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Stanton Heydinger,1 Rafael Ufret-Vincenty,2,3 Zachary M Robertson,2,3 Yu-Guang He,2,3 Angeline L Wang2,3 1University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA; 2Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX, USACorrespondence: Stanton Heydinger, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, USA, Tel +1 816-500-9088, Email Stanton.Heydinger@utsouthwestern.eduPurpose: To compare the outcomes of primary uncomplicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair using pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckling (SB), or combined scleral buckling with vitrectomy (SB/PPV).Patients and Methods: Single-institution, retrospective, observational study of 179 patients with primary RRD managed at a large academic hospital system. We excluded patients with less than 6 months of follow-up, previous vitrectomy or buckle, giant retinal tears, aphakia, recurrent forms of RRD, or extensive proliferative vitreoretinopathy (Grade C or worse) documented on exam or requiring membrane peel. Outcome measures included primary anatomical success at 6 months, functional success defined as BCVA ≥ 20/200, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using logMAR scoring. Subgroup analysis was performed in the following patient groups: phakic, pseudophakic, inferior detachments, and prior pneumatic retinopexy.Results: Primary anatomical success was achieved in 145 of 179 eyes (81.0%), with SB/PPV showing a significantly greater success rate (p = 0.046) when compared to SB and PPV. Functional success was achieved in 137 of the 145 anatomically successful eyes (94.5%), with values ranging between 92% and 97% amongst the interventions (p = 0.552). No difference was found in final BCVA (p = 0.367). Patients with inferior detachment had an odds ratio of 2.15 for primary anatomic failure. Prior pneumatic retinopexy did not significantly affect any of the primary outcomes.Conclusion: SB/PPV yielded a significantly better primary anatomical success rate when compared to SB and PPV. Functional success and final BCVA was similar amongst the interventions. Inferior detachments were associated with worse primary anatomic outcomes. Prior pneumatic retinopexy did not significantly affect surgical outcomes.Keywords: anatomical success, retina, scleral buckling, vitrectomy

Purpose: To describe the predisposing factors, clinical course, and surgical methods of pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and determine which factors affect anatomic success. Methods: Data of patients 18 years or younger who had surgical repair for RRD from January 1, 2004, to June 31, 2020, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The study evaluated 101 eyes of 94 patients. Of the eyes, 90% had at least 1 predisposing factor to pediatric RRD, including trauma (46%), myopia (41%), prior intraocular surgery (26%), and congenital anomaly (23%); 81% had macula-off detachments and 34% had proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade C or worse at presentation. The presence of PVR grade C or worse ( P = .0002), total RRD ( P = .014), and vitrectomy alone at first surgery ( P = .0093) were associated with worse outcomes. Patients who had scleral buckle (SB) alone at the first surgery had statistically higher rates of anatomic success than those who had vitrectomy alone or combined with SB ( P = .0002). After the final surgery, 74% of patients achieved anatomic success. Discussion: The majority of cases in this study were associated with 1 of the 4 risk factors predisposing to pediatric RRD. These patients often present late with macula-off detachments and PVR grade C or worse. The majority of patients achieved anatomic success after surgical repair using SB, vitrectomy, or a combination.

Purpose Long-acting injectable fluocinolone releasing implants are used in clinical practice. While limited in scope, situations may arise where removal of the implant is warranted. We set out to describe possible explantation techniques and to determine whether these implants can be safely removed from a standard sclerotomy or eliminated using a vitrectomy system. Methods A vitreoretinal surgery system was designed using a porcine eye model. A fluocinolone implant was injected into the vitreous cavity. Pars plana vitrectomy was performed and the vitreous cavity was infused with balanced salt solution. The injected implants were removed from 23-Gauge (G) and 25-Gauge (G) vitrectomy cannulas with 27-G forceps. The implants were examined under the microscope for induced defects. Implants were injected into the eye model and eliminated using a 23-G and 25-G vitrector system. Results The implant was removed from both the 23-G and 25-G vitrectomy cannulas with only mild structural damage to the implant. During implant extraction through the 25-G sclerotomy, the cannula was dislodged from the incision along with the implant. The most technically challenging portion involved aligning the implant coaxially to allow for removal en bloc through the sclerotomy site. Implants could be eliminated using both the 23-G and 25-G vitrector using a low-cut rate. Conclusion The fluocinolone implant was removed safely via standard 23-G or 25-G vitrectomy systems. It is unknown whether intraocular manipulation will affect pharmacokinetics of drug delivery if the implant is not explanted.

