Phoenix Medical Research

Any pair of intersecting cylinders on a translation surface is "coherent," in that the geometric and algebraic intersection numbers of their core curves are equal (up to sign).In this paper, we investigate when a pair of multicurves can be simultaneously realized as the core curves of cylinders on some translation surface.Our main tools are surface topology and the "flat grafting" deformation introduced by Ser-Wei Fu.

Abstract: A case report of a 24-year-old female on mirabegron who presented with vision loss and found to have choroidopathy. After cessation of mirabegron, visual acuity improved and choroidopathy stabilized suggesting a relation between mirabegron and choroidopathy. This case highlights the important implication that early detection of mirabegron-associated choroidopathy- and cessation- may play an important role in optimization of visual outcomes.

Abstract: Statins are used widely to treat hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. They have inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects potentially useful for managing systemic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. Statins also have anti-oxidative and large-vessel endothelial supportive properties that occur independent of their lipid-lowering effects. Additionally, statins can suppress macrophage and microglial activation responsible for initiating inflammatory cytokine release. More than forty percent of adults aged 65 years or older use statins in the United States and Australia, a prevalence that increases with age. The effects of statin usage on ophthalmic practice are probably underrecognized. Cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) share common risk factors, consistent with the “vascular model” of AMD pathogenesis that implicates impaired choroidal circulation in Bruch’s membrane lipoprotein accumulation. AMD has a complex multifactorial pathogenesis involving oxidative stress, choroidal vascular dysfunction, dysregulated complement-cascade-mediated inflammation and pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic growth factors. Many of these components are hypothetically amenable to the primary (cholesterol lowering) and secondary (anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-vasculopathy) effects of statin use. Experimental studies have been promising, epidemiological trails have produced conflicting results and three prospective clinical trials have been inconclusive at demonstrating the value of statin therapy for delaying or preventing AMD. Cumulative evidence to date has failed to prove conclusively that statins are beneficial for preventing or treating AMD.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience barriers to competitive integrated employment during their transition to adulthood. To better understand potential reasons for these barriers, we interviewed 10 young adults with ASD, ages 18-26, and their parents or guardians. We audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed the interviews using grounded theory methods. Four major themes emerged as barriers to employment: (a) pre-employment challenges, (b) logistics, (c) few on-the-job supports, and (d) a disconnect between interests and job tasks. These findings indicated young adults who desire competitive employment may benefit from autism-specific interventions and employment programming. Suggestions for research and practice related to the competitive integrated employment of individuals with ASD are discussed.

The way faith is formed depends upon the zeitgeist, the spirit of the age. Faith formation cannot happen in a vacuum. It is shaped and informed by all that is happening. In our time, the COVID-19 pandemic is happening. In this essay I reflect on faith formation amid the zeitgeist of the Coronavirus, considering ways that the pandemic requires religious educators to seek new methods and practices for educational ministry that forms people in faith.

High speed and small gauge vitrectomy systems have made surgical intervention in complications of diabetic retinopathy (DR) safer. The availability of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) compounds for use in DR has significantly improved intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. This review discusses the indications for surgical intervention in DR. The role of anti-VEGF compounds is discussed as surgical adjuvants with an emphasis on timing of treatment before surgery.

Refractive surgery procedures have been performed on children since the early 1980s. This article will review this history as well as current thoughts on treating children with large refractive errors. Pediatric refractive surgery has developed slowly as very few children fit the criteria for treatment. For this reason, practice patterns are varied and publications are rare. Publications in recent years have focused on intraocular procedures over laser refractive surgery. Pediatric refractive surgery is an evolving field as surgeons try to find the best long-term treatments for these young patients.