On-eye centration of soft contact lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relative positions of modern soft contact lenses (SCLs) relative to the limbus/cornea and the pupil. METHODS: Sixty images of the anterior eyes of 101 subjects were acquired over 10 s while participants fixated the centre of the camera lens located 33 cm in front of the eye in a well-lit (300 lux) clinic. Custom validated image analysis software was used to locate the boundaries of the contact lenses, pupils and corneas (limbus). Horizontal and vertical relative positions of the contact lens, pupil and limbus were calculated from the fitted boundaries. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) pupil and corneal diameters for all subjects were 3.84 mm, (0.83) and 11.97 mm (0.48), respectively. The mean [95% confidence interval] pupil centre was located 0.28 mm [0.26, 0.30] nasally and 0.07 mm [0.05, 0.10] superiorly to the corneal centre. Consistent with clinical observations, the contact lenses centred accurately relative to the corneal centre both nasally 0.04 mm [0.01, 0.07] and inferiorly -0.01 mm [-0.06, 0.03]. However, regardless of the eye, the contact lens was significantly (p < 0.001) decentred relative to the pupil centre both temporally -0.23 mm [-0.26, -0.20] and inferiorly -0.08 mm [-0.12, -0.04]. Decentration magnitudes were significantly correlated between the right and left eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Spherical SCLs centred well on the cornea but temporally and inferiorly from the primary line of sight (pupil centre), due to the differences in the location of the pupil and corneal centres. Contrary to some previous reports, there was no evidence that lens optics or material affected lens centration significantly.

The association between participant-reported ratings of comfort, dryness and vision quality in soft contact lens wearers.

INTRODUCTION: Previous literature has indicated an association between participant-reported perceptions (e.g., ratings) of comfort, dryness and vision quality during soft contact lens wear. However, these reports do not account for participant- and lens-specific factors which may impact the interpretation of these results. The purpose of this project was to quantify the association between these participant-reported ratings while accounting for both participant- and lens-specific factors. METHODS: Participant-reported ratings (scale 0-100) of comfort, dryness and quality of vision for 675 soft contact lens wearers (1207 eyes) were aggregated across 31 studies completed at Indiana University. Linear mixed-effects regression modelling was performed on each outcome rating individually. Covariate-adjusted models incorporated both participant- (e.g., age, sex) and lens-related (e.g., lens material, edge and optics) factors. The models were statistically adjusted for the duration of lens wear in hours and cumulative days of exposure. RESULTS: Consistent with estimates from covariate-adjusted regression models, pairwise Spearman correlations [95% CI] between dryness and comfort (rs = 0.71, [0.69, 0.74]), vision quality and comfort (rs = 0.53, [0.49, 0.57]) and vision quality and dryness (rs = 0.49, [0.42, 0.54]) were all positive and had p < 0.001. Average participant-reported ratings of comfort, dryness and vision quality decreased by (bs [95% CI]) = -0.81 [-1.15, -0.46] -0.34 [-0.67, 0.0005] and -0.90 [-1.19, -0.60] rating units, respectively, for each hour of lens wear. CONCLUSIONS: Significant positive associations were found between participant-reported measures of comfort, dryness and vision quality during soft contact lens wear. The associations between these ratings and the participant- and lens-related factors that drive them should be considered by clinicians and manufacturers when fitting and designing soft contact lenses.

Holo-Stroke: Assessing for Immersive Stroke Care Through Stroke Hologram Teleportation.

Background: Augmented reality enables the wearer to see both their physical environment and virtual objects. Holograms could allow 3D video of providers to be transmitted to distant sites, allowing patients to interact with virtual providers as if they are in the same physical space. Our aim was to determine if Tele-Stroke augmented with Holo-Stroke, compared with Tele-Stroke alone, could improve satisfaction and perception of immersion for the patient. Methods: Kinect cameras positioned at 90-degree intervals around the hub practitioner were used. Cameras streamed real-time optical video to a unity point-cloud program where the data were stitched together in a 360-degree view. The resultant hologram was positioned in 3D space and was visible through the head-mounted display by the patient. Radiology images were shared in Tele-Stroke and via hologram. Likert satisfaction questions were administered. Wilcoxon signed-rank testing was used. Results: Each of the 30 neurology clinic participants scored both Tele-Stroke and Holo-Stroke. Out of these, 29 patients completed the assessments (1 failure owing to computer reboot). Average age was 52 years, with 53.3% of the patients being female, 70.0% being White, and 13.3% being Hispanic. Likert scale score median "Overall" was 32 Tele-Stroke versus 48 Holo-Stroke (p < 0.00001), "Immersion" was 5 versus 10 (p < 0.00001), "Beneficial Technique" was 6 versus 10 (p < 0.00001), and "Ability to See Images" was 5 versus 10 (p < 0.00001). Discussion: Holo-Stroke 3D holographic Tele-Stroke exams resulted in feasibility, satisfaction, and high perception of immersion for the patient. Patients were enthusiastic for the more immersive, personal discussion with their provider and a robust way to experience radiology images. Though further assessments are needed, Holo-Stroke can help the provider "be there, not just see there!"

