Complete genome sequence of a novel lytic phage of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the bacterial leaf blight pathogen in rice.

Bacteriophage L522, which infects Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, was isolated from a paddy leaf sample collected in Long An province, Vietnam. The phage shows myovirus morphology based on transmission electron microscopy. It displays a latent period and burst size of approximately 3 h and 63 new virions per infected cell (PFU/infected cell), respectively. The genome of L522 is 44,497 bp in length, with 52% GC content. Of the 63 genes identified, functions were predicted for 26. No virulence or antibiotic-resistance genes were detected. The results of a BLASTn search showed similarity to a previously reported Xanthomonas phage, with 85% average nucleotide sequence identity and 87.15% query coverage. Thus, this L522 is a representative of a new species in the genus Xipdecavirus.

Optimising remanufacturing decision-making using the bees algorithm in product digital twins.

Remanufacturing is widely recognised as a key contributor to the circular economy (CE) as it extends the in-use life of products, but its synergy with Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has received little attention when compared to manufacturing. An agglomeration of I4.0 technologies and methodologies is reflected in the emerging digital twin (DT) concept, which has been identified as a life-extending enabler. This article captures the design and demonstration of a DT model that optimises remanufacturing planning using data from different instances in a product's life cycle. The model uses a neural network for remaining useful life predictions and the Bees Algorithm for decision making within a DT. The model is validated using a real case study. The findings support the idea that intelligent tools within a DT can enhance decision-making if they have visibility and access to the product's current status and reliable remanufacturing process information.

COVID-19 vaccination: public preference and intention in Vietnam.

Backgrounds: Understanding public opinion in relation to vaccination is critical, as there are several COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Vietnam. This study aimed to assess public COVID-19 vaccine preferences and intention in Can Tho, Vietnam. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed between September 20 and October 20, 2021. in people aged 18 and over living in Can Tho, Vietnam, A questionnaire captured demographic information, vaccination intention, preference for vaccine selection, and barriers and motivations related to COVID-19 vaccination. Predictors for vaccination willingness among unvaccinated people were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Out of the proposed vaccines that have been approved by the Vietnam Ministry of Health, AstraZeneca (31.4%), Pfizer (23.5%), and Moderna (14.7%) were the most preferred by participants. Out of 1,470 respondents, 35.8% have received at least one vaccine dose, and of these, 76.9% intended to continue to receive vaccinations. Among the unvaccinated, 74.8% reported that they would be willing to complete the vaccination. Most participants stated that they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine if provided with adequate information on effectiveness and safety (92.7%). The possibility of side effects after vaccination (75.4%) was the most important barrier to vaccination. Education, health status, and prior flu-vaccination were associated with the intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccination among those who had not previously received one. Conclusions: Many unvaccinated adults were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, with AstraZeneca being the preferred choice. These findings could help in the planning of vaccination campaigns to increase vaccination uptake in Vietnam.

A fatal outbreak of neonatal sepsis caused by mcr-10-carrying Enterobacter kobei in a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Enterobacter kobei is an emerging cause of outbreak of nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Between July and September 2016, a NICU in a tertiary care hospital of Nepal observed an abrupt increase in the number of neonatal sepsis cases caused by Enterobacter spp. infecting 11 out of 23 admitted neonates, five of whom died of an exacerbated sepsis. AIM: To confirm the suspected outbreak, identify environmental source of infection, and characterize genetic determinants of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence of the pathogen. METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing of all Enterobacter spp. isolated from blood cultures of septic neonates admitted to NICU between May 2016 and December 2017 was performed. Also, an environmental sampling was intensified from fortnightly to weekly during the outbreak. FINDINGS: The genomic analysis revealed that 10 out of 11 non-duplicated E. kobei isolated from neonatal blood cultures between July and September 2016 were clonal, confirming the outbreak. The isolates carried AMR genes including blaAmpC and mcr-10 conferring reduced susceptibility to carbapenem and colistin respectively. The environmental sampling, however, failed to isolate any Enterobacter spp. Reinforcement of aseptic protocols in invasive procedures, hand hygiene, environmental decontamination, fumigation, and secluded care of culture-positive cases successfully terminated the outbreak. CONCLUSION: Our study underscored the need to implement stringent infection control measures to prevent infection outbreaks. For the first time, we report the emergence of carbapenem and colistin non-susceptible E. kobei carrying mcr-10 gene as a cause of nosocomial neonatal sepsis in a NICU.

