bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser in situ Keratomileusis After Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Nassaralla Belquiz R A , Nassaralla João J
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism in eyes with prior penetrating keratoplasty.

METHODS: Eight eyes of 8 patients with penetrating keratoplasty had significant postoperative refractive error. Each eye received LASIK 1 year or more after penetrating keratoplasty. All were followed for 6 months or more. All patients were treated with the Chiron Technolas 217 excimer laser and the Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome.

RESULTS: Mean spherical equivalent refraction decreased from -4.50 D (range, -3.00 to -7.25 D) to -0.75 D (range, -1.50 to +0.50 D) and the mean preoperative astigmatism decreased from 3.50 D (range, 1.50 to 5.00 D) to 1.25 D (range, 0.75 to 2.00 D). Uncorrected visual acuity improved by at least two Snellen lines in all eyes. Best spectaclecorrected visual acuity did not change in four eyes (50%) and improved in three eyes (37.5%).

CONCLUSION: LASIK effectively reduced low and moderate myopia and myopic astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty. [J Refract Surg 2000;16:431-437]
Hyaluronidase Treatment, Collagen Fibril Packing, and Normal Transparency in Rabbit Corneas
Authors: Connon C J , Meek K M , Newton R H , Kenney M C , Alba S A , Karageozian H
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Hyaluronidase treatment is the initial step of corneaplasty, a treatment under development that induces stromal softening and involves the application of a custom designed forming lens to achieve modification of refractive error. The purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in the arrangement of stromal collagen fibrils after hyaluronidase treatment.

METHODS: Rabbit corneas were evaluated by slit-lamp microscopy at 0, 2 and 7 days after treatment and haze was assessed by subjective observation. Molecular and interfibrillar Bragg spacing of corneal collagen were measured from synchrotron x-ray scattering patterns. Transmission electron microscopy and digital image analysis were used to calculate radial distribution functions from the positions of collagen fibrils. The calculated fibril sizes and positions were also used to predict the transmission of visible light through these corneas.

RESULTS: Hyaluronidase-treated corneas were shown to have a decreased interfibrillar Bragg spacing of 15% to 21%. Fibril hydration did not change. Transparency of these corneas remained unaltered.

CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronidase reduced the hydration of the corneal stroma, which led to a more compacted collagen fibril arrangement. This compression was predicted to cause a small reduction in the transmission of visible light through the cornea but not to a point likely to cause visual impairment. [J Refract Surg 2000;16:448-455]
Phakic Intraocular Lens to Correct High Myopic Amblyopia in Children
Authors: Lesueur Laurence C , Arne Jean L
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In a clinical investigation, we evaluated anatomical and functional outcomes of posterior phakic chamber lens (ICL) implantation for correction of high myopia with amblyopia in children.

METHODS: Twelve eyes of 11 children, age 3 to 16 years, with high myopic amblyopia were operated with implantation of a Staar Surgical ICL. In these patients, conventional therapy with spectacles or contact lenses was unsuccessful. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -12.70 D (range -8.00 to -18.00 D) and best spectaclecorrected visual acuity ranged from count fingers to 20/63. Mean follow-up was 20.5 months (range 3 to 48 mo) Preoperative and postoperative anatomical and functional outcomes were compared.

RESULTS: We noted good tolerance of ICLs without inflammatory reactions or secondary capsular opacity, stable intraocular pressure, and good ICL position in all eyes. Predictability was +0,71 D (range -0.75 to +2.00 D). Mean postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/63. Recovery of binocular vision was achieved in six patients and orthotropic position in seven patients. Quality of life was improved in all patients.

CONCLUSION: The Staar Surgical phakic ICL appeared to be an effective method to treat high myopia in children with amblyopia. Good results with high satisfaction were noted. [J Refract Surg 2002;18:519-523]
Cytotoxic and Mutagenic Action of 193-nm and 213-nm Laser Radiation
Authors: Kaido Thomas J , Kash Roger L , Sasnett Michael W , Twa Michael , Marcellino George , Schanzlin David
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the cytotoxic and mutagenic effect of 213-nm and 193-nm laser radiation on cultured mammalian cells.

METHODS: Chinese hamster lung (V79) cells were exposed to 193-nm radiation from an argon fluorine excimer laser or 213-nm radiation from a 5th harmonic Nd:YAG laser. The cytotoxic action of the lasers was compared by determining the number of V79 cell colonies that formed 1 week after irradiating cells with different doses of 193-nm or 213-nm laser radiation or with continuous wave 254-nm radiation. The cytotoxic action of the lasers on primary cultures of human corneal fibroblasts was also compared. The mutagenic potential of the lasers was compared by measuring the number of ouabain or 6-Thioguanine(6TG)-resistant V79 mutants that formed after exposing V79 cells to 193-nm or 213-nm radiation.