Multicenter comparison using two AI stroke CT perfusion software packages for determining thrombectomy eligibility.

BACKGROUND: Stroke AI platforms assess infarcted core and potentially salvageable tissue (penumbra) to identify patients suitable for mechanical thrombectomy. Few studies have compared outputs of these platforms, and none have been multicenter or considered NIHSS or scanner/protocol differences. Our objective was to compare volume estimates and thrombectomy eligibility from two widely used CT perfusion (CTP) packages, Viz.ai and RAPID.AI, in a large multicenter cohort. METHODS: We analyzed CTP data of acute stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) from four institutions. Core and penumbra volumes were estimated by each software and DEFUSE-3 thrombectomy eligibility assessed. Results between software packages were compared and categorized by NIHSS score, scanner manufacturer/model, and institution. RESULTS: Primary analysis of 362 cases found statistically significant differences in both software's volume estimations, with subgroup analysis showing these differences were driven by results from a single scanner model, the Canon Aquilion One. Viz.ai provided larger estimates with mean differences of 8cc and 18cc for core and penumbra, respectively (p<0.001). NIHSS subgroup analysis also showed systematically larger Viz.ai volumes (p<0.001). Despite volume differences, a significant difference in thrombectomy eligibility was not found. Additional subgroup analysis showed significant differences in penumbra volume for the Phillips Ingenuity scanner, and thrombectomy eligibility for the Canon Aquilion One scanner at one center (7 % increased eligibility with Viz.ai, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Despite systematic differences in core and penumbra volume estimates between Viz.ai and RAPID.AI, DEFUSE-3 eligibility was not statistically different in primary or NIHSS subgroup analysis. A DEFUSE-3 eligibility difference, however, was seen on one scanner at one institution, suggesting scanner model and local CTP protocols can influence performance and cause discrepancies in thrombectomy eligibility. We thus recommend centers discuss optimal scanning protocols with software vendors and scanner manufacturers to maximize CTP accuracy.

Clinical Comparison of High-resolution and Standard Refractions and Prescriptions.

SIGNIFICANCE: Recently, novel refraction technology allows subjective refractions to be performed with a higher-resolution. It is unclear, however, if these benefits are noticed and appreciated by the patient during the examination and after dispensing. PURPOSE: This study investigated benefits and drawbacks of high-resolution refraction technology over standard, specifically in terms of the refraction, glasses prescription, and participant's perceptions of the technology. METHODS: Sixty progressive-addition-lens wearers (aged 35 to 70 years) and 60 single-vision wearers (18 years or older) were randomized to a high-resolution refraction (Vision-R 800; Essilor Instruments, Dallas, TX; essilorinstrumentsusa.com ) and standard refraction in a 2-week crossover dispensing design. Refractive results were converted to M, J0, and J45 and analyzed using multivariate t tests. Bayesian estimation was used to analyze differences between refraction type and age group for subjective outcomes. RESULTS: Differences in refractive error between the two refractions were small, and none differed statistically ( P > .05) or clinically (e.g., <0.25 D) in either subgroup. Visual acuities at distance and near were better than 0.00 logMAR; none of the mean differences between the refractions reached statistical or clinical (e.g., <0.10 D) significance. Participants significantly preferred the high-resolution refraction for its quickness and efficiency, improved comfort, and less stress. Bayesian analysis indicated a 76% probability that participants had higher confidence in the high-resolution refraction, 93% probability that they would seek it out for their care, and 94% probability that they would recommend an optometrist using this technology. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive and acuity endpoints were similar with the high-resolution and standard refraction. Participants, however, perceived several key benefits of the high-resolution refraction and prescription for their care, the care of their friends/family, and the practice itself.

Myopia Control Dose Delivered to Treated Eyes by a Dual-focus Myopia-control Contact Lens.

