ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters as it remains a controversial procedure due to insufficient robust evidence in the literature for the maintenance of the results and absence of adverse effects. Methods: This is an observational extension to the previously presented prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Eight of thirteen subjects who underwent vitreolysis with YAG laser returned for a late reevaluation, 18 months after the procedure, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Results: All patients maintained the improvement in symptomatology noted after the procedure, with 25% showing complete improvement and a similar proportion (37.5%) reporting significant or partial improvement. Objective improvement in opacity was similar to that found at 6 months follow-up. The NEI-VFQ 25 quality of life questionnaire showed no statistically significant difference in responses between the 6th and 18th month. No adverse effects were noted on clinical examination or reported by patients. Conclusion: Vitreolysis efficacy observed at 6 months of follow-up was maintained until the eighteenth month, with all patients reporting improvement from the pre-procedure state. No late adverse effects were noted. A larger randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the safety of the procedure.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a segurança e eficácia a longo prazo da vitreólise com Nd:YAG laser para moscas volantes sintomáticas, uma vez que permanece como um procedimento controverso devido a falta de evidência científica robusta sobre a manutenção dos resultados e ocorrência de efeitos adversos. Métodos: Este estudo é uma extensão observacional de um ensaio clínico prospectivo, randomizado, duplo cego, previamente publicado. Oito de treze pacientes que foram submetidos a vitreólise com YAG laser foram acompanhados para uma reavaliação tardia, dezoito meses após o procedimento, para avaliar a eficácia e segurança do procedimento. Resultados: Todos os pacientes mantiveram a melhora na sintomatologia notada ao final do procedimento original, com 25% dos casos apresentando melhora completa, e uma proporção semelhante (37,5%) demonstrando melhora significativa ou parcial. A melhora objetiva na opacidade foi similar ao achado no seguimento original de 6 meses. O questionário de qualidade de vida NEI-VFQ 25 não demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significativa nas respostas entre o sexto e o décimo oitavo mês de acompanhamento. Nenhum efeito adverso foi notado no exame clínico ou reportado pelos pacientes. Conclusão: A eficácia da vitreólise observada ao sexto mês do acompanhamento foi mantida até o décimo oitavo mês, com todos os pacientes notando algum grau de melhora quando comparado ao estado pré procedimento. Nenhum efeito adverso tardio foi notado. Um ensaio clínico randomizado maior é necessário para confirmar a segurança do procedimento.

Capillary electromigration techniques can be understood as the ones used to separate neutral compounds, solvated ions and ionized species, considering the differentiated migration among them when an electrical field is applied within a capillary column filled with a background electrolyte. Several existing capillary electrophoresis setups provide the possibility of developing reliable quantitative assays of inorganic ions, organic acids, fatty acids, amino acids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, hormones, vitamins, macromolecules, and more. Therefore, given the chemical complexity of bodily fluid matrices, capillary electrophoresis (CE) and its variations present themselves as an advantageous strategy for enhancing traditional clinical diagnostic methods and for the development of new ones. The recent advances in the study of the human metabolome associated with technological improvements towards medical applications make CE a very useful and versatile technique for clinical laboratory assays. Within this context, this review has the purpose of presenting some traditional methods used for exams of blood, urine, saliva, feces, and sweat, and how CE can be implemented as a real alternative to enable faster, automated, and cost-effective analysis with a comprehensive perspective that shall result in better diagnostic possibilities for patients, being a powerful tool for helping physicians on the precision medicine achievements. compounds species electrolyte acids carbohydrates proteins hormones vitamins macromolecules more Therefore matrices (CE context blood urine saliva feces sweat faster automated costeffective cost effective patients achievements

ABSTRACT: This study collected samples from 50 Holstein cows, most intensively bred, and from the Campos Gerais region, Paraná, with an average milk production of 30.21L/day. Samples of the liver, spleen and lymph nodes were collected to determine the levels of copper, cobalt, iron, molybdenum and zinc. Spleen and lymph nodes were subjected to histological analysis and evaluation of the degree of hemosiderosis. The average concentrations of copper (495.05ppm), molybdenum (4.19ppm), and zinc (274.49ppm) were higher than those established for the bovines. For cobalt 26% of the animals presented levels below the established level, which characterized cobalt deficiency. Only iron (299.12ppm) exhibited an adequate average level. Histopathologically hemosiderosis was observed mainly in the spleen (78%) and less frequently in the lymph nodes (20%). The observation of hemosiderin in the spleen and lymph nodes is not related to copper deficiency. Still it may be related to high levels of molybdenum, zinc, iron, or other undetermined causes.