RESULTS: The dose of 193-nm laser radiation that resulted in 37% survival (D37) of V79 cells was estimated to be 11.3 mj/cm2 compared to 3.2 mJ/cm2 for 213-nm laser radiation and 1.2 mJ/cm2 for 254-nm UV radiation. The mean number of ouabain-induced mutants induced at the D37 for 193-nm, 213-nm, and 254-nm laser radiation were 28, 166, and 279 mutants/107 cells, respectively. Continuous wave 254-nm radiation induced 6TGresistant colonies, but there was no significant induction of 6TG-resistant mutants by either laser.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the in vitro data presented herein may or may not be meaningful to humans, the 213-nm Nd:YAG laser was more cytotoxic and mutagenic than the 193-nm excimer laser on cultured mammalian cells but was less cytotoxic and mutagenic than 254-nm radiation. [J Refract Surg 2002;18:529-534]
Internal Suture Occlusion of the Molteno Glaucoma Implant for the Prevention of Postoperative Hypotony
Authors: Egbert Peter R , Lieberman Marc F
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

The Molteno glaucoma drainage implant procedure is useful for managing refractory glaucoma, but a significant concern has been the avoidance of postoperative hypotony due to temporary excessive filtration. We have developed a method of temporarily closing the translimbal tube with an internally-placed occluding suture (4-0 or 5-0 chromic). Seven to 12 days later this suture was removed, without surgery, in an outpatient setting. We have used this method on 30 patients. The advantages are that postoperative hypotony is reduced, and the Molteno drainage implant can be inserted in a single operation.
Margins of Safety in Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Botek Alison A , Goldberg Stuart H
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

We attempted to clarify the anatomic relationships of the lacrimal sac by performing standard orbital dissections to expose the lacrimal canaliculi, lacrimal sac, the ethmoid air cells, nasal septum, frontal sinuses, and the cribriform plate in five human cadaver heads; and then measuring the distance between the internal common punctum (ICP) and five key structures. The mean vector distance from the ICP to the anterior aspect of the cribriform plate was 25.1 ± 2.95 mm. This measurement, along with the others, helps clarify osteotomy placement for dacryocystorhinostomy, so that, for example, cerebrospinal fluid leak can be prevented. Improved understanding of the anatomy of this region is also valuable in planning surgery for orbital and nasoorbital tumors, trauma, and congenital abnormalities.
Conjunctival Autograft for Pterygium Surgery: How Well Does It Prevent Recurrence?
Authors: Figueiredo Regis S , Cohen Elisaberh J , Gomes Jose A P , Rapuano Christopher J , Lailson Peter R
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of the surgical management of pterygium with conjunctival autograft was evaluated.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective survey, the records of 94 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for pterygium between 1984 and 1993 were reviewed. Only the first pterygium procedure for each patient performed at Wills Eye Hospital was included. The statistical technique of survival curve analysis by the Kaplan-Meier product limit was used to analyze the results separately after the removal of primary and recurrent pterygia.

* RESULTS: Thirty-one patients with primary pterygium underwent simple excision. Forty patients had conjunctival autografts. The recurrence rates estimated at 1 year were 40% and 16%, respectively (P = .031). In both groups, patients who were 50 years old or younger were more likely to have a recurrence (P = .029). All 23 patients with recurrent pterygium had conjunctival grafts, and the estimation of recurrence at 1 year was 25%. No serious complications occurred in any group.

* CONCLUSION: Conjunctival autograft decreases the recurrence rate for primary pterygium compared with simple excision.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1997;28:99-104.]
Malignant Bilateral Exophthalmos and Secondary Glaucoma in Iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Boschi A , Detry M , Duprez T , Rolland F , Plas B , De Plaen J , Eloy P
Published: April 2021

Abstract. The authors describe a case of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome in which an emergency orbital decompression was performed. This procedure was necessary because major ocular hypertension and severe bilateral exophthalmos had caused a decrease in visual function and recurrent painful episodes of eyeball luxation. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1997;28:318-320.]
Systemic Amyloidosis With Temporal Artery Involvement Mimicking Temporal Arteritis
Authors: Ing Edsel B , Woolf Islon Z , Younge Brian R , Bjornsson Johannes , Leavitt Jacqueline A
Published: April 2021

