OBJECTIVES: We propose a novel deep learning segmentation algorithm (DSRF) based on multi-scale supervision and residual feedback strategy for precise segmentation of the optic chiasm and optic nerves in CT images of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. METHODS: We collected 212 NPC CT images and their ground truth labels from SegRap2023, StructSeg2019 and HaN-Seg2023 datasets. Based on a hybrid pooling strategy, we designed a decoder (HPS) to reduce small organ feature loss during pooling in convolutional neural networks. This decoder uses adaptive and average pooling to refine high-level semantic features, which are integrated with primary semantic features to enable network learning of finer feature details. We employed multi-scale deep supervision layers to learn rich multi-scale and multi-level semantic features under deep supervision, thereby enhancing boundary identification of the optic chiasm and optic nerves. A residual feedback module that enables multiple iterations of the network was designed for contrast enhancement of the optic chiasm and optic nerves in CT images by utilizing information from fuzzy boundaries and easily confused regions to iteratively refine segmentation results under supervision. The entire segmentation framework was optimized with the loss from each iteration to enhance segmentation accuracy and boundary clarity. Ablation experiments and comparative experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of each component and the performance of the proposed model. RESULTS: The DSRF algorithm could effectively enhance feature representation of small organs to achieve accurate segmentation of the optic chiasm and optic nerves with an average DSC of 0.837 and an ASSD of 0.351. Ablation experiments further verified the contributions of each component in the DSRF method. CONCLUSIONS The proposed deep learning segmentation algorithm can effectively enhance feature representation to achieve accurate segmentation of the optic chiasm and optic nerves in CT images of NPC.
Humans ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods* ; Optic Chiasm/diagnostic imaging* ; Optic Nerve/diagnostic imaging* ; Algorithms ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; Deep Learning ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods*

IL-33 and its receptor ST2 play crucial roles in tissue repair and homeostasis. However, their involvement in optic neuropathy due to trauma and glaucoma remains unclear. Here, we report that IL-33 and ST2 were highly expressed in the mouse optic nerve and retina. Deletion of IL-33 or ST2 exacerbated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, retinal thinning, and nerve fiber degeneration following optic nerve (ON) injury. This heightened retinal neurodegeneration correlated with increased neurotoxic astrocytes in Il33^-/- mice. In vitro, rIL-33 mitigated the neurotoxic astrocyte phenotype and reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, thereby alleviating the RGC death induced by neurotoxic astrocyte-conditioned medium in retinal explants. Exogenous IL-33 treatment improved RGC survival in Il33^-/- and WT mice after ON injury, but not in ST2^-/- mice. Our findings highlight the role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in modulating reactive astrocyte function and providing neuroprotection for RGCs following ON injury.
Animals ; Interleukin-33/genetics* ; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein/genetics* ; Optic Nerve Injuries/pathology* ; Retinal Ganglion Cells/pathology* ; Astrocytes/pathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Knockout ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neuroprotection/physiology*

OBJECTIVE: To approach the evaluation of relative α variant score monitored by bedside continuous electroencephalography and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) evaluated by ultrasound in patients with ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy, and to observe the effect of neurofeedback training on brain function. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted. The patients admitted to the emergency and intensive care department of Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023, who meet the diagnostic criteria of ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy with the Glasgow coma score (GCS) ≤ 8 at admission receiving neurofeedback training were enrolled as the study object (observation group), and the patients without neurofeedback training and GCS score ≤ 8 at admission were enrolled as the controls (control group). Both groups received intravenous neurotrophic therapy combining ganglioside and cerebrolysin for 10 days as one course of treatment. On this basis, the observation group additionally received continuous neurofeedback training including visual feedback, auditory feedback, meditation and relaxation for 14 days. Bedside continuous electroencephalography was used for monitoring relative α variation score, and ultrasound was used to determine ONSD. The average power and slow wave power [expressed as delta-theta ratio (DTR)] of five channels in electroencephalography before and 14 days after neurofeedback training were examined. The differences in peripheral blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score, National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score, plasma levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the observation group and 50 patients in the control group finally. There was no significant difference in gender, age or course of disease between the two groups. The ONSD and relative α variant score in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group [ONDS (mm): 5.59±0.42 vs. 3.23±0.34, relative α variant score: 2.28±0.39 vs. 0.83±0.28, both P < 0.01]. After neurofeedback training for 14 days, the mean power and DTR in five channels of electroencephalography in the observation group were significantly lower than those before treatment [mean power (μV²/Hz): 95.35±3.61 vs. 102.58±4.23 in frontal pole 1 (Fp1), 38.56±4.73 vs. 46.13±2.36 in frontal 3 (F3), 34.33±5.87 vs. 51.71±4.65 in central 3 (C3), 58.37±4.45 vs. 62.95±3.22 in F7, 45.23±2.41 vs. 54.14±2.45 in temporal 3 (T3); DTR (μV²/Hz): 75.21±11.34 vs. 84.12±11.35 in ground electrode (GND), 72.31±21.67 vs. 88.23±10.25 in reference electrode (REF), 81.34±8.57 vs. 92.41±8.56 in F4, 71.25±5.42 vs. 87.23±5.64 in parietal 3 (P3), 70.12±5.88 vs. 85.67±6.12 in P4; all P < 0.05]. However, there was no significant difference in the mean power of five channels before and after treatment in the control group. There was no significant difference in the HAMD score or NIHSS score before treatment between the two groups. The above scores at 14 days after treatment were significantly lower than before, and the decrease was more significant in the observation group (HAMD score: 4.59±1.06 vs. 10.69±0.97, NIHSS score: 6.81±0.66 vs. 8.45±0.87, both P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the plasma 5-HT, BDNF or peripheral blood NLR before treatment between the two groups. The above parameters at 14 days after treatment were improved as compared with before, and the levels in the observation group were superior to control group [5-HT (mg/L): 150.25±17.37 vs. 123.34±16.18, BDNF (mg/L): 19.37±2.35 vs. 12.48±2.18, NLR: 4.78±0.83 vs. 5.81±1.17, all P < 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS Both ONDS determined by ultrasound and relative α variation score monitored by electroencephalography changed significantly in the patients with ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy. Neurofeedback training can effectively improve brain function in patients with ischemic hypoxic encephalopathy.
Humans ; Electroencephalography ; Prospective Studies ; Neurofeedback ; Optic Nerve/diagnostic imaging* ; Ultrasonography ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE

To present a long-term follow-up report of a 10-year-old male with optic nerve glioma who underwent surgical removal and postoperative chemotherapy.

Case report.

A 10-year-old Filipino boy was referred to a tertiary institution for a five-year history of progressive right eye proptosis with vision loss. Pertinent findings included right eye proptosis, lagophthalmos, and limited elevation and adduction. He also had several hyperpigmented lesions on the abdomen and upper torso. Vision on the right was no light perception, with a relative afferent pupillary defect, exposure keratopathy, and optic nerve pallor. Vision on the left eye was 20/20 with a temporal visual field defect. Cranial and orbital computed tomography (CT) scan showed a circumscribed enhancing mass within the right intraconal space with widened right optic nerve canal. Additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a heterogeneously enhancing mass diffusely involving the intraorbital and intracanalicular segments of the right optic nerve suspicious for optic nerve glioma. He underwent excision of the orbital portion of the mass via lateral orbitotomy. Histopathology showed pilocytic astrocytoma. Eight cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and vincristine was completed. Significant improvement of globe position and resolution of ocular exposure was achieved postoperatively with residual right ptosis. These findings remained stable at six years after treatment.

Optic nerve gliomas with intracanalicular and chiasmal extension can be managed with surgical removal of the orbital component and postoperative chemotherapy. This can result in improvement of proptosis and long-term remission.

Human ; Optic Nerve Diseases ; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic ; Ophthalmologists

OBJECTIVES: Dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) is a class of diseases that makes seriously endanger to the vision of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. This study aims to observe the visual function changes in patients with DON, and to evaluate the diagnostic value of indicators diagnosing DON. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 98 eyes of 49 patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) who were treated in Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2017 to December 2019. All patients were received the examination of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Humphrey visual field, visual evoked potential (VEP), and contrast sensitivity. Ninety-eight eyes were divided into a DON group (45 eyes) and a non-DON group (53 eyes). T-test was used to compare the related indicators between the 2 groups. The sensitivity and specificity of each indicator were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The BCVA and visual field index (VFI) of the DON group were significantly lower than those of the non-DON group (all P<0.05). The mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) of the DON group were significantly higher than those of the non-DON group (all P<0.05). The low frequency contrast sensitivity (CSL), medium frequency contrast sensitivity (CSM), and high frequency contrast sensitivity (CSH) of the DON group were significantly lower than those of the non-DON group (all P<0.05), with CSH being particularly prominent. Compared with the non-DON group, at spatial frequencies of 15°, 30°, and 60°, the amplitude of N135 wave was significantly reduced, and the latency of N75 wave, P100 wave, and N135 wave was significantly prolonged in the DON group (all P<0.05); at spatial frequencies of 15° and 30°, the amplitude of P100 wave was significantly reduced in the DON group (P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of VFI, CSL, CSM, CSH and 15° P100 amplitude diagnosing DON were 0.812, 0.841, 0.880, 0.784, and 0.791, respectively, with CSM possessing the highest sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS The visual function of patients with DON is decreased. VFI, contrast sensitivity of low, medium, and high frequency, and 15° P100 wave amplitude might be effective indicators for early diagnosis of DON.
Humans ; ROC Curve ; Optic Nerve Diseases/complications* ; Retrospective Studies ; Evoked Potentials, Visual ; Graves Ophthalmopathy

