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Introduction Aging is accompanied by increased insomnia and memory decline. Enhancing GABAergic and antagonizing orexinergic function are both ways to treat insomnia, but how these mechanisms impact sleep oscillations, and consequently memory, among older adults with insomnia is unknown. Thus, chronic effects of zolpidem and lemborexant on quantitative sleep electroencephalography (EEG) and quality of memory among older adults with insomnia were evaluated. Methods 116 older adults (71.01±4.81y, 78.67% female) with insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index 18.73±3.13) completed a phase 3 study (E2006-G000-304; NCT02783729) with placebo (n=29), zolpidem-extended-release (6.25mg,n=26;ZOL), and lemborexant (5mg,n=29[LEM5]; 10mg,n=32[LEM10]) using polysomnography before (at baseline) and 29-30 days after chronic treatment. Spectral analysis was performed on artifact-free EEG data during NREM sleep. Changes in relative power within canonical frequency bands (i.e., slow-oscillation[0.5-1Hz], delta[1-4.5Hz], theta[4.5-7.5Hz], alpha[7.5-11Hz], slow-sigma[11-13Hz], fast-sigma[13-16Hz], beta[16-28Hz] and gamma[28-35Hz]) from baseline were compared between groups at averaged frontal electrodes at each visit. Working (WM) and episodic memory (EM) were measured at waketime using ANOVA models and Pearson correlations. Results A significant main effect of intervention on frequency bands delta (p=0.02), slow-sigma (p Conclusion In older adults with insomnia disorder, chronic treatment with lemborexant and zolpidem had distinct effects on sleep oscillation expression and between power and memory. Functional consequences of these differential effects on sleep-oscillation expression and memory in insomnia patients should be further considered. Support (if any) Eisai

Study Objectives Fast frequency sleep spindles are reduced in aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the mechanisms and functional relevance of these deficits remain unclear. The study objective was to identify AD biomarkers associated with fast sleep spindle deficits in cognitively unimpaired older adults at risk for AD. Methods Fifty-eight cognitively unimpaired, β-amyloid-negative, older adults (mean ± SD; 61.4 ± 6.3 years, 38 female) enriched with parental history of AD (77.6%) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 positivity (25.9%) completed the study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of central nervous system inflammation, β-amyloid and tau proteins, and neurodegeneration were combined with polysomnography (PSG) using high-density electroencephalography and assessment of overnight memory retention. Parallelized serial mediation models were used to assess indirect effects of age on fast frequency (13 to Results Glial activation was associated with prefrontal fast frequency sleep spindle expression deficits. While adjusting for sex, APOE ε4 genotype, apnea–hypopnea index, and time between CSF sampling and sleep study, serial mediation models detected indirect effects of age on fast sleep spindle expression through microglial activation markers and then tau phosphorylation and synaptic degeneration markers. Sleep spindle expression at these electrodes was also associated with overnight memory retention in multiple regression models adjusting for covariates. Conclusions These findings point toward microglia dysfunction as associated with tau phosphorylation, synaptic loss, sleep spindle deficits, and memory impairment even prior to β-amyloid positivity, thus offering a promising candidate therapeutic target to arrest cognitive decline associated with aging and AD.

Existing data demonstrate reduced delta power during sleep in patients with depression and chronic pain. However, there has been little examination of the relationship between delta power and pain-reports, or pain-catastrophizing. We recruited female participants (n = 111) with insomnia and temporomandibular disorder, and measured nocturnal and daytime measures of pain and pain catastrophizing, and calculated relative nocturnal delta (0.5-4 Hz) power during sleep. We fit linear regression models, and further examined the moderating effect of depressive symptom severity. Lower relative delta power across the whole night was significantly associated with greater nocturnal pain (B = -20.276, P = .025, R

To carry out a prospective study to analyze the incidence and various preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative risk factors for the development of PPKG.A total of 207 patients were analyzed prospectively, who were operated for penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in a tertiary eye care hospital between the time period of August 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018 and were followed up till the sixth month. Each patient was analyzed at every visit to determine the factors responsible for post-keratoplasty glaucoma.Out of 207 eyes, post-PK glaucoma developed in 84 cases, which yielded an incidence of 41%. Incidence of PPKG (Post PK glaucoma) in various conditions was as follows: in repeat PK 62%, in perforated corneal ulcer 33%, in nonperforated corneal ulcer 29%, in corneal scar including adherent leukoma 37.2%, and in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and aphakic bullous keratopathy, 14% and 80%, respectively. In age- and sex-adjusted multivariate analysis, the significant risk factors were age (P-value- 0.006), presence of PAS (P-value 0.001), and fellow eye glaucoma (P-value 0.04). Aphakia and combined surgery were not found to be significant.Our study recommends a meticulous examination of the fellow eye to assess the presence of glaucoma as it can increase the suspicion of glaucoma in the eye to be operated. The presence of PAS and age are important risk factors for developing PPKG. The risk of developing PPKG increases exponentially as the number of risk factors increases, but the presence of more than three risk factors does not add to the development of PPKG.

Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of timolol maleate (0.5%) eye drops in the treatment of myopic regression after laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods The study was conducted at a tertiary care eye hospital in north India between April 2017 & March 2018 as a prospective interventional study. Patients who underwent uneventful myopic LASIK with hansatome mechanical keratome and presented with regression were included in the study. Baseline demographic characteristics, time to presentation with regression best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and keratometry were recorded at baseline and at each follow-up visit. The enrolled patients were prescribed timolol maleate (0.5%) eyedrops twice daily. They were followed up every month till 3 months on timolol maleate (0.5%) eyedrops and at 6 months post stopping the treatment. Results Twenty-nine eyes of 15 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean pre LASIK spherical equivalent (SE) was - 7.48 ± 2.9 Diopters (Range-3.125 to -11.75 Diopters) and mean regression spherical equivalent was -1.02 ± 1.1 Diopters. There was a decrease in mean SE from presentation (intervention start point) up to 6 months follow-up (-1.34 ± 0.89 to -0.30 ± 0.29 Diopters). While posterior corneal curvature (K1 and K2 Back) changed significantly over treatment period (P = 0.0029, P = 0.0024 respectively), changes in anterior corneal curvature (K1 and K2 Front) were not significant (P = 0.05, P = 0.06 respectively). Central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) did not change significantly over treatment course. Conclusion Timolol maleate (0.5%) eyedrop is an effective modality for the treatment of refractive regression post LASIK circumventing the need for laser re-treatment in such patients. The most probable mechanism is reversal of the anterior bowing of the cornea in response to intraocular pressure changes.

Recent meta-analyses suggest that insomnia specifically confers risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD); however, the precise mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood. In this review, we discuss candidate mechanisms linking insomnia features to AD neuropathophysiology, potentially driving increased AD risk in insomnia patients. First, we discuss epidemiological evidence tying insomnia to AD and summarize the behavioral and neurobiological features of insomnia, as well as AD pathologies. We propose that facets of hyperarousal, a central etiological feature of insomnia, act upon underlying mechanisms contributing to AD pathogenesis. Additionally, we outline how objective short sleep duration and circadian dysregulation, other key aspects of insomnia, may act as compounding pathways to exacerbate disease expression. We close with recommendations for future studies.

Purpose To study the clinico-microbiological profile, outcomes and prognostic factors of post penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) infectious keratitis. Methods Retrospective review of medical records of 78 patients with post PKP infectious keratitis presenting between January 2014 and December 2018. Demographic, clinical and microbiological profile was documented and predictors of treatment and graft success were evaluated using univariate and subsequent multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Mean age of patients was 52.17 ± 15.51 years and mean infiltrate size was 19.39 ± 19.68 mm2. Mean duration of presentation with infection post PKP was 11.66 ± 10.65 months. Culture positivity was seen in 64 eyes (82.05%). Bacterial growth was observed in 47 eyes (60.25%), fungal growth in 17 (21.79%) and no microbiological growth in 14 eyes (17.94%). At 3 months the visual acuity (VA) improved in 37 eyes (47.44%), did not change in 27 (34.62%) and deteriorated in 14 (17.95%). Graft failure was noted in 53 eyes (73.08%). Surgical intervention was needed in 47 (60.25%) eyes of which most common was therapeutic PKP in 32 eyes (41.02%). Treatment failure was noted with fungal infection ( p = 0.05), poorer vision at presentation ( p = 0.02), larger infiltrate area ( p = 0.002) and graft infection developing before 1 year ( p = 0.02). Graft failure was noted with associated endophthalmitis ( p = 0.02), poorer VA at presentation ( p = 0.01) and larger infiltrate area ( p = 0.02). Conclusion Post PKP infectious keratitis is a sight threatening ocular condition. It is associated with high incidence of graft failure and frequently requires surgical intervention. Fungal etiology, larger infiltrate size, poorer vision at presentation and associated endophthalmitis carries a poorer prognosis.

