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Nisa Silva,1,&ast; André Ferreira,1,2,&ast; Natália Ferreira,1 Bernardete Pessoa,1,3 Angelina Meireles1,3 1Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, 4099-001, Portugal; 2Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal; 3Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Nisa SilvaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto, 4099-001, PortugalTel +351 22 207 7500Email nisapinhosilva@gmail.comBackground: The main options for intraocular lens (IOL) placement without capsular bag support and/or zonular weakness are iris-fixated IOL and scleral-fixated IOL (SFIOL).Purpose: To describe the surgical technique and the outcomes of intrascleral knotless zigzag suture fixation of Akreos AO60 foldable IOL.Methods: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive cases.Results: Ninety-nine eyes of 92 patients were retrospectively studied. The mean age was 72.1± 15.2 years (range 18– 94), and the median follow-up duration was 19.5 months (range 3– 81). The best-corrected visual acuity improved from a mean±SD of 1.34± 0.70 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units at baseline to 0.49± 0.56 logMAR at the end of follow-up (p< 0.001). The mean±SD final SE was − 1.24± 1.82 diopters. The mean±SD prediction error was − 0.51± 1.16 diopters. The overall perioperative complications rate was 44.4% (n=44). The rate of complications requiring invasive treatment was 19.2% (n=19). The most common perioperative complications were ocular hypertension (OHT, 20.2%, n=20), and cystoid macular edema (CME, 15.2%, n=15). The rate of IOL dislocation was 7% (n=7).Conclusion: This knotless technique avoids the risks of haptics fixation but is more prone to IOL dislocation in cases of suture deterioration. Past ophthalmic history needs to be carefully considered in candidates who underwent SFIOL implantation.Keywords: intraocular lens, scleral fixation, knotless, cataract, lens luxation

Bernardete Pessoa,1,&ast;,2 João Heitor Marques,1,&ast; João Leite,1 Nisa Silva,1 Diana José,1 Constança Coelho,3 João Figueira,4– 6 Angelina Meireles,1,2 João Nuno Melo-Beirão1,2 1Departamento de Oftalmologia, Hospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 2Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 3Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; 4Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; 5Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; 6Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, Portugal&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Bernardete Pessoa Email bbtpessoa@gmail.comAim: Diabetic retinopathy staging system and progression predictors are soon to be considered insufficient for ophthalmologic practice. Given the growing evidence of the role of choroidal dysfunction, our purpose was to assess choroidal vascular changes with intravitreal ranibizumab (RBZ) treatment in diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study. The study included DME eyes, grouped in vitrectomized (group 1) and non-vitrectomized (group 2) eyes, submitted to RBZ in a pro re nata regimen, with 24 weeks of follow-up. Main outcome measures such as central subfield foveal thickness (CFT), choroidal thickness (CT), and choroidal vascular index (CVI) were obtained from structural OCT, and choriocapillaris flow density (CCD) was obtained from OCT angiography and analyzed before and after treatment.Results: Thirty-one patients were included, 10 eyes in group 1 and 24 eyes in group 2. The mean number of injections was 5.18 (range 2– 6). Globally, there was an improvement in BCVA (+4.3 ETDRS letters, p=0.004) and CFT (− 84.6 μm, p< 0.001) with no changes in CT, CVI, or CCD (p> 0.05). When considering only group 2, there was a significant decrease in CT (p=0.033) and a significant increase in CCD (p=0.010) 6 months after treatment, with no differences in CVI (p=0.111). Baseline CVI was correlated with visual acuity at week 24 both globally (r=0.406, p=0.029) and in group 2 (r=0.604, p=0.004).Conclusion: In non-vitrectomized eyes, choriocapillaris blood flow improves with RBZ. Baseline CVI may correlate with visual function after RBZ. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04387604.Keywords: diabetic macular edema, ranibizumab, vitrectomy, choroidal vascular index, choriocapillaris flow

João Heitor Marques,1 Ana Carolina Abreu,1 Nisa Silva,1 Angelina Meireles,1,2 Bernardete Pessoa,1,2 João Melo Beirão1,2 1Serviço de Oftalmologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 2Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, PortugalCorrespondence: João Heitor MarquesCentro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Serviço de Oftalmologia, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto, 4099-001, PortugalTel +351913680726Email joaoheitormarques@gmail.comBackground: Cystoid macular edema (CME) due to Irvine–Gass syndrome (IGS) is one of the common causes of painless visual impairment post-cataract extraction. The treatment of recurrent cases remains unstandardized.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (0.2 μg/day; ILUVIEN®) in the off-label treatment of recurrent CME due to IGS.Methods: Retrospective 36-month case series in the Ophthalmology Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Portugal. Consecutive eyes of patients with recurrent cystoid macular edema due to Irvine–Gass syndrome who underwent a single intravitreal injection of fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR), central macular thickness (μm) and safety (intraocular pressure, mmHg) at baseline and at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post-administration of the fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant were recorded.Results: Five eyes from three patients were included. The duration of cystoid macular edema was 67.8± 25.9 months and all five eyes received more than 2 intravitreal injections of a corticosteroid (triamcinolone and/or dexamethasone implant) prior to fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implantation. At baseline (median – interquartile range), best-corrected visual acuity was 0.3– 0.3; central macular thickness was 492.0– 38.0; and intraocular pressure was 16.0– 0. By Month 36, best-corrected visual acuity was 0.4 − 0.3; central macular thickness was reduced to 369.0– 324.0 and intraocular pressure was 17.0– 3.0. Four of five eyes had increased intraocular pressure and were managed with intraocular pressure-lowering eye drops.Conclusion: We report improved functional and anatomical outcomes after treatment with fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant, indicating its use as a therapeutic alternative in recurrent cases of cystoid macular edema due to Irvine–Gass syndrome. Additionally, in eyes with suboptimal response to intravitreal therapies, fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant may provide longer recurrence-free periods with reduced treatment burden.Keywords: cataract surgery, Irvine–Gass syndrome, cystoid macular edema, pseudophakic cystoid macular edema, fluocinolone acetonide

