Enhancing Preoperative Outcome Prediction: A Comparative Retrospective Case-Control Study on Machine Learning versus the International Esodata Study Group Risk Model for Predicting 90-Day Mortality in Oncologic Esophagectomy.

Risk prediction prior to oncologic esophagectomy is crucial for assisting surgeons and patients in their joint informed decision making. Recently, a new risk prediction model for 90-day mortality after esophagectomy using the International Esodata Study Group (IESG) database was proposed, allowing for the preoperative assignment of patients into different risk categories. However, given the non-linear dependencies between patient- and tumor-related risk factors contributing to cumulative surgical risk, machine learning (ML) may evolve as a novel and more integrated approach for mortality prediction.

Effect of extracellular matrices on production and potency of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) derived exosomes have emerged as potential acellular therapeutics for various tissue regenerative applications. However, successful clinical translation of exosome-based therapy is limited by lack of a structured production platform. Thus, in this study, the effect of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) was assessed on the production and potency of exosomes secreted by bone marrow-derived human MSCs.

Transposition versus interposition method in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: midterm analysis of both techniques in a single-center study.

Objective: Operative interposition of material between the trigeminal nerve and offending artery for surgical treatment of drug-resistant trigeminal neuralgia (TGN), following the Jannetta method, has been proven to be the most successful invasive treatment. Reexplorations of patients with recurrence of TGN have revealed nerve root irritations and scarring due to interposed material. To prevent these complications, modifications of microvascular decompression (MVD) aim at transposing the vessel away from the trigeminal nerve, without attachment of additional material to the nerve root.

Neurotrophic keratitis: inflammatory pathogenesis and novel therapies.

Purpose Of Review: Neurotrophic keratitis is a rare degenerative disease characterized by decrease or absence of corneal sensation. Neurotrophic keratitis varies from mild forms with mild epitheliopathy to severe manifestations such as corneal ulceration, melting and perforation that can lead to irreversible visual loss. The cause of neurotrophic keratitis comprises a long list of diseases, medications, congenital or genetic conditions as well as trauma.

Ex vivo demonstration of canine corneal pre-Descemet's anatomy using pneumodissection as for the big bubble technique for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

The recent discovery and characterization of pre-Descemet's layer (PDL; also termed the Dua's layer or the Dua-Fine layer) has advanced the understanding of various posterior corneal pathologies and surgeries in human. This study aimed to characterize the ultrastructure of the posterior stroma and interfacial zone of Descemet's membrane (DM) in canine eyes. Eighteen canine corneo-scleral discs were included.

The Risk of Developing Lymphoma among Autoimmune Thyroid Disorder Patients: A Cross-Section Study.

Background: Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are the most common types of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), and both are characterized by the infiltration of lymphocytes into the thyroid gland. Moreover, autoimmune diseases like HT have a higher risk of developing lymphoma. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and association of lymphoma in patients with AITD.

Profiling ocular surface responses to preserved and non-preserved topical glaucoma medications: A 2-year randomized evaluation study.

Background: Use of topical glaucoma medications has been reported to cause ocular surface (OS) discomfort and inflammation. This study explores the profile of inflammatory cytokines and OS symptoms induced in response to preserved and non-preserved drops.

Methods: Prospective, randomized evaluation on 36 treatment-naïve patients over 24 months of three differently preserved glaucoma drop preparations: Preservative-free (PF), polyquad (PQ) and benzalkonium chloride (BAK).

Dynamics of big bubble formation in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty by the big bubble technique: in vitro studies.

Purpose: To examine the movement of air injected in the cornea in simulated deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), from the needle tip to the formation of different types of big bubbles (BB) and to ascertain how air travels through the stroma and pre-Descemet's layer [Dua's layer (PDL)] to create a type-1 (air between PDL and deep stroma) and type-2BB (air between PDL and Descemet's membrane).

Methods: Air was injected in 57 sclerocorneal discs and the passage recorded. Leaking points and sites of commencement of type-1 and type-2BB were examined by scanning electron microscopy.

Fibrin glue inhibits migration of ocular surface epithelial cells.

