Integrated image and location analysis for wound classification: a deep learning approach.

The global burden of acute and chronic wounds presents a compelling case for enhancing wound classification methods, a vital step in diagnosing and determining optimal treatments. Recognizing this need, we introduce an innovative multi-modal network based on a deep convolutional neural network for categorizing wounds into four categories: diabetic, pressure, surgical, and venous ulcers. Our multi-modal network uses wound images and their corresponding body locations for more precise classification. A unique aspect of our methodology is incorporating a body map system that facilitates accurate wound location tagging, improving upon traditional wound image classification techniques. A distinctive feature of our approach is the integration of models such as VGG16, ResNet152, and EfficientNet within a novel architecture. This architecture includes elements like spatial and channel-wise Squeeze-and-Excitation modules, Axial Attention, and an Adaptive Gated Multi-Layer Perceptron, providing a robust foundation for classification. Our multi-modal network was trained and evaluated on two distinct datasets comprising relevant images and corresponding location information. Notably, our proposed network outperformed traditional methods, reaching an accuracy range of 74.79-100% for Region of Interest (ROI) without location classifications, 73.98-100% for ROI with location classifications, and 78.10-100% for whole image classifications. This marks a significant enhancement over previously reported performance metrics in the literature. Our results indicate the potential of our multi-modal network as an effective decision-support tool for wound image classification, paving the way for its application in various clinical contexts.

Anti-spoofing-enabled Contactless Attendance Monitoring System in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Global Novel Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced social distancing norms that have been followed worldwide. Thus, traditional biometric-based attendance marking systems are replaced with contactless attendance marking schemes. However, there are limitations of manufacturing cost, spoofing attacks, and security vulnerabilities. Thus, the paper proposes a contactless camera-based attendance system with the equipped functionalities of anti-spoofing. The proposed scheme can detect liveliness, so fake attendance marking is eliminated. The proposed scheme is also scalable and cost-effective, with generic solutions adaptable to schools, colleges, or other places where attendance is required. The system also eliminates the limitation of one-entry by multiple face-marking systems that allow simultaneous attendance marking. In performance analysis, parameters like image precision, storage cost, retrieval latency, and analysis of the anti-spoofing module is presented against existing schemes. An accuracy of 95.85% is reported for the model, with a significant improvement of 33.52% in storage cost through the Firebase database, which outperforms existing state-of-the-art schemes.

Topological phonon transport in an optomechanical system.

Light is a powerful tool for controlling mechanical motion, as shown by numerous applications in the field of cavity optomechanics. Recently, small scale optomechanical circuits, connecting a few optical and mechanical modes, have been demonstrated in an ongoing push towards multi-mode on-chip optomechanical systems. An ambitious goal driving this trend is to produce topologically protected phonon transport. Once realized, this will unlock the full toolbox of optomechanics for investigations of topological phononics. Here, we report the realization of topological phonon transport in an optomechanical device. Our experiment is based on an innovative multiscale optomechanical crystal design and allows for site-resolved measurements in an array of more than 800 cavities. The sensitivity inherent in our optomechanical read-out allowed us to detect thermal fluctuations traveling along topological edge channels. This represents a major step forward in an ongoing effort to downscale mechanical topological systems.

Observing polarization patterns in the collective motion of nanomechanical arrays.

In recent years, nanomechanics has evolved into a mature field, and it has now reached a stage which enables the fabrication and study of ever more elaborate devices. This has led to the emergence of arrays of coupled nanomechanical resonators as a promising field of research serving as model systems to study collective dynamical phenomena such as synchronization or topological transport. From a general point of view, the arrays investigated so far can be effectively treated as scalar fields on a lattice. Moving to a scenario where the vector character of the fields becomes important would unlock a whole host of conceptually interesting additional phenomena, including the physics of polarization patterns in wave fields and their associated topology. Here we introduce a new platform, a two-dimensional array of coupled nanomechanical pillar resonators, whose orthogonal vibration directions encode a mechanical polarization degree of freedom. We demonstrate direct optical imaging of the collective dynamics, enabling us to analyze the emerging polarization patterns, follow their evolution with drive frequency, and identify topological polarization singularities.

Eyelid Cosmetic Enhancements and Their Associated Ocular Adverse Effects.

