Search Results (537)

Smartphones have revolutionized our daily lives, becoming portable pocket computers with easy internet access. India, the second-highest smartphone and internet user, experienced a significant rise in smartphone usage between 2013 and 2024. Prolonged smartphone use, exceeding 20 min at a time, can lead to physical and mental health issues, including psychophysiological disorders. Digital devices and their extended exposure to blue light cause digital eyestrain, sleep disorders and visual-related problems. This research examines the impact of 1 h smartphone usage on visual fatigue among young Indian adults. A portable, low-cost system has been developed to measure visual activity to address this. The developed visual activity measurement system measures blink rate, inter-blink interval, and pupil diameter. Measured eye activity was recorded during 1 h smartphone usage of e-book reading, video watching, and social-media reels (short videos). Social media reels show increased screen variations, affecting pupil dilation and reducing blink rate due to continuous screen brightness and intensity changes. This reduction in blink rate and increase in inter-blink interval or pupil dilation could lead to visual fatigue. Full article

Objectives: To investigate how the FLASH effect modulates radiation response on multiple developmental endpoints of zebrafish embryos under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, after irradiation with proton beams at a conventional and an ultra-high dose rate (UHDR). Methods: Embryos were obtained from adult zebrafish and irradiated with a 228 MeV proton beam 24 h post-fertilization (hpf) at a dose rate of 0.6 and 317 Gy/s. For the hypoxic group, samples were kept inside a hypoxic chamber prior to irradiation, while standard incubation was adopted for the normoxic group. After irradiation, images of single embryos were acquired, and radiation effects on larval length, yolk absorption, pericardial edema, head size, eye size, and spinal curvature were assessed at specific time points. Results: Data indicate a general trend of significantly reduced toxicity after exposure to a UHDR compared to conventional regimes, which is maintained under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Differences are significant for the levels of pericardial edema induced by a UHDR versus conventional irradiation in normoxic conditions, and for eye and head size in hypoxic conditions. The toxicity scoring analysis shows a tendency toward a protective effect of the UHDR, which appears to be associated with a lower percentage of embryos in the high score categories. Conclusions: A radioprotective effect at a UHDR is observed both for normoxic (pericardial edema) and hypoxic (head and eye size) conditions. These results suggest that while the UHDR may preserve a potential to reduce radiation-induced damage, its protective effects are endpoint-dependent; the role of oxygenation might also be dependent on the tissue involved. Full article

The focal “hot spot” neuropathologies in COVID-19 infection are revealing footprints of a hidden underlying collapse of a novel ultrafast ultradian Piezo2 signaling system within the nervous system. Paradoxically, the same initiating pathophysiology may underpin the systemic findings in COVID-19 infection, namely the multiorgan SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced vascular pathologies and brain–body-wide systemic pro-inflammatory signaling, depending on the concentration and exposure to infecting SARS-CoV-2 viruses. This common initiating microdamage is suggested to be the primary damage or the acquired channelopathy of the Piezo2 ion channel, leading to a principal gateway to pathophysiology. This Piezo2 channelopathy-induced neural switch could not only explain the initiation of disrupted cell–cell interactions, metabolic failure, microglial dysfunction, mitochondrial injury, glutamatergic synapse loss, inflammation and neurological states with the central involvement of the hippocampus and the medulla, but also the initiating pathophysiology without SARS-CoV-2 viral intracellular entry into neurons as well. Therefore, the impairment of the proposed Piezo2-induced quantum mechanical free-energy-stimulated ultrafast proton-coupled tunneling seems to be the principal and critical underlying COVID-19 infection-induced primary damage along the brain axes, depending on the loci of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and intracellular entry. Moreover, this initiating Piezo2 channelopathy may also explain resultant autonomic dysregulation involving the medulla, hippocampus and heart rate regulation, not to mention sleep disturbance with altered rapid eye movement sleep and cognitive deficit in the short term, and even as a consequence of long COVID. The current opinion piece aims to promote future angles of science and research in order to further elucidate the not entirely known initiating pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article

