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Ivana Mravi&ccaron;i&cacute;,&ast; Selma Luka&ccaron;evi&cacute;,&ast; Ante Bariši&cacute;,&ast; Sudi Patel,&ast; Maja Boha&ccaron;,&ast; Alma Biš&ccaron;evi&cacute;,&ast; Nikica Gabri&cacute;&ast; Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, University Eye Clinic Svjetlost, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Sudi Patel, Department of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, University Eye Clinic Svjetlost, Heinzelova 39, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia, Email drsudipatel1@gmail.comPurpose: To determine if the changes in stereoacuity and aniseikonia, following bilateral implantation of presbyopia correcting intraocular lenses could be predicted from preoperative measurements of higher order aberrations (HOAs), axial lengths (AL), refractive errors (RE) and corrected visual acuities (CVAs).Patients and Methods: Stereoacuity (Randot tests, @6m & 40cm, in steps of 20 arcsecs”) vertical and horizontal aniseikonia (Awaya test @6m, in steps of 1%) with best correction and HOAs (Shack-Hartmann aberrometer) were measured before, 3 and 6 months after uncomplicated bilateral phacoemulsification. Twenty patients (I) underwent a mix-and-match procedure (Tecnis MF, ZKB00 in one eye and ZLB00 in the other), 17 (II) were implanted with a trifocal (AT LISA 839 triMP) and 18 (III) with a one-piece diffractive (Synergy OU) intraocular lens. The resultant aniseikonia (AR) of vertical and horizontal pairs of aniseikonia measurements was calculated using the Pythagorean theorem. Twenty untreated age/gender matched cases were recruited as controls (IV).Results: The key results (p < 0.001) were a) stereoacuity at distance (SAD) and near (SAN) improved, AR reduced in groups I, II & III remaining unchanged in group IV; b) some significant intergroup differences in SAD, SAN & AR were detected at postop; c) at 6 months postop, changes (Δ=pre- minus postoperative value) correlated with preoperative values (x). Linear regression revealed, I ΔSAD=0.66x-57.47 [0.832, ± 66.4], ΔSAN=0.96x-34.59 [0.821, ± 16.9], ΔAR=0.93AR-2.12 [0.795, ± 1.4] II ΔSAD=0.79x-62.91 [0.916, ± 38.1], ΔSAN=0.96x-31.49 [0.892, ± 8.0], ΔAR=0.91AR-0.91 [0.839, ± 1.3] III ΔSAD=0.67x-35.50 [0.991, ± 23.7], ΔSAN=0.88x-38.51[0.988, ± 10.6], ΔAR=0.86AR-0.96 [0.900, ± 1.3]. Figures in parentheses are the corresponding rs and ±limits of agreement between actual and estimated values. Definitive overarching associations connecting interocular differences in HOAs, AL, RE, and CVAs with SAD, SAN and AR were not found.Conclusion: Changes in stereoacuity and aniseikonia can be predicted using preoperative values. ΔSAN can be predicted within ± 1, and ΔAR within ± 2, scale divisions. In group III ΔSAD can be predicted within ± 1, and in group I ± 3, scale divisions.Keywords: presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses, aberrometry, stereoacuity, aniseikonia

Alma Biscevic,1,2,&ast; Melisa Ahmedbegovic-Pjano,1,&ast; Senad Grisevic,1,&ast; Nita Bejdic,1,&ast; Fanka Gilevska,1,&ast; Sudi Patel1,2,&ast; 1Laser and Refractive Surgery, Eye Clinic Svjetlost, Sarajevo, Bosnia, Herzegovina; 2Laser and Refractive Surgery, Eye Clinic Svjetlost, Zagreb, Croatia&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Sudi Patel, Eye Clinic Svjetlost Zagreb, Heinzelova 39, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia, Email drsudipatel1@gmail.comPurpose: To determine if factors pertaining to corneal thickness and elevation were linked to the prescribed back optic zone radius and overall diameter in keratoconus (group I), and cross-linked keratoconus (group II), cases successfully fitted with rigid contact lenses.Patients and Methods: A review of cases adapted to contact lens wear (Rose K™) and assessed using Pentacam™ (for corneal anterior surface topography, astigmatism, elevation, and topographic thickness variation) was undertaken to determine the significance of any correlation with comfort, lens usage, grading of keratoconus, corrected distance visual acuity (with glasses and contacts), refractive error, prescribed lens powers, back optic zone radius and overall diameter values were assessed.Results: Chief findings were, comfort was rated highly, lenses were worn for more than 10 hours/day in 75% of cases. RCL corrected distance logMAR acuities (median, mode, inter-quartile ranges) were 0.11, 0.12 (0.08– 0.13) and 0.08, 0.08 (0.06– 0.11) in groups I and II, respectively. Multiple linear regression revealed significant correlations (p< 0.01) between the [A] back optic zone radius, the thinnest value of corneal thickness (x1) and anterior corneal surface elevation (x2). The respective r2 values were 0.471 in group I and 0.512 in group II. [B] overall diameter, x1 and x2. The respective r2 values were 0.282 in group I and 0.505 in group II.Conclusion: RCLs were well-tolerated in both groups. The r2 values imply there is a 50% chance of correctly predicting the suitable back optic zone radius in both groups, a 50% chance of correctly predicting the overall diameter in group II and 28% in group I cases using just x1 and x2. The thinnest value of corneal thickness and anterior corneal surface elevation could be used to quickly select the BOZR and OD during RCL fitting. This has the potential to reduce chair-time, waste and improve efficiency.Keywords: thinnest corneal thickness, lens radius and diameter

Strange C, Tkacz J, Schinkel J, et al. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2023;18:2245–2256. The authors have advised that there are errors in the 95% CI interval values on page 2248. Results, Baseline and Follow-Up Exacerbation Rates, sentence 3, the text “Relative rates of total exacerbations for prompt were 0.76, 95% CI: (0.72 – 0.79) and 0.66, 95% CI: (0.63 – 0.69) versus delayed and very delayed” should read “Relative rates of total exacerbations for prompt were 0.76, 95% CI: (0.69 – 0.83) and 0.66, 95% CI: (0.60 – 0.72) versus delayed and very delayed”. Results, Baseline and Follow-Up Exacerbation Rates, sentence 5, the text “Relative rates of severe exacerbations for prompt were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.67-0.90) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.29-0.47) versus delayed and very delayed” should read “Relative rates of severe exacerbations for prompt were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.45-1.15) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.22-0.55) versus delayed and very delayed”. The authors apologize for these errors and confirm that the overarching interpretation of the results and conclusions of the study remain consistent with the originally published article and no other text or figures are affected.