Heart transplantation outcomes in cardiac sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a progressive inflammatory cardiomyopathy that can lead to heart failure, arrhythmia, and death. There is limited data on Orthotopic Heart Transplantation (OHT) outcomes in patients with CS. Here we examine outcomes in patients with CS who have undergone OHT at centers throughout the United States from 1987 to 2019. METHODS: This was an analysis of 63,947 adult patients undergoing OHT captured in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry. Patients were characterized as cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) or Non-CS. Baseline characteristics were compared using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis Tests. Outcomes of interest included primary graft failure, patient survival, treated graft rejection, hospitalization for infection, and post-transplant malignancy. RESULTS: During the study period 227 patients with CS underwent OHT. Patients with CS were younger, had higher proportion of non-white patients, and received transplants at more urgent statuses. After multivariable modeling there was no difference in survival (HR 0.86, CI 0.59-1.3, p = 0.446) or graft failure (HR 0.849, CI 0.58-1.23, p = 0.394) between patients with CS and Non-CS. Patients with CS had lower odds of rejection (OR 0.558, CI 0.315- 0.985, p = 0.0444). Patients with CS had similar odds of hospitalization for infection and post-transplant malignancy, as Non-CS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CS and Non-CS had similar post OHT survival, odds of graft failure, hospitalizations for infection, and post-transplant malignancy. Results of this study confirm the role of heart transplantation as a viable option for patients with CS.

Perspectives on COVID-19 prevention and treatment using herbal medicine in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The significance of herbal medicine (HM) during the COVID-19 pandemic has been confirmed. Nevertheless, limited studies have included the people perspectives on COVID-19 prevention/treatment using herbal medicine in Vietnam. Thus, this study tackled the aforementioned issue. Methods: Online-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Vietnamese adults between February-April 2021. Descriptive analysis, regression and Chi-squared tests were implemented for the statistical purposes. Results: total of 787 respondents attended the study, 368 (46.8%) confirmed that they use herbal medicine/nutritional supplements for COVID-19 prevention/treatment. Over 50% of the respondents possessed positive perspective on vitamin C ingestion. Using herbal medicine for external use as a disinfectant was mostly preferred. Respondents who had a 'very good' health self-perception or who lived in rural areas, were more likely to have a positive opinion in the COVID-19 prevention/treatment using herbal medicine. The main barrier for herbal medicine utilization was the deficiency of personal experience or expert advice. Conclusion: The Vietnamese people commonly utilize herbal medicine for the COVID-19 prevention/treatment. These data might help policy-makers in managing the public knowledge and practice on herbal medicine use in Vietnam.

Diverse Bacteriophages Infecting the Bacterial Striped Catfish Pathogen Edwardsiella ictaluri.

Bacteriophages infecting Edwardsiella ictaluri have been less investigated, although the host bacterium is one of the most important fish pathogens causing enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC). We present here two distinctly novel bacteriophages vB_EiM_PVN06 and vB_EiA_PVN09 infecting Edwardsiella ictaluri E1, with their geographical origins from the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Bacteriophage vB_EiM_PVN06 native to a mud sample reveals complete differences of biological properties with the phage vB_EiA_PVN09 originated from a viscus of a healthy catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) cultured in the same area. Morphological analyses combined with genomic data indicate that phage vB_EiM_PVN06 is classified to Myoviridae family and shares high similarity with E. ictaluri phage PEi21 genome, while vB_EiA_PVN09 is a member of Teseptimavirus genus, Autographiviridae family, and mostly closes to phage vB_EcoP_IME390. The vB_EiA_PVN09 is a T7-like bacteriophage, which has been firstly found infecting to E. ictaluri, and host range analysis also evidences for the cross-infection of this phage to Escherichia coli K12 and Escherichia coli DH5α. Together, our research highlights the diversity of bacteriophages infecting the pathogen E. ictaluri and suggests further explorations of lytic phages in environmental niches, to be exploited in feasible strategies of phage therapy in ESC disease control.