PurposeFibrin glue has been used successfully in numerous ophthalmic surgical procedures. Recently, fibrin glue has been used in limbal stem cell transplantation to reduce both operative time and to negate the need for sutures. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fibrin glue on epithelial cell migration in vitro.

Clinical evaluation and characterisation of corneal vascularisation.

Background/aims: To clinically characterise corneal neovascularisation (CVas) with a view to elaborate clinical presentations and to standardise descriptors for clinical evaluation and research.

Methods: Corneas of 165 patients with CVas due to a variety of corneal pathologies were observed clinically with the slit lamp biomicroscope and photography at different time points over the course of their disease. Parameters assessed included location, depth, length, branching pattern, colour, lipid leakage, nature of blood flow and presence of haemorrhage.

Calcified corneal nerves.

Purpose: To report a case of calcified corneal nerves in an eye with long-standing diabetic eye disease.

Methods: This is a case report where the clinical diagnosis was made using a slit-lamp biomicroscope and confirmed using in vivo confocal microscopy. Photoslit-lamp images were taken for both eyes, and nerve thickness measurements made using ImageJ software.

Big bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: the collagen layer in the wall of the big bubble is unique.

Purpose: In big bubble (BB), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty intracorneal injection of air separates Descemet's membrane (DM) and the pre-Descemet's layer (Dua's layer [DL]) to create a type 1 BB. We tested the hypothesis that air injection after excision or ablation of DL will fail to produce a BB.

Methods: Nine human sclero-corneal discs were used.

Fine needle diathermy occlusion of corneal vessels.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of fine needle diathermy (FND) occlusion of corneal vessels in relation to defined clinical indications.

Methods: A retrospective, consecutive case series including all patients treated by FND for occlusion of corneal vessels between 2004 and 2012. Indications were lipid keratopathy, preparation for keratoplasty to reduce risk of rejection and treatment of recalcitrant corneal graft rejection associated with stromal vessels.

The collagen matrix of the human trabecular meshwork is an extension of the novel pre-Descemet's layer (Dua's layer).

Background: The trabecular meshwork (TM) located at the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye contributes to aqueous drainage. A novel layer in the posterior part of the human cornea has recently been reported (the pre-Descemet's layer (Dua's layer (PDL)). We examined the peripheral part of this layer in relation to the origin of the TM.

Atypical hydrops in keratoconus.

To report the clinical presentation, progress and management of atypical acute hydrops. A retrospective case study of three patients with keratoconus, two of whom had previously undergone penetrating keratoplasty. The patients underwent full ophthalmological examination and digital slit-lamp imaging of the cornea throughout the course of the condition.

Epidemiological investigation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from a six-year-long hospital outbreak using high-throughput whole genome sequencing.

Although previous bacterial typing methods have been informative about potential relatedness of isolates collected during outbreaks, next-generation sequencing has emerged as a powerful tool to not only look at similarity between isolates, but also put differences into biological context. In this study, we have investigated the whole genome sequence of five Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected during a persistent six-year outbreak at Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust – City Campus, United Kingdom. Sequencing, using both Roche 454 and Illumina, reveals that most of these isolates are closely related.

Intra-lesional 5 fluorouracil for the management of recurrent pterygium.

Aim: Recurrence is the most common complication arising from pterygium surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 5 fluorouracil (5FU) in halting the recurrence of pterygium after surgical excision.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated for pterygium recurrence was carried out.

Human corneal anatomy redefined: a novel pre-Descemet's layer (Dua's layer).

Purpose: To define and characterize a novel pre-Descemet's layer in the human cornea.

Design: Clinical and experimental study.

Participants: We included 31 human donor sclerocorneal discs, including 6 controls (mean age, 77.

Wavefront-optimized excimer laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and myopic astigmatism: refractive outcomes and corneal densitometry.

Purpose: To determine the refractive outcomes of wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) treatments, in particular to measure corneal densitometry after LASIK using the densitometry function of the Pentacam Scheimpflug system.

Setting: Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Design: Cohort study.