PURPOSE: This study examined the optical impact of a DF contact lens during near viewing in a sample of habitual DF lens wearing children. METHODS: Seventeen myopic children aged 14 to 18 years who had completed 3 or 6 years of treatment with a DF contact lens (MiSight 1 Day; CooperVision, Inc., San Ramon, CA) were recruited and fit bilaterally with the DF and a single-vision (Proclear 1 Day; CooperVision, Inc.) contact lens. Right eye wavefronts were measured using a pyramidal aberrometer (Osiris; CSO, Florence, Italy) while children accommodated binocularly to high-contrast letter stimuli at five target vergences. Wavefront error data were used to compute pupil maps of refractive state. RESULTS: During near viewing, children wearing single-vision lenses accommodated on average to achieve approximate focus in the pupil center but, because of combined accommodative lag and negative spherical aberration, experienced up to 2.00 D of hyperopic defocus in the pupil margins. With DF lenses, children accommodated similarly achieving approximate focus in the pupil center. When viewing three near distances (0.48, 0.31, and 0.23 m), the added +2.00 D within the DF lens treatment optics shifted the mean defocus from +0.75 to -1.00 D. The DF lens reduced the percentage of hyperopic defocus (≥+0.75 D) in the retinal image from 52 to 25% over these target distances, leading to an increase in myopic defocus (≤-0.50 D) from 17 to 42%. CONCLUSIONS: The DF contact lens did not alter the accommodative behavior of children. The treatment optics introduced myopic defocus and decreased the amount of hyperopically defocused light in the retinal image.

Impact of zone geometry on the introduction of myopic defocus in young adult eyes wearing multi-zone lenses.

PURPOSE: Multizone contact lenses control myopia progression by proposed introduction of myopic defocus. This project investigated how much of the pupil area and how many dioptres of myopic defocus are introduced by different lens zone geometries with near- and off-axis viewing. METHODS: Ten young myopic adults (18-25 years) binocularly wore four soft contact lenses including a single vision (SV), concentric-ring dual-focus (DF), centre-distance multifocal (MF) and a RingBoost™ (RB) multi-zone design containing a combination of coaxial and non-coaxial zones. A modified aberrometer captured aberrations and pupil sizes at four target vergences between -0.25 and -4.00 D (on-axis) and across the central ±30° of the horizontal retina (off-axis). Defocus was quantified as the difference between the measured refractive state and the target vergence within each zone of a multi-zone design within the pupil and compared with that of equivalent zone areas of the SV lens. The percentage of the pupil containing myopic defocused light for each lens was calculated. RESULTS: Defocus within the distance correction zones of multi-zone lenses was similar to that of the SV lens. When viewing on-axis at -0.25 D target vergence, on average 11% of the pupil was myopic with SV, whereas 62%, 84% and 50% of the pupil was myopic for the DF, MF and RB designs, respectively. At -4.00 D target vergence, all lenses exhibited a systematic decrease in the percentage of pupil area having myopic defocus (SV: 3%; DF: 18%; MF: 5% and RB: 26%). The off-axis proportions were similar across multi-zone lenses; however, multi-zone lenses retained approximately 1.25-3.0× more myopic defocus than the SV lens. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects accommodated using the distance-correction zones of multi-zone lenses. Multi-zone contact lenses introduced significant myopic defocus on-axis and across the central ±30° retina. However, the magnitude and proportion of defocus were influenced by zone geometry, add power and pupil size.

(VISIION-S): Viz.ai Implementation of Stroke augmented Intelligence and communications platform to improve Indicators and Outcomes for a comprehensive stroke center and Network - Sustainability.

OBJECTIVES: As Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) strive to improve neuro-intervention (NIR) times, process improvements are put in place to streamline workflows. Our prior publication (VISIION) demonstrated improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs). The purpose VISIION-S was to analyze whether those results were sustainable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive Direct Arriving LVO (DALVO) and telemedicine transfer LVO (BEMI) stroke NIR cases were assessed, including subgroups of DALVO-OnHours, DALVO-OffHours, BEMI-OnHours, and BEMI-OffHours. We analyzed times for the original 6 months pre (6/10/20-1/15/21) and compared them to a 17 month post-implementation period (1/16/21- 6/25/22) to evaluate for sustainability. Mann-Whitney U was utilized. RESULTS: 150 NIR cases were analyzed pre (n = 47) v. post (n = 103) implementation (DALVO-OnHours 7 v. 20, DALVO-OffHours 10 v. 25, BEMI-OnHours 13 v. 20, BEMI-OffHours 17 v. 38). For Door-to-groin (DTG), improvement was noted for DALVO-OffHours 39%(157 min,96 min;p < 0.001), DALVO-ALL 25%(127 min,95 min;p = 0.006), BEMI-OffHours 46%(45 min,25 min;p = 0.023), and BEMI-ALL 40%(42 min,25 min;p = 0.005). Activation-to-groin (ATG), door-to-device (DTD), and door-to-recanalization (DTR) also showed statistical improvements. For DALVO-OffHours, there were reductions in door to CT (DTC) 80%(26 min,5 min;p < 0.001), ATG 32%(90 min,61 min;p = 0.036), DTG 39%(157 min,96 min;p < 0.001), DTD 31%(178 min,123 min;p = 0.002), and DTR 32%(197 min,135 min;p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: We noted sustainability over a 17 month period with sustained reduction in KPIs for even more NIR time interval comparisons. In the greatest opportunity subgroup (DALVO-OffHours), we noted a reduction in all 5 time interval metrics. Our sustainability finding is important to show that process improvements continued even after the immediate period, adding credibility to the results. Models such as this could be useful for other centers striving to optimize workflow and improve times.

