Fat management in upper blepharoplasty:Addition or subtraction blepharoplasties,how and when

BACKGROUND As one of the most common aesthetic surgical procedures carried out today,blepharoplasty should be in the repertoire of every plastic surgeon.The term blepharoplasty encompasses a wide range of techniques and options that must be tailored to the specific defect and patient one has to treat.A sound knowledge of the upper and lower eyelids’anatomy is essential for proper surgical execution.Trends have shifted towards more conservative methods(especially of the fat compartment)and sometimes in combination with augmentation techniques,helping to reach a rejuvenated appearance.AIM To present an overview of the surgical techniques considered for upper lid blepharoplasty and fat pad management,in addition to information on how a surgeon may approach the best treatment for his patient based on current publications in literature.METHODS We searched the literature published between 2013,to 2023 using Medline and Reference Citation Analysis.The database was searched using the keywords“upper blepharoplasty”AND“fat”.Papers without full text/abstracts and reviews were excluded.The search strategy followed the PRISMA.The American Society of Plastic Surgeons guidelines for Therapeutic Studies checklist was used to assess all articles.Two authors individually reviewed each article and rated them for importance and relevance to the topic.A consensus was sought and the most relevant studies.RESULTS After the application of the selection criteria used in our review,13 publications were found to address upper lid blepharoplasty specifically.Three of these studies were reviews and three were retrospective studies.Five publications were comparative studies and a further two were clinical trials.CONCLUSION The tendency of modern surgery is to be conservative,by removing adipose tissue only if strictly necessary and restoring the volume of the upper eyelid in a concept of beauty that espouses a"full"sight.There is no gold standard technique to achieve younger and enhanced eyelids.Long-term prospective comparative studies are fundamental in understanding which path is the best to follow.

Unlocking the versatile potential:Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in ocular surface reconstruction and oculoplastics

This review comprehensively explores the versatile potential of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)with a specific focus on adipose-derived MSCs.Ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgery,encompassing diverse procedures for ocular and periocular enhancement,demands advanced solutions for tissue restoration,functional and aesthetic refinement,and aging.Investigating immunomodulatory,regenerative,and healing capacities of MSCs,this review underscores the potential use of adipose-derived MSCs as a cost-effective alternative from bench to bedside,addressing common unmet needs in the field of reconstructive and regenerative surgery.

Fat or fillers:The dilemma in eyelid surgery

The aging of the periocular region has always aroused great interest.A fresh,young,and attractive sight determined an ever-greater attention to surgical and non-surgical techniques to obtain this result.In particular,the change in the concept of a young look,considered then“full”,led to the increasing use of surgical(fat grafting)or medical(hyaluronic acid)filling techniques.Eyelid rejuvenation became increasingly popular in the field of cosmetic treatments,with a focus on achieving a youthful and refreshed appearance.Among the various techniques available,the choice between using fat grafting or fillers presented a clinical dilemma.In particular,what surgery considered of fundamental importance was a long-lasting result over time.On the other hand,aesthetic medicine considered it fundamental not to have to resort to invasive treatments.But what was the reality?Was there one path better than the other,and above all,was there a better path for patients?The minireview aims to explore the physiopathology,diagnosis,treatment options,prognosis,and future studies regarding this dilemma.We analyzed the literature produced in the last 20 years comparing the two techniques.Current literature reveals advancements in biomaterials,stem cell research and tissue engineering held promise for further enhancing the field of eyelid rejuvenation.The choice between fat grafting and fillers in eyelid cosmetic treatments presented a clinical dilemma.Understanding physiopathology,accurately diagnosing eyelid aging,exploring treatment options,assessing prognosis,and conducting future studies were essential for providing optimal care to patients seeking eyelid rejuvenation.