IMPORTANCE Studies evaluating combined penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy for infectious aetiologies are limited. BACKGROUND To evaluate the outcomes of combined penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy in patients with endophthalmitis and poor corneal clarity. DESIGN Retrospective interventional case series conducted at a tertiary care eye hospital in North India. PARTICIPANTS Review of records of 43 eyes of 43 patients. Mean age of patients was 53.39 ± 12.94 years (26 males). Patients with age > 14 years with minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. METHODS Combined penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy was performed in all eyes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We analysed the preoperative, intraoperative and microbiological characteristics of patients undergoing combined surgeries. Anatomic and functional success and failure were pre-defined. RESULTS Aetiology for corneal opacification was corneal ulcer in 30(69.7%) eyes, corneal graft infection in eight(18.6%) eyes, bullous keratopathy in four (9.3%) eyes and corneal scar in one eye. Postoperative visual acuity improved in 20(46.5%) eyes, did not change in 14 (32.5%) eyes and deteriorated in nine eyes (20.9%). Anatomical failure (uncontrolled infection leading to phthisis bulbi or evisceration) was seen in 15 (34.8%) eyes. Microbiological analysis revealed bacterial growth in 26, fungal in 14 and no growth in three eyes. Fungal infection had a poorer outcome (P = 0.03). Six out of 11 monoocular patients regained ambulatory vision. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Combined penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy is a complex but globe salvaging procedure for poor prognosis eyes which otherwise may need evisceration. Fungal infection carries a poorer prognosis.

Corneoscleral tunnel infection is a potentially sight threatening complication of cataract surgery. Microbiological investigations are mandatory and early surgical intervention helps in achieving favourable outcomes. Fungal infection of tunnel incisions can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report a case of post-operative tunnel infection with curvularia. Prompt surgical intervention and intensive topical therapy helped attain a good tectonic as well as visual recovery.

To assess the awareness, knowledge and attitude regarding eye donation in staff of a tertiary eye care hospital in North India. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on the employees of a tertiary eye care centre (urban area) along with its four secondary centres (rural area). Socio-demographic profile, awareness, knowledge and attitude of 507 employees regarding eye donation were evaluated through a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge-based questions were scored. Of the 507 participants, 327 (64.5%) participants were from medical/paramedical field (Group 1) and 180 (35.5%) were from non-medical field (Group 2). Awareness about eye donation was 99%. Twenty (3.95%) participants scored poor (0–8), 90 (17.75%) had a fair score (9–16) and 397 (78.30%) had a good score (17–24). Good knowledge was found in significantly more (P = 0.01) participants in Group 1 (77.37%) as compared to Group 2 (70.1%). Four hundred and fifty-seven (90.13%) participants were willing to pledge their eyes for donation, the prime motivational force being spreading vision to the blind [346 (68.24%)]. The perceived reasons for not pledging were religious [28 (5.52%)], thought of family getting upset [29 (5.72%)] and scepticism regarding proper usage of tissue [64 (12.62%)]. The study demonstrated that although there is a substantial awareness about eye donation, there are certain lacunae in the knowledge and perceptions among staff of an eye care hospital. With the correct knowledge and attitude, they can contribute by creating awareness and motivating the people for eye donation while carrying out their routine hospital activities.

Purpose: To study the clinico-microbiological profile and evaluate the functional and anatomical outcomes of pediatric post-traumatic endophthalmitis (PPTE). Methods: This was a retrospective interventional case series. All medical case records of patients diagnosed with PPTE over a 5-year period from January 2011 to December2015 were reviewed. Data recorded was: age, sex, type of trauma, mode of injury, interval between trauma and presentation, treatment, follow-up duration and final functional and anatomical outcomes. Results: Forty-one eyes of 41 patients diagnosed with PPTE met the inclusion criteria. There were 26 boys and 15 girls. The mean age at the time of presentation was 7.34 years (1month -16years). The median interval between trauma and presentation was 3 days (mean = 13.71 days; 1-240 days). The average follow-up period was 292.24 days (median 150 days; 30 1440 days). Injury with wooden stick (20,50%) was the most common mode of injury. Culture positivity was noted in 25(61%) cases. Staphylococcusaureus was the most common organisms identified on culture. Univariate analysis of in dependent variables was done using the Chi-square test showed patients with positive culture for gram-positive organisms had better anatomical (p=0.038) and functional outcomes (p=0.043). 35(85%) patients underwent vitrectomy along with intraocular antibiotics. Optimal anatomical and functional outcomes were noted in 23(56.1%) and12(29.3%) respectively. Conclusion: PPTE carries a significantly poor prognosis in terms of ocular integrity and visual function. PPTE is common in boys and often caused by vegetative matter. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism seen in PPTE. Early presentation following trauma and identification of gram-positive organisms have a better prognosis.