Bernardete Pessoa,1,2 Luísa Malheiro,1 Inês Carneiro,1 Sílvia Monteiro,1 João Coelho,1 Constança Coelho,3 João Figueira,4– 6 Angelina Meireles,1,2 João Nuno Melo Beirão1,2 1Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 2Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 3Genetics Laboratory, Institute of Environmental Health, Lisbon Medical School, University of Lisbon, Porto, Portugal; 4Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Porto, Portugal; 5Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra, Porto Portugal; 6Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, Coimbra, PortugalCorrespondence: Bernardete PessoaCentro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto – Hospital de Santo António, Departamento de Oftalmologia, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, Edifício Neoclássico, Porto 4099-001, PortugalTel +351 938469884Email bbtpessoa@gmail.comAim: To evaluate the efficacy of switching from bevacizumab to ranibizumab or aflibercept in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) unresponsive to bevacizumab.Methods: Single-center retrospective comparative study of patients with DME unresponsive to intravitreal bevacizumab that was switched to ranibizumab or aflibercept. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were analysed prior to and 4 months after the switch. Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers were also analysed.Results: Fifty-six eyes from 40 patients were included in the study, 33 eyes switched to ranibizumab and 23 to aflibercept. A significant median CFT decrease was observed in both groups (p< 0.001), with no between-group differences. BCVA gain was only significant in the ranibizumab group (p< 0.001). None of the pre-baseline or baseline parameters were associated with the response to ranibizumab or aflibercept.Conclusion: In persistent DME unresponsive to bevacizumab, both anatomical and functional improvements were observed with ranibizumab whereas aflibercept only showed an anatomical improvement. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04018833.Keywords: aflibercept, bevacizumab, diabetic macular edema, ranibizumab, refractory

Bernardete Pessoa,1,2 João Melo-Beirão,1,2 Angelina Meireles,1,2 Pedro Menéres1,2 1Ophtalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 2Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, PortugalCorrespondence: Bernardete Pessoa Departamento de OftalmologiaHospital de Santo António, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, PortugalEmail bbtpessoa@gmail.comPurpose: There are limited published data regarding the use of supplemental intravitreal therapies in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) following treatment with the 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc; ILUVIEN®) intravitreal implant. The aim of this report was to analyze five challenging eyes that required supplemental therapies after treatment with the FAc implant.Methods: This is a retrospective case series conducted at the Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto in Porto, Portugal, between 2015 and 2019. It aimed to assess the patient background, treatment history and patient outcomes in challenging clinical cases in which intravitreal injections (IVI) of ranibizumab had been given pro re nata following treatment with the FAc implant (with a minimum follow-up of 33 months). Parameters measured included best-corrected visual acuity in early treatment diabetic retinopathy scale, central macular thickness and intraocular pressure.Patients: Five eyes (three patients) diagnosed with persistent or recurrent DME and suitable for treatment with the FAc implant according to its licensed indication in Europe.Results: In the first 2 patients, one bilateral, DME was refractory to IVI of short-acting corticosteroids and anti-VEGF. Following FAc therapy, there was a favorable evolution and a clear regression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) severity. Supplemental treatments were adopted, but a reduced number of treatments were needed beyond three years in these cases. The third case had bilateral DME. One eye had been vitrectomized and FAc therapy led to resolution of DME within 6 months. In the contralateral eye, the control of DME was dependent on anti-VEGF supplemental treatments until a pars plana vitrectomy was performed.Conclusion: The multifactorial nature of DME means there is a need for an individualized treatment approach to the management of DME. It also explains why some patients need a combined or a more aggressive approach to therapy in order to achieve successful outcomes for the patient.Keywords: anti-VEGF, diabetic macular edema, fluocinolone acetonide implant, ranibizumab, supplemental therapy

Alfredo Adán,1 Francisco Cabrera,2 Marta S Figueroa,3 Enrique Cervera,4 Francisco J Ascaso,5 Patricia Udaondo,6 Maximino Abraldes,7 Miguel Ángel Reyes,8 Marta Pazos,1 Bernardete Pessoa,9 Félix Armadá10 1Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; 2Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Lnfantil de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; 3Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; 4Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; 5Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa de Zaragoza, Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, Spain; 6Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; 7Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Instituto Oftalmológico Gómez-Ulla, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; 8Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; 9Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto, Hospital Geral de Santo António, Porto, Portugal; 10Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, SpainCorrespondence: Alfredo Adán Tel +34932275667Fax +34932275605Email amadan@clinic.catAbstract: Current management of diabetic macular edema (DME) predominantly involves treatment with short-acting intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) and/or corticosteroids; however, short-acting therapies (lasting between 1 and 6 months) require frequent injections to maintain efficacy, meaning a considerable treatment burden for diabetic patients with multiple comorbidities. Continuous injections needed in some cases are an economic burden for patients/healthcare system, so real-life clinical practice tends to adopt a reactive approach, ie, watch and wait for worsening symptoms, which consequently increases the risk of undertreatment and edema recurrence. On March 7th 2019, a group of experts in retinal medicine and surgery held a roundtable meeting in Madrid, Spain to discuss how to (1) optimize clinical outcomes through earlier use of fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN®) in patients with persistent or recurrent DME despite therapy; and, (2) to provide guidance to assist physicians in deciding which patients should be treated with ILUVIEN. In this regard, a 36-month follow-up consensus protocol is presented. In conclusion, patients that achieve a complete or partial anatomical, and preferably functional, response following one or two intravitreal dexamethasone implants, but with recurrence of edema after 3– 4 months, are deemed by the authors most likely to benefit from ILUVIEN, and the switch to FAc implant should not be delayed more than 12 months after the initiation of at least the first dexamethasone implant.Keywords: diabetic macular edema, DME, fluocinolone acetonide implant therapy, ILUVIEN

João Coelho1, Luísa Malheiro1, João Melo Beirão1,2, Angelina Meireles1,2, Bernardete Pessoa1,2 1Unit of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Do Porto, Porto, Portugal; 2Unit of Ophthalmology, Universidade Do Porto-Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Porto, PortugalCorrespondence: João CoelhoUnit of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto 4099-001, PortugalTel +351 91 765 6826Email joaomsmc@gmail.comPurpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term real-world effectiveness of FAc and DEX implants in vitrectomized DME eyes in a real-world setting.Methods: This was a non-interventional, retrospective, comparative study of 46 vitrectomized eyes in 33 patients with persistent or recurrent DME quantified best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) over up to 37 months.Results: Both FAc and DEX treatment led to statistically and clinically significant improvements in BCVA and CFT. FAc >10-letter improvement on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] chart over months 3–24 and a sustained ∼200 μm CFT reduction over months 1–24; DEX: >5-letter improvement on the ETDRS chart at months 1 and 3 and >100 μm CFT reduction at month 1. FAc demonstrated sustained, stable and predictable effects on BCVA and CFT over 24 months and also improved BCVA and decreased CFT in a cohort of DME eyes that was refractory to DEX over 6 months.Conclusion: This real-world study demonstrates long-term effectiveness of FAc in vitrectomized DME eyes and sustained effectiveness in DME eyes that did not respond to DEX therapy.Keywords: diabetic macular edema, fluocinolone acetonide, dexamethasone implant, intravitreal implants, real-world, vitrectomy