Herpes simplex keratitis:A brief clinical overview

The aim of our minireview is to provide a brief overview of the diagnosis,clinical aspects,treatment options,management,and current literature available regarding herpes simplex keratitis(HSK).This type of corneal viral infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus(HSV),which can affect several tissues,including the cornea.One significant aspect of HSK is its potential to cause recurrent episodes of inflammation and damage to the cornea.After the initial infection,the HSV can establish a latent infection in the trigeminal ganglion,a nerve cluster near the eye.The virus may remain dormant for extended periods.Periodic reactivation of the virus can occur,leading to recurrent episodes of HSK.Factors triggering reactivation include stress,illness,immunosuppression,or trauma.Recurrent episodes can manifest in different clinical patterns,ranging from mild epithelial involvement to more severe stromal or endothelial disease.The severity and frequency of recurrences vary among individuals.Severe cases of HSK,especially those involving the stroma and leading to scarring,can result in vision impairment or even blindness in extreme cases.The cornea's clarity is crucial for good vision,and scarring can compromise this,potentially leading to visual impairment.The management of HSK involves not only treating acute episodes but also implementing long-term strategies to prevent recurrences and attempt repairs of corneal nerve endings via neurotization.Antiviral medications,such as oral Acyclovir or topical Ganciclovir,may be prescribed for prophylaxis.The immune response to the virus can contribute to corneal damage.Inflammation,caused by the body's attempt to control the infection,may inadvertently harm the corneal tissues.Clinicians should be informed about triggers and advised on measures to minimize the risk of reactivation.In summary,the recurrent nature of HSK underscores the importance of both acute and long-term management strategies to preserve corneal health and maintain optimal visual function.

Role of glioma stem cells in promoting tumor chemo- and radioresistance: A systematic review of potential targeted treatments

BACKGROUND Gliomas pose a significant challenge to effective treatment despite advancements in chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Glioma stem cells(GSCs),a subset within tumors,contribute to resistance,tumor heterogeneity,and plasticity.Recent studies reveal GSCs’role in therapeutic resistance,driven by DNA repair mechanisms and dynamic transitions between cellular states.Resistance mechanisms can involve different cellular pathways,most of which have been recently reported in the literature.Despite progress,targeted therapeutic approaches lack consensus due to GSCs’high plasticity.AIM To analyze targeted therapies against GSC-mediated resistance to radio-and chemotherapy in gliomas,focusing on underlying mechanisms.METHODS A systematic search was conducted across major medical databases(PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane Library)up to September 30,2023.The search strategy utilized relevant Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords related to including“glioma stem cells”,“radiotherapy”,“chemotherapy”,“resistance”,and“targeted therapies”.Studies included in this review were publications focusing on targeted therapies against the molecular mechanism of GSC-mediated re-sistance to radiotherapy resistance(RTR).RESULTS In a comprehensive review of 66 studies on stem cell therapies for SCI,452 papers were initially identified,with 203 chosen for full-text analysis.Among them,201 were deemed eligible after excluding 168 for various reasons.The temporal breakdown of studies illustrates this trend:2005-2010(33.3%),2011-2015(36.4%),and 2016-2022(30.3%).Key GSC models,particularly U87(33.3%),U251(15.2%),and T98G(15.2%),emerge as significant in research,reflecting their representativeness of glioma characteristics.Pathway analysis indicates a focus on phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)(27.3%)and Notch(12.1%)pathways,suggesting their crucial roles in resistance development.Targeted molecules with mTOR(18.2%),CHK1/2(15.2%),and ATP binding cassette G2(12.1%)as frequent targets underscore their importance in overcoming GSC-mediated resistance.Various therapeutic agents,notably RNA inhibitor/short hairpin RNA(27.3%),inhibitors(e.g.,LY294002,NVP-BEZ235)(24.2%),and monoclonal antibodies(e.g.,cetuximab)(9.1%),demonstrate versatility in targeted therapies.among 20 studies(60.6%),the most common effect on the chemotherapy resistance response is a reduction in temozolomide resistance(51.5%),followed by reductions in carmustine resistance(9.1%)and doxorubicin resistance(3.0%),while resistance to RTR is reduced in 42.4%of studies.CONCLUSION GSCs play a complex role in mediating radioresistance and chemoresistance,emphasizing the necessity for precision therapies that consider the heterogeneity within the GSC population and the dynamic tumor microenvironment to enhance outcomes for glioblastoma patients.

