetic retinopathy.

Background The precise differentiation of recurrent glioma from treatment-related changes, such as pseudoprogression or radiation necrosis, is essential for treatment planning and remains a significant challenge. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts can be targeted with PET tracers for in vivo visualization and quantification. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic effectiveness of FAP expression in patients with potential recurrent glioma by directly comparing [gallium-68] FAP inhibitor-04 and [fluorine-18] fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine PET/CT imaging. Thirty glioma patients showing signs of possible recurrence during routine MRI follow-up after treatment were enrolled. PET-based semiquantitative parameters, clinical factors, and survival data were collected for analysis. Results Paired comparison of SUVmax, TBRmax, MTV, and TLU originating from two PET imaging studies indicated significant differences in TBRmax, MTV, and TLU, with P values of 0.000, 0.001, and 0.000, respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a marginally non-significant difference in efficacy ( P  = 0.053) of the initial pathological diagnosis. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, PET parameters, initial pathological data, age, and gender were used to develop the predictive models step by step. Although trends towards significance were observed in the MTV FAPI :MTV FET ratio, no PET parameters reached statistical significance. The MTV FAPI :MTV FET ratio improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). When PET parameters and initial pathological diagnosis were included, the MTV FAPI :MTV FET ratio significantly enhanced the model’s AUC ( P  = 0.040) from 0.709 (0.465–0.953, 95% CI) to 0.847 (0.688-1.000, 95% CI). When replacing the initial diagnosis with initial WHO grade, the MTV FAPI :MTV FET ratio improved the AUC ( P  = 0.016) from 0.640 (0.400–0.880, 95% CI) to 0.852 (0.715–0.988, 95% CI). After factoring in age and gender in addition to the initial pathological diagnosis, the MTV FAPI :MTV FET ratio enhanced the AUC ( P  = 0.039) from 0.841 (0.677-1.000, 95% CI) to 0.963 (0.887-1.000, 95% CI). Similarly, after replacing the initial pathological diagnosis with the initial WHO grade, the MTV FAPI :MTV FET ratio significantly enhanced the AUC of the model ( P  = 0.046) from 0.762 (0.532–0.992, 95% CI) to 0.942 (0.850-1.000, 95% CI). The survival analysis revealed that the MTV-FAPI of the lesion has a significant impact on overall survival ( P  = 0.027, hazard ratio = 1.103, 95% CI: 1.011–1.204). Conclusions This head-to-head exploratory study showed that glioma FAP expression volume is an independent risk factor that can significantly influence overall survival in patients with recurrent glioma. Although statistically insignificant, the MTV FAPI :MTV FET ratio, which represents the FAP expression volume percentage of the post-treatment glioma tissue, suggests trends toward significant differentiation between glioma recurrence and treatment-related changes.

Background The underlying mechanism of brain glucose hypometabolism, an invariant neurodegenerative feature that tightly correlates with cognitive impairment and disease progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), remains elusive. Methods Positron emission tomography with 2-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose (FDG-PET) was used to evaluate brain glucose metabolism, presented as the rate of 2-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose standardized uptake value ratio (FDG SUVR) in patients with AD or control subjects and in mice with or without thiamine deficiency induced by a thiamine-deprived diet. Brain amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in patients with clinically diagnosed AD was quantified by performing assays using 11 C-Pittsburgh compound B PET. The levels of thiamine metabolites in blood samples of patients with AD and control subjects, as well as in blood and brain samples of mice, were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Results FDG SUVRs in frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices of patients with AD were closely correlated with the levels of blood thiamine diphosphate (TDP) and cognitive abilities, but not with brain Aβ deposition. Mice on a thiamine-deprived diet manifested a significant decline of FDG SUVRs in multiple brain regions as compared with those in control mice, with magnitudes highly correlating with both brain and blood TDP levels. There were no significant differences in the changes of FDG SUVRs in observed brain regions between amyloid precursor protein/presenilin-1 and wild-type mice following thiamine deficiency. Conclusions We demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, in vivo that TDP reduction strongly correlates with brain glucose hypometabolism, whereas amyloid deposition does not. Our study provides new insight into the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy for AD.