Retinal defocus in myopes wearing dual-focus zonal contact lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the refractive impact of dual-focus (DF) myopia control contact lenses (CLs) on accommodating young myopic adults. METHODS: Phase 1: accommodative accuracy was assessed in 40 myopic participants. Phase 2: a subset of four subjects who demonstrated accurate accommodation and six who chronically underaccommodated were fitted with single vision (SV, Proclear 1 day) and centre-distance DF myopia control CLs (MiSight 1 day) with approximately +2.00 D of additional power in two surrounding annular zones. While binocularly viewing high contrast characters at 4.00, 1.00, 0.50, 0.33, 0.25 and 0.20 m, aberrometry data were captured across the central ±30° of the horizontal retina. Local refractive errors were pooled for each area of the pupil covered by the central distance or first annular defocus zone of the DF CLs. RESULTS: In the "good" accommodator group fitted with SV CLs, accommodative lags were generally absent except at the closest viewing distance (mean errors: -0.09 ± 0.22 D, -0.12 ± 0.26 D, -0.05 ± 0.37 D and +0.38 ± 0.54 D for -2.00, -3.00, -4.00 and -5.00 D target vergences, respectively) but significantly larger in the "poor" accommodating participants (+0.81 ± 0.21 D, +0.97 ± 0.27 D, +1.18 ± 0.39 D, +1.47 ± 0.55 D). For most viewing distances, hyperopic defocus observed in the region of the pupil covered by the first annular zone was replaced with myopic defocus when fitted with the DF CLs. Myopic defocus created by the first annular region was present across the central 30° of the retina. CONCLUSIONS: Some young adult myopes chronically experience high levels of hyperopic defocus when viewing near targets, which was replaced by myopic defocus in the annular part of the pupil covered by the treatment zones when fitted with a centre-distance myopia control DF CL.

Physical activity outcomes from a randomized trial of a theory- and technology-enhanced intervention for Latinas: the Seamos Activas II study.

Latina women report disproportionately high and increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions (obesity, diabetes) related to low physical activity levels. Efforts to date at addressing high rates of physical inactivity in this at-risk population have shown modest success. The original Seamos Saludables (sample size N = 266) was a culturally and linguistically adapted, print-based physical activity intervention that showed significant increases in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from baseline to 6 months. However, only 11% of intervention participants reached the national PA guidelines of ≥ 150 min/week of aerobic MVPA. The current study tests the original Seamos Saludables intervention (Original Intervention) against an enhanced iteration Seamos Activas II (Enhanced Intervention). Study aims and intervention refinements focus on increasing the percentage of Latinas meeting national aerobic PA guidelines. For the current study (Seamos Activas II), a randomized controlled trial with (N = 199 participants) of two PA interventions (original intervention, N = 102; vs. enhanced intervention, N = 97) was conducted. Intervention refinements involved further targeting key constructs of the Social Cognitive Theory and incorporating text-message-based strategies for self-monitoring, in response to participant feedback for greater interactivity and accountability. PA assessments were conducted at baseline and 6 months. The sample was predominantly Mexican American (89%) with average age of 43.8 years (SD = 10.11) and mean BMI at baseline was 30.6 (SD = 7.56). There were significant within group increases in MVPA from baseline to 6 months (p < .05) in both Original and Enhanced Intervention arms. However, quantile regression models did not indicate significant differences in 6-month outcomes between conditions controlling for baseline, p = 0.73. There were significant differences between conditions with respect to meeting national guidelines for aerobic MVPA at 6 months, with 57% of Enhanced Intervention participants meeting guidelines compared to 44% of Original Intervention participants, OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09 -2.89. Models suggest trends favoring the enhanced condition for improvements in biomarkers over 6 months. Findings indicate that the intervention enhancements likely helped more Latinas achieve nationally recommended, health enhancing PA levels than the original intervention and showed promise for improving physiological response to exercise.Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.Gov; NCT02630953. Registered 14 December 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02630953 .

