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To assess the six-month therapeutic profiles of lipid and non-lipid-based artificial tear supplements in managing dry eye disease (DED).Ninety-nine participants fulfilling the TFOS DEWS II diagnostic criteria for DED (64% females; mean ± SD age, 44 ± 16 years) were enrolled in a prospective, multicentre, double-masked, parallel group, randomised controlled trial. Participants instilled lipid-based nanoemulsion drops or non-lipid-based aqueous drops for six months, at least four times daily. Symptomology, tear film and ocular surface characteristics were assessed at Days 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180.Sustained reductions in OSDI, DEQ-5, and SANDE symptom scores from baseline were observed from Day 30 onwards in both groups (all p 0.05) and decreased superior lid wiper epitheliopathy grades from Day 60 onwards (all p ≤ 0.01). Improvements in non-invasive tear film breakup time, and sodium fluorescein and lissamine green staining scores followed from Day 120 onwards in both groups (all p 0.05). Tear lipid layer grades increased from Day 90 onwards only with the lipid-based drops, and with significantly greater improvement in those with suboptimal lipid layer thickness at baseline (grade ≤3; p = 0.02). By Day 180, 19% of participants no longer fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for DED.Over a six-month treatment period, improvements in dry eye symptomology preceded tear film and ocular surface changes with regular use of both lipid and non-lipid-based artificial tear supplements. Both formulations addressed most mild-to-moderate forms of aqueous deficient and evaporative DED, while evaporative cases benefitted preferentially from lipid-based supplementation. This represents a first step towards mapping DED therapeutic strategies according to disease subtype and severity.

Background We meta‐analyzed the efficacy and safety of catheter (CA) vs thoracoscopic (TA) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched until 31/12/2019 for relevant randomized trials and subsequent pooled analyses. Results In six trials totaling 465 patients (254 CA/211 TA), 1‐year AF recurrences were higher for CA (46% vs 26%, odds ratio 2.90 [95% CI 1.32‐6.38]), whereas total adverse events were lower (10% vs 25%, 0.35 [0.14‐0.86], respectively). Conclusion CA has lower efficacy but higher safety than TA. CA should remain the first‐line AF ablation strategy, and TA reserved for selected CA‐resistant patients where rhythm control is clinically necessary., This meta‐analysis of six randomized trials and 465 patients found that thoracoscopic ablation not only has significantly higher efficacy but also higher rates of adverse events, especially thoracic complications, compared to catheter ablation. Catheter ablation should remain the first‐line AF ablation strategy, and thoracoscopic ablation reserved for selected catheter ablation‐resistant patients after careful evaluation of relative benefits and risks by an AF Heart team.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a leading contributor to evaporative dry eye disease [1,2], and is recognized to have significant impacts on ocular comfort, visual function, and quality of lif...

To assess the clinical efficacy of a novel MGO Manuka Honey microemulsion (MHME) eye cream for the management of blepharitis.Fifty-three participants (32 females, 21 males; mean ± SD age, 60 ± 12 years) with clinical signs of blepharitis were enrolled in a prospective, investigator-masked, randomized, paired-eye trial. The MHME eye cream (Manuka Health New Zealand) was applied to the closed eyelids of one eye (randomized) overnight for 3 months. Visual acuity, ocular surface characteristics, symptoms and tear film parameters were assessed at baseline, day 30, and day 90. Eyelid swab microbiology cultures were evaluated at baseline and day 90.Baseline measurements did not differ between treated and control eyes (all p 0.05). Significant reductions in SANDE and SPEED symptomology scores were detected in treated eyes on days 30 and 90 (all p 0.05), while clinical improvements in non-invasive tear film breakup time, lipid layer thickness, and inferior lid wiper epitheliopathy were observed on day 90 (all p 0.05). Following the 3-month treatment period, ocular Demodex, Corynebacterium macginleyi, Propionibacterium acnes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis load decreased significantly in treated eyes (all p ≤ 0.001). There were no changes in visual acuity during the 90-day period (all p 0.05), and no major adverse events were reported.Topical overnight application of the MHME eye cream effected significant improvements in ocular surface symptomology, tear film stability and lipid layer thickness, and reduced lid margin staining, ocular Demodex and bacterial load. The favourable clinical efficacy and tolerability profile suggests promise for the MHME eye cream as a treatment for blepharitis management.ACTRN12616000539437.

