Real-World Evidence of the Long-Term Effectiveness of 0.2 µg/Day Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant in Persistent and Recurrent Diabetic Macular Edema - A Single Center Study.

Purpose: To report the long-term functional, anatomical and safety outcomes of 0.2 µg/day fluocinolone acetonide 0.19mg in patients with persistent or recurrent diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: Retrospective, observational, single-center study of patients with recurrent or persistent DME. All patients received 0.2 µg/day of fluocinolone acetonide 0.19mg, and data were collected at baseline and months 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 after implantation. Outcomes measured included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and safety outcomes. Results: A total of 28 eyes from 28 patients were included. The mean age was 66.5 years (95% CI 62.8-70.2) with a mean duration of DME of 8.8 years (95% CI 7.7-10.0). Only two eyes were phakic. Mean follow-up was 25.4 months (95% CI 21.2-29.6). Mean BCVA at baseline was 48.6 ETDRS letters (95% CI 41.3-55.8) and improved as early as month 1 of follow-up with a mean gain in BCVA of 7.8 (95% CI 4.3-11.3) ETDRS letters (p<0.001). Statistically significant improvements in BCVA were also observed at months 6, 12 and 24. At baseline, patients had a mean CMT of 530.5µm (95% CI 463.0-598.0), and a decrease in CMT was observed, starting at the first month of follow-up (mean CMT reduction of -170.5µm, 95% CI -223.8- -117.1; p<0.001). Statistically significant decreases in CMT were also observed at months 6, 12, 24, and 36, with the maximum decrease observed at month 12 (p<0.001). Mean IOP at baseline was 16.4mmHg (95% CI 15.3-17.5) and nine eyes (32.1%) had an IOP ≥21mmHg during follow-up. Conclusion: Our results support the effectiveness and safety profile of fluocinolone acetonide. Although additional long-term real-world evidence is required, fluocinolone acetonide may represent a safe strategy for daily, low-dose, sustained and localized release to the posterior segment of the eye, providing both functional and anatomical benefits in DME.

Faster balls increase the probability of scoring a goal in female and male elite goalball

Abstract We sought to investigate the influence of ball time, ball trajectory and ball type on the probability of scoring a goal in female and male elite goalball. We also aimed to categorize throw ball time, taking into consideration ball trajectory and ball type. Systematic video analysis of 1341 male and 1304 female throws was performed on 20 randomly selected matches from the Paralympic Games. In both genders, reducing ball time was associated with an increased probability of scoring a goal, while there was no association for ball trajectories or ball types. The proposed ball time categories are thought to be a useful tool for coaches and sport scientists, as it provides reference values on how fast a ball moves regarding different ball trajectories and ball types for each gender.

Resumo Investigamos a influência do tempo de bola, da trajetória e do tipo de bola sobre a probabilidade de marcar gol na elite do goalball; e também o categorizamos em relação à trajetória e ao tipo de bola. Observamos sistematicamente vídeos de 1.341 arremessos masculinos e 1.304 femininos, de 20 partidas selecionadas aleatoriamente dos Jogos Paraolímpicos. Em ambos os sexos, a redução do tempo de bola foi associada a uma maior probabilidade de marcar um gol. Não houve associação para trajetórias ou tipos de bola. As categorias de tempo de bola propostas foram pensadas para ser uma ferramenta útil para treinadores e cientistas esportivos, pois fornecem valores de referência sobre quão rápido uma bola se move em relação a diferentes trajetórias e tipos de bola para cada gênero.

Resumen Se analizó la influencia del tiempo del balón, la trayectoria y el tipo de balón en la probabilidad de marcar gol en la elite del goalball. También clasificamos el tiempo de lanzamiento del balón en relación con su trayectoria y tipo. Observamos sistemáticamente vídeos de 1.341 lanzamientos de hombres y 1.304 de mujeres de 20 partidos seleccionados al azar de los Juegos Paralímpicos. En ambos sexos, la disminución del tiempo del balón se relacionó con mayor probabilidad de marcar un gol. No hubo relación con las trayectorias o los tipos de balón. Las categorías propuestas del tiempo del balón son una herramienta útil para los entrenadores y científicos del deporte ya que ofrecen puntos de referencia para cada sexo sobre la rapidez con que un balón se mueve en relación con diferentes trayectorias y tipos de balón.

Do Namoro ao Casamento: Significados, Expectativas, Conflito e Amor / From Dating to Marriage: Meanings, Expectations, Conflict and Love

O presente estudo, de cariz exploratório, analisa i) os significados de casamento e amor, ii) as expectativas para o casamento, o cônjuge e o próprio, e iii) a emergência e resolução do conflito, em duas fases: namoro e casamento. Com base numa entrevista semiestruturada, entrevistaram-se cinco casais heterossexuais (cada cônjuge separadamente) casados há pelo menos dois anos, sendo que o namoro foi explorado retrospetivamente. Para o tratamento dos dados, recorreu-se à análise de conteúdo. Concluiu-se que as díades, no namoro, não exploram intencionalmente os significados e expectativas para o casamento; que este assume diferentes significados; que as expectativas, quando casados, veem-se correspondidas ou superadas; e, no casamento, surgem novas fontes de conflito bem como pequenas mudanças nas estratégias de resolução.

The present, exploratory, study analyses i) the meanings of marriage and love, ii) the expectations for marriage, for the partner and for oneself, and iii) the rising and resolution of conflict, in two stages: dating and marriage. Using a semi-structured interview, five heterosexual couples, married for at least two years, were interviewed (each member separately), and dating was explored in retrospective. Content analysis was used as the data analysis strategy. It was concluded that couples, while dating, do not explore the meanings and expectations for marriage intentionally; that marriage assumes different meanings; that expectations are matched or surpassed; and that there are new sources of conflict in marriage as well as small changes in coping strategies.

Síndrome de Cockayne: relato de dois casos / Cockayne?s syndrome: report of two cases

Objetivos: Relatar casos de síndrome de Cockayne em dois irmãos, descrevendo a apresentação e a evoluçãoclínica.Descrição dos casos: Apresentam-se os casos de dois irmãos, uma menina de 8 anos e um menino de 13 anos, ambos com deficiência global do desenvolvimento, microcefalia, nanismo e facies peculiar (face triangular, microftalmia, microstomia e micrognatia). No seguimento, surgiram novos problemas, como surdez neurossensorial, hipermetropia e fotossensibilidade. Pela clínica foi sugerida a hipótese de síndrome de Cockayne, que foi confirmada por teste genético molecular.Conclusões: A síndrome de Cockayne é um distúrbio raro (1/100.000), autossômico recessivo. Seu diagnóstico pode ser moroso, pois os sinais e sintomas vão surgindo progressiva e lentamente. A conjugação dos critérios de diagnóstico pode levar anos, sendo de extrema importância a suspeição clínica.

Aims: To report cases of Cockayne syndrome in two siblings, describing the clinical presentation and evolution.Case description: We describe the cases of two siblings, an 8 years old girl and a 13 years old boy, both with global developmental disability, microcephaly, dwarfism and peculiar facies (triangular face, microphthalmia, microstomia and micrognathia). New problems emerged during follow-up: sensorineural hearing loss, hypermetropia and photosensitivity. Clinical features suggested Cockayne syndrome, which was confirmed by molecular genetictesting.Conclusions: Cockayne?s syndrome is a rare (1/100,000), recessive autosomal disorder. Its diagnosis may be delayed because the signs and symptoms arise gradually and slowly. Obtaining the diagnostic criteria can take years and clinical suspicion is extremely important.