Numerous cosmetic enhancements and augmentations to the natural appearance of the periorbital area are readily available today. Due to the increasing popularity of these cosmetic procedures, it is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of their potential risks, complications and adverse effects. The aim of this literature review was to introduce some of the most common ocular cosmetic enhancements and provide a comprehensive overview of their associated adverse effects reported in various medical journals. PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were used to identify articles related to the following ocular cosmetic procedures; eyelash extensions, permanent eyelid tattooing, and eyelash dyeing. The most common complication associated with eyelash extensions was allergic blepharitis (79%). Allergic granulomatous reactions were the predominant complication in patients who underwent eyelid tattooing (56%). Besides, 60% of subjects who underwent eyelash dyeing experienced allergic contact dermatitis as the most common adverse effect. Although millions of these procedures are performed annually without any adverse effects, reports of complications continue to increase in the literature. Knowledge of the possible adverse effects associated with these enhancements is important for eye care providers and licensed estheticians to be aware of given both the direct and indirect effects they may have on ocular health and visual outcomes.

Hyperopic small-incision lenticule extraction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) has shown great promise in the treatment of myopia; however, the literature is less extensive in its hyperopic counterpart. The purpose of this review is to detail the recent advancements and outcomes of SMILE in the treatment of hyperopic eye disease. RECENT FINDINGS: SMILE has demonstrated similar visual outcomes, regression rates, centration ability, safety profiles, and wound healing as hyperopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Lenticule preservation and implantation show further promise in the correction of higher degrees of hyperopia. SUMMARY: Based on the current literature, SMILE represents a viable surgical alternative to LASIK in the correction of hyperopia. Lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty and small-incision lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty may be able to correct severe hyperopia in patients who would not otherwise be candidates for refractive surgery.

A Review of Corneal Endotheliitis and Endotheliopathy: Differential Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment.

The corneal endothelium plays an integral role in regulating corneal hydration and clarity. Endotheliitis, defined as inflammation of the corneal endothelium, may disrupt endothelial function and cause subsequent visual changes. Corneal endotheliitis is characterized by corneal edema, the presence of keratic precipitates, anterior chamber inflammation, and occasionally limbal injection, neovascularization, and co-existing or superimposed uveitis. The disorder is classified into four subgroups: linear, sectoral, disciform, and diffuse. Its etiology is extensive and, although commonly viral, may be medication-related, procedural, fungal, zoological, environmental, or systemic. Not all cases of endothelial dysfunction leading to corneal edema are inflammatory in nature. Therefore, it is imperative that practitioners consider a broad differential for patients presenting with possible endotheliitis, as well as familiarize themselves with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

Intracameral dexamethasone injection in the treatment of cataract surgery induced inflammation: design, development, and place in therapy.

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with nearly 20 million cases annually. Appropriate prophylaxis after cataract surgery can contribute to a safe and quick visual recovery with high patient satisfaction. Despite being the current standard of care, the use of multiple postoperative eye drops can create a significant burden on these patients, contributing to documented and significant non-adherence to the postoperative regimen. Over the past 25 years, there have been a few studies analyzing the use of intracameral dexamethasone (DXM) in controlling inflammation following cataract surgery. This review explores various drug delivery approaches for managing intraocular inflammation after cataract surgery, documenting the strengths and weaknesses of these options and examining the role of intracameral DXM (among these other strategies) in controlling postoperative intraocular inflammation. Intracameral DXM has a particular advantage over topical steroids in possibly decreasing postoperative inflammatory symptoms and objective anterior cell and flare scores. Compared to topical steroids, there may be a slightly less theoretical risk of significant intraocular pressure spikes and systemic absorption. In addition, surveys indicate patients prefer an intraoperative intracameral injection over a self-administered postoperative eye drop regimen. However, there are several adverse effects associated with intracameral DXM delivery that are not seen with the noninvasive topical approach. Although it is unlikely that intracameral DXM will replace topical medications as the standard management for postoperative inflammation, it is seemingly another safe and effective strategy for controlling postoperative inflammation after routine cataract surgery.

Use of Rho kinase Inhibitors in Ophthalmology: A Review of the Literature.

The use of Rho Kinase (ROCK) inhibitors as therapeutic agents in ophthalmology has been a topic of discussion for several years, particularly in the realm of glaucoma, Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, and diabetic retinopathy. In this review, the authors provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the published literature on the use of Rho kinase inhibitors for the aforementioned purposes. A thorough search of several databases was conducted to find sufficient literature on ROCK inhibitors. This research found strong evidence demonstrating that inhibition of Rho kinase significantly decreases IOP, increases healing of the corneal endothelium, and decreases progression of diabetic retinopathy. The main side effect of ROCK inhibitors is conjunctival hyperemia that is often present in more than half of the patients in certain formulations. Additional clinical trials investigating the reviewed treatment options of Rho kinase inhibitors are necessary to further validate previous findings on the topic. Nonetheless, it is clear that Rho kinase inhibitors have the potential to be another potent therapeutic option for several chronic diseases in ophthalmology.