Purpose: To evaluate demographic and lifestyle factors associated with aqueous deficient and evaporative dry eye disease. Methods: A total of 1125 general public visitors (707 females, mean ± SD age, 33 ± 21, range 5–90 years) at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition were recruited in a cross-sectional study. A demographic and lifestyle factor questionnaire was administered, and dry eye symptomology (DEQ-5 score), ocular surface characteristics (conjunctival hyperaemia, and infrared meibography), and tear film parameters (tear meniscus height, non-invasive breakup time, and lipid layer grade) were evaluated for the left eye of each participant within a single session. The diagnostic criteria for dry eye disease subtypes were adapted from the rapid non-invasive dry eye assessment algorithm. Results: Overall, 428 (38%) participants fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for dry eye disease, 161 (14%) with aqueous deficient dry eye disease, and 339 (30%) with evaporative dry eye disease. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that advancing age, female sex, reduced sleep duration, higher psychological stress, and poorer self-perceived health status were independently associated with aqueous deficient dry eye disease (all p < 0.05). Significant risk factors for evaporative dry eye disease included advancing age, East and South Asian ethnicity, contact lens wear, increased digital device screen exposure, higher psychological stress, and poorer self-perceived health status (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both subtypes of dry eye disease were associated with several unique and shared demographic and lifestyle factors. The findings of this study could inform future research design investigating the utility of targeted screening and risk factor modification for the prevention and management of dry eye disease.

Background Vascular complications are common during invasive cardiac electrophysiology procedures. This meta‐analysis compares outcomes following ultrasound and nonultrasound‐guided vascular access for these procedures. Methods PubMed, Embase and Cochrane 01/01/1980‐30/09/2018 were searched for relevant studies to meta‐analyse. Results Seven studies (6269 patients) were included. Pooled rates and odds ratio(95% confidence interval) for ultrasound and nonultrasound subgroups were 1.2% vs 3.0%, 0.32 (0.21‐0.49) for all vascular complications, with less hematomas and arterial punctures but similar arteriovenous fistulas, pseudoaneurysms or retroperitoneal bleeds. Conclusion Ultrasound guidance had less complications due to less hematoma and arterial puncture, and is generally recommended for electrophysiology procedures., We meta‐analysed the vascular complications' rates for ultrasound versus non‐ultrasound guidance for vascular access of electrophysiological procedures from 7 studies totalling 6,269 patients. We found ultrasound guidance was associated with significantly lower rates of composite vascular complications, including less haematomas and arterial punctures, and should be generally encouraged for these procedures.

Background To describe the surgical technique and assess the clinical efficacy and safety of modified endoscopic transnasal orbital apex decompression in the treatment of dysthyroid optic neuropathy. Methods In this retrospective research, forty-two subjects (74 orbits) who underwent modified endoscopic transnasal orbital apex decompression for the treatment of dysthyroid optic neuropathy were enrolled. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), visual field mean deviation (MD), Hertel exophthalmometry, and new onset diplopia were assessed before and after the intervention. The Wilcoxon test was used for differential analysis. Linear mixed-models’ analyses were conducted to assess the potential predictors for BCVA change. Results Postoperatively, the mean BCVA improved from 0.70 ± 0.62 logMAR to 0.22 ± 0.33 logMAR. BCVA significantly improved in 69 eyes (93%), remained stable in 4 eyes (5%) and deteriorated in 1 eye (1%). MD of visual fields improved from −13.73 ± 9.22 dB to −7.23 ± 7.04 dB. Proptosis decreased from 19.57 ± 3.38 mm to 16.35 ± 3.01 mm. Preoperative BCVA, MD of visual fields and medical rectus diameter were independent factors associated with improvements in BCVA (P Conclusion Modified endoscopic transnasal orbital apex decompression effectively restores vision in dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

