Effect of inter-aural temporal envelope differences on inter-aural time difference thresholds for amplitude modulated noise

ABSTRACT Purpose The inter-aural time difference (ITD) and inter-aural level difference (ILD) are important acoustic cues for horizontal localization and spatial release from masking. These cues are encoded based on inter-aural comparisons of tonotopically matched binaural inputs. Therefore, binaural coherence or the interaural spectro-temporal similarity is a pre-requisite for encoding ITD and ILD. The modulation depth of envelope is an important envelope characteristic that helps in encoding the envelope-ITD. However, inter-aural difference in modulation depth can result in reduced binaural coherence and poor representation of binaural cues as in the case with reverberation, noise and compression in cochlear implants and hearing aids. This study investigated the effect of inter-aural modulation depth difference on the ITD thresholds for an amplitude-modulated noise in normal hearing young adults. Methods An amplitude modulated high pass filtered noise with varying modulation depth differences was presented sequentially through headphones. In one ear, the modulation depth was retained at 90% and in the other ear it varied from 90% to 50%. The ITD thresholds for modulation frequencies of 8 Hz and 16 Hz were estimated as a function of the inter-aural modulation depth difference. Results The Friedman test findings revealed a statistically significant increase in the ITD threshold with an increase in the inter-aural modulation depth difference for 8 Hz and 16 Hz. Conclusion The results indicate that the inter-aural differences in the modulation depth negatively impact ITD perception for an amplitude-modulated high pass filtered noise.

Analysis of ocular biometric parameters in Tibetan patients with age-related cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To compare the differences of ocular biometric parameters of age-related cataract between Tibetan and Han ethnic groups, and to analyze the distribution characteristics of ocular biometric parameters in Tibetan cataract patients.METHODS:Retrospective cohort study. A total of 661 patients(1 030 eyes)with age-related cataract confirmed in the hospital between January 2019 and December 2020 were enrolled. The parameters of axial length, anterior chamber depth, keratometry, corneal astigmatism and astigmatic axis were measured by IOL Master 500 in 483 cases(739 eyes)of Tibetan age-related cataract patients and 178 cases(291 eyes)of Han patients.RESULTS:The axial length, anterior chamber depth and corneal astigmatism of the Tibetan patients with age-related cataract were 23.33(22.81, 23.86)mm, 3.04(2.79, 3.30)mm and 0.73(0.47, 1.07)D. The mean keratometry was 43.89±1.35 D. The results indicated that Tibetan cataract patients had shorter axial lengths and smaller keratometry compared to Han patients(all P<0.05). Age in Tibetan patients was negatively correlated with axial length and anterior chamber depth, and positively correlated with keratometry(all P<0.05). Tibetan male patients had longer axial lengths, deeper anterior chambers, and flatter corneas compared to female patients(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:There were differences in ocular biometric parameters between age-related cataract patients of Tibetan and Han ethnicities. The distribution of ocular biometric parameters in Tibetan cataract patients varied across different age groups and gender groups.

Clinical study of polyetheretherketone resin-bonded bridge for restoring anterior missing teeth in patients with periodontitis / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To study the clinical effect of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) bonding bridge on the loss of 3 internal incisors in patients with periodontitis.@*Methods@#This study was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from the patients. Thirty-eight patients with periodontitis and 3 missing central or lateral teeth were selected to undergo restoration with a PEEK bonding bridge and then returned to the hospital 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the restoration was completed. The survival rate of the restorations was assessed by the modified USPHS/Ryge criteria. The plaque index, gingival index, periodontal probing depth and attachment loss of the abutments were recorded, and the changes in periodontal tissues after restoration were observed and compared.@*Results@#Over 24 months of clinical follow-up observation of 38 patients, only 1 patient underwent secondary bonding after partial debonding (evaluated as grade B), while bonding was successful in the other 37 cases (evaluated as grade A). The plaque index, gingival index and periodontal probing depth were significantly lower after restoration than before (P<0.05). There was no significant change in attachment loss between before and after restoration (P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#For periodontitis patients missing 3 internal incisors, short-term PEEK bonding bridge repair has good clinical efficacy.

