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Medicine Jun 2024Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) significantly impairs vision in diabetics, with varied patient responses to current treatments like anti-vascular endothelial growth factor...
BACKGROUND
Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) significantly impairs vision in diabetics, with varied patient responses to current treatments like anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy underscoring the necessity for continued research into more effective strategies. This study aims to evaluate global research trends and identify emerging frontiers in DME to guide future research and clinical management.
METHODS
A qualitative and quantitative analysis of publications related to diabetic macular edema retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) between its inception and September 4, 2023, was conducted. Microsoft Excel, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Bibliometrix Package, and Tableau were used for the bibliometric analysis and visualization. This encompasses an examination of the overall distribution of annual output, major countries, regions, institutions, authors, core journals, co-cited references, and keyword analyses.
RESULTS
Overall, 5624 publications were analyzed, indicating an increasing trend in DME research. The United States was identified as the leading country in DME research, with the highest h-index of 135 and 91,841 citations. Francesco Bandello emerged as the most prolific author with 97 publications. Neil M. Bressler has the highest h-index and highest total citation count of 46 and 9692, respectively. The journals "Retina - the Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases" and "Ophthalmology" were highlighted as the most prominent in this field. "Retina" leads with 354 publications, a citation count of 11,872, and an h-index of 59. Meanwhile, "Ophthalmology" stands out with the highest overall citation count of 31,558 and the highest h-index of 90. The primary research focal points in diabetic macular edema included "prevalence and risk factors," "pathological mechanisms," "imaging modalities," "treatment strategies," and "clinical trials." Emerging research areas encompassed "deep learning and artificial intelligence," "novel treatment modalities," and "biomarkers."
CONCLUSION
Our bibliometric analysis delineates the leading role of the United States in DME research. We identified current research hotspots, including epidemiological studies, pathophysiological mechanisms, imaging advancements, and treatment innovations. Emerging trends, such as the integration of artificial intelligence and novel therapeutic approaches, highlight future directions. These insights underscore the importance of collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches in advancing DME research and clinical management.
Topics: Macular Edema; Bibliometrics; Humans; Diabetic Retinopathy; Biomedical Research
PubMed: 38905408
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038596 -
International Journal of Ophthalmology 2024With the advancement of retinal imaging, hyperreflective foci (HRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images have gained significant attention as potential... (Review)
Review
With the advancement of retinal imaging, hyperreflective foci (HRF) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images have gained significant attention as potential biological biomarkers for retinal neuroinflammation. However, these biomarkers, represented by HRF, present pose challenges in terms of localization, quantification, and require substantial time and resources. In recent years, the progress and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) have provided powerful tools for the analysis of biological markers. AI technology enables use machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL) and other technologies to precise characterization of changes in biological biomarkers during disease progression and facilitates quantitative assessments. Based on ophthalmic images, AI has significant implications for early screening, diagnostic grading, treatment efficacy evaluation, treatment recommendations, and prognosis development in common ophthalmic diseases. Moreover, it will help reduce the reliance of the healthcare system on human labor, which has the potential to simplify and expedite clinical trials, enhance the reliability and professionalism of disease management, and improve the prediction of adverse events. This article offers a comprehensive review of the application of AI in combination with HRF on OCT images in ophthalmic diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and other retinal diseases and presents prospects for their utilization.
PubMed: 38895690
DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.06.20 -
Cancers May 2024In the context of breast cancer treatment optimization, this study prospectively examines the feasibility and outcomes of utilizing intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as...
Acute and Long-Term Toxicity after Planned Intraoperative Boost and Whole Breast Irradiation in High-Risk Patients with Breast Cancer-Results from the Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy Boost Quality Registry (TARGIT BQR).
