Predicting Success: The Crucial Role of Preoperative Data in Refractive Surgery Outcomes.

Refractive surgery, which includes techniques such as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), has revolutionized ophthalmology by offering advanced solutions for vision correction. However, the choice of the technique to be used in the individual patient is highly dependent on a thorough preoperative evaluation. This retrospective study aims to investigate how preoperative parameters, including corneal thickness, topography, and refraction, affect long-term post-operative clinical outcomes.

Integrating and retrieving learning analytics data from heterogeneous platforms using ontology alignment: Graph-based approach.

This study explores the possibility of integrating and retrieving heterogenous data across platforms by using ontology graph databases to enhance educational insights and enabling advanced data-driven decision-making. Motivated by some of the well-known universities and other Higher Education Institutions ontology, this study improvises the existing entities and introduces new entities in order to tackle a new topic identified from the preliminary interview conducted in the study to cover the study objective. The paper also proposes an innovative ontology, referred to as Student Performance and Course, to enhance resource management and evaluation mechanisms on course, students, and MOOC performance by the faculty.

Selective adsorption of unmethylated DNA on ZnO nanowires for separation of methylated DNA.

DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic modification used as a biomarker for early cancer progression. However, existing methods for DNA methylation analysis are complex, time-consuming, and prone to DNA degradation. This work demonstrates selective capture of unmethylated DNAs using ZnO nanowires without chemical or biological modifications, thereby concentrating methylated DNA, particularly those with high methylation levels that can predict cancer risk.

Cavernous Sinus Syndrome in a Traumatic Dissecting Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery.

We report a rare case of a missed intracavernous internal carotid artery dissecting aneurysm occurring as a complication of the base of skull fracture with severe brain injury causing acute cavernous sinus syndrome with permanent vision loss. A 31-year-old Myanmar lady had an alleged motor vehicle accident and suffered severe traumatic brain injury with multiple intracranial bleeds, multiple facial bone and base of skull fractures, and limb fractures. At one week post-trauma, she had severe right eye proptosis with vision loss, ophthalmoplegia, chemosis, and high intraocular pressure.

Myopia in Children: Epidemiology, Genetics, and Emerging Therapies for Treatment and Prevention.

Refractive errors, particularly myopia, are among the most prevalent visual impairments globally, with rising incidence in children and adolescents. This review explores the epidemiology and risk factors associated with the development of refractive errors, focusing on the environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to the current surge in myopia. We provide an overview of key genetic factors and molecular pathways driving the pathogenesis of myopia and other refractive errors, emphasizing the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Advancing Glaucoma Treatment During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Contemporary Management Strategies and Prospective Therapeutic Developments.

The management of glaucoma in pregnancy and breastfeeding requires a careful evaluation of treatment choices to guarantee the well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. This review explores the intricacies of controlling glaucoma in pregnant and breastfeeding women, including a comprehensive overview of existing glaucoma treatment methods, clinical guidelines, and future therapeutic approaches. The efficacy and safety profiles of traditional treatment approaches, such as topical and systemic medicines and surgical treatments, are evaluated specifically about their use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Insights on the Genetic and Phenotypic Complexities of Optic Neuropathies.

/: Optic neuropathies are a category of illnesses that ultimately cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision impairment and possible blindness. Disorders such as dominant optic atrophy (DOA), Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), and glaucoma demonstrate intricate genetic foundations and varied phenotypic manifestations. This narrative review study seeks to consolidate existing knowledge on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying ocular neuropathies, examine genotype-phenotype correlations, and assess novel therapeutic options to improve diagnostic and treatment methodologies.

The therapeutic potential of targeting Oncostatin M and the interleukin-6 family in retinal diseases: A comprehensive review.

Retinal diseases, which can lead to significant vision loss, are complex conditions involving various cellular and molecular mechanisms. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) family, particularly Oncostatin M (OSM), has garnered attention for their roles in retinal inflammation, angiogenesis, and neuroprotection. This comprehensive review explores the dual nature of OSM and other IL-6 family members in retinal pathophysiology, highlighting their contribution to both degenerative and regenerative processes.

Possible viral agents to consider in the differential diagnosis of blepharoconjunctivitis.

Background: Blepharoconjunctivitis poses a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse etiology, including viral infections. Blepharoconjunctivits can be acute or chronic, self-limiting, or needing medical therapy.

Aim: To review possible viral agents crucial for accurate differential diagnosis in cases of blepharoconjunctivitis.

Autologous blood in the management of ocular surface disorders.

Autologous blood therapy has emerged as a promising modality in managing ocular surface disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current literature regarding the use of autologous blood in ocular surface disorders, encompassing its physiological basis, clinical applications, techniques, challenges, and future perspectives. The ocular surface, comprising the cornea, conjunctiva, and tear film, plays a critical role in maintaining visual function, and its disruption can lead to various pathological conditions.

New frontiers in retinal transplantation.