Variations in soil physico-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry under different soil layers, the major forest region Liupan Mountains of Northwest China

Abstract Liupan Mountains are an important region in China in the context of forest cover and vegetation due to huge afforestation and plantation practices, which brought changes in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries are rarely been understood. The study aims to explore the distribution of soil nutrients at 1-m soil depth in the plantation forest region. The soil samples at five depth increments (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for different soil physio-chemical characteristics. The results showed a significant variation in soil bulk density (BD), soil porosity, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electric conductivity (EC) values. More soil BD (1.41 g cm-3) and pH (6.97) were noticed in the deep soil layer (80-100 cm), while the highest values of porosity (60.6%), EC (0.09 mS cm-1), and CEC (32.9 c mol kg-1) were reflected in the uppermost soil layer (0-20 cm). Similarly, the highest contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK) were calculated in the surface soil layer (0-20 cm). With increasing soil depth increment a decreasing trend in the SOC and other nutrient concentration were found, whereas the soil total potassium (TK) produced a negative correlation with soil layer depth. The entire results produced the distribution of SOCs and TNs (stocks) at various soil depths in forestland patterns were 020cm > 2040cm > 4060cm 6080cm 80100 cm. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P, the C/P, and N/P ratios showed maximum values (66.49 and 5.46) in 0-20 cm and lowest values (23.78 and 1.91) in 80-100 cm soil layer depth. Though the C/N ratio was statistically similar across the whole soil profile (0-100 cm). These results highlighted that the soil depth increments might largely be attributed to fluctuations in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries. Further study is needed to draw more conclusions on nutrient dynamics, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry in these forests.

Resumo As montanhas de Liupan são uma região importante na China no contexto de cobertura florestal e vegetação devido às enormes práticas de florestamento e plantação, que trouxeram mudanças nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, e estoques e estequiometrias do solo raramente são compreendidos. O estudo visa explorar a distribuição de nutrientes do solo a 1 m de profundidade do solo na região da floresta plantada. As amostras de solo em cinco incrementos de profundidade (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 e 80-100 cm) foram coletadas e analisadas para diferentes características físico-químicas do solo. Os resultados mostraram uma variação significativa nos valores de densidade do solo (BD), porosidade do solo, pH, capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC) e condutividade elétrica (CE). Mais DB do solo (1,41 g cm-3) e pH (6,97) do solo foram observados na camada profunda do solo (80-100 cm), enquanto os maiores valores de porosidade (60,6%), CE (0,09 mS cm-1) e CEC (32,9 c mol kg-1) foram refletidos na camada superior do solo (0-20 cm). Da mesma forma, os maiores teores de carbono orgânico do solo (SOC), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (AP), nitrogênio total (TN) e potássio disponível (AK) foram calculados na camada superficial do solo (0-20 cm). Com o aumento do incremento da profundidade do solo, uma tendência decrescente no SOC e na concentração de outros nutrientes foi encontrada, enquanto o potássio total do solo (TK) produziu uma correlação negativa com a profundidade da camada do solo. Todos os resultados produziram a distribuição de SOCs e TNs (estoques) em várias profundidades de solo em padrões de floresta 0 20cm> 20 40cm> 40 60cm 60 80cm 80 100 cm. Além disso, as relações estequiométricas de C, N e P, as relações C / P e N / P, apresentaram valores máximos (66,49 e 5,46) em 0-20 cm, e valores mais baixos (23,78 e 1,91) em solo de 80-100 cm profundidade da camada. Embora a relação C / N fosse estatisticamente semelhante em todo o perfil do solo (0-100 cm). Esses resultados destacaram que os incrementos de profundidade do solo podem ser amplamente atribuídos a flutuações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometrias do solo. Mais estudos são necessários para tirar conclusões adicionais sobre a dinâmica dos nutrientes, estoques de solo e estequiometria do solo nessas florestas.

Variations in soil physico-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry under different soil layers, the major forest region Liupan Mountains of Northwest China / Variações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometria do solo sob diferentes camadas de solo, a principal região florestal das montanhas Liupan do noroeste da China

Liupan Mountains are an important region in China in the context of forest cover and vegetation due to huge afforestation and plantation practices, which brought changes in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries are rarely been understood. The study aims to explore the distribution of soil nutrients at 1-m soil depth in the plantation forest region. The soil samples at five depth increments (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for different soil physio-chemical characteristics. The results showed a significant variation in soil bulk density (BD), soil porosity, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electric conductivity (EC) values. More soil BD (1.41 g cm-3) and pH (6.97) were noticed in the deep soil layer (80-100 cm), while the highest values of porosity (60.6%), EC (0.09 mS cm-1), and CEC (32.9 c mol kg-1) were reflected in the uppermost soil layer (0-20 cm). Similarly, the highest contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK) were calculated in the surface soil layer (0-20 cm). With increasing soil depth increment a decreasing trend in the SOC and other nutrient concentration were found, whereas the soil total potassium (TK) produced a negative correlation with soil layer depth. The entire results produced the distribution of SOCs and TNs (stocks) at various soil depths in forestland patterns were 0→20cm > 20→40cm > 40→60cm ≥ 60→80cm ≥ 80→100 cm. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P, the C/P, and N/P ratios showed maximum values (66.49 and 5.46) in 0-20 cm and lowest values (23.78 and 1.91) in 80-100 cm soil layer depth. Though the C/N ratio was statistically similar across the whole soil profile (0-100 cm). These results highlighted that the soil depth increments might largely be attributed to fluctuations in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries. Further study is needed to draw more conclusions on nutrient dynamics, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry in these forests.