To examine the association between modifiable lifestyle factors and dry eye disease.Three hundred and twenty-two community residents (186 females, 136 males; mean ± SD age, 41 ± 22 years) with no major systemic or ophthalmic conditions (other than dry eye disease) were recruited in a cross-sectional study. A lifestyle factor questionnaire was administered, and dry eye symptomology, ocular surface characteristics, and tear film quality were evaluated for each participant within a single clinical session, in accordance with the global consensus recommendations of the TFOS DEWS II reports.A total of 111 (34 %) participants fulfilled the TFOS DEWS II diagnostic criteria for dry eye disease. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that advancing age, female sex, East Asian ethnicity, and increased digital screen exposure time were positive risk factors for dry eye disease (all p0.05), while increased caffeine consumption was a protective factor (p = 0.04).Increased digital screen exposure time and reduced caffeine consumption were modifiable lifestyle factors associated with higher odds of dry eye disease. These findings might contribute to informing the design of future prospective research investigating the efficacy of preventative intervention and risk factor modification strategies.

Background and Purpose— In ischemic stroke, body temperature is associated with functional outcome. However, the relationship between temperature and outcome may differ in the intraischemic and postischemic phases of stroke. We aimed to determine whether body temperature before or after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large vessel occlusion stroke is associated with clinical outcomes. Methods— Consecutive EVT patients were identified from a prospective registry. Temperature measurements within 24 hours of admission were stratified into pre-EVT (preprocedural and intraprocedural) and post-EVT measurements, which served as surrogates for the intraischemic and postischemic phases of large vessel occlusion stroke, respectively. The primary outcome was functional independence, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0, 1, or 2 at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included the ordinal shift of modified Rankin Scale scores at 3 months, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and mortality at 3 months. Results— Four hundred thirty-two participants were included (59% men, mean±SD age 65.6±15.7 years). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that higher median pre-EVT temperature (per 1°C increase) was an independent predictor of reduced functional independence (odds ratio [OR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.46–0.94]; P =0.02), poorer modified Rankin Scale scores (common OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.08–1.85]; P =0.01), and increased mortality (OR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.02–2.69]; P =0.04). Peak post-EVT temperature (per 1°C increase) was a significant predictor of elevated modified Rankin Scale scores (common OR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.03–1.90]; P =0.03) and higher mortality (OR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.04–2.67]; P =0.03). Conclusions— In patients with large vessel occlusion stroke treated with EVT, higher body temperatures during both the intraischemic and postischemic phases were associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Future research investigating the maintenance of normothermia or therapeutic hypothermia in patients needing to be transferred from primary to EVT-capable stroke centers could be considered.

Purpose There is increasing clinical and research interest in the potential contribution of Demodex to ocular surface disease. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise and synthesise current clinical evidence relating to the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of ocular Demodex. Recent findings A comprehensive literature search was performed in OVID Medline, OVID Embase, and clinical trial registries, for studies published between 1990 and August 2019, examining Demodex on the ocular surface. The review included primary clinical research studies and systematic reviews of primary clinical research studies, where Demodex was considered in the context of the ocular surface and/or adnexa. Studies were categorised using the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence hierarchy. Risk of bias assessment was performed using validated tools for studies categorised as providing Level I or II evidence. A total of 87 studies were eligible for inclusion, including two systematic reviews. Most studies (60%) were observational, describing the prevalence of ocular Demodex in different clinical populations. There was a high degree of variability in the epidemiological data derived from cross-sectional aetiology studies. There was mostly consistent evidence to support an association between ocular Demodex and chronic blepharitis. Seven diagnostic test-accuracy studies were identified, which considered a range of techniques, including slit lamp examination for cylindrical eyelash collarettes and/or eyelash manipulation techniques, light microscopic evaluation of epilated eyelashes and in vivo confocal microscopy. There is currently no accepted gold-standard diagnostic method for ocular Demodex. For intervention studies, there was one systematic review, 11 published randomised trials, six trial registry entries, and nine case series. Despite a number of recent trials, the appropriate treatment regimen for ocular Demodex (including the optimal criteria and timing of an intervention) is not clearly established. Conclusions This comprehensive narrative synthesis has captured the landscape of clinical evidence relating to the prevalence, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of ocular Demodex. There remain opportunities to enhance understanding of its role in ocular surface disease, best diagnostic approaches and optimal treatment protocols.

