Chemoimmunotherapy-Resistant Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia Managed With I-125 Brachytherapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the management of chemoimmunotherapy-resistant ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) with iodine-125 (I-125) brachytherapy.

Methods: A 36-year-old man presented to the clinic with biopsy-proven OSSN that covered ∼70% of the corneal surface and extended to the 6 o'clock position of the inferior limbus of the OS. The visual acuity was 20/20 in the OD and 20/40 in the affected OS.

Person-centered contraceptive counseling and associations with contraceptive practices among a nationally representative sample of women in Ethiopia.

Objectives: To estimate levels of person-centered contraceptive counseling among current and recent contraceptive users, assess for whom counseling differs, and examine the relationship between counseling and contraceptive practices, specifically use of provider-dependent methods and use of one's preferred method, among women in Ethiopia.

Study Design: This cross-sectional study uses nationally representative data collected by the Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia project among current and recent contraceptive users ( = 2731) aged 15-49 between October and November 2021. Descriptive analyses estimated person-centered counseling levels via the recently validated quality of contraceptive counseling short scale (QCC-10).

Experiences of Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents and Young Women During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study Among Girls and Women in Kenya.

Purpose: This study examines the experiences of pregnant/parenting adolescents and young women during the first two years of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods: This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study leverages quantitative data collected among a cohort of adolescents and young people aged 15-22 years in three Kenyan counties; Nairobi, Kisumu, and Kilifi at three time points (2020, 2021, 2022), and two rounds of qualitative interviews in the same settings conducted in 2020 and 2022.

Results: Among 2337 (2020), 1438 (2021), and 1669 (2022) respondents, pregnant/parenting adolescents and youth comprised 140 (6%), 101 (7%), and 83 (5%) individuals, respectively.

A Computational Approach to Characterize the Protein S-Mer Tyrosine Kinase (PROS1-MERTK) Protein-Protein Interaction Dynamics.

Protein S (PROS1) has recently been identified as a ligand for the TAM receptor MERTK, influencing immune response and cell survival. The PROS1-MERTK interaction plays a role in cancer progression, promoting immune evasion and metastasis in multiple cancers by fostering a tumor-supportive microenvironment. Despite its importance, limited structural insights into this interaction underscore the need for computational studies to explore their binding dynamics, potentially guiding targeted therapies.

Trajectories of personal agency by gender and pubertal development among adolescents in Kinshasa: Longitudinal evidence from the GlobalEarly Adolescent Study.

Background: Empowerment research has largely focused on adult women with little focus on younger adolescents. Additionally, despite recognition that empowerment is a process, few studies have longitudinally explored its development.

Methods: We used secondary data from four waves of the Global Early Adolescent Study to explore trajectories in the development of three domains of agency (i.

Comparative Analysis of the Intrinsic Disorder Within the Layers of the Human Cornea.

Purpose: The human cornea is essential for vision, providing structural integrity and refractive power to the eye. Recent advancements have deepened our understanding of the corneal molecular composition, yet the role of intrinsically disordered proteins within the cornea is unexplored.

Methods: We analyzed 3,250 corneal proteins identified by Dyrlund et al, focusing on the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium layers.

How does person-centered maternity care relate to postpartum contraceptive counseling and use? Evidence from a longitudinal study of women delivering at health facilities in Ethiopia.

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between integrated, person-centered maternity care (PCMC), the provision of postpartum family planning (PPFP) services, and postpartum contraceptive use among women delivering at health facilities in Ethiopia.

Study Design: We analyze 2019-2021 longitudinal data from a representative sample of pregnant and recently postpartum women in Ethiopia. This study examines baseline, 6-week, and 6-month survey data collected from women who delivered at a health facility.

Periocular granulomatous inflammatory lesions mimicking conjunctival melanoma recurrence in the setting of systemic nivolumab treatment.

Purpose: Conjunctival melanoma is a rare neoplasm with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. Traditional management includes surgical excision and cryotherapy, followed by adjuvant therapy as needed. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including nivolumab, are a targeted treatment option with improved survival rates.

Identifying what contraceptive side effects women are told about during counseling using nationally representative PMA Ethiopia 2019 cross-sectional data.

Despite widespread concerns about contraceptive side effects among contraceptive users, few studies explore the specific side effects women are told about during contraceptive counseling. It is thus unclear whether women receive appropriate and sufficient information on side effects they may experience. The objective of this study is to describe which specific side effects of hormonal contraception or copper IUD users are counseled on and identify relevant user characteristics associated with receipt of counseling, using nationally representative cross-sectional data from Ethiopia.

Assessing the effect of concerns about contraceptive-induced fertility impairment on hormonal contraceptive use by parity and residence: evidence from PMA Ethiopia 2020 cross-sectional survey.