History of cigarette smoking and heart transplant outcomes.

Background : Active cigarette smoking (CS) is a contraindication for Orthotopic Heart Transplantation (OHT) with a recommendation that HT candidates be free from CS for at minimum 6 months prior to HT. Animal studies have shown that a history of CS is associated with increased risk of allograft rejection, but few studies have examined the association of past CS and HT outcomes. Methods : Data were analyzed from HT recipients captured in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) transplant registry. Adults aged 18-79 who underwent HT from 1987 to 2018 and with data for all covariates (N = 32,260) were included in this study. The cohort was categorized by past smoking history (CS vs non-CS). Post-transplant outcomes of interest included survival, graft failure, treated rejection, malignancy and hospitalization for infection. Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups using the chi-squared analysis. Unadjusted associations between CS and patient survival were determined using the Kaplan-Meier estimations and confounding was addressed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results : HT recipients with a history of CS were older (55 vs 50, p = <0.0001), more likely to be Caucasian (75.7 vs 62.3, p = <0.0001), male (81.7 vs 68.2, p =< 0.0001), and diabetic (27.4 vs 24.4, p =< 0.0001). CS was associated with significantly worse survival (HR: 1.23, p < 0.0001). A history of CS was also associated with increased risk of acute rejection (OR: 1.20, p < 0.0001), hospitalization for infection (OR:1.24, p < 0.0001), graft failure (OR:1.23, p < 0.0001) and post-transplant malignancy (OR:1.43, p < 0.0001). Conclusion : A history of CS is associated with increased risk of adverse events post OHT.

Corifollitropin alfa vs recombinant FSH for controlled ovarian stimulation in women aged 35-42 years with a body weight ≥50 kg: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: Is corifollitropin alfa 150 µg equivalent to follitropin beta 300 IU/day for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COS) in older women weighing ≥50 kg undergoing IVF and/or ICSI in Vietnam? SUMMARY ANSWER: Corifollitropin alfa 150 µg was equivalent to follitropin beta 300 IU/day with respect to the number of oocytes retrieved, the ongoing, cumulative and live birth rates and obstetric outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Corifollitropin alfa is a recombinant FSH (rFSH) preparation with slow absorption and a long half-life allowing administration of a single dose for COS lasting 7 days. Several randomized, controlled clinical trials have reported that COS with corifollitropin alfa is associated with similar outcomes compared with COS using daily rFSH. However, limited data are available in Asian patients. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single large IVF centre in Vietnam from June 2015 to August 2016. A total of 400 patients were included, 200 in each treatment group. The primary outcome measure was the number of oocytes retrieved. Patients were followed for 1 year after randomization. PARTICIPANTS /MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: Participants aged 35-42 years with a body weight ≥50 kg who were undergoing an IVF cycle were randomized to undergo COS with a single dose of corifollitropin alfa 150 µg on Day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle, or follitropin beta 300 IU/day for 7 days starting on Day 2 or 3 of the menstrual cycle. All underwent ICSI according to standard institutional protocols. A beta hCG test was performed 17 days after ovum pick-up, and positive tests were confirmed on vaginal and/or abdominal ultrasound at 5-6 weeks after embryo transfer (clinical pregnancy) and at ≥10 weeks (ongoing pregnancy). Rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and maternal and foetal outcomes after one cycle of ICSI were monitored over 12 months. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Patients in the corifollitropin alfa and follitropin beta groups were well matched at baseline (mean age 37.5 ± 1.9 vs 37.7 ± 2.0 years, mean body weight 53.7 ± 5.4 vs 52.5 ± 4.8 kg). There was no significant difference between the corifollitropin alfa and follitropin beta groups in the number of oocytes retrieved (11.4 ± 5.9 vs 10.8 ± 5.8; P = 0.338). The ongoing pregnancy rate (31.5 vs 32.0%; P = 0.99) and live birth rate (30.5 vs 32.0%; P = 0.83) (both per initiated cycle at 12 months after randomization) were also similar in the two treatment groups. Complication rates were low and similar in the corifollitropin alfa and follitropin beta groups, and there were no significant between-group differences in obstetric outcomes. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study had an open-label design, and therefore, the potential for bias cannot be excluded. The findings are only applicable to patient populations with similar characteristics to those enroled in the study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This study adds to the body of evidence supporting the equivalence of corifollitropin alfa and follitropin beta for COS in a variety of patients undergoing IVF and/or ICSI. The ability to provide COS with corifollitropin alfa has the potential to reduce the burden of treatment for patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was supported by Merck Sharp and Dohme. The authors state that they have no financial or commercial conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02466204). TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 2 June 2015. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT: 19 June 2015.