As montanhas de Liupan são uma região importante na China no contexto de cobertura florestal e vegetação devido às enormes práticas de florestamento e plantação, que trouxeram mudanças nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, e estoques e estequiometrias do solo raramente são compreendidos. O estudo visa explorar a distribuição de nutrientes do solo a 1 m de profundidade do solo na região da floresta plantada. As amostras de solo em cinco incrementos de profundidade (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 e 80-100 cm) foram coletadas e analisadas para diferentes características físico-químicas do solo. Os resultados mostraram uma variação significativa nos valores de densidade do solo (BD), porosidade do solo, pH, capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC) e condutividade elétrica (CE). Mais DB do solo (1,41 g cm-3) e pH (6,97) do solo foram observados na camada profunda do solo (80-100 cm), enquanto os maiores valores de porosidade (60,6%), CE (0,09 mS cm-1) e CEC (32,9 c mol kg-1) foram refletidos na camada superior do solo (0-20 cm). Da mesma forma, os maiores teores de carbono orgânico do solo (SOC), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (AP), nitrogênio total (TN) e potássio disponível (AK) foram calculados na camada superficial do solo (0-20 cm). Com o aumento do incremento da profundidade do solo, uma tendência decrescente no SOC e na concentração de outros nutrientes foi encontrada, enquanto o potássio total do solo (TK) produziu uma correlação negativa com a profundidade da camada do solo. Todos os resultados produziram a distribuição de SOCs e TNs (estoques) em várias profundidades de solo em padrões de floresta 0 → 20cm> 20 → 40cm> 40 → 60cm ≥ 60 → 80cm ≥ 80 → 100 cm. Além disso, as relações estequiométricas de C, N e P, as relações C / P e N / P, apresentaram valores máximos (66,49 e 5,46) em 0-20 cm, e valores mais baixos (23,78 e 1,91) em solo de 80-100 cm profundidade da camada. Embora a relação C / N fosse estatisticamente semelhante em todo o perfil do solo (0-100 cm). Esses resultados destacaram que os incrementos de profundidade do solo podem ser amplamente atribuídos a flutuações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometrias do solo. Mais estudos são necessários para tirar conclusões adicionais sobre a dinâmica dos nutrientes, estoques de solo e estequiometria do solo nessas florestas.

Modificaciones biométricas en paciente miopes con implante de la lente fáquica ACRIOL 128 / Biometric Modifications in Myopic Patients with Phakic Lens Implantation ACRIOL 128

Objetivo: Determinar las modificaciones biométricas en pacientes miopes con implante de la lente fáquica ACRIOL 128. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal con 31 ojos (17 pacientes) con alta miopía tratados con implante de lente fáquica ACRIOL 128, entre septiembre 2016 y febrero 2019, los cuales tenían mediciones biométricas preoperatorias con el sistema IOL Master 3.0.2 y estabilidad refractiva posoperatoria (≤ 0,5 dioptrías) después de los tres meses del implante. Se les efectuaron las mediciones posoperatorias con el propio IOL Master 3.0.2 en modo lente fáquica y con el sistema Scheimpflug Pentacam AXL para compararlas, mediante la prueba t para datos pareados, con una significación del 95 por ciento. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 29,82 ± 5,99 años, el 82,4 por ciento del sexo femenino. El equivalente esférico preoperatorio medio fue de -12,00 ± 4,10 dioptrías. La diferencia de longitud axial y profundidad de la cámara anterior en milímetros entre el pre- y posoperatorio fue significativa con IOL Master 3.0.2 (0,13 ± 0,33 y -0,08 ± 0,17) y Pentacam AXL (0,12 ± 0,32 y -0,10 ± 0,24), respectivamente. Sin embargo, las posoperatorias entre ambos equipos no fueron significativas (p>0,05) para estas variables, pero sí para las queratometrías. Conclusiones: El implante de la lente fáquica ACRIOL 128 modifica la medición de la longitud axial y la profundidad de la cámara anterior. El IOL Master 3.0.2 y el Pentacam AXL ofrecen mediciones de longitud axial y profundidad de cámara anterior posoperatorias similares, no así para las queratometrías(AU)

