A new gigantic carnivore (Carnivora, Amphicyonidae) from the late middle Miocene of France.

Serravallian terrestrial vertebrates are very uncommon in the northern margin of the Pyrenean Mountains. A mandible of a new large sized amphicyonid (ca. 200 kg) is here described from the marine deposits of Sallepisse (12.8-12.0 Mya). Despite that this new taxon is close in size to some European amphicyonids from the Miocene (e.g., Amphicyon, Megamphicyon, and Magericyon), the unique morphology of its p4, unknown in this clade, allows the erection of the new genus Tartarocyon cazanavei nov. gen. & sp. This taxon may be derived from a Cynelos-type amphicyonine. The description of this new taxon highlights the erosion of the ecological and morphological diversity of the Amphicyonidae in response to well-known Miocene events (i.e., Proboscidean Datum Event, Middle Miocene Climatic Transition, Vallesian Crisis).

Assessment of Tactile Sensitivity Threshold Using Cochet-Bonnet Esthesiometer and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments and Their Use in Corneal Neurotization.

PURPOSE: Although the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer (CBE) measures corneal sensitivity, it has heretofore only been tested on the index pulp. Tactile skin sensitivity thresholds are measured with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM). This study measured skin sensitivity thresholds in healthy individuals using CBE and SWM, and compared both instruments in territories involved in corneal neurotization. METHODS: Overall, 27 healthy individuals were tested by a single examiner at 9 territories on the face, neck, forearm, and leg, using 20-thread SWM and CBE with a diameter of 0.12 mm. Both sides were tested. Thresholds were compared for both instruments and between the different territories using Bayesian methods. RESULTS: Mean sensitivity levels for SWM ranged from 0.010 to 1.128 g, while mean sensitivity levels for CBE ranged from 0.006 to 0.122 g. Thresholds measured with SWM were significantly higher than with CBE. Both instruments demonstrated higher thresholds in the leg territory than the forearm. However, the forearm presented higher thresholds than the head territories. No significant differences were found between the head territories themselves. Overall, right-side territories exhibited lower thresholds than left-side territories. CONCLUSIONS: We have reported the first mapping of skin sensitivity thresholds using CBE. Thresholds measured with CBE and SWM were coherent. The use of CBE on the skin is particularly relevant to the field of corneal neurotization.

Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve as Autologous Graft for Mini-Invasive Corneal Neurotization (MICORNE).

PURPOSE: We describe the first case of a novel surgical technique of mini-invasive corneal neurotization (MICORNE) using the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve as a graft nerve and the contralateral supraorbital nerve as a donor nerve in a herpetic patient with a neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). METHODS: A MICORNE procedure was performed in a 32-year-old man with a 5-year history of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-related NK in the right eye (RE). Visual acuity and corneal sensation were assessed over 9 months of follow-up. HSV-1 and HSV-2 genomes were screened preoperatively and postoperatively in the patient's tears using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. A high does of the oral antiviral prophylaxis was prescribed during the follow-up. RESULTS: Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was 20/200 in the RE. A Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer revealed complete corneal anesthesia (<5 mm ie, >15.9 g/mm) in all quadrants in a scarred and neovascularized cornea. Twelve months after the procedure, the visual acuity of the RE was 20/80 and corneal sensitivity had increased to 40 mm, that is, 0.8 g/mm (superior quadrant), 35 mm, that is, 1 g/mm (inferior quadrant), 40 mm (temporal quadrant), 35 mm, that is, 1 g/mm (nasal quadrant), and 40 mm (centrally). We observed no clinical recurrence of herpes, and HSV was not detected in tears during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case of MICORNE, a novel surgical technique of corneal neurotization in a herpetic patient with NK. Despite the potential risk of viral recurrence, our patient showed dramatic improvement in corneal sensation and visual acuity.

Sutureless intrascleral intraocular lens implantation after ocular trauma.

PURPOSE: To report the results and safety of sutureless intrascleral haptic fixation in traumatized eyes and to compare this procedure with retropupillary iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) fixation. SETTING: University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Patients with traumatic cataract and severely damaged capsular bags were divided into 2 groups (Group 1: intrascleral IOLs [Acrysof MN60 AC]; Group 2: retropupillary iris-claw IOLs [Verisyse]). The main outcome was the final visual acuity. The surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was calculated by the vectorial method. RESULTS: Twenty-six eyes of 23 patients were studied, 8 eyes in Group 1 and 18 eyes in Group 2. The mean follow-up was 14 months. There was no difference in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at the time of the surgery (P>.05). The mean CDVA (logMAR) was 1.68 ± 1.15 (SD) preoperatively and 0.55 ± 0.9 postoperatively in Group 1 (P = .03) and 1.11 ± 1.13 and 0.32 ± 0.47, respectively, in Group 2 (P = .003). The final CDVA was not different between groups (P>.05). The mean SIA was 1.91 ± 1.66 diopters (D) in Group 1 and 2.74 ± 1.92 D in Group 2 (P>.05). No intraoperative complications occurred in Group 2; a haptic broke in Group 1. Macular edema occurred in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sutureless intrascleral IOLs corrected posttraumatic aphakia. The SIA was comparable between groups. This procedure should be considered after trauma when other implantation techniques are not possible.