As part of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Physics Section, the Nuclear Science and Instrumentation Laboratory (NSIL) helps Member States (MSs) to establish, operate and maintain various nuclear instrumentation and spectrometry techniques in support of a wide range of applications such as health care, food, agriculture, environment, forensics, cultural heritage, and materials science. NSIL is contributing to capacity building, transfer of knowledge and expertise sharing, including the development of instruments and validation of analytical methodologies. This paper describes NSIL's key activities and provides an overview of the recent developments and achievements, including the commissioning and utilization of an end-station at one of the beam lines in Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste (EST, Italy), the upgrade of an ultralight radiation monitoring system onboarded on a drone, as well as the development of a full field X-ray fluorescence analytical system for forensic applications and characterization of valuable art/archaeological objects.

O treinamento em microcirurgia constitui-se de diversas etapas, uma delas é a prática em animais. Retalhos microcirúrgicos cutâneos no cão são pouco descritos na literatura médica. Objetivo: O presente trabalho propõe um modelo de retalho hipogástrico cutâneo no cão centrado nos vasos circunflexos laterais. Métodos: Foram utilizados nove cães de raças e idades desconhecidas e peso variando entre 8 e 15kg. Descrevem-se com detalhes todos os passos seguidos no procedimento. O fluxo das anastomoses foi comprovado por observação direta, teste de enchimento (empty-and-refill test) imediatamente após as microanastomoses, por doppler após uma hora do procedimento e por avaliação clínica (coloração do retalho e sangramento após furo com agulha). Resultados: Todos os retalhos mostraram-se viáveis pelos critérios acima descritos. Conclusão: Este é um instrumento valioso para os que desejam aprender microcirurgia de forma autodidata, pois o modelo é dotado de todos os requisitos necessários para o aprendizado de microcirurgia experimental.

Introduction/Background: Evaluate the real-life experience with ocriplasmin on vitreomacular traction (VMT) release and full thickness macular hole (FTMH) closure in Portugal. Methods: Multicentric, retrospective study of 83 eyes of 78 patients who were treated with intravitreal ocriplasmin for VMT with and without FTMH. Primary outcomes were VMT release and FTMH closure. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity changes and structural features on spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography. Results: VMT resolved in 47 of the 83 eyes (56.6%) and 6 of the 12 FTMH were closed (50.0%). Mean BCVA improved from 65.1 at baseline to 70.8 ETDRS letters at the end of follow-up (P < 0.0001) with mean follow-up of 138.8 days. Improvement in BCVA was significantly better in eyes with VMT release (P = 0.021). Approximately 73 % of patients had normal ellipsoid zone integrity at the end of follow-up, 87 % had no neurosensorial detachment and 40 % had no intra or subretinal fluid. Conclusions: VMT release and FTMH closure were achieved in more than half of treated eyes and were correlated with significant BCVA improvements and favourable baseline characteristics. In fact, if a careful patient selection is carried out, VMT resolution with ocriplasmin can be optimized, tailoring the best approach to each patient. Acknowledgements: We would like to acknowledge all the Portuguese Jetrea users that contributed to this study, namely David Martins, Bernardete Pessoa, Natália Ferreira, Angelina Meireles, António Sampaio, Ângela Carneiro, Fernanda Vaz, João Nascimento, Natacha Moreno, José Roque, Manuel Domingues, Rita Flores, Carla Teixeira, Eduardo Conde, Filipe Henriques, Helena Proença, José Pita Negrão, Marisa Barbosa, Rufino Silva and Sara Vaz-Pereira. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors have significantly improved outcomes for patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer. Nevertheless, they differ from each other in terms of chemical, biological, and pharmacological features, as well as toxicity profiles. We aim to determine whether QTc prolongation is caused by CDK4/6i in general or if it is associated with ribociclib only., Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the prevalence of QTc prolongation as an adverse event in HR+ breast cancer patients treated with CDK4/6i vs those without CDK4/6i. We pooled relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the binary endpoint of QT prolongation., Results: We included 14 RCTs comprising 16 196 patients, of whom 8576 underwent therapy with CDK4/6i. An increased risk of QTc prolongation was associated with the use of CDK4/6i (RR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.67 to 3.29, P < .001; I2 = 44%). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant increase in the QTc interval for the ribociclib and palbociclib cohorts. The ribociclib subgroup showed a relative risk of 3.12 (95% CI = 2.09 to 4.65, P < .001; I2 = 12%), whereas the palbociclib subgroup had a relative risk of 1.51 (95% CI = 1.05 to 2.15, P = .025; I2 = 0%)., Conclusion: Palbociclib was associated with QTc prolongation; however, the relative risk for any grade QTc was quantitively twice with ribociclib. Furthermore, grade 3 QTc prolongations were observed exclusively with ribociclib. These results are important for guiding clinical decision-making and provide reassurance regarding the overall safety profile of this drug class., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Aging disrupts brain function, leading to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Senescent astrocytes, a hallmark of aging, contribute to this process through unknown mechanisms. This study investigates how senescence impacts astrocytic mitochondrial dynamics, which are critical for brain health. Our research, conducted using aged mouse brains, represents the first evidence of morphologically damaged mitochondria in astrocytes, along with functional alterations in mitochondrial respiration. In vitro experiments revealed that senescent astrocytes exhibit an increase in mitochondrial fragmentation and impaired mitophagy. Concurrently, there was an upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, indicating a compensatory response to mitochondrial damage. Importantly, these senescent astrocytes were more susceptible to mitochondrial stress, a vulnerability reversed by rapamycin treatment. These findings suggest a potential link between senescence, impaired mitochondrial quality control, and increased susceptibility to mitochondrial stress in astrocytes. Overall, our study highlights the importance of addressing mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence-related changes in astrocytes as a promising approach for developing therapies to counter age-related neurodegeneration and improve brain health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) remains a problem in clinical practice, with many patients having a suboptimal response to the standard of care (SOC). Evidence supports the long-term efficacy of intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN ® ) in patients that have responded sub-optimally, although there is still scarce data from real-world Portuguese practices. We aimed to monitor the current SOC in selected Portuguese practices prior to FAc implantation and then assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of the FAc implant., Settings: The study included patient data from five Portuguese public hospitals., Design: This was a non-interventional, multicenter audit of data collected from Retina.pt registry from patients with persistent or recurrent DME despite treatment., Methods: Outcome measures included changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Results were compared at regular times over 36 months., Results: This study included 222 eyes from 152 patients. A significant decrease in BCVA (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in CMT (P = 0.013) were observed prior to FAc. A significant increase in BCVA was registered at 6 months after FAc implant administration (P < 0.001), which was maintained during follow-up. No relevant changes in IOP were observed. Treatment burden was reduced as a result of treatment with FAc (P < 0.001 for anti-VEGF, corticosteroids, or both treatments) in the full population., Conclusions: In Portuguese practice, data showed that pre-FAc implantation, some patients did not respond to SOC treatment and/or they were undertreated. Following FAc implant administration, there were rapid, sustained, long-term visual and anatomical improvements, and a marked reduction in treatment burden., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsJoão Paulo Castro Sousa has received consulting fees from Alimera Sciences, Alcon, Bayer, and Novartis; has received payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus and educational events from Abvie, Alimera Sciences, Alcon, Bayer, Novartis, and Roche; was supported for attending meetings and/or travel by Alimera Sciences, Alcon, Bayer, and Novartis; and has participated on Data Safety Monitoring Boards or Advisory Boards for Alimera, Alcon, and Novartis.Susana Penas has received consulting fees from Alimera Sciences, Bayer, Novartis, and Roche.Rufino Silva has participated on Advisory Boards for ABBVIE, Alimera Sciences, Novartis, Bayer, Théa; Novo Nordisk, and Roche.Ângela Carneiro has participated on Advisory Boards for Alimera Sciences, Allergan, Bayer, Novartis, and Roche.Angelina Meireles has received consulting fees and support for attending meetings and travel from AbbVie; has received payment for presentations from Alcon; has participated on an Advisory Board from Alimera Sciences; and has received support for attending meetings and travel from Alimera Sciences.

