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Topic: To define the effect of symptom duration on outcomes in people undergoing surgery for idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (iFTMHs) by means of an individual participant data (IPD) study of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The outcomes assessed were primary iFTMH closure and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)., Clinical Relevance: Idiopathic full-thickness macular holes are visually disabling with a prevalence of up to 0.5%. Untreated BCVA is typically reduced to 20/200. Surgery can close holes and improve vision. Symptom duration is thought to affect outcomes with surgery, but the effect is unclear., Methods: A systematic review identified eligible RCTs that included adults with iFTMH undergoing vitrectomy with gas tamponade in which symptom duration, primary iFTMH closure, and postoperative BCVA were recorded. Bibliographic databases were searched for articles published between 2000 and 2020. Individual participant data were requested from eligible studies., Results: Twenty eligible RCTs were identified. Data were requested from all studies and obtained from 12, representing 940 eyes in total. Median symptom duration was 6 months (interquartile range, 3-10). Primary closure was achieved in 81.5% of eyes. There was a linear relationship between predicted probability of closure and symptom duration. Multilevel logistic regression showed each additional month of duration was associated with 0.965 times lower odds of closure (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.935-0.996, P = 0.026). Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, ILM flap use, better preoperative BCVA, face-down positioning, and smaller iFTMH size were associated with increased odds of primary closure. Median postoperative BCVA in eyes achieving primary closure was 0.48 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (20/60). Multilevel logistic regression showed for eyes achieving primary iFTMH closure, each additional month of symptom duration was associated with worsening BCVA by 0.008 logMAR units (95% CI, 0.005-0.011, P < 0.001) (i.e., ∼1 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter loss per 2 months). ILM flaps, intraocular tamponade using long-acting gas, better preoperative BCVA, smaller iFTMH size, and phakic status were also associated with improved postoperative BCVA., Conclusions: Symptom duration was independently associated with both anatomic and visual outcomes in persons undergoing surgery for iFTMH. Time to surgery should be minimized and care pathways designed to enable this., (Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Albinism defines a group of genetic diseases which result from disordered melanin biosynthesis. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) results from poorly controlled type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and can lead to blindness due to progressive neovascularisation. However, the treatment of PDR in patients with ocular/oculocutaneous albinism may be more challenging. In this study, we compared a group of patients with albinism and PDR, to a group with albinism and diabetes mellitus but no PDR, to examine the long-term implications., Methods: Retrospective observational study included all patients with ocular albinism (OA) or oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and DM who presented at a single specialist centre. Participants were allocated into either group 1 (eyes with PDR) or group 2 (all eyes without PDR). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V26.0. Between-group differences were investigated., Results: Outcome data was available for 5 eyes from 3 participants in group 1 and 26 eyes from 13 participants in group 2. Despite interventions, a large and significant difference in vision at follow-up was observed between group 1 and group 2 (mean change in visual acuity: 1.11 (± 1.00) versus - 0.15 (± 0.46), respectively; p =  < 0.0001)., Conclusion: PDR is associated with poor long-term prognosis despite interventions for patients with albinism. Those without PDR appear to maintain stable vision. Alternative treatments for PDR and its complications may be required in this population. Measures to prevent the development of diabetic eye disease and progression towards PDR should be employed at an early stage., (© 2021. Crown.)