Objectives: This study aims to describe patterns of beliefs about contraceptive-induced infertility and assess their relationship with current contraceptive use, including whether these relationships vary by parity and residence.

Design: We use data from Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia, a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of 7491 women, aged 15-49, to assess agreement with the statement 'If I use family planning, I may have trouble getting pregnant next time I want to.' We used multilevel hierarchical models to identify the association between agreement and use of a hormonal method of contraception among 3882 sexually active, fecund women who wish to prevent pregnancy.

Effects of Aging on Intrinsic Protein Disorder in Human Lenses and Zonules.

This study aims to compare the levels of intrinsic protein disorder within the human lens and zonule proteomes and investigate the role of aging as a potential influencing factor on disorder levels. A cross-sectional proteomic analysis was employed, utilizing a dataset of 1466 proteins derived from the lens and zonule proteomes previously published by Wang et al. and De Maria et al.

A qualitative exploration of reproductive coercion experiences and perceptions in four geo-culturally diverse sub-Saharan African settings.

Reproductive coercion (RC) is any intentional behavior that interferes with another's reproductive decision-making or pregnancy outcome. This study aims to qualitatively examine RC experiences and perceptions among women and men in Ethiopia, Nigeria (Kano and Anambra States), and Uganda. This is a secondary analysis utilizing qualitative data from the Women's and Girls' Empowerment in Sexual and Reproductive Health study.

Trends in Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes Before and Into the COVID-19 Pandemic in Burkina Faso and Kenya: Evidence From Panel Data.

Purpose: Many predicted that COVID-19 would have a substantial impact on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) trajectories of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of longitudinal data with information collected before and into the pandemic has limited investigation into this topic.

Methods: We performed a secondary analysis using nationally representative longitudinal data from Kenya and Burkina Faso, collected at three time points (pre-COVID-19 in late 2019, and during COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021), to determine the extent to which SRH outcomes and behaviors, including pregnancy, contraceptive use, partnership status, and sexual activity, changed during the pandemic among adolescent women.

Intrinsic disorder in the human vitreous proteome.

The vitreous is a vital component of the eye, occupying a substantial portion of its volume and maintaining its structure. This study delves into the presence and significance of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) within the vitreous, utilizing a dataset of 1240 vitreous proteins previously discovered in the vitreous proteome by Murthy et al.in five healthy subjects.

Therapeutic Response to Treatment of a Papillomatous Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia With Intramuscular Human Papillomavirus Vaccine.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the response of a papillomatous ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) to the intramuscular (IM) 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine after failed medical and surgical interventions.

Methods: A 79-year-old White man with a conjunctival lesion underwent a biopsy which revealed OSSN and positivity for high-risk HPV. Initially treated with medical therapy and surgical excisions, the patient developed a recurrence and refused further surgery.

Punctal and Canalicular Stenosis Following Topical 1% 5-Fluorouracil Eye Drop Therapy for Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia.

Purpose: To present the first known cases of punctal and canalicular stenosis following topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) eye drops for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients with OSSN receiving topical 1% 5-FU eye drops as a primary or adjuvant treatment between 2013 and 2021 was performed. Individuals diagnosed with punctal or canalicular stenosis during or after topical 5-FU use were included in this study.

Chronic inflammation as a proposed risk factor for ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

Purpose: Chronic inflammation is a predisposing factor for metaplastic changes and ultimately dysplasia. We describe cases of OSSN occurring in the setting of chronic ocular surface inflammation.

Methods: Sixteen eyes from 14 individuals were included from one ocular oncology clinic between 2010 and 2023.

Conjunctival Nevus.

Purpose Of Review: To provide an up-to-date review of the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment options for conjunctival nevi (CN).

Recent Findings: Around 17.2%-42% of all conjunctival tumors have been found to be CN, which most frequently present in White individuals between the first to early third decade of life, with equal distribution between males and females.

Abortion information-seeking experiences among women who obtained abortions in Kinshasa, DRC: Results from a qualitative study.

Little is known about the process of seeking information related to abortion care options among women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Understanding how women obtain information can help identify opportunities for intervention to increase awareness and use of safe pregnancy termination options. Using qualitative data collected from women in Kinshasa, DRC who reported having an abortion in the last 10 years, this study aims to determine how women navigate obtaining information about their options for abortion and the role of their social network in their information-seeking processes.

Role of Topical 5-Fluorouracil in Demodex -Associated Blepharitis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report clinical observations suggesting the efficacy of topical 1% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in treating Demodex -associated blepharitis.

Methods: An observational retrospective review of 13 eyes from 13 individuals with conjunctival neoplastic lesions and concomitant Demodex lash infestation that received topical 1% 5-FU eye drops. Patients underwent slit-lamp examination at each follow-up visit.