Background: Diabetic macular edema is the main cause of vision loss in patients with diabetic retinopathy. In this work, we aimed to assess the role of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) biomarkers in patients treated with ranibizumab., Methods: A prospective study enrolling 46 eyes with DME under ranibizumab intravitreal therapy with 12 months of follow-up. The primary endpoint was to assess the association between OCT biomarkers at baseline and the type of treatment response., Results: Good responders, compared with partial/non responders, had lower number of inner nuclear layer cysts (INLc) at baseline, (26.5% vs 73.5%, p  = 0.035) and presented, at 12 months of follow-up, lower percentage of disorganization of retinal inner layers (12.0% vs 88.0%, p  = 0.001), lower disruption of outer plexiform layer (8.7% vs 91.3%, p  < 0.001) and lower outer nuclear layer cysts (17.4% vs 82.6%, p  = 0.013). At the end of follow-up, it was observed a higher frequency of inner nuclear layer cysts in patients with higher glycated haemoglobin ( p  = 0.028)., Conclusion: This study showed the value and importance of OCT parameters, such as absence of INLc, as a prognostic therapeutic response. A normalization of the macular anatomy with ranibizumab is more likely to happen in early complete responders. The association between INLc and higher glycated haemoglobin levels showed the importance of systemic metabolic control in systemic diabetic manifestations. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04387604., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) is a widespread invasive procedure for treating drug-resistant epilepsy. Nonetheless, there is a persistent debate regarding the short-term and long-term efficacy and safety of ANT-DBS. Thus we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science for studies treating refractory epilepsy with ANT-DBS. Short-term analysis was considered for studies with a mean follow-up of 3 years or less. The following outcomes were assessed for data extraction: procedure responders and nonresponders, increased seizure frequency, complications, and procedure-related mortality. Of 650 studies, 25 fit our inclusion criteria, involving 427 patients. Previous surgical treatments have been reported in 214 patients (50.1%) and a median average baseline seizure frequency of 64.9 monthly seizures. In the short-term analysis, we observed a proportion of 67% (95% confidence interval [CI] 54%-79%) of responders and 33% (95% CI 21%-46%) of nonresponders. In addition, 4% (95% CI 0%-9%) of the patients presented increased seizure frequency. In the long-term analysis, we observed 72% (95% CI 66%-78%) responders and 27% (95% CI 21%-34%) nonresponders. Moreover, there was a 2% (95% CI 0%-5%) increase in seizure frequency. No procedure-related mortality was reported at any follow-up. ANT-DBS effectively treats refractory epilepsy, with lasting short-term and long-term benefits. It remains safe and efficient despite complications, showing no procedure-linked fatalities, high patient responsiveness, and minimal increased seizures. Consistent results over time and low morbidity/mortality rates emphasize its worth. Further research is necessary to diminish the discrepancy among results., (© 2024 International League Against Epilepsy.)

Background This study aimed to assess functional and anatomical outcomes after one month of treatment with a single intravitreal injection (IVI) of brolucizumab in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methodology A retrospective study was conducted on eyes with DME who received a single IVI of brolucizumab. The study was designed to assess visual function and optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers at baseline and one month following a single brolucizumab IVI. A sub-analysis was conducted between the following two groups: group 1 - treatment with brolucizumab due to burden, needle phobia, or non-compliance (responders to standard anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or naïve); and group 2 - non-responsive to previous therapies (standard anti-VEGF ± corticosteroids). The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters), central foveal thickness, and OCT biomarkers such as the presence of subretinal fluid, the number of hyperreflective dots, the disorganization of retinal inner layers, the disruption of outer plexiform layer, external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone, the presence of cysts in the nuclear layers (outer (ONL) and inner (INL)), and the number of cysts in ONL versus those in the INL. Safety outcomes were assessed. Results A total of 59 eyes from 42 patients were included, of which 47 eyes were in group 1 and 12 eyes were in group 2. At one month, patients had an improvement of two ETDRS letters on BCVA (p = 0.020), lower central foveal thickness (p < 0.001), fewer hyperreflective dots (p = 0.016), less outer plexiform layer disruption (p = 0.004), less inner and outer nuclear layer cysts (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and better relationship between ONL and INL cysts (p = 0.022). Results were significant in the subgroup of patients with previous responsive DME. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety after one injection of brolucizumab 6 mg in the management of DME, especially in previously responsive DME patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Bragança et al.)