Time-course of the visual Impact on presbyopes of a low dose miotic.

PURPOSE: To examine the pupil and visual impact of a single early morning drop of a low concentration miotic. METHODS: Pupil size, refraction, visual acuity (VA), near reading performance and intraocular pressure were monitored for 8 h at a wide range of light levels following bilateral instillation of single drops of 0.1% brimonidine tartate in 19 early presbyopes (40-50 years) and 11 mature presbyopes (>50 years). RESULTS: Pupil miosis did not alter distance VA or refraction. Significant pupil miosis peaked at 1-2 h after dosing, which expanded the depth of focus of mature presbyopes with the mean improvement in near logMAR VA of -0.15, -0.07 and -0.03, at 20, 200 and 2000 lux, respectively. One hour after instillation, near reading speed improved by 21, 24 and 5 words per min for text size commonly seen in US newspaper and cellphone text messages, 18, 21 and 19 words per min for text size of grocery labels and 12, 13 and 30 words per min for text size of over-the-counter medications at light levels of 20, 200 and 2000 lux, respectively. No such improvements in near VA and near reading speed were observed in the young presbyopes having some residual accommodation. Most of the pupil miosis remained 8 h after instillation, whereas near VA improvements disappeared after 4 h. CONCLUSION: Low dose miotics can enhance near vision in presbyopic subjects while retaining high quality distance vision over a wide range of light levels. Significant improvements in near vision were observed only during the 1-2 h period after dosing when miosis peaked.

Accommodative Behavior, Hyperopic Defocus, and Retinal Image Quality in Children Viewing Electronic Displays.

SIGNIFICANCE: The prevalence of myopia and use of electronic displays by children has grown rapidly in recent years. We found that children viewing electronic displays, however, experience hyperopic defocus levels similar to those previously reported for other stimuli. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare accommodative behavior of nonmyopic and myopic children viewing a computer screen or mobile phone. METHODS: Accommodative behavior was examined in 11 nonmyopic and 8 myopic children (11.32 ± 2.90 and 14.13 ± 2.30 years, respectively; P = .04; refractions, +0.51 ± 0.51 and -2.54 ± 1.29, respectively) using an open-field autorefractor (Grand Seiko) at target vergences from -0.25 to -5.00 D. Different size (scaled or nonscaled) and type (text or movie) stimuli were presented on an LCD monitor (distant) or an iPhone (near), with subjects viewing monocularly or binocularly in an illuminated or dark room. RESULTS: At the typical reading distances (20 and 33 cm), all 19 children exhibited some amount of accommodative lag. Stimulus type had little impact on accommodation. However, slightly but statistically significant lower slopes were observed (Bonferroni-corrected significance level of P ≤ .01) for low room lighting (0.96 vs. 0.91; t test, t = 3.88; P = .003), nonscaled targets (0.99 vs. 0.92; t test, t = 4.28; P = .001), and monocular viewing (0.99 vs. 0.90; t test, t = 4.0; P = .002) in the nonmyopic group only. When viewing nonscaled stimuli binocularly (natural viewing), the means and standard deviations of accommodative lags (averaged across room lights on and off, and text and movie) were generally larger for the nonmyopes at all distances and were largest at 33 cm (0.73 ± 0.18 D for the nonmyopes and 0.49 ± 0.23 for the myopes; t test, t = 2.62; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Generally small (≤0.50 D) amounts of hyperopic defocus are present in children binocularly viewing handheld electronic devices (nonmyopes slightly more than myopes). Modern electronic devices do not expose children to unusually high levels of hyperopic defocus.

Encephalopathy only stroke codes (EoSC) do not result in rt-PA treatments.

