Background: Certain studies have indicated a link between obstructive sleep apnea and insulin resistance in specific populations. To gain more clarity, extensive research involving a broad sample of the overall population is essential. The primary objective of this study was to investigate this correlation by utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Methods: The analysis incorporated data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database spanning the time periods from 2005 to 2008 and from 2015 to 2018, with a focus on American adults aged 18 years and older after applying weight adjustments. Key variables such as obstructive sleep apnea, triglyceride glucose index, and various confounding factors were considered. A generalized linear logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea and the triglyceride glucose index, with additional exploration of the consistency of the results through hierarchical analysis and other techniques. Results: The study included participants aged between 18 and 90 years, with an average age of 46.75 years. Among the total sample, 50.76% were male. The triglyceride glucose index demonstrated a diagnostic capability for obstructive sleep apnea, with an AUC of 0.701 (95% CI: 0.6619–0.688). According to the fully adjusted model, individuals in the fourth quartile of the triglyceride glucose index showed an increased likelihood of having obstructive sleep apnea compared to those in the first quartile (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.02–2.06; P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that male sex (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.76–2.45; P < 0.05), younger age (OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 2.02–3.96; P < 0.05), white ethnicity (OR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.93–2.73; P < 0.05), and obesity (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.28–1.85; P < 0.05) were correlated with an elevated risk of OSA. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a strong association between an elevated TG index and OSA. Additionally, the triglyceride glucose index could serve as an independent predictor of obstructive sleep apnea.

Purpose: We recently discovered that a hypoxic environment is beneficial for meibomian gland (MG) function. The mechanisms underlying this effect are unknown, but we hypothesize that it is due to an increase in the levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α). In other tissues, HIF1α is the primary regulator of cellular responses to hypoxia, and HIF1α expression can be induced by multiple stimuli, including hypoxia and hypoxia-mimetic agents. The objective of this study was to test our hypothesis. Methods: Human eyelid tissues were stained for HIF1α. Immortalized human MG epithelial cells (IHMGECs) were cultured for varying time periods under normoxic (21% O₂) or hypoxic (1% O₂) conditions, in the presence or absence of the hypoxia-mimetic agent roxadustat (Roxa). IHMGECs were then processed for the analysis of cell number, HIF1α expression, lipid-containing vesicles, neutral and polar lipid content, DNase II activity, and intracellular pH. Results: Our results show that HIF1α protein is present in human MG acinar epithelial cells in vivo. Our findings also demonstrate that exposure to 1% O₂ or to Roxa increases the expression of HIF1α, the number of lipid-containing vesicles, the content of neutral lipids, and the activity of DNase II and decreases the pH in IHMGECs in vitro. Conclusions: Our data support our hypothesis that the beneficial effect of hypoxia on the MG is mediated through an increased expression of HIF1α.

Purpose . To compare the clinical results of standard corneal cross‐linking (SCXL) with transepithelial corneal cross‐linking (TECXL) in progressive keratoconus using a meta‐analysis. Methods . PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to June 2020 to identify relevant studies. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Primary outcomes were change in uncorrected distance visual acuity and maximum keratometry ( K _max ) after CXL. Secondary outcomes were change in corrected distance visual acuity, mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), spherical and cylindrical error, endothelial cells density (ECD), and central corneal thickness (CCT). Results . Sixteen studies with a total of 690 eyes (SCXL: 332 eyes; TECXL: 358 eyes) were included. At the last follow‐up, SCXL provided a greater decrease in maximum keratometry ( K _max ) than TECXL (weighted mean difference (WMD) −1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.96, −0.29). For the other outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences. Conclusions . Except for a greater decrease in Kmax with SCXL group, both groups have a comparable effect on visual, pachymetric, and endothelial parameters at 24 months after surgery. Larger studies with a longer follow‐up time are necessary to determine whether these techniques are comparable in the long term.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced further challenges into Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions. Existing evidence suggests success rates for CPR in COVID-19 patients is low and the risk to healthcare professionals from this aerosol-generating procedure complicates the benefit/harm balance of CPR. Methods: The study is based at a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom where all DNACPR decisions are documented on an electronic healthcare record (EHR). Data from all DNACPR/TEAL status forms between 1st January 2017 and 30th April 2020 were collected and analysed. We compared patterns of decision making and rates of form completion during the 2-month peak pandemic phase to an analogous period during 2019. Results: A total of 16,007 forms were completed during the study period with a marked increase in form completion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with a form completed were on average younger and had fewer co-morbidities during the COVID-19 period than in March-April 2019. Several questions on the DNACPR/TEAL forms were answered significantly differently with increases in patients being identified as suitable for CPR (23.8% versus 9.05%; p < 0.001) and full active treatment (30.5% versus 26.1%; p = 0.028). Whilst proportions of discussions that involved the patient remained similar during COVID-19 (95.8% versus 95.6%; p = 0.871), fewer discussions took place with relatives (50.6% versus 75.4%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the emphasis on senior decision making and conversations around ceilings of treatment appears to have changed practice, with a higher proportion of patients having DNACPR/TEAL status documented. Understanding patient preferences around life-sustaining treatment versus comfort care is part of holistic practice and supports shared decision making. It is unclear whether these attitudinal changes will be sustained after COVID-19 admissions decrease.