Surgical options for retreatment after small-incision lenticule extraction: Advantages and disadvantages.

Since the inception of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), many surgeons have speculated the lack of an adequate and standard retreatment procedure will impede its popularity. However, more than 1 million patients worldwide have had this surgery, with visual outcomes nearly equivalent to current laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) results. With the procedure's growing popularity, some patients will inevitably have a postoperative residual refractive error from regression, overcorrection, undercorrection, and astigmatic induction and will require retreatment. To our knowledge, literature reviewing major retreatment options is limited. Options include surface ablation, thin-flap LASIK, secondary small-incision lenticule extraction, and a cap-to-flap procedure (CIRCLE) in which a femtosecond laser is use to create cuts that convert the small-incision lenticule extraction cap into a LASIK flap. This review discusses major advantages and disadvantages of these options and compares the visual outcomes based on the existing literature. An algorithmic approach created from this analysis is presented to guide retreatment decision-making.

A Modified Small-Incision Lenticule Intrastromal Keratoplasty (sLIKE) for the Correction of High Hyperopia: A Description of a New Surgical Technique and Comparison to Lenticule Intrastromal Keratoplasty (LIKE).

Patients with high hyperopia are generally confined to either spectacle wear or contact lenses as a primary means of refractive correction. For this patient population, the surgical corrective methods, such as hyperopic laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are imperfect options due to induction of higher-order aberrations, optical regression, and loss of best corrected distance visual acuity. Recently, there has been growing interest in lenticule implantation underneath a flap via lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty (LIKE) for high hyperopia correction (+3 diopters to +10 diopters). We instead propose a modified surgical technique (small-incision lenticule intrastromal keratoplasty, sLIKE), in which the lenticule is implanted inside an intrastromal pocket thereby causing less injury to the subbasal nerve plexus injury, less postoperative dry eye symptoms, less reduction in biomechanical strength, and lower chances for epithelial ingrowth. We provide an overview of these novel surgical techniques to treat high hyperopia, and compare the associated advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we will discuss the enhancement options and methods of optimization for both surgical techniques.

Chemical conjunctivitis and diffuse lamellar keratitis after removal of eyelash extensions.

PURPOSE: There have been several reports in the literature demonstrating the adverse effects of multiple ocular cosmetic procedures, such as eyelash extensions, eyeliner tattoo, and eyelash dyeing. To our knowledge, there is limited literature on the adverse effects specifically attributed to the chemicals and process of eyelash extension removal. Our purpose is to demonstrate the possible ocular injuries from misapplication of eyelash extension removal solvent. OBSERVATIONS: We present a unique case of a 46-year-old female with a prior history of laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) who presented with bilateral chemical conjunctivitis and diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) secondary to epithelial defects following the misapplication of eyelash extension removal gel. CONCLUSIONAND IMPORTANCE: Given that our patient suffered significant dry eyes, corneal haze, and visual fluctuation, we believe this case underscores the importance of continuing closer and careful evaluation into the chemicals present in these cosmetics to improve the safety of our patients and to limit such incidents from occurring hereafter.

A Historical Perspective on Treatment of Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy: We have Come a Long Way.

Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy is a hereditary and progressive vision-threatening disease with a high prevalence in our adult population. In the past two decades, endothelial transplantation has dramatically changed the way we treat these patients. Back then, our limited surgical techniques often resulted in less than ideal outcomes. It was unimaginable for our patients to achieve near perfect visual acuity in such a short span of time. Over the years, we have tenaciously refined our surgical techniques to vastly improve patient outcomes, and with the recent advent of Rho-kinase inhibitors, we may even consider delivering a simple injection to our patients in the future. Our purpose is to take a historical perspective on how far we have come in treating this disorder and how rapidly this field will continue to evolve.

"Doctor, I have a Sulfa Allergy": Clarifying the Myths of Cross-Reactivity.

Our purpose is to present an evidence-based approach, directed primarily towards eye-care specialists, clarifying whether certain drugs should or should not be used in patients with sulfonamide allergy. We conducted a literature search using PubMed to identify the risk of ophthalmic-specific drugs in patients with a self-reported sulfonamide allergy. MeSH key words included "sulfonamide" and "hypersensitivity". Articles specifically geared towards ophthalmic diseases were sought. The evidence illustrates that individuals with sulfonamide allergy are intrinsically predisposed to higher rates of allergic reaction that is not specific towards sulfonamide non-antimicrobials or sulfur-based medications. We provide a simplified algorithm using the 2017 Clinical Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs to help busy eye care clinicians determine whether a certain common ophthalmic medication is safe or unsafe to prescribe in a patient with a "sulfa allergy".