To evaluate systemic risk factors of dry eye disease, aqueous tear deficiency, and meibomian gland dysfunction.Three hundred and seventy-two community residents (222 females, 150 males; mean ± SD age, 39 ± 22 years) were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Past medical history, dry eye symptomology, ocular surface characteristics, and tear film quality were evaluated for each participant within a single clinical session. The diagnosis of dry eye disease, aqueous tear deficiency, and meibomian gland dysfunction were based on the global consensus recommendations of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society's Dry Eye Workshop II (TFOS DEWS II) and International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.Overall, 109 (29%) participants fulfilled the TFOS DEWS II criteria for dry eye disease, 42 (11%) had aqueous tear deficiency, and 95 (26%) had meibomian gland dysfunction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that systemic rheumatologic disease and antidepressant medication were independently associated with aqueous tear deficiency (both p 0.05). Significant risk factors for meibomian gland dysfunction included age, East Asian ethnicity, migraine headaches, thyroid disease, and oral contraceptive therapy (all p ≤ 0.01).Both etiological subtypes of dry eye disease were associated with a number of systemic risk factors. These findings would support routine systemic inquiry of dry eye disease and associated systemic conditions and medications, in order to facilitate opportunistic screening and timely inter-disciplinary referral where necessary.

BACKGROUND: Media coverage of medical research influences the views and behaviours of clinicians, scientists and members of the public. We examined how frequently commenters in news stories about medical research have relevant expertise and have academic and financial conflicts, how often such conflicts are reported and whether there are associations between the conflicts and the disposition of the comments toward the findings of the source research. METHODS: We analyzed 104 independent comments in news stories on original clinical research published in high-impact medical journals from Jan. 1 to Mar. 31, 2013, and 21 related journal editorials. Main outcomes were prevalence of relevant academic and clinical expertise, prevalence and reporting of academic and financial conflicts of interest, and disposition of comments toward study findings. RESULTS: Only 1 in 6 news stories included independent comments. Overall, 25% of commenters and 0% of editorialists had neither relevant academic nor clinical expertise (p = 0.007). Among the 104 comments, an academic conflict of interest was present for 56 (54%), of which 25 (45%) were reported in the news stories. A financial conflict of interest was present for 33 (32%) of the comments, of which 11 (33%) were reported. When commenters’ conflicts of interest were congruent with the findings of the source research, 97% and 93% of comments associated with academic and financial conflicts of interest, respectively, were favourably disposed toward the research. These values were 16% and 17%, respectively, when the conflicts of interest were not congruent with the research findings. INTERPRETATION: Independent commenters in new stories about medical research may lack relevant academic or clinical expertise. Academic or financial conflicts of interest were frequently present among independent commenters but infrequently reported, and were often associated with the disposition of comments about the source research.