Introduction: A detailed understanding of the anatomical and structural changes occurring in the retina following intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implantation may help improve the management and prognosis of persistent or recurrent diabetic macular edema (DME)., Methods: Overall, 45 eyes (from 35 patients) with refractory center-involved DME received an intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant. They were monitored at baseline and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and the seven retinal parameters used in the classification of diabetic maculopathy recently developed at the European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology (ESASO)., Results: Within 6 months of implantation, significant improvements were evident in BCVA, CFT, maculopathy stage, and the percentage of eyes with: intraretinal cysts; CFT > 30% above the upper normal value; and disrupted or absent ellipsoid zone (EZ) and/or external limiting membrane (ELM). Significant improvements were still maintained at 36 months post-implantation. At month 36, early treatment with the implant (i.e., after < 6 previous intravitreal injections for DME) trended toward being more effective than later treatment in improving BCVA, CFT, maculopathy stage, and the percentage of eyes with CFT > 30% above the upper normal value. However, statistical significance was not achieved., Conclusion: In persistent or recurrent DME, fluocinolone acetonide implantation can be effective in improving maculopathy stage and reducing the percentage of eyes with: intraretinal cysts; CFT > 30% above the upper normal value; and disrupted or absent EZ and/or ELM. It can also increase BCVA and reduce CFT., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest other than writing assistance being funded by Alimera Sciences Ltd.

The design of nanoparticle formulations composed of biopolymers, that govern the physicochemical properties of orally delivered insulin, relies on improving insulin stability and absorption through the intestinal mucosa while protecting it from harsh conditions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Chitosan/polyethylene glycol (PEG) and albumin coating of alginate/dextran sulfate hydrogel cores are presented as a multilayer complex protecting insulin within the nanoparticle. This study aims to optimize a nanoparticle formulation by assessing the relationship between design parameters and experimental data using response surface methodology through a 3-factor 3-level optimization Box-Behnken design. While the selected independent variables were the concentrations of PEG, chitosan and albumin, the dependent variables were particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and insulin release. Experimental results showed a nanoparticle size ranging from 313 to 585 nm, with PDI from 0.17 to 0.39 and zeta potential ranging from -29 to -44 mV. Insulin bioactivity was maintained in simulated GI media with over 45% cumulative release after 180 min in a simulated intestinal medium. Based on the experimental responses and according to the criteria of desirability on the experimental region's constraints, solutions of 0.03% PEG, 0.047% chitosan and 1.20% albumin provide an optimum nanoparticle formulation for insulin oral delivery.

Introduction: Intravitreal injections (IVIs) are currently the most common intraocular surgical procedure worldwide. Some studies have reported a higher risk of intraoperative complications, namely, posterior capsular rupture (PCR), during cataract surgery. The aim of this retrospective and observational study, conducted at Department of Ophthalmology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, was to assess the risk of PCR during cataract surgery in eyes previously treated with IVIs with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and/or corticosteroids., Methods: Eyes undergoing cataract surgery between June 2019 and May 2021 were included. Combined surgeries, such as glaucoma surgery and pars plana vitrectomy, were excluded. The occurrence of PCR during cataract surgery in treated and previously untreated eyes with IVI was analyzed., Results: A total of 5,813 cataract surgeries were analyzed; 4.1% of the cases had previously undergone IVI. The PCR rate in cataract surgery was 1.8%: 6.7% in eyes previously treated with IVI and 1.6% without previous IVI (OR = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.6-7.7, p < 0.001). The combined therapy (anti-VEGF with corticosteroids) presents a higher risk compared to the two therapies alone as monotherapy (OR = 11.6, 95% CI: 4.7-28.5, p < 0.001), as well as treated eyes treated with ≥10 IVI (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 0.8-6.1, p = 0.144) and a time interval between the last IVI and cataract surgery was ≤6 months (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 0.6-6.1, p = 0.296)., Conclusion: These results demonstrate that eyes that require IV treatment prior to cataract surgery are at increased risk of CPA during cataract surgery, and careful assessment of the characteristics of the cataract and posterior capsule is critical., (© 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between DR severity and the levels of potential biomarkers in the serum and/or vitreous., Methods: A prospective, consecutive, controlled, observational study was performed between June 2018 and January 2020. Blood and vitreous samples were collected on the day of vitrectomy in patients without diabetes and in patients with diabetes with epiretinal membrane, macular edema, and indication for vitrectomy., Results: Transthyretin (TTR) was the only blood biomarker with levels statistically higher in patients with diabetes (p = 0.037). However, no correlation with DR severity was observed. Erythropoietin (EPO) was the only blood biomarker whose levels were associated with DR severity (p = 0.036). In vitreous samples, levels of EPO (p = 0.011), interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.001), IL-8 (p < 0.001), IL-17 (p = 0.022), monokine induced by interferon-γ (MIG) (p < 0.001), and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) (p = 0.005) were significantly higher in patients with diabetes. Additionally, in vitreous, IL-6, IL-8, MIG, and IPL-10 levels were also higher in more severe DR cases (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Among the studied biomarkers, vitreous IL-6, IL-8, MIG, and IP-10 were the ones whose levels had the strongest coherent relationship with DR severity prediction and, thus, have the best potential post-vitrectomy prognostic value., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Tumor markers are commonly utilized in the diagnostic evaluation, treatment decision making, and surveillance of appendiceal tumors. In this study, we aimed to determine the prognostic significance of elevated preoperative tumor markers in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei secondary to low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm who underwent cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy., Methods: Using a multi-institutional database, eligible patients with measured preoperative tumor markers [carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), or cancer antigen 125 (CA-125)] were identified. Univariate and multivariate Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis assessed relationships between normal and elevated serum tumor markers with progression-free and overall survival in the context of multiple clinicopathologic variables., Results: zTwo hundred and sixty-four patients met criteria. CEA was the most commonly measured tumor marker (97%). Patients who had any elevated tumor marker had a higher peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) as compared to those with normal range markers. Elevated CEA and CA 19-9 levels were individually associated with longer inpatient length of stay, requirement for intraoperative transfusion, and incomplete cytoreduction. Utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, increased PCI score, elevated CA 19-9 (p = 0.007), and CA-125 levels (p = 0.01) were predictive of decreased progression-free survival on univariate analysis. However, in a multivariate model, only elevated PCI was a statistically significant predictor of progression-free survival., Conclusion: Elevated preoperative tumor markers indicate a higher burden of disease but are not independently associated with survival in this retrospective multi-institutional cohort. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the utility of these markers in this patient population., (© 2021. The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract.)

Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare changes in ganglion cell layer (GCL) between vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) over a 2-year period following treatment with 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant., Methods: Eighteen vitrectomized (group 1) and 8 nonvitrectomized (group 2) eyes were included in this cohort study. Changes in central macula GCL thickness were measured using the Spectralis spectral domain-optical coherence tomography at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. Other parameters analyzed included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and intraocular pressure (IOP)., Results: Treatment with the FAc implant led to small reductions in mean global GCL thickness versus baseline and contrasts with the control group that was stable or slightly increased versus baseline. FAc therapy also led to improvements in mean BCVA and CFT that were observed at Month 6 and maintained to Month 24. For vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes, no differences were observed between mean global GCL, BCVA, and CFT values during follow-up. Linear correlations revealed that in all groups mean BCVA at Month 24 positively correlated with mean GCL thickness at baseline and at Month 24. IOP remained stable throughout the 24 months., Conclusion: There was no evident retinal neurodegeneration in the 2-year period following treatment with FAc in both groups. GCL thickness may be a useful biomarker for assessing safety and effectiveness in patients with DME., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

To evaluate the role of the vitreous in the management of diabetic macular edema with ranibizumab intravitreal injections in a pro re nata regimen. Prospective study of 50 consecutive eyes with diabetic macular edema treated with ranibizumab and 12 months of follow-up. Primary endpoint: to assess differences between non-vitrectomized and vitrectomized eyes in the number injections needed to control the edema. Secondary endpoints: comparison of groups regarding best corrected visual acuity, central foveal thickness and thickness of seven retinal layers. 46 eyes from 38 patients, 10 vitrectomized and 36 non-vitrectomized, completed the follow-up. At month 12, the two groups achieved an equivalent anatomical outcome and needed a similar number of ranibizumab intravitreal injections. In vitrectomized eyes final visual acuity was worse when baseline retinal nerve fiber layers in the central foveal subfield were thicker, showing a strong correlation (r = - 0.942, p < 0.001). A similar, albeit moderate correlation was observed in non-vitrectomized eyes (r = - 0.504, p = 0.002). A decrease of retinal nerve fiber layers inner ring thickness was correlated with a better final visual acuity only in vitrectomized eyes (r = 0.734, p = 0.016). The effect of diabetic macular edema seems to be worse in vitrectomized eyes, with a thinner inner retina reservoir.Clinicaltrials.govNCT04387604., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To assess the outcomes of vitrectomy with or without cataract surgery for the treatment of idiopathic ERM in phakic eyes and evaluate predictors of functional and anatomical outcomes., Methods: Retrospective cohort of consecutive phakic ERM eyes distributed in three groups: a) combined (phacovitrectomy) group, b) PPV-only group, and c) consecutive group (PPV followed by cataract surgery). Main outcomes were final visual acuity (VA) and cystoid macular edema (CME) occurrence. Potential predictors of VA or CME included clinical variables and SD-OCT parameters., Results: A total of 108 eyes were included in this study. There were no differences in the final VA between consecutive and combined groups (0.22 vs 0.10 logMAR, p = 0.851). Twelve eyes from the combined group (23%) and one eye from the PPV-only group presented CME (p = 0.001). There were no differences between postoperative CME occurrence in combined versus consecutive group (12 vs 7, p = 0.38). The presence of cotton-ball sign predicted the development of CME [OR 2.86 (95%CI 1.01-8.18), p = 0.049] while separated ERM-ILM complex was found to be protective [OR 0.25 (95%CI 0.08-0.77), p = 0.015]., Conclusions: Functional and anatomical results of PPV with ERM and ILM peeling combined with cataract surgery was equivalent to the consecutive procedure, with both strategies being effective. Separated ERM-ILM complex has prognostic value in these patients, as its presence at baseline was found to be protective for postoperative CME., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

An isolated population of several hundred Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) inhabits the Gerês-Xurés Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (GXTBR) in north-western Iberian Peninsula, in partial sympatry with tens of thousands domestic goats (Capra hircus). This study aimed to assess the prevalence and shedding intensity of gastrointestinal parasites from sympatric herds of domestic goat and Iberian ibex in autumn 2018. A total of 93 pooled faecal samples were collected from GXTBR (39 from domestic goats and 54 from Iberian ibex) and the host species was identified using molecular techniques, whenever defecation was not visualised in the field. Parasitological analysis was achieved by joint Willis flotation/sedimentation, McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC techniques. Seventy-two samples (25 domestic goats and 47 Iberian ibex) were retained for analysis after discarding the least fresh and those with uncertain specific identification. Generalized linear mixed models compared prevalence and shedding intensity between caprine species. Domestic goats showed a non-significant tendency to be more parasitized than Iberian ibex, as assessed by overall prevalence (100.0%, CI 95 86.7-100.0 vs. 74.5%, CI 95 69.5-84.8), and shedding intensity. This study reveals a similar community of gastrointestinal parasites in an abundant livestock species and an isolated population of wild caprine, living in partial sympatry. It is the first study on the health status of this endangered Iberian ibex population, in close contact with livestock, highlighting the need for further sanitary surveillance.

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to better understand the epidemiological risk factors associated with severe eye injury of patients and the secondary objective was to evaluate functional outcomes of these severe eye injuries., Methods: A retrospective, noncomparative cohort study of severe ocular trauma, in patients assessed in an emergency room from January 2004 to December 2018 at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto was performed and statistically analyzed., Results: This study included a total of 751 patients (758 eyes) suffering ocular trauma. Men had a higher rate of ocular trauma than women (81.4% vs 18.6%). The mean age was 48.9 years old. The most common types of injury were rupture (33.8%) and penetrating (20.9%). Work-related accidents were responsible for 19.3% of injuries. Home was the most common location of trauma (46.3%). In 8.8% of trauma the best corrected visual acuity at presentation was superior to 20/40 while in 6.5% of cases no light perception (NLP) was registered. In 44.8% of trauma the best corrected visual acuity at last follow-up visit (BCVAF) was superior to 20/40 while in 15.7% of cases NLP was registered., Conclusion: The epidemiological high-risk factors identified were: adult males, economic crisis, home, blunt objects in man and falls in woman. Future primary prevention should take into account these factors. This study also demonstrated an important visual impairment associated with severe ocular trauma, even with timely surgical treatment, with BCVAF of NLP in 15.7% of cases.