Objective: To determine the biometric modifications in myopic patients with ACRIOL 128 phakic lens implantation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 31 eyes (17 patients) with high myopia treated with ACRIOL 128 phakic lens implant, between September 2016 and February 2019, which had preoperative biometric measurements with the IOL Master 3.0.2 system and postoperative refractive stability (≤ 0.5 diopters) after three months of implantation. Postoperative measurements were performed with the IOL Master 3.0.2 in phakic lens mode and with the Scheimpflug Pentacam AXL system for comparison, using the t-test for paired data, with 95% significance. Results: The average age was 29.82 ± 5.99 years, 82.4por ciento female. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -12.00 ± 4.10 diopters. The difference in axial length and anterior chamber depth in millimeters between pre- and postoperative was significant with IOL Master 3.0.2 (0.13 ± 0,33 and -0.08 ± 0.17) and Pentacam AXL (0.12 ± 0.32 and -0.10 ± 0.24), respectively. However, postoperative between the two teams were not significant (p > 0.05) for these variables but significant for keratometries. Conclusions: Implantation of the ACRIOL 128 phakic lens modifies the measurement of axial length and anterior chamber depth. The IOL Master 3.0.2 and Pentacam AXL provide similar postoperative axial length and anterior chamber depth measurements, but not for keratometries(AU)

Characteristics of tear meniscus using a spectral domain optical coherence tomography in medically controlled glaucoma

Purpose: To compare the tear meniscus height (TMH) and tear meniscus depth (TMD) between medically controlled glaucoma subjects and age?matched controls. Methods: This prospective, cross?sectional, observational study included 50 patients with medically controlled glaucoma and 50 age?matched controls. Glaucoma subjects using topical medications for the duration of more than 1 year were included. The age?matched controls were participants with no history of glaucoma, dry eye, or any other diseases affecting the ocular surface. All the participants underwent TMH and TMD scan using spectral domain?optical coherence tomography (SD?OCT), which was followed by ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire administration. Results: The mean ages of glaucoma subjects and age?matched controls were 40 ± 22 and 39 ± 21 years, respectively (P > 0.05). Of them, 40% (n = 22) were on single drug therapy or monotherapy and 60% (n = 28) were on multidrug therapy. TMH and TMD of glaucoma subjects and age?matched controls were 101.27 ± 31.86 versus 230.63 ± 49.82 ?m and 70.60 ± 27.41 versus 167.37 ± 57.06 ?m, respectively. Subjects on multidrug therapy showed a statistically significant reduction in TMH and TMD when compared to age?matched controls. Conclusion: Preservative containing topical glaucoma medications affects the ocular surface, including the tear film. The prolonged duration and multiple combination of this drug usage serve as potential factors for causing reduction in the tear meniscus levels leading to drug?induced dryness

Concomitant paracentral acute middle maculopathy and acute macular neuroretinopathy in eyes post-blunt trauma

Purpose: To analyze the imaging characteristics and the clinical course of patients showing concomitant paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) and acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) post?blunt trauma. Methods: PAMM and AMN lesions post?blunt trauma diagnosed on enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI?OCT) were recruited for the study. Results: Thirteen eyes of 13 individuals with a history of blunt trauma were included in the study, of whom 11 (85%) were males. Mean age of the patients was 33.62 (range 16–67) years. Mean visual acuity at presentation and the last visit was 1.67 log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and 0.82 logMAR, respectively. Mean interval between trauma and imaging was 5.08 (range 1–15) days. All patients had unilateral involvement, with the right eye being involved in 10 patients (77%). All patients had concomitant PAMM and AMN lesions. Conclusion: Presence of coincident PAMM and AMN suggests a common pathophysiologic etiology, but the description of concomitant PAMM and AMN in the setting of blunt trauma to eye is hitherto unreported. Identifying AMN in a setting of PAMM requires meticulous examination of the OCT and OCTA images. It can be a cause of suboptimal visual recovery in such eyes.

DIGITAL SEARCH ADVERTISING – THE ROLE OF POST-CLICK FACTORS IN GENERATING PURCHASE CONVERSIONS

A lot of research is available on the effectiveness of search as an advertising channel. Most of these studies tend to treat a click on a search ad as a binary event. All of them study the events leading to the click. This paper goes beyond this to study the post click actions taken by a user subsequent to clicking on a search ad, and refers to those actions as depth of interaction, and testing the variables that have an effect on the nal outcome. We use a prescriptive research design employing binary logistic regression analysis. Results indicate that the duration of time spent, device used, and recency of visit have a very high positive effect on the nal outcome.

Implementation of National Leprosy Eradication Programme during COVID-19 era: A qualitative research