The bionic optic nerve can mimic human visual physiology and is a future treatment for visual disorders. Photosynaptic devices could respond to light stimuli and mimic normal optic nerve function. By modifying (Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythio-phene):poly (styrenesulfonate)) active layers with all-inorganic perovskite quantum dots, with an aqueous solution as the dielectric layer in this paper, we developed a photosynaptic device based on an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT). The optical switching response time of OECT was 3.7 s. To improve the optical response of the device, a 365 nm, 300 mW·cm ^-2 UV light source was used. Basic synaptic behaviors such as postsynaptic currents (0.225 mA) at a light pulse duration of 4 s and double pulse facilitation at a light pulse duration of 1 s and pulse interval of 1 s were simulated. By changing the way light stimulates, for example, by adjusting the intensity of the light pulses from 180 to 540 mW·cm ^-2, the duration from 1 to 20 s, and the number of light pulses from 1 to 20, the postsynaptic currents were increased by 0.350 mA, 0.420 mA, and 0.466 mA, respectively. As such, we realized the effective shift from short-term synaptic plasticity (100 s recovery of initial value) to long-term synaptic plasticity (84.3% of 250 s decay maximum). This optical synapse has a high potential for simulating the human optic nerve.
Humans ; Quantum Dots ; Bionics ; Oxides ; Optic Nerve

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics and objective assessment method of visual field defects caused by optic chiasm and its posterior visual pathway injury. METHODS: Typical cases of visual field defects caused by injuries to the optic chiasm, optic tracts, optic radiations, and visual cortex were selected. Visual field examinations, visual evoked potential (VEP) and multifocal visual evolved potential (mfVEP) measurements, craniocerebral CT/MRI, and retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed, respectively, and the aforementioned visual electrophysiological and neuroimaging indicators were analyzed comprehensively. RESULTS: The electrophysiological manifestations of visual field defects caused by optic chiasm injuries were bitemporal hemianopsia mfVEP abnormalities. The visual field defects caused by optic tract, optic radiation, and visual cortex injuries were all manifested homonymous hemianopsia mfVEP abnormalities contralateral to the lesion. Mild relative afferent pupil disorder (RAPD) and characteristic optic nerve atrophy were observed in hemianopsia patients with optic tract injuries, but not in patients with optic radiation or visual cortex injuries. Neuroimaging could provide morphological evidence of damages to the optic chiasm and its posterior visual pathway. CONCLUSIONS Visual field defects caused by optic chiasm, optic tract, optic radiation, and visual cortex injuries have their respective characteristics. The combined application of mfVEP and static visual field measurements, in combination with neuroimaging, can maximize the assessment of the location and degree of visual pathway damage, providing an effective scheme for the identification of such injuries.
Humans ; Optic Chiasm/pathology* ; Visual Pathways/pathology* ; Visual Fields ; Evoked Potentials, Visual ; Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique ; Hemianopsia/complications* ; Vision Disorders/pathology* ; Optic Nerve Injuries/diagnostic imaging* ; Brain Injuries, Traumatic/diagnostic imaging*

Objective: To measure the average distances from anterior lacrimal crest (ALC) to anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF), anterior ethmoidal foramen to posterior ethmoidal foramen (PEF) and posterior ethmoidal foramen to optic canal (OC) using plain paranasal sinus (PNS) computed tomography (CT) scans of adults in a tertiary private hospital in the Philippines. Methods: Design: Retrospective review of plain PNS CT scans. Setting: Tertiary Private Teaching Hospital. Participants: One hundred four (104) plain PNS CT scans from January 2018 to December 2020 were considered for inclusion. Results: Of the 104 PNS CT scans, 35 were excluded - seven for age less than eighteen, six for undistinguishable PEF and twenty-two for chronic rhinosinusitis. The remaining 69 PNS CT scans demonstrated identifiable structures, with overall average distances from ALC to AEF of 23.71 ± 2.43 mm, AEF to PEF of 10.87 ± 2.39 mm and PEF to OC of 7.39 ± 2.28 mm. Conclusion Our study suggests average distances for localization of vital structures such as the anterior ethmoidal artery, posterior ethmoidal artery and optic nerve among Filipinos. Because of considerable variation between and within sexes, individual measurements should still be obtained for each patient in performing endonasal, skull base and orbital surgery.
Skull Base ; Optic Nerve

Acute methanol poisoning harms the optic nerve and central nervous system, can cause irreversible damage, even coma or death in severe cases. This article reported four cases of methanol poisoning. 3 patients mistakenly ingested industrial alcohol containing methanol, the most serious patient suffered from coma, vision loss and other symptoms, the blood methanol concentration was 869.3 μg/ml. Another patient was poisoning caused by inhalation of methanol, with symptoms such as total blindness in the right eye and decreased visual acuity in the left eye. After active supportive treatment, 2 patients had partial recovery of visual acuity, and 2 patients had no sequelae. This article discussed the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of optic nerve damage caused by methanol poisoning, in order to raise awareness of this disease.
Coma ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Methanol ; Optic Nerve ; Optic Nerve Injuries ; Poisoning/therapy*