In the context of breast cancer treatment optimization, this study prospectively examines the feasibility and outcomes of utilizing intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as a boost in combination with standard external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for high-risk patients. Different guidelines recommend such a tumor bed boost in addition to whole breast irradiation with EBRT for patients with risk factors for local breast cancer recurrence. The TARGIT BQR (NCT01440010) is a prospective, multicenter registry study aimed at ensuring the quality of clinical outcomes. It provides, for the first time, data from a large cohort with a detailed assessment of acute and long-term toxicity following an IORT boost using low-energy X-rays. Inclusion criteria encompassed tumors up to 3.5 cm in size and preoperative indications for a boost. The IORT boost, administered immediately after tumor resection, delivered a single dose of 20 Gy. EBRT and systemic therapy adhered to local tumor board recommendations. Follow-up for toxicity assessment (LENT SOMA criteria: fibrosis, teleangiectasia, retraction, pain, breast edema, lymphedema, hyperpigmentation, ulceration) took place before surgery, 6 weeks to 90 days after EBRT, 6 months after IORT, and then annually using standardized case report forms (CRFs). Between 2011 and 2020, 1133 patients from 10 centers were preoperatively enrolled. The planned IORT boost was conducted in 90%, and EBRT in 97% of cases. Median follow-up was 32 months (range 1-120, 20.4% dropped out), with a median age of 61 years (range 30-90). No acute grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed. Acute side effects included erythema grade 1 or 2 in 4.4%, palpable seroma in 9.1%, punctured seroma in 0.3%, and wound healing disorders in 2.1%. Overall, chronic teleangiectasia of any grade occurred in 16.2%, fibrosis grade ≥ 2 in 14.3%, pain grade ≥ 2 in 3.4%, and hyperpigmentation in 1.1%. In conclusion, a tumor bed boost through IORT using low-energy X-rays is a swift and feasible method that demonstrates low rates in terms of acute or long-term toxicity profiles in combination with whole breast irradiation.
PubMed: 38893184
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112067 -
Cancers May 2024Soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities (ESTSs) pose significant challenges in treatment and management due to their diverse nature and potential complications. This...
INTRODUCTION
Soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities (ESTSs) pose significant challenges in treatment and management due to their diverse nature and potential complications. This study aimed to assess complications associated with multimodal treatments involving surgery and radiotherapy (RT) and to identify potential risk factors.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed nonmetastatic ESTS patients treated with surgery and pre- or post-operative RT between 2007 and 2020 in Strasbourg, France. Complications, including wound complications (WCs), lymphedema, acute and chronic RT-related complications, and fractures, were meticulously evaluated.
RESULTS
A total of 169 patients diagnosed with localized ESTSs were included, with a median age of 64 years (range 21-94 years). ESTSs primarily occurred proximally (74.6%) and in the lower limbs (71%). The median follow-up was 5.5 years. WCs occurred in 22.5% of patients, with proximal and lower extremity tumors being significant risk factors. Acute RT-related complications included radiodermatitis, with grade ≥ 2 occurring in 43.1% of patients, which was associated with superficial tumors. Three patients had an edema grade ≥ 2. Chronic complications included telangiectasias (21.7%) and fibrosis (38.7%), with higher rates associated with larger PTVs and higher RT doses, respectively. Fractures occurred in 5 patients, mainly in the tibia (40%).
CONCLUSIONS
Multimodal treatment of ESTSs demonstrated excellent tolerance, with manageable side effects. Numerous risk factors have been highlighted, providing insights for optimizing treatment strategies and enhancing patient care in this rare disease.
PubMed: 38893097
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111977 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024: To design a novel anomaly detection and localization approach using artificial intelligence methods using optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans for retinal...