RESUMO: Para este estudo foram coletadas amostras de 50 vacas, da raça Holandesa, a maior parte criada intensivamente e oriunda da região dos Campos Gerais/PR, com média individual de produção de leite de 30,21L/dia. Foram coletadas amostras de fígado, baço e linfonodos para determinação dos níveis de cobre (Cu), cobalto (Co), ferro (Fe), molibdênio (Mo) e zinco (Zn). Baço e linfonodo foram submetidos à análise histológica e avaliação do grau de hemossiderose. A média das concentrações de Cu (495,05ppm), Mo (4,19ppm) e Zn (274,49ppm) encontrava-se acima dos níveis estabelecidos para bovinos. Para o Co, observou-se que 26% dos animais apresentaram níveis abaixo do estabelecido, o que caracterizou deficiência de Co. Apenas o Fe (299,12ppm) apresentou níveis médios adequados. Na histopatologia, hemossiderose foi observada, principalmente no baço (78%) e com menos frequência nos linfonodos (20%). A observação de hemossiderina no baço e linfonodos não está relacionada à deficiência de Cu, porém pode estar relacionada a elevados níveis de Mo, Zn e Fe ou a outras causas não determinadas.

Cagaiteira, the fruit popularly known as cagaite, belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Seed oil cagaite (Eugenia dysenterica DC) was obtained by three methods of extraction, extraction using an ultrasound (OCU), extraction by mechanical pressing (OCP) and extraction with Soxhlet extractor (OCS) in 3 different times (3, 6 and 9 h) and the content of fatty acids and physicalchemical properties were compared. The rate of saturated fatty acids ranged from 19.46% (OCP03) to 31.18% (OCS09), while the amount of unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 54.72% (OCP03) to 67.64% (OCS09). Linoleic and linolenic acids, important in nutrition food, varied between 32.22-38.11 and 5.55-8.78%, respectively. For oxidative stability, OCUAq (heated ultrasound extraction) samples showed the highest induction periods, showing a positive correlation with antioxidant activity and phenol content, demonstrating the efficiency of the use of ultrasonic extraction to obtain quality oils from cagaite seeds.

