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Introduction: Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSC), a leading cause of vision loss, presents diverse treatment challenges based on its acute or chronic manifestation. Areas covered: In acute CSC, treatment typically involves observation, reserving intervention for cases where optimal vision is crucial for professional activities. Emerging evidence advocates the use of half-dose or half-fluence Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), directed by Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA) or Fluorescein Angiography (FA), to hasten subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution, improve vision, and minimize recurrence. Chronic CSC, on the other hand, increasingly favors half-dose PDT, a recommendation strengthened by studies such as the PLACE trial. CSC complicated by Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV) necessitates management through intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (anti-VEGF) injections and/or half-dose PDT. In cases of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), a combination of anti-VEGF therapy with PDT proves beneficial. For scenarios where standard treatments are impractical, Eplerenone emerges as the primary oral medication. Methods: A literature search of all original articles was performed using the major online databases. The following keywords 'Central Serous Chorioretinopathy' and 'Treatment,' were searched in combination with 'Photodynamic therapy,' 'Focal Laser Photocoagulation,' 'Subthreshold Micropulse Laser' and 'Systemic treatments.' Expert opinion: Managing CSC requires a patient-centered approach. In acute CSC, careful monitoring and lifestyle modifications may suffice, while in chronic CSC, PDT is a primary therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Despite increasing evidence shows that optimising ocular surface before cataract surgery is fundamental in patients with pre-existing dry eye disease (DED) to achieve the desired postoperative outcomes, the prophylactic treatment of healthy patients undergoing surgery aiming at preventing iatrogenic DED is worth investigating. Methods This was a prospective, interventional, randomised, controlled, double-masked clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either low-level light therapy (LLLT) or sham treatment (LLLT with a power output <30%). Patients underwent two treatment sessions: 7±2 days before cataract surgery (T0) and 7±2 days after (T1). Outcome measures evaluated 30±4 days after surgery (T2) included Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height, meibomian gland loss (MGL) and redness score. Results Out of 153 patients randomised to receive LLLT (n=73) or sham treatment (n=80), 131 (70 men, 61 women, mean age 73.53±7.29 years) completed regularly the study. Patients treated with LLLT had significantly lower OSDI scores compared with controls at T1 and T2 (respectively, 7.2±8.8 vs 14.8±13.0 and 9.0±9.0 vs 18.2±17.9; both p<0.001), higher NIBUT values at T2 (12.5±6.6 vs 9.0±7.8; p=0.007) and lower MGL Meiboscore values at T1 (1.59±0.70 vs 1.26±0.69; p=0.008). Unlike controls, patients treated with LLLT had significantly lower OSDI scores and higher NIBUT values at T2 compared with T0 (respectively, 9.0±9.0 vs 21.2±16.1; p<0.001 and 12.5±6.6 vs 9.7±7.2; p=0.007). Conclusion Two sessions of LLLT performed before and after cataract surgery were effective in ameliorating tear film stability and ocular discomfort symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and the diagnostic accuracy of the new tool, DEvice© (AI, Rome, Italy), for screening patients with dry eye disease (DED). Methods: This study was performed at the University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro. Enrolled patients were classified as affected by DED (group 1) or not (group 2) using an already validated tool (Keratograph 5M, Oculus, Germany), evaluating the noninvasive keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), meibomian gland loss (MGL), and bulbar redness. All the patients were then examined by means of DEvice©, which allowed the measurement of the relative humidity (RH) and temperature of the ocular surface. Symptoms were scored using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Results: Overall, 40 patients (17 males and 23 females, mean age 38.0 ± 17.1 years) were included: of these, 20 belonged to group 1 and the remaining 20 to group 2. Using Keratograph 5M, significant differences between groups 1 and 2 were detected for NIKBUT-first (respectively, 4.97 ± 1.85 vs. 13.95 ± 4.8 s; p < 0.0001) and for NIKBUT-average (10.55 ± 4.39 vs. 15.96 ± 4.08 s; p = 0.0003). No statistically significant changes were detected for TMH (p = 0.565), MGL (p = 0.051), and bulbar redness (p = 0.687). Using Device©, a statistically significant higher value of RH was found in group 1 compared to group 2 (respectively, 85.93 ± 10.63 vs. 73.05 ± 12.84%; p = 0.0049). A statistically significant correlation was found between RH and OSDI (r = 0.406; p = 0.009). The value RH showed a discriminating power to detect DED with an AUC = 0.782 (standard error 0.07264; 95% CI 0.6401–0.9249; p = 0.0022). Conclusions: The DEvice© can effectively discriminate DED patients from healthy subjects. The parameter RH showed good sensitivity, making this tool ideal for a fast and noninvasive DED screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular complications can occur in up to 90% of patients with blood malignancies. Such complications range from direct infiltration to local hemostatic imbalance and treatment-related toxicity. This narrative review is based on a systematic computerized search of the literature conducted until January 2024 and examines the common ocular complications associated with blood cancers. Ocular complications from primary disease include mass effects from ocular adnexal lymphomas and intraocular lymphomas, with B-cell lymphomas accounting for 95% of primary ocular presentations. Secondary disease involvement from systemic hematological malignancies can lead to a wide range of ocular manifestations, such as leukemic retinopathy. Furthermore, toxicity from antineoplastic therapies and ocular graft versus host disease (oGVHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation present additional risks to ocular health. In conclusion, ocular complications in blood cancer patients are an integral part of patient management, requiring regular ophthalmic evaluations and close collaboration between oncologists and ophthalmologists. Advances in therapy and an increased focus on early symptom recognition are essential for preserving vision and enhancing patient quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the outcomes of a novel microwave heating device (Blepha EyeBag®) used serially for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Patients and Methods: This prospective single center study was conducted at University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro. Patients were instructed to apply the compress twice daily for 15 days and once per day every two days, as reported in the package insert. Outcome measures were i) ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, ii) tear meniscus height (TMH), iii) non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT) (first and average), iv) meiboscore, v) bulbar redness. Evaluations were performed at baseline (T0) after 15 days (T1) and after 45 days of therapy (T2). Results: Overall, 19 patients with MGD (8 males, 11 females; mean age 64.58 ± 9.72 years) were included. The mean value of OSDI score showed a significant decrease from 28.16 ± 17.46 at T0 to 13.69 ± 7.62 at T2 (p=0.008). The mean value of NIKBUT first significantly increased from 6.67 ± 3.51 seconds (s) at T0 to 10.46 ± 4.64 at T2 (p=0.0121); in parallel, the mean value of NIKBUT average increased significantly from 11.09 ± 4.15 s at T0 to 14.95 ± 4.85 at T2 (p=0.0049). No significant differences were detected at each time point for bulbar redness, meiboscore and TMH. Throughout the entire study, no adverse events were recorded. Conclusion: The microwave-heated eye bag treatment is both safe and effective for treatment of MGD, being able to significantly ameliorate both patient-reported symptoms and tear film stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial ocular surface disease characterized by an imbalance in ocular surface homeostasis, and tear substitutes constitute the first line of treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in the signs and symptoms of patients with DED treated with a novel tear substitute containing the GlicoPro® complex. (2) Methods: Patients with DED not successfully responding to other tear substitutes were enrolled and treated with a novel ophthalmic solution (two drops four times daily). Patients were examined before starting the study treatment (T0) and after 30 (T1) and 60 (T2) days of treatment by means of Keratograph for the evaluation of the following: (i) tear meniscus height (TMH); (ii) noninvasive Keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT); (iii) bulbar redness; and (iv) infrared meibography. The SANDE questionnaire was administered to assess ocular discomfort symptoms. Analysis of the tear content of proenkephalin and Met/Leu-enkephalin was also performed. (3) Results: At T2, a significant improvement in NIKBUT first, average, and class, TMH, and SANDE score was found. The tear content of proenkephalins was significantly higher at T1, whereas processed active Met/Leu-enkephalins increased at both T1 and T2. (4) Conclusions: Our novel tear substitute based on GlicoPro® resulted in a significant improvement in ocular discomfort symptoms, tear volume, and stability in the patients treated. The increase in active peptides processed in tears may represent the pathophysiological substrate underlying this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a novel device, the Smart Eye Camera (SEC), for assessing tear meniscus height (TMH) after fluorescein staining and the agreement of the results with measurements obtained using standard