BACKGROUND: Isolated mental status changes as a presenting sign (EoSC+), are not uncommon stroke code triggers. As stroke alerts, they still require the same intensive resources be applied. We previously showed that EoSC+ strokes (EoSC+ Stroke+) account for 0.1-0.2% of all codes. Whether these result in thrombolytic treatment (rt-PA), and the characteristics/ risk factor profiles of EoSC+ Stroke+ patients, have not been reported. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of stroke codes from an IRB approved registry, from 2004 to 2018, was performed. EoSC+ was defined as a NIHSS>0 for Q1a, 1b, or 1c with remaining elements scored 0. Characteristics and risk factors were compared for EoSC+, EoSC-, EoSC+ Stroke+, and rt-PA (EoSC+ Stroke+TPA+) patients. RESULTS: EoSC+ occurred in 55/2982 (1.84%) of all stroke codes. EoSC+ Stroke+ occurred in 8/55 (14.5%) of EoSC+ codes and 8/2982 (0.27%) of all stroke codes. 6/8 (75%) of EoSC+ Stroke+ scored NIHSS=1. When comparing EoSC++versus EoSC-, Hispanic ethnicity (p=0.009), hypertension (p=0.02), and history of stroke/TIA (p=0.002) were less common in EoSC+. No demographic/risk factor differences were noted for EoSC+ Stroke+ vs. EoSC+ Stroke-. No cases of rt-PA eligibility/treatment were noted. In EoSC+ Stroke+ analysis, imaging positive stroke/intracranial hemorrhage was noted on only 3 cases (3/2982=0.10% of all stroke codes) and none were posterior stroke. CONCLUSIONS: EoSC+ rarely results in stroke/TIA (0.27%) or stroke (0.10%), and in our analysis never (0%) resulted in rt-PA. Sub-analysis did not show missed rt-PA or posterior strokes. Understanding characteristics, and knowing that EoSC+ Stroke+ patients are unlikely to receive rt-PA, may help triage stroke resources.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients who Refuse Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke - The San Diego Experience.

PURPOSE: Intravenous Thrombolysis (IV rt-PA) is administered in <10% of ischemic stroke patients. In rare cases, patients or caregivers refuse IV rt-PA treatment even when recommended by stroke practitioners. We sought to assess the characteristics and outcomes of patients who refuse IV rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke, and to compare outcomes between those who were treated with IV rt-PA and those who refused. METHODS: We examined data from the prospectively collected, IRB approved UC San Diego Stroke Registry who presented as a "stroke code" from July 2004 to July 2019 at two academic facilities and five community hospitals. Patients were included if they presented within 4.5 hours of symptom onset or last seen normal, had a "stroke code" alert activated, and were either treated with IV rt-PA or the reason for exclusion was patient/family refusal. Patients were considered "refusers" if IV rt-PA was recommended by the provider during the stroke code and the patient and/or legally authorized representative declined treatment. Baseline demographics, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), treatment times and 90-day Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were collected. Patients who refused IV rt-PA were compared to those that were treated with IV rt-PA. Data was examined for frequencies and distribution. Chi squared was used to evaluate nominal variables. Continuous variables were assessed by Pearson correlation and t test. Kruskal-Wallis or ANOVA were used to evaluate group differences. RESULTS: A total of 1056 patients were included in the analysis. Forty-seven patients (4.5%) refused IV rt-PA. There were no significant socio-demographic differences between patients who were treated with IV rt-PA and those who refused. Compared to patients who were treated with IV rt-PA, patients who refused IV rt-PA had a significantly lower baseline NIHSS (4 vs 9, p < 0.0001) and higher baseline mRS (IQR 0-1.0 vs 0-2.8, p < 0.001). The time from arrival to treatment decision was significantly longer in patients who refused IV rt-PA (group mean 57.9 min vs 48.8 min, p = 0.03). Data for 90-day outcome was available for 556 (55.1%) patients treated with IV rt-PA and 20 (42.5%) patients who refused IV rt-PA. There was no difference in 90-day mRS between groups (p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: There is a low rate of IV rt-PA refusal in our registry population which is similar to what previous studies have shown. We found that patients who refuse IV rt-PA have significantly milder deficits and significantly worse pre-morbid disability. We speculate that the longer "arrival to decision" time in the refuse IV rt-PA group is due to longer informed consent discussions. This analysis furthers the body of literature regarding rt-PA refusals.

RAcial Disparities in Ich after IV-tPA and Neurointerventional Treatment (RADIANT).

