Dual wavelength 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy using a novel flexible light-emitting diode unit

Background

Photosensitizers used for photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat dermatologic disease are metabolized into mainly protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), which has five absorption wavelength peaks: 410?nm, 510?nm, 545?nm, 580?nm, and 630?nm. Although only red light around 635?nm and blue light around 400?nm are used as light sources for PDT, the efficiency of PDT might be improved by using multiple wavelengths, including those that correspond to the other absorption peaks of PpIX. Furthermore, because the target disease often occurs on the face, a flexible-type light-source unit that can be fitted to the lesion without unnecessarily exposing the mucous membranes, e.g., the eyes, nostrils, and mouth, is preferred.

Clinical Features,Treatment, and Visual Outcomes of Japanese Patients with Posterior Scleritis

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe clinical features and visual outcomes of Japanese patients with posterior scleritis.

Methods: Clinical records of 10 patients (13 eyes) presenting between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: The mean age was 50.1 ± 20.8 years; 50% were women, and three patients had bilateral disease. Associated anterior scleritis (11 eyes, 85%) and serous retinal detachment (8 eyes, 62%) were common at presentation. Treatment consisted of corticosteroids (all patients) and immunosuppressive agents (seven patients). The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly reduced over follow-up [611 μm at baseline, 298 μm (p < 0.01) at 1 month, and 238 μm (p < 0.01) at 1 year]. Recurrent inflammation was observed in six patients. A best-corrected visual acuity of 0.8 or better was achieved in all 13 eyes at 3 years and 71% of eyes at 5 years.

Conclusion: Although 60% of patients with posterior scleritis had recurrence, visual outcomes were favorable.     

Coffin-Siris syndrome with bilateral macular dysplasia caused by a novel exonic deletion in ARID1B

Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) is a congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by developmental delay, coarse facial features, and hypoplasia of the fifth digit's nail or phalanges. Herein, we report a case of the 8-year-old female patient who showed developmental delay associated with dysplasia in the macular and large toe area. Comprehensive genomic analysis showed no possible candidate variants, but the subsequent genomic copy number analysis revealed a novel exonic deletion in the coding region of AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1B (ARID1B), a gene responsible for CSS. Genomic copy number analysis can aid in diagnosing CSS by confirming undiagnosed exonic deletions in ARID1B. Furthermore, this is the first report of CSS associated with bilateral macular dysplasia.     

Role of Social Support in the Relationship Between Financial Strain and Frequency of Exercise Among Older Japanese: A 19-year Longitudinal Study

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that financial strain has deleterious effects on healthy behaviors. Moreover, social support is expected to mitigate these effects, but few studies have investigated the effects of exercise; thus, the investigation can deepen our understanding of the relationship between social support and physical activity/exercise. We examined the relationship between financial strain and frequency of exercise, and the role of social support in this relationship in old age.MethodsData came from a 19-year longitudinal study conducted between 1987 and 2006 of Japanese adults aged 60 or more with up to seven repeated observations. Frequency of exercise was assessed using a four-point scale. Financial strain was measured using the responses to three questions related to financial condition. This study considered both emotional and instrumental supports. Covariates included demographic and socioeconomic factors, health behaviors, and health condition.ResultsThe analysis included 3,911 participants. The results of a generalized estimation equation model showed that among females, greater financial strain in the previous wave was associated with reduced frequency of exercise (b = −0.018; 95% confidence interval, −0.032 to −0.004), and that as financial strain increased, those who received more instrumental support engaged in less exercise than those who received less support (b = −0.009; 95% confidence interval, −0.017 to −0.002). These relationships were not observed among males.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that financial strain is negatively correlated with frequency of exercise among older females. In addition, instrumental support is negatively correlated with frequency of exercise among females under financial strain.Key words: financial strain, social support, exercise, panel data analysis, old age