ABSTRACT Background Iridoschisis is a rare, bilateral condition of unknown etiology, often associated with trauma or surgery, in which the iris stroma splits into layers. It is usually associated with glaucoma and cataract. Facectomy in these patients is challenging owing to the risk of aspirating the iris fibers and limited pupil dilation. Objective This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical features, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes in patients with iridoschisis, to clarify optimal practices and identify […]

ABSTRACT This paper examines the fitness industry as a by-product of neoliberal ideology, using “The New Way of the World: On Neoliberal Society” as a conceptual framework. Neoliberalism, as articulated by Dardot and Laval, extends beyond economic policy to shape governance and human behavior by embedding market-driven rationality into everyday life. The fitness industry, with its emphasis on individual responsibility for health and self-optimization, exemplifies core neoliberal tenets. It fosters the notion of the “entrepreneurial self,” wherein success or failure […]

ABSTRACT The present study examines the development of medical science during the COVID-19 pandemic in light of Ernst Mayr’s critique of Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy of scientific revolutions. Kuhn’s model, which emphasizes paradigm shifts and disruptive changes in scientific practice, contrasts with the evolutionary and cumulative nature of biological sciences, as argued by Mayr. Revisiting Mayr’s critique, we question the applicability of Kuhn’s model to the COVID-19 pandemic by using vaccine development as a case study. We argue that the rapid […]

ABSTRACT Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The characterization of atherosclerotic lesions reveals that they represent a chronic and progressive inflammatory condition affecting the arterial wall. Despite extensive investigations, its complex pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has recently emerged as a transformative tool, enabling detailed analysis of the cellular composition within atherosclerotic plaques. This approach provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of plaque biology. This review provides a concise overview of current scRNA-seq methodologies […]

ABSTRACT Thalidomide exerts immunomodulatory properties that may be used to treat various conditions. Although its effectiveness in treating Crohn’s disease in pediatric patients has been reported, its safety for off-label use is not well established. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of thalidomide in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease, specifically Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. A narrative review of clinical trials and observational studies published between January 2001 and May 2023 that investigated thalidomide use in […]

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography angiography for the identification of choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration. Methods: This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CAPES Periodicals, and LILACS scientific databases was conducted to identify relevant full-text articles published in English and Portuguese from January 2012 to January 2025. To comprehensively evaluate […]

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute kidney injury is a common and serious condition in critically ill patients. Current biomarkers, such as serum creatinine, are limited in early detection and prognostic assessment. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio has emerged as a promising inflammatory biomarker, reflecting systemic inflammation and potentially serving as a tool for risk stratification in high-risk groups. Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting mortality in patients with acute kidney injury through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: […]

ABSTRACT Introduction: The controversy surrounding the potential benefits of the basic saline solution vs. Ringer’s lactate solution for patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataracts prompted a systematic review and meta-analysis for comparing the two solutions. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the basic saline solution with Ringer’s lactate for irrigation in phacoemulsification for cataracts. Methods: We searched the Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials comparing basic saline solution with Ringer’s lactate in relation to central […]

ABSTRACT Introduction: Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness worldwide, with age-related cataracts being the most common type. With advancements in digital workflows, new alternative surgical processes aim to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital versus manual workflows for cataract surgery through a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on preoperative assessment time, surgery planning time, intraoperative duration, and transcription frequency. Methods: The study was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines […]

ABSTRACT Teachers have the significant potential to facilitate alterations in the teaching-learning process that can positively affect student outcomes. In the healthcare field, exposure to effective teachers is associated with enhanced clinical performance and student knowledge. The literature explores several characteristics that increase the possibility of obtaining better outcomes when developed by teachers. These features are described from the perspectives of students, managers, and teachers. However, when considering teacher development programs, it is necessary to translate these characteristics, skills, and […]