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To study retinal and choriocapillaris (CC) alterations using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in long-term type 1 diabetic (DM1) patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR). Seventy-eight eyes from 78 well-controlled DM1 patients diagnosed at least 15 years prior and 130 eyes of 130 healthy subjects were included in a cross-sectional descriptive study. Six eyes were excluded from the DM1 group. OCTA with Deep Range Imaging (DRI)-Triton swept source (SS)-OCT was performed. Statistically significant differences were found in all areas of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), with lower values in DM1 patients. Differences were noted in all quadrants of the deep capillary plexus (DCP) except for the central area. Significant changes in CC blood flow were only found in the center. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and diameters in the SCP were significantly different, while the DCP FAZ area was similar in both groups. Disease duration and microalbuminuria correlated negatively with some SCP areas and positively with FAZ values. Anatomical evaluation revealed microaneurysms in both plexuses, FAZ modifications, and areas lacking blood perfusion. Long-term type 1 diabetic patients without DR display microvascular abnormalities affecting retinal and CC blood perfusion, along with anatomical changes in retinal blood vessels.

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BACKGROUND: To evaluate changes in pattern electroretinogram (pERG) and pattern visual evoked potentials (pVEP) in patients with long-lasting type 1 diabetes without diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS: Prospective study involving 92 eyes divided into two groups. The diabetic group included 46 eyes of 23 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM); the control group included 23 age-matched healthy subjects. pERG and pVEP were assessed using the RETI-port/scan21 recording software (version 1021.3.0.0). RESULTS: Mean age was 48 ± 9.77 years for the diabetic group and 51.7 ± 4.75 years for the control group. The mean duration of diabetes was 28.88 ± 8.04 years. The mean HbA1c value was 7.29 ± 0.89%. There were no differences in the age or sex distribution. Regarding the pERG, T1DM patients exhibited a significant decrease in the amplitude of the P50 and N95 waves compared to the control group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.035, respectively), with no differences in the peak time of each component. pVEP showed no significant changes in either peak time or amplitude of the different components. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term T1DM patients without DR showed changes in the amplitude of pERG waves with preserved peak times. We did not observe modifications in pVEP. pERG may serve as a subclinical marker of ganglion cell damage in long-term T1DM patients.

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To assess full-field electroretinogram findings in long-term type 1 diabetes patients without diabetic retinopathy. Prospective study including 46 eyes of 23 patients with type 1 diabetes and 46 age-matched healthy eyes evaluated by the RETI-port/scan21 and the portable system RETeval following ISCEV guidelines. The average duration of diabetes was 28.88 ± 8.04 years. In scotopic conditions, using the RETI-port/scan21, diabetic patients showed an increase in b-wave implicit time (IT) (p = 0.017) with the lowest stimuli; a diminished b-wave amplitude (p = 0.005) in the mixed response, an increased IT (p = 0.004) with the high-intensity stimuli and an OP2 increased IT (p = 0.008) and decreased amplitude (p = 0.002). Under photopic conditions, b-wave amplitude was lower (p < 0.001) and 30-Hz flicker response was diminished (p = 0.021). Using the RETeval, in scotopic conditions, diabetic patients showed a reduction in the rod b-wave amplitude (p = 0.009), an increase in a-wave IT with the 280 Td.s stimulus (p = 0.005). OP2 had an increased IT and diminished amplitude (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002 respectively). 16 Td.s flicker showed an increased IT (p = 0.008) and diminished amplitude (p = 0.048). Despite variations in values between both systems, nearly all results displayed positive correlations. Long-term type 1 diabetes patients without diabetic retinopathy exhibit alterations in scotopic conditions, as evidenced by both conventional and portable electroretinogram devices. These findings suggest a modified retinal function, particularly in rod-driven pathways, even in the absence of vascular signs.