Treatment for paraganglioma with stereotactic radiotherapy

BACKGROUND Paragangliomas(PG)are rare neoplasms of neuroendocrine origin that tend to be highly vascularized,slow-growing,and usually sporadic.To date,common treatment options are surgical resection(SR),with or without radiation therapy(RT),and a watch-and-wait approach.AIM To evaluate the local control and effectiveness of exclusive fractionated stereotactic RT(FSRT)treatment in unresectable PG(uPG).METHODS We retrospectively evaluated patients with uPG(medically inoperable or refused SR)treated with FSRT with a Cyberknife System(Accuray Incorporated,Sunnyvale,California).Toxicity and initial efficacy were evaluated.RESULTS From May 2009 to January 2023,6 patients with a median age of 68(range 20-84)were treated with FSRT.The median delivered dose was 21 Gy(range 20-30 Gy)at a median isodose line of 75.5%(range 70%-76%)in 4 fractions(range 3-5 fractions).The median volume was 13.6 mL(range 12.4-65.24 mL).The median cumulative biological effective dose and equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions were 70 Gy and 37.10 Gy respectively.Site of origin involved were the timpa-nojugular glomus(4/6),temporal bone,and cervical spine.In 1 of the 6 patients,the follow-up was insufficient;5 of 6 patients showed a 5-year overall survival and 5-year progression-free survival of 100%.We observed negligible toxicities during and after RT.The majority of patients showed stable symptoms during follow-up.Only 1 patient developed spine metastases.CONCLUSION Our preliminary results on this small cohort of patients suggest that FSRT could be an effective and safe alternative to SR.

Dual mobility in primary total hip arthroplasty:A temptation from the devil or a blessing from above

Dual mobility(DM)bearings have gained significant attention in the field of total hip arthroplasty(THA)as a valid treatment option in cases of revision for instability after THA whereas its use in primary THA is still a matter of debate.This manuscript explores the pathology,incidence,diagnosis,treatment options,prognosis,ongoing studies in the literature,and future perspectives related to the use of DM bearings employed in primary THA.DM bearings are primarily designed to address one of the major concerns in THA:Instability of the prosthetic hip.Instability is both for the surgeon and the patient a devastating postoperative complication,leading to significant pain and subsequent apprehension by the patient and may require revision surgeries.The use of DM implants poses the worry of wear-related complications,such as accelerated polyethylene wear and osteolysis,which also pose challenges to long-term implant survival.This technique has seen a steady rise in recent years,with multiple studies reporting favorable outcomes.The incidence of their utilization varies among institutions and surgeons,reflecting differing preferences and patient populations.The diagnosis of instability and wear-related complications in THA often involves clinical assessment,imaging modalities such as X-rays,computed tomography scans,and sometimes advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging.DM bearings can be considered as an option when patients present neurologic pathologies such as Parkinson's disease or recurrent dislocations after THA.DM bearings provide an additional articulation point within the implant,facilitating a greater range of motion and inherent stability.This design allows for reduced risk of dislocation and improved functional outcomes.Various implant manufacturers offer different designs and sizes of DM bearings to suit individual patient needs.Current literature suggests that the use of DM bearings in primary THA has demonstrated promising outcomes in terms of enhanced stability,reduced dislocation rates,and improved patient satisfaction.However,long-term studies with larger patient cohorts are necessary to establish the durability and longevity of these implants.Several ongoing studies are investigating the role of DM bearings in primary THA.These studies focus on evaluating longterm implant survivorship,assessing wear patterns,analyzing patient-reported outcomes,and comparing the effectiveness of DM bearings with traditional THA designs.The future of DM bearings in primary THA holds potential for further advancements.Research efforts are aimed at refining implant materials,optimizing designs,and studying the influence of surgical techniques on implant performance.Additionally,continued investigation into the long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of DM bearings will play a crucial role in shaping their future use.While further research is warranted,the current evidence supports their potential as a beneficial solution in improving surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Uveal melanoma:Recent advances in immunotherapy

