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Glaucoma is a common eye condition characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, optic nerve damage, and visual field defects, which seriously affect a patientʼs quality of life. The pathogenesis of glaucoma is still unclear at present. It presents as damage to retinal ganglion cells, and the main treatment is primarily to reduce intraocular pressure by surgery or taking medication. However, even with well-controlled intraocular pressure, retinal ganglion cells still undergo degeneration, progressive apoptosis, and axonal loss. Therefore, protecting the optic nerve and inhibiting the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells are the current hot topic for prevention and treatment of glaucoma. Recently, Erigeron breviscapus , originating from Yunnan province in China, has been shown to be a promising herb with neuroprotective effects to treat glaucoma. Therefore, the traditional usage, botanical characteristics, and phytochemical composition of E. breviscapus were explored through a literature review. Furthermore, we have summarized the pharmacological mechanisms of E. breviscapus and its active components in inhibiting the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells. These research findings can not only provide guidance and recommendations for the protection of retinal ganglion cells but also further explore the potential of E. breviscapus in the treatment of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study conducted by Alfredo A. Sadun, MD, PhD, and colleagues examined the effects of adeno-associated virus (AAV2)-based gene therapy for Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) on retinal ganglion cells. The study found that gene transfection was successful in both eyes of patients, despite the injection being unilateral. The researchers observed lymphocytic infiltration in the temporal retina and optic nerve head, as well as a higher concentration of the transgene in the inner half of the retina. These findings provide the first evidence of successful gene transfection in retinal ganglion cells and suggest further investigation into the route of transfer. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles have successfully restored vision in mice with damaged optic nerves by generating new nerve cells in the eye. This breakthrough offers hope for treating conditions like glaucoma, which cause blindness by damaging the optic nerve. The team used a cocktail of chemicals to coax existing cells within the eye to transform into retinal ganglion cells, which are responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. While further studies are needed before human trials can be considered, this approach shows promise for restoring lost vision in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Surgeons have successfully performed the first human eyeball transplant, a significant step towards restoring vision in people with severe eye injuries. The transplant was part of a larger procedure that included a partial face transplant on a power-line worker from Arkansas who had suffered extensive facial and eye injuries. While it is uncertain if the recipient will be able to see using his new eye, the procedure is considered a success in terms of keeping the eye healthy and functioning. The surgeons took measures to stimulate nerve growth and preserve the optic nerve in hopes of establishing a connection with the recipient's brain. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the development of a rat model called Torsion-Induced Traumatic Optic Neuropathy (TITON) to mimic traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) in humans. TON is a common cause of irreversible blindness following head injury, characterized by damage to the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cell death. The study found that the TITON model induced significant visual deficits and altered biomarkers of retinal stress, axon disruption, and ganglion cell death, suggesting its utility for understanding TON mechanisms and evaluating potential treatments, with ketamine showing potential benefits. The research is available as a preprint and has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers in Karnataka, India conducted a study to determine reliable markers of optic nerve damage in glaucoma suspects using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The study included 250 patients and found significant differences in various optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer parameters between glaucoma suspects and normal eyes. The research concluded that SD-OCT measurements of optic nerve head had more diagnostic value than retinal nerve fiber layer parameters in diagnosing glaucoma suspects. This study highlights the importance of SD-OCT in diagnosing and quantifying risk in glaucoma suspects. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Riga Stradins University in Latvia have published a case report and literature review on optic nerve glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision impairment and life-threatening complications. The study highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating this condition, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to improve patient survival rates. Treatment options typically involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The research underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to managing optic nerve glioblastoma. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Istanbul Medipol University focused on evaluating changes in the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position. The research found that ONSD increased in relation to the Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum, indicating potential cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. The study suggests that non-invasive ultrasonographic measurement of ONSD could be valuable for clinical monitoring during laparoscopic surgeries requiring intracranial pressure assessment. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring ONSD in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in specific positions. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Birmingham focused on calculating optic nerve planning organ at risk volume (PRV) margins for CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatment planning. The research utilized MRI scans of healthy volunteers to measure optic nerve motion and uncertainties in the technical accuracy of CyberKnife to determine PRV margins. The study concluded that optic nerve PRV margins may be necessary in CyberKnife planning to reduce the risk to the optic nerves, with a suggested organ sparing strategy of using a 1mm PRV and instructing patients to hold their gaze neutrally during imaging and treatment. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing CyberKnife treatment planning to minimize potential risks to patients' optic nerves. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Amsterdam University Medical Center focused on the treatment of isolated pediatric optic nerve glioma, a rare disease in children. The study examined the impact of different treatment strategies, including systemic anticancer therapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, on visual and radiological outcomes. The findings suggest that systemic anticancer therapy may be the preferred treatment for progressive optic nerve glioma to potentially rescue visual functions, while caution is advised when considering radiotherapy due to the risk of severe visual impairment and secondary disease. The research was peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights for clinicians managing this condition. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Kathmandu, Nepal, focused on the clinical profile of the posterior segment in individuals with high myopia, defined as -5.00 diopter or less. The research aimed to assess fundus and optic nerve changes in high myopia and found that tessellated fundus and peripapillary atrophy were common posterior segment changes in high myopic Nepalese subjects. The study concluded that these myopic changes were associated with axial length and mean spherical error. This research highlights the increasing global health concern of myopia, particularly in regions like East and Southeast Asia. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Reactions Weekly discusses two case reports of women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who showed lack of efficacy while being treated with gabapentin or dimethyl fumarate. One 32-year-old woman experienced oscillopsia and nystagmus while on gabapentin, which did not improve her symptoms. Switching to memantine led to improvement in her RRMS. Another 42-year-old woman on dimethyl fumarate showed no improvement in her condition, with various tests indicating lack of efficacy. Memantine was then administered, resulting in improvement in her RRMS. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the National Center for Child Health and Development in Tokyo, Japan discusses the outcomes of five cases of retinoblastoma with optic nerve invasion on imaging. The study retrospectively reviewed the clinical, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, as well as the treatment courses of these patients. The researchers found that MRI is recommended to evaluate optic nerve invasion and determine the timing of enucleation for retinoblastoma. The study suggests that the appropriate choice of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy may help avoid radiotherapy for retinoblastoma with optic nerve invasion on imaging. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Unit of Ophthalmology in Coimbra, Portugal have expanded the understanding of Fhonda Syndrome, a rare recessively inherited syndrome. The syndrome is associated with biallelic disease-causing variants in the SLC38A8 gene, which affects the photoreceptor layer of the eye. The researchers included three unrelated female patients with FHONDA syndrome in their study, describing their symptoms and genetic variants. They also observed features of retinitis pigmentosa in one patient, broadening the understanding of the clinical phenotype associated with this rare syndrome. [Extracted from the article]

A pilot study conducted by researchers at the University of Central Florida aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative positioning and ocular immobility on the amount of cerebrospinal fluid around the optic nerve in patients undergoing prone spinal surgery. The study found that patients who underwent prone spinal surgery had a 21% increase in optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) intraoperatively, with a positive relationship to the length of surgery. However, ONSDs returned to baseline postoperatively and were not significantly different from preoperative measurements. The findings suggest pooling and inadequate clearance of perioptic cerebrospinal fluid during prone spinal surgery, which improves after the procedure is completed and the patient returns to an upright position. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the role of two histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylases, Kdm6a and Kdm6b, in regulating mammalian neural regeneration. The study found that deleting either Kdm6a or Kdm6b enhanced sensory axon regeneration in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), while deleting Kdm6a in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) significantly enhanced optic nerve regeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). The researchers also discovered that Kdm6a regulates RGC regeneration through a different pathway than Pten, and that deleting both Kdm6a and Pten resulted in long-distance optic nerve regeneration. Additionally, the study identified Klf4 as a downstream target of Kdm6a-H3K27me3 signaling in regulating axon regeneration. This research provides insights into the roles of Kdm6a and Kdm6b in neural regeneration and highlights Kdm6a-mediated histone demethylation signaling as a potential target for supporting CNS neural regeneration. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Duhok Polytechnic University have conducted a study on multi-label deep learning for optic nerve head segmentation using fundus images. The study focuses on the early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of eye diseases through computer-aided detection techniques. The researchers developed three U-Net models for multi-class semantic segmentation, utilizing transfer learning and combining two models to predict probability maps for the optic disc and cup regions. The study used a comprehensive dataset that included pre-existing blood vessels and expert-marked peripapillary atrophy zones. The proposed approach achieved high accuracy in segmenting various components of the optic nerve, contributing to the early diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma and optic nerve disorders. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of understanding and navigating National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits in optometry billing to ensure compliance and proper reimbursement. NCCI edits, set by CMS, prevent improper coding and over-billing through Procedure-to-Procedure (PTP) and Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs). Optometrists must adhere to these edits when billing for services like fundus photography and OCT to avoid claim denials, ensure compliance, and receive appropriate reimbursement. Staying informed and following billing practices can help protect practices and optimize revenue cycles. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Department of Radiology and Neuroradiology in Kiel, Germany, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3D DIR sequence compared to a 2D STIR sequence in detecting optic nerve lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The study found that the 3D DIR images showed similar sensitivity and specificity for detecting optic nerve lesions compared to the 2D images. The researchers concluded that when 3D DIR images are included in routine scans for evaluating MS patients, additional 2D imaging of the optic nerve is no longer necessary. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Loma Linda University discusses the potential impact of a vegetarian diet on glaucoma. The researchers note that while the primary treatment for glaucoma focuses on lowering intraocular pressure, there is interest in exploring antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective strategies. Vegetarian diets are known to be rich in these components and have established health benefits, but their specific effects on glaucoma have not been well studied. The researchers aim to examine the role of vegetarian diets and their components in the incidence and progression of glaucoma. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Survey of Ophthalmology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) discusses a case study of a 60-year-old man who presented with progressive vision loss in his right eye. The patient was diagnosed with optic nerve edema and underwent various tests to determine the cause. Eventually, a biopsy revealed non-caseating granulomatous inflammation consistent with neurosarcoidosis. The patient was treated with high-dose oral steroids, which improved the disc edema and intracranial enhancement, but did not restore his vision. This research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the understanding and treatment of edema. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from researchers at University Hospital Center in Lisbon, Portugal, discusses the diagnosis and treatment of optic neuropathies, which encompass a range of disorders affecting the optic nerve. The researchers highlight the importance of accurate clinical history and multimodality optic nerve imaging, such as MRI and optical coherence tomography, in improving diagnosis. The report presents a case study of a woman with severe visual acuity deficit, whose MRI showed optic nerve sheath enhancement, leading to a broad range of potential diagnoses. Lack of response to treatment with steroids or plasmapheresis ultimately led to a biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of optic nerve sheath meningioma. The research has been peer-reviewed and is available in the journal Neurology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Marmara University School of Medicine in Istanbul, Turkey, examined the peripapillary choroidal vasculature in pediatric myopic patients with and without peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS). The study included 60 myopic patients with PHOMS, 30 myopic patients without PHOMS, and 30 emmetropic children as a control group. The researchers found that choroidal parameters differed in pediatric myopic patients with PHOMS compared to those without PHOMS. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to fully understand these differences. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi evaluated the efficacy and safety of a new device called the Negative Dysphotopsia (ND) Ring for treating and preventing negative dysphotopsia. The study included 22 patients with ND, and the ring was implanted in their eyes either as a therapeutic measure or as a prophylactic measure during cataract surgery. The results showed that the ND Ring was effective in resolving ND symptoms in 93.3% of patients in the therapeutic group, and no ND was reported in the prophylactic group. The researchers concluded that the ND Ring is an easy, safe, and effective approach for treating and preventing ND. [Extracted from the article]

Elon Musk's brain-chip startup Neuralink has received the FDA's "breakthrough device" designation for an implant called Blindsight, which aims to help blind people see. The implant uses a microelectrode array placed in the brain's visual cortex to activate neurons based on input from an external camera. This could potentially allow people without eyes or an optic nerve to perceive visual information. While similar devices have been used for partially sighted individuals, Neuralink's implant adds more electrodes to potentially increase the vividness of vision. The FDA's designation does not indicate approval, but rather recognizes the technology's promise for future treatments. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a proposed methodology for analyzing the mechanical damage to axons caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma. The authors argue that previous studies have focused on tissue-level deformations and have overlooked the specific susceptibility of axons to different types and orientations of mechanical insult. The authors used optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans and histological images to reconstruct the volume occupied by axons and determine the strains experienced by the axons in different regions. They found that axons in certain regions experienced longitudinal compression and transverse stretch, while others experienced longitudinal stretch and transverse compression. This approach provides a clearer understanding of the connection between IOP-induced insult and glaucoma and could be further evaluated in larger studies. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital in Puducherry, India, examined the diagnostic accuracy of measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using ultrasound to predict increased intracranial pressure in pediatric patients. The study analyzed 25 studies with a total of 1591 patients and found that ONSD measured via ultrasound had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 89% for predicting increased intracranial pressure. The researchers recommend routine ocular ultrasound for measuring ONSD in pediatric patients to improve the accuracy of diagnosing increased intracranial pressure. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in World Neurosurgery. [Extracted from the article]