Topic: A variety of different tamponade agents are used with vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for the treatment of idiopathic macular holes. These agents include air, gas (sulfur hexafluoride [SF 6 ], hexafluoroethane [C 2 F 6 ], and perfluoropropane [C 3 F 8 ]), and silicone oil. The optimal tamponade agent is uncertain, and we aimed to review the effect of tamponade choice on hole closure and visual outcomes., Clinical Relevance: Although most surgeons initially chose to use long-acting gas (C 3 F 8 ), there has been a gradual change in practice to the increasing use of the medium- (C 2 F 6 ) and short-acting gases (SF 6 ) or even air. However, there is no consensus regarding their relative efficacies., Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective and retrospective comparative cohort studies comparing different tamponade agents in patients undergoing vitrectomy and ILM peeling for primary idiopathic macular holes. For RCTs, the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for RCTs, whereas for nonrandomized studies, the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool was used., Results: Thirteen publications, including 2 RCTs, were identified. Overall, there was no significant difference in the anatomic closure rates between studies using SF 6 compared with either C 3 F 8 or C 2 F 6 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.51-1.08). A subgroup analysis showed a significantly higher closure rate using SF 6 (OR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.30-0.79) in patients without postoperative posturing but not in those who were advised to posture facedown. The visual outcomes and adverse events were not significantly different. The comparisons of anatomic closure rates of patients treated with gas tamponade vs. silicone oil and with air vs. SF 6 showed no significant differences. The included studies had a number of methodological limitations and heterogeneities, making conclusions imprecise, with low or very low certainty by the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach., Conclusion: The current evidence base for tamponade selection with vitrectomy and ILM peeling for full-thickness macular hole has several major limitations. Further appropriately designed studies are needed to guide tamponade selection., (Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: When patients are unsuitable for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap has been used as an alternative option. However, the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap is also gaining popularity as an alternative to the DIEP flap for several reasons. This retrospective cohort study compares baseline characteristics, peri- and post-operative outcomes following IGAP flap and PAP flap breast reconstructions after mastectomy for cancer., Methods: In a single center in the UK, from September 2008 through December 2016, 43 women underwent IGAP Flap(s) breast reconstruction and 51 received PAP flap(s) breast reconstructions. Statistical analysis was performed to compare baseline, peri-operative and post-operative variables between the two reconstruction methods., Results: Perioperative complications requiring reoperation were experienced in women undergoing IGAP flap breast reconstructions only (21% versus 0%, p = 0.001), principally due to the risk of total flap failure (12% versus 0%, p = 0.01). Women undergoing IGAP flap breast reconstructions were at significantly higher odds of revision surgery (OR 17 [95% CI: 5.5-53], p < 0.001), which was unchanged after adjusting for bilateral reconstructions (adjusted OR 18 [95% CI: 5.3-58], p < 0.001)., Conclusions: PAP flaps appear to be associated with significantly fewer complications and revision surgeries than IGAP flaps for breast reconstruction in women undergoing mastectomy for cancer and who are unsuitable for a DIEP flap breast reconstruction., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Globally, 43 million people are living with HIV, 90% in developing countries. Increasing life expectancy with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) results in chronic complications, including HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and eye diseases. HAND screening is currently challenging. Our aim was to evaluate clinical utility of retinopathy as a screening measure of HAND in older cART-treated individuals in Tanzania and feasibility of smartphone-based retinal screening in this low-resource setting. A cross-sectional systematic sample aged ≥ 50-years attending routine HIV follow-up in Tanzania were comprehensively assessed for HAND by American Academy of Neurology criteria and received ophthalmic assessment including smartphone-based retinal imaging. HAND and ophthalmic assessments were independent and blinded. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by AUROC curves. Of 129 individuals assessed, 69.8% were visually impaired. Thirteen had retinopathy. HAND prevalence was 66.7%. Retinopathy was significantly associated with HAND but HIV-disease factors (CD4, viral load) were not. Diagnostic accuracy of retinopathy for HAND was poor (AUROC 0.545-0.617) but specificity and positive predictive value were high. We conclude that ocular pathology and HAND appear highly prevalent in this low-resource setting. Although retinal screening cannot be used alone identify HAND, prioritization of individuals with abnormal retinal screening is a potential strategy in low-resource settings., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