Objectives: The study aimed at ascertaining the awareness of money and determine whether the respondents can recognize currency coins and bills. It also seeks to identify the source of money education among children based on age and sex and identify the their buying preference with and without inducements. Finally to analyze the significant difference on the preference with and without inducements when grouped according to their profile variables. Methods/Statistical analysis : The respondents of the study are the 94 children enrolled at the Kalinga Special Education Center during the School Year 2018-2019 whose age ranges 6-7 years old. The study utilized the descriptive-comparative research design. In analyzing the data obtained statistical tools like frequency, percentage and t-test were used. The study utilized the descriptive-comparative research design. Findings: The study revealed that children recognize bills more accurately as compared to coins, and most of the children who are allowed to make purchase from the supermarket of their own choice pick nonfood item which signifies that they are unable to appreciate the value of money as also seen in their preference of the more expensive pencil over the cheaper one, provided that it is the same pencil shown in the initial experiment. Recommendation: It is recommended that educators, families and the communities teach young people the early recognition and institute a sense of obligation in money spending through Trainings on Financial Literacy and Capabilities. Keywords: Money awareness; children; spending; price

Purpose: This report aims to characterize ocular changes in a case of ocular siderosis with iron toxicity using multimodal imaging and electroretinography. Methods: A 34-year-old woman presented with ocular siderosis of the left eye following penetrating injury with an iron-containing foreign body. The patient’s uncorrected visual acuities were 20/60 and 20/150 in the right and left eye, respectively, with abnormal pupillary function and presence of a cataract in the left eye. She underwent successful intraocular foreign body removal and cataract surgery with no postoperative complications. Cone contrast threshold (CCT), full-field electroretinogram, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA) were used to characterize ocular alterations preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: CCT color vision testing showed abnormal color vision, and OCTA revealed increased vascular flow density associated with the foreign body. Conclusions: CCT color vision testing, OCTA, OCT, and full-field electroretinogram can characterize retinal changes in cases of ocular siderosis.

ImportanceA higher percentage of non-Hispanic Black (hereinafter, Black) adults vs non-Hispanic White (hereinafter, White) adults with hypertension have uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) contributing to racial and ethnic disparities in cardiovascular disease. In 2010, Kaiser Permanente Southern California began implementing quality improvement (QI) strategies aimed at reducing this disparity.ObjectiveTo examine the change in BP control between Black and White patients before and after the implementation of a QI program.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA QI quasi-experimental, difference-in-difference analysis was conducted of Kaiser Permanente Southern California patients 18 years or older included in the population care management hypertension registry. The study was conducted from December 31, 2008, to December 31, 2019. Data analysis was performed from November 20, 2020, to November 7, 2022.InterventionsQuality improvement program implementation began in 2010.Main Outcomes and MeasuresBlood pressure control (systolic BP ResultsThe number of patients with hypertension increased from 624 094 in 2008 (mean [SD] age, 61.8 [13.5] years; 330 551 [53.0%] female patients; 89 407 [14.3%] Black and 284 116 [45.5%] White patients) to 855 257 in 2019 (mean [SD] age, 64.5 [13.6] years; 444 422 [52.0%] female patients; 107 054 [12.5%] Black and 331 932 [38.8%] White patients). Blood pressure control increased an absolute 4.6% (95% CI, 4.3%-4.8%) among Black patients and 2.1% (95% CI, 2.0%-2.2%) among White patients from before to after the QI program implementation (difference-in-difference: 2.5%; 95% CI, 2.2%-2.8%). The largest reduction in BP control disparity between Black and White female patients was for those aged 50 to 64 years (difference-in-difference: 3.8%; 95% CI, 3.2%-4.4%) and for those aged 18 to 49 years between Black and White male patients (difference-in-difference: 4.2%; 95% CI, 3.0%-5.5%). The proportion of BP control among Black male patients aged 18 to 49 years was the lowest throughout 2008-2019 compared with male and female patients in other age and racial and ethnic groups. In 2019, uncontrolled BP was more common among Black vs White patients (prevalence ratio: 1.13; 95% CI, 1.12-1.14).Conclusions and RelevanceThis QI program noted that disparities in BP control between Black and White patients were decreased but not eliminated following implementation of QI strategies aimed at reducing disparities in BP control. These findings suggest that more focused interventions may be needed to increase BP control among Black individuals.

Tissue engineering can be defined as the “reconstitution of tissue and organs, in vitro for use as model systems in basic and applied research, or for use as grafts to replace damaged or diseased body parts or body functions”. Biomaterials have been used as replacement tissues and grafts have been used to reconstruct defects in craniofacial region till Uristmade the first attempt of producing exogenous bone with the help of bone morphogenetic proteins. The success of tissue engineering over the field of all transplantation is that conceptually a three-dimensional functional tissue is designed. This field has become a boon to the Cranio Maxillofacial surgeons and has provided them with a supplement to existing treatment for reconstruction of Oral & Craniofacial region. The purpose of this article is to present an overview of the various uses of tissue engineering in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The 16th EURECA 2021 is the outcome of the hard work and dedication of researchers, research groups, academic programmes and effort of academic and non-academic staff from the School of Computer Science and Engineering, Taylor’s University, Malaysia. 16th EURECA Conference was held on 24th November 2021 with the double edge objectives to assist in equipping the undergraduate and post-graduate with necessary research skills as well as providing an outlet channel for the students to creatively and efficiently share their research outcome. Due to travel restrictions during pandemic, the conference was conducted virtually using Zoom as the video conferencing platform throughout the conference period. With the ever-increasing expectations of graduates to be ready to address a variety of new world challenges, the requirements to equip the graduates, especially those in the field of Engineering, Computing, Science and Technology, with research skills are more pressing. Thus, the aim of the 16th EURECA 2021 conference is to provide the undergraduate Computing and Engineering students an opportunity to experience a research environment. This is expected to prepare them not only for careers in research but also to provide a precursor for them to use the developed research skills in their future endeavors. In addition, the 16th EURECA 2021 also serves as a platform for postgraduate Engineering and Computing students to expand their network with other researchers as well as gaining invaluable feedback with regards to their research project from both academicians and industrial experts. List of Organizing Committee, Committee Members Secretariat, Event Management and Finance are available in this pdf.