A researcher at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute in India has published new data on clinical ophthalmology. The study focuses on a rare case of frontal mucocele, which is a cavity filled with sterile mucus that develops due to sinus obstruction, causing optic nerve compression. The patient experienced symptoms such as proptosis, limited ocular motility, optic disc edema, and visual loss. After undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery, the patient's vision improved, and the symptoms resolved. The study highlights the importance of considering mucoceles in the diagnosis of orbital pathologies and emphasizes the effectiveness of endoscopic management in achieving positive outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from Georgetown University School of Medicine has reported on a case of sclerochoroidal calcification (SCC) associated with dural calcification along the optic nerves and severe vision loss in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism. The patient, a 74-year-old white female, had a history of primary hyperparathyroidism and underwent surgical removal of a parathyroid gland. She presented with blurred vision and was diagnosed with bilateral SCC. Over time, her vision worsened due to dural calcification along the optic nerves. The researchers recommend that patients with SCC and decreased vision should receive a CT scan to check for this rare associated finding. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from California Pacific Medical Center discusses research on pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus. The study focused on the relationship between optic nerve size and visual acuity in children with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH). The researchers found that optic nerve diameter measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could potentially serve as an early indicator of visual potential in children with ONH. This research has been peer-reviewed and may provide valuable insights for medical professionals working in this field. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Abuja examined the variability in optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurements on computed tomography (CT) scans for the evaluation of intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury (TBI). The researchers measured ONSD in patients with TBI and those with normal brains using different window settings and locations. They found significant differences in ONSD measurements based on the window settings used, highlighting the need for standardization of protocols. The study concluded that measurements taken at 3mm retrobulbar using a spine window setting provided more reliable and detailed measurements of the optic nerve. [Extracted from the article]

An 8-year-old boy experienced a lack of efficacy when treated with paracetamol and unspecified nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for a three-week headache. Despite these treatments, his headache did not improve and he also experienced photophobia, phonophobia, and vomiting. Further investigation revealed bilateral swelling in the ocular fundus and distended optic disc and nerve sheaths, leading to a diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The boy was treated with acetazolamide and underwent a lumbar puncture to decrease CSF pressure. However, he later developed sudden vision loss in his left eye and was diagnosed with optic neuritis and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD). He received IV methylprednisolone and immune globulin, which improved his visual response. He was discharged on prednisone, acetazolamide, and topiramate, and continued to receive monthly immune globulin treatments. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Max-Delbruck-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association in Berlin, Germany, has provided new insights into the membrane properties and coupling of glial cells in the optic nerve. The study utilized a transgenic mouse model to investigate the characteristics of astrocytes and NG2 glia in the optic nerve. The findings revealed that the membrane current patterns of glial cells in the optic nerve differ from those in the cortex, and that they form smaller networks. This research highlights the need for distinct approaches to identify astrocytes in the optic nerve. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Universitas Padjadjaran in Bandung, Indonesia discusses the correlation between changes in optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and the degree of consciousness, pupil diameter, and light reflex in children with central nervous system (CNS) infection. The study, conducted at several hospitals in Bandung, involved measuring ONSD, degree of consciousness, pupil diameter, and light reflex in 30 patients aged 2-18 years over a 48-hour period after the initiation of osmotherapy. The results showed a significant positive correlation between ONSD and degree of consciousness and light reflex, but no significant correlation with changes in pupil diameter. The study suggests that ONSD measurement could be a non-invasive bedside method for monitoring intracranial pressure in children with CNS infection. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published on biorxiv.org discusses the development of an automated and accurate 3D segmentation of the healthy human eye and orbit from Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI). The study utilized a large-scale dataset of T1-weighted MRI of 1245 subjects and employed deep learning-based nnU-Net for MR-Eye segmentation tasks. The results demonstrated robust and accurate segmentations of various eye structures, such as the lens, globe, optic nerve, rectus muscles, and fat. Additionally, the study presented the automated estimation of key ophthalmic biomarkers and explored correlations between body mass index (BMI) and eye structure volumes. It is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) examined the tensile properties of the sclera, optic nerve, and optic nerve sheath in individuals with glaucoma. The researchers found that the glaucomatous sclera was abnormally stiff, while the optic nerve and sheath were abnormally compliant. These abnormalities may contribute to the transfer of potentially pathologic stress to the vulnerable disk and lamina cribrosa region during eye movement. The study was supported by the NIH National Eye Institute (NEI) and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Shanxi Eye Hospital in China examined the retinal microvascular changes in patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The study included 25 pregnant females diagnosed with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, as well as a control group of healthy pregnant and non-pregnant females. The results showed that patients with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia had lower vascular density and perfusion density in the macula and optic nerve head compared to the control group. The study suggests that OCTA can be effective in detecting early microvascular alterations in individuals with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. [Extracted from the article]

Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital in Puducherry, India conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of measuring the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) using ultrasound for predicting increased intracranial pressure in pediatric patients. The study analyzed 25 studies with 1,591 patients and found that ONSD measured via ultrasound had a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 89% for predicting increased intracranial pressure. The researchers recommend routine ocular ultrasound for measuring ONSD in pediatric patients to improve the accuracy of diagnosing increased intracranial pressure. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in World Neurosurgery. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) provides insights into morning glory syndrome using swept source optical coherence tomography. The study examined the structural abnormalities in the papillary and peripapillary areas of four patients with morning glory syndrome. The researchers found that the lamina cribrosa was posteriorly displaced in all four eyes, and the disk area was filled with herniated retinal tissue. Swept source optical coherence tomography was able to clearly delineate the abnormalities of morning glory syndrome, including scleral structural abnormalities outside the optic nerve. [Extracted from the article]

A 34-year-old man developed central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) while being treated with prednisolone for type 1 lepra reaction. The man had leprosy and was on multidrug therapy for 3 months before starting prednisolone. An ocular examination revealed visual impairments in both eyes, and further tests confirmed CSCR. The patient stopped taking prednisolone and continued with multidrug therapy, and his vision improved after treatment with clofazimine. At his final follow-up visit, his vision had fully recovered. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses research by the Faculty of Medicine University of Indonesia, reported in the "Indian Journal of Ophthalmology - Case Reports" issue on August 23, 2024. Topics include the significance of optic nerve infiltration in secondary intraocular lymphoma derived from primary breast B-cell lymphoma, diagnostic challenges posed by this rare condition, and treatment options involving rituximab intravitreal injections and systemic chemotherapy.

A preprint abstract from medrxiv.org discusses the use of different stimulus sizes in standardized automated perimetry (SAP) visual field (VF) testing for glaucoma and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The study found that using stimulus size V (stimV) resulted in more repeatable VF results in eyes with moderate/severe deficits due to glaucoma. The researchers compared VF results using both stimulus sizes and determined that censoring plus age correction is a valid method of comparison between stimIII and stimV SAP VFs. The study suggests that stimIII and stimV total deviations (TDs) are interchangeable in clinical practice. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study compared the molecular signaling pathways involved in the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) under different types of cellular stressors. The study used two insults, glutamate excitotoxicity and optic nerve crush, to induce RGC death in mice. The researchers identified unique and common alterations in protein profiles in RGCs undergoing different types of stressors, as well as the absence of certain proteins in treated RGCs compared to the control group. This study lays the groundwork for future development of a therapeutic platform for testing gene candidates for retinal degenerative diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the DOW University of Health Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan have conducted a study to compare the volume of the sphenoid sinus with the protrusions of the optic nerve and internal carotid artery in both males and females. The study, which included 300 subjects aged 20-60 years with no sphenoid sinus abnormalities, analyzed computed tomography scans of the paranasal sinus. The findings revealed a significant relationship between the protrusions of the internal carotid artery and optic nerve and the volume of the sphenoid sinus. This research provides new insights into anatomical variations in a subgroup of the Pakistani population. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Imo State University in Nigeria aimed to evaluate the vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR) in a normotensive population and determine the effect of age and gender on VCDR. The study found that there was a weak positive correlation between age and VCDR, with a small increase in VCDR with age. However, there was no statistically significant evidence to support a correlation between VCDR, age, and gender. The findings of this study may have implications for glaucoma diagnosis, particularly in the African population. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the First Medical Center compared the dosimetric characteristics of three stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) platforms for the treatment of single brain metastasis: ZAP-X, CyberKnife (CK) G4, and Gamma Knife (GK) ICON. Thirteen patients were selected for the study, and their treatment plans were evaluated using the three SRS platforms. The results showed that all three platforms met the clinical treatment requirements, but ZAP-X demonstrated a certain dose advantage, with a more conformal dose distribution and better protection for brain tissue. The researchers suggest that as the ZAP-X system continues to improve, it may become a new SRS platform for the treatment of brain metastasis. [Extracted from the article]