Comparison of the GoCheck Kids and Spot Screener photoscreening devices for the detection of amblyopia risk factors using 2021 AAPOS recommendations.

Purpose: To compare the Spot Vision Screener (SPOT) to the GoCheck Kids mobile application (GCK) in the evaluation of amblyopia risk factors (ARFs), according to updated 2021 AAPOS guidelines for instrument-based pediatric vision screening.

Methods: SPOT, GCK using horizontal and vertical images (two-photo mode), and a complete eye examination (CEE) were performed on children ages ≥1 to <7 years referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist from October 2020 to December 2022 for a failed vision screen based on manufacturer guidelines. The primary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) for each photoscreener.

Aflibercept more effectively weans patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration off therapy compared with bevacizumab.

BACKGROUNDStudies assessing the efficacy of therapies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) have demonstrated that aflibercept may have a longer treatment interval than its less-expensive alternative, bevacizumab. However, whether this benefit justifies the additional cost of aflibercept remains under debate. We have recently reported that a treat-and-extend-pause/monitor approach can be used to successfully wean 31% of patients with nvAMD off anti-VEGF therapy.

Dynamic genome-wide gene expression and immune cell composition in the developing human placenta.

Despite the central role of the placenta in supporting a pregnancy, relatively little is known about transcriptomic and immune-cell changes that occur across gestation. To generate a reference gene expression map of first (T1), second (T2) and third (T3) trimester human placenta, and assess differences in transcriptome in maternal versus fetal side tissues sections of full-term placenta, we performed RNA-Seq analysis on 64 biopsy samples from 18 placentas across all three gestations. We identified 1120 differentially expressed genes in placenta tissues from T1 and T3 samples using a generalized linear model within DESeq2.

Ocular in a patient on immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of cancers, their role in the pathogenesis of chronic infections remains unclear. Here, we present the case of a patient on a cocktail of checkpoint inhibitors who presented with severe bilateral gonococcal conjunctivitis, orbital cellulitis and vitritis, without a history of genital infection.

2020 Evaluation of Portable Vision Screening Instruments.

Amblyopia is the most common cause of preventable visual impairment in children and occurs as a result of unilateral or bilateral impairment in best-corrected visual acuity. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to prevent poor visual outcomes in adulthood. Advances in technology have provided more objective diagnostic tools, which can now be used by a wide range of healthcare providers.

Transmission risk of respiratory viruses in natural and mechanical ventilation environments: implications for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Africa.

Respiratory viruses can be transmitted through contact, droplet and airborne routes. Viruses that are not naturally airborne may be aerosolised during medical procedures and transmitted to healthcare workers. Most resource-limited healthcare settings lack complex air handling systems to filter air and create pressure gradients that are necessary for minimising viral transmission.

Dysregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 gene in HIV treatment-experienced individuals.

Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in a marked decrease in AIDS-related morbidity and mortality, the therapeutic benefit is often limited by side effects such as metabolic derangement such as lipodystrophy and hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. These side effects are pervasive in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood.

Detection of circulating extracellular mRNAs by modified small-RNA-sequencing analysis.

Extracellular mRNAs (ex-mRNAs) potentially supersede extracellular miRNAs (ex-miRNAs) and other RNA classes as biomarkers. We performed conventional small-RNA-sequencing (sRNA-seq) and sRNA-seq with T4 polynucleotide kinase (PNK) end-treatment of total exRNA isolated from serum and platelet-poor EDTA, ACD, and heparin plasma to study the effect on ex-mRNA capture. Compared to conventional sRNA-seq PNK-treatment increased the detection of informative ex-mRNAs reads up to 50-fold.

Combination of Tenofovir and Emtricitabine with Efavirenz Does Not Moderate Inhibitory Effect of Efavirenz on Mitochondrial Function and Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Human T Lymphoblastoid Cell Line.

Efavirenz (EFV), the most popular nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, has been associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in most studies. However, in real life the prevalence of EFV-induced mitochondrial toxicity is relatively low. We hypothesized that the agents given in combination with EFV moderate the effect of EFV on mitochondrial function.

Human plasma and serum extracellular small RNA reference profiles and their clinical utility.

Circulating extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) have the potential to serve as biomarkers for a wide range of medical conditions. However, limitations in existing exRNA isolation methods and a lack of knowledge on parameters affecting exRNA variability in human samples may hinder their successful discovery and clinical implementation. Using combinations of denaturants, reducing agents, proteolysis, and revised organic extraction, we developed an automated, high-throughput approach for recovery of exRNAs and exDNA from the same biofluid sample.