HYPERREFLECTIVE BAND IN THE GANGLION CELL LAYER IN RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA.

PURPOSE: To describe a sign that takes the form of a continuous hyperreflective band within the thickness of the ganglion cell layer (GCL), thus dubbed the "hyperreflective ganglion cell layer band" (HGB), which the authors detected in a fraction of patients affected by retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of patients with RP examined between May 2015 and June 2021 were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of HGB, epiretinal membrane (ERM), macular hole, and cystoid macular edema (CME). The ellipsoid zone (EZ) width was also measured. A subgroup of patients underwent microperimetry in the central 2°, 4°, and 10°. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-four eyes from 77 subjects were included in the study. The HGB was present in 39 (25.3%) eyes with RP. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.39 ± 0.05 logMAR (approximately 20/50 Snellen equivalent) and 0.18 ± 0.03 logMAR (approximately 20/32 Snellen equivalent) in eyes with and without HGB, respectively ( P < 0.001). The two groups did not differ regarding EZ width; mean 2°, 4°, and 10° retinal sensitivity; and prevalence of CME, ERM, and macular hole. The multivariable analysis showed the presence of HGB to be a predictor of poorer BCVA ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: HGB is an OCT finding detectable in approximately a quarter of eyes with RP and is associated with a poorer visual function. In the discussion, the authors speculate about possible morphogenetic scenarios to explain this observation.

Italian Version of the Hospital Aggressive Behaviour Scale-Users: Initial Psychometric Evaluation among Hospital Healthcare Professionals.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals frequently encounter various forms of aggression, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults, which can compromise both their occupational well-being and patient-care quality. Despite its prevalence and serious consequences, workplace aggression is often underreported due to a lack of standardized assessment tools. This study aims to develop a valid Italian version of the Hospital Aggressive Behaviour Scale-Users. METHODS: The scale's structure was evaluated using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses on two samples of healthcare professionals during and after the pandemic. Reliability, measurement invariance, and nomological validity were examined. RESULTS: EFA revealed a two-factor structure comprising eight items (χ2 = 59.651, df = 13, p = 0.00; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.07; SRMR = 0.02), distinguishing non-physical and physical aggression, and meeting all recommended criteria. CFA confirmed this structure, demonstrating good reliability and outperforming alternative models. The same factor structure was confirmed in standard (χ2 = 35.01, df = 19, p = 0.00; CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.03; SRMR = 0.02) and emergency (χ2 = 30.65, df = 19, p = 0.04; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.06; SRMR = 0.04) contexts. Full residual invariance was found across job tenure groups. Aggression was positively associated with emotional exhaustion, psychological distance, psychosomatic symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and turnover intentions while negatively related to job satisfaction. Nurses and healthcare assistants reported higher levels of aggression than doctors. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a reliable, context-specific instrument for documenting and analysing outsider aggression. The insights can inform targeted interventions, contributing to a healthier hospital environment.

Hyperautofluorescent Ring Pattern in Retinitis Pigmentosa: Clinical Implications and Modifications Over Time.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation among hyperautofluorescent ring patterns, visual acuity (VA), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and to describe its modifications over time. Methods: This was a retrospective, longitudinal, and observational study. Clinical and imaging data from the first and last available visits of patients with a clinical diagnosis of RP were reviewed. The ellipsoid zone (EZ) width was measured on OCT acquisitions. Short-wavelength autofluorescence (SW-AF) images were classified based on the hyperautofluorescent ring pattern as absent, regular, and irregular, and their modifications over the follow-up were described. The VA, EZ width, and progression rate were compared among the three groups. Results: One hundred eight eyes from 54 subjects were included in the study. The hyperautofluorescent ring was not present in 28 eyes (25.9%), appeared regular in 45 eyes (41.7%), and had an irregular pattern in 35 eyes (32.4%). The three groups differed in terms of age, VA, and EZ width (all P < 0.05). Additionally, the absence of a hyperautofluorescent ring indicated a faster rate of progression (P < 0.001). Throughout the follow-up period, 17 eyes (15.7%) experienced a change in the AF pattern, with irregular rings being more commonly affected. Conclusions: The hyperautofluorescent ring is a useful tool to frame patients based on their EZ width and VA. We described its possible modifications over time, the knowledge of which can aid clinicians in the interpretation of imaging finding changes of their patients.