Initial Single-Site Surgical Experience with SMILE: A Comparison of Results to FDA SMILE, and the Earliest and Latest Generation of LASIK.

INTRODUCTION: The primary objective was to show our initial surgical single-site experience with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) after the official enrollment in March 2017 following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for simple myopia in late 2016 in the United States and, subsequently, compare our results to the earliest and most advanced generation of excimer platforms for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-site study of 68 eyes from 35 patients who had SMILE surgery. The patients' preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest sphere, manifest cylinder, intraoperative complications, and preoperative and postoperative visual symptoms were collected. We compared our findings to the results from the FDA SMILE study, and to the three earliest (1999-2000) and three of the most updated (2013-2016) platforms for LASIK. RESULTS: The cumulative UDVA was 20/20 and 20/40 or better in 74% and 100% of patients, respectively. The intended target refraction was within ± 0.5 and ± 1.00 D in 80% and 93% of cases, respectively. The prevalence of dry eyes decreased by nearly half from 1-week to the 6-month postoperative interval. Patients noted improvement in glare (17%), halos (17%), fluctuation (25%), and depth perception (8%) at the 6-month interval compared to preoperative levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings are consistent with current SMILE reports. Notably, the results are superior to the earliest generation of LASIK, however inferior to the latest excimer platforms. SMILE does meet the efficacy and safety criteria met by FDA; however, there is a definite need for further improvement to reach the superior refractive outcomes produced by the latest generation of LASIK platforms.

Finding the Hannay angle in dissipative oscillatory systems via conservative perturbation theory.

Usage of a Hamiltonian perturbation theory for a nonconservative system is counterintuitive and, in general, a technical impossibility by definition. However, the time-independent dual Hamiltonian formalism for the nonconservative systems has opened the door for using various conservative perturbation theories for investigating the dynamics of such systems. Here we demonstrate that the Lie transform Hamiltonian perturbation theory can be adapted to find the perturbative solutions and the frequency corrections for the dissipative oscillatory systems. As a further application, we use the perturbation theory to analytically calculate the Hannay angle for the van der Pol oscillator's limit cycle trajectory when its parameters-the strength of the nonlinearity and the frequency of the linear part-evolve cyclically and adiabatically. For this van der Pol oscillator, we also numerically calculate the corresponding geometric phase and establish its equivalence with the Hannay angle.

Occasional uncoupling overcomes measure desynchronization.

Owing to the absence of the phase space attractors in the Hamiltonian dynamical systems, the concept of the identical synchronization between the dissipative systems is inapplicable to the Hamiltonian systems for which, thus, one defines a related generalized phenomenon known as the measure synchronization. A coupled pair of Hamiltonian systems-the full coupled system also being Hamiltonian-can possibly be in two types of measure synchronized states: quasiperiodic and chaotic. In this paper, we take representative systems belonging to each such class of the coupled systems and highlight that, as the coupling strengths are varied, there may exist intervals in the ranges of the coupling parameters at which the systems are measure desynchronized. Subsequently, we illustrate that as a coupled system evolves in time, occasionally switching off the coupling when the system is in the measure desynchronized state can bring the system back in measure synchrony. Furthermore, for the case of the occasional uncoupling being employed periodically and the corresponding time-period being small, we analytically find the values of the on-fraction of the time-period during which measure synchronization is effected on the corresponding desynchronized state.

Meta-analysis of the FDA Reports on Patient-Reported Outcomes Using the Three Latest Platforms for LASIK.

PURPOSE: To analyze the impact of the three latest U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved lasers on patient-reported outcomes after LASIK. METHODS: In this meta-analysis of patient-reported FDA data, an aggregated total of 718 eyes undergoing LASIK using VISX iDesign (Abbott Medical Optics Manufacturing, Milpitas, CA), Alcon Contoura (Alcon Research, Ltd., Fort Worth, TX), and Nidek CATz (Nidek Co. Ltd., Gamagori, Japan) lasers were evaluated for overall changes in visual symptoms postoperatively. Statistical significance was calculated when appropriate to assess changes. A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: At 12 months following LASIK, there was a decrease in the postoperative difficulty driving at night (29%) with respect to preoperative values. There was a significant postoperative reduction in prior moderate to severe symptoms for light sensitivity (9%), difficulty driving at night (22%), reading difficulty (8%), double vision (2%), glare (12%), and halos (6%) at 12 months following LASIK. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the FDA data shows that modern lasers have significantly improved patient-reported visual outcomes after LASIK. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(6):362-368.].