Vacuum degassing (VD) is a critical refining step in electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking for producing clean steel with reduced nitrogen and hydrogen content. This study develops an Effective Equilibrium Reaction Zone (EERZ) model focused on denitrogenation (de-N) by simulating interfacial reactions at the bubble–steel interface (Z1). The model incorporates key process parameters such as argon flow rate, vacuum pressure, and initial nitrogen and sulfur concentrations. A robust empirical correlation was established between de-N efficiency and the mass of Z1, reducing prediction time from a day to under a minute. Additionally, the model was further improved by incorporating a dynamic surface exposure zone (Z_eye) to account for transient ladle eye effects on nitrogen removal under deep vacuum (<10 torr), validated using synchronized plant trials and Python-based video analysis. The integrated approach—combining thermodynamic-kinetic modeling, plant validation, and image-based diagnostics—provides a robust framework for optimizing VD control and enhancing nitrogen removal control in EAF-based steelmaking. Full article

This study aimed to comprehensively review surgical interventions for ocular surface diseases (OSDs), including dry eye syndrome (DES), exposure keratopathy, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and ocular graft versus host disease (oGVHD), and to highlight the indications, contraindications, outcomes, and complications of various oculoplastic procedures used in their management. A narrative review was performed based on expert-guided selection of relevant studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Relevant keywords included “ocular surface disease”, “dry eye syndrome”, “exposure keratopathy”, “thyroid eye disease (TED)”, “neurotrophic keratopathy (NK)”, “Stevens-Johnson syndrome”, “toxic epidermal necrolysis”, “punctal occlusion”, “tarsorrhaphy”, “botulinum toxin”, “eyelid loading”, “retractor weakening”, “corneal neurotization (CN)”, “amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT)”, “conjunctival flap”, “ocular graft versus host disease”, and “salivary gland transplantation (SGT)”. Studies addressing surgical approaches for OSDs were included. In conclusion, surgical options for OSDs offer significant benefits when non-invasive treatments fail. Surgical techniques such as punctal occlusion, eyelid fissure narrowing, AMT, and conjunctival flap procedures help stabilize the ocular surface and alleviate symptoms. Advanced methods like CN and SGT target the underlying pathology in refractory cases such as oGVHD. The outcomes vary depending on the disease severity and surgical approach. Each procedure carries specific risks and requires individualized patient selection. Therefore, a tailored approach based on clinical condition, anatomical involvement, and patient factors is essential to achieve optimal results. Ongoing innovations in reconstructive surgery and regenerative medicine are expected to further improve outcomes for patients with OSDs. Full article

Fire events can impact physical and mental health through smoke exposure, evacuation, property loss, and/or other environmental stressors. In this study, we developed community-driven, cross-sectional online surveys to assess public attitudes, health impacts, and protective actions of residents affected by the Tustin hangar fire that burned for 24 days in southern California. Results showed the most frequently reported fire-related exposure concerns (93%) to be asbestos and general air pollution and the most commonly reported mental health impacts to be anxiety (41%), physical fatigue (37%), headaches (33%), and stress (26%). Nose/sinus irritation was the most commonly reported (26.0%) respiratory symptom, while skin- and eye-related conditions were reported by 63.0% and 72.2% of the survey population, respectively. The most commonly reported health-protective actions taken by residents included staying indoors and/or closing doors and windows (67%), followed by wearing face masks (37%) and the indoor use of air purifiers (35%). A higher proportion of low-income residents had to spend money on remediation or other health-protective actions compared to high-income residents. Participants overwhelmingly reported disapproval of their city’s and/or government’s response to the fire disaster. Findings from this study underscore the potential impacts of major pollution events on neighboring communities and offer critical insights to better position government agencies to respond during future disasters while effectively communicating with the public and addressing community needs. Full article

This study investigates the cognitive processing of Spanish idioms from a pragmatic perspective, with the goal of examining the idiom superiority effect. An eye-tracking experiment was conducted with 77 participants to assess how idiomaticity influences processing and whether heritage speakers align more with L1 or L2 patterns. Results show a processing advantage for idioms among L1 speakers, suggesting reduced cognitive load in later stages. Both heritage and L2 speakers showed longer reading times, but only L2 speakers benefited consistently from idiomaticity. Heritage speakers processed idioms more slowly, indicating difficulty with opacity despite early exposure. Findings support hybrid models of idiom processing and highlight the unique strategies of heritage speakers shaped by dual input sources. Full article