Abstract. A 77-year-old man presented with jaw claudication, arthralgias and myalgias, weight loss, marked fatigue, and thickened temporal arteries. No vasculitis was seen on the temporal artery biopsy specimen, but amyloidosis was suspected and confirmed with Congo red staining. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy revealed multiple myeloma. Although the patient initially was thought to have temporal arteritis, the results of temporal artery biopsy directed further investigations that led to the diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis. Systemic amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients, especially men, present with clinical findings suggestive of temporal arteritis but without evidence of vasculitis in temporal artery biopsy specimens. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1997;28:328-331.!
Sclerokeratoplasty Versus Penetrating Keratoplasty in Anterior Staphyloma
Authors: Panda Anita , Sharma Namrata , Angra Surender K , Singh Rajvir
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the newer surgical technique of sclerokeratoplasty in spherical anterior staphyloma of the cornea and to compare it with total penetrating keratoplasty.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, prospective clinical trial in 20 eyes with acquired spherical anterior staphylomas was undertaken. Ten eyes each underwent sclerokeratoplasty (group 1) or total penetrating keratoplasty (group 2). The parameters evaluated were visual acuity, keratometry, graft status, and complications. Patients were observed for a minimum of 1 year.

* RESULTS: Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 6/60 or better with astigmatism of less than 3 D was achieved in all but one patient in group 1 in contrast to 5 cases in group 2. Postoperative complications included epithelial defects, shallow anterior chamber, hyphema, and uveitis, which did not significantly vary between the 2 procedures. Secondary glaucoma was significant associated with group 2 as compared with group 1. At the end of 1 year, no significant difference in the graft clarity was present. Grafts were clear 3+ or more in 8 eyes in group 1 and in 5 eyes in group 2. Good cosmetic results were achieved in cases of sclerokeratoplasty due to the absence of corneal opacification and suture marks.

* CONCLUSION: Sclerokeratoplasty is a useful alternative to total penetrating keratoplasty in cases of acquired spherical anterior staphylomas of the cornea with good anatomic and useful visual outcome.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1999; 30: 31-36.]
A Simple "Lasso" for Intraocular Foreign Bodies
Authors: Erakgün Tansu , Ates Halil , Akkin Cezmi , Kaskaloglu Mahmut
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Three patients had foreign bodies in their anterior chambers following penetrating ocular injuries. These foreign bodies were removed by a closed chamber technique using a simple loop. The loop was created by a 22-gauge intravenous cannula and a 7-0 polypropylene suture. Retained cilia in one patient and metallic foreign bodies in two patients were removed using this intraocular "lasso." Sutures were not placed at the incision sites at the end of the surgery. This is an inexpensive and easy to prepare technique that introduces minimal surgical trauma. In addition, two hands are not needed for loop manipulation. This technique may be an excellent alternative for removal of small intraocular foreign bodies. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1999; 30: 63-66.]
CDCR With Buccal Mucosal Graft: Comparative and Histopathological Study
Authors: Can Izzet , Can Belgin , Yarangümeli Alper , Gürbüz Özlem , Tekelioglu Meral , Kural Gülcan
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) is a procedure with a high functional success rate, on the other hand post-operative complications are frequent and tube replacement is often required. Therefore, new investigations were undertaken in order to relieve the undesired effects of the tube. Implantation of the Jones tube circumscribed with a buccal mucosal graft and subsequent removal of the tube when an epithelium lined track was formed has been reported in the literature in recent years. In this study efficacy and safety of this alternative technique was evaluated.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: CDCR with insertion of Jones tube surrounded with a buccal mucosal graft was performed on 14 patients (14 eyes) between September 1995 and March 1997 and results were evaluated. Results were compared with our previous series of traditional CDCR, involving 22 patients (22 eyes).

* RESULTS: Functional success was obtained in all cases with relief of epiphora after a mean follow-up of 13.7 ± 5-7 months. In 1 1 cases, tubes were removed at the sixth post-operative month and passage was blocked in 9 cases. Subsequent surgical tube reinsertion was performed in those patients. Biopsy specimens were obtained in two cases during tube replacement and were examined histologically. Disarrangement of the basal epithelial cells and infiltration of the surrounding connective tissue with round cells were observed. These histopathological findings suggested a significant graft degeneration threatening the continuity of the passage. Tube displacement existed in two patients, and partial mucosal graft extrusion was apparent in one case during the period with the tube still inserted. Surgical tube replacement was required in only two cases to correct lateral migration of the tube. Incidence of complications and need for surgical tube replacement were found to be less than our previous series of 22 CDCR patients without buccal mucosa grafting.

* CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CDCR with buccal mucosal graft is a promising new method for the treatment of epiphora because of its low incidence of complications during the period with the tube. However, tube removal at the sixth post-operative month is probably not indicated. Therefore, studies with larger series and longer follow-up should be undertaken to confirm the advantages of the technique.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1999:30:98-104.]
Use of Viscoelastics Post-Trabeculectomy: A Survey of Members of the American Glaucoma Society
Authors: Salvo Eugene C , Luntz Maurice H , Medow Norman B
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: American Glaucoma Society members were surveyed to determine the pattern of use of viscoelastics for anterior chamber reformation at the slit-lamp in the post-operative clinical management of patients who have undergone trabeculectomy in order to give ophthalmologists an indication of how these materials are being used by their colleagues.

* MATERIALS AND METHODS: We surveyed 196 members of the American Glaucoma Society regarding the following; (1) whether they inject viscoelastic post-operatively at the slit-lamp as an inoffice procedure, (2) the type of viscoelastic used most often, (3) the criteria for injection of viscoelastic, (4) the time to first follow-up, (5) the average number of injections, and (6) the occurrence of post-injection endophthalmitis.

* RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five (64%) of the 196 mailed surveys were answered and returned. Ninety-four (75%) of the respondents reported injecting viscoelastics in the postoperative period at the slit-lamp as an in-office procedure. Healon (60%) (Pharmacia & Upjohn Co, Kalamazoo, MI), Viscoat (17%) (Alcon, Ft. Worth, TX), and Healon GV (7%) (Pharmacia & Upjohn Co, Kalamazoo, MI) were the three most often used viscoelastics. Hypotony, iris-cornea touch, and lens-cornea touch were given as criteria for injection 19%, 47%, and 88% of the time, respectively. Range of time to first follow-up was 1 hour to 7 days, with a mean time of 1 day. Range of average number of injections was 1 to 3 with a mean of 2 injections for patients requiring injection. Only one respondent reported an incidence of endophthalmitis.

* CONCLUSIONS: The use of viscoelastic materials in the postoperative trabeculectomy patient in the office at the slit-lamp for anterior chamber reformation is a prevalent practice. Healon is the most commonly used viscoelastic postoperatively and lens-corneal touch is the most common criterion for injection. The average number of injections is 2, with a mean and mode follow-up time of 1 day. Endophthalmitis is a rare complication.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1999;30:271-275.]
Retinal Breaks and Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in Association with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Kir Erkin , Saatci A Osman , Özbek Zeynep , Kaynak Süleyman , Ergin Mehmet H
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence and clinical characteristics of retinal breaks and/or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records of 230 eyes of 214 patients with BRVO and identified eyes with retinal breaks and/or RRD. Patients had at least 6 months of follow-up.

* RESULTS: Seven of 230 eyes (3%) had retinal breaks and 3 eyes (1.3%) had RRD. One of the eyes with RRD had subclinical retinal detachment. All 7 eyes had ischemic disease documented by fluorescein angiography. Two of 7 eyes had concurrent retinal neovascularization. Four eyes with breaks, but without RRD, and the eye with subclinical RRD were managed by argon green laser. Two eyes with RRD were managed successfully with scleral buckling surgery and postoperative supplemental argon green laser. The mean follow-up period was 14.8 ± 8.3 months.

* CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BRVO should be monitored closely for possible retinal break formation and RRD development.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1999;30:285-288.]
Jones Tube Insertion in Children with Canalicular Agenesis
Authors: Klapper Stephen R , Jordan David R
Published: April 2021

Abstract. The purpose of this report is to describe a simplified method of Jones tube insertion in the management of pediatric patients with symptomatic upper and lower punctal and canalicular agenesis. A 5-yearold female with bilateral upper and lower canalicular agenesis, and a 4-year-old male with agenesis of the right upper and lower canaliculi, underwent placement of Jones tubes without performing standard external conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy. The first child requiring bilateral Jones tube insertion has remained asymptomatic for 24 months. The Jones tube dislodged in the second patient 6 weeks postoperatively. The tube was replaced, and the child has been asymptomatic for 16 months. The technique of Jones tube insertion without a previous or concomitant external dacryocystorhinostomy may be a useful modification in the management of pediatric patients with symptomatic upper and lower canalicular agenesis. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1999;30:495-498.]
Perfluoro-N-Octane (PFO) in the Repair of Complicated Retinal Detachments Due to Severe Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Maturi Raj K , Merrill Pauline T , Lomeo Mark D , Diaz-Rohena Roberto , Khan Myrna , Lambert H Michael
Published: April 2021

* PURPOSE: To report our experience with perfluoro-N-octane (PFO) in the surgical management of complicated retinal detachments due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

* METHODS: Retrospective review of 18 consecutive eyes of 18 patients with tractional or combined tractional and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments due to severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy managed by pars plana vitrectomy and the intraoperative use of PFO. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative findings and procedures and postoperative results were recorded.