: To design a novel anomaly detection and localization approach using artificial intelligence methods using optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans for retinal diseases. : High-resolution OCT scans from the publicly available Kaggle dataset and a local dataset were used by four state-of-the-art self-supervised frameworks. The backbone model of all the frameworks was a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN), which enabled the extraction of meaningful features from OCT images. Anomalous images included choroidal neovascularization (CNV), diabetic macular edema (DME), and the presence of drusen. Anomaly detectors were evaluated by commonly accepted performance metrics, including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, F1 score, and accuracy. : A total of 25,315 high-resolution retinal OCT slabs were used for training. Test and validation sets consisted of 968 and 4000 slabs, respectively. The best performing across all anomaly detectors had an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 0.99. All frameworks were shown to achieve high performance and generalize well for the different retinal diseases. Heat maps were generated to visualize the quality of the frameworks' ability to localize anomalous areas of the image. : This study shows that with the use of pre-trained feature extractors, the frameworks tested can generalize to the domain of retinal OCT scans and achieve high image-level ROC-AUC scores. The localization results of these frameworks are promising and successfully capture areas that indicate the presence of retinal pathology. Moreover, such frameworks have the potential to uncover new biomarkers that are difficult for the human eye to detect. Frameworks for anomaly detection and localization can potentially be integrated into clinical decision support and automatic screening systems that will aid ophthalmologists in patient diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment design. This work establishes a solid basis for further development of automated anomaly detection frameworks for clinical use.
PubMed: 38892804
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113093 -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2024Surgical extraction of impacted third molars (ITM) often leads to postoperative discomfort including pain, swelling, and limited function. Steroids like dexamethasone... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Observational Study
Comparison of perineural and systemic dexamethasone use in impacted third molar surgeries in terms of anesthesia duration and postoperative complaints: a controlled, randomized observational study.
BACKGROUND
Surgical extraction of impacted third molars (ITM) often leads to postoperative discomfort including pain, swelling, and limited function. Steroids like dexamethasone (DXN) are commonly used in oral surgery to manage pain and inflammation. Various administration routes for DXN exist, including intravenous (IV), perineural (PN), and oral applications, each with its advantages. Previous studies have shown that adding DXN to local anesthetics can prolong anesthesia duration and reduce postoperative sequelae. However, comparative studies on IV and PN applications with inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) of DXN in ITM surgeries are limited.
METHODS
This controlled, randomized observational study involved patients undergoing Class II position B ITM extraction. Patients were divided into three groups. IANB (1.8 ml of articaine hydrochloride + 1 ml of saline) was performed 1 h after IV-DXN (4 mg/ml DXN) was administered to the IV group. DXN along with IANB (1.8 ml of articaine hydrochloride + 1 ml of 4 mg/ml DXN) was applied to the PN group. Only IANB (1.8 ml of articaine hydrochloride + 1 ml of saline) was applied to the control group. Anesthesia duration was assessed as primary outcomes. Anesthesia duration was evaluated using a vitalometer from the molars. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain and edema measured on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days after surgery. Pain was evaluated postoperatively by using a visual analog scale. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
The study included 45 patients with similar demographic characteristics across groups. IV application significantly prolonged anesthesia duration compared to the control group. (p = 0.049) Both IV and PN administration of DXN reduced postoperative edema at 3rd (p = 0.048) and 7th day (p = 0.01). Post-procedure pain reduction was significant in the IV group (p = 0.011). On the other hand, it was observed that the pain did not decrease in the PN group at 3rd and 7th days compared to the control and IV groups.
CONCLUSIONS
PN and IV DXN administration prolonged anesthesia duration and reduced postoperative edema in ITM surgeries. However, PN DXN administration was associated with increased postoperative pain compared to IV DXN and control groups. Further studies comparing different doses and administration routes of DXN are needed to determine optimal strategies for managing postoperative discomfort in ITM surgeries.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study was conducted at Ahmet Keleşoğlu Faculty of Dentistry with the permission of Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University Faculty of Medicine Ethics Committee (#04-2022/101). Trial registration is also available at clinicaltrail.gov. (NCT06318013, 26/05/2024).