Charlie Strange,1 Joseph Tkacz,2 Jill Schinkel,2 Benjamin Lewing,2 Barnabie Agatep,2 Sean Swisher,3 Sushma Patel,3 Devechio Edwards,3 Daniel R Touchette,4 Edward Portillo,5 Norbert Feigler,3 Michael Pollack3 1College of Medicine, The Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; 2Data Solutions, Inovalon, Bowie, MD, USA; 3BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE, USA; 4College of Pharmacy - Pharmacy Systems Outcomes and Policy, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; 5Pharmacy Practice & Translational Research Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USACorrespondence: Michael Pollack, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, 1800 Concord Pike, Bldg A1C, Wilmington, DE, 19850, USA, Tel +1 302-886-1253, Email michael.pollack1@astrazeneca.comPurpose: Triple therapy to prevent exacerbations from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with improved health compared to single and dual-agent therapy in some populations. This study assessed the benefits of prompt administration of budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (BGF) following a COPD exacerbation.Patients and methods: EROS was a retrospective analysis of people with COPD using the MORE2 Registry®. Inclusion required ≥ 1 severe, ≥ 2 moderate, or ≥ 1 moderate exacerbation while on other maintenance treatment. Within 12 months following the index exacerbation, ≥ 1 pharmacy claim for BGF was required. Primary outcomes were the rate of COPD exacerbations and healthcare costs for those that received BGF promptly (within 30 days of index exacerbation) versus delayed (31– 180 days) and very delayed (181– 365 days). The effect of each 30-day delay in initiation of BGF was estimated using a multivariable negative binomial regression model.Results: 2409 patients were identified: 434 prompt, 1187 delayed, and 788 very delayed. The rate (95% CI) of total exacerbations post-index increased as time to BGF initiation increased: prompt 1.52 (1.39– 1.66); delayed 2.00 (1.92– 2.09); and very delayed 2.30 (2.20– 2.40). Adjusting for patient characteristics, each 30-day delay in receiving BGF was associated with a 5% increase in the average number of subsequent exacerbations (rate ratio, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.01– 1.08; p< 0.05). Prompt initiation of BGF was also associated with lower post-index annualized COPD-related costs (&dollar;5002 for prompt vs &dollar;7639 and &dollar;8724 for the delayed and very delayed groups, respectively).Conclusion: Following a COPD exacerbation, promptly initiating BGF was associated with a reduction in subsequent exacerbations and reduced healthcare utilization and costs.Keywords: COPD, triple therapy, exacerbations, delayed therapy, budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate

David Callanan,1 Rahul N Khurana,2 Raj K Maturi,3,4 Sunil Patel,5 Charles C Wykoff,6 David Eichenbaum,7,8 Arshad M Khanani,9,10 Tarek Hassan,11 Hanh Badger,12 Shraddha Mehta,12 Grace Le,12 Mayssa Attar,13 Jennifer Seal,13 Xiao-Yan Li12,14 1Texas Retina Associates, Arlington, TX, USA; 2Northern California Retina Vitreous Associates, Mountain View, CA, USA; 3Midwest Eye Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA; 4Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA; 5West Texas Retina, Abilene, TX, USA; 6Retina Consultants of Houston, Retina Consultants of America, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; 7Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA; 8Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; 9Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV, USA; 10University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA; 11Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, MI, USA; 12Allergan plc, Irvine, CA, USA, at the time of this work; 13Allergan, an AbbVie company, Irvine, CA, USA; 14VivaVision Biotech, Inc, Shanghai, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: David Callanan, Texas Retina Associates, 801 West Randol Mill Road, Suite 101, Arlington, TX, USA, 76012, Tel +1 817-261-9625, Fax +1 817-261-9586, Email dcallanan@gmail.comPurpose: To evaluate the impact of modifying the abicipar pegol (abicipar) manufacturing process on the safety and treatment effect of abicipar in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Methods: A new process for manufacturing abicipar was developed to reduce host cell impurities. In a prospective, Phase 2, multicenter, open-label, 28-week clinical trial, patients (n=123) with active nAMD received intravitreal injections of abicipar 2 mg at baseline (day 1) and weeks 4, 8, 16, and 24. Outcome measures included proportion of patients with stable vision (< 15-letter loss from baseline; primary endpoint), change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT), and adverse events.Results: Overall, 8.9% (11/123) of patients experienced intraocular inflammation (IOI) and discontinued treatment. IOI cases were assessed as mild (2.4% [3/123]), moderate (4.9% [6/123]), or severe (1.6% [2/123]) and resolved with steroid treatment. Visual acuity in most patients with IOI (8 of 11) recovered to baseline BCVA or better by study end. No cases of endophthalmitis or retinal vasculitis were reported. Stable vision was maintained for ≥ 95.9% (≥ 118/123) of patients at all study visits. At week 28, treatment-naïve patients showed a greater mean improvement from baseline in BCVA compared with previously treated patients (4.4 vs 1.8 letters) and a larger mean CRT reduction from baseline (98.5 vs 45.5 μm).Conclusion: Abicipar produced using a modified manufacturing process showed a moderately lower incidence and severity of IOI compared with Phase 3 abicipar studies. Beneficial effects of treatment were demonstrated.Keywords: abicipar, age-related macular degeneration, inflammation