Purpose To determine the linkage between Quality Assurance Program (QAP) and increase in utilization of donor corneas at a community Eye Bank. Methods A donor cornea is defined as utilized when it is used for cornea transplant. Two metrics, utilization rate (UR) and non-utilization rate (NUR), were defined. The Eye Bank implemented QAP from 2011. As a part of QAP, detailed gap analysis of tissue utilization was performed. Four major categories causing non-utilization of recovered corneas were identified. These categories were poor “Tissue Quality”, “Seropositive” donor blood sample, “Medical History” of donor, and donor “Blood Sample Issues.” The years 2008–2011 were labelled the pre-intervention period, and the years 2012–2017 were labelled the post-intervention period. Annual UR and annual NUR for the four categories of non-utilization from the pre and the post-intervention periods were statistically compared. Results In the pre-intervention period, the Eye Bank recovered 1425 donor corneas in total and transplanted 762. In the post-intervention period, the Eye Bank recovered 6661 corneas in total and transplanted 4393. The UR improved from 53.47% (762/1425) in the pre-intervention period to 65.95% (4393/6661) in the post-intervention period (P

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is seen in low gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) babies leading to retinal vascular damage. Screening of preterm would help in early identification of this, sight-threatening disease. Multiple factors play an important role in planning screening strategies for these preterm. The objective of this study was done to find the differences and the reasons affecting the proportion of ROP distribution between urban and semi-urban regions in North India. Materials and methods: In this retrospective, comparative study, all babies referred for ROP examination by paediatricians or other general ophthalmologists between 2013 to 2016 were included in the study. Demographic, clinical and treatment related findings were recorded. Results: Five hundred and fifty eight babies (467: urban and 91: semi urban) were examined for ROP. The mean BW in urban and semi-urban settings was 1348.6 ± 395.21 gm and 1703.77 ± 401.76 gm respectively. The mean GA was 30.99 ± 2.93 weeks and 30.73 ± 2.08 weeks in the urban and semi-urban cohorts respectively. The average time for first ophthalmic examination following birth was 23.82 ± 13.69 (range: 3-77) days in urban and 101.16 ± 238.26 (range: 13- 330) days in semi-urban settings. 94% of the babies completed all screening examination visits. Any ROP was identified in 12% and 33.0% of urban and semi-urban cohorts respectively; Type 1 was detected in 7.5% of urban babies and 24% of semi-urban babies. Conclusion: Proportion of ROP in the urban region was 3 times lesser than the semiurban region. Differences in proportion of babies developing any ROP and Type 1 ROP between semi-urban and urban groups is likely due to selection bias, as a high proportion of semi-urban babies did not attend for examination or failed to complete all the examinations necessary. This was particularly true for females. More needs to be done to increase access to regular, systematic screening of preterm babies within neonatal units.

Study Objectives Aerobic fitness (AF) and sleep are major determinants of health in adolescents and impact neurocognitive and psychological development. However, little is known about the interactions between AF and sleep during the developmental transition experienced across adolescence. This study aimed to consider the relationships between AF and habitual sleep patterns and sleep neurophysiology in healthy adolescents. Methods Subjects (mean age = 14.6 ± 2.3 years old, range 11–17, 11 females) were evaluated for AF (peak VO2 assessed by ramp-type progressive cycle ergometry in the laboratory), habitual sleep duration and efficiency (7–14 days actigraphy), and topographic patterns of spectral power in slow wave, theta, and sleep spindle frequencies in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep using overnight polysomnography (PSG) with high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG, 128 channels). Results Significant relationships were observed between peak VO2 and habitual bedtime (r = −0.650, p = .009) and wake-up time (r = −0.603, p = .017), with greater fitness associated with going to bed and waking up earlier. Peak VO2 significantly predicted slow oscillations (0.5–1 Hz, p = .018) and theta activity (4.5–7.5 Hz, p = .002) over anterior frontal and central derivations (p < .001 and p = .001, respectively) after adjusting for sex and pubertal development stage. Similar associations were detected for fast sleep spindle activity (13–16 Hz, p = .006), which was greater over temporo-parietal derivations. Conclusions Greater AF was associated with a more mature pattern of topographically-specific features of sleep EEG known to support neuroplasticity and cognitive processes and which are dependent on prefrontal cortex and hippocampal function in adolescents and adults. AF was also correlated with a smaller behavioral sleep phase delay commonly seen during adolescence.

Purpose The aim of this study was to formulate a methodological approach for resuming eye bank services during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Eye bank operations were temporarily halted in March after the government-mandated "Lockdown" in response to COVID-19 pandemic. Before restarting eye bank operations in May, we studied sources of exposure, performed risk assessment, instituted additional process validations and redefined the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in consultation with the guidelines published by the Eye bank Association of India and All India Ophthalmological Society. The eye bank staff were rigorously trained before and after operations were restarted. We conducted a survey at the end of July to gauge staff attitude and reaction. Results Eye banks services resumed on 20th May 2020. Since reopening till the end of July total 41 keratoplasties have been done. 91.75% of all keratoplasties done were therapeutic surgeries and 17% of the surgeries were done using glycerine preserved tissues. No staff had COVID-19 symptoms when the operations restarted and none developed symptoms up to the end of July. All eye bank staff were aware of COVID-19 pandemic and 86% said they felt safe working at the eye bank. 86% of the staff said that they received adequate training and 66% of the staff expressed that they always received proper PPE and kits. Overall, 93% of the staff expressed that the measures taken by the eye bank ensured their safety. Conclusion Based on our experience we suggest the following activities for planned resumption of eye bank services during the pandemic: Exposure Risk Analysis, Personal Protective Equipment usage training, SOP Revision and staff training on modified SOPs. Criteria based selection of donor sources, participatory planning involving the staff and double-checking at critical process junctions helped us in managing a smooth transition.