To assess long-term cumulative treatment effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).Eighty-seven symptomatic participants (58 female, mean ± SD age, 53 ± 16 years) with clinical signs of MGD were enrolled in a prospective, double-masked, parallel-group, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were randomised to receive either four or five homogeneously sequenced light pulses or placebo treatment to both eyes, (E-Eye Intense Regulated Pulsed Light, E-Swin, France). Visual acuity, dry eye symptomology, tear film parameters, and ocular surface characteristics were assessed immediately before treatment on days 0, 15, 45, 75, and four weeks after treatment course completion on day 105. Inflammatory and goblet cell function marker expression, and eyelid swab microbiology cultures were evaluated at baseline and day 105.Significant decreases in OSDI, SPEED, and SANDE symptomology scores, and meibomian gland capping, accompanied by increased tear film lipid layer thickness, and inhibited Corynebacterium macginleyi growth were observed in both treatment groups (all p 0.05). Sustained clinical improvements occurred in both treatment groups from day 75, although significant changes from day 45, in lipid layer quality, meibomian gland capping, OSDI and SANDE symptomology, were limited to the five-flash group (all p 0.05).IPL therapy effected significant improvements in dry eye symptomology, tear film lipid layer thickness, and meibomian gland capping in MGD patients. Five-flash IPL treatment showed superior clinical efficacy to four-flash, and an initial course of at least four treatments is suggested to allow for establishment of sustained cumulative therapeutic benefits prior to evaluation of overall treatment efficacy.ACTRN12616000667415.

IMPORTANCE: Clinical trial registries are intended to increase clinical research transparency by nonselectively identifying and documenting clinical trial designs and outcomes. Inconsistencies in reported data undermine the utility of such registries and have previously been noted in general medical literature. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether inconsistencies in reported data exist between ophthalmic literature and clinical trial registries. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, interventional clinical trials published from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014, in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, JAMA Ophthalmology, and Ophthalmology were reviewed. Observational, retrospective, uncontrolled, and post hoc reports were excluded, yielding a sample size of 106 articles. Data collection was performed from January through September 2016. Data review and adjudication continued through January 2017. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: If possible, articles were matched to registry entries listed in the ClinicalTrials.gov database or in 1 of 16 international registries indexed by the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform version 3.2 search engine. Each article-registry pair was assessed for inconsistencies in design, results, and funding (each of which was further divided into subcategories) by 2 reviewers and adjudicated by a third. RESULTS: Of 106 trials that met the study criteria, matching registry entries were found for 68 (64.2%), whereas no matching registry entries were found for 38 (35.8%). Inconsistencies were identified in study design, study results, and funding sources, including specific interventions in 8 (11.8%), primary outcome measure (POM) designs in 32 (47.1%), and POM results in 48 (70.6%). In addition, numerous data pieces were unreported, including analysis methods in 52 (76.5%) and POM results in 38 (55.9%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Clinical trial registries were underused in this sample of ophthalmology clinical trials. For studies with registry data, inconsistency rates between published and registered data were similar to those previously reported for general medical literature. In most cases, inconsistencies involved missing data, but explicit discrepancies in methods and/or data were also found. Transparency and credibility of published trials may be improved by closer attention to their registration and reporting.

This study compares scores on 5 validated symptom questionnaires with results of clinical testing to assess the diagnostic accuracy of each questionnaire in identifying patients with dry eye disease.

Objective To assess the clinical safety and tolerability of a novel MGO Manuka Honey microemulsion (MHME) eye cream for the management of blepharitis in human subjects. Methods and analysis Twenty-five healthy subjects were enrolled in a prospective, randomised, paired-eye, investigator-masked trial. The MHME eye cream (Manuka Health New Zealand) was applied to the closed eyelids of one eye (randomised) overnight for 2 weeks. LogMAR visual acuity, eyelid irritation symptoms, ocular surface characteristics and tear film parameters were assessed at baseline, day 7 and day 14. Expression of markers of ocular surface inflammation (matrix metalloproteinase-9 and interleukin-6) and goblet cell function (MUC5AC) were quantified using impression cytology at baseline and day 14. Results There were no significant changes in visual acuity, eyelid irritation symptoms, ocular surface characteristics, tear film parameters and inflammatory marker expression during the 2-week treatment period in treated and control eyes (all p>0.05), and measurements did not differ significantly between eyes (all p>0.05). No major adverse events were reported. Two subjects experienced transient ocular stinging, presumably due to migration of the product into the eye, which resolved following aqueous irrigation. Conclusion The MHME eye cream application was found to be well tolerated in healthy human subjects and was not associated with changes in visual acuity, ocular surface characteristics, tear film parameters, expression of markers of inflammation or goblet cell function. The findings support future clinical efficacy trials in patients with blepharitis. Trial registration number ACTRN12616000540415