Objective: The role of uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) in COVID-19 severity among patients with hypertension is unclear. We evaluated the association between uncontrolled BP and the risk of hospitalization and/or mortality in patients with hypertension from a large US integrated healthcare system. Methods: We identified patients with hypertension and a positive RT-PCR test result or a diagnosis of COVID-19 between March 1 – September 1, 2020 from Kaiser Permanente Southern California. BP categories was defined using the most recent outpatient BP measurement during 12 months prior to COVID-19 infection. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause hospitalization or mortality within 30 days from COVID-19 infection. Results: Among 12,548 patients with hypertension and COVID-19 (mean age = 60 years, 47% male), 63% had uncontrolled BP (≥130/80 mm Hg) prior to COVID-19. Twenty-one percent were hospitalized or died within 30 days of COVID-19 infection. Uncontrolled BP was not associated with higher hospitalization or mortality (adjusted rate ratios for BP ≥ 160/100 mm Hg vs

Purpose To review two cases of acute retinal necrosis in adults due to varicella zoster virus despite prior shingles vaccination. Methods Retrospective chart review. Patients A 62-year-old man and a 64-year-old man with unilateral acute retinal necrosis who had shingles vaccinations 16 and 7 months before their ocular symptoms. Results Polymerase chain reaction confirmation of varicella zoster virus in the anterior chambers of both patients. Both patients had good responses to oral antiviral therapy and topical and/or oral steroids. Discussion These two cases demonstrate that singles vaccination is not an absolute protection against varicella zoster virus-related acute retinal necrosis. However, such vaccination may reduce the severity of the acute retinal necrosis.

AIMS Educating women regarding breast cancer and increasing breast self-examination uptake continues to remain a major challenge despite the intensive campaigns. An innovative, cost-effective and easily customised intervention is needed especially in under-resourced and hard to reach communities. This paper is a report examining the effects of mobile text messaging on women's knowledge of breast cancer and BSE, BSE self-efficacy and frequency of BSE. METHODS A randomised controlled trial design was used. The study sample consisted of 128 women of reproductive age (WRA) (64 in the experimental group and 64 in the control group) from two communities in the Philippines during the months of August to October 2018. Three to five short messages were sent to the participants in the experimental group daily for one month while the control group did not receive the messages. RESULTS Women who received mobile text messages had higher knowledge of breast cancer (F = 21.756, p = 0.001) and breast self-examination (F = 6.776, p = 0.010) than the control group. However, no significant improvements were seen in the BSE self-efficacy (F = 1.446, p = 0.232) and frequency of BSE (F = 3.374, p = 0.69). CONCLUSION Mobile text messaging significantly improved the knowledge on breast cancer and breast self-examination among women; however, it did not affect their breast self-examination self-efficacy and frequency. Mobile text messaging can be a viable tool that can be used by healthcare workers in order to educate women regarding breast cancer and breast self-examination.

Aims: The aim of this paper was to identify the location and to grade the severity of most significant inflammation within positive temporal artery biopsies along with other key clinical and histologic characteristics. Methods: Charts and pathology slides for 70 patients diagnosed with temporal arteritis at the University of Wisconsin (UW) Hospital and Clinics from 1989 to 2015 were reviewed. A subset of 48 specimens was immunostained for CD68 and graded on a scale from 0 to +++; the location of staining was recorded. Results: The most severe granulomatous inflammation was in the media and adventitia in 13% (9/70) of the biopsies; the remaining had uniform full thickness inflammation. Of the slides that were stained with CD68, 94% (45/48) were positive. In 42% (19/45), the stained cells were found mainly in the muscularis and adventitia. Seven percent (3/45) of the slides had staining solely around the internal elastic lamina, and 2% (1/45) had staining limited to the intima. Conclusions: With a few exceptions, granulomatous inflammation in positive temporal artery biopsies is most evident at the media and adventitia or is uniform throughout the layers of the artery. Our study lends support to the theory that the muscularis and adventitia may play an inciting role in the pathogenesis of temporal arteritis.