Introduction Sleep slow oscillations (SOs, 0.5-1.5Hz) during stages N2 and N3 sleep facilitate cortical communication and are important to the restorative properties of sleep. Spatiotemporal clustering analysis of SOs on the electrode manifold has identified 3 topographically distinct patterns of SOs: Frontal, Local, and Global. Global SOs are spatially widespread cortical events implicated in anterior-posterior long-range communication. However, their precise functional significance is not fully understood. Patients experiencing Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with comorbid hypersomnia show local deficits in parieto-central slow wave activity, suggesting that frontally-initiated SOs are not propagating to parietal-central regions. Hypersomnolence in MDD may therefore be connected to insufficiently restorative sleep. Here, we retrospectively examine associations between Global SOs in N2 and N3 sleep and hypersomnia severity in healthy controls and MDD patients. Methods MDD patients with (n=22) and without (n=22) hypersomnia, and age-gender balanced healthy controls (n=22) underwent overnight polysomnography studies with 256-channel hdEEG. After detection of SOs, our previously developed classification method was applied retrospectively to all SOs in this dataset, including leveraging a k-means clustering algorithm naïve to the MDD/Hypersomnia label. Fractions of global SOs during stages N2 and N3 were compared across healthy controls and MDD patients. Finally, the fraction of global SOs occurring during the night was correlated against all subjects’ individual scores on the Hypersomnia Severity Index (HSI). Results Analysis of EEG data revealed pronounced, but not statistically significant deficits in global SOs during N3 sleep in MDD patients with comorbid hypersomnia. These deficits were significantly correlated with HSI when examining MDD patients together (Pearson’s r = -0.397, p Conclusion Our findings suggest that MDD patients with higher hypersomnia severity experience more pronounced deficits in Global SOs. Given the importance of SOs for the restorative properties of sleep, it is possible that MDD patients with hypersomnia might incur an enhanced sleep need driven by the homeostatic cost of a deficit in Global SOs.. Future studies are necessary to investigate causal mechanisms underlying these findings. Support (If Any) American Sleep Medicine Foundation (76-JF-12), Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (19193), and NIMH (K23MH099234) to DTP.

The use of a composite material for any application involves the mechanical characterization. A lot of tests has to be conducted for obtaining satisfactory mechanical properties for the desired application. In this work, the ultimate tensile strength of hybrid short fiber composites made of glass fiber, carbon fiber, and epoxy resin is predicted using artificial neural network techniques. The data for the study has been obtained from tensile test results of certain volume fraction combinations of the constituents. This approach leverages the strengths of both experimental procedure and the mathematical modelling of neural networks for the prediction of unknown values.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify quality indicators of the eye bank and validate their effectivity. Methods: Adverse reaction rate, discard rate, protocol deviation rate, and compliance rate were defined as Quality Indicators of the eye bank. These were identified based on definition of quality that captures two dimensions – “result quality” and “process quality.” The indicators were measured and tracked as part of quality assurance (QA) program of the eye bank. Regular audits were performed to validate alignment of standard operating procedures (SOP) with regulatory and surgeon acceptance standards and alignment of activities performed in the eye bank with the SOP. Prospective study of the indicators was performed by comparing their observed values over the period 2011–2016. Results: Adverse reaction rate decreased more than 8-fold (from 0.61% to 0.07%), discard rate decreased and stabilized at 30%, protocol deviation rate decreased from 1.05% to 0.08%, and compliance rate reported by annual quality audits improved from 59% to 96% at the same time. In effect, adverse reaction rate, discard rate, and protocol deviation rate were leading indicators, and compliance rate was the trailing indicator. Conclusion: These indicators fulfill an important gap in available literature on QA in eye banking. There are two ways in which these findings can be meaningful. First, eye banks which are new to quality measurement can adopt these indicators. Second, eye banks which are already deeply engaged in quality improvement can test these indicators in their eye bank, thereby incorporating them widely and improving them over time.