Lisa Jane Brighton,1 Claire M Nolan,2,3 Ruth E Barker,2,4,5 Suhani Patel,2,4 Jessica A Walsh,2 Oliver Polgar,2 Samantha SC Kon,2,4,6 Wei Gao,1 Catherine J Evans,1,7 Matthew Maddocks,1 William DC Man2,4,8,9 1Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK; 2Harefield Respiratory Research Group, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; 3Division of Physiotherapy, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK; 4National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK; 5Insight Innovation, Wessex Academic Health Science Network, Southampton, UK; 6Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK; 7Brighton General Hospital, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK; 8Harefield Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit, Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; 9Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, UKCorrespondence: Lisa Jane Brighton, Cicely Saunders Institute, Bessemer Road, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9PJ, UK, Tel +44 020 7848 5041, Email lisa.brighton@kcl.ac.ukBackground: Identifying frailty in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is deemed important, yet comparative characteristics of the most commonly used frailty measures in COPD are unknown. This study aimed to compare how the Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) characterise frailty in people with stable COPD, including prevalence of and overlap in identification of frailty, disease and health characteristics of those identified as living with frailty, and predictive value in relation to survival time.Methods: Cohort study of people with stable COPD attending outpatient clinics. Agreement between frailty classifications was described using Cohen’s Kappa. Disease and health characteristics of frail versus not frail participants were compared using t-, Mann–Whitney U and Chi-Square tests. Predictive value for mortality was examined with multivariable Cox regression.Results: Of 714 participants, 421 (59%) were male, mean age 69.9 years (SD 9.7), mean survival time 2270 days (95% CI 2185– 2355). Similar proportions were identified as frail using the FFP (26.2%) and SPPB (23.7%) measures; classifications as frail or not frail matched in 572 (80.1%) cases, showing moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.469, SE = 0.038, p < 0.001). Discrepancies seemed driven by FFP exhaustion and weight loss criteria and the SPPB balance component. People with frailty by either measure had worse exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, breathlessness, depression and dependence in activities of daily living. In multivariable analysis controlling for the Age Dyspnoea Obstruction index, sex, BMI, comorbidities and exercise capacity, both the FFP and SPPB had predictive value in relation to mortality (FFP aHR = 1.31 [95% CI 1.03– 1.66]; SPPB aHR = 1.29 [95% CI 0.99– 1.68]).Conclusion: In stable COPD, both the FFP and SPPB identify similar proportions of people living with/without frailty, the majority with matching classifications. Both measures can identify individuals with multidimensional health challenges and increased mortality risk and provide additional information alongside established prognostic variables.Keywords: respiratory disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, frailty, survival

Corey W Hunter,1,2 Timothy R Deer,3 Mark R Jones,4 George Chiang Chien,5 Ryan S D’Souza,6 Timothy Davis,7 Erica R Eldon,2 Michael F Esposito,8 Johnathan H Goree,9 Lissa Hewan-Lowe,2 Jillian A Maloney,10 Anthony J Mazzola,2 John S Michels,4 Annie Layno-Moses,7 Shachi Patel,11 Jeanmarie Tari,1 Jacqueline S Weisbein,12 Krista A Goulding,13 Anikar Chhabra,13 Jeffrey Hassebrock,13 Chris Wie,10 Douglas Beall,14 Dawood Sayed,15 Natalie Strand10 1Ainsworth Institute of Pain Management, New York, NY, USA; 2Department of Rehabilitation & Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; 3The Spine and Nerve Center of the Virginias, Charleston, WV, USA; 4Interventional Spine and Pain, Dallas, TX, USA; 5County Medical Center, Ventura, CA, USA; 6Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; 7Source Healthcare, Santa Monica, CA, USA; 8Interventional Spine and Pain Institute, Vero Beach, FL, USA; 9Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA; 10Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA; 11Delmarva Pain and Spine Center, Newark, DE, USA; 12Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, Napa, CA, USA; 13Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA; 14Comprehensive Specialty Care, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; 15Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USACorrespondence: Corey W Hunter, Email chunter@ainPain.comAbstract: Knee pain is second only to the back as the most commonly reported area of pain in the human body. With an overall prevalence of 46.2%, its impact on disability, lost productivity, and cost on healthcare cannot be overlooked. Due to the pervasiveness of knee pain in the general population, there are no shortages of treatment options available for addressing the symptoms. Ranging from physical therapy and pharmacologic agents to interventional pain procedures to surgical options, practitioners have a wide array of options to choose from – unfortunately, there is no consensus on which treatments are “better” and when they should be offered in comparison to others. While it is generally accepted that less invasive treatments should be offered before more invasive ones, there is a lack of agreement on the order in which the less invasive are to be presented. In an effort to standardize the treatment of this extremely prevalent pathology, the authors present an all-encompassing set of guidelines on the treatment of knee pain based on an extensive literature search and data grading for each of the available alternative that will allow practitioners the ability to compare and contrast each option.Keywords: knee, knee pain, genicular nerve, ablation, regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma, dorsal root ganglion, peripheral nerve stimulation

Joseph Tkacz,1 Kristin A Evans,1 Daniel R Touchette,2 Edward Portillo,3 Charlie Strange,4 Anthony Staresinic,5 Norbert Feigler,5 Sushma Patel,5 Michael Pollack5 1Life Sciences, IBM Watson Health, Cambridge, MA, USA; 2Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomic Research, University of Illinois College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL, USA; 3Pharmacy Practice Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, USA; 4Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; 5BioPharmaceuticals, US Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE, USACorrespondence: Michael Pollack, AstraZeneca, 1800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE, 19850, USA, Tel +1 302 377 4911, Email michael.pollack1@astrazeneca.comPurpose: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience moderate (requiring outpatient care) or severe (requiring hospitalization) disease exacerbations. Guidelines recommend escalation from dual to triple therapy (inhaled corticosteroid + long-acting beta agonist + long-acting muscarinic antagonist) after two moderate or one severe exacerbation in a year. This study examined whether prompt initiation of triple therapy lowers risk of future exacerbations and reduces healthcare costs, compared to delayed/very delayed triple therapy after an exacerbation.Patients and Methods: This retrospective observational study of US healthcare claims included patients ≥ 40 years old with COPD who initiated triple therapy (1/1/2011– 3/31/2020) after ≥ 2 moderate or ≥ 1 severe exacerbation in the prior year. The earliest of the second moderate or first severe exacerbation was the index date. Patients were stratified by triple therapy timing: prompt (≤ 30 days post-index), delayed (31– 180 days), very delayed (181– 365 days). COPD exacerbations, all-cause and COPD-related healthcare utilization and costs were assessed during 12 months post-index (follow-up). Multivariable regression estimated the effect of each 30-day delay in triple therapy on the odds of exacerbations, number of exacerbations, and costs during follow-up, controlling for patient characteristics.Results: A total of 24,770 patients were included: 7577 prompt, 9676 delayed, 7517 very delayed. Each 30-day delay of triple therapy was associated with 11% and 7% increases in the odds of any exacerbation and a severe exacerbation, respectively (odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.11 [1.10– 1.13] and 1.07 [1.05– 1.08]), a 4.3% (95% CI: 3.9– 4.6%) increase in the number of exacerbations, a 1.8% (95% CI: 1.3– 2.3%) increase in all-cause costs, and a 2.1% (95% CI: 1.6– 2.6%) increase in COPD-related costs during follow-up.Conclusion: Promptly initiating triple therapy after two moderate or one severe exacerbation is associated with decreased morbidity and economic burden in COPD. Proactive disease management may be warranted to prevent future exacerbations and lower costs among patients with COPD.Keywords: costs, discharge, hospitalization, utilization

