SummaryAim: To determine the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) and ergonomic practices among students in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Jamaica. Method:A cross-sectional study was done with a self-administered questionnaire.Results: Four hundred and nine students participated; 78% were females. The mean age was 21.6 years. Neck pain (75.1%), eye strain (67%), shoulder pain (65.5%) and eye burn (61.9%) were the most common CVS symptoms. Dry eyes (26.2%), double vision (28.9%) and blurred vision (51.6%) were the least commonly experienced symptoms.Eye burning (P = .001), eye strain (P = .041) and neck pain (P = .023) were significantly related to level of viewing. Moderate eye burning (55.1%) and double vision (56%) occurred in those who used handheld devices (P = .001 and .007, respectively). Moderate blurred vision was reported in 52% who looked down at the device compared with 14.8% who held it at an angle. Severe eye strain occurred in 63% of those who looked down at a device compared with 21% who kept the device at eye level. Shoulder pain was not related to pattern of use. Conclusion:Ocular symptoms and neck pain were less likely if the device was held just below eye level. There is a high prevalence of Symptoms of CVS amongst university students which could be reduced, in particular neck pain and eye strain and burning, with improved ergonomic practices. | INTRODUCTIONElectronic devices, laptops, tablets, ipads and smartphones, are now an integral part of studying at universities. Smart phone use in education is rapidly developing because of Google, Wikipedia and medical related apps.1-3 Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is at risk of becoming a major public health issue. 4The American Optometric Association defines CVS as a complex of eye and vision problems related to near vision activities involving computer use. 5 The prevalence of CVS ranges from 64% to 90%amongst computer users, with nearly 60 million people affected globally. 6,7 The most frequently occurring health related problems among computer users are CVS, wrist, neck, shoulder and back pain, an over use syndrome resulting in ocular and musculoskeletal discomfort. 8-10Students, who are frequent computer users are at increased risk of CVS and poor posture.

Biomarkers are broadly classified as genomic, proteomic, or metabolomic. Molecular biology and oncology research studies on oral cancer biomarkers focus on identifying key biological molecules or markers that could be linked to cancer development, risk assessment, screening, recurrence prediction, indicating prognosis, indicating invasion/metastasis and monitoring therapeutic responses of cancer. Cluster of differentiation factor 34 is a salivary biomarker that can identify recurrence potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Integrin α3 and integrin β4 are genomic biomarkers that are helpful in estimating the risk of regional and hematogenous dissemination of malignant oral squamous cells. Other examples are vascular endothelial growth factor, B-cell lymphoma-2, claudin 4, yes-associated protein 1 and MET proto-oncogene, and receptor tyrosine kinase, which are genomic biomarkers that are used to predict radio-resistance in OSCC tissue. The present article reviews the clinical application, methodologies and steps in developing candidate biomarkers, protocols in reporting, evaluating candidate biomarkers, and challenges in biomarker research with a focus OSCC.

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The frequency of fungal infections is increasing due to immunodeficiency viruses and immunosuppressive drugs. The most common fungal infection of the oral cavity is candidiasis. The existence of Candida can be a part of normal commensal; hence, the isolation of Candida in the absence of clinical symptoms should exclude candidiasis. The pathogenicity of Candida is witnessed as opportunistic when immune status is compromised. Oral fungal infections are uncommon, but when identified, these infections are associated with greater discomfort and are sometimes destruction of tissues. Cytology and tissue biopsy are helpful in confirming the clinical diagnosis. The management of oral fungal infections must strategically focus on signs, symptoms, and culture reports. This article reviews information on diagnosis and therapeutic management of aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, mucormycosis, and geotrichosis.