Background: Retinal angiopathy is a known ocular manifestation of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a recent noninvasive imaging technique, used in other retinal vascular diseases. Our purpose was to analyse subclinical changes in retinal vessels, with OCT-A, in patients with ATTRv amyloidosis., Methods: Observational cross-sectional study in Centro Hospitalar e Universitário do Porto in the cohort of patients with genetic diagnosis of ATTRv. Patients were included if they had just one eye with scalloped iris (the other eye without scalloped iris), postulating eyes were at different stages, in the same patient. Patients were excluded if they had other manifestations of ocular ATTRv amyloidosis, namely clinical retinal angiopathy and/or vitreous opacities. The group of eyes with scalloped iris were compared with eyes without scalloped iris, using paired tests. Values are shown as Δ = mean difference between groups; p  =  p-value , d = Cohen's d for effect size measurement., Results: Twenty-four patients (24 eyes in each group) were included. Mean age was 46.5 ± 5.0 years. Eyes with scalloped iris showed attenuated retinal vascular network: larger foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area (Δ = +0.02 mm 2 , p  = 0.002, d  = 0.70); decreased foveal vascular density (Δ = -3.57%, p  = 0.001, d  = -0.75); superficial (Δ = -1.50%, p  = 0.049, d = -0.43) and deep (Δ = -2.53%, p  = 0.023, d = -0.50) plexus vascular density. Acircularity index was superior in scalloped iris eyes (Δ = 0.04, p  = 0.004, d = -0.65), representing an abnormal FAZ morphology., Conclusion: Scalloped iris in ATTRv eyes are associated with a more advanced subclinical retinal angiopathy, than eyes without scalloped iris. Our results identify for the first time and in vivo , early changes in retinal vessels in ATTRv amyloidosis. Henceforward, OCT-A may play a role in the evaluation of ATTRv patients oculopathy and the effectiveness of future eye targeting treatments.

Purpose: To evaluate the ellipsoid zone (EZ) structural recovery, hole closure rate, and visual acuity improvement after inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique., Methods: Retrospective cohort of eyes affected by idiopathic macular holes (MH) that underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with inverted ILM flap technique in a tertiary center, over an 8-year period (2011-2019). The main outcomes were the postoperative qualitative analysis of EZ structure on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, hole closure rate, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement of ≥ 0.3 units in the logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) scale., Results: Our study included 76 eyes of 72 patients; 65% were female, with a mean age of 70 ± 8 years-old. Median (range) follow-up was 21 (3-92) months. Hole closure rate was 92%. Structural defects in EZ were observed in 66% of closed holes (EZ atrophy in 33%, EZ disruption in 22%, and EZ thinning in 11%). The mean final BCVA was 0.5 ± 0.4 logMAR (Snellen 20/63), but visual acuity improvement occurred in 80% of the eyes. Final BCVA was significantly worse in eyes with EZ atrophy compared with eyes with EZ disruption (0.75 vs. 0.36 logMAR, p = 0.004) and EZ thinning (0.75 vs. 0.32 logMAR, p = 0.015). In multivariate regression, minimum linear diameter (OR 1.01; IC 95% 1.01-1.02) independently predicted a final BCVA (logMAR) < 0.3 units., Conclusion: Inverted ILM flap technique provided a hole closure rate above 90%, similar to previous studies. Although the modest value of the final BCVA, a significant visual acuity improvement occurred in most eyes. Structural defects of EZ were found in more than half of closed MHs after surgery. Evidence of postoperative retinal atrophy was associated with a worse visual outcome.

Purpose: The risk of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) increases with age, but some studies report a secondary peak in younger patients. Since visual recovery in RRD depends on surgical treatment and, considering the personal, social and economic burden of low vision in the working-age population, our purpose was to analyze the features and outcomes of RRD in young patients., Methods: Clinical data of patients under 40 years old submitted to surgery for first time RRD, consecutively selected between 2016 and 2019, was analyzed. Patients with less than 3 months follow-up were excluded., Results: Eighty-nine eyes from 89 patients were included. Mean age was 31.2 ± 7.8 years (minimum 10 years) and 56% were female gender. Most patients (63%) had high myopia. Pars plana vitrectomy (79%) alone, combined with scleral buckling (1%) or scleral buckling alone (20%) was performed. Primary anatomical success was 72%, and final anatomical success was 91%. Final visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 29% of cases, but 28% remained under 20/400. The presence of myopia (p = 0.022), localized RRD (p = 0.007) and attached macula at presentation (p < 0.001) was associated with a better final visual acuity., Conclusion: Management of RRD in young patients must be thorough. In younger patients, anatomical outcomes may be worse than in older patients. Myopia may be recognized as a major risk factor for RRD in this age group, but also as a protective factor for retinal function after surgery.