Objective To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effects of cyclodextrin-complexed and uncomplexed Manuka honey on bacteria commonly associated with blepharitis, and in vivo rabbit eye tolerability of a cyclodextrin-complexed methylglyoxal (MGO) Manuka Honey microemulsion (MHME). Methods and analysis In vitro phase: Bacterial growth inhibition was assessed by area under the growth curve (AUC) for Staphylococcus aureus, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with cyclodextrin-complexed and uncomplexed Manuka honey were determined. In vivo phase: Six rabbits were administered 20 µL of MHME (at 1:10 dilution) to the right eye (treated) and 20 µL of saline to the left eye (control) daily, for 5 days. Tear evaporation, production, osmolarity, lipid layer, conjunctival hyperaemia and fluorescein staining were assessed daily, before and 15 min after instillation. Results In vitro phase: The relative AUC for cyclodextrin-complexed Manuka honey was lower than that of uncomplexed honey at both 250 and 550 mg/kg of MGO (both p 0.05). Conclusion Overall, antimicrobial potency of cyclodextrin-complexed Manuka honey was greater than uncomplexed honey. No significant immediate or cumulative adverse effects were observed with MHME application on rabbit eyes, supporting future conduct of clinical safety and tolerability trials in human subjects.

Background: Surgery is recommended for infective endocarditis patients who develop cerebral embolism, however the optimal timing of surgery remains controversial. In this meta-analysis, we compared the outcomes of early and delayed cardiac surgery for infective endocarditis in this setting. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane and Scopus databases from 1 January 1980 to 30 June 2016 were searched for original studies. Two authors evaluated these studies for inclusion independently, then extracted and pooled data using random-effects models. Results: Amongst 2,423 papers obtained from the search, 23 full-texts were reviewed, and 6 studies totalling 701 patients were included for analyses. Rates and pooled odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for operative mortality of early or late surgery set at 7 days were 13.5% vs 10.8%, 1.40 (0.61-3.02); 14 days were 20.7% vs 13.0%, 1.95 (0.95-4.01). Pooled odds ratio of early surgery for long-term mortality was 2.95 (0.35-25.0); and for neurological events, embolic event was 1.22 (0.33-4.56) and intracranial bleeding 1.55 (0.16-15.32). Conclusion: Although early surgery was not associated with statistically higher rates of mortality or neurological events it does need to be cautiously performed. Data is limited and larger and randomised studies would help to determine the optimal timing.

Vascular complications are important and common adverse events during electrophysiology studies and catheter ablation of arrhythmias, particularly with uninterrupted anticoagulation. There has been a shift towards ultrasound guidance for vascular access to reduce such complications, seen in some

Measurement of tear film stability is commonly used to give an indication of tear film quality but a number of non-invasive techniques exists within the clinical setting. This study sought to compare three non-invasive tear film stability measurement techniques: instrument-mounted wide-field white light clinical interferometry, instrument-mounted keratoscopy and hand-held keratoscopy.Twenty-two subjects were recruited in a prospective, randomised, masked, cross-over study. Tear film break-up or thinning time was measured non-invasively by independent experienced examiners, with each of the three devices, in a randomised order, within an hour.Significant correlation was observed between instrument-mounted interferometric and keratoscopic measurements (p0.001) but not between the hand-held device and the instrument-mounted techniques (all p0.05). Tear film stability values obtained from the hand-held device were significantly shorter and demonstrated narrower spread than the other two instruments (all p0.05), while no significant differences were observed between the two instrument-mounted devices (all p0.05).Good clinical agreement exists between the instrument-mounted interferometric and keratoscopic measurements but not between the hand-held device and either of the instrument-mounted techniques. The results highlight the importance of specifying the instrument employed to record non-invasive tear film stability.

