Multidrug resistance of bacteria is a worrying concern in the therapeutic field and an alternative method to combat it is designing new efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). This article presents a molecular study of two quinazoline derivatives, labelled BG1189 and BG1190, proposed as EPIs. In silico approach investigates the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile of BG1189 and BG1190 quinazolines. Molecular docking and predicted ADMET features suggest that BG1189 and BG1190 may represent attractive candidates as antimicrobial drugs. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy was employed to study the time stability of quinazoline solutions in water or in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), in constant environmental conditions, and to determine the influence of usual storage temperature, normal room lighting and laser radiation (photostability) on samples stability. The effects of irradiation on BG1189 and BG1190 molecules were also assessed through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR spectra showed that laser radiation breaks some chemical bonds affecting the substituents and the quinazoline radical of the compounds.

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.

Purpose. To compare changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), axial eye length (AEL), and refractive outcome in primary open-angle glaucoma patients undergoing cataract surgery and trabeculectomy in dependence of the sequence of surgeries. Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analysed 48 eyes. The changes in refraction, intraocular pressure, and axial eye length were analysed after surgery. In group A (21 subjects), phacoemulsification was performed before trabeculectomy, and in group B (27 subjects), trabeculectomy was performed before phacoemulsification with a minimum time span between interventions of 6 months. Results. The reduction in IOP and the decrease in AEL after trabeculectomy were significant after 6 and 12 months postsurgery (p<0.001 each). The decrease in AEL was 0.42 ± 0.11% at 6 months after surgery and 0.40 ± 0.13% after 12 months from surgery; this decrease in AEL was comparable between the groups. The refractive outcome was significantly different between the groups (group A: 0.35 ± 0.75 dpt, group B: −0.05 ± 0.36 dpt, p=0.018); in group A, trabeculectomy caused a hyperopic shift of 0.34 ± 0.44 dpt (p=0.002) at 12 months postsurgery. Conclusion. IOP reduction after trabeculectomy causes AEL shortening. The effect on refractive outcome depends on the sequence of surgeries. Better refractive outcome is achieved if phacoemulsification is performed after trabeculectomy.

With the increasing incidences of orbital wall injuries, effective reconstruction materials and techniques are imperative for optimal clinical outcomes. In this literature review, we delve into the efficacy and potential advantages of using titanium implants coated with nanostructured hydroxyapatite for the reconstruction of the orbital wall. Titanium implants, recognized for their durability and mechanical strength, when combined with the osteoconductive properties of hydroxyapatite, present a potentially synergistic solution. The purpose of this review was to critically analyze the recent literature and present the state of the art in orbital wall reconstruction using titanium implants coated with nanostructured hydroxyapatite. This review offers clinicians detailed insight into the benefits and potential drawbacks of using titanium implants coated with nanostructured hydroxyapatite for orbital wall reconstruction. The highlighted results advocate for its benefits in terms of osseointegration and provide a novel strategy for orbital reconstruction, though further studies are essential to establish long-term efficacy and address concerns.

Glaucoma is a vision threatening, not uncommon complication of eyes that have undergone pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil endotamponade. Although most patients respond well to medical antiglaucoma therapy, there are refractory cases where surgery is required to control the intraocular pressure. This review, following a comprehensive literature search in the Medline database, aims to present the most important surgical techniques currently in use for glaucoma associated with silicone oil endotamponade and their indication depending on the mechanism of glaucoma. In cases of pupillary block, the presence of a patent iridotomy or iridectomy must be ensured, either by laser or surgically. When silicone oil is in excess and whenever the retinal status permits it, partial or complete removal of the silicone oil should be performed. Trabeculectomy has shown higher failure rates and more complications in these cases compared to other indications, so alternate methods are warranted. For very high intraocular pressures, glaucoma drainage devices and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation are the most used options, with good efficacy and safety profiles, although rarely they may have serious complications. The Ex-PRESS mini shunt has shown excellent results and lower rates of complications. For less important IOP elevations, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and selective laser trabeculoplasty may be used, either alone or in conjunction with other methods.

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.