Pooja Agarwal, Ashish Jagati, Santoshdev P Rathod, Kirti Kalra, Shefali Patel, Malay Chaudhari Department of Dermatology, Smt. SCL Hospital, Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, IndiaCorrespondence: Kirti KalraDepartment of Dermatology, Smt. SCL Hospital, Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, OPD Room No. 16, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, IndiaTel +91 9416917766Email kirtidudeja69@gmail.comAbstract: Mycetoma is a chronic, suppurative and debilitating granulomatous infection seen mainly in tropical and subtropical areas and is now declared as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. The clinical diagnosis is usually characterized by a classical triad of localized swelling, underlying sinus tracts, and production of grains or granules, but unusual presentations are also seen. It is classified into eumycetoma caused by the fungus, and actinomycetoma caused by the bacteria. The clinical presentation of both is almost similar and a definite diagnosis is essential before starting the treatment as it differs for both. Surgical debulking followed by a prolonged course of medical therapy now forms the mainstay of treatment due to the long course of the disease and suboptimal response. This review focuses on the various usual as well as unusual clinical presentations of mycetoma, established treatment regimens as well as recent changes in the mode of administration of drugs and newer drugs for mycetoma.Keywords: actinomycetoma, eumycetoma, Madura foot, treatment

Maged Hassan,1 Shefaly Patel,2 Ahmed S Sadaka,1 Eihab O Bedawi,2 John P Corcoran,3 José M Porcel4 1Chest Diseases Department, Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt; 2Oxford Centre for Respiratory Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK; 3Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK; 4Department of Internal Medicine, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital, Lleida, SpainCorrespondence: Maged HassanChest Diseases Department, Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, EgyptTel +20 3 591-8662Email magedhmf@gmail.comAbstract: Pleural infection in adults has considerable morbidity and continues to be a life-threatening condition. The term “pleural infection” encompasses complicated parapneumonic effusions and primary pleural infections, and includes but is not limited to empyema, which refers to collection of pus in the pleural cavity. The incidence of pleural infection in adults has been continuously increasing over the past two decades, particularly in older adults, and most of such patients have comorbidities. Management of pleural infection requires prolonged duration of hospitalization (average 14 days). There are recognized differences in microbial etiology of pleural infection depending on whether the infection was acquired in the community or in a health-care setting. Anaerobic bacteria are acknowledged as a major cause of pleural infection, and thus anaerobic coverage in antibiotic regimens for pleural infection is mandatory. The key components of managing pleural infection are appropriate antimicrobial therapy and chest-tube drainage. In patients who fail medical therapy by manifesting persistent sepsis despite standard measures, surgical intervention to clear the infected space or intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (in poor surgical candidates) are recommended. Recent studies have explored the role of early intrapleural fibrinolytics or first-line surgery, but due to considerable costs of such interventions and the lack of convincing evidence of improved outcomes with early use, early intervention cannot be recommended, and further evidence is awaited from ongoing studies. Other areas of research include the role of routine molecular testing of infected pleural fluid in improving the rate of identification of causative organisms. Other research topics include the benefit of such interventions as medical thoracoscopy, high-volume pleural irrigation with saline/antiseptic solution, and repeated thoracentesis (as opposed to chest-tube drainage) in reducing morbidity and improving outcomes of pleural infection. This review summarizes current knowledge and practice in managing pleural infection and future research directions.Keywords: pleural infection, empyema, respiratory infections, pneumonia

Sudi Patel,1 Larysa Tutchenko2 1“Svjetlost” Speciality Eye Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Zagreb, Croatia; 2Kyiv City Clinical Ophthalmological Hospital “Eye Microsurgical Center”, Kyiv, UkraineCorrespondence: Sudi Patel Heinzelova 39, Zagreb, 10000, CroatiaEmail drsudipatel1@gmail.comAbstract: Recent evidence indicates that the corneal back surface astigmatism (CBSA) contributes to the refractive state of the eye in cataract surgery, especially with the implantation of toric intraocular lenses. But this has been met with some scepticism. A review of key studies performed over the past three decades shows that the mean CBSA power ranges from 0.18(± 0.16)D to 1.04(± 0.20)D. The clinical assessment of CBSA is problematic. There is poor agreement between the current automated systems for assessment of CBSA and it is assumed that these systems directly measure the CBSA. But CBSA cannot be measured directly in vivo. A historical review of methods used to quantify the curvature of the posterior corneal surface reveals that CBSA estimated by current systems is based on values for corneal front surface astigmatism, corneal refractive index, central corneal thickness, corneal thickness at peripheral locations and the exact distance between the corneal apex and each one of these peripheral locations. Doubts and errors in these values, coupled with the precise details of the algorithm incorporated to estimate CBSA, are the likely sources of the lack of agreement between current systems. These systematic errors cloud the assessment of CBSA. Mean CBSA may be low, but it varies from case to case. There is a clear need for a realistic, practical procedure for clinicians to independently calibrate systems for estimating CBSA. This would help to reduce uncertainty and the discrepancies between instruments designed to measure the same parameter.Keywords: cornea, back surface, astigmatism, radius, thickness, refractive index

Diana E Clarke,1,2 Adila Ibrahim,3 Benjamin Doty,1 Sejal Patel,1 Debbie Gibson,1 Anna Pagano,4 Laura Thompson,1 Amy B Goldstein,5 Frank Vocci,3 Robert P Schwartz3 1Division of Research, American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC, USA; 2Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; 3Social Research Center, Friends Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA; 4Quality and Science Department,American Society of Addiction Medicine, Rockville, MD, USA; 5Prevention Research Branch,National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USACorrespondence: Diana E ClarkeAmerican Psyshiatric Association, 800 Maine Avenue SW, Suite 900, Washington, DC, 20024, USATel +1 202-609-7120Email dclarke@psych.orgIntroduction: The need for innovative approaches to address the opioid epidemic in the United States is widely recognized. Many challenges exist to addressing this epidemic, including the obstacles outpatient substance use treatment practices face in implementing measurement-based care (MBC), quality measurement systems, and evidence-based treatments. Also, there are insufficient opportunities for clinicians in these settings to participate in research, resulting in diminished translation of research findings into community-based practice. To address these challenges, the Addiction Medicine Practice-Based Research Network (AMNet) was developed to facilitate the uptake of MBC in outpatient practices via implementation of patient-reported assessments and quality of care performance measures to improve patient outcomes. This network will offer clinicians in outpatient settings (not incuding opioid treatment programs [OTPs]) the opportunity to participate in future substance use disorder treatment research studies.Methods: A key step in the development of AMNet was the selection of substance use-specific assessment tools and quality of care performance measures for incorporation into the American Psychiatric Association’s mental health patient registry, PsychPRO. A scoping review and multi-step consensus-based process were used to identify, review and select candidate assessment tools and quality of care performance measures for opioid use disorders (OUD) and substance use disorders (SUD).Results: Following a consensus-based methodology, 12 standardized assessment tools and 3 quality of care performance measures for OUD and SUD were selected to help facilitate the implementation of MBC and quality improvement for AMNet participants. These tools were further categorized as core and optional.Conclusion: By offering a collection of carefully vetted assessment tools and quality measures through PsychPRO, AMNet will help participating clinicians with the systematic uptake of MBC and delivery of evidence-based treatment for patients with SUD. Also, AMNet will act as a centralized repository of data collected from patients and clinicians in non-OTP outpatient addiction medicine practices and serve as a platform for opioid treatment research.Keywords: measurement-based care, addiction medicine, patient-reported outcome measures, quality measures, quality improvement