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Introduction: The use of antibiotic-loaded cement is an intraoperative tool that has demonstrated potential benefits in hip arthroplasty. However, the global landscape of research on this topic remains unknown. The objective of this study was to analyze the scientific growth, characteristics, and metrics of global and historical research on the use of antibiotic-loaded cement in hip arthroplasty. Material and methods: A cross-sectional bibliometric study was conducted using Scopus as the data source. Results: A total of 523 documents published between 1973 and 2023 were selected. 89.9% (n=470) of the production consisted of original articles, with 11.85% being multi-center. 84.1% of the authors have published a single article, followed by 10.3% who have published two articles. Research has predominantly focused on adults or the elderly, with an emphasis on outcome evaluation (notably reoperation), assessing various antibiotic agents, and frequently employing retrospective designs. Conclusions: There has been a sustained increase in research on the use of antibiotic-loaded cement in hip arthroplasty over the last 50 years. The research trend has shifted towards the evaluation of adult or elderly patients, exploration of antimicrobial agents, techniques, and health outcomes, primarily using observational and retrospective designs. An emerging research-focus is the study of hip arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis patients. (AU)

Introducción: El uso de cemento cargado con antibiótico, es una herramienta intraoperatoria que ha demostrado potenciales beneficios en la artroplastia de cadera. Sin embargo, se desconoce el panorama global de la investigación sobre este tópico. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el crecimiento científico, características y métricas de la investigación global e histórica sobre el uso de cemento cargado con antibiótico en artroplastia de cadera. Material y métodos: Estudio bibliométrico de corte transversal, que utilizó como fuente de datos la base Scopus. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 523 documentos publicados entre 1973 y 2023. El 89,9% (n=470) de la producción consistió en artículos originales, siendo el 11,85% multicéntricos. El 84,1% de los autores han publicado un único artículo, seguido de un 10,3% que han publicado dos artículos. La investigación se ha centrado predominantemente en adultos o ancianos, con énfasis en la evaluación de resultados (especialmente la reoperación), evaluando diversos agentes antibióticos y empleando con frecuencia diseños retrospectivos. Conclusiones: En los últimos 50 años se ha producido un aumento sostenido de la investigación sobre el uso de cemento cargado con antibióticos en la artroplastia de cadera. La tendencia de la investigación se ha desplazado hacia la evaluación de pacientes adultos o ancianos, la exploración de los agentes antimicrobianos, las técnicas y los resultados sanitarios, utilizando principalmente diseños observacionales y retrospectivos. Un nuevo foco de investigación es el estudio de la artroplastia de cadera en pacientes con artritis reumatoide. (AU)

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La traqueostomía es un procedimiento quirúrgico enfocado en brindar una vía de respiración alterna, en el que sus mayores consecuencias son las afectaciones comunicativas y deglutorias. La evaluación e intervención fonoaudiológica es indispensable dentro del proceso de rehabilitación de pacientes traqueostomizados, teniendo en cuenta las secuelas comunicativas, deglutorias y de fonación asociadas a este procedimiento. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo destacar el rol y actuar fonoaudiológico dentro de la restauración de las funciones alteradas en el caso de una paciente femenina con traqueostomía, quien acude al servicio de urgencias de un hospital público de Bogotá, Colombia. Se aplicaron pruebas estandarizadas y subjetivas para la valoración fonoaudiológica, estableciendo así el plan de manejo enfocado en la restauración de la deglución y la fonación, así como la intervención para el mantenimiento del estado orofacial, sensibilidad y movilidad de las estructuras. Se evidenciaron mejoras en la efectividad y seguridad deglutoria, una exitosa adaptación de válvula fonatoria y mantenimiento de habilidades de lenguaje y cognición, preservando el estado comunicativo. En conclusión, este estudio de caso brinda un aporte significativo con respecto a la importancia del actuar fonoaudiológico, la aplicación de conocimientos y estrategias basadas en la literatura y el análisis, evaluación e intervención.

Tracheostomy is a surgical procedure focused on providing an alternate breathing path, in which its greatest consequences are communication and swallowing impairments.Speech therapy evaluation and intervention is essential within the rehabilitation process of tracheostomized patients, taking into account the swallowing and phonatory consequences associated. The aim of this article is to highlight the role and actions of the speech language therapist in the restoration of altered functions in the case of a female patient with atracheostomy, who went to the emergency department of a public hospital in Bogotá,Colombia, due to swallowing disorders. Standardized and subjective tests were applied for speech therapy assessment. The management plan was developed focused on the restoration of swallowing and phonatory function as well as the intervention to maintain the orofacial state, sensitivity and mobility of the structures. Improvements were evident in swallowing effectiveness and safety, a successful adaptation of the speaking valve and maintenance of language and cognition skills, preserving the communicative state. In conclusion, this case study provides a significant contribution regarding regarding the importance of the speech therapist role, the application of knowledge and strategies based on literature and analysis, evaluation and intervention.

