Corneal cross-linking.

First introduced over 20 years ago as a treatment for progressive keratoconus, the original "Dresden" corneal cross-linking (CXL) protocol involved riboflavin saturation of the stroma, followed by 30 min of 3 mW/cm-intensity ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiation. This procedure generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cross-link stromal molecules, thereby stiffening the cornea and counteracting the ectasia-induced weakening. Due to their large size, riboflavin molecules cannot readily pass through the corneal epithelial cell tight junctions; thus, epithelial debridement was performed.

Electronic Health Record Alert to Promote Adoption of Limited Transthoracic Echocardiograms in Primary Care and Cardiology Clinics: A Mixed Methods Evaluation.

Background: A limited transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) can be an appropriate, lower-cost substitute for a full TTE. We assessed the impact of an electronic health record alternative alert promoting the adoption of limited TTEs on the ordering practices of cardiology clinicians and primary care providers and captured their perspectives on the initiative.

Methods: The alert was deployed in a cardiology clinic and 4 primary care clinics at an academic medical center.

ATAXIN-2 intermediate-length polyglutamine expansions elicit ALS-associated metabolic and immune phenotypes.

Intermediate-length repeat expansions in ATAXIN-2 (ATXN2) are the strongest genetic risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). At the molecular level, ATXN2 intermediate expansions enhance TDP-43 toxicity and pathology. However, whether this triggers ALS pathogenesis at the cellular and functional level remains unknown.

Optical coherence tomography quantifies gradient refractive index and mechanical stiffness gradient across the human lens.

Background: As a key element of ocular accommodation, the inherent mechanical stiffness gradient and the gradient refractive index (GRIN) of the crystalline lens determine its deformability and optical functionality. Quantifying the GRIN profile and deformation characteristics in the lens has the potential to improve the diagnosis and follow-up of lenticular disorders and guide refractive interventions in the future.

Methods: Here, we present a type of optical coherence elastography able to examine the mechanical characteristics of the human crystalline lens and the GRIN distribution in vivo.

Safety of thyroidectomy in hospitalized patients: A descriptive analysis of the NSQIP thyroidectomy-targeted data.

Background: Some patients undergo thyroidectomy while hospitalized for a related or independent indication. Outcomes have not been described in this group.

Methods: The 2016-2018 thyroidectomy-targeted NSQIP datasets were queried for patients admitted for ≥1 day preoperatively.