Infusions of Mikania glomerata Sprengel (guaco) leaves are used in Brazil for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Coumarin is the chemical marker of guaco for quality control purposes. This work proposes a voltammetric methodology to determine coumarin by using a boron-doped diamond electrode. At pH 10 (0.1 mol L-1 Britton-Robinson buffer solution), coumarin is irreversibly oxidized around +1.77 V in a process predominantly controlled by diffusion. The methodology described here presented a linear range from 1.54 to 15.3 µg mL-1 with limits of detection and quantification of 0.20 and 0.62 µg mL-1, respectively. Analysis of variance confirmed the significance of the regression and the absence of lack-of-fit at the confidence level of 95%. Infusion of commercial guaco leaves was directly analyzed, and results were in agreement with high-performance liquid chromatography after applying the paired t-test at a confidence level of 95%.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate phosphorus (P) concentration in serum and bone, the percentage of ash and the specific bone density of buffaloes on Ilha de Marajó before and after mineral supplementation. For this study, 14 crossbred buffaloes of Murrah and Mediterranean descent aged between 18 and 36 months were used. The average values of P before supplementation in serum and bone, the percentage of bone ash and the specific bone density were 5.68mg/dL±1.18, 16.53%±0.53, 59.95%±1.96 and 1.52g/cm3±0.32, respectively, which demonstrated P deficiency in animals raised on Ilha de Marajó. After supplementation with P for a period of seven months, the values were 6.61mg/dL±0.87, 16.90%±0.56 and 60.30%±0.95 and 1.71g/cm3±0.21, respectively. These results showed a significant increase in P concentration in blood serum, specific bone density and percentage of P in ash (P<0.05), but there was no significant increase in the percentage of ash. The average increase in P in the serum and ash did not reach normal levels in all animals; however, 28.6% of the animals had normal values of P in serum and 50% in the ash, and 64.3% had normal specific bone density values. The nonre-establishment, in some of the animals, of the variables of P serum and bone after supplementation for seven months may have occurred as a result of the low intake of the mineral mixture and by the low concentration of P in the Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu used for feeding animals during the experiment.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar as concentrações de fósforo (P) no soro e no osso, o percentual de cinzas e a densidade óssea específica em búfalas da Ilha de Marajó antes e após suplementação mineral seletiva. Foram utilizadas 14 búfalas mestiças de Murrah com Mediterrânea, com idades entre 18 e 36 meses. Os valores médios de P, antes da suplementação, no soro, no osso, o percentual de cinzas e a densidade óssea específica foram de 5,68mg/dL±1,18, 16,53%±0,53, 59,95%±1,96 e 1,52g/cm3±0,32, respectivamente, o que demonstra deficiência de P nos animais criados na Ilha de Marajó. Após a suplementação com P por um período de sete meses os valores foram 6,61mg/dl±0,87, 16,90%±0,56 e 60,30%±0,95 e 1,71g/cm3±0,21 respectivamente. Esses resultados caracterizam um aumento significativo nas concentrações de P no soro sanguíneo, na densidade óssea específica e no percentual de P nas cinzas (P<0,05), porém não houve um aumento significativo no percentual de cinzas. O aumento médio nos valores de P no soro e nas cinzas não alcançou patamares de normalidade em todas as búfalas, entretanto 28,6% delas tinham valores normais de P no soro e 50% nas cinzas, 64,3% tinham valores normais da densidade óssea específica. O não restabelecimento, em parte dos animais, das variáveis ósseas e sanguíneas após suplementação com P durante sete meses pode ter ocorrido em virtude da baixa ingestão da mistura mineral e da baixa concentração de P em Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu utilizada para alimentação dos animais durante o experimento.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of either a limited forage intake or concentrate supplementation prior to the adaptation to high-concentrate diets on dry matter intake, ruminal pH, bacteria, and protozoa of Nellore cattle. The experiment was designed as a two 3×3 Latin square, and six cannulated Nellore steers were used. Each experimental period was composed by three feeding phases: pre-adaptation (14 days), adaptation (12 days), and finishing (seven days) diet, in a total of 33 days per period. The steers were assigned to one of three pre-adaptation dietary treatments: control (Tifton hay fed ad libitum + mineral supplement), restriction (Tifton hay fed at 1.4% of BW + mineral supplement), and concentrate (Tifton hay fed ad libitum + 0.5% of BW of a mix of concentrate feedstuffs and mineral supplement). The adaptation period consisted of two adaptation diets, which contained 72 and 79% concentrate for six days each. The finishing diet contained 86% concentrate. During the pre-adaptation phase, restricted cattle had higher pH than concentrate-fed cattle. There was a reduction in M. elsdenii relative population in cattle from either restriction or concentrate groups. During adaptation and finishing phases, cattle from concentrate group had smaller F. succinogenes populations compared with the control group. The previous nutritional backgrounds impact ruminal microbiota during adaptation and finishing phases without causing any negative effect on ruminal pH. Feeding concentrate prior to the adaptation positively impacted the transition to high-concentrate diets and promoted increased dry matter intake.

Abstract Despite the enormous paleobotanical record on different islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, the evidence of insect activity associated with fossilized plants is scarce. Here we report the first evidence of insect-plant interaction from Cretaceous deposits, more precisely from a new locality at the Rip Point area, Nelson Island (Antarctic Peninsula). The macrofossil assemblage includes isolated Nothofagus sp. leaf impressions, a common component of the Antarctic paleoflora. Two hundred leaves were examined, of which 15 showed evidence of insect activity, displaying variations in size, shape, and preservation. Two types of interaction damage, galls and mines, were identified. A single specimen retained a circular scar recognized as galling scar, while meandering tracks were considered mines. These traces of herbivore insect activity, correspond to the oldest known record of this type of interaction of West Antarctica and the oldest record of insect-plant interaction in Nothofagus sp. reported so far.

Abstract The structural condition of the cable-stayed towers anchorage on power transmission lines requires constant monitoring. Maintenance routines must be able to identify faulty anchor rods and substitute them to avoid tower collapses and power delivery interruptions. Modern statistical diagnostic systems based on machine learning requires the generation of several distinct rod sample signals to be trained, which is a time-consuming process in typical electromagnetic solvers. Aiming to generate samples in a feasible time span, this paper presents a modeling strategy based on the cascade analysis of the transmission line composed by the anchor and the reference rods, interconnected by a dedicated high-frequency connector. Each distinct transmission line part is modeled by a quadrupole as a partial ABCD matrix. The complete response for each experimental setup is obtained from the cascaded-multiplying of the partial matrices. The proposed modeling proved to be accurate and provides a faster way to obtain the S-parameters from distinct faulty rods if compared to the traditional methodologies using electromagnetic tools.