slit lamp examination. Methods: TMH was assessed using both SEC and conventional slit lamp examination. The images were analyzed using the software ImageJ 1.53t (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). A common measurement unit scale was established based on a paper strip, which was used as a calibration marker to convert pixels into metric scale. A color threshold was applied using uniform parameters for brightness, saturation, and hue. The images were then binarized to black and white to enhance the representation of the tear menisci. A 2 mm area around the upper and lower meniscus in the central eye lid zone was selected and magnified 3200 times to facilitate manual measurement. The values obtained using SEC were compared with those obtained with a slit lamp. Results: The upper and lower TMH values measured using the SEC were not statistically different from those obtained with a slit lamp (0.209 ± 0.073 mm vs. 0.235 ± 0.085, p = 0.073, and 0.297 ± 0.168 vs. 0.260 ± 0.173, p = 0.275, respectively). The results of Bland–Altman analysis demonstrated strong agreement between the two instruments, with a mean bias of −0.016 mm (agreement limits: −0.117 to 0.145 mm) for upper TMH and 0.031 mm (agreement limits: −0.306 to 0.368 mm) for lower TMH. Conclusions: The SEC demonstrated sufficient validity and reliability for assessing TMH in healthy eyes in a clinical setting, demonstrating concordance with the conventional slit lamp examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: To assess the percentage of early breast cancer (EBC) patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAT) in Italy, criteria of patient selection and types of therapies delivered, 1276 stage I-II-III patients were enrolled and evaluated in the multicenter prospective observational BRIDE study in 2018–2021. NAT was administered to 13.9% of EBC patients. In multivariate analysis, menopausal status, cT, cN, grade, HER2-positive and Triple Negative (TN) subgroups were significantly associated with the decision to administer NAT. According to phenotypic subgroup, NAT was administered to 53.2% of HER2+/HR-negative (pathologic complete response—pCR-74.2%), 27.9% of HER2+/HR+ (pCR 52.3%), 7.1% of HER2-negative/HR+ (pCR 17.2%) and 30.3% of TN (pCR 37.9%) patients. Phenotypic subgroup influenced the type of NAT delivered. Today, the use of NAT in EBC should be always considered, especially in HER2+ and TN, because of the association between pCR and better survival of patients and the current availability of effective therapies for patients with residual disease. To evaluate the rate of early breast cancer (EBC) patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAT) in Italy, criteria of patient selection and types of therapies delivered, an analysis of 1276 patients with stage I-II-III was conducted out of 1633 patients enrolled in the multicenter prospective observational BRIDE study. A total of 177 patients (13.9%) were treated with NAT and 1099 (85.9%) with surgery; in multivariate analysis, menopausal status, cT, cN, grade, HER2-positive and Triple negative (TN) subgroups were significantly associated with the decision to administer NAT. The type of NAT delivered was influenced by EBC subtype. NAT was administered to 53.2% of HER2+/HR-negative, 27.9% of HER2+/HR+, 7.1% of HER2-negative/HR+ and 30.3% of TN EBC patients. The pCR rates were similar to the ones reported in the literature: 74.2% in HER2+/HR-negative, 52.3% in HER2+/HR+, 17.2% in HER2-negative/HR+ and 37.9% in TN. In clinical practice, patient and tumor characteristics influenced oncologists in the decision to administer NAT in EBC and in the choice of the type of systemic therapy, according to ESMO and AIOM Guidelines. Currently, it is recommended always to evaluate the use of NAT in EBC, mainly in HER2+ and TN patients, considering that pCR is associated with significantly better survival of the patient and that effective therapies are now available for residual disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To assess real-life anatomical and functional outcomes of switch to bevacizumab in patients undergoing aflibercept intravitreal injections for nAMD. Methods. Retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with nAMD and undergoing intravitreal injections of aflibercept who switched to bevacizumab after the resolution XI/1986 of Lombardy Region. Results. Among 128 patients undergoing intravitreal injections, a total of 29 eyes of 29 patients met all inclusion criteria and were included in the statistical analysis. Best corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness did not change significantly (p > 0.05) between baseline, after the loading phase, and at the last follow-up. Conclusion. Switching to bevacizumab has been safe and efficacious in patients responding to the loading phase. According to our results, the restrictions imposed by Lombardy Region did not cause any harm to patients undergoing intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Polar Terrain (SPT) of Enceladus is a site with eruptions of gas