Electric field stimulation directs target-specific axon regeneration and partial restoration of vision after optic nerve crush injury.

Failure of central nervous system (CNS) axons to regenerate after injury results in permanent disability. Several molecular neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative strategies have been proposed as potential treatments but do not provide the directional cues needed to direct target-specific axon regeneration. Here, we demonstrate that applying an external guidance cue in the form of electric field stimulation to adult rats after optic nerve crush injury was effective at directing long-distance, target-specific retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon regeneration to native targets in the diencephalon.

Same-session dual chromophore riboflavin/UV-A and rose bengal/green light PACK-CXL in Acanthamoeba keratitis: a case report.

Background: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is the most challenging corneal infection to treat, with conventional therapies often proving ineffective. While photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL) with riboflavin/UV-A has shown success in treating bacterial and fungal keratitis, and PACK-CXL with rose bengal/green light has demonstrated promise in fungal keratitis, neither approach has been shown to effectively eradicate AK. This case study explores a novel combined same-session treatment approach using both riboflavin/UV-A and rose bengal/green light in a single procedure.

A deep learning-based ADRPPA algorithm for the prediction of diabetic retinopathy progression.

As an alternative to assessments performed by human experts, artificial intelligence (AI) is currently being used for screening fundus images and monitoring diabetic retinopathy (DR). Although AI models can provide quasi-clinician diagnoses, they rarely offer new insights to assist clinicians in predicting disease prognosis and treatment response. Using longitudinal retinal imaging data, we developed and validated a predictive model for DR progression: AI-driven Diabetic Retinopathy Progression Prediction Algorithm (ADRPPA).

Impact of Race on the Outcomes of Retinoblastoma Treated With Primary Enucleation: A Global Study of 1426 Patients.

Background: To evaluate the clinical presentation, pathological features and outcomes of retinoblastoma based on the race of origin in a global cohort of patients.

Methods: Retrospective collaborative study of 1426 patients who underwent primary enucleation for retinoblastoma.

Results: Patients were grouped into Caucasians (n = 231, 16%), Asians (n = 841, 59%), Hispanics (n = 226, 16%), Arabs (n = 96, 7%) and Others (Africans, African Americans, Indigenous Australians; n = 32, 2%) cohorts.

Transcorneal electrical stimulation restores DNA methylation changes in retinal degeneration.

Background: Retinal degeneration is a major cause of irreversible blindness. Stimulation with controlled low-level electrical fields, such as transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES), has recently been postulated as a therapeutic strategy. With promising results, there is a need for detailed molecular characterization of the therapeutic effects of TES.

Potential of ultrasound stimulation and sonogenetics in vision restoration: a narrative review.

Vision restoration presents a considerable challenge in the realm of regenerative medicine, while recent progress in ultrasound stimulation has displayed potential as a non-invasive therapeutic approach. This narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of current research on ultrasound-stimulated neuromodulation, emphasizing its potential as a treatment modality for various nerve injuries. By examining of the efficacy of different types of ultrasound stimulation in modulating peripheral and optic nerves, we can delve into their underlying molecular mechanisms.

Extrinsic electric field modulates neuronal development and increases photoreceptor population in retinal organoids.

Introduction: Considering the significant role played by both intrinsic and extrinsic electric fields in the growth and maturation of the central nervous system, the impact of short exposure to external electric fields on the development and differentiation of retinal organoids was investigated.

Methods: Retinal organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells were used at day 80, a key stage in their differentiation. A single 60-minute exposure to a biphasic electrical field was administered to assess its influence on retinal cell populations and maturation markers.

Multi-Omic Characterization of Single Cells and Cell-Free Components Detected in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Leptomeningeal Disease.

Background/objectives: Up to 30% of patients with breast cancers will develop brain or leptomeningeal metastases, and this risk is especially high with HER2-positive cancers. For patients with central nervous system metastases, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) liquid biopsies are a promising opportunity to monitor disease, inform treatment, and predict prognosis. This pilot study investigated CSF liquid biopsy analytes from three patients diagnosed with central nervous system metastases based on imaging but not confirmed via clinical cytology.

Comparing the Accuracy and Readability of Glaucoma-related Question Responses and Educational Materials by Google and ChatGPT.

Aim And Background: Patients are increasingly turning to the internet to learn more about their ocular disease. In this study, we sought (1) to compare the accuracy and readability of Google and ChatGPT responses to patients' glaucoma-related frequently asked questions (FAQs) and (2) to evaluate ChatGPT's capacity to improve glaucoma patient education materials by accurately reducing the grade level at which they are written.

Materials And Methods: We executed a Google search to identify the three most common FAQs related to 10 search terms associated with glaucoma diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis and Care of Children With Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment: Clinical Report.