* RESULTS: The mean preoperative acuity was 2/200 (range, 20/25 to light perception). The mean final visual acuity was 4/200 (range, 20/20 to no light perception). With a mean follow-up of 6 months, there was an 89% anatomic reattachment rate at the last visit and visual acuity was stable or improved in 72% of eyes.

* CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, PFO is a helpful surgical adjunct in the anatomic reattachment of tractional or combined tractional and rhegmatogenous diabetic retinal detachments. Visual acuity was stabilized or improved in the majority of eyes.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1999;30:715-720.]
Follow-Up Appointment Delay in Diabetic Macular Edema Patients
Authors: Agarwal Daniel , Udeh Belinda , Campbell Jack , Bena James , Rachitskaya Aleksandra
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate a novel measure of compliance, follow-up appointment delay, and assess its relationship with clinical and sociodemographic factors in patients undergoing treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This is a comparative case series of patients treated for DME. The novel measure of compliance — the time in days from the intended day of return and actual day of return, or follow-up appointment delay — was studied and compared to a traditional measure: the percentage of visits missed. These were correlated with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics: best-corrected visual acuity, hemoglobin A1C percent (HbA1c), median household income, smoking status, type of insurance held, marital status, gender, and age. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted.

RESULTS:

One hundred fifty-five patients (212 eyes) were included in the study. The median times between recommended and actual appointments was 5.0 days (range: 2.0–14.0 days). The mean percentage of visits missed was 31.7% (± 13.3%). The two measures of compliance were positively associated, but the correlation was moderate (r = 0.44). Non-white race, lack of bilateral injections, and higher baseline HBA1c were significant predictors of a median time greater than 7 days between the intended and actual follow-up dates.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current study identified a novel method of measuring compliance of DME patients seen by retina specialists and has identified non-white race, lack for bilateral treatment, and poorer glycemic control as risk factors for noncompliance.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2021;52:200–206.]
Macular Cone Abnormalities in Behçet's Disease Detected by Adaptive Optics Scanning Light Ophthalmoscope
Authors: Kadomoto Shin , Uji Akihito , Arichika Shigeta , Muraoka Yuki , Kido Ai , Nishijima Kazuaki , Akagi Tadamichi , Kawai Kentaro , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Investigations of morphological changes in photoreceptors in Behçet's disease (BD) using adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO) are lacking. The authors aimed to evaluate macular cone density and regularity in BD patients with or without a history of uveitis with good visual acuity (VA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The authors included 16 patients (29 eyes) with BD and 12 healthy volunteers (12 eyes) as controls. All subjects had VA of 20/20 or higher. Subjects underwent AOSLO to evaluate the photoreceptor status including cone density (numbers/mm
2
) and proportion of hexagonal Voronoi domains.

RESULTS:

Hyporeflective patches that were not detected in color fundus photograph or optical coherence tomography were observed by AOSLO in BD patients both with and without past uveitis history; these were not detected in the control group. Cone density was significantly reduced in BD patients with a history of uveitis compared to controls (
P
= .002). The proportion of hexagonal Voronoi domains was significantly reduced in BD eyes both with and without history of uveitis relative to controls (
P
< .001).

CONCLUSION:

Macular photoreceptor damage was observed in BD patients with and without a history of uveitis.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2021;52:218–225.]
Una nueva especie de Porcellio Latreille, 1804 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) de España y primeros datos sobre los isópodos terrestres de Extremadura
Authors: Garcia Lluc , Parejo-Pulido Daniel , Séchet Emmanuel
Published: April 2021

Se describe Porcellio wadianae sp. nov. (Crustacea: Oniscidea: Porcellionidae) de la región de Extremadura, España, Península Ibérica. La nueva especie puede clasificarse dentro del llamado “grupo Atlántico” del género Porcellio, definido por Vandel. Se caracteriza por tener un sistema glandular tegumentario poco común en este género y por otras características que lo diferencian del resto de especies del mismo grupo presentes en la región ibero-macaronésica y norteafricana. Además, presentamos observaciones adicionales sobre otras especies recolectadas en Extremadura, una de las regiones menos conocidas de España en lo que se refiere a su fauna de isópodos terrestres.
Comparison of Reaction Time Between eSports Players of Different Genres and Sportsmen
Authors: Bickmann Peter , Wechsler Konstantin , Rudolf Kevin , Tholl Chuck , Froböse Ingo , Grieben Christopher
Published: April 2021