Marjan Alidoost, Gabriella A Conte, Varsha Gupta, Swapnil Patel, Ishan Patel, Mohammed Shariff, Shreya Gor, Michael J Levitt, Arif Asif, Mohammad A Hossain Department of Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Neptune, New Jersey, 07753, USACorrespondence: Gabriella A ConteChief Resident, Internal Medicine Residency Program, Department of Medicine, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Hackensack-Meridian Health, Neptune, NJ, 07753, USATel +1 201-446-4611Email gabriella.conte@hackensackmeridian.orgBackground: Venous thromboembolism is a significant clinical event, with an annual incidence of 1– 2 per 1000 population. Risk factors include recent surgery, prolonged immobility, oral contraceptive use, and active cancer. Inherited risks include protein C and S deficiencies, antithrombin deficiency, factor V Leiden mutation and prothrombin. These factors can be tested to guide therapy, but current evidence suggests that testing for inherited thrombophilia is not recommended in most inpatient settings. In the era of high value care, hypercoagulable testing for VTE creates a financial burden for the hospital and patients. We performed a retrospective chart review of hypercoagulable orders on VTE patients at our institution.Methods: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. A total of 287 adult patients admitted over a 3-month period with the diagnosis of VTE were included. Patients were identified via ICD-10 codes and data were collected from electronic medical records. Patient characteristics, provoked versus unprovoked VTE, and relative contraindications for hypercoagulability work-up were analyzed. Our primary outcome was to assess the appropriateness of thrombophilia testing in VTE patients based on screening guidelines. Our secondary outcome was to analyze the cost burden of ordering these tests.Results: A total of 287 patients were included in our data analysis. Patient risk factors for VTE were malignancy, previous DVT, immobilization, surgery 3 months prior, and central line placement. Fifty-seven of 287 patients had at least one hypercoagulable test ordered during hospitalization which did not adhere to guidelines. Misuse of testing occurred during active thrombosis, active anticoagulation, presence of risk factors, first episode of VTE, and malignancy. The cost of ordering these 5 thrombophilia tests totaled over $40,000.Conclusion: In our study, numerous patients were tested without compliance to standard recommendations, which created financial and value-based burdens on our health care system. Increased awareness among clinicians is thus warranted to ensure high value care.Keywords: venous thromboembolism, VTE, hypercoagulability, thrombophilia

Ruth E Barker,1,2 Lisa J Brighton,3 Matthew Maddocks,3 Claire M Nolan,1,2 Suhani Patel,1 Jessica A Walsh,1 Oliver Polgar,1 Jenni Wenneberg,4 Samantha SC Kon,4 Jadwiga A Wedzicha,2 William DC Man,1,2 Morag Farquhar5 1Harefield Respiratory Research Group, Harefield Hospital, Middlesex, UK; 2National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK; 3Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London, UK; 4The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; 5School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UKCorrespondence: Ruth E BarkerHarefield Respiratory Research Group, Harefield Hospital, Hill End Road, Middlesex, UB9 6JH, United KingdomTel +44 01895 828851Email r.barker2@rbht.nhs.ukBackground: Hospital at home (HaH) schemes allow early discharge of patients hospitalised with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Traditional outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following an AECOPD has an established evidence-base, but there are issues with low referral, uptake and completion. One commonly cited barrier to PR post-hospitalisation relates to poor accessibility. To address this, the aim of this project was to enrol service users (patients with COPD and informal carers) and healthcare professionals to co-design a model of care that integrates home-based exercise training within a HaH scheme for patients discharged from hospital following AECOPD.Methods: This accelerated experience-based co-design project included three audio-recorded stakeholder feedback events, using key “touchpoints” from previous qualitative interviews and a recent systematic review. Audio-recordings were inductively analysed using directed content analysis. An integrated model of care was then developed and finalised through two co-design groups, with the decision-making process facilitated by the tables of changes approach.Results: Seven patients with COPD, two informal carers and nine healthcare professionals (from an existing outpatient PR service and HaH scheme) participated in the stakeholder feedback events. Four key themes were identified: 1) individualisation, 2) progression and transition, 3) continuity between services, and 4) communication between stakeholders. Two patients with COPD, one informal carer and three healthcare professionals participated in the first joint co-design group, with five healthcare professionals attending a second co-design group. These achieved a consensus on the integrated model of care. The agreed model comprised face-to-face supervised, individually tailored home-based exercise training one to three times a week, delivered during HaH scheme visits where possible by a healthcare professional competent to provide both home-based exercise training and usual HaH care.Conclusion: An integrated model of care has been co-designed by patients with COPD, informal carers and healthcare professionals to address low uptake and completion of PR following AECOPD. The co-designed model of care has now been integrated within a well-established HaH scheme.Keywords: COPD, exacerbations, rehabilitation, exercise training, integrated care, co-design

Sarah Patel,1,2 Bethany Doerfler,3 Katerine Boutros,4 Samson Ng,4 Machelle Manuel,5 Elayne DeSimone6 1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; 2Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA; 3Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; 4Global Medical Affairs Gastroenterology & Hepatology, AbbVie Inc, Madison, NJ, USA; 5Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA; 6Community Volunteers in Medicine, West Chester, PA, USACorrespondence: Sarah PatelDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USATel +1-(908)-642-6979Email soneil86@gmail.comAbstract: Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) are two common disorders of gut–brain interaction. Affected patients often first present to their primary care providers seeking care for symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating, which have a significant impact on their health-related quality of life. These patients often require extensive counseling and reassurance, and knowledge of reliable diagnostic criteria and treatment options is imperative to managing their conditions. Family medicine practitioners, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, are uniquely qualified to provide a diagnosis and safe, effective management of these disorders. This article reviews the latest evidence and provides practical advice related to diagnosis and management of IBS-C and CIC.Keywords: advanced practice providers, chronic idiopathic constipation, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, nurse practitioners, physician assistants

