A Phase 1b, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of the Putative Remyelinating Agent, Liothyronine, in Individuals with MS.

Thyroid hormones are essential during developmental myelination and may play a direct role in remyelination and repair in the adult central nervous system by promoting the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells into mature oligodendrocytes. Since tri-iodothyronine (T3) is believed to mediate the majority of important thyroid hormone actions, liothyronine (synthetic T3) has the potential to induce reparative mechanisms and limit neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS). We completed a phase 1b clinical trial to determine the safety and tolerability of ascending doses of liothyronine in individuals with relapsing and progressive MS.

High-dose vitamin D supplementation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a randomised clinical trial.

Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse; whether supplementation influences prognosis is unknown. The Vitamin D to Ameliorate MS (VIDAMS) trial aimed to determine if high dose (5000 International Units (IU)/day) versus low dose (600 IU/day) vitamin D added to daily glatiramer acetate (GA), reduced the risk of clinical relapse in people with established relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) over 96 weeks.

Methods: VIDAMS is a randomised, phase 3, double-blind, multi-centre, controlled trial conducted at sixteen neurology clinics in the United States.

Intermittent calorie restriction alters T cell subsets and metabolic markers in people with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Intermittent fasting or calorie restriction (CR) diets provide anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective advantages in models of multiple sclerosis (MS); data in humans are sparse.

Methods: We conducted a randomised-controlled feeding study of different CR diets in 36 people with MS over 8 weeks. Participants were randomised to 1 of 3 diets: 1) a control diet, in which the participant received 100% of his or her calorie needs 7 days per week, 2) a daily CR diet, in which the participant received 78% of his or her calorie needs 7 days per week, or 3) an intermittent CR diet, in which the participant received 100% of his or her calorie needs on 5 days per week and 25% of his or her calorie needs 2 days per week (i.

Association of Disease Severity and Socioeconomic Status in Black and White Americans With Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: To compare clinical and imaging features of multiple sclerosis (MS) severity between Black Americans (BAs) and White Americans (WAs) and to evaluate the role of socioeconomic status.

Methods: We compared BA and WA participants in the Multiple Sclerosis Partners Advancing Technology Health Solutions (MS PATHS) cohort with respect to MS characteristics, including self-reported disability, objective neurologic function assessments, and quantitative brain MRI measurements, after covariate adjustment (including education level, employment, or insurance as socioeconomic indicators). In a subgroup, we evaluated within-race, neighborhood-level indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) using 9-digit zip codes.

The prevalence and utility of screening for urinary tract infection at the time of presumed multiple sclerosis relapse.

Background: Methods of screening for infections at the time of suspected relapse in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) vary across physicians. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are at an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). Data evaluating the utility of screening for potential UTI at the time of suspected relapse and whether there are key subgroups of patients in which screening would be most effective are sparse.

Effect of intermittent vs. daily calorie restriction on changes in weight and patient-reported outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis.

An intermittent fasting or calorie restriction diet has favorable effects in the mouse forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and may provide additional anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective advantages beyond benefits obtained from weight loss alone. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled feeding study in 36 people with MS to assess safety and feasibility of different types of calorie restriction (CR) diets and assess their effects on weight and patient reported outcomes in people with MS. Patients were randomized to receive 1 of 3 diets for 8 weeks: daily CR diet (22% daily reduction in energy needs), intermittent CR diet (75% reduction in energy needs, 2 days/week; 0% reduction, 5 days/week), or a weight-stable diet (0% reduction in energy needs, 7 days/week).

Corneal Sensitivity and Presence of Pathogenic Organisms Among Participants Who Have Undergone Trichiasis Surgery Differ by Surgical Outcome.

Purpose: To explore the potential association between reduced corneal sensation and/or conjunctival bacterial colonization and postoperative trichiasis and eyelid contour abnormalities after corrective eyelid surgery among participants with a history of trachomatous trichiasis.

Methods: As an ancillary study to the Partnership for Rapid Elimination of Trachoma (PRET) Surgery Trial in southern Tanzania, we collected data on 580 PRET participants who had undergone trichiasis surgery 1 year earlier and 200 age-group-matched individuals without trichiasis. Assessments included eyelid status evaluation (presence and severity of postoperative trichiasis and/or eyelid contour abnormality), corneal sensitivity by Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer, a questionnaire on symptoms of ocular irritation, and conjunctival microbiology.

Risk factors for endophthalmitis following cataract surgery-our experience at a tertiary eye care centre in India.

Aim: To determine the risk factors for acute endophthalmitis after cataract extraction in a tertiary care centre in India.

Methods: We performed a nested case control study within a retrospective cohort. The surgical records of all patients with clinically diagnosed endophthalmitis within one month after cataract surgery, performed between January 2006 and December 2009, were reviewed.

Donor Corneal Transplantation vs Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis in Patients with Previous Graft Failures: A Retrospective Single Center Study (An American Ophthalmological Society Thesis).

Purpose: To compare short-term outcomes of repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PK) to those of Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro). Our hypothesis was that visual outcomes were superior for KPro compared to PK.

Methods: This is a retrospective, nonrandomized, intermediate-term case series.

Multiple sclerosis patients have a diminished serologic response to vitamin D supplementation compared to healthy controls.

Background: Vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS), and patients do not always show the expected response to vitamin D supplementation.