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed new challenge to the implementation of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme. According to national data, after lockdown due to COVID-19, there was a 29% reduction in total leprosy cases reported in the first quarter (April-June) of 2020 in comparison to 2019. Objectives: To explore the difficulties faced by different stakeholders of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme like policy makers, doctors, grass root level health workers as well as leprosy patients during COVID-19 pandemic with respect to programme implementation and access to leprosy care. Materials and Methods: Qualitative research was undertaken including two focus-group-discussions held among six leprosy patients diagnosed after lockdown and nine ASHA workers as well as six in-depth interviews of doctors, leprologists, and programme managers. Ethics committee approval was sought and informed consent was obtained from all participants. All focus-group-discussions were electronically recorded and the in-depth interviews telephonically recorded, transcribed and translated from Bengali-to-English. Transcripts were separately coded by researchers and thematically analysed with the help of Visual-Anthropac software version 1.0. Results: Solitary focus on COVID-19 control, capacity building and information, education and communication, leprosy case search & surveillance, co-infection among health workers, transportation issues were the themes explored from focus-group-discussions of health workers and ASHA workers. Similarly, the present study identified six themes from in-depth interviews of programme manager, leprologists, programme manager as diagnostic difficulty, operational issues, rehabilitation issues, capacity building & information education and communication activities and way forward. Limitations: The research reveals the perceptions of rural population of Eastern India with high leprosy prevalence, which might not be applicable for urban areas or low prevalent districts Conclusion: The solitary focus of the administration towards COVID and shifting the infrastructure and human resource only towards the management of COVID can lead to resurgence of the leprosy. Having an organised framework of operations, catering to the need of the front-line workers in rendering services, utilizing the digital platform and social media, and focusing on rehabilitation would be needed to overcome the crisis

Histological analysis of different types of port-wine stains to guide clinical decision making: A retrospective study

Background and objectives: Port-wine stains are defined as congenital benign vascular lesions. The treatment of port-wine stains remains a challenge, worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the histological characteristics in different types of port-wine stains and provide guidance for clinical decision-making. Methods and materials: Biopsies were from the hospital from 2015 to 2021. H&E staining, Immunofluorescence staining, Masson’s trichrome staining and Weigert staining were performed on the tissues. Results: A total of 35 port-wine stains patients were included in the study of four distinct types, namely red port-wine stains (11 cases), purple port-wine stains (seven cases), hypertrophic port-wine stains (nine cases) and nodular port-wine stains (eight cases). The mean vessel diameter of the different types was 38.7 ± 5.9 ?m, 93.5 ± 9.7 ?m, 155.6 ± 21.8 ?m and 155.6 ± 29.54 ?m, respectively. Mean vessel depth was 396.4 ± 31 ?m, 944.2 ± 105.4 ?m, 2,971 ± 161.3 ?m and 3,594 ± 364.6 ?m, respectively. The vessels in red port-wine stains, purple port-wine stains and hypertrophic port-wine stains were mainly composed of capillary and venous malformations, whereas those in nodular port-wine stains were venous or arteriovenous malformations. Limitation: The main limitation of the current study was the small number of patients. Conclusion: As the disease progresses, vessel diameters become larger, the vessel wall becomes thicker and vessels were found in a greater depth. A treatment plan should be scientifically formulated keeping in mind the histological characteristics of port-wine stains.

Evaluation of changes in anterior segment morphology using Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido disk topographer following laser peripheral iridotomy in primary angle-closure disease

Purpose: To assess the morphological changes in the anterior segment following laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in primary angle?closure disease (PACD) using Sirius Scheimpflug?Placido disk corneal topographer. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. A total of 52 eyes of 27 patients with PACD who underwent LPI were analyzed for iridocorneal angle (ICA), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID), corneal volume (CV), central corneal thickness (CCT), and horizontal anterior chamber diameter (HACD) 1 week following LPI, using Sirius Scheimpflug?Placido disk corneal topographer. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 19.0, and paired t?test was used to assess the statistical significance. Results: Laser peripheral iridotomy was performed in 43 eyes with primary angle?closure suspect (PACS), six eyes with primary angle closure (PAC), and three eyes with primary angle?closure glaucoma (PACG). The analysis of the data showed statistically significant changes in anterior segment parameters of ICA, ACD, and ACV. Post?laser increase in ICA from 34.13° ± 2.64° to 34.75° ± 2.84° (P < 0.041), mean ACD increase from 2.21 ± 0.25 to 2.35 ± 0.27 mm (P = 0.01), and mean ACV increase from 98.19 ± 12.13 to 104.15 ± 11.16 mm3 (P = 0.001) were noted. Conclusion: Significantly quantifiable short?term changes in the anterior chamber parameters of ICA, ACD, and AC volume were seen after LPI in patients with PACD on Sirius Scheimpflug?Placido disc corneal topographer.