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The increase in diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence demonstrates the need for the determination of biomarkers for assessing disease development to obtain an early diagnosis and stop its progression. We aimed to analyse total retinal (RT) and inner retinal layer (IRL) thicknesses in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients and correlate these results with retinal sensitivity using swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) and microperimetry. For this purpose, a total of 54 DM2 subjects with moderate diabetic retinopathy (DR) with no signs of diabetic macular oedema (DME) and 73 age-matched healthy individuals were assessed using SS-OCT to quantify retinal thickness in the nine macular areas of the ETDRS grid. Retinal sensitivity was measured via microperimetry with a Macular Integrity Assessment Device (MAIA). The mean ages were 64.06 ± 11.98 years for the DM2 group and 60.79 ± 8.62 years for the control group. DM2 patients presented lower visual acuity (p < 0.001) and a thicker RT (260.70 ± 19.22 µm in the control group vs. 271.90 ± 37.61 µm in the DM2 group, p = 0.01). The retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) was significantly lower in the outer nasal area (50.38 ± 8.20 µm vs. 45.17 ± 11.25 µm, p = 0.005) in ganglion cells and inner plexiform layers (GCL+) in DM2. A positive correlation between the LDL-C and RNFL and a negative correlation between HDL-C levels and the inner temporal and central RNFL thickness were detected. The central (p = 0.021) and inner nasal (p = 0.01) areas were negatively correlated between the RNFL and MAIA, while GCL++ was positively correlated with the outer inferior (p = 0.015) and outer nasal areas (p = 0.024). Retinal sensitivity and macular RNFL thickness decrease in DM2 patients with moderate DR with no DME, and this study enables an accurate approach to this disease with personalised assessment based on the DR course or stage. Thus, GCL+ and GCL++ thinning may support ganglion cell loss before the RNFL is affected.

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BACKGROUND: As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for bilingual teachers has grown exponentially. However, the unique combination of being a bilingual occupational voice user establishes challenges that warrant careful examination. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between bilingualism, vocal effort, and background noise with fundamental frequency and long-term spectrum average among Spanish-English bilingual teachers. METHODS: Exploratory cross-sectional correlational study with the participation of eight Spanish-English proficient bilingual teachers (native Spanish speakers) who were teaching online classes during the quarantines established to mitigate the propagation of COVID-19. Participants were asked to read two standardized texts (one in English and one in Spanish) under two background noise conditions (with and without background white noise). RESULTS: There was a significant interaction between language and vocal effort considering that the association of vocal effort with fo was different for Spanish and English. There was also a significant main effect of background noise on fo. There were significant differences in voice spectral characteristics between productions in Spanish and English and between productions with and without background noise. The alpha ratio was significantly higher in productions in English and with background noise compared with productions in Spanish without background noise. The mid to high spectral energy ratio (1-5 K/5-8 K) was significantly lower in productions in English and with higher perceived vocal effort compared with productions in Spanish and with lower scores on the Borg Scale. CONCLUSION: Our findings introduce a need perspective by emphasizing the impact of speaking a second language on the work-relatedness of voice disorders among teachers. These findings stress the necessity to factor in language and environmental conditions for the comprehensive evaluation and management of work-related voice disorders.

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BACKGROUND: College professors are at an elevated risk of developing voice disorders due to increased vocal demands associated with their working conditions, including high background noise levels, long reverberation times, prolonged voice use duration, and large class sizes. However, the impact of online classes on vocal health among college professors remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal study aimed to characterize voice changes associated with online teaching among female Colombian college professors. METHODS: Thirteen female college professors teaching online classes completed an online survey that included questions about voice functioning, working conditions, the Spanish translation of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI), and the Spanish translation of the Voice-Related Quality of Life. Instrumental measurements were also performed, including environmental background noise levels, hearing screening, and voice recordings before and after a synchronous online class. RESULTS: This study found a decreased fundamental frequency in connected speech (reading) associated with the number of students per class, the number of classes per week, and background noise levels measured with a sound level meter. L1L0 was statistically smaller among experienced teachers with higher background noise levels compared with less-experienced colleagues in quieter classes. 1558kHz was statistically associated with the average number of students, whereas HNR was slightly higher for professors with more students and more classes per week. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that online teaching has important implications for voice production among participating teachers. This study highlights the importance of considering working conditions during online classes when designing workplace prevention programs for college professors.