In this article, we present a new benchmark for the segmentation of the retinal external limiting membrane (ELM) using an image dataset of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in a patient population with idiopathic full-thickness macular holes. Specifically, the dataset used contains OCT images from one eye of 107 patients with an idiopathic full-thickness macular hole. In total, the dataset contains 5243 individual 2-dimensional (2-D) OCT image slices, with each patient contributing 49 individual spectral-domain OCT tagged image slices. We display precise image-wise binary annotations to segment the ELM line. The OCT images present high variations in image contrast, motion, brightness, and speckle noise which can affect the robustness of applied algorithms, so we performed an extensive OCT imaging and annotation data quality analysis. Imaging data quality control included noise, blurriness and contrast scores, motion estimation, darkness and average pixel scores, and anomaly detection. Annotation quality was measured using gradient mapping of ELM line annotation confidence, and idiopathic full-thickness macular hole detection. Finally, we compared qualitative and quantitative results with seven state-of-the-art machine learning-based segmentation methods to identify the ELM line with an automated system., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lamellar macular holes (LMHs) are small, partial-thickness defects of the macula defined by characteristic features on optical coherence tomography (OCT), including a newly recognised type of epiretinal membrane termed 'epiretinal proliferation'. There may be a rationale to recommend surgery for individuals with LMHs, particularly those with functional or anatomical deterioration, or poor baseline vision causing significant disability, to stabilise the LMH and prevent further visual deterioration; however, there is currently no evidence-based consensus., Objectives: To assess the effect of surgical interventions on post-operative visual and anatomical outcomes in people with a confirmed LMH., Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, Scopus SciVerse, ISRCTN registry, US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We also searched reference lists of included trials to identify other eligible trials which our search strategy may have missed. The date of the search was 20 July 2021., Selection Criteria: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving participants with a confirmed LMH diagnosis which reported one or more surgical intervention(s), alone or in combination, in at least one arm of the RCT., Data Collection and Analysis: We used standard methods as expected by Cochrane. Two study authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias for included trials. Trial authors were contacted for further information and clarification., Main Results: A single RCT was eligible for inclusion. Thirty-six participants were randomised in a 2:1 ratio; 24 were allocated to undergo surgery (pars plana vitrectomy, peeling of the epiretial proliferation followed by fovea-sparing removal of the internal limiting membrane) and 12 (10 following two participant dropouts) to observation. Overall, the certainty of the evidence was low for all outcomes due to selection and detection bias, and the low number of participants enrolled in the study which may affect the accuracy of results and reliability of conclusions. At six-month follow-up, change in vision was better in the surgery group (-0.27 logMAR improvement) than observation (0.02 worsening) (mean difference (MD): -0.29 logMAR, 95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.33 to -0.25). Central retinal thickness increased in the surgery group over 6 months 126 μm increase) compared with observation group (decrease by 11μm) (MD: 137 μm, 95% CI: 125.87 μm to 148.13 μm). Finally, at six-month follow-up, retinal sensitivity was better in the surgery group (3.03 dB increase) compared with the observation group (0.06 dB decrease) (MD: 3.09 dB, 95% CI: 2.07 to 4.11 dB). Vision-related quality of life and metamorphopsia were not reported. No adverse outcomes or complications were reported in the study, however, authors could not provide information on whether any individuals developed deterioration in vision of 0.2 logMAR or worse., Authors' Conclusions: The included single trial demonstrated improvements in visual and anatomical outcome measures for participants with a LMH who underwent surgery compared with observation only. Therefore, we can conclude that participants who undergo surgery may achieve superior post-operative best corrected visual acuity and anatomical outcomes compared with observation only. However, the results of a single and small RCT provides limited evidence to support or refute surgery as an effective management option for LMHs. Future RCTs with a larger number of participants and with fewer methodological limitations and biases are necessary to inform future clinical practice., (Copyright © 2021 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Background: Face transplantation is a surgical innovation to manage people with severely interrupted facial function and form. How the public perceive face transplantation and its potential implications for the recipient, donor, and society is unclear. The aim of this study was to understand the public perception of face transplantation, including when it is appropriate, what information is required to feel adequately informed, and which factors influence a person's willingness to donate their face., Methods: This was a nationwide survey of participants representative of the GB public. A quantitative analysis was performed. Free-text qualitative responses were coded with thematic content analysis and a narrative analysis was constructed., Results: The survey included 2122 participants. Face transplantation was considered worth the potential risks if it improved an individual's quality of life, gave them a 'normal life', and/or increased their confidence and social interaction. Respondents were worried about the impact face transplantation might have on donor families, especially recipient families adapting to the identity of the donor. Respondents most concerned about the concept of face transplantation were aged at least 55 years (χ2(4) = 38.9, P < 0.001), women (χ2(1) = 19.8, P < 0.001) , and Indian/Asian (χ2(4) = 11.9, P = 0.016)., Conclusion: The public perceive emotional and psychological outcomes as equally as important as, or more important than, surgical outcomes when determining the appropriateness of face transplantation. Future research should focus on measuring and describing emotional and psychological outcomes after face transplantation., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.)