Impact of crossplay between ocular aberrations and depth of focus in topo-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis outcomes

Purpose: To develop a nomogram in cases with mismatch between subjective and Topolyzer cylinder, and based on the magnitude of the mismatch, customize a treatment plan to attain good visual outcomes post?laser?assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. Methods: The patients were evaluated preoperatively using corneal tomography with Pentacam. Five optimal corneal topography scans were obtained from the Topolyzer Vario were used for planning the LASIK treatment. For the nomogram purpose, the patients were divided into three categories based on the difference between the subjective cylinder and Topolyzer (corneal) cylinder. The first group (group 1) consisted of eyes of patients, where the difference was less than or equal to 0.4 D. The second group (group 2) consisted of eyes, where the difference was more than 0.4 D and the subjective cylinder was lesser than the Topolyzer cylinder. The third group (group 3) included eyes where the difference was more than 0.4 D but the subjective cylinder was greater than the Topolyzer cylinder. LASIK was performed with the WaveLight FS 200 femtosecond laser and WaveLight EX500 excimer laser. Assessment of astigmatism correction for the three groups was done using Aplins vector analysis. For comparison of proportions, Chi?square test was used. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The UDVA was statistically significantly different when compared between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.02). However, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was similar among all the three groups (P = 0.1). Group 3 showed an increase of residual cylinder by ?0.25 D, which was significant at intermediate and near reading distances (P < 0.05). Group 3 showed significantly higher target?induced astigmatism (TIA) compared to groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.01). The mean surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was the least in group 2, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The outcomes for distance vision using our nomogram postoperatively were excellent, but further refinement for improving the near vision outcomes is required

Study-of-phacoemulsification-vs-phacotrabeculectomy-in-management-of-primary-angle-closure-glaucoma

Introduction: The study was conducted to evaluate IOP management by surgical modalities such as combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification surgery alone. Vision impairment is a major public health problem and the burden is increasing with increase in aged population. This study wasAims And Objectives: undertaken for study the IOP management by surgical modalities such as combined trabeculectomy and phacoemulsification and phacoemulsification surgery alone. A pre-designed prospective study was conducted at the OPD of upgraded Department of Ophthalmology at LLRM Medical College, Meerut. A total of 60 patients were divided in to two equal groups randomly and studied. Majority of the patients in both the groups wereObservation And Result: aged between 61 – 70 years. Females outnumbered males in this study which was statistically significant between the two groups. The mean pre- operative intra ocular pressure was 23.3 mm Hg in combined surgery group and 23.9 mm Hg in cataract surgery alone group. Mean Intra ocular pressure decreased regularly in each follow up more in combined group than the cataract surgery alone group. The mean intra ocular pressure after 1 years follow up in combined surgery group was 10.8 mm Hg and 13.4 mm Hg in the cataract surgery alone groups which was statistically significant. Mean BCVA before the operation was 3.2 in combined surgery group and 3.8 in cataract surgery before surgery. Mean BCVA declined after 1 year of follow up in combined surgery group was 1.9 and 2.7 in cataract surgery alone group which was statistically significant. The surgery success was complete in 80.0% of the combined surgery group and 60% of the cataract alone group. Criteria For Failure Of Surgeries Ÿ The IOP >23 MMHG at the end of 1 year or Ÿ The IOP not reduced by 20 % from base line at the end of 1 year Conclusion: This study was mainly undertaken to study the efficacy of combined trabeculectomy with cataract extraction and cataract only on primary angle closure glaucoma. This study had found that, the reduction of intra ocular pressure in both the groups but more prominent in combined surgery group than cataract alone surgery group.

Effect of low temperature and room temperature on the depth of cure of bulk-fill composite resins

The study analyzed the influence of temperature on the depth of cure of bulk-fill composite resins. Three discs (ISO 4049/2000) from each group were made, and four restorative materials were investigated: Opus Bulk-Fill Flow, Opus Bulk-Fill APS, Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill, and Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow. They were light-cured (Gnatus ± 1,200 mW/cm2) for 20 seconds, varying the temperature (23°C and 5°C) and simulating the use of the product both at room temperature and under refrigeration. The materials were inserted in aluminum matrices with 10 mm in depth and 4 mm in diameter. A clear film strip and a glass microscope slide were positioned at the top and bottom surfaces. The material was condensed and light-cured with the tip of the light source in close contact, for 20 seconds on the top surface. Immediately after irradiation, the samples were removed from the mold, and the uncured part was removed with a plastic spatula. The measurement was performed with a micrometer ± 0.1 mm, and the value was divided by 2. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA at a significance of 0.05. There was a statistical difference in the temperature between the results obtained in Opus Bulk-Fill APS (p <0.001) and Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow (p = 0.018) resins. For the temperature of 5°C, Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow showed a statistical difference compared to the other resins, while Opus Bulk-Fill Flow and Opus Bulk-Fill APS did not. For the temperature of 23°C, Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow maintained the statistical difference from the others, but Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill and Opus Bulk-Fill APS did not present statistical differences. Storing the Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow composite resin in the refrigerator caused a greater depth of cure than the other resins, and the depth of cure decreased at room temperature. As for Opus Bulk-Fill APS, the depth of cure decreased proportionally to the temperature decrease. The temperature may affect the depth of cure of some composite resins.