Tear film breakup time assessment is an integral component of dry eye evaluation. To our knowledge, the comparative discriminative ability of the noninvasive Keratograph (Oculus) vs conventional fluorescein method in detecting dry eye is unknown.To compare tear film stability measurements obtained with an automated noninvasive corneal topographer vs conventional fluorescein methods and evaluate their respective discriminative ability in detecting dry eye.This investigator-masked randomized crossover trial was conducted at a single-center university clinic between May 26, 2016, and October 3, 2016, and included 74 participants 18 years or older. Participants were recruited into 2 equally sized age, sex, and race/ethnicity-matched groups, with and without symptomatic dry eye (Ocular Surface Disease Index ≥13).Participants were assigned to receive a noninvasive keratograph evaluation and topical fluorescein instillation in a randomized order.Noninvasive keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT) and fluorescein breakup time (TBUT). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, Youden-optimal diagnostic cutoff sensitivity, and specificity of NIKBUT and TBUT in detecting dry eye.Seventy-four participants (74 eyes; 43 women [58.1%]) with a mean (SD) age of 24 (4) years were randomized. Noninvasive keratograph breakup time was significantly longer than TBUT in participants with dry eye (median, 6.3 seconds vs 4.3 seconds [difference, 2.0 seconds]; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4 seconds; P = .003), and healthy participants (median, 11.9 seconds vs 5.0 seconds [difference, 6.9 seconds]; 95% CI, 4.7-7.6 seconds; P .001). Fluorescein breakup time measurements were more narrowly distributed in both the dry eye (variance, 188 seconds2 vs 27.9 seconds2; P .001) and control groups (variance, 113 seconds2 vs 13.4 seconds2; P .001). The discriminative ability of NIKBUT in detecting dry eye (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.56-0.81; P = .007) was greater than that of TBUT (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44-0.70; P = .31). The optimal diagnostic cutoff for NIKBUT was 9 seconds or less with a sensitivity of 68% (95% CI, 50%-82%), specificity of 70% (95% CI, 53%-84%), positive likelihood ratio of 2.27 (95% CI, 1.32-3.91), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.46 (95% CI, 0.28-0.77). The optimal threshold for TBUT was 5 seconds or less with a sensitivity of 54% (95% CI, 37%-71%), specificity of 68% (95% CI, 50%-82%), positive likelihood ratio of 1.67 (95% CI, 0.96-2.89), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.45-1.03).Conventional fluorescein tear film breakup time measurements were significantly shorter with narrower distributions, while automated noninvasive keratograph readings displayed superior discriminative ability in detecting dry eye.anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12617001428358.

Background Publication of clinical research findings in prominent journals influences health beliefs and medical practice, in part by engendering news coverage. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) should be most influential in guiding clinical practice. We determined whether study design of clinical research published in high-impact journals influences media coverage. Methods and Findings We compared the incidence and amount of media coverage of RCTs with that of observational studies published in the top 7 medical journals between 1 January 2013 and 31 March 2013. We specifically assessed media coverage of the most rigorous RCTs, those with >1000 participants that reported ‘hard’ outcomes. There was no difference between RCTs and observational studies in coverage by major newspapers or news agencies, or in total number of news stories generated (all P>0.63). Large RCTs reporting ‘hard’ outcomes did not generate more news coverage than small RCTs that reported surrogate outcomes and observational studies (all P>0.32). RCTs were more likely than observational studies to attract a journal editorial (70% vs 46%, P = 0.003), but less likely to be the subject of a journal press release (17% vs 50%, P0.99), nor were they more likely to be the subject of a journal press release (14% vs 38%, P = 0.14). Conclusions The design of clinical studies whose results are published in high-impact medical journals is not associated with the likelihood or amount of ensuing news coverage.