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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is known to be associated with the development of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). Exclusive extranodal bone marrow involvement is less common. Co-infection by other viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), increases the incidence of a frequent complication denominated by hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (HLH). We present the case of a 50-year-old patient with the above clinical spectrum who develops several serious complications during treatment.

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Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is an uncommon group of diseases included in the same spectrum with related characteristics. The coexistence of all of them in the same individual is a rare occurrence. We present the case of a 25-year-old patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the development of all these related pathologies. Despite the use of intensive treatment according to the latest recommendations, the evolution was unfavorable. This case reflects the need for new therapies and research in this field.

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Papillary dermal elastolysis is a rare acquired disease of the elastic tissue that mainly affects elderly women with a clinical presentation of small firm papules in the neck, the supraclavicular areas and the upper back. Histopathologically, it is characteristic to find a complete or almost complete absence of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis with stains such as orcein or Verhoeff-Van Gieson. We present the case of an adult female patient presenting a clinical picture of years of evolution of elastic skin-colored papules on her neck, occasionally pruritic. Two biopsies were performed. In one of them an inflammatory infiltrate affecting the hair follicles was observed, and she was diagnosed with mycosis fungoides. The other biopsy showed a total absence of elastic fibers in the papillary dermis and was diagnosed as elastolysis of the papillary dermis. In early stages of papillary dermal elastolysis, a perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate has been described, as is the case described above. It is important for dermatopathologist to know this atypical but possible presentation, as it may require a differential diagnosis with other entities such as follicular mycosis fungoides.

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The rapid development of the vaccine and the infodemia have challenged communication about COVID-19 vaccines. This study aims to characterize-through the experience of vaccinators-the challenges faced during COVID-19 vaccination consultations and the communication strategies adopted. A qualitative study was conducted on COVID-19 vaccinators in Tuscany, Italy. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and examined by thematic analysis. In total, 30 vaccinators were interviewed. Four main themes emerged. The first highlighted distinct profiles of users' attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. Barriers and promoters of vaccine uptake emerged in the second theme: concerns over the vaccine, excessive exposure to information, and a lack of clear guidance from institutions were the main factors behind hesitancy. The third theme highlighted users' information-seeking behaviors; vaccinators observed that users ideologically opposed to the vaccine (IOV) unconsciously seek information that confirms their theories. The last theme comprised communication strategies for dealing with hesitancy. Empathy, first-hand examples, transparency, and tailored communication style appear to be effective in building vaccine trust. Lastly, the impossibility of developing a decision-making partnership with IOVs was noticed. These findings may help to better characterize public attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and highlight key communication principles and strategies to foster vaccine confidence.

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The leading route of Chagas disease transmission in nonendemic countries is congenital. However, policies concerning screening, prevention, and management of congenital Chagas disease are rare in these settings. Since 2012, serological screening for Chagas disease should be provided for pregnant women at risk in Tuscany, Italy according to a Regional resolution. Due to difficulties in the implementation, in November 2019, a checklist aimed at identifying pregnant women at risk for Chagas disease was introduced in digital clinical records at Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the "Chagas checklist", data about the number of deliveries by women at risk and their screening coverage between 2012 and June 2022 were collected. Out of 1348 deliveries by women at risk, 626 (47%) Trypanosoma cruzi serology tests were performed during the study period. The annual screening coverage increased from an average of 40.3% between 2012 and 2019 to 75.7% between 2020 and June 2022, underlining the big impact of the checklist. Four Chagas disease serological tests out of 626 (0.6%) resulted positive, corresponding to 2 affected women. No cases of congenital transmission occurred. The study showed that a simple digital tool led to a tangible improvement in the coverage of the screening program; its application in a setting where digital charts are available will contribute to the control and elimination of congenital Chagas disease.