Analysis of the influencing factors of vault after the implantation of posterior chamber-phakic refractive lens for patients with super high myopia / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the influencing factors of vault after the posterior chamber phakic refractive lens(PC-PRL)implantation for patients with super high myopia.METHODS: Retrospective case study. A total of 40 patients with super high myopia(77 eyes)who underwent PC-PRL implantation in the Haixiang Eye Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were selected. They were followed up for at least 2a, postoperative anterior segment parameters, such as the uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central anterior chamber depth(ACD), anterior chamber volume(ACV), anterior chamber angle(ACA), lens thickness and vault were evaluated, and then the influencing factors of postoperative vault were analyzed.RESULTS: The UCVA and BCVA of the patients significantly improved after PC-PRL implantation(P&#x003C;0.001). Average safety index(postoperative BCVA/preoperative BCVA)was 1.36±0.32, and average effective index(postoperative UCVA/preoperative BCVA)was 1.23±0.31 in 2a after surgery. The vault in 2a after surgery was correlated with preoperative ACD, ACV, ACA and lens thickness, and the preoperative ACV and lens thickness had significant impact on vault in 2a after surgery.CONCLUSIONS: The PC-PRL implantation is safe and effective in super high myopia, and it can significantly improve visual acuity. Furthermore, preoperative ACV and lens thickness are important influencing factors of postoperative vault.

Correlation between ciliary sulcus diameter and corneal diameter of patients with low to moderate myopia / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To determine the correlation among horizontal ciliary sulcus(HCS)diameter, vertical ciliary sulcus(VCS)diameter and corneal diameter in different anterior chamber depth(ACD)levels from patients with low to moderate myopia.METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 78 patients(129 eyes)with low to moderate myopia who had preoperative examination of implantable contact lens(ICL)implantation in Shanghai Bright Eye Hospital from April 2021 to April 2022 were included. HCS, VCS and white to white(WTW)were measured and compared. Patients were divided into shallow ACD group(2.8 mm ≤ ACD ≤3.2 mm), medium ACD group(3.2 mm < ACD ≤3.4 mm)and deep ACD group(ACD > 3.4 mm)based on the ACD obtained by Pentacam. The HCS, VCS and WTW within and among groups were compared, and the correlation of WTW, HCS and VCS among each group was analyzed by Pearson and linear regression equation.RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in WTW and HCS overall and in groups with different ACD(P>0.05), while there was difference between VCS and both HCS and WTW(P<0.01). The WTW had a correlation with both HCS and VCS in each group, while correlation between WTW and VCS was weak in the deep ACD group(r=0.470, R2=0.221, P<0.01). Furthermore, the WTW, HCS and VCS in the shallow ACD group were statistically different from those in the medium and deep ACD groups(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The WTW was suggested predicting HCS rather than perfectly replacing HCS before patients had the ICL operation among patients with low to moderate myopia. The predictability of VCS would decline as the ACD depth increasing, predicting VCS by WTW was not recommended.

Domains of Adherence and Non-Adherence to Anti-Hypertensive Medications in Hypertensive Patients from Kuala Lumpur: A Qualitative Study

@#Introduction: Previous medication adherence studies primarily focused on the domains of non-adherence in hypertension treatment and less attention has been given on domains that encourage adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. The current study is aimed to identify the domains of adherence and non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications among hypertensive patients in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: Hypertensive patients from two public health clinics in Kuala Lumpur were invited for in-depth interviews until thematic saturation. Audio recordings from these interviews were transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were then analysed deductively with the guidance of the World Health Organization Medication Adherence Framework to extract the domains of adherence and non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. Results: Ten patients who were predominantly Malays and aged 34-73 years old participated the study. Patient-related (encompassing knowledge, attitude, belief and culture, lifestyle, personal barriers, self-efficacy, and cue to action), socioeconomic (encompassing social support), condition-related (encompassing nature of illness and presence of multiple co-morbidities), therapy-related (encompassing experience of receiving treatment, barrier in treatment, and side effects of treatment), and healthcare system (encompassing access to healthcare and healthcare center experience) domains were identified as central to the medication-taking behaviour of hypertensive patients. Conclusion: Sixteen codes of adherence and 22 codes of non-adherence to anti-hypertensive medications were identified, which were distributed across five domains (patient-related, socioeconomic, condition-related, therapy related, and healthcare system domains). These findings can help to inform future development of medication adherence questionnaires, individualised interventions for patients with adherence problems, and targeted health promotion programmes to reduce uncontrolled hypertension.