Sunny Patel,1 Lakshmi Pappoppula,2 Achuta Kumar Guddati,3 Pavan Annamaraju4 1Department of Hematology/Oncology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30909, USA; 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30909, USA; 3Department of Hematology/Oncology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30909, USA; 4Johnston Memorial Hospital Ballad Health System, Abingdon, VA 24211, USACorrespondence: Achuta Kumar GuddatiDepartment of Hematology/Oncology, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30909, USATel +1 312-404-8928Email aguddati@augusta.eduBackground: Well-differentiated thyroid cancer has better outcomes compared to undifferentiated/anaplastic thyroid cancer. The incidence of well-differentiated thyroid cancer is known to be more in women whereas it is approximately the same in both genders for anaplastic thyroid cancer. The variability of incidence-based mortality across gender in the context of race has not been studied. This study analyzes the rates of incidence-based mortality from the years 2000 to 2016 amongst both the genders in four racial groups.Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was utilized to conduct a nation-wide analysis for the years 2000 to 2016. Incidence-based mortality for all stages of well-differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid cancer was queried and the results were grouped by race (Caucasian/White, African American/Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native and Asian/Pacific Islander) and gender. All stages and ages were included in the analysis. Two sample t-test was used to determine statistically significant difference between various subgroups.Results: Incidence-based mortality rates (per 100,000) for well-differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid cancer for all races and both the genders were calculated. The incidence-based mortality rates for both genders are approximately the same despite a 2– 3:1 difference in incidence. Anaplastic thyroid cancer has a higher mortality rate in Caucasian and Asian/Pacific Islander women compared to men despite an equal ratio in incidence. As expected, the mortality rates of anaplastic thyroid cancer were significantly higher compared to well-differentiated cancer across all races and genders. Also, Asian/Pacific Islander women have a higher rate of mortality compared to both the genders of Caucasian and African American races.Conclusion: Incidence-based mortality for anaplastic thyroid cancer is higher in women in all races whereas there is no difference in mortality between men and women for well-differentiated thyroid cancer. This is divergent from the incidence ratios noted in these malignancies. In the context of increasing incidence of thyroid cancer for the past few decades, this data suggests that additional resources may be devoted to decreasing the disparity of mortality in this gender.Keywords: thyroid cancer, incidence-based mortality, disparity, race, gender

Simon Wan Yau Ming,1 John Haughney,2 Dermot Ryan,3 Iain Small,4 Federico Lavorini,5 Alberto Papi,6 Dave Singh,7 David MG Halpin,8 John R Hurst,9 Shishir Patel,10 Matthias Ochel,10 Janwillem Kocks,1,11,12 Victoria Carter,1 Antony Hardjojo,1 David B Price1,2 1Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore; 2Centre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; 3Optimum Patient Care, Cambridge, UK; 4Peterhead Health Centre, Aberdeen, UK; 5Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy; 6University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; 7University of Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; 8Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, UK; 9UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK; 10Chiesi Limited, Manchester, UK; 11General Practitioners Research Institute, Groningen, the Netherlands; 12University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC Research Institute, Groningen, the NetherlandsCorrespondence: David B PriceCentre of Academic Primary Care, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UKTel +65 6802 9724Email dprice@opri.sgIntroduction: The Fostair® 100/6 (BDP/FF) pressurized metered-dose inhaler, delivering an extrafine formulation, is licensed for asthma and COPD in the UK. However, its real-life effectiveness for COPD has not been evaluated. This study compared the clinical effectiveness of BDP/FF against other licensed ICS/LABA combination inhalers: the Seretide® Accuhaler® (FP/SAL) and the Symbicort® Turbohaler® (BUD/FF).Methods: A matched historical cohort study was conducted using records of patients with diagnostic codes for COPD from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database (OPCRD). Patients who had received BDP/FF as their first ICS/LABA were matched 1:1 with patients who had received FP/SAL or BUD/FF, resulting in two matched comparisons. Additional analysis was conducted on patients who had never had diagnostic codes for asthma. Noninferiority in terms of the proportion of patients with moderate/severe COPD exacerbations on the different inhalers in the following year was assessed. Noninferiority was achieved if the upper CI limit were ≤ 1.2.Results: This study included 537 and 540 patient pairs in the BDP/FF vs FP/SAL cohort and the BDP/FF vs BUD/FF cohort, respectively. The proportion of patients with COPD exacerbations in the BDP/FF group was not significantly different from either the FP/SAL (68.7% vs 70.2%, AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.67– 1.19) or BUD/FF group (68.5% vs 69.4%, AOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.58– 1.08). Noninferiority of BDP/FF in preventing COPD exacerbations was fulfilled in both comparisons. In patients without asthma, BDP/FF was also noninferior to BUD/FF (proportion with COPD exacerbations, 67.8% vs 64.7%, AOR 0.79, 95% CI 0.51– 1.1997). Additionally, a significantly lower proportion of patients prescribed BDP/FF had COPD exacerbations than FP/SAL (64.8% vs 73.7%, AOR 0.64 95% CI 0.43– 0.96).Conclusion: Initiating ICS/LABA treatment of COPD with extrafine-formulation BDP/FF was noninferior in preventing moderate/severe exacerbations compared to FP/SAL and BUD/FF.Keywords: metered-dose inhaler, dry-powder inhaler, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, treatment efficacy, cost-effectiveness

Sachin Patel Emergency Department, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Aylesbury, UKCorrespondence: Sachin Patel, Emergency Department, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Aylesbury, UK, Email sachin.patel23@nhs.net View the original paper by Dr Baroiu and colleagues

Roxanne Annoh,1 Sirjhun Patel,2 Daniel Beck,1 Heather Ellis,3,4 Bal Dhillon,1,4 Roshini Sanders4,5 1Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh, UK; 2Ophthalmology Department, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK; 3Ophthalmology Department, Lauriston Building, Edinburgh, UK; 4University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; 5Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, UK Abstract: Tackling visual impairment remains an important public health issue. Due to limited resources and the increasing demand on hospital eye services (HES), delivery of quality eye care within the community is essential. Training of clinical ophthalmic specialists and allied health-care professionals in the detection and management of common eye conditions can thus help to reduce the burden of eye disease and improve prognostic outcomes. Digital imaging has become a useful tool in facilitating eye-care delivery in both the community and hospital setting. In the last decade, the advent of electronic image exchange via a centralized referral unit in Scotland has revolutionized screening for ophthalmic disease, referrals, and shared care between community and HES clinicians. A government-led initiative known as the Scottish Eyecare Integration Project introduced electronic transfer of digital images within referrals from community optometrists to HES, which greatly reduced outpatient waiting times and improved patient satisfaction. The catalogue of live clinical information and digital images that resulted from the project led to the creation of a virtual learning platform through the University of Edinburgh. Participating professionals involved in eye care have interactive discussions about common eye conditions by sharing digital images of cases and investigations on a global online platform. This has received worldwide attention and inspired the creation of other university courses, e-learning platforms in eye-health education, and shared-care schemes in the screening of eye disease. We show that digital ophthalmology plays a vital role in the integration of community and HES partnership in delivery of patient care and in facilitating eye-health education to a global audience. Keywords: eye health, patient care, digital imaging, teleophthalmology, shared care

