Effects of customized corneal cross-linking on higher-order aberrations in progressive keratoconus and low-grade myopia.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of customized corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) on higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in keratoconus (KC): vertical coma (VC), horizontal coma (HC), spherical aberration (SA), trefoil (TF) and astigmatism, compared with the same effects in healthy eyes undergoing CXL for low-grade myopia.

Methods: This mixed-designed study included 38 eyes of 38 patients with KC, treated and followed prospectively, who received customized epi-on CXL in high oxygen, and a retrospective control group of 23 eyes from 23 patients who underwent central 4-mm CXL treatment for low-grade myopia. VC, HC, SA, TF and keratometry values were obtained from Pentacam HR® measurements at baseline and at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months post-treatment.

Validity and reliability of a physical literacy knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and behaviors questionnaire for early childhood educators (PLKASB-ECE): An exploratory factor analysis.

Background: Nurturing physical literacy in young children offers a unique opportunity to address global physical inactivity trend. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) environments, with their extensive reach into this age group, and early childhood educators, through their daily interactions with children, are strategically positioned to influence children's physical literacy development. However, enhancing educators' ability to foster physical literacy requires valid and reliable assessment tools to measure holistic physical literacy constructs (i.

NLRP3 inflammasome-mitochondrion loop in autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behavior. To date, no single cause has been demonstrated but both genetic and environmental factors are believed to be involved in abnormal brain development. In recent years, immunological and mitochondrial dysfunctions acquired particular interest in the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of ASD.

The influence of postoperative morbidity on long-term quality of life outcomes following pelvic exenteration.

Introduction: Pelvic exenteration provides significant survival benefits for selected patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer. However, in-hospital postoperative morbidity such as abdominal abscess, sepsis, and anastomotic leak remain highly prevalent, which can have short/long-term impacts on patient quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to determine the influence of postoperative morbidity on QoL outcomes in patients following pelvic exenteration.

The impact of financial stress on student wellbeing in Lebanese higher education.

Background: The financial crisis has indirectly affected Lebanese university students, leading to economic distress. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the substantial negative impact of financial stress on the mental health and well-being of Lebanese college students.

Methods: A quantitative research approach was applied and took place from June 13th to July 25th, 2023, targeting 1272 university students aged 17 and above from private and public universities across Lebanon through convenience sampling.