New frontiers about retinal cell transplantation for retinal degenerative diseases start from the idea that acting on stem cells can help regenerate retinal layers and establish new synapses among retinal cells. Deficiency or alterations of synaptic input and neurotrophic factors result in trans-neuronal degeneration of the inner retinal cells. Thus, the disruption of photoreceptors takes place.

Structure-based virtual screening of Trachyspermum ammi metabolites targeting acetylcholinesterase for Alzheimer's disease treatment.

In recent decades, Alzheimer's disease (AD) has garnered significant attention due to its rapid global prevalence. The cholinergic hypothesis posits that the degradation of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contributes to AD development. Despite existing anti-AChE drugs, their adverse side effects necessitate new agents.

A Qualitative Study of Career Motivations and Career Expectations of Malaysian Dental Therapist: Post New Dental Regulations.

Objectives: To explore the Malaysian dental therapists' perceptions regarding the provisions concerning them in the new dental act and potential market changes, considering their current career motivations and expectations.

Methods: Dental therapists from two major public dental organisations in the East-Peninsular Malaysia (n = 26) were invited to participate in an audiotaped semi-structured interview using a pre-tested topic-guide informed by workforce policy and research literature. The qualitative data were transcribed and analysed using Framework Analysis.

Management of Eyelid Pathologies That Cause Corneal Lesions.

Corneal injuries, which make up 3% of emergency room visits, can vary from small scratches to exposure or trauma-related damage that might be fatal to vision. Mechanical trauma, diseases of the eyelids, neurotrophic abnormalities, and chemical burns are common causes. A thorough examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Intelligent responsive nanogels: New Horizons in cancer therapy.

Biologically engineered nanogels formed through sophisticated intramolecular crosslinking processes represent the forefront of next-generation drug delivery systems. These innovative systems offer many advantages, like adjustable size, satisfactory biocompatibility, and minimal toxicity. Their unique attributes facilitate deep penetration and long-term retention of drugs in tumors, effectively enhancing the anti-tumor effects.

Elucidating the monoamine oxidase B inhibitory effect of kaurene diterpenoids from Xylopia aethiopica: An in silico approach.

Parkinson disease is a neurogenerative disease common in adults and results in different kinds of memory dysfuntions. This study evaluated the monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitory potential of kaurane diterpenoids previously isolated from Xylopia aethiopica through comprehensive computational approaches. Molecular docking study and molecular dynamics simulation were used to access the binding mode and interaction of xylopic acid and MAO-B enzyme.

Novel Approaches for the Early Detection of Glaucoma Using Artificial Intelligence.

Background: If left untreated, glaucoma-the second most common cause of blindness worldwide-causes irreversible visual loss due to a gradual neurodegeneration of the retinal ganglion cells. Conventional techniques for identifying glaucoma, like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field exams, are frequently laborious and dependent on subjective interpretation. Through the fast and accurate analysis of massive amounts of imaging data, artificial intelligence (AI), in particular machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), has emerged as a promising method to improve the early detection and management of glaucoma.

Herbal Self-medication Practice for Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Sudan: A Public Survey, 2021.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in China in late 2019 with high rate of spread and transmission. As there was no recognized therapy many people worldwide used herbs in attempt to help their body overcome the disease.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the use of herbs by patients with COVID-19 in Sudan and tries to identify a possible role in cure or lowering the severity of the illness.

Cu(II) complexes based on benzimidazole ligands: synthesis, characterization, DFT, molecular docking & bioactivity study.

The biggest cause of cancer deaths globally was lung cancer. New cancer fighting drugs are needed due to the rising number of cancer patients and cancer cells' treatment resistance. Two Cu(II) complexes, synthesized from ligands based on 2-aminomethyl benzimidazole and salicylaldehyde derivatives, were designed and evaluated for their effectiveness against A549 lung cancer.

Amniotic Membrane Transplantation: Clinical Applications in Enhancing Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration.

Chronic wounds and non-healing tissue defects pose significant clinical challenges, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. A comprehensive literature review of amniotic membrane transplantation for wound healing and tissue repair evaluates the efficacy and safety of amniotic membrane transplantation in enhancing wound healing and tissue repair. Amniotic membranes promote wound closure and reduce inflammation and scarring via abundant growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components, which foster conducive environments for tissue regeneration.

Computational design and evaluation of a polyvalent vaccine for viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in fish to combat Betanodavirus infection.

Viral nervous necrosis (VNN) poses a significant threat to the aquaculture industry, causing substantial losses and economic burdens. The disease, attributed to nervous necrosis viruses within the Betanodavirus genus, is particularly pervasive in the Mediterranean region, affecting various fish species across all production stages with mortality rates reaching 100%. Developing effective preventive measures against VNN is imperative.

Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology in Glaucoma: A Review.

Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, necessitating precise management strategies tailored to individual patient characteristics. Artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise in revolutionizing the approach to glaucoma care by providing personalized interventions.

Aim: This review explores the current landscape of AI applications in the personalized management of glaucoma patients, highlighting advancements, challenges, and future directions.