Case study: Use of contact lenses to manage complications following combined corneal cross-linking and topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy for pellucid marginal degeneration

This case report describes two significant long-term complications experienced by a patient following treatment for pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). Two years after undergoing a combination of topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) procedures, the patient continued to experience glare and dryness associated with persistent stromal haze and dry eye. These procedures resulted in dissatisfaction with the final outcome, which led the patient to seek contact lens correction. Management of the symptomatic ocular sequelae with specialty soft toric contact lenses designed for irregular corneas supported her visual rehabilitation

Management of Post-LASiK Keratoectasia with a Piggyback Contact Lens System

This case report highlights the clinical challenges involved in managing a patient with post-LASiK keratoectasia. A single case is presented with a focus on contact lens fitting and concurrent ocular surface disease. A review of the literature indicates that current screening methods prior to refractive surgery have made improvements for detecting patients at higher risk of serious complications. Possible treatment options for iatrogenic keratoconus include contact lenses, intrastromal corneal ring segments, corneal cross linking, and keratoplasty. This report demonstrates that post-LASiK keratoectasia with concurrent ocular surface disease can be successfully managed with a piggyback contact lens system

Angelman Syndrome

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder that is classically characterized by excessive laughter and a happy demeanor. Aggression, sleep disorders and epilepsy are other phenotypes associated with this disorder as well. Both happy and aggressive demeanors have been expressed in five different consumers at The Kennedy Center, a site which offers programs and services to individuals with varying disabilities. Research proposes several different genetic mechanisms responsible for the development of AS, each of which impact the function of the UBE3A gene located in the 15q11-13 region on chromosome 15. Additionally, from an evolutionary perspective, Emotion Signaling Theory and Kinship Theory have been used to provide another explanation for the observed behaviors of those possessing Angelman Syndrome

Gut Bacteria and their Influence on Metabolic Disorders

The human gut microbial genome encodes for several metabolic processes that are not encoded for in the human genome. Through the study of metagenomics, mice, and human models, researchers have shown that changes in the gut bacterial composition can generate oxidative stress, release endotoxins, and induce lipogenesis. These pathways can disrupt normal metabolic function, resulting in obesity and other related metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Most of the health implications associated with obesity originate from the biological reactions carried out by the gut bacteria, which are strongly impacted by environmental factors. Probiotics, prebiotics and fecal transplantation are methods that can be used to replace destroyed microbes due to environmental impacts. Several other diseases can originate from disruptions in the gut bacterial community, thus future research must be conducted

Globalization, Sociology and Intercultural Pedagogy. What to Do in the School?

The present study aims to offer a new perspective through which to study the current phenomena of globalization, research and offer educational operations suitable for the elimination of the distances between the various cultures and the concept of mono identity and the achievement of the concept of poly identity. The study will focus in particular on the theoretical perspective of the intercultural approach, starting from a reflection of the relationship between sociology and globalization