Background: Several different flaps can reconstruct intraoral defects or lower limb deficits after free fibula osteo-cutaneous flap harvesting for jaw reconstructions. However, commonly used options may not be available for various reasons and can be associated with significant morbidity. We hypothesized that flaps supplied by the superficial peroneal nerve accessory artery (SPNAA) could be a viable alternative reconstructive option., Methods: We describe the SPNAA's anatomy using 20 human cadaveric leg dissections and report eight cases involving SPNAA-based perforator flap reconstructions (six propeller flaps and two free flaps) in a retrospective case series. Patient-specific baseline variables and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes are described., Results: Cadaveric dissection suggests that the location of the SPNAA is reliable but its origin varies, with 40% (N = 8) of SPNAAs being of type I origin, 20% type II (N = 4), and 40% (N = 8) type III in our series. All reconstructions were successful. No intraoperative complications occurred during propeller or free-flap reconstructions. No flap failures occurred. One propeller reconstruction showed distal superficial skin necrosis and one donor site wound dehisced; both were successfully managed conservatively. No other short-term or long-term complications occurred., Conclusions: Flaps based on SPNAA perforators appear effective, reliable, and safe reconstructive methods for covering fibula osteocutaneous donor site defects and for intraoral reconstructions. Controlled trials are required to compare its effectiveness and safety with other reconstructive methods., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Determining which factors influence idiopathic macular hole (MH) size is important because it is a major prognostic indicator of treatment success. Foveal pit morphologic features are highly symmetrical within individuals and may influence idiopathic MH size. Using a series of patients with unilateral idiopathic MHs, we examined the foveal floor size of the fellow eye to evaluate its relationship with idiopathic MH size and postoperative outcomes., Design: Retrospective observational study., Participants: Two hundred forty-one participants with a unilateral idiopathic MH treated with surgery and a fellow eye with no ocular pathologic features., Methods: Both eyes underwent spectral-domain (SD) OCT imaging at the time of surgery. Minimum linear diameter (MLD) and base diameter (BD) defined idiopathic MH size. Foveal floor width (FFW) and minimal foveal thickness defined foveal pit morphologic features of the fellow eye., Main Outcome Measures: Baseline characteristics, SD OCT measurements, and preoperative variables were compared to determine their relationship with idiopathic MH size and postoperative visual acuity (VA) in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units., Results: Foveal floor width was correlated with MLD (r = 0.36; P ≤ 0.001) and BD (r = 0.30; P ≤ 0.001), but not postoperative VA. Minimum linear diameter correlated with preoperative VA (r = 0.49; P ≤ 0.0001) and postoperative VA (r = 0.54; P ≤ 0.0001). A 2-stage regression model was developed to predict postoperative VA (r 2  = 0.28): preoperative VA (β = 0.36; P = 0.002) explained 13% of variability and MLD (β = 0.29; P = 0.002), and idiopathic MH duration (β = 0.23; P = 0.004) explained a further 16%., Conclusions: Foveal floor width of the fellow eye in patients with a unilateral idiopathic MH was correlated significantly with idiopathic MH size and may explain some of the variability in idiopathic MH size observed between individuals. However, FFW could not predict postoperative vision., (Crown Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The preferred diagnostic pathway for patients presenting with non-massive haemoptysis and normal or benign computer tomography (CT) radiological findings is unclear. The common approach is to investigate with both CT and bronchoscopy, irrespective of patient-specific factors. The value of performing fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in patients with non-massive haemoptysis and clear or benign CT findings remains undetermined. We aimed to investigate its value using a large retrospective case series., Material and Methods: A retrospective review of 4376 FOBs performed in Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust from January 2012 to December 2019 for patients presenting with haemoptysis and clear or benign CT findings. Statistical analysis was performed to describe patient-specific variables, clinical characteristics, pathological findings and subsequent management decisions., Results: A total of 4376 FOBs were performed during the study period, 275 were indicated to investigate non-massive haemoptysis. Two hundred and fifty-nine patients underwent a CT scan (158 before and 101 after FOB); 16 never had a CT because the treating physician did not feel it was necessary. About 258 CT scans showed normal anatomy. All patients underwent FOB; 192 showed normal findings. Bronchoscopic findings did not alter clinical management in 274 patients. One patient was referred to the ear, nose and throat department following the identification of polypoid vocal cord lesion which, following thorough investigation, was confirmed as benign., Conclusion: FOB provides minimal value for identifying lung malignancies in patients with non-massive haemoptysis and