and water ice particle plumes, which indicate internal geodynamic activity. These eruptions are located along a series of tectonic structures, that is, the Tiger Stripe Fractures (TSF), which are composed of regularly spaced, linear depressions. The SPT is surrounded by sinuous chains of ridges and troughs (the Marginal Zone). To unravel the tectonics that affect the region and its evolution, we performed specific structural mapping and quantitative analyses of brittle features from remotely sensed images. The results are consistent with a block rotation model, in which several tectonic regimes coexist. The TSF are left‐lateral strike‐slip faults that bound rigid elongated blocks. The blocks rotate clockwise and are enclosed in a regional scale right‐lateral kinematic framework expressed in the Marginal Zone. These two opposite and complementary kinematic regimes induce transtensional and transpressional regimes within the SPT. An evolutionary tectonic model is proposed for the past and future evolution of the SPT. This model confirms the role of tectonic‐related kinematics in icy satellites and contributes to preparations for future missions. Plain Language Summary: The South Pole of Enceladus is one of the most tectonically active regions in the outer solar system. It presents morphotectonic structures that play a key role in the investigation of the internal processes responsible for its crustal deformation and represent possible interaction with the subsurface ocean. In this contribution, we investigate the Enceladus South Polar Terrain (SPT) structures that are mainly represented by the Tiger Stripe Fractures. Their tectonic setting and kinematics are the object of the present study. The results obtained allow inference of block rotation tectonics induced by regional strike‐slip kinematics in the SPT. We propose an evolutionary tectonic model that presents past and future arrangements of the SPT. New findings have allowed identification of a significant compressional component within the study area, as well as the kinematics within this terrain. Key Points: Tectonic activity at Enceladus' south pole is consistent with clockwise block rotation tectonicsRegional right‐lateral strike‐slip kinematics induces transtensional and transpressional regimes in the south polar regionAn evolutionary tectonic model is proposed for the past, present and future settings of Enceladus' south polar structures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brittle deformation on Ganymede surface is represented by grooves tectonic linear landforms. These are regional scale structures that show well-defined morphology from straight to curvilinear. High density of grooves occupies most of the light terrain of the satellite, the grooved terrain. We map grooves on the USGS Voyager and Galileo Mosaic of Ganymede in order to unravel their spatial distribution and tectonic setting. A total of 14,707 grooves were identified, digitized and statistically analysed. A quantitative structural geology approach was used to classify grooves, by considering their azimuth and regional rotation. This procedure allowed to recognize a total of four groove families, named the NE, WNW, NW, and N-S super-systems. The presented structural map represents a tool to study the stress conditions associated with the groove formation and evolution. This map also aims to contribute to the scientific preparation of the upcoming missions and future exploration of Ganymede. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To evaluate the rate of dry eye via noninvasive ocular surface screening in patients scheduled for senile cataract surgery. Methods: Non‐invasive objective evaluation of ocular surface was performed in the eye undergoing cataract surgery by means of Keratograph 5 M (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) for the evaluation of: (i) tear menis‐cus height (TMH); (ii) non‐invasive break‐up time (NIBUT‐first). Subjective evaluation of ocular dis‐comfort symptoms was carried out by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. Results: Thirty‐seven eyes of 37 patients (22 males and 15 females; mean age 73.68 ± 7.35 years) were ana‐lyzed. Of these, 28 eyes (75.67% of total) had altered values of NIBUT‐first and OSDI questionnaire (respectively 4.35 ± 2.74 s and 25.82 ± 17.29) but normal TMH values (0.40 ± 0.21); 4 eyes (10.81%) showed pathological values of OSDI score (35.75 ± 11.32) but normal values of TMH and NIBUT (respectively 0.46 ± 0.16 mm and 16.27 ± 5.33 s); 5 eyes (13.51%) had normal values of TMH, NIBUT and OSDI (respectively 0.48 ± 0.14, 11.28 ± 2.98, and 10.6 ± 3.13). Conclusions: A fast and noninvasive screening of dry eye in patients undergoing cataract surgery showed that about three‐fourth of these patients had altered tear film stability and ocular discomfort symptoms. A prompt and customized treatment is needed in these patients preoperatively in order to optimize the surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the changes of ocular surface parameters in patients with dry eye disease (DED) instilling