[The Influence of Intravitreal Injections on Outpatient Cataract Operations in Germany]. / Der Einfluss der intravitrealen Injektionen auf die ambulante Intraokularchirurgie in Deutschland.

PURPOSE: The number of outpatient operations in Germany is not registered in a centralised manner. To estimate the development of the outpatient intraocular surgery especially since the implementation of the intravitreal injections, surveys among ophthalmic surgeons were analysed. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2013 surveys were done among ophthalmic surgeons in Germany using questionnaires. An average of 318 completed questionnaires were sent back. The mean participation ratio was 37 %. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2013 an extrapolated mean of 347 564 cataract operations and 139 946 intravitreal injections were reported. Whereas the number of cataract operations was constant in the observation period, the number of injections increased considerably from 35 135 in 2006 to 274 714 in 2013. CONCLUSION: A saturation in the development of the numbers of the intravitreal injections could not yet be observed. Other outpatient operations, especially cataract procedures were not replaced by the increase of the injections in the recent years.

[Follow-up of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and intravitreal injection of drugs - an analysis since 2009]. / Verlauf der postoperativen Endophthalmitis nach Kataraktchirurgie und intravitrealer operativer Medikamenteneingabe (IVOM) - eine 5-Jahres-Analyse.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of intravitreal injection of drugs (IVI) has significantly increased recently and it is performed like cataract surgery as an outpatient procedure. The occurrence of postoperative endophthalmitis is rare, only few data of multicentre studies are available. METHODS: We analysed the data of 30 consecutive patients with endophthalmitis following cataract surgery (group 1, n = 20) and IVI (group 2, n = 10) requiring therapy in a referral eye clinic from January 2009 to December 2013. All patients received topical and systemic anti-inflammatory and anti-infective therapy. Due to vitreous opacification and severe loss of vision 83 % of the eyes underwent immediately pars plana vitrectomy with diagnostic microbiological probe and intravitreal application of vancomycin and gentamicin. RESULTS: Endophthalmitis occurred independently in both groups 1 to 10 days, on average 4 days, postoperatively. Group 1 showed conjunctival infection in 80 % (n = 16), group 2 in 20 % (n = 2). Hypopyon was found in group 1 in 65 % (n = 13), in group 2 in 40 % (n = 4). Group 1 presented retinal haemorrhages and epiretinal fibrin membranes in 15 % (n = 3), group 2 in 70 % (n = 7). Vitreous cultures were positive in 80 % (vancomycin-sensitive staphylococci). Staphylococcus was the most frequent bacteria, resistant to ceftazidime. In group 1 visual acuity was initially in 65 % (n = 13) of the eyes < 20/400 or worse, in group 2 90 % (n = 9) of the eyes had hand motions and in 10 % (n = 1) worse than 20/400. Visual outcome was 20/30 on average for group 1, PVR retinal detachment occurred once. In group 2 no patient achieved better visual outcome than < 20/400, 40 % of the eyes required permanent silicon oil tamponade because of PVR retinal detachment. The major pathogens were staphylococci resistant to ceftazidim. CONCLUSION: Endophthalmitis following IVI had poor visual outcome compared to endophthalmitis following cataract surgery and showed less anterior segment symptoms.