Introduction Chronic inflammation in aging is independently associated with tau burden and sleep disruption, though the mechanism linking inflammation with sleep disruption remains unknown. Recent evidence associates tau burden with deficits in local expression of sleep spindles and slow wave activity (SWA). Here we test the hypothesis that age-related central inflammation disrupts local sleep by influencing tau pathology. Methods Cognitively asymptomatic older adults from the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center underwent overnight polysomnography with high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG; 256 channels) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (n=33, 61.9±6.7 years, 23 female). EEG data were subjected to multitaper spectral analysis (0.5-40Hz) to yield topographic maps of SWA (SWA1:0.5-1Hz, SWA2:1-4.5Hz) and spindle (sigma1:11-13Hz; sigma2:13-16Hz) power during NREM sleep. Cerebrospinal fluid assay-based measurements of YKL-40 (indicating glial activation), phosphorylated tau (Ptau), and total tau (Ttau), were correlated with SWA and sigma topographical power employing Holm-Bonferroni correction. Multiple linear regression models were implemented controlling for age, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), and sex at significant derivations. Finally, Sobel testing was employed to assess whether tau burden mediated YKL-40-sleep associations. Results Age was associated with YKL-40 (r=0.53, p=0.002), and YKL-40 was associated with both Ptau (r=0.66, p Conclusion These results suggest that age-related increases in central glial activation may disrupt local expression of fast spindles by increasing tau burden, highlighting a potential role for chronic inflammation in sleep deficits observed in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Support Supported by R56 AG052698, P50AG033514

Purpose: To compare and study the clinical outcome of tarsorrhaphy and amniotic membrane transplant in the healing of persistent corneal epithelial defects in terms of clinical improvement and symptomatic relief. Methods: This was an interventional, prospective study in which a total of 60 patients with persistent epithelial defects (PED's), randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients each who underwent tarsorrhaphy (Group A) or amniotic membrane transplantation (Group B) with a 4-week-follow-up period, were included. The main parameters studied were the size of an epithelial defect, total healing time, pain score, and complications. Results: The study included 60 eyes of 60 patients with PED. The healing time was 9.83 ± 6.51 days in Group A (median = 9.50 days, IQR = 1–7 days) vs. 18.33 ± 13.46 days (median = 19.50 days, IQR = 1–21 days) in Group B. A total of ten eyes (16.7%) did not heal at the end of 4 weeks. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in the area of epithelial defect at the end of the 1 week and 2 week follow up postoperatively, in both the treatment forms. The mean healing time in patients of Group A was less as compared to that of the patients in Group B.

Introduction: Nocardia is a common cause of corneal infections but is a rare cause of choroidal abscess. We report a rare case of choroidal abscess, secondary to Nocardia and its management.Case: We report a case of choroidal abscess secondary to Nocardia asteroides species in an immunocompetent young male diagnosed by culture positivity of vitreous biopsy. He was managed by oral trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole and intravitreal Amikacin injections.Conclusion: All the previous reported cases were found to be immunocompromised patients. However, our patient was immunocompetent and the confirmation of diagnosis was done by culture of vitreous biopsy in comparison to a retinochoroidal biopsy, in all other previous cases.

Purpose: To understand trends, awareness, influences and barriers to eye donation in Indian society. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Delhi from March 2017 to February 2018. About 10 hospitals collaborated with the Eye Bank under Human Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP). Eye Bank recruited Eye Donation Counselors (EDCs) to approach family members of the deceased. A pretested questionnaire was used for this study. Irrespective of whether the next of kin of the deceased consented for eye donation or not, the option of participating in the survey was given. Results: Out of 473 potential donors identified, 407 (86%) next of kin consented to participate in the study. Of these, 388 (95.3%) were males and 19 (4.7%) were females. About 168 (41%) consented for eye donation and were assigned to donor group, while 239 (59%) participants refused eye donation and were assigned to non-donor group. Majority of the participants were siblings 170 (41.8%) of the deceased and the mean age of the deceased was 42.71 ± 17.56 years. The foremost concern before decision-making was transparency in how the cornea would be used (32.25%). The concern with regards to whether the body would remain intact after eye donation significantly decreased the probability of consent for eye donation. Conclusion: The study highlights that barriers to eye donation in India are not cultural or religious but more due to misinformation and proper utilization of the donated tissue. This study also emphasizes the pivotal role of EDC's in facilitating the eye donation movement.