Topics: Humans; Molar, Third; Dexamethasone; Tooth, Impacted; Male; Female; Pain, Postoperative; Tooth Extraction; Nerve Block; Adult; Anesthesia, Dental; Anesthetics, Local; Young Adult; Pain Measurement; Mandibular Nerve; Carticaine; Time Factors; Edema
PubMed: 38890655
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04483-4 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Jun 2024BACKGROUND Morbihan disease, also known as Morbihan syndrome, is a rare medical condition characterized by chronic facial edema predominantly affecting the upper...
BACKGROUND Morbihan disease, also known as Morbihan syndrome, is a rare medical condition characterized by chronic facial edema predominantly affecting the upper two-thirds of the face. Despite being recognized in medical literature for decades, its true prevalence and underlying pathophysiology remain poorly understood. Various hypotheses, including impaired lymphatic drainage, abnormal vascular permeability, immune dysregulation, and inflammatory reactions to demodex infestation, have been proposed to explain the etiology. CASE REPORT We present a case of a 61-year-old man with organized periocular edema of the upper third of the face, ultimately leading to Morbihan disease diagnosis. The patient underwent a midface lift, allowing for tissue retrieval for histopathological examination of the eyelid edematous skin, which revealed chronic inflammation, ectasia of small lymphatic vessels, and features of demodex intrafollicular localization. These findings were not specific, but consistent with the diagnostic hypothesis. The patient was referred to a rheumatologist for further evaluation and treatment. He did not respond well to systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Rather, this resulted in extension of the edema to the upper eyelid. The patient opted not to undergo further treatment. CONCLUSIONS Morbihan disease is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and overlapping clinical features with other facial conditions. Its management is challenging and can require a combination of medical and surgical interventions. Systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, and topical treatments have had varying success. Surgical procedures, such as blepharoplasty or laser therapy, can be considered in severe cases. Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Edema; Mite Infestations; Eyelid Diseases; Animals; Inflammation; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 38872283
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943421 -
BMC Ophthalmology Jun 2024Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare intraocular malignancy that poses a diagnostic challenge due to the non-specific clinical presentation that resembles uveitis. The... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare intraocular malignancy that poses a diagnostic challenge due to the non-specific clinical presentation that resembles uveitis. The use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has emerged as a valuable imaging tool to characterize VRL. Therefore, we sought to determine the specific OCT features in VRL compared to the uveitides.
METHODS
Retrospective chart review of patients who were seen at Mayo Clinic from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2022. The medical records and SD-OCT images at time of initial presentation were reviewed in patients with biopsy-proven VRL, intermediate uveitis, or biopsy-confirmed sarcoid posterior uveitis. Patients with VRL or similar uveitides including intermediate uveitis or sarcoid posterior uveitis were included.
RESULTS
There were 95 eyes of 56 patients in the VRL group and 86 eyes of 45 patients in the uveitis group, of whom 15 (33.3%) were diagnosed with intermediate uveitis and 30 (66.7%) with sarcoid chorioretinitis. The SD-OCT features more commonly seen at initial presentation in VRL patients (vs. uveitis) included preretinal deposits (31.6% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.002), intraretinal infiltrates (34% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001), inner retinal hyperreflective spots (15.8% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), outer retinal atrophy (22.1% vs. 2.3%, p < 0.001), subretinal focal deposits (21.1% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.001), retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) changes (49.5% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.001), and sub-RPE deposits (34.7% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Features more frequently seen in uveitis included epiretinal membrane (ERM) (82.6% vs. 44.2%, p < 0.001), central macular thickening (95.3% vs. 51.6%, p < 0.001), cystoid macular edema (36% vs. 11.7%, p < 0.001), subretinal fluid (16.3% vs 6.4%, p = 0.04), and subfoveal fluid (16.3% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.003). Multivariate regression analysis controlling for age and sex showed absence of ERM (OR 0.14 [0.04,0.41], p < 0.001) and absence of central macular thickening (OR 0.03 [0,0.15], p = 0.02) were associated with VRL as opposed to uveitis.