ABSTRACT The Atlantic Forest is made up of different vegetation types over extensive latitude. Most of its remnants are in mountain ranges, which are responsible for the maintenance of most endemic and threatened species in this domain. Here we present the floristic composition of the Área de Proteção Ambiental Mestre Álvaro (APAMA), a coastal massif at Espírito Santo State with expressive altitudinal amplitude (100-800 a.s.l.) containing remnants never floristically studied. Knowing the composition of this protected area is important because it includes an altitudinal range not yet evaluated in floristic comparisons involving highland and lowland forests between the latitudes 18-21° S. We found 493 species (in 292 genera and 91 families): ten are regional endemic species, nine are new records of occurrence for the state, and 52 are under some degree of threat of extinction. Our results indicate the presence of flora elements' typical of both highland and lowland forests, which makes the APAMA essential in a scenario extremely fragmented. Finally, our data provide an unprecedented floristic list for regional forest restoration projects, as well as an invaluable source of data for biogeographic studies that seek to understand the effect caused by neighboring vegetation types on the composition of lowland forests.

Abstract Microbial therapeutic enzymes are the protagonists in the pharmacological treatment of different human diseases. The intrinsic enzymatic characteristics, such as high affinity and specificity to the corresponding substrate, enable effective therapies, with minimal adverse effects and complete remission. However, immunogenicity, short half-life, low enzymatic yield, and low selectivity regarding available enzyme drugs are currently the main obstacles to their development and the broad adherence to therapeutic protocols. By harboring adapted and still unexplored microbial life, environments of extreme conditions, such as Antarctica, become especially important in the prospecting and development of new enzymatic compounds that present higher yields and the possibility of genetic improvement. Antarctic microorganisms have adaptation mechanisms, such as more fluid cell membranes, production of antifreeze proteins and enzymes with more malleable structures, more robust, stable, selective catalytic sites for their respective substrates, and high antioxidant capacity. In this context, this review aims to explore enzymes synthesized by bacteria and fungi from Antarctica as potential drug producers, capable of providing therapeutic efficacy, less adverse effects, and lower production costs with highlight to L-Asparaginase, collagenase, superoxide dismutase and ribonucleases. In addition, this review highlights the unique biotechnological profile of these Antarctic extremophile microorganisms.

Abstract A study of macro and microfacies, palynoflora and palynofacies of the non-marine Cerro Negro Formation at President Head Peninsula, Snow Island, northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula, was developed. Two assemblages were recognized: Palynofacies assemblage 1 (P1) at the base of the section with a dominance of fern spores and conifer pollen grains, and facies association consisting of a clastic layer, with the predominance of mudstones; and Palynofacies assemblage 2 (P2) at the top of the section, with remarkable abundance of AOM/Pseudoamorphous particles, associated with facies that includes tuffs. The complete section shows in some levels the presence of freshwater algae and translucent phytoclasts. The integrated data characterizes a fluvial-lacustrine environment, what is reinforced by the occurrence of freshwater algae (Botryococcus) in some levels of P1 and P2. We could verify an increase in volcanic activity towards the top of the section that apparently has played an important role in the collapse of the palynoflora. The occurrence of the spore species Muricingulisporis annulatus, Sotasporites elegans, S. triangularis, Foraminisporis wonthaggiensis, and F. asymmetricus in the Cerro Negro Formation allows the correlation with sections in South America and Australia, suggesting an Aptian age for these deposits.