Background: The 0.19-mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant (ILUVIEN®; Alimera Sciences Ltd., Hampshire, UK) was approved for the treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic and refractory diabetic macular edema (DME)., Objectives: To quantitatively assess functional and structural features in nonvitrectomized and vitrectomized DME patients after being treated with an FAc implant., Methods: Retrospective review of patients with DME receiving a single intravitreal injection of the FAc implant. The study was designed to analyze the presence of quantitative structural OCT biomarkers at baseline and 12 months after FAc therapy according to vitreous status., Results: A total of 41 eyes from 30 patients were included in this study. At 12 months after injection, vitrectomized patients had a lower central foveal thickness (p = 0.017) and fewer hyperreflective dots (p = 0.028) compared with nonvitrectomized. Thirty (73%) patients presented a significant functional improvement with 17 (42%) increasing at least 15 ETDRS letters. Overall, 22 (54%) eyes had a complete resolution of DME at the 12-month visit. Patients who needed additional therapy had a higher prevalence of subretinal fluid (42 vs. 3%, p = 0.005) at baseline., Conclusions: This study supports the effectiveness of the FAc implant and reports significant changes at 12 months after FAc injection., (© 2021 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background and Objectives: To assess the percentage of vitreous adherence to the posterior pole in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) with ocular ultrasonography (US) and establish a comparison with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)., Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional consecutive analysis of patients followed in a diabetic retinopathy consultation. Vitrectomized eyes and patients with epiretinal membranes were excluded. A comparison between macular SD-OCT 20 × 20°, SD-OCT 55 × 35°, and ocular US for the vitreous status was performed. A subanalysis of the percentage of eyes with thickened posterior hyaloid and focal vitreous macular adhesion (VMA) was determined with SD-OCT 20 × 20° and SD-OCT 55 × 35°., Results: From 78 eyes of 39 patients, 55 eyes were included. All patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus with a median duration of 20 years (range: 3 to 40 years); 60% were phakic, and 61.8% were male. Previous treatments included intravitreal injections in 54.5% eyes, macular laser in 67.3%, and panretinal photocoagulation in 56.4%. All eyes had a non-posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) status on US. The 55 × 35° SD-OCT detected a non-PVD status in 96.4% (100% in video display mode) and a VMA in 87.3%. The 20 × 20° SD-OCT only detected a VMA in 43.6% of cases, with a thickened posterior hyaloid in 40% and a focal VMA in 18.2%., Conclusions: In the authors' DME patients, vitreous adherence to the posterior pole was highly prevalent, with a total agreement between US and SD-OCT 55 × 35° video display mode. SD-OCT 20 × 20° is not an accurate method to diagnose VMA compared to SD-OCT 55 × 35°. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:S50-S53.]., (Copyright 2020, SLACK Incorporated.)

Background: A new approach to address focal vitreomacular adhesion in patients with diabetic macular edema may control and stabilize diabetic macular edema with fewer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections., Objectives: The aim of this study was to demonstrate that diabetic macular edema can be improved by inducing the release of a vitreomacular adhesion, with less than 2500 μm, with enzymatic vitreolysis., Methods: From a retrospective analysis of clinical records from patients with diabetic retinopathy, patients with diabetic macular edema and vitreomacular adhesion <2500 μm were selected for a single-arm prospective study. The primary endpoint was to control diabetic macular edema with fewer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections after an observed vitreomacular adhesion release. A statistical subanalysis was performed for the following two groups: the group with vitreomacular adhesion release (group 1) and the group without vitreomacular adhesion release (group 2)., Results: A total of 23 eyes from 19 patients were included. A reduction of the median number of injections was achieved in group 1 ( p  = 0.006). Adverse events were mild and transitory., Conclusion: Release of vitreomacular adhesion <2500 μm through enzymatic vitreolysis contributed to the control and stabilization of diabetic macular edema with fewer anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, reducing the burden and the risks related to these invasive and frequently chronic treatments., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Purpose: To evaluate pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) outcomes in cases with tractional diabetic macular edema (tDME)., Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study with a follow-up of 12 months. Forty-six eyes with tDME of 38 patients submitted to PPV between 2013 and 2015 were assessed. A standard PPV was performed and surgical outcomes were registered at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up., Results: The baseline median best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) letters and the median central foveal thickness (CFT) were 43.0 letters and 491.0 µm, respectively. At the 12-month follow-up, a median decrease in CFT of 232.7 µm was observed. A CFT < 300 µm was achieved in 65.2% of the cases (52.2% needing no further treatment); a BCVA improvement by ≥10 letters was achieved in 60.0%, but there was a decrease of ≥10 letters in 13.0% of the cases. DME recurrence was observed in 10.9% of the cases, with a median time of development after vitrectomy of 6 months. As a major postoperative complication, a macular hole was observed in 1 patient (2.1%)., Conclusions: In our series, PPV for tDME induced an improvement in retinal thickening and visual outcome in more than 50% of the cases, with low recurrence rates and a low number of postoperative complications., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: To compare the functional and anatomical outcomes after a 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant between vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME)., Methods: This is a retrospective, comparative analysis of 43 eyes with chronic DME. All eyes were treated with a single 0.2 µg/day FAc implant and followed up for a mean period of 8.5 months (median, 6.0 months; range, 1-21 months). The patients with a 0.2 µg/day FAc implant were divided into 2 groups: 24 eyes which had undergone pars plana vitrectomy prior to 0.2 µg/day FAc (group 1) and 19 eyes which had not been vitrectomized (group 2). Outcome measures included mean changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, central subfield foveal thickness (CSFT), and intraocular pressure (IOP), and were measured prior to administration of the 0.2 µg FAc implant, in the first week, at month 1, and quarterly thereafter., Results: Following the 0.2 μg/day FAc implant, the mean change in BCVA at the last observation point, from baseline, was +16.9 ± 3.39 (mean ± SE) letters (p ≤ 0.001) in group 1 and +8.2 ± 4.62 letters (p = 0.092) in group 2. From baseline, a gain of ≥15 letters was achieved in 37.5 and 36.8% of the eyes in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Additionally, an improvement in vision ≥20/40 in 29.2% of group 1 and 15.8% of group 2 was observed. The mean change in CSFT was -217.7 ± 40.8 µm and -155.6 ± 43.4 µm in group 1 and group 2, respectively. The mean change in IOP was +1.6 ± 0.7 mm Hg in group 1 and +0.8 ± 1.3 mm Hg in group 2, relative to baseline. At the last observation point, there were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 (p > 0.05) in terms of their changes in BCVA, CSFT, and IOP., Conclusion: The results from the real-life practice study demonstrate that the 0.2 μg/day FAc implant is effective and well tolerated in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes of patients with chronic DME. Our results support the use of a 0.2 μg/day FAc implant to obtain long-term functional and anatomical improvements (mean, 8.5 months; median, 6.0 months) in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes., (© 2017 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Method: A search for papers was made in the databases Bireme, Scielo and Pubmed with the following keywords: post polio syndrome, cardiorespiratory and rehabilitation in English, French and Spanish languages. Although we targeted only seek current studies on the topic in question, only the relevant (double-blind, randomized-controlled and consensus articles) were considered., Results and Discussion: Certain features of PPS such as generalized fatigue, generalized and specific muscle weakness, joint and/or muscle pain may result in physical inactivity deconditioning obesity and dyslipidemia. Respiratory difficulties are common and may result in hypoxemia., Conclusion: Only when evaluated and treated promptly, somE patients can obtain the full benefits of the use of respiratory muscles aids as far as quality of life is concerned.