Idroflog eye drop (sodium hyaluronate 2 mg/ml plus hydrocortisone sodium phosphate 10 mcg/ml) versus conventional tear substitutes. Methods: This study was performed at the University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro between September 2021 and April 2022. Twenty patients (11 males, 9 females) affected by mild–moderate DED occurring after cataract surgery were included: 10 patients were treated with Idroflog (group 1) whereas 10 patients with conventional tear substitutes (Thealoz duo n = 4; Systane ultra n = 4, Hyalistil n = 2). Patients were examined at baseline (T0), day 15 (T1) and day 45 (T2) by means of Keratograph for the evaluation of: non‐invasive breakup time (NIBUT) class (0: >10 s; I: 6–10 s; II 3–6 s; III < 3 s), tear meniscus height (TMH) and bulbar redness. Subjective symptoms of ocular discomfort were scored at the same time points. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at T0 and T2 in both groups. Results: In group 1, a statistically significant reduction of OSDI score and NIBUT class was found at T2 compared to T0 (respectively, 15.9 ± 7.4 vs. 23.8 ± 8.7; p < 0.001 and 1.05 ± 0.75 at 0.55 ± 0.60; p = 0.027); conversely, mean values of TMH were significantly higher at T2 compared to T0 (0.52 ± 0.45 vs. 0.35 ± 0.22 mm; p = 0.027). Redness variation was not statistically significant (p = 0.30). Concerning group 2, only OSDI score improved significantly (from 25.98 ± 12.91 at T0 vs. 17.23 ± 8.36 at T2; p = 0.038). Conversely, no statistically significant changes were detected at T2 compared to T0 for NIBUT class (p = 0.96), TMH (p = 0.23) and bulbar redness (p = 0.87). No changes of IOP was found in both groups throughout the entire study (p = 0.91 in group 1 and p = 0.88 in group 2). Conclusions: Ocular discomfort symptoms improved in both groups after 45 days of treatment. Unlike conventional tear substitutes, Idroflog eye drop allowed also the improvement of the main signs of DED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rennick Geodynamic Belt (RGB) is a regionally sized (length > 100 km) deformation corridor separating the geotectonic provinces of East Antarctica, to the W and North Victoria Land, to the E. This corridor is characterized by the envelope of the deformation zones of a fault network, nearly N-S oriented, lying on the southward, on-land prosecution of the Tasman Fracture Zone (TFZ). The oceanic-to-continental connection between transforms and intraplate strike-slip faults is poorly known. In this contribution we explore the link between the RGB and the TFZ by a multi-scalar approach that includes the evidences of remote sensing tectonic deformations (i.e. lineament domains) and field structural data (i.e. intensity of brittle deformation).During the 2018-2019 austral summer a geological field campaign was performed in the framework of the G-IDEA project (Geo-Ice Dynamics of East Antarctica) of PNRA (Programma Nazionale di Ricerche in Antartide, Italian National Antarctic Research Program). The campaign was dedicated to the collection of field structural data along transects nearly orthogonal to the RGB both in its western (Usarp Mts) and eastern (Bowers Mts) sides. Specifically, the intensity of brittle deformation related to the tectonic stresses was quantified by the a-dimensional, scale-invariant, H/S parameter. This is the ratio between the fracture dimension (H) and its spacing (S) with the adjacent fracture belonging to the same azimuthal family. In this way it is possible to analyze the spatial variation of the intensity of brittle deformation at various distances from the main shear zone.Preliminary results from the analysis of the collected data confirm the main strike-slip behavior of the fault network associated to the RGB and suggest that its eastern sector (Bowers Mts province) is characterized by a higher intensity of brittle deformation (mean H/S > 5) with respect to the western sector (Usarp Mts province, mean H/S < 2). Moreover, the northern parts of both the Bowers and Usarp provinces show the highest intensity of brittle deformation (H/S value of 7.9 in the northern Bowers province and 4.8 in the northern Usarp province). This feature may be related to the southward, onland prosecution of the TFZ. Results from field campaign are in line with the remote sensing deformation evidences. Two main lineament domains characterize the western and the eastern side of the RGB. A main N-S to NNE-SSW trending lineament domain develops to the W, toward the Wilkes Basin. On the other hand, a NW-SE main lineament domain spans the entire North Victoria Land, to the E of RGB.Results from this multi-scalar approach confirm the existence of two geotectonic provinces, namely the Bowers and Usarp provinces, separated by the RGB and characterized by different intensity of brittle deformation and different lineament domains. The analysis of the spatial distribution of the intensity of brittle deformation also suggests that the RGB represents the on-land, southward prosecution of the TFZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]