CONCLUSION
OCT features most predictive of VRL (vs. uveitis) included absence of ERM and central macular thickening.
Topics: Humans; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Retinal Neoplasms; Aged; Vitreous Body; Uveitis; Adult; Intraocular Lymphoma; Visual Acuity; Diagnosis, Differential; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38872120
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03513-7 -
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual... Jun 2024It is necessary to establish a mouse model of keratoconus (KC) for research and therapy. We aimed to determine corneal phenotypes in 3 Ppip5k2 mouse models.
PURPOSE
It is necessary to establish a mouse model of keratoconus (KC) for research and therapy. We aimed to determine corneal phenotypes in 3 Ppip5k2 mouse models.
METHODS
Central corneal thickness (CCT) was determined using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in Ppip5k2+/K^ (n = 41 eyes), Ppip5k2K^/K^ (n = 17 eyes) and 2 knock-in mice, Ppip5k2S419A/+ (n = 54 eyes) and Ppip5k2S419A/S419A (n = 18 eyes), and Ppip5k2D843S/+ (n = 42 eyes) and Ppip5k2D843S/D843S (n = 44 eyes) at 3 and 6 months. Pachymetry maps were generated using the Mouse Corneal Analysis Program (MCAP) to process OCT images. Slit lamp biomicroscopy was used to determine any corneal abnormalities, and, last, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining using corneal sections from these animals was used to examine morphological changes.
RESULTS
CCT significantly decreased from 3 to 6 months in the Ppip5k2+/K^ and Ppip5k2K^/K^ mice compared to their littermate controls. OCT-based pachymetry maps revealed abnormally localized thinning in all three models compared to their wild-type (WT) controls. Slit lamp examinations revealed corneal abnormalities in the form of bullous keratopathy, stromal edema, stromal scarring, deep corneal neovascularization, and opacities in the heterozygous/homozygous mice of the three models in comparison with their controls. Corneal histological abnormalities, such as epithelial thickening and stromal layer damage, were observed in the heterozygous/homozygous mice of the three models in comparison with the WT controls.
CONCLUSIONS
We have identified phenotypic and histological changes in the corneas of three mouse lines that could be relevant in the development of animal models of KC.
Topics: Animals; Keratoconus; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Phenotype; Cornea; Corneal Pachymetry; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Female; Male; Slit Lamp Microscopy
PubMed: 38869368
DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.6.22 -
Clinical Practice and Cases in... May 2024The asp caterpillar () is endemic to the southeastern United States, with most sightings in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. A few hundred caterpillar envenomations are...
INTRODUCTION
The asp caterpillar () is endemic to the southeastern United States, with most sightings in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. A few hundred caterpillar envenomations are reported annually with most cases occurring in July-November. Asp caterpillars have hollow spines along their backs that contain venom. Contact with these spines is what produces the characteristic "sting" resulting in contact dermatitis and a localized hypersensitivity reaction collectively referred to as lepidopterism. Symptoms of lepidopterism may include severe burning pain, pruritis, edema, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headache. Symptoms are often self limited, and treatment should focus on expedited removal of implanted spines and aggressive symptom management.
CASE REPORT
We present the case of a patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute-onset severe left forearm pain with associated pruritic rash incurred while working in a retail store. Initial therapeutic management included administration of analgesics, antihistamines, and steroids. After obtaining a comprehensive history and consulting with the Poison Control Center, we suspected an asp caterpillar envenomation. Following extraction of the caterpillar spines with silk tape, the patient's symptoms improved. After a period of observation in the ED, the patient was discharged home without any known sequelae.
CONCLUSION
Although asp caterpillars typically inhabit trees and foliage, human exposure to the caterpillar may occur in developed environments. Effective history-taking, prompt communication with toxicologic experts, and complete removal of intact spines are essential for early identification and effective clinical management of asp caterpillar envenomation.
PubMed: 38869339
DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.1679