a clear or benign CT scan irrespective of patient-specific risk factors. Cost savings would be associated if physicians altered practice accordingly., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: To identify the predictors of poor outcome and need for surgical management in paediatric patients with periorbital cellulitis. To assess the adherence to local guidelines in the management of periorbital cellulitis., Methods: Retrospective descriptive analysis of clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of 175 paediatric periorbital cellulitis presentations at a UK teaching hospital over a 10-year period. Regression investigated correlations for continuous and categorical variables., Results: A total of 175 paediatric presentations were diagnosed as periorbital infections over the 10-year period. Of these, 139 had pre-septal cellulitis, 27 had a subperiosteal abscess, 6 had an orbital cellulitis, 1 had an orbital abscess, 1 a cavernous sinus thrombosis and 1 an extradural abscess. Median age at presentation was 5 years (range: 1 month-17 years). In total, 169 (97%) cases received systemic antimicrobial treatment. Cross-sectional imaging occurred in 30% of cases and 18% required surgical intervention. Increasing C-reactive protein was associated with greater risk of post-septal disease and requiring surgery. The best predictors of post-septal disease in the multivariate analysis (R 2 = 0.49, P = ≤0.001) were ophthalmoplegia (P = 0.009), proptosis (P = 0.016) and pain on eye movement (P = 0.046). Proptosis was the single most significant predictor of surgical management (R 2 = 0.53, P = <0.001)., Conclusion: Multidisciplinary involvement and early medical management can improve outcomes for most patients. Those who deteriorate despite medical management should be considered for prompt imaging and surgical management to avoid serious life-threatening or sight-threatening complications., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).)

Objectives: The National Mesothelioma Audit 2020 showed Northumbria to have low rates of histopathological confirmation, treatment and one-year survival rates for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). We hypothesized that an internal analysis over a 10-year period provides valuable insights into presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes., Methods: A single-centre retrospective case series of all confirmed MPM patients between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019 was performed. Demographics, clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics and outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V26.0., Results: A total of 247 patients had MPM. About 86% were male, mean age 75.7 years. Dyspnoea (77.4%) and chest pain (38.5%) were commonest symptoms. 64.9 and 71.4% had pleural thickening and effusion, respectively. About 86.8% had at least one attempt to obtain a tissue biopsy, but histopathological confirmation in only 108 (43.7%). About 66.3% with PS 0 and 1 (62.7% of total cohort) had at least one anti-cancer therapy. Death within 12 months was associated with disease progression within 6 months (p≤0.001). Chemotherapy (p≤0.001) and epithelioid histological subtype (p=0.01) were protective., Conclusions: This study confirms known epidemiology of MPM, demonstrates variability in practices and highlights how some NMA recommendations are not met. This provides the incentive for a regional mesothelioma multi-disciplinary meeting., Competing Interests: Competing interests: Authors state no conflict of interest., (© 2020 Declan C. Murphy et al., published by De Gruyter, Berlin/Boston.)

Purpose: Muller cells seem to be important in maintaining foveal morphology through connections between their foot processes and the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Internal limiting membrane peeling causes Muller cell trauma. We hypothesized that leaving a rim of unpeeled ILM around idiopathic macular holes undergoing vitrectomy surgery would improve postoperative foveal morphology and vision., Methods: Prospective pilot study of fovea-sparing ILM peeling in a consecutive cohort of patients with macular holes over a 12-month period. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters best-corrected visual acuity were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively, and foveal morphology and metamorphopsia postoperatively. The foveal sparing group was compared with a second consecutive cohort who received standard ILM peeling (control group)., Results: Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients were included in each group. Groups showed no significant preoperative differences. 34/34 holes were successfully closed with surgery in the foveal sparing group and 32/34 in the control group. The foveal sparing group showed better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (67.7 vs. 63.8, P = 0.003) and best-corrected visual acuity improvement (25.1 vs. 20.2, P = 0.03). The foveal sparing group demonstrated thicker minimum foveal thickness (211 vs. 173 μm, P = 0.002) and less steep foveal depression (158 vs. 149, P = 0.002)., Conclusion: Preserving nonpeeled ILM around macular holes resulted in a high closure rate, improved foveal morphology, and better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity. An appropriately powered randomized controlled study is warranted.

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None.