Background: To study and analyse the factors affecting the proportion of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) distribution between the urban and semi-urban regions in North India. Methods: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. All babies referred for ROP examination by paediatricians or other general ophthalmologists between 2013 – 2016 were included in the study. Demographic, clinical and treatment related findings were recorded. Results: Five hundred and fifty-eight (467: urban & 91: semi urban) babies were examined for ROP. The mean birth weight in the urban and semi-urban setting was 1348.6 ± 395.21 gm and 1703.77 ± 401.76 gm respectively. The mean gestational age was 30.99 ± 2.93 weeks and 30.73 ± 2.08 weeks in the urban and semi-urban cohorts respectively. The average time for first ophthalmic examination following birth was 23.82 ± 13.69 (range: 3-77) days in the urban and 101.16 ± 238.26 (range: 13- 330) days in the semi-urban setting. 94% of the babies completed all screening examination visits. Any ROP was identified in 11.6% and 33.0% of the urban and semi-urban cohorts respectively; Type 1 was detected in 7.5% of urban babies and 23.1% of semi-urban babies Conclusion: Differences in the proportion of babies developing any ROP and Type 1 ROP between the semi-urban and urban groups is likely due to selection bias, as a high proportion of semi-urban babies did not attend for examination or failed to complete all the examinations necessary. This was particularly true for females. More needs to be done to increase access to regular, systematic screening of preterm babies within neonatal units.

Background To study and analyse the factors affecting the prevalence of prevalence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) between the urban and semi-urban regions in North India. Methods Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. All babies referred for ROP screening by paediatricians or other general ophthalmologists between 2013 – 2016 were included in the study. Demographic, clinical and treatment related findings were recorded. Results Five hundred and fifty-eight (467: urban & 91: semi urban) babies were screened for ROP. The mean birth weight in the urban and semi-urban setting was 1348.6 ± 395.21 gm and 1703.77 ± 401.76 gm respectively. The mean gestational age was 30.99 ± 2.93 weeks and 30.73 ± 2.08 weeks in the urban and semi-urban cohorts respectively. The average time for first ophthalmic examination following birth was 23.82 ± 13.69 days in the urban and 101.16 ± 238.26 days in the semi-urban setting. Prevalence of ROP in the urban cohort was 11.7% and in the semi-urban cohort was 31.9%. Statistically significance between the two groups was noted with birth weight, day of screening and prevalence but not with gender or gestational age. Conclusion The prevalence of ROP is found to be higher in the semi-urban setting due to delayed screening, higher drop-out rate and lack of basic treatment facilities like laser.

Introduction The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) rises with age, leading to increased dementia risk and memory decline. However, it remains unclear which OSA features drive this relationship. Here, we examine associations between verbal memory and multiple OSA features in healthy older adults. Methods 58 cognitively asymptomatic adults (61.4±6.3 years; 38 females) underwent polysomnography (PSG) and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT; 0.2±0.5 years between assessments). OSA measures included apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory disturbance index (RDI), and desaturation index in both NREM and REM sleep. RAVLT measures included total learning (sum of trials 1–5), short-delayed recall, and long-delayed recall. Pearson correlations with FDR correction were calculated between OSA-related measures and RAVLT. Multiple regression was then used to adjust for OSA features in other sleep stages (i.e., REM versus NREM), age, sex, time between PSG and neuropsychological assessments, years of education, and APOE4 status. We also explored whether age moderated these relationships. Results REM RDI is negatively associated with RAVLT total learning (r=-0.31, p Conclusion These findings demonstrate that REM OSA features in particular contribute to poor verbal memory encoding and retrieval, especially at older ages. Verbal memory decline has been predictive of conversion to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Future studies including brain imaging, AD biomarkers, REM sleep oscillations, and comprehensive neuropsychological testing may elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking REM OSA features to memory decline and dementia risk. Support (if any) This research was supported by R56 AG052698 and P50AG033514.

The bullous variant is a rare manifestation of central serous retinopathy (CSR). Multiple therapeutic approaches have been described to treat these bullous detachments which mainly involve laser photocoagulation or surgical drainage. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of oral eplerenone in the treatment of the bullous variant of CSR. A 44-year-old female presented to us with diminution of vision in the left eye (OS) for 1 month. On clinical examination, she was diagnosed to have a chronic CSR in both eyes along with a bullous retinal detachment in the OS which was confirmed on multimodal imaging. She underwent focal laser, which failed to resolve the bullous variant in the OS, then the patient was started on oral eplerenone for 3 months. At 3-month follow-up, the ultrasound scan of the OS confirmed resolution of the bullous detachment, and some residual subretinal fluid could be noted at the posterior pole. This was maintained till 6-month follow-up. Oral eplerenone can be an effective, cheap, and safer alternative in treating patients with nonresolving bullous detachments secondary to chronic CSR.