Xinyi Ng,1 Chizoba Nwankwo,2 Jean Marie Arduino,2 Shelby Corman,1 Kathryn Eilene Lasch,1 Jacqueline Mary Lustrino,1 Sushma Patel,2 Heather Loryn Platt,2 Jingjun Qiu,2 Jan Sperl3 1Pharmerit International, LP, Bethesda, MD, USA; 2Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA; 3Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic Purpose: People chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have diminished patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This study aimed to compare the impact of elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) treatment versus sofosbuvir with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (SOF/PR) on changes in PROs: 1) during the treatment period and 2) at posttreatment follow-up. Patients and methods: PRO data collected during the Phase III C-EDGE Head-2-Head (H2H) open-label study was analyzed. In this trial, patients infected with HCV were randomized 1:1 to receive either EBR/GZR or SOF/PR for 12 weeks. Patients self-administered the Short Form-36 version 2 (SF-36v2®) Health Survey Acute (1-week recall) Form and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) Scale at baseline, during treatment, and posttreatment. Between-group differences in mean change of PRO scores from baseline were estimated during the treatment period and also at the posttreatment follow-up. Effect sizes were calculated to evaluate if the detected change in mean PRO scores is clinically meaningful between groups. Results: There were 255 patients (99.2% White, 54.1% female, 74.9% treatment naïve) included in the analysis. During the treatment period, significant declines in SF-36v2 scores were observed across all domains for the SOF/PR group. Compared to the SOF/PR group, the EBR/GZR group reported more improvement in scores across all SF-36v2 domain scores at the end of the treatment period. At treatment week 12, the between-group differences for 6 out of the 8 domain scores for these patients reflected at least moderate effects (effect sizes >0.5). No significant between-group differences in change in SF-36v2 scores from baseline were detected posttreatment. The decline in SF-36v2 scores observed during the treatment period for the SOF/PR group returned to near baseline scores or above posttreatment. Treatment with EBR/GZR did not impact fatigue scores, but treatment with SOF/PR led to increased fatigue scores during treatment which resolved by posttreatment follow-up week 12. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that HCV treatment with EBR/GZR resulted in a significantly better PRO profile as compared to SOF/PR. PROs are an important consideration as worsening PROs experienced during treatment may negatively influence adherence and ultimately contribute to an unfavorable clinical outcome. Clinical trials.gov Identifier: NCT02358044 Keywords: hepatitis, direct-acting antivirals, health-related quality of life, fatigue, patient-reported outcomes

Smit Patel,1 Anne Burke-Gaffney2 1Department of Undergraduate Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK; 2Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Science, National Heart & Lung Institute (NHLI), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK Abstract: The deployment of mobile tablet computers in medical teaching and learning is viewed with mounting interest. Medical educators are embracing insights from technological advancements to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary tools to flourish as physicians. Here, we reflect on the benefits and challenges of the tablet learning experience within undergraduate medicine and how students may make the best use of it. Keywords: tablet computers, iPads, undergraduate, medicine, learning, teaching, textbook

In the present study, a topical review of recent advances in the perovskite solar cell (PSC) is discussed in detail. Organolead halide perovskite materials have many qualities to make them suitable for the fabrication of low solar cells. High absorption coefficient, long charge carrier diffusion length, low temperature processing and ambipolar behaviour are the main advantages of perovskite materials. The efficiency of the perovskite solar cell is considerably increased from 3.9-22.1%since 2009. In the present review, firstly, the fundamentals and progress in the field of PSC are discussed. The types and structures of PSC are also discussed. Three are four main layers (electron transport layer (ETL), photo-active layer (perovskite layer), the hole transport layer (HTL) and the back contact (the counter electrode)) present in PSC structure. Each and every layer has their importance and it plays an important role to make a low cost solar cell. So study is also focused on the ETL/HTL free PSC. Although the efficiency of PSC is increasing every year, the reproducibility, stability and large scale production are the main challenges. So, the use of mixed cations in active layer to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of PSC are also discussed in detail. Pb-free PSCs are also discussed rigorously to make harmless PSC. The processing cost of metal electrode deposition in PSC is very costly. So, the replacement of the metal electrode by some other low cost counter electrode is discussed comprehensively in the present review. Lastly, some future research scope of PSC is also discussed.

Anna Forsythe,1 Patricia S Brandt,2 Mike Dolph,1 Sachin Patel,3 Adrian Paul J Rabe,1 Gabriel Tremblay1 1Purple Squirrel Economics, New York, NY, 2Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Hanover, NJ, USA; 3Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey, UK Background: Cost-utility analyses for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) require health state utility values (HSUVs) in order to calculate quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for each health state. Aim: This study reviewed AML-related HSUVs that could be used in economic evaluation studies. Materials and methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were searched from January 2000 to November 2016 for relevant studies that reported quality of life (QoL) and HSUVs in AML. Identified relevant European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 values were mapped to HSUVs. HSUVs for each health state in the AML treatment pathway were then collated. Results: Ten relevant studies were identified. Six were cost-effectiveness analyses utilizing HSUVs for calculation of QALYs, one was an effectiveness analysis (incremental QALY), and two were QoL studies reporting AML-specific utilities. An additional study reported QoL for patients undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT). Since no study reported HSUVs for relapse, values from a study of secondary AML patients who failed prior treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome were used. Where multiple HSUVs were available, collected values were given priority over assumed values. AML treatment (induction, consolidation, or SCT) was associated with decreased HSUV, while post-treatment complete remission led to increased HSUV. Conclusion: There are some methodologically robust HSUVs that can be directly used in economic evaluations for AML. Careful interpretation is advised considering significant differences in methodologies and patient population (inclusion, size). We need to develop HSUVs with larger-sized studies, making greater use of condition-specific data. Keywords: acute myeloid leukemia, EQ-5D, health-related quality of life, utility, systematic review, economic analysis, QALY