[Retroiridal iris claw lens as routine procedure]. / Retroiridale Irisklauenlinse als perfektioniertes Routineverfahren.

BACKGROUND: Absence of capsular support or extended zonulolysis is today the main indication for retroiridal enclavation of the unfoldable PMMA iris claw lens (Verisyse®/Artisan®) if there is sufficient iris support. Contraindications are uveitis or ischaemic retinopathies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 'In-the-bag' IOL dislocation due to PEX zonulopathy usually occurring 8 years after phacoemulsification is the main indication. For complicated phacoemulsification with extended zonular defect the retroiridal iris claw lens (Verisyse®/Artisan®) has become the stand-by IOL of first choice. A rare indication for Verisyse is optical rehabilitation after lens luxation into the vitreous in combination with vitrectomy. RESULTS: 81 eyes were analysed. With laseroptic biometry target refraction was within 1 D for 100 % of the 'in-the-bag' luxation cases and in 62 % for the other more complicated cases. Wavefront analysis showed no significant difference for optical quality between retroiridal iris claw lens and a endocapsular fixated spherical for scotopic 5 mm pupil. Iris pigment atrophies of the enclavation site had no clinical significance. Risk for cystoid macular oedema is lower compared to sclera suture-fixated posterior chamber lenses. Intra- and postoperative complications were rare. Spontaneous or traumatic de-enclavation due to haptic defects may occur. After vitrectomy instable refraction may be caused by hypermobile iris diaphragma. CONCLUSIONS: Retroiridal iris claw lenses can be implanted atraumatically under topical anaesthesia. IOL related complications are minimal.

[Effect of ocular compression on anterior chamber dimensions in cataract surgery using topical anaesthesia]. / Einfluss der Okulopression auf die Vorderkammerdimensionen vor der Kataraktoperation in topischer Anästhesie.

PURPOSE: Ocular compression is part of the preparation before cataract surgery to reduce the incidence of a positive intraoperative pressure. The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the influence of ocular compression on the anterior chamber dimensions and biometric parameters before cataract surgery using topical anaesthesia. METHODS: In a prospective, comparative observational study the biometric parameters were assessed with slitlamp-adapted anterior segment OCT (SL-OCT, Heidelberg Engineering) and ultrasound biometry (A-Scan+, Sonomed) in 51 consecutive patients (51 eyes) with a mean axial eye length of 22.90 ± 1.05 mm before cataract surgery. The measurements were performed in all patients before and immediately after ocular compression (Oculopressor G-15392, Geuder). In 32 patients the measurements were repeated 10 minutes after ocular compression. RESULTS: The optical and acoustic values of the anterior chamber depth did not change significantly after ocular compression (p > 0.05). Digital gonioscopy with OCT revealed a mean increase of the anterior chamber angle of 2.37° (p < 0.001) from 45.75 ± 7.28° to 48.12 ± 7.28°, and the angle opening distance of 37 µm (p = 0.017) from 627 ± 184 µm to 664 ± 162 µm. Also the average acoustic axial vitreous distance decreased significantly from 15.22 ± 0.98 to 15.18 ± 0.96 mm (p = 0.034) with a posterior shift in the relative lens position (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: In this clinical study, only slight anterior chamber and biometric changes were observed after ocular compression before cataract surgery using topical anaesthesia. There was a significant increase of the anterior chamber angle and angle opening distance with a concomitant decrease of the vitreous distance and shifting of the iris lens diaphragm.