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OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a Workplace Vocal Health Promotion Program (WVHPP) and working conditions on voice functioning of college professors. STUDY DESIGN: This is a pre-post intervention study. METHODS: College professors were randomly assigned in a control group or an intervention group. Participants filled out a questionnaire and recorded a voice sample at baseline and at the end of the follow-up. This program contains four sessions (2 face-to-face and 2 virtual sessions; one per week) focused on voice hygiene, vocal training, and strategies to modify teaching-learning process. RESULTS: The Intervention group (n = 15) showed increased scores in V-RQOL in comparison with the control group (n = 14), but the effect was not statistically significant. After the program, shimmer decreased (P = 0.05), whereas MPT and HNR increased (P = 0.02 and 0.04 respectively) among professors in the intervention group after the implementation of the WVHPP. Concerning working conditions, number of students per class was statistically associated with SPL. MPT was statistically associated with age and good acoustics inside the classroom. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that implementation of a WVHPP, as well as working conditions, influence voice functioning measured by means of instrumental voice measures and voice-related quality of life. Therefore, workplace promotion programs may be good approaches to decrease the high prevalence of voice disorders among professors.

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Somatic mutations in the ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 gene (TET2) have been associated to hematologic malignancies. More recently, biallelic, and monoallelic germline mutations conferring susceptibility to lymphoid and myeloid cancer have been described. We report two unrelated autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome-like patients who presented with T-cell lymphoma associated with novel germline biallelic or monoallelic mutations in the TET2 gene. Both patients presented a history of chronic lymphoproliferation with lymphadenopathies and splenomegaly, cytopenias, and immune dysregulation. We identified the first compound heterozygous patient for TET2 mutations (P1) and the first ALPS-like patient with a monoallelic TET2 mutation (P2). P1 had the most severe form of autosomal recessive disease due to TET2 loss of function resulting in absent TET2 expression and profound increase in DNA methylation. Additionally, the immunophenotype showed some alterations in innate and adaptive immune system as inverted myeloid/plasmacytoid dendritic cells ratio, elevated terminally differentiated effector memory CD8 + T-cells re-expressing CD45RA, regulatory T-cells, and Th2 circulating follicular T-cells. Double-negative T-cells, vitamin B12, and IL-10 were elevated according to the ALPS-like suspicion. Interestingly, the healthy P1's brother carried a TET2 mutation and presented some markers of immune dysregulation. P2 showed elevated vitamin B12, hypergammaglobulinemia, and decreased HDL levels. Therefore, novel molecular defects in TET2 confirm and expand both clinical and immunological phenotype, contributing to a better knowledge of the bridge between cancer and immunity.

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Professorswho sleep 6 or fewer hours are more likely to report voice symptoms. However, only three studies have been published on this topic, basingtheir conclusions on self-reported surveysand displayingan overall weak methodological quality, which hindersthe generalization of these results. This exploratory, correlational, and longitudinal study aimed to determine the association between sleep quality and duration andthree acoustic parameters linkedto voiceharmonicity and quality (jitter, shimmer, and Harmonics-to-Noise Ratio [HNR]) among 24 Colombian universityprofessors. Generalized linear models with gamma distribution were used to analyzethis association. Our results indicate that the professors who reported good sleep quality had significantly lower HNR values compared with thosewho had alow sleep quality. Additionally, increased jitter (B= 0.10)and shimmer (B= 0.10), and decreased HNR (B= -0.05) values were found when the duration of sleep increased. In contrast, participantswith good self-perceived sleep quality and a shorter sleep durationpresented lower voice harmonicity compared to those with bad sleep quality and shorter sleep duration, which may be associated with the physiological and emotional effects of sleep on voice production. Considering the multifactorial nature of voice production and the exploratory nature of the present study, it is important to note that a statistically significant correlationbetween sleep quality and duration andvoice harmonicity does not necessarily imply that sleep directly causes voice disorders, but rather suggests that sleep is a variable tobe considered when analyzing and treating individuals with voice issues. These findings provide insight into the complex interplay of variablesthat may contribute to voice disorders andhighlight the importance of considering sleep as a potential contributing factorin the assessment and management of individuals with voice issues.