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals over 50, yet no approved therapies exist for early or intermediate stages of the disease. Oxidative stress is a central driver of retinal degeneration in AMD, and sodium iodate (NaIO₃)-induced injury serves as a well-characterized model of oxidative damage to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors. BMI1, a poly-comb group protein involved in DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and cellular renewal, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for retinal neuroprotection. We evaluated the efficacy of AAV-mediated BMI1 gene delivery in murine models using two administration routes: subretinal (SR) and suprachoroidal (SC). AAV5.BMI1 (1 × 10⁹ vg/eye) was delivered SR in Balb/c mice and evaluated at 4 and 15 weeks post-injection. AAV8.BMI1 (5 × 10⁹ or 1 × 10¹⁰ vg/eye) was administered SC in C57BL/6 mice and assessed at 4 weeks. Control groups received BSS or AAV8.stuffer. Following NaIO₃ exposure, retinal structure and function were analyzed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG), histology, and molecular assays. SC delivery of AAV8.BMI1 achieved the highest levels of retinal BMI1 expression with no evidence of local or systemic toxicity. Treated eyes showed dose-dependent preservation of outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness and significantly improved ERG responses indicating structural and functional protection. These findings support SC AAV.BMI1 gene therapy as a promising, minimally invasive, and translatable approach for early intervention in intermediate AMD. Full article

Severe bushfires in South-Eastern Australia during the summer of 2019/2020 killed tens of thousands of livestock, while many more survived on fire-affected properties. At the time, the literature on bushfire and livestock in Australia primarily described animals with burns. The mid- to long-term health effects, if any, of fire exposure and the effectiveness of recovery activities for surviving animals and farm enterprises were rarely reported. This study aimed to describe the key impacts of bushfire exposure on the health, welfare, and management of surviving cattle and sheep to inform recommendations for future fire-affected farmers and to guide future research. As part of a broad research programme, data on bushfire experiences, consequences for the livestock and the farm enterprise, and lessons learnt were gathered through face-to-face interviews and an online survey, collating information from 58 fire-affected farmers. A variety of health conditions at low frequency were reported in livestock surviving bushfires, including respiratory disease, eye disease, ruminal acidosis, lameness, and plant toxicities. No single disease was observed widely across participating farms, with many conditions likely associated with management changes post-fire rather than direct fire exposure. A variety of management and farm biosecurity challenges were also described by farmers. Key strategies for the prevention and treatment of health conditions in livestock post-bushfire include supporting effective farm management through the challenges of post-fire recovery and early detection for treatment on a case-by-case basis. Full article