Uveal melanoma(UM)is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults.The incidence in Europe and the United States is 6-7 per million population per year.Although most primary UMs can be successfully treated and locally controlled by irradiation therapy or local tumor resection,up to 50%of UM patients develop metastases that usually involve the liver and are fatal within 1 year.To date,chemotherapy and targeted treatments only obtain minimal responses in patients with metastatic UM,which is still characterized by poor prognosis.No standard therapeutic approaches for its prevention or treatment have been established.The application of immunotherapy agents,such as immune checkpoint inhibitors that are effective in cutaneous melanoma,has shown limited effects in the treatment of ocular disease.This is due to UM’s distinct genetics,natural history,and complex interaction with the immune system.Unlike cutaneous melanomas characterized mainly by BRAF or NRAS mutations,UMs are usually triggered by a mutation in GNAQ or GNA11.As a result,more effective immunotherapeutic approaches,such as cancer vaccines,adoptive cell transfer,and other new molecules are currently being studied.In this review,we examine novel immunotherapeutic strategies in clinical and preclinical studies and highlight the latest insight in immunotherapy and the development of tailored treatment of UM.

Current status and future perspectives on stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND Previous assessments of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries(SCI)have encountered challenges and constraints.Current research primarily emphasizes safety in early-phase clinical trials,while systematic reviews prioritize effectiveness,often overlooking safety and translational feasibility.This situation prompts inquiries regarding the readiness for clinical adoption.AIM To offer an up-to-date systematic literature review of clinical trial results concerning stem cell therapy for SCI.METHODS A systematic search was conducted across major medical databases[PubMed,Embase,Reference Citation Analysis(RCA),and Cochrane Library]up to October 14,2023.The search strategy utilized relevant Medical Subject Heading(MeSH)terms and keywords related to"spinal cord","injury","clinical trials","stem cells","functional outcomes",and"adverse events".Studies included in this review consisted of randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials reporting on the use of stem cell therapies for the treatment of SCI.RESULTS In a comprehensive review of 66 studies on stem cell therapies for SCI,496 papers were initially identified,with 237 chosen for full-text analysis.Among them,236 were deemed eligible after excluding 170 for various reasons.These studies encompassed 1086 patients with varying SCI levels,with cervical injuries being the most common(42.2%).Bone marrow stem cells were the predominant stem cell type used(71.1%),with various administration methods.Follow-up durations averaged around 84.4 months.The 32.7%of patients showed functional improvement from American spinal injury association Impairment Scale(AIS)A to B,40.8%from AIS A to C,5.3%from AIS A to D,and 2.1%from AIS B to C.Sensory improvements were observed in 30.9%of patients.A relatively small number of adverse events were recorded,including fever(15.1%),headaches(4.3%),muscle tension(3.1%),and dizziness(2.6%),highlighting the potential for SCI recovery with stem cell therapy.CONCLUSION In the realm of SCI treatment,stem cell-based therapies show promise,but clinical trials reveal potential adverse events and limitations,underscoring the need for meticulous optimization of transplantation conditions and parameters,caution against swift clinical implementation,a deeper understanding of SCI pathophysiology,and addressing ethical,tumorigenicity,immunogenicity,and immunotoxicity concerns before gradual and careful adoption in clinical practice.