RESUMO: Esse trabalho descreve, através de estudo retrospectivo, os achados epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos de compressão no sistema nervoso central (SNC) de bubalinos. O estudo compreendeu as observações realizadas em 15 animais, durante os anos de 1998 a 2021, por meio da revisão dos arquivos de fichas clínicas de animais com lesões compressivas no SNC atendidos pelo Hospital Veterinário do Instituto de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Pará. Os animais atendidos com sinais clínicos compatíveis com lesões compressivas no SNC foram submetidos a exames clínicos geral e específico do sistema nervoso. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de quatro animais para realização de hemograma e amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) de três animais para avaliação física. Foram necropsiados 13 animais. A faixa etária dos animais acometidos variou de quatro meses a 11 anos de idade, com maior frequência na faixa acima de 12 meses (80%, 13/15). O segmento vertebral mais acometido foi entre T3-L3 (60%, 9/15), seguida por lesão no encéfalo (20%, 3/15), pelo segmento L4-S2 (13,3%, 2/15) e pelo segmento C1-C5 (6,7%, 1/15). Os achados clínicos variaram de acordo com a localização da lesão. Os achados de necropsia revelaram abscesso parahipofisário, no tronco encefálico e no corpo da vértebra, hematoma subaracnoidea, linfoma e fraturas vertebrais. A realização de um minucioso exame clínico do SNC associado aos achados de necropsia foram importantes para caracterizar o quadro clínico e localizar a causa e os seguimentos acometidos do SNC nos búfalos estudados. Torna-se importante incluir as lesões compressivas do SNC entre as enfermidades neurológicas dos bubalinos.

ABSTRACT: This study describes, through a retrospective study, the epidemiological and clinical-pathological findings of compression in the central nervous system (CNS) of buffaloes. The study includes observations made in 15 animals from 1998 to 2021 by reviewing the clinical records of animals with compressive injuries of the CNS treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary Medicine Institute of the Federal University of Pará. The animals treated with clinical signs compatible with CNS compressive lesions were subjected to general and specific clinical examinations of the nervous system. Blood samples were collected from four animals for complete blood counts, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from three animals for physical evaluation. Thirteen animals were necropsied. The age range of the affected animals ranged from four months to 11 years of age, with a greater frequency over age 12 months (80%, 13/15). The most affected vertebral segment was between T3 and L3 (60%, 9/15), followed by brain injury (20%, 3/15), the L4-S2 segment (13.3%, 2/15) and the C1-C5 segment (6.7%, 1/15). The clinical findings varied according to the location of the lesion. The necropsy findings revealed paraypophyseal abscess in the brainstem and vertebral body, subarachnoid hematoma, lymphoma and vertebral fractures. The performance of a thorough clinical examination of the CNS combined with the necropsy findings was important to characterize the clinical picture and to locate the cause and the affected CNS segments in the buffaloes studied. It is important to include CNS compressive lesions among the neurological diseases of buffaloes.

RESUMO: O presente trabalho reúne informações epidemiológicas e clínicopatológicas de bovinos com lesões compressivas no sistema nervoso central (SNC). O estudo retrospectivo compreendeu as observações realizadas em 50 bovinos durante os anos de 1998 a 2021, por meio da revisão dos arquivos de fichas clínicas de animais com lesões compressivas no SNC atendidos pelo Hospital Veterinário do Instituto de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Pará. Os animais atendidos com sinais clínicos foram submetidos a exame clínico geral e específico do sistema nervoso. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 13 animais para realização de hemograma e amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano de quatro animais para avaliação física. Foram submetidos à necropsia 29 bovinos. Os locais mais acometidos foram as vértebras T3-L3 (46%, 23/50), C1-C5 (22%, 11/50), C6-T2 (14%, 7/50), sacrococcígea (4%, 2/50) e L4-S2 (2%, 1/50); cérebro (8%, 4/50) e cerebelo (4%, 2/50). A idade dos bovinos afetados variou de 20 dias a 16 anos, com maior ocorrência em animais com menos de 12 meses (56%, 28/50). As fêmeas foram mais acometidas (58%, 29/50) do que os machos (42%, 21/50). Os sinais clínicos variaram de acordo com a localização da lesão e foram representados principalmente por ataxia, paresia ou paralisia dos membros, incapacidade de se levantar e de ficar em estação, alterações posturais, hiperestesia nas extremidades, além de perda da sensibilidade cutânea relacionada com a localização da lesão. Os achados de necropsia revelaram alterações como abscessos no corpo vertebral, no espaço intervertebral, no canal medular, para-hipofisário e no cerebelo; granuloma no arco da vértebra, fraturas do corpo das vértebras; hematoma subaracnoide; alteração óssea congênita causando compressão medular e espondilite. Anamnese detalhada e exame clínico do SNC, associados aos achados de necropsia foram importantes para determinar a causa da doença, correlacionar com o quadro clínico e localizar os segmentos acometidos do SNC dos bovinos. Torna-se importante incluir estas enfermidades na lista de diagnósticos diferenciais em bovinos que apresentem sintomatologia nervosa.