Droplet-based microfluidics holds enormous potential for transforming high-throughput drug screening. Miniaturization through droplets in combination with automation contributes to reduce reagent use and analysis time as well as minimizing or eliminating labor-intensive steps leading to associated reductions in cost. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential of automated and cost-effective microfluidic droplet-generating technology in the context of an enzymatic activity assay for screening collagenase inhibitors. Experimental results show reproducible and accurate creation and mixing of droplet combinations resulting in biochemical data comparable to data produced by an industry standard instrument. This microfluidic platform that can generate and combine multiple droplets represents a promising tool for high-throughput drug screening.

Purpose: Interpreting a twelve‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a basic, albeit essential skill for most healthcare professionals to attain. Despite its importance, evidence suggests that the competency of healthcare professionals to interpret ECGs can be improved. We evaluated the effectiveness of a national interactive workshop designed to improve ECG interpretation in the UK medical student cohort., Methods: UK medical students who attended a national workshop were asked to complete a pre- and post- workshop test which comprised of 20 ECGs which showed a variety of pathologies relating to conduction disturbances, tachycardia and acute coronary syndromes. The workshop was interactive and consisted of 6 h of ECG tutorials, divided into hourly sessions which covered all key topics such as 'basic electrophysiology' and 'electro-conduction problems'. Pre- and post-workshop test scores were compared by difference in means using the paired two-tailed t-test., Results: A total of 145 participants completed the pre-test and of those 44 completed both the pre and post-test. The mean pre-test and post-test scores were 9.7/20 questions (48.9%) and 11.2/20 questions (56.2%) respectively, with a mean improvement of 1.5/20 (7.3%) from pre- to post-test (+7.3%, 95% CI: +1.8 to +12.8%, p = 0.01)., Conclusion: A national ECG workshop which emphasizes activity-based learning may be effective in improving the competency of medical students to interpret ECGs. Further exploration with multi-center controlled studies involving a diverse cohort of students and analyses to determine their cost-effectiveness is warranted., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: ENT disease prevalence, risk factors and treatment vary between developed and developing countries. Health provision, particularly disease prevention strategies and surgery, in developing countries is poor, manifesting as a high frequency of common and preventable diseases. Healthcare systems in developing countries are unsustainable, and the technological advances that provide ENT surgery with novel diagnostic and treatment opportunities are inaccessible., Conclusion: A multifaceted approach is essential to improve the care of patients with ENT diseases in developing countries. Public health efforts must focus on educating the local community, reducing high-risk behaviours and decreasing the frequency of preventable diseases. Governments must be pressured to prioritise the funding of long-term, sustainable efforts with effective disease prevention strategies. Providing local healthcare professionals with high-quality ENT training so that self-sustaining and low-cost care can be delivered, mainly in a primary care setting, is key.

Purpose: To investigate the association between the vertical elevation of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and visual outcome in patients undergoing surgery for idiopathic full-thickness macular hole., Methods: Retrospective observational study of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing vitrectomy to treat macular hole. The greatest vertical height of the central ELM above the retinal pigment epithelium (ELM height) was measured on spectral domain optical coherence tomography preoperatively. The relationship of ELM height to other preoperative and postoperative variables, including macular hole width and height, and visual acuity was analyzed., Results: Data from 91 eyes of 91 patients who had undergone successful hole closure were included. The mean ELM height was 220 μm (range 100-394). There were significant correlations between the ELM height and the diameter of the hole, hole height, and worsening preoperative visual acuity. For holes less than 400 μm in width, better postoperative visual acuity was significantly predicted by a lower ELM height., Conclusion: The ELM height varies widely in idiopathic macular hole. It is higher in eyes where the hole is wider and also when the hole itself is higher. For holes of less than 400 μm in width, a lower ELM height is a strong independent predictor of a good postoperative outcome.