Background: Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is increasingly useful for treating intraocular retinoblastoma (Rb). It offers targeted delivery of chemotherapy with reduced systemic exposure. In this study, we evaluate management outcomes and identify predictive factors for globe salvage following IAC in children with Rb. Methods: This retrospective study included 20 eyes of 20 melphalan-based IAC-treated patients (67 sessions) between 2015 and 2023 in a tertiary cancer center (King Hussein Cancer Center) in Jordan. Data collection included patients’ demographics, tumor staging, eye salvage, complications, and survival, followed by statistical comparisons between eye salvage rates and clinical factors. Results: The median age of IAC initiation was 38 months (range: 6–78 months). IAC was used as a primary treatment in 35% (7/20) of eyes and as a secondary treatment following systemic chemotherapy in 65% (13/20) of eyes. Nineteen (95%) eyes showed initial tumor regression, 15 (75%) eyes showed short term tumor control, and long-term eye salvage was achieved in 11 (55%) eyes. Poor prognostic factors for eye salvage included advanced tumor stage (Group D/E: 43% salvage rate vs. Group C: 83%; p = 0.047), vitreous seeding at the time of IAC (38% with seeding vs. 75% without; p = 0.046), use of IAC as a secondary rather than a primary treatment (46% vs. 71%; p = 0.047), and the need for >3 IAC cycles (20% success with >3 cycles vs. 67% with ≤3 cycles; p = 0.034). Complications were notable: systemic adverse effects were seen in five (25%) patients, including neutropenia (20%) and bronchospasm (6%). Procedure-related complications were seen with 22% of injections, including failure of the procedure (7%), ophthalmic artery spasm (6%), and intra-procedural stroke (3%). Five (25%) eyes developed ocular complications, including vitreous hemorrhage (15%), retinal detachment (10%), optic atrophy (10%), and retinal or choroidal ischemia (10%). Notably, all infants under 12 months of age (4/4) developed complications, including the two events of stroke. At a median follow-up of 60 months, eye salvage was achieved in 11 (55%) eyes, and none of the 9 (45%) enucleated eyes showed high-risk pathological features. There was no orbital recurrence, and one (5%) child developed CNS metastasis and passed away. Conclusion: IAC achieves long-term globe salvage in 55% of Rb cases; however, outcomes are poorer with Group D/E tumors, vitreous seeds, prior IVC failure, or requiring >3 IAC cycles. While reducing systemic chemotherapy toxicity, IAC carries significant risks of vision- and life-threatening complications. Infants and single-eyed patients require particularly cautious consideration. Though IAC remains crucial for globe preservation, optimal implementation demands improved patient selection criteria, multicenter collaboration, and long-term outcome studies to maximize safety and efficacy. Full article

Interventional radiology offers minimally invasive procedures guided by real-time imaging, reducing surgical risks and enhancing patient recovery. While beneficial to patients, these advancements increase occupational hazards for physicians due to chronic exposure to ionizing radiation. This exposure raises health risks like radiation-induced cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Despite regulations like the European Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM, which sets limits on whole-body and eye lens doses, no dose limits exist for the brain and meninges, since the brain has traditionally been considered a radioresistant organ. Recent studies, however, have highlighted radiation-induced brain damage, suggesting that meningeal exposure in interventional radiology may be underestimated. This study evaluates the entrance air Cumulative mean annual entrance air kerma to the skullull during interventional radiology procedures, using thermoluminescent dosimeters and controlled exposure simulations. Data were collected by varying the exposure time and analyzing the contribution to the entrance air kerma on each side of the head. The results indicate that, considering the attenuation of the cranial bone, the absorbed dose to the brain, obtained by averaging the head entrance air kerma for the right, front, and left sides of the operator’s head, could represent 0.81% to 2.18% of the annual regulatory limit in Italy of 20 mSv for the average annual effective dose of exposed workers (LD 101/2020). These results provide an assessment of brain exposure, highlighting the relatively low but non-negligible contribution of brain irradiation to the overall occupational dose constraint. Additionally, a correlation between entrance air kerma and the Kerma-Area Product was observed, providing a potential method for improved dose estimation and enhanced radiation safety for interventional radiologists. Full article

Background: Cabozantinib is a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI). These drugs are employed as therapy for several malignancies. In detail, Cabozantinib has demonstrated its efficacy against several malignancies. On the other hand, Cabozantinib and other VEGFR-TKIs can be responsible for various adverse events (AEs), in particular hepatic and dermatological AEs. Methods: To date, limited data are available in the literature regarding ocular AEs due to therapy with these drugs. In this regard, one case of corneal perforation during treatment with a VEGFR-TKI, Regorafenib, has been reported, while there are no data about Cabozantinib. In this paper, we present another clinical case of corneal perforation in a patient affected by advanced RCC and treated with Cabozantinib as a second-line therapy. The patient started Cabozantinib at the dosage of 60 mg/die although it was necessary to apply some dose reductions because of grade 2 AEs (according to CTCAE v6.0), such as asthenia, diarrhea, dysgeusia, and loss of appetite. Results: After approximately 15 months of treatment, the patient began to experience pain and vision loss in the right eye. A diagnosis of corneal perforation was made, followed by medical and surgical treatment. As regards the etiology of this pathology, all other possible causes were excluded, including a history of ocular disease, contact trauma, exposure to damaging agents (e.g., chemical agents and prolonged use of drugs such as topical NSAIDs), infections, or dry eye. Therefore, we hypothesized a correlation with Cabozantinib’s mechanisms of action and paused its administration. Conclusions: Cabozantinib may alter the ocular environment due to a lack of or imbalance in growth factors in the tear film, with a reduction in corneal epithelium proliferation. This condition might cause dry eye and a delay in corneal healing. Therefore, particular importance should be placed on ophthalmologic surveillance during treatment with these drugs in patients who develop ocular symptoms. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to deepen the knowledge about VEGFR-TKI-mediated ocular AEs. Full article