Introduction The prefrontal cortex, an area known for executive functioning (including inhibition and self-monitoring) develops during childhood and adolescents, with a pattern of posterior to anterior brain development. Slow-wave activity (SWA) in NREM sleep, tracks brain development with high SWA power migrating from occipital to frontal region as brain maturation occurs. This pilot study aimed to examine whether slow wave topography is correlated with executive function in youth. Methods Seventeen healthy children and adolescents (ages 11-17; 10 females) underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) with high-density electroencephalography (hdEEG). Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) was administered to assess executive function. SWA (SWA1: 0.5-1 Hz; SWA2: 1-4.5 Hz) and spindle (slow sigma: 11-13 Hz; fast sigma: 13-16 Hz) activity was analyzed with spectral analysis using Welch’s method. BRIEF subscales of inhibition and monitor were correlated with SWA and sigma power across all derivations, with Holm-Bonferroni correction (126 channels). Significant derivations were then controlled for sex and self-reported Tanner stage using multiple regression Results BRIEF-Inhibition scale (i.e., ability to repress impulsivity) and SWA1 in anterior frontal derivations were negatively correlated (R2=0.58, p=0.047 corrected). BRIEF-Monitor scale (i.e., self-perception of one’s own behavior and interpersonal awareness) was negatively correlated with fast sigma in anterior frontal derivations (R2=0.65, p=0.013 corrected). These associations were significant after controlling for sex and Tanner stage. Conclusion These results support the hypothesis that NREM sleep oscillations are associated with executive function and reflect changes in neuroplasticity related to “back-to-front” brain maturation. Future longitudinal studies should combine multi-modal neuroimaging of brain structure and local sleep with comprehensive assessments of executive function to evaluate the possible link between local sleep and development of higher-order cognition in frontal brain regions in youth. Support NCATS grant #UL1TR001414 & PERC Systems Biology Fund

SIGNIFICANCE This study compares foveal avascular zone (FAZ) geometry in healthy eyes as imaged by two commercially available optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) devices. Foveal avascular zone measurements are repeatable and reproducible with each OCTA device, but interdevice agreement was poor. We provide conversion factors between devices. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to perform comparative evaluation of FAZ geometry in healthy eyes as imaged by two commercially available OCTA devices. METHODS Ninety-six eyes of 48 healthy subjects were imaged prospectively on each of two OCTA devices (DRI-OCT [Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan]; Cirrus 5000 [Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA]). The FAZ was evaluated in the superficial capillary plexus layer of 6 × 6-mm foveal scans by two masked observers. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was determined using intraclass correlation by using linear mixed models and Bland-Altman plots. K-means clustering was used to provide conversion values between two devices. Foveal avascular zone acircularity was calculated using scans from each device and compared. RESULTS The intraobserver repeatability for DRI-OCT was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 0.98) for observer A and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.83 to 0.96) for observer B. Intraobserver repeatability for Cirrus 5000 was 0.988 (95% CI, 0.972 to 0.995) for observer A and 0.993 (95% CI, 0.983 to 0.997) for observer B. The interobserver variability between observers A and B for DRI-OCT was 0.87 (0.73 to 0.94) and for Cirrus 5000 was 0.984 (95% CI, 0.964 to 0.993). Poor interdevice agreement (0.205 [95% CI, -0.202 to 0.554]) was noted, and conversion formulas were devised to convert FAZ area measurements from one device to another. No significant correlation was found when comparing FAZ acircularity indices between devices (P = .39). CONCLUSIONS Repeatable and reproducible FAZ area measurements were obtained with each respective OCTA device, but interdevice agreement was poor, yet quantifiable and systematic with calculable conversion factors between devices.

Studies evaluating combined penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy for infectious aetiologies are limited.To evaluate the outcomes of combined penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy in patients with endophthalmitis and poor corneal clarity.Retrospective interventional case series conducted at a tertiary care eye hospital in North India.Review of records of 43 eyes of 43 patients. Mean age of patients was 53.39 ± 12.94 years (26 males). Patients with age14 years with minimum follow-up of 6 months were included.Combined penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy was performed in all eyes.We analysed the preoperative, intraoperative and microbiological characteristics of patients undergoing combined surgeries. Anatomic and functional success and failure were pre-defined.Aetiology for corneal opacification was corneal ulcer in 30(69.7%) eyes, corneal graft infection in eight(18.6%) eyes, bullous keratopathy in four (9.3%) eyes and corneal scar in one eye. Postoperative visual acuity improved in 20(46.5%) eyes, did not change in 14 (32.5%) eyes and deteriorated in nine eyes (20.9%). Anatomical failure (uncontrolled infection leading to phthisis bulbi or evisceration) was seen in 15 (34.8%) eyes. Microbiological analysis revealed bacterial growth in 26, fungal in 14 and no growth in three eyes. Fungal infection had a poorer outcome (P = 0.03). Six out of 11 monoocular patients regained ambulatory vision.Combined penetrating keratoplasty and pars plana vitrectomy is a complex but globe salvaging procedure for poor prognosis eyes which otherwise may need evisceration. Fungal infection carries a poorer prognosis.