Purpose: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a therapeutic approach based on the local application of electrical pulses that permeabilize cell membranes to enhance the uptake of low-permeant chemotherapeutic agents, thus increasing their cytotoxic effects., Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with SCC of the lower lip were treated according to the European Standard Operating Procedures of Electrochemotherapy. Bleomycin (15,000 IU/m 2 body surface area) was administered intravenously over a 1-min period. Eight electrical pulses (amplitude, 1000 V/cm; duration, 100 μs) were generated and delivered at a repetition frequency of 5 kHz. Changes in tumor volume were used to assess treatment response., Results: Objective response (OR), complete response (CR), and partial response (PR) rates of 100%, 71.4%, and 28.6% respectively were demonstrated following a single session of ECT. ECT was well tolerated, and no adverse events occurred., Conclusions: Intravenous bleomycin-based ECT is a safe and effective therapy for SCC of the lower lip. ECT improves the quality-of-life of patients by preserving the function and the aesthetic appearance of the affected area. ECT provides a therapeutic option for elderly and frail patients who, due to their state of health, are not suitable for, or refuse surgical interventions., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Purpose: To identify the incidence, presenting features, treatment, and clinical course of optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM) in the United Kingdom (UK)., Design: A 2-year nationwide prospective population-based study., Subjects: All new incident cases of ODPM presenting to UK ophthalmologists using the British Ophthalmic Surveillance Unit monthly reporting system., Methods: All reporting ophthalmologists were sent an initial questionnaire requesting data on previous medical and ophthalmic history, presentation details, investigation findings, and management. A further questionnaire was sent at 12 months post diagnosis to ascertain further outcome data., Main Outcome Measures: Visual acuity at initial presentation, at 1 year, and after any intervention. Foveal involvement and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings, including retinal layers affected, and the location and size of the optic disc pit. Management, including observation, vitrectomy, and associated procedures., Results: There were 74 confirmed new cases, giving an annual incidence of approximately 1 per 2 million. Complete data were available on 70 patients (70 eyes) at baseline and 68 after 1 year. There were 35 (50%) female patients with a mean age of 35 years (range, 3-82 years). Visual acuity at baseline ranged from 6/5 to hand movements. In 43 patients (61%) subretinal fluid (SRF) was present, whereas 27 (39%) had intraretinal fluid only. The presence of SRF was associated with worse vision and foveal involvement. Of the 53 eyes initially observed with 1-year follow-up, 10 (19%) deteriorated and 9 (16%) improved on OCT; eyes with SRF were more likely to worsen and those without SRF were more likely to improve. Fifteen of the 70 patients (21%) at baseline had primary surgery and a further 10 had deferred surgery within 1 year of presentation; 19 of these 25 eyes (76%) showed anatomic success with a dry fovea at 1 year of follow-up, and 15 (60%) had a greater than 0.1 logMAR improvement in visual acuity., Conclusion: The incidence and presenting features of ODPM were defined. Patients with SRF had worse vision and were more likely to deteriorate than patients with intraretinal fluid only. Surgery was anatomically successful in 75% of cases. Patients without SRF tended to remain stable with observation., (Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Oncocytomas are rare glandular tumours, typically found in salivary glands and kidneys. A 76-year-old man presented to an ophthalmology department after 3 months of persistent right-sided epiphora. Lacrimal syringing and a fluorescein dye test demonstrated an obstruction at the level of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). Owing to the patient's history of dacryocystitis, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy was organised. When in theatre however, nasendoscopy identified a polypoid mass at the lateral aspect of the inferior turbinate, obstructing the right NLD opening. Histopathology confirmed an oncocytoma. There was no local destruction or distant metastases. The mass was resected, a Monoka stent inserted and symptomatic relief achieved. In this case, the cause of epiphora was initially missed because no direct nasal examination was performed. It is vital that patients with unilateral epiphora undergo an endoscopic nasal examination before arranging treatment. This could prevent delayed diagnoses, ensure prompt and appropriate management, and reduce morbidity and mortality., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

As nitrogen entering coastal waters continues to be an issue, much attention has been generated to identify potential options that may help alleviate this stressor to estuaries, including the propagation of bivalves to remove excess nitrogen. Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and quahogs (Mercenaria mercenaria) from numerous Cape Cod, MA, (USA) sources were analyzed for nitrogen content stored in tissues that would represent a net removal of nitrogen from a water body if harvested. Results showed local oysters average 0.69% nitrogen by total dry weight (mean 0.28gN/animal) and quahogs average 0.67% nitrogen by total dry weight (mean 0.22gN/animal); however, these values did vary by season and to a lesser extent by location or grow-out method. The differences in nitrogen content were largely related to the mass of shell or soft tissue. Nitrogen isotope data indicate shellfish from certain water bodies in the region are incorporating significant amounts of nitrogen from anthropogenic sources., (Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)