OBJECTIVE: To study the rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SxICH) and major systemic hemorrhage (MSH) after acute stroke treatments among different ethnicities/races. BACKGROUND: Studies have reported ethnic/racial disparities in intravenous tPA treatment (IV tPA). The adverse outcome of tPA and/or intra-arterial intervention (IA) among different ethnicities/races requires investigation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients from an IRB-approved registry between June 2004 and June 2018. Patients who received IV tPA, IA, or both for acute stroke were identified and classified into 2 ethnic groups: non-Hispanics or Hispanics (NH/H) and 4 racial groups: Asian, Black, Other (Native Americans and Pacific Islanders), and White (A/B/O/W). RESULTS: We identified 916 patients that received acute therapy (A/B/O/W: n = 50/104/16/746, H/NH: n = 184/730). For those received IV tPA only (n = 759), IA only (n = 85), and IV tPA+IA (n = 72), the SxICH rate was 4.3%, 4.7%, and 6.9%; the MSH rate was 1.3%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. No significant difference in the rate of SxICH or MSH among different racial or ethnic groups was found after either therapy. Asian race (OR 14.17, P = .01), in association with age, international normalized value (INR), and Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (OR 1.06, 46.52, and 1.18, P = .020, 0.037, and 0.042, respectively), was predictive of SxICH after IV tPA. There was a significant correlation between age and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale with SxICH (P < .01, P = .02, respectively). Age, INR, and PTT were independent predictors of SxICH after IV tPA (OR 1.06, 46.52, and 1.18, P = .02, 0.04, and 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the rate of SxICH or MSH after IV tPA, IA, or IV tPA+IA among different racial or ethnic groups. Larger studies are needed to elucidate the race specific causes of SxICH and MSH after acute stroke treatment.

A Stroke Care Model at an Academic, Comprehensive Stroke Center During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has required the adaptation of hyperacute stroke care (including stroke code pathways) and hospital stroke management. There remains a need to provide rapid and comprehensive assessment to acute stroke patients while reducing the risk of COVID-19 exposure, protecting healthcare providers, and preserving personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. While the COVID infection is typically not a primary cerebrovascular condition, the downstream effects of this pandemic force adjustments to stroke care pathways to maintain optimal stroke patient outcomes. METHODS: The University of California San Diego (UCSD) Health System encompasses two academic, Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs). The UCSD Stroke Center reviewed the national COVID-19 crisis and implications on stroke care. All current resources for stroke care were identified and adapted to include COVID-19 screening. The adjusted model focused on comprehensive and rapid acute stroke treatment, reduction of exposure to the healthcare team, and preservation of PPE. AIMS: The adjusted pathways implement telestroke assessments as a specific option for all inpatient and outpatient encounters and accounts for when telemedicine systems are not available or functional. COVID screening is done on all stroke patients. We outline a model of hyperacute stroke evaluation in an adapted stroke code protocol and novel methods of stroke patient management. CONCLUSIONS: The overall goal of the model is to preserve patient access and outcomes while decreasing potential COVID-19 exposure to patients and healthcare providers. This model also serves to reduce the use of vital PPE. It is critical that stroke providers share best practices via academic and vetted social media platforms for rapid dissemination of tools and care models during the COVID-19 crisis.

Call to Action: SARS-CoV-2 and CerebrovAscular DisordErs (CASCADE).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), now named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), may change the risk of stroke through an enhanced systemic inflammatory response, hypercoagulable state, and endothelial damage in the cerebrovascular system. Moreover, due to the current pandemic, some countries have prioritized health resources towards COVID-19 management, making it more challenging to appropriately care for other potentially disabling and fatal diseases such as stroke. The aim of this study is to identify and describe changes in stroke epidemiological trends before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an international, multicenter, hospital-based study on stroke incidence and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will describe patterns in stroke management, stroke hospitalization rate, and stroke severity, subtype (ischemic/hemorrhagic), and outcomes (including in-hospital mortality) in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic, comparing them with the corresponding data from 2018 and 2019, and subsequently 2021. We will also use an interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to assess the change in stroke hospitalization rates before, during, and after COVID-19, in each participating center. CONCLUSION: The proposed study will potentially enable us to better understand the changes in stroke care protocols, differential hospitalization rate, and severity of stroke, as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, this will help guide clinical-based policies surrounding COVID-19 and other similar global pandemics to ensure that management of cerebrovascular comorbidity is appropriately prioritized during the global crisis. It will also guide public health guidelines for at-risk populations to reduce risks of complications from such comorbidities.

Brain Emergency Management Initiative for Optimizing Hub-Helicopter Emergency Medical Systems-Spoke Transfer Networks.