Quick reactions are considered important in both, traditional and electronic sports and research findings suggest that reaction time can be optimized by both sports activity and playing action video games. In this study, reaction and motor times of 18 professional and 21 non-professional eSports players from different genres and 36 non-professional traditional sportsmen were compared using the Vienna Test System. No differences between the groups were found in simple visual, acoustic, and choice reaction times. Differentiated by game genre, players from sports simulations had significantly shorter reaction times than MOBA players in the acoustic and choice reaction test. The results of this study suggest that traditional sports and eSports may improve reaction times to a similar amount. Furthermore, various game genres require different reaction times or may affect related abilities in different ways.
Comparison of Multiple Object Tracking Performance Between Professional and Amateur eSport Players as Well as Traditional Sportsmen
Authors: Wechsler Konstantin , Bickmann Peter , Rudolf Kevin , Tholl Chuck , Froböse Ingo , Grieben Christopher
Published: April 2021

High performance in multiple object tracking paradigms is associated with well-trained visuo-spatial abilities, visual memory and divided attention. These abilities are essential for both traditional sport and esport. The present study compared the tracking performance of professional as well as amateur esport players and traditional sportsmen. Professional esport players outperformed amateurs, while no other group differences were found. Positive association of esport playtime and tracking performance as well as elevated tracking scores of the entire study cohort compared to normal population indicate a connection of esport and sport activity and tracking performance.
Enriching Academic Vocabulary of the Undergraduates in Technological Study Stream in Sri Lanka: A Comparative Exploration of the Effectiveness of Virtual Blended and Face-To-Face Modes
Authors: Dharmawardene R. P. , Weerasinghe T. A. , Ananda M. G. L.
Published: April 2021

This mixed method case study explored and compared the effectiveness of the Virtual Blended Mode (VBM) and the fully F2F mode in improving academic vocabulary of the undergraduates learning English as a Second Language (ESL) in the F2F mode at the Faculty of Technology in the University of Colombo (UOC). The theoretical alignment was Vygotsky’s (1978) Sociocultural Theory and Anderson’s (1977) Schema Theory. The qualitative part of the study included questionnaire responses from 21 visiting lecturers of English, of the Department of English Language Teaching, UOC, on the most commonly used vocabulary strategy to enhance receptive and productive vocabulary of the undergraduates. The quantitative part of the study included a receptive vocabulary test and a productive vocabulary test with 36 test items. Semantic Mapping strategy (Graves, 2008) was used for vocabulary development activities. Two samples consisted of 96 participants with limited prior knowledge and 78 with higher level of prior knowledge in ESL purposefully were selected based on the grades obtained at their G.C.E. A/L Examination in 2016/2017. Both samples were further grouped as VBM and F2F randomly assigning participants. Two experimental (VBM) groups underwent the intervention with 120 academic vocabulary activities using the Learning Management System (LMS) created for this study while the two control groups practiced the same activities in their F2F classes. All participants used the semantic mapping strategy. The LMS was facilitated with the newest feature of the Web 2.0 technology, the BigBlueButton feature enabling the participants to work collaboratively in small groups online. Receptive and productive vocabulary tests were administered to all participants. Rubric was used to assign scores for answers of the tests. Data analysis focused on the receptive and productive levels of improvement in academic vocabulary. The results showed a significant improvement in the receptive vocabulary development of the participants in the VBM groups in both samples who had the opportunity to practice in a better collaborative environment interacting with their peers 10 percent of the time in F2F mode and 90 percent of the time online compared to their counterparts who practiced 100 percent of the time in the F2F mode proving Vygotsky’s (1978) Sociocultural Theory. However, the participants with limited prior knowledge in ESL performed less in productive test compared to their receptive test showing difficulty in using new words in new contexts proving the Schema Theory (Anderson, 1977) while the participants with higher knowledge performed well in the productive tests disregarding the mode of delivery being utilized. Thus, the study highlights the pedagogical implications for teaching academic English in the context of teaching ESL in Universities in Sri Lanka.
Variability and inheritance of fiber length and wilt resistance in a complex 4-5 specific and backcross hybridization of cotton
Authors: Boboyev Sayfulla , Toshpulatova Gulnoza , Amanturdiev Ikrom , Mirakhmedov Mirvakhob
Published: April 2021