Retinoscopes:Past and present

BACKGROUND Retinoscopy is arguably the most important method in the eye clinic for diagnosing and managing refractive errors.Advantages of retinoscopy include its noninvasive nature,ability to assess patients of all ages,and usefulness in patients with limited cooperation or communication skills.AIM To discuss the history of retinoscopes and examine current literature on the subject.METHODS A search was conducted on the PubMed and with the reference citation analysis(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com)database using the term"Retinoscopy,"with a range restricted to the last 10 years(2013-2023).The search string algorithm was:"Retinoscopy"(MeSH Terms)OR"Retinoscopy"(All Fields)OR"Retinoscopes"(All Fields)AND[(All Fields)AND 2013:2023(pdat)].RESULTS This systematic review included a total of 286 records.Publications reviewed iterations of the retinoscope into autorefractors,infrared photo retinoscope,television retinoscopy,and the Wifi enabled digital retinoscope.CONCLUSION The retinoscope has evolved significantly since its discovery,with a significant improvement in its diagnostic capabilities.While it has advantages such as non-invasiveness and broad applicability,limitations exist,and the need for skilled interpretation remains.With ongoing research,including the integration of artificial intelligence,retinoscopy is expected to continue advancing and playing a vital role in eye care.

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.With its rich composition of growth factors,cytokines,and other bioactive molecules,autologous blood offers therapeutic potential in promoting corneal wound healing,reducing inflammation,and improving tear film stability.Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of autologous blood therapy in diverse ocular surface disorders,including persistent epithelial defects,neurotrophic keratopathy,and dry eye disease.However,challenges such as variability in treatment response,adverse effects,and optimal patient selection remain areas of concern.Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action,refine treatment protocols,and explore synergistic approaches with other therapeutic modalities.Despite these challenges,autologous blood therapy holds promise as a valuable adjunctive treatment option for ocular surface disorders,offering new avenues for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.This review examines the mechanisms underlying ocular surface disorders while discussing existing autologous blood-based therapies for managing these disorders.Current clinical trials are also summarized,and a comparison between autologous blood therapy and conventional eyedrops is attempted.Finally,safe techniques and protocols for autologous blood medicine are elucidated,and adverse effects and future perspectives of this novel therapy are reviewed.

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,selflimiting,or needing medical therapy.AIM To review possible viral agents crucial for accurate differential diagnosis in cases of blepharoconjunctivitis.METHODS The PubMed database was searched for records relating to viral blepharoconjunctivitis.The search string generated was“("virally"[All Fields]OR"virals"[All Fields]OR"virology"[MeSH Terms]OR"virology"[All Fields]OR"viral"[All Fields])AND"Blepharoconjunctivitis"[All Fields]".RESULTS A total of 24 publications were generated from the search string.Reference lists from each relevant article were also searched for more information and included in this review.Viral etiologies such as adenovirus,herpes simplex virus(HSV),varicella-zoster virus(VZV),and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)are frequently implicated.Adenoviral infections manifest with follicular conjunctivitis and preauricular lymphadenopathy,often presenting as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.HSV and VZV infections can result in herpetic keratitis and may exhibit characteristic dendritic corneal ulcers.EBV,although less common,can cause unilateral or bilateral follicular conjunctivitis,particularly in immunocompromised individuals.Other potential viral agents,such as enteroviruses and molluscum contagiosum virus,should also be considered,especially in pediatric cases.CONCLUSION Prompt recognition of these viral etiologies is essential for appropriate management and prevention of complications.Thus,a thorough understanding of the clinical presentation,epidemiology,and diagnostic modalities is crucial for accurate identification and management of viral blepharoconjunctivitis.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients treated with monoclonal antibodies

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation poses a significant clinical challenge,espe-cially in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapies,including mono-clonal antibody treatments.This manuscript briefly explores the complex rela-tionship between monoclonal antibody therapy and HBV reactivation,drawing upon current literature and clinical case studies.It delves into the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon,highlighting the importance of risk assessment,monitoring,and prophylactic measures for patients at risk.The manuscript aims to enhance the understanding of HBV reactivation in the context of monoclonal antibody therapy,ultimately facilitating informed clinical decision-making and improved patient care.This paper will also briefly review the definition of HBV activation,assess the risks of reactivation,especially in patients treated with monoclonal antibodies,and consider management for patients with regard to screening,prophylaxis,and treatment.A better understanding of patients at risk can help clinicians provide optimum management to ensure successful patient outcomes and prevent morbidity.