OBJECTIVE: Embolectomy is standard for select occlusions up to 24 hours. Transfer patients may have worse outcomes than those originating in embolectomy centers. We developed the Brain Emergency Management Initiative (BEMI) protocol to streamline this transfer process and mimic the urgency that surrounds ST-elevation myocardial infarction cardiac evaluations. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory assessment of consecutive acute telestroke patients transferred for potential intervention in pre-BEMI versus BEMI periods. Times included spoke in, spoke out, hub in, and groin puncture. Outcomes included discharge destination and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: Overall, 68 transfers were assessed. There was a higher National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in BEMI (11 pre-BEMI vs. 20 B.M., P = .01). There were shorter spoke door in to door out (143 vs. 118 minutes, P = .01) and spoke door out to hub door in times (23 minutes pre-BEMI vs. 21 minutes BEMI, P = .001). For embolectomy patients, there was shorter hub door in to reperfusion (83 minutes pre-BEMI vs. 74 minutes BEMI, P = .04) and recombinant tissue plasminogen decision to groin puncture (155 minutes pre-BEMI vs. 130 minutes BEMI; P = .01). There were no symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage or discharge differences. CONCLUSION: In our hub-helicopter emergency medical services-spoke telestroke network, BEMI led to improved evaluation times. BEMI may serve as a model for future rapid stroke transfer pathways.

Validation of a Clinical Aberrometer Using Pyramidal Wavefront Sensing.

SIGNIFICANCE: Measurement of ocular aberrations is a critical component of many optical corrections. PURPOSE: This study examines the accuracy and repeatability of a newly available high-resolution pyramidal wavefront sensor-based aberrometer (Osiris by Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Firenze, Italy). METHODS: An engineered model eye and a dilated presbyopic eye were used to assess accuracy and repeatability of aberration measurements after systematic introduction of lower- and higher-order aberrations with calibrated trial lenses (sphere +10.00 to -10.00 D, and astigmatic -4.00 and -2.00 D with axis 180, 90, and 45°) and phase plates (-0.57 to 0.60 µm of Seidel spherical aberration defined over a 6-mm pupil diameter). Osiris aberration measurements were compared with those acquired on a previously calibrated COAS-HD aberrometer for foveal and peripheral optics both with and without multizone dual-focus contact lenses. The impact of simulated axial and lateral misalignment was evaluated. RESULTS: Root-mean-square errors for paraxial sphere (corneal plane), cylinder, and axis were, respectively, 0.07, 0.11 D, and 1.8° for the engineered model and 0.15, 0.26 D, and 2.7° for the presbyopic eye. Repeatability estimates (i.e., standard deviation of 10 repeat measures) for the model and presbyopic eyes were 0.026 and 0.039 D for spherical error. Root-mean-square errors of 0.01 and 0.02 µm, respectively, were observed for primary spherical aberration and horizontal coma (model eye). Foveal and peripheral measures of higher- and lower-order aberrations measured with the Osiris closely matched parallel data collected with the COAS-HD aberrometer both with and without dual-focus zonal bifocal contact lenses. Operator errors of focus and alignment introduced changes of 0.018 and 0.02 D/mm in sphere estimates. CONCLUSIONS: The newly available clinical pyramidal aberrometer provided accurate and repeatable measures of lower- and higher-order aberrations, even in the challenging but clinically important cases of peripheral retina and multifocal optics.

Small Text on Product Labels Poses a Special Challenge for Emerging Presbyopes.

SIGNIFICANCE: Approximately 10% of the lowercase text on nonprescription drug labels is smaller than the 1 mm required by the Food and Drug Administration. The small size, combined with the progressive decline in accommodative amplitude and gain, poses a reading challenge for middle-aged emerging presbyopes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of progressing presbyopia and near adds on the ability of middle-aged patients to read small text routinely encountered on product labels. METHODS: Geometrical optics was used to determine the impact of changing viewing distance, accommodation, and pupil size on retinal blur size. We photographed 261 consumer product labels in grocery, personal care, and nonprescription (over-the-counter) drug categories and used character recognition software to identify and size 255,298 printed letters. We computed the impact of viewing distance on the ratio of blur to letter detail and used published blur ratios of ≤4 and ≤2 to identify the conditions that allowed for letter recognition and proficient reading, respectively. RESULTS: Median/mode lowercase letter heights (in millimeters) were 1.39/1.16, 1.29/1.15, and 1.18/1.01, respectively, for groceries, personal care, and over-the-counter drug categories. Despite the increased angular subtense of approaching letters, blur ratios generally increased with reduced viewing distance because of increased defocus. Increased viewing distance decreased blur, but small (e.g., 1 mm) letters became too small to read proficiently (angular size <10 arcminutes) for distances beyond 37 cm. With larger pupils, blur ratios were too large to support proficient reading when accommodative amplitude dropped to ≤3 diopters. An add power sufficient to bring the far point closer than 37 cm was required to proficiently read small text. CONCLUSIONS: Product labels, especially nonprescription drug packages, typically use fonts that are too small to be read proficiently by unaided emmetropes with emerging presbyopia. This problem can be ameliorated by correction of presbyopia at an earlier age and with higher add powers.