Development and application of three-dimensional point cloud radiotherapy real-time monitoring system based on depth camera / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To develop the real-time radiotherapy monitoring system of three-dimensional (3D) point cloud by using depth camera and verify its feasibility.Methods:Taking the depth camera coordinate system as the world coordinate system, the conversion relationship between the simulation CT coordinate system and the world coordinate system was obtained from the calibration module. The patient's simulation CT point cloud was transformed into the world coordinate system through the above relationship, and registered with the patient's surface point cloud obtained in real-time manner by the depth camera to calculate the six-dimensional (6D) error, and complete the positioning verification and fractional internal position error monitoring in radiotherapy. Mean and standard deviation of 6D calculation error, Hausdorff distance of point cloud after registration and the running time of each part of the program were calculated to verify the feasibility of the system. Fifteen real patients were selected to calculate the 6D error between the system and cone beam CT (CBCT).Results:In the phantom experiment, the errors of the system in the x, y and z axes were (1.292±0.880)mm, (1.963±1.115)mm, (1.496±1.045)mm, respectively, and the errors in the rotation, pitch and roll directions were 0.201°±0.181°, 0.286°±0.326°, 0.181°±0.192°, respectively. For real patients, the translational error of the system was within 2.6 mm, the rotational error was approximately 1°, and the program run at 1-2 frames/s. The precision and speed met the radiotherapy requirement. Conclusion:The 3D point cloud radiotherapy real-time monitoring system based on depth camera can automatically complete the positioning verification before radiotherapy, real-time monitoring of body position during radiotherapy, and provide error visual feedback, which has potential clinical application value.

Application of targeted capture high depth sequencing and transcriptome sequencing in childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To investigate the differences among targeted capture high depth sequencing (Panel-seq), transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and traditional detection methods in cytogenetic and molecular genetic typing of childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and their significances.Methods:The clinical data of 152 newly diagnosed childhood B-ALL cases in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from September 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Along with traditional cytogenetic and molecular detection methods including karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and 43 kinds of fusion gene quantitative screening for traditional cells and molecular genetic detection, both Panel-seq and RNA-seq were also performed. Panel-seq covered more than 600 genes with common mutations in hematological tumors, from which fusion genes and gene mutations were both analyzed. RNA-seq was used to analyze fusion genes, gene mutations, gene expression, and copy number variation at the chromosome level. High hyperdiploid karyotype was estimated by using gene expression profile clustering and copy number variations. The cytogenetic typing results of all detection methods were also analyzed.Results:Among 152 patients, 93 cases were males and 59 cases were females, with the median age of 4.0 years (0.8-13.0 years). The median blast cell ratio was 0.855 (0.215-0.965). The traditional detection methods could identify 4 cases (2.6%) with BCR-ABL1, 2 cases (1.3%) with CRLF2 gene-related fusion, 27 cases (17.8%) with ETV6-RUNX1, 1 case (0.7%) with iAMP21, 5 cases (3.3%) with MLL rearrangement, 8 cases (5.3%) with TCF3-PBX1 and 22 cases (14.5%) with high hyperdiploid karyotype. Panel-seq could identify 4 cases (2.6%) with BCR-ABL1, 2 cases (1.3%) with CRLF2 gene-related fusions, 27 cases (17.8%) with ETV6-RUNX1, 3 cases (2.0%) with MEF2D gene-related fusions, 1 case (0.7%) with MEIS1-FOXO1, 5 cases (3.3%) with MLL rearrangement, 5 cases (3.3%) with PAX5 gene-related fusions, 8 cases (5.3%) with TCF3-PBX1 fusions, 4 cases (2.6%) with ZNF384 gene-related fusions, and 2 cases (1.3%) with IKZF1 N159Y mutations. Among 152 patients, 1 case with MLL rearrangement didn't receive RNA-seq detection because of sample quality; in other 151 B-ALL cases, 1 case (0.7%) with ACIN1-NUTM1, 4 cases (2.6%) with BCR-ABL1, 3 cases (2.0%) with CRLF2 gene-related fusions, 8 cases (5.3%) with DUX4 gene-related fusions, 27 cases (17.9%) with ETV6-RUNX1, 3 cases (2.0%) with MEF2D gene-related fusions, 1 case (0.7%) with MEIS1-FOXO1, 4 cases (2.6%) with MLL rearrangement, 5 cases (3.3%) with PAX5 gene-related fusions, 1 case (0.7%) with ZMIZ1-ABL1, 8 cases (5.3%) with TCF3-PBX1,4 cases (2.6%) with ZNF384 gene-related fusions, 61 cases (40.4%) with hyperdiploid karyotypes, and 2 cases (1.3%) with IKZF1 N159Y mutations were detected; RNA-seq had obvious advantage in detecting fusion gene and hyperdiploid karyotype. The cytogenetic and molecular genetic typing rates of traditional method, Panel-seq and RNA-seq were 45.4% (69/152), 40.1% (61/152) and 87.4% (132/151), respectively. The combination of the three could identify 89.5% (136/152) of childhood B-ALL patients.Conclusions:The combination of Panel-seq and RNA-seq can increase the detection rate of genetic abnormality in childhood B-ALL, which provides a more accurate molecular genetic classification for B-ALL and the basis for treatment guideline and prognosis judgement.