Los profesores que duermen 6 horas o menos tienen más probabilidades de reportar síntomas de voz. Sin embargo, solo se han publicado tres estudios sobre este tema, los cuales basan sus conclusiones solo en auto reportes, lo que dificulta la generalización de esta relación. Este estudio exploratorio, correlacional y longitudinal tuvo como objetivo determinar la asociación entre la calidad y la duración del sueño con tres parámetros acústicos relacionados con la armonía y la calidad de la voz (jitter, shimmer y relación armónicos-ruido (HNR) en 24 profesores universitarios colombianos. Se utilizaron modelos lineales generalizados con distribución gamma para determinar la asociación de estas variables con los parámetros acústicos de la voz. Nuestros resultados indican que los profesores con buena calidad de sueño tenían valores de HNR significativamente más bajos en comparación con aquellos con menor calidad del sueño. Específicamente, hubo un aumento del jitter (B= 0,10), shimmer (B= 0,10) y disminución del HNR (B= -0,05) al incrementar la duración del sueño. Por su parte, los profesores con una buena calidad del sueño y con una corta duración de este (medida a través de auto-reporte) tenían menos armonía vocal que aquellos con una mala calidad y una duración del sueño corta, lo que puede estar asociado con los efectos fisiológicosy emocionales del sueño en la producción vocal. Teniendo en cuenta la naturaleza multifactorial de la producción de voz y la naturaleza exploratoria del presente estudio, es importante destacar que una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la calidad y duración del sueño con la armonía vocal no implica necesariamente que la mala calidad o corta duración del sueño causen directamente trastornos de voz. Más bien, sugiere que el sueño es una variable que debe considerarse al analizar y tratar a personas con problemas de voz. Estos resultados proporcionan información sobre la compleja interacción de factores que pueden contribuir a los trastornos de voz y resaltan la importancia de considerar el sueño como un factor potencial que contribuye en la evaluación y tratamiento de las personas con dichos trastornos.

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BACKGROUND: To study choroidal thickness (CT) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) patients with moderate diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to correlate with changes in retinal thickness (RT) with swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) compared to healthy subjects. METHODS: Fifty-four DM2 patients with moderate DR without diabetic macular edema (DME) and 73 age-matched healthy subjects were evaluated using SS-OCT to measure changes in total RT and CT in the nine areas of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) macular grid. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.06 ± 11.98 years and 60.79 ± 8.62 years in the diabetic and control groups, respectively. Total RT showed statistically significant differences in the temporal inner area, with higher values in the DM2 group (p = 0.010). CT did not show differences between the groups. There was a significant negative correlation between RT and age in all of the outer ETDRS areas and a positive significant correlation in the central area for the DM2 group. There was also a negative significant correlation between CT and age in all of the ETDRS areas except for the inferior inner area. In the DM2 group, a negative correlation was observed between RT and CT in the central area (p = 0.039) and in both horizontal parafoveal areas (temporal inner, p = 0.028; nasal inner, p= 0.003). CONCLUSION: DM2 patients with moderate DR have no changes with regard to CT. Both CT and RT decreased with age in DM2, showing a negative correlation between these factors in the central and horizontal parafoveal areas of the ETDRS grid.

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BACKGROUND: Understanding the impact of the burden of COVID-19 is key to successfully navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a larger investigation on COVID-19 mortality impact, this study aims to estimate the Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL) in 17 countries and territories across the world (Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cyprus, France, Georgia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Peru, Norway, England & Wales, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United States [USA]). METHODS: Age- and sex-specific COVID-19 death numbers from primary national sources were collected by an international research consortium. The study period was established based on the availability of data from the inception of the pandemic to the end of August 2020. The PYLL for each country were computed using 80 years as the maximum life expectancy. RESULTS: As of August 2020, 442,677 (range: 18-185,083) deaths attributed to COVID-19 were recorded in 17 countries which translated to 4,210,654 (range: 112-1,554,225) PYLL. The average PYLL per death was 8.7 years, with substantial variation ranging from 2.7 years in Australia to 19.3 PYLL in Ukraine. North and South American countries as well as England & Wales, Scotland and Sweden experienced the highest PYLL per 100,000 population; whereas Australia, Slovenia and Georgia experienced the lowest. Overall, males experienced higher PYLL rate and higher PYLL per death than females. In most countries, most of the PYLL were observed for people aged over 60 or 65 years, irrespective of sex. Yet, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Israel, Peru, Scotland, Ukraine, and the USA concentrated most PYLL in younger age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the role of PYLL as a tool to understand the impact of COVID-19 on demographic groups within and across countries, guiding preventive measures to protect these groups under the ongoing pandemic. Continuous monitoring of PYLL is therefore needed to better understand the burden of COVID-19 in terms of premature mortality.

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