Objective: We aimed to determine if vitamin D supplementation leads to a similar increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25(OH)D) levels in patients with MS and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods: Participants in this open-label study were female, white, aged 18-60 years, had 25(OH)D levels ⩽ 75 nmol/l at screening, and had relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or were HCs.

Characteristics of Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery in the United States Medicare Population.

Purpose: Endophthalmitis is a rare but sight-threatening infection after cataract surgery. Roughly one third of eyes remain blind after treatment. We report United States population-based data on microbiological investigations and treatment patterns plus risk factors for poor outcomes.

Patients' Perceptions of Trichiasis Surgery: Results from the Partnership for Rapid Elimination of Trachoma (PRET) Surgery Clinical Trial.

Purpose: While quality of life surveys have been conducted in trachomatous trichiasis (TT) surgery populations, little is known about patients' perceptions of the surgical experience and outcomes.

Methods: We interviewed a subset of Partnership for the Rapid Elimination of Trachoma (PRET) surgery trial participants 24 months after surgery. Questions focused on current ocular symptoms, perceived daily functioning, physical appearance, and overall perception of surgery.

Ranibizumab for macular telangiectasia type 2 in the absence of subretinal neovascularization.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of 0.3 mg or 0.5 mg of ranibizumab in eyes with macular telangiectasia type 2 without subretinal neovascularization.

Trends over time and regional variations in the rate of laser trabeculoplasty in the Medicare population.

Importance: Laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) is routinely used to treat open-angle glaucoma; hence, understanding variations in its use over time and region is important.

Objective: To determine trends over time and the regional variation in the performance of LTP.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Database analysis of a 5% random sample of all Medicare beneficiaries 65 years or older with continuous Part B (medical insurance) coverage and no enrollment in a health maintenance organization for each year from 2002 through 2009.

Barriers to attending an eye examination after vision screening referral within a vulnerable population.

Half of high-risk, uninsured/underinsured individuals identified through vision screening as needing eye exams do not attend. Patients who attended vision screening and were referred for an exam but did not attend that exam were contacted and asked whether they were interested in receiving a free complete eye exam at an offsite center within three blocks of the clinic. Those who agreed were asked why they did not attend their original appointment and what would make it easier to attend.

Outcomes of a vision screening program for underserved populations in the United States.

Purpose: To evaluate which components of a vision screening process are most effective in identifying individuals who need eye care services.

Methods: Subjects visiting a free health clinic were screened using visual acuity and a questionnaire. Persons who failed screening were referred for a professional eye examination.

The cost of glaucoma care provided to Medicare beneficiaries from 2002 to 2009.

Purpose: To estimate payments for glaucoma care among Medicare beneficiaries from 2002 to 2009.

Design: Database study.

Participants: Data from a 5% random sample of Medicare billing information from 2002 to 2009.

Trachomatous trichiasis clamp vs standard bilamellar tarsal rotation instrumentation for trichiasis surgery: results of a randomized clinical trial.

Objective: To determine whether a new surgical clamp reduces unfavorable postoperative outcomes.

Methods: Patients with trachomatous trichiasis (TT) were randomized to surgery with standard bilamellar tarsal rotation (BLTR) instrumentation or the TT clamp and were followed up for 2 years.

Main Outcome Measures: Postoperative TT, pyogenic granuloma formation, and eyelid contour abnormalities, combined and individually.

Cataract surgery among Medicare beneficiaries.

Purpose: To present descriptive epidemiology of cataract surgery among Medicare recipients in the United States.

Setting: Cataract surgery performed on Medicare beneficiaries in 2003 and 2004.

Methods: Medicare claims data were used to identify all cataract surgery claims for procedures performed in the United States in 2003-2004.

Relationship between immediate post-operative appearance and 6-week operative outcome in trichiasis surgery.

Background: Surgical technique, including suture placement and tension, is believed to contribute to the outcome of bilamellar tarsal rotation surgery for trachomatous trichiasis. However, the immediate post-operative appearance that minimizes the chance of recurrence and other adverse outcomes has not been investigated.

Methodology/principal Findings: To explore whether the degree of correction immediately after surgery is predictive of surgical outcome at the 6-week post-operative visit, photographs taken immediately after surgery were used to predict surgical outcomes, including the severity of eyelid contour abnormality and trichiasis recurrence.

Definitions and standardization of a new grading scheme for eyelid contour abnormalities after trichiasis surgery.

Background: Clear definitions of outcomes following trichiasis surgery are critical for planning program evaluations and for identifying ways to improve trichiasis surgery. Eyelid contour abnormality is an important adverse outcome of surgery; however, no standard method has been described to categorize eyelid contour abnormalities.

Methodology/principal Findings: A classification system for eyelid contour abnormalities following surgery for trachomatous trichiasis was developed.

Regional variations and trends in the prevalence of diagnosed glaucoma in the Medicare population.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of diagnosed glaucoma in the Medicare population and to assess regional variations and trends.

Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Participants: A 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years, excluding those in health maintenance organizations.

Postcataract surgery endophthalmitis in the United States: analysis of the complete 2003 to 2004 Medicare database of cataract surgeries.

Objective: To estimate endophthalmitis incidence after cataract surgery nationally and at the state level in 2003 and 2004 and to explore risk factors.

Design: Analysis of Medicare beneficiary claims data.

Participants: We evaluated billed claims for cataract surgery and endophthalmitis diagnosis and treatment for all Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in 2003-2004.