Cerebral/cortical visual impairment (CVI) is a leading cause of pediatric visual impairment in nations with developed economies and is increasing in those with developing economies. Because vision is the predominant sense used for learning, delay in diagnosis of CVI can negatively affect education, making early detection and management important. The American Academy of Pediatrics has published the policy statement "Visual System Assessment in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians" and an accompanying clinical report that are based on identifying potential causes of ocular visual impairment in children.

Phenotypic Biomarkers of Aqueous Extracellular Vesicles from Retinoblastoma Eyes.

Recent advancements in aqueous humor (AH) cell-free DNA (cfDNA) genomics have opened new avenues for ex vivo molecular profiling of retinoblastoma (RB), the most common pediatric intraocular malignancy, where biopsy is typically prohibited. While these insights offer a genetic blueprint of the tumor, they lack multi-omic molecular phenotyping, which is essential for understanding the functional state. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), naturally present in AH, are promising by offering time-resolved phenotypic information.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Graft Preparation and Implantation of Corneal Allogeneic Intrastromal Ring Segments for Corneal Ectasia: 1-Year Results.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of patients treated with corneal allogeneic intrastromal ring segments cut with femtosecond laser (Femto-CAIRS) without concomitant corneal crosslinking.

Methods: Patients with keratoconus treated with Femto-CAIRS at the American University of Beirut Medical Center were included (May 2022-January 2023). A proprietary software program was developed on the femtosecond laser to cut allogeneic segments.

Retinal G-protein-coupled receptor deletion exacerbates AMD-like changes via the PINK1-parkin pathway under oxidative stress.

The intake of high dietary fat has been correlated with the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affecting the function of the retinal pigment epithelium through oxidative stress. A high-fat diet (HFD) can lead to lipid metabolism disorders, excessive production of circulating free fatty acids, and systemic inflammation by aggravating the degree of oxidative stress. Deletion of the retinal G-protein-coupled receptor (RGR-d) has been identified in drusen.

Flow Characterization in a Partially Liquefied Vitreous Humor.

The purpose of this study is to systematically examine the basic fluid dynamics associated with a fully liquid region within a porous material. This work has come about as a result of our investigation on the ocular fluid dynamics and transport process in a partially liquefied vitreous humor. The liquid is modeled as a sphere with Stokes flow while the surrounding infinite porous region is described by Brinkman flow.

The caretaker-reversible Tarsorrhaphy.

Purpose: To present a modification of the reversible tarsorrhaphy that can be opened and reclosed as necessary by caretakers and the patient.

Methods: Retrospective case series of patients who underwent the reversible tarsorrhaphy. Materials included intravenous (IV) tubing as bolsters and 4-0 polypropylene suture.

Treatment Outcomes and Definition Inconsistencies in High-Risk Unilateral Retinoblastoma.

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of children with unilateral retinoblastoma (Rb) and high-risk histopathology features (HRHF) following upfront enucleation with/without adjuvant chemotherapy, and investigate cases locally considered non-HRHF but converted to a standardized HRHF definition.

Design: Retrospective multinational clinical cohort study.

Methods: Children with Rb who presented to 21 centers from 12 countries between 2011-2020, and underwent primary enucleation were recruited.

Comparing the Ability of Google and ChatGPT to Accurately Respond to Oculoplastics-Related Patient Questions and Generate Customized Oculoplastics Patient Education Materials.

Purpose: To compare the accuracy and readability of responses to oculoplastics patient questions provided by Google and ChatGPT. Additionally, to assess the ability of ChatGPT to create customized patient education materials.

Methods: We executed a Google search to identify the 3 most frequently asked patient questions (FAQs) related to 10 oculoplastics conditions.

Dynamics of microRNA secreted via extracellular vesicles during the maturation of embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium.

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are exclusive to the retina, critically multifunctional in maintaining the visual functions and health of photoreceptors and the retina. Despite their vital functions throughout lifetime, RPE cells lack regenerative capacity, rendering them vulnerable which can lead to degenerative retinal diseases. With advancements in stem cell technology enabling the differentiation of functional cells from pluripotent stem cells and leveraging the robust autocrine and paracrine functions of RPE cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by RPE cells hold significant therapeutic potential in supplementing RPE cell activity.

Retinoblastoma Outcomes Based on the 8th Edition American Joint Committee on Cancer Pathological Classification in 1411 Patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of retinoblastoma (RB) based on the 8 edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) pathological classification in a global cohort of patients.

Design: Retrospective, multicenter, intercontinental, collaborative study.

Participants: A total of 1411 patients.

High-Fat Feeding Alters Circulating Triglyceride Composition: Roles of FFA Desaturation and ω-3 Fatty Acid Availability.

Hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Plasma triglycerides (TGs) are a key factor for assessing the risk of diabetes or CVD. However, previous lipidomics studies have demonstrated that not all TG molecules behave the same way.