[Individualised correction of presbyopia by the use of phacoemulsification: monovision and multifocal lenses]. / Individualisierte Presbyopiekorrektur bei der Kataraktoperation: Monovision und Multifokallinsen.

The cataract operation has transformed from a procedure for correcting spherical and astigmatic errors to one for correcting even presbyopia. Higher demands by the patients and more and more complex and individual lifestyle options need customised concepts of presbyopic correction, taking also into account comorbidities and neuroadaption. One concept for achieving this goal is multifocal lenses, undergoing a renaissance these days. Monovision using monofocal lenses is a cost neutral alternative with very few side effects, if well performed. It is defined by the far focus of one eye and the near focus of the other. Binocularity of human vision enables multiple options by combining different means of presbyopia correction. But it also complicates making the right choice. This underlines the importance of an accurate patient selection and the precise definition of what to achieve for each individual patient.

[Microkeratome and excimer laser-assisted endothelial keratoplasty (MELEK)]. / Mikrokeratom- und Excimer-Laser-gestützte endotheliale Keratoplastik (MELEK).

INTRODUCTION: Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) have become well established procedures for the treatment of endothelial pathologies. In the last years the field of lamellar corneal surgery has further developed in terms of preparation of the lamellae as well as of implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A modified form of the "ultrathin DSAEK" (UT-DSAEK) is the "microkeratome and excimer laser-assisted endothelial keratoplasty" (MELEK). In this new technique a corneal graft is prepared by a single cut of a microkeratome followed by a stromal excimer-laser thinning and smoothing. The purpose of the present report is to describe this new technique and present first clinical results. RESULTS: In this prospective clinical study 18 patients (76 ± 11 years) underwent a MELEK. The BCVA increased from 0.25 ± 0.1 preoperatively to one month postoperatively was 0.33 ± 0.21 (decimal, n = 12), after three months 0.51 ± 0.23 (n = 8) and after six months 0.80 ± 0.16 (n = 4). The average thickness of the residual stromal lamella before laser ablation was 173 ± 42 µm, after ablation 111 ± 15 µm. The central corneal thickness decreased from 704 µm to 639 µm, the thickness of the transplant decreased from 114 µm to 106 µm six months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The ultrathin "microkeratome and excimer laser-assisted endothelial keratoplasty" (MELEK) is a new and safe technique in the field of lamellar keratoplasty. In the future it could have the potential to combine the advantages of DSAEK and DMEK for the treatment of endothelial pathologies.

[Application of mitomycin in primary covered sclerotomy]. / Die gedeckte Sklerotomie mit primärer Mitomycin-C-Applikation.

BACKGROUND: The covered sclerotomy is a minimally invasive, standardized fistulating glaucoma surgical procedure with reduced risk of complications. Early postoperative bleb fibrosis is a main success-limiting problem. In this clinical study IOP follow-up and the one year success rate after primary application of mitomycin C (MMC) is analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 76 eyes with advanced glaucoma and without previous fistulating surgery, a covered sclerotomy combined with 3-minute-application of MMC0,02 % was performed. Over a period of 12 months, bleb and pressure were controlled regularly. The success rates were compared primarily with data from an earlier study without application of MMC. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 70 ± 11 years. 45 % had a pseudoexfoliation syndrome while 41 % were pseudophakic. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 27 ± 8,5 mmHg preoperatively. After 12 months it was 16,2 ± 4,3 mmHg (p < 0.05) with a mean IOP reduction of 40 %. The absolute success rate (intraocular pressure < 21 mmHg without antiglaucoma therapy) was 58 % and the relative success rate (intraocular pressure < 21 mmHg under treatment) was 71 %. A revision or a needling was performed in 22 eyes (29 %). MMC-related complications were not observed. CONCLUSION: Through the additional MMC application on the base of the primary covered sclerotomy a significant pressure reduction could be achieved. 58 % of the patients didn't need any glaucoma medicine. The absolute success rate was higher than without additional inhibitions of the fibrosis.