In this paper presents data of researches about fiber length in the 4-5 species. The largest number of plants with the indicated analyzed trait in hybrid combinations, obtained with the participation of the variety Omad, appeared with a number of variations in fiber length at 35.0-36.0 mm and above. Investigation of 4-species hybrids of F2 and back cross hybridization allowed some improvement in the average value of trait when compared with F1. Despite the emergence of transgressive plants with fiber length 36.1-37.0 mm and above, the average trait of composite 5 species hybrids F2 remained almost at the level of F1, i.e. 35.5-36.0 mm. The greatest number of positive recombinants occurred in 5 species back crossing developed with the participation of Termez-31.
Ovine fetuses from slaughterhouses: A useful source for neural cell primary cultures
Authors: Farina Vittorio , Gadau Sergio Domenico , Lepore Gianluca , Carcupino Marcella , Zedda Marco
Published: April 2021

A lot of evidence demonstrates that sheep could represent an experimental model to set up medical procedures in view of their application on humans. Sheep are chosen as models for human biomechanical studies because their skeleton has some similarities to humans. The aim of this work was to set up sheep primary cultures from ovine fetuses at different ages, from pregnant uteri retrieved at local abattoirs. Cell characterization showed that one cell population was immunopositive to GFAP and identifiable as astrocytes, whereas a second cell type was III β-tubulin-positive, and hence classified as neurons. At 60-days old fetus is suitable to obtain neurons, whereas in a 90-days old fetus the cell culture is predominantly characterized by glial cells. The procedure here proposed is inexpensive, in fact, collecting fetuses during sheep slaughtering is a cost-saving option, unlike common experimental animals such as mice, rats, rabbits, that require very high economical efforts. Finally, our protocol fully eliminates the need of animal killing, being living animals replaced by a validated in vitro model in agreement with the 3Rs statement.
Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors among Tuberculosis Patients at Wolayta Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Teferi Malese Yeshambaw , Didana Lukas Dingato , Hailu Tsegaye , Woldesenbet Simon Genet , Bekele Senedu , Mihret Adane
Published: April 2021

Background

Tuberculosis is a major public health problem throughout the world particularly in resource limited countries. Measuring and reporting of TB treatment outcomes and identifying associated factors are fundamental part of TB treatment. The aim of this study was to assess TB treatment outcome and associated factors among TB patients in Wolayta Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.

Design and Method

Facility based retrospective cohort study was conducted in Wolayta Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital. All TB patients who registered during September 2014 to August 2019 and had known treatment outcome were included in the study. The data were collected using pretested structured data extraction format that included demographic, clinical and treatment outcome variables. SPSS Version 23 for windows was used for data processing. Bivariate and multivariate analysis with 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed to infer associations between the independent and dependent variables.

Results

Of total 232 TB patients included in the study, 54.3% were male, 80.2% were urban residents, 65.9% were pulmonary TB (PTB). From the total 153 PTB cases, 31.5% were smear positive, 17.2% were HIV co-infected and all of them were on antiretroviral treatment. Most, 97.0% of the TB cases were newly diagnosed and all were treated as first line treatment category. The overall treatment success rate was 82.5% (28% cured 54.3% completed), 11.2% loss to follow-up, 4.7% dead and 0.9% treatment failure. The treatment success rate of HIV co-infected TB patients was 77.5%. There was no significant association between TB treatment outcome and age, sex, residence, type of TB, category of patients and HIV status.

Conclusion

The treatment success rate was low (82.5%) which is below the 90% threshold defined standard with high proportion of patient's lost to follow-up (11.2%). A higher number of transfer-out cases were recorded in this study. Thus, supervision and monitoring of DOTs implementation, improved counseling service, mechanisms for lost to follow-up patients should be strengthen. Establish efficient referral and contact tracing mechanisms for transferred-out cases and document their treatment outcomes of status is also fundamental.
Magnetic resonance imaging and clinically controlled improvement of a combined autologous conditioned plasma combined with rh collagen type I injections in lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Baltzer Axel W.A. , Ostapczuk Martin S.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of combined autologous conditioned plasma and recombinant human collagen type I injections on lateral epicondylitis. Outcome was measured in 5 patients before the single application of ACP+rhCollagen type I (Arthrex ACP® Tendo) and after 10.60±3.58wks by means of (i) the Visual Analogue Scale for pain, (ii) range of motion for wrist extension/flexion as well as supination/pronation, and (iii) MRI-scans. VAS-scores significantly decreased from 6.40±1.14 at baseline to 1.80±2.49 at follow- up, and the effect was very large (p=0.04, dz=2.22). In addition, range of motion either improved or remained unrestricted, and MRI-scans showed healing of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon in most cases. A combined ACP+rhCollageninjection successfully reduces pain in lateral epicondylitis. Due to the small sample size, however, these promising preliminary results need further investigation in future research.
Norms and Cayley–Hamilton algebras
Authors: Procesi Claudio
Published: April 2021