Whole-eye transplantation: Current challenges and future perspectives

Whole-eye transplantation emerges as a frontier in ophthalmology,promising a transformative approach to irreversible blindness.Despite advancements,formidable challenges persist.Preservation of donor eye viability post-enucleation necessitates meticulous surgical techniques to optimize retinal integrity and ganglion cell survival.Overcoming the inhibitory milieu of the central nervous system for successful optic nerve regeneration remains elusive,prompting the exploration of neurotrophic support and immunomodulatory interventions.Immunological tolerance,paramount for graft acceptance,confronts the distinc-tive immunogenicity of ocular tissues,driving research into targeted immunosup-pression strategies.Ethical and legal considerations underscore the necessity for stringent standards and ethical frameworks.Interdisciplinary collaboration and ongoing research endeavors are imperative to navigate these complexities.Biomaterials,stem cell therapies,and precision immunomodulation represent promising avenues in this pursuit.Ultimately,the aim of this review is to critically assess the current landscape of whole-eye transplantation,elucidating the challenges and advancements while delineating future directions for research and clinical practice.Through concerted efforts,whole-eye transplantation stands to revolu-tionize ophthalmic care,offering hope for restored vision and enhanced quality of life for those afflicted with blindness.

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.However,even in advanced forms of retinal degeneration,a good percentage of the ganglion cells and the inner nuclear layer neurons remain intact.This phenomenon provides evidence for obtaining retinal circuitry through the transplantation of photoreceptors into the subretinal region.The eye is regarded as an optimal organ for cell transplantation because of its immunological privilege and the relatively small number of cells collaborating to carry out visual activities.The eyeball's immunological privilege,characterized by the suppression of delayed-type hypersensitivity responses in ocular tissues,is responsible for the low rate of graft rejection in transplant patients.The main discoveries highlight the capacity of embryonic stem cells(ESCs)and induced pluripotent stem cells to regenerate damaged retinal regions.Recent progress has shown significant enhancements in transplant procedures and results.The research also explores the ethical ramifications linked to the utilization of stem cells,emphasizing the ongoing issue surrounding ESCs.The analysis centers on recent breakthroughs,including the fabrication of three-dimensional retinal organoids and the innovation of scaffolding for cell transportation.Moreover,researchers are currently assessing the possibility of CRISPR and other advanced gene editing technologies to enhance the outcomes of retinal transplantation.The widespread use of universally recognized safe surgical and imaging methods enables retinal transplantation and monitoring of transplanted cell growth toward the correct location.Currently,most therapy approaches are in the first phases of development and necessitate further research,including both pre-clinical and clinical trials,to attain favorable visual results for individuals suffering from retinal degenerative illnesses.

Modern blepharoplasty:From bench to bedside

The demand for procedures aiming to rejuvenate the upper third part of the face and the periocular region has increased in the past several years.Blepharoplasty is one of the most frequently performed procedures worldwide to date.Surgery is currently the first choice in order to achieve permanent and effective results;however,it is burdened by potential surgical complications feared by patients.There is an increasing trend in individuals to request less invasive,non-surgical,effective,and safe procedures for eyelid treatment.The aim of this minireview is to present a brief overview of non-surgical blepharoplasty techniques that have been reported in the literature in the past 10 years.Numerous modern techniques that provide a rejuvenation of the entire area have been described.Numerous less invasive methods have been proposed in the current literature and in modern-day routine clinical settings.Dermal fillers are a commonly chosen option for providing enhanced aesthetic results,especially considering that volume loss can be one of the main underlying causes of facial and periorbital aging.Deoxycholic acid use may be considered when the problem is represented by periorbital excess fat deposits.The simultaneous excess and loss of elasticity of the skin can be assessed with techniques such as lasers and plasma exeresis.Furthermore,techniques such as platelet-rich plasma injections and the insertion of twisted polydioxanone threads are emerging as viable methods to rejuvenate the periorbital region.