Utkarsh Ojha, Shivam Patel Imperial College School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK Abstract: Medicine is among the most competitive degrees in the UK. Successfully gaining admission into medical school requires students to demonstrate a variety of academic and nonacademic skills in addition to experience and insights into the profession. However, gaining relevant experience within medicine may not be equally available to all students. The 2012 report from the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission stated that in terms of widening access and improving social mobility “medicine lags behind other professions”. As president and vice president of Imperial College School of Medicine’s student-led widening access society, we can provide an insight into the role of medical students in leading widening participation programs within a large medical school. In this article, we discuss our organizational structure, our core activities and our collaboration with the university’s outreach program. Keywords: widening access, medical school, social inequality

Anish Patel, Sunil Patel, Prasanna C Wickremesinghe, Deepak Vadada Department of Gastrointestinal Medicine, Richmond University Medical Center, Staten Island, NY, USA Abstract: Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), also known as “watermelon stomach”, is an uncommon condition, which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding due to rupture of blood vessels that line the stomach. The pathogenesis of GAVE remains unclear; however it is thought that hemodynamic changes, mechanical stress, and autoimmune factors all have a part to play. A range of conditions are also commonly associated with the syndrome, such as portal hypertensive gastropathy, liver cirrhosis, and autoimmune disorders. Less commonly, chronic renal failure, cardiac diseases, and bone marrow transplantation have coexisted with GAVE. The diagnosis is usually based on visualization of the tissue upon endoscopy; however, histology plays a role in uncertain cases. The typical “watermelon” appearance relates to the tissue having a striped appearance radiating out from the pylorus. Medical treatment has failed to show satisfactory results and surgery is usually considered as a last resort, due to its increased risk for complications and mortality. Lasers and argon plasma coagulation have been used recently, and been shown to be as effective as surgery and a safer option. We present three cases of gastric antral vascular ectasia treated at our institution with radiofrequency ablation and review the literature on treatment modalities for GAVE. Keywords: gastric antral vascular ectasia, radiofrequency ablation, Barrx, endoscopic treatment

Vani P Sanon,1 Shalin Patel,1 Saurabh Sanon,2 Ruben Rodriguez,1 Son V Pham,1 Robert Chilton1 1Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Audie L Murphy VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX, 2Interventional Cardiology-Structural Heart Disease, Cardiology Consultants at Baptist Heart and Vascular Institute, Pensacola, FL, USA Abstract: One of the most feared repercussions of type 2 diabetes mellitus is the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The current antidiabetic agents on the market have had difficulty in showing cardiovascular outcome improvement. The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial studied the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin in type 2 diabetic patients at high risk of cardiovascular events. The trial results revealed a decrease in the composite primary end points of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke in those taking empagliflozin vs placebo. Those taking the medication also had a significant decrease in death from any cause, death from cardiovascular cause, and hospitalization for heart failure. The EMPA-REG trial is paradigm shifting because it demonstrates a clear mortality benefit to cardiovascular outcomes with a low side-effect profile, in contrast to prior outcome studies of hypoglycemic agents. Further studies are required to better clarify the long-term safety and efficacy of this promising class of diabetic drugs. Keywords: SGLT2 inhibitors, diabetes, cardiovascular mortality, heart failure, hypertension

Kunj Patel,1 Omar El Tokhy,1 Shlok Patel,2 Hanna Maroof31Department of Investigative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, 2Department of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 3GKT School of Medical Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College of London, London, UKWe read with great interest the article by Zeng at al1 who propose a new electrocardiogram (ECG) teaching method called the “graphics-sequence memory method”. An ECG is one of the most important diagnostic tests and is currently used as a gold standard for the diagnosis of a number of cardiac diseases. We appreciate that it can be a challenging concept to teach, often bringing frustration to the educators trained in ECG interpretation. Zeng et al1 highlight a deficiency in learning through the traditional Chinese disease-based teaching method, resulting in a relative inability to interpret ECGs where the diagnosis is not quite so straightforward. Accumulation of evidence2 has suggested that a significant proportion of undergraduate medical students do not feel competent in their interpretation of an ECG. Therefore, the authors are right to suggest a novel approach with the dual benefit of aiding teaching and improving learning and confidence when interpreting an ECG.View original paper by Zeng and colleagues.

Shlok Patel, 1 Dharti Patel 2 1Faculty of Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK; 2Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UKCorrespondence: Dharti Patel Email d.s.patel@lancaster.ac.ukWe read with great interest the article by Haider et al which provided an insight into using Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) as an assessment method at medical school. 1 We appreciate the author’s effort and as UK medical students who have participated in both MMI & traditional interviews, we would like to share our opinion.View the original paper by Haider and colleagues

Dana M Chase,1,2 Shreya Patel,2,3 Kristin Shields4 1Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Arizona Cancer Center, 2Division of Gynecologic Oncology, 3Creighton University School of Medicine, St Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, 4Department of Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA Abstract: Olaparib is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor that received accelerated approval from the US Food and Drug Administration as monotherapy for patients with germline BRCA mutations and ovarian cancer treated with three or more prior lines of chemotherapy. This article summarizes the mechanism of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition, therapeutic profile and uses of olaparib, and current and ongoing literature pertaining to olaparib in advanced ovarian cancer. Keywords: olaparib, PARP, ovarian cancer

Given increasing opioid overdose mortality rates in the USA over the past 20 years, accelerating the implementation of prevention interventions found to be effective is critical. The Helping End Addiction Long-Term (HEAL) Prevention Cooperative (HPC) is a consortium of research projects funded to implement and test interventions designed to prevent the onset or escalation of opioid misuse among youth and young adults. The HPC offers a unique opportunity to synthesize and share lessons learned from participating research projects varied implementation experiences, which can facilitate quicker integration of effective prevention interventions into practice. This protocol paper describes our hybrid approach to collecting and analyzing information about the implementation experiences of nine of the HPC research projects while they maintain their focus on assessing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prevention interventions. To better understand implementation within this context, we will address five research questions: (1) What were the context and approach for implementing the prevention interventions, and how was the overall implementation experience? (2) How representative of the target population are the participants who were enrolled and retained in the research projects effectiveness trials? (3) For what purposes and how were stakeholders engaged by the research projects? (4) What are the adaptable components of the prevention interventions? And finally, (5) how might implementation of the prevention interventions vary for non-trial implementation? This work will result in intervention-specific and general practical dissemination resources that can help potential adopters and deliverers of opioid misuse prevention make adoption decisions and prepare for successful implementation.