Mitral valve surgery (MVS) is recommended for severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR). The recent introduction of percutaneous Mitraclip procedure especially in high risk patients adds another dimension to MR management. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of MitraClip and MVS in this

We share McCartney’s concerns about health reporting.1 Media reports of research findings provide “impact” for academics and institutions, increase journals’ visibility and status, and accrue customers for news agencies. However, poor quality reporting causes unwarranted alarm or unrealistic expectations, promotes ineffective or unsafe health behaviours, and decreases faith in medical research when subsequent …

We present results of an experimental study of e+e−+ hadrons in the kinematic regime for which the process is interpreted as hadron production in collisions of almost-real photons. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 27.5 pb− and covers center-of-mass energies from 55 to 61.4 GeV. We observe more events than expected from the incoherent sum of quark-parton and vector-meson-dominance models, and we give a quantitative explanation of the excess by including the hard scattering of the hadronic constituents of the photons calculated with QCD.

The photon structure function F2 has been measured at average Q2 values of 73,160 and 390 ( GeV c ) 2 . We compare the x dependence of the Q2 = 73 ( GeV c ) 2 data with theoretical expectations based on QCD. In addition we present results on the Q2 evolution of the structure function for the intermediate x range (0.3⩽ x ⩽0.8). The results are consistent with QCD.

We report results of a study of four-lepton final states produced in e+e− collisions at center-of-mass energies from 50 to 61.4 GeV using the AMY detector at the TRISTAN collider. For the cases where two or three charged tracks are produced at large angles relative to the beam direction, the cross sections agree with QED. However, we observe an excess of e+e−→e+e−μ+μ− events with four tracks at wide angles and with dimuon mass less than 1.0 GeV/c2.

We report on a search for the pair production of leptoquarks and colored leptons in e + e − annihilations t center-of-mass energies from 50 to 60.8 GeV, using the AMY detector at TRISTAN. No evidence for such particles is found and 95% CL mass limits are given.

Searches for the pair production of the supersymmetric partner particles of leptons, quarks, and non-minimal Higgs have been made in e + e − annihilations at center-of-mass energies between 50 and 60.8 GeV using the AMY detector at TRISTAN. No evidence for their existence is observed and 95% CL mass limits are presented.

BackgroundDietary supplement use is increasing despite lack of evidence of benefits, or evidence of harm. Press releases issued by the supplements industry might contribute to this situation by using 'spin' (strategies to hype or denigrate findings) to distort the results of clinical studies. We assessed press releases issued in response to publication of clinical studies on dietary supplements.Methods and findingsWe analyzed 47 supplements industry press releases and 91 non-industry press releases and news stories, generated in response to 46 clinical studies of dietary supplements published between 1/1/2005 and 5/31/2013. The primary outcome was 'spin' content and direction. We also assessed disposition towards use of dietary supplements, reporting of study information, and dissemination of industry press releases. More supplements industry press releases (100%) contained 'spin' than non-industry media documents (55%, P90% of studies that reported no benefit, or harm, of the supplement. Industry press releases less frequently reported study outcomes, sample size, and estimates of effect size than non-industry media documents (all PConclusionsDietary supplements industry press releases issued in response to clinical research findings are characterized by 'spin' that hypes results that are favourable to supplement use and denigrates results that are not.

QED processes up to O(α 4 ) have been studied at center-of-mass energies between 50 and 57 GeV using the AMY detector at TRISTAN. A possible substructure of the electron and muon is investigated in terms of chiral invariant contact interactions and also in terms of excited lepton production. The differential cross section data for e + e − →e + e − are consistent with the standard model at a confidence level of only 3.5%. From the absence of excited lepton production, we establish new upper limits on the coupling to excited electrons of mass up to 56 GeV/ c 2 and on the coupling to excited muons of mass up to 52 GeV/ c 2 .

The total cross section for e + e − annihilation into hadrons has been measured for CM energies ranging from 50 to 57 GeV. We fit the predictions of the standard model to these measurements and those at lower energies. The mass of the Z 0 boson, M Z , and the QCD scale parameter, Λ MS , are derived from the fit. The results are M Z =88.6 −1.8 +2.0 GeV/ c 2 , and Λ MS =0.15 −0.11 +0.16 GeV .