Focus on limbal stem cell deficiency and limbal cell transplantation

Limbal stem cell deficiency(LSCD)causes severe vision impairment and can lead to blindness,representing one of the most challenging ocular surface disorders.Stem cell deficiency can be congenital or,more often,acquired.The categorization of ocular surface transplantation techniques is crucial to achieving treatment homogeneity and quality of care,according to the anatomic source of the tissue being transplanted,genetic source,autologous or allogenic transplantation(to reflect histocompatibility in the latter group),and cell culture and tissue engineering techniques.The aim of this minireview is to provide a summary of the management of LSCD,from clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.The manuscript also briefly summarizes recent findings in the current literature and outlines the future challenges to overcome in the management of the major types of ocular surface failure.

Triggering,clicking,locking and crepitus of the finger:A comprehensive overview

Triggering,locking,clicking,and crepitus of the fingers are common symptoms patients present with.Even though crepitus and triggering can occur as part of the same underlying diagnosis,it is important to differentiate between them,as they usually indicate different possible diagnoses.The differential diagnoses that should be considered include trigger finger,metacarpophalangeal joint(MCPJ)arthritis,fractures or dislocations,extensor digitorum communis subluxation or dislocation,locked MCPJ,avascular necrosis of the metacarpal head,and Dupuytren’s disease.A thorough clinical examination with appropriate special investigations can permit the clinician to make the correct diagnosis.Appropriate management of a confirmed diagnosis is successful in providing symptomatic improvement.

Ophthalmologic implications to consider when using hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 and induced arthritis

As the world continues to grapple with the novel coronavirus[coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)],many treatments have been proposed to help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the mortality rate.Hydroxychloroquine(HCQ)is an antimalarial drug that is typically used for several autoimmune,rheumatic,and dermatological conditions.It has also been considered to treat and prevent COVID-19 and subsequent arthritis associated with the infection.This drug is known to cause retinal toxicity,which can lead to vision impairment or loss.While the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood,it is thought to be due to the accumulation of the drug in the retinal pigment epithelium.The risk of toxicity increases with long-term use or with high doses of the drug and is more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing retinal diseases or those who are predisposed to retinal diseases.In this context,several steps can be taken to monitor and minimize the risk of ophthalmological adverse events when using HCQ to treat patients with COVID-19.

Adult eosinophilic esophagitis and advances in its treatment

Eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE)is a chronic eosinophil inflammation that seems to be T helper type 2 antigen-driven.The disease is one of several eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in which there appears to be inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract without any apparent underlying causes.Differential diagnosis needs to be made with gastroesophageal reflux,which is characterized by chronic inflammation due to gastric refluxate from disorders related to motility.EoE,however,is considered a chronic allergic inflammatory disorder related to destructive tissue remodeling.There seems to be a higher prevalence of EoE in Western countries.It is typically found in atopic male individuals.Physiopathological risk factors include atopy,environmental factors,esophageal epithelial barrier dysfunctions,etc.EoE can cause several symptoms that include retrosternal burning sensation,dysphagia,food impaction,chronic reflux symptoms,nausea,and vomiting.Early diagnosis,which requires a biopsy to assess for esophageal inflammation,is essential for proper treatment.The aim of our brief overview is to summarize the current literature regarding the characteristics,diagnosis,complications,mechanisms of pathology,clinical features,influence of comorbidities,and treatment in patients with EoE.