ABSTRACT: The present study gathered epidemiological and clinical-pathological information about cattle with compressive lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). The retrospective study included observations made in 50 cattle from 1998 to 2021 by reviewing the clinical records of animals with compressive lesions in the CNS treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary Medicine Institute of the Federal University of Pará. The animals had clinical signs and were subjected to general and specific clinical examination of the nervous system. Blood samples were collected from 13 animals for complete blood counts, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from four animals for physical evaluation. Twenty-nine cattle underwent necropsy. The most affected sites were the T3-L3 (46%, 23/50), C1-C5 (22%, 11/50), C6-T2 (14%, 7/50), sacrococcygeal vertebrae, (4%, 2/50), L4-S2 (2%, 1/50), brain (8%, 4/50) and cerebellum (4%, 2/50). The age of the affected cattle ranged from 20 days to 16 years, with a higher occurrence in animals younger than 12 months (56%, 28/50). More Females were affected (58%, 29/50) than males (42%, 21/50). The clinical signs varied according to the location of the lesion and were mainly represented by ataxia, paresis or paralysis of the limbs, inability to stand and walk, postural changes, hyperesthesia in the extremities, and loss of skin sensitivity at the location of the lesion. The necropsy findings revealed changes such as abscesses in the vertebral body; intervertebral space in the medullary canal, pituitary and cerebellum; granuloma in the arch of the vertebra; fractures of the body of the vertebrae; subarachnoid haematoma; congenital bone alteration causing spinal cord compression; and spondylitis. Detailed anamnesis and clinical examination of the CNS, associated with necropsy findings, were important to determine the cause of the disease, correlate with the clinical picture and locate the affected segments of the CNS in the cattle. It is important to include these diseases in the list of differential diagnoses in cattle with nervous symptoms.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a segurança e eficácia a longo prazo da vitreólise com Nd:YAG laser para moscas volantes sintomáticas, uma vez que permanece como um procedimento controverso devido a falta de evidência científica robusta sobre a manutenção dos resultados e ocorrência de efeitos adversos. Métodos: Este estudo é uma extensão observacional de um ensaio clínico prospectivo, randomizado, duplo cego, previamente publicado. Oito de treze pacientes que foram submetidos a vitreólise com YAG laser foram acompanhados para uma reavaliação tardia, dezoito meses após o procedimento, para avaliar a eficácia e segurança do procedimento. Resultados: Todos os pacientes mantiveram a melhora na sintomatologia notada ao final do procedimento original, com 25% dos casos apresentando melhora completa, e uma proporção semelhante (37,5%) demonstrando melhora significativa ou parcial. A melhora objetiva na opacidade foi similar ao achado no seguimento original de 6 meses. O questionário de qualidade de vida NEI-VFQ 25 não demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significativa nas respostas entre o sexto e o décimo oitavo mês de acompanhamento. Nenhum efeito adverso foi notado no exame clínico ou reportado pelos pacientes. Conclusão: A eficácia da vitreólise observada ao sexto mês do acompanhamento foi mantida até o décimo oitavo mês, com todos os pacientes notando algum grau de melhora quando comparado ao estado pré procedimento. Nenhum efeito adverso tardio foi notado. Um ensaio clínico randomizado maior é necessário para confirmar a segurança do procedimento.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous floaters as it remains a controversial procedure due to insufficient robust evidence in the literature for the maintenance of the results and absence of adverse effects. Methods: This is an observational extension to the previously presented prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Eight of thirteen subjects who underwent vitreolysis with YAG laser returned for a late reevaluation, 18 months after the procedure, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Results: All patients maintained the improvement in symptomatology noted after the procedure, with 25% showing complete improvement and a similar proportion (37.5%) reporting significant or partial improvement. Objective improvement in opacity was similar to that found at 6 months follow-up. The NEI-VFQ 25 quality of life questionnaire showed no statistically significant difference in responses between the 6th and 18th month. No adverse effects were noted on clinical examination or reported by patients. Conclusion: Vitreolysis efficacy observed at 6 months of follow-up was maintained until the eighteenth month, with all patients reporting improvement from the pre-procedure state. No late adverse effects were noted. A larger randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the safety of the procedure.