Thelazia callipaeda (T. callipaeda) is a zoonotic ocular parasite that poses a public health risk. Current treatment depends on mechanical parasite extraction and specific prophylactic anthelmintics, but direct ocular deworming agents are limited and expensive, and mechanical removal is often incomplete, causing animal stress and ocular injury. Levamisole eye drops have been applied; however, their efficacy and safety remain undefined. We established a standardized T. callipaeda viability assessment system (TVAS) and an animal infection model to evaluate candidate drugs. In vivo, 5 mg/mL levamisole was administered at escalating frequencies. Ocular symptoms, complete blood count (CBC), and serum biochemistry were measured, and cytotoxicity was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays on rabbit conjunctival epithelial cells (RCECs).Four doses of 5 mg/mL levamisole applied at 30 min intervals cleared T. callipaeda from infected eyes within 2 h without significant changes in CBC, serum biochemistry, or ocular symptom scores. CCK-8 and LDH assays indicated minimal cytotoxicity in RCECs within 4 h. However, prolonged exposure (6–12 h) led to a significant decrease in RCEC viability, suggesting potential cytotoxicity with extended use and highlighting the need for further safety evaluation. A regimen of four topical administrations of 5 mg/mL levamisole at 30 min intervals cleared T. callipaeda from infected eyes with minimal cytotoxicity, supporting its safety and efficacy as a topical treatment. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of using Oxycide™ (Ecolab, Copenhagen, Denmark) disinfectant in dental practices and assess the need for improved safety measures. Materials and methods: An observational study was conducted in dental offices, evaluating 200 dental assistants exposed to Oxycide™ disinfectant. Data on disinfectant use practices, personal protective equipment, and reported symptoms were collected through an online questionnaire. Results: 63% (126 out of 200) of staff experienced symptoms including respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and skin reactions after Oxycide™ exposure. Inconsistent use of personal protective equipment and improper application techniques were observed. In conclusion, the use of Oxycide™ disinfectant in dental offices has been associated with a wide range of respiratory and cutaneous symptoms among staff, ranging from mild irritative manifestations to severe allergic reactions. Improved protocols, staff training, and consideration of safer alternatives are needed to protect dental personnel while maintaining infection control standards. For a sustainable dental practice, it is essential to balance effective disinfection with staff safety. While high-level disinfectants like Oxycide™ are effective against pathogens, their repeated use—especially in poorly ventilated areas—can lead to respiratory discomfort and skin reactions. To mitigate these risks, clear preventive measures should be implemented: adherence to manufacturer guidelines, proper ventilation, consistent use of personal protective equipment, and ongoing staff training. These steps are crucial to reducing exposure to irritants and ensuring a safe and efficient working environment. Full article

The reaction of PtCl₂ with a PNN type ligand dppmaphen (N-(diphenylphosphanylmethyl)-2-amino-1,10-phenanthroline) yielded a new Pt(II) complex [Pt(dppmaphen)Cl]Cl·H₂O (1). Upon excitation at 370 nm, compound 1 emits yellow phosphorescence at 539 and 576 nm at room temperature. Exposure of compound 1 to MeOH vapor induces a shift in its emission to 645 nm, which can be attributed to the substitution of MeOH molecules for H₂O, resulting in the disruption and reorganization of weak interactions in 1. This response is selective for MeOH and, to a lesser extent, EtOH, the orange photoluminescence recovered in air. The emission change of 1 was reversible and visible to the naked eye. Full article