Encapsulation of Au Nanoparticles on a Silicon Wafer During Thermal Oxidation.

We report the behavior of Au nanoparticles anchored onto a Si(111) substrate and the evolution of the combined structure with annealing and oxidation. Au nanoparticles, formed by annealing a Au film, appear to "float" upon a growing layer of SiO2 during oxidation at high temperature, yet they also tend to become partially encapsulated by the growing silica layers. It is proposed that this occurs largely because of the differential growth rates of the silica layer on the silicon substrate between the particles and below the particles due to limited access of oxygen to the latter. This in turn is due to a combination of blockage of oxygen adsorption by the Au and limited oxygen diffusion under the gold. We think that such behavior is likely to be seen for other metal-semiconductor systems.

[Clinical experience with brilliant blue G staining of the retinal surface]. / Klinische Erfahrungen zur Färbung der Netzhautoberfläche mit Brilliant blau G.

BACKGROUND: Staining of the retinal surface has improved the intraoperative removal of semitransparent membranes during macular surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical experiences with brilliant blue G (BBG) staining of the retinal surface. METHODS: BBG (Brilliant peel, Fluoron) was applied during vitrectomy and macular surgery in 43 patients. In 47 % there was a macular hole (MH), whereas 53 % had epiretinal membranes (ERM). Intraoperatively BBG was applied on the retinal surface under infusion or air conditions for 30 - 60 s. In MH the internal limiting membrane (ILM) and in ERM the membrane was removed. Postoperatively all patients were examined on average after 9 weeks. RESULTS: Although intraoperative BBG staining was less intensive compared to ICG staining, the staining was sufficient to safely remove the semitransparent membranes in all cases. In all patients with MH hole closure was achieved, and in 96 % with ERM the metamorphopsiae decreased. The mean decimal visual acuity increased from 0.25 ± 0.13 to 0.37 ± 0.20 (p < 0.05) and improved in 63 % of the patients. Clinically, there were no toxic side-effects from BBG staining. CONCLUSIONS: BBG allowed a complete and selective staining of the retinal surface. Thus, ILM and ERM could be removed safely during macular surgery. No clinical retinal toxicity was observed.

[Topical anaesthesia in cataract surgery]. / Topische Anästhesie in der Kataraktchirurgie.

Topical anaesthesia was introduced together with the establishment of modern cataract surgery as an operation in a closed system. Superficial anaesthesia by itself leads to a good analgesia in most cases. However, up to 30% of the patients feel uncomfortable or even experience pain during surgery. Superficial anaesthesia can be intensified with subconjunctival infiltration or by modifying the application forms such as sponges or gel. With the introduction of the intracameral anaesthesia in the 1990 s primarily with unpreserved lidocaine 1%, the efficacy of the topical anaesthesia was improved significantly. The combined topical anaesthesia plus intracameral lidocaine administration can be used as a routine method. A general anaesthesia care for premedication and monitoring during cataract surgery is useful since most cataract patients are of advanced age and frequently suffer from cardiovascular diseases. In almost 10% of the patients changes in cardiopulmonal comorbidities were observed and in 2.6% anaesthesia intervention was required.

[Aberration corrected intraocular lens for microincision cataract surgery (MICS). Intraindividual comparison with a conventional lens - 1-year follow-up]. / Aberrationskorrigierte Intraokularlinse für die mikroinzisionale Kataraktchirurgie (MICS). Intraindividueller Vergleich mit einer konventionellen Linse - Einjahresergebnisse.

Microincision cataract surgery (MICS) is an important advancement in the field of cataract surgery. This article compares an aberration corrected hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) having a hydrophobic surface for MICS with a one-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL with respect to capsule sac stability, image quality, and after-cataract formation over the course of 1 year. The operations were performed as bimanual MICS or coaxial phacoemulsification. Overall the results after implantation of the IOL by MICS can be regarded as positive in comparison to the standard operation.