We develop the general Theory of Cayley–Hamilton algebras using norms and compare with the approach, valid only in characteristic 0, using traces and presented in a previous paper [19].
$\Gamma$-convergence for a class of action functionals induced by gradients of convex functions
Authors: Ambrosio Luigi , Baradat Aymeric , Brenier Yann
Published: April 2021

Given a real function

f

, the rate function for the large deviations of the diffusion process of drift

\nabla f

given by the Freidlin–Wentzell theorem coincides with the time integral of the energy dissipation for the gradient flow associated with

f

. This paper is concerned with the stability in the hilbertian framework of this common action functional when

f

varies. More precisely, we show that if

(f_h)_h

is uniformly

\lambda

-convex for some

\lambda \in \mathbb R

and converges towards

f

in the sense of Mosco convergence, then the related functionals

\Gamma

-converge in the strong topology of curves.
Uniqueness theory for model sets, and spectral superresolution
Authors: Benedetto John J. , Zhao Chenzhi
Published: April 2021

We build on the work of Basarab Matei by proving a new uniqueness theorem for some complex Radon measures whose Fourier transforms vanish on the model sets formulated by Yves Meyer. Although apparently specialized, it fits naturally into the broad areas of the extension problem for positive definite functions, spectral estimation, and spectral super-resolution. Out technology involves Kronecker’s theorem and a result in the mold of Chebatorev’s theorem, although essentially different from it.
Contracting properties of bounded holomorphic functions
Authors: Ito Manabu
Published: April 2021

The classical Schwarz–Pick lemma implies that a holomorphic function of the open unit disk into itself gives a contraction with respect to the hyperbolic metric on the disk. In this article, we formulate a more general contracting property of a bounded holomorphic function in settings with respect to a conformal semimetric. During the study, it will become clear that a proper holomorphic mapping plays a significant role, and that a global result implies a local result. We conclude with a theorem for higher-dimensional spaces.
Mocarstwa nuklearne rywalizujące z USA i polityki odstraszania w XXI wieku
Authors: Nycz Grzegorz
Published: April 2021

Książka Grzegorza Nycza będzie ważnym wkładem w rozwój badań nad współczesnymi problemami bezpieczeństwa Stanów Zjednoczonych i głównych uczestników stosunków międzynarodowych, w tym Rosji i ChRL, jak i państw o dużych aspiracjach rozbudowy swego potencjału odstraszania, tj. Korei Północnej i Chin oraz Indii i Pakistanu, a ponadto Japonii, która mimo ograniczeń konstytucyjnych musi w coraz większym stopniu przejąć na siebie poprawę swego bezpieczeństwa. Bardzo ważne jest podjęcie naukowej analizy polityki Izraela uwikłanego w dramatyczny spór z krajami arabskimi zagrażający jego egzystencji. To państwo jak żadne inne musi korzystać z działań w obszarze odstraszania, co realizuje przez rozwój wyrafinowanych technologii obronnych i olbrzymią współpracę z USA. Monografia może być przydatna jako analityczny przegląd głównych spornych punktów rywalizacji strategicznej mocarstw i punkt wyjścia do analiz pozycji międzynarodowej USA budowanej dzięki arsenałowi odstraszania. Znajdzie wielu odbiorców wśród badaczy i studentów w obszarze bezpieczeństwa, stosunków międzynarodowych i historii stosunków międzynarodowych. Z recenzji prof. Andrzeja Mani
Social Isolation - a Prerequisite for Forced and Intensive Development of Media Literacy and Digital Education of Society
Authors: Rachev Zhivko
Published: April 2021

The paper analyzes the behavior of society in a crisis and social distance and the increased influence of the media. Data on the level of training of teachers, students and parents related to media and information literacy are presented. The degree of forced media literacy in crisis conditions is measured. Models and methods of distance and media learning within the European Union are compared. In conclusion, examples are given of media connections and media literacy in the absence of a social environment and live communication among children and students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Intercultural Communication in Modern Linguistic Space
Authors: Nikolova Nadezhda
Published: April 2021

Intercultural contacts are very dynamic in the modern world. Intercultural interaction at personal, institutional, and international levels, due to globalization, demographic changes, information technologies development, etc., is intense. The expansion of international relations these days requires developing dialogic skills between various developed cultures, which requires clarification of problems related to intercultural communication. The article analyzes the concepts of intercultural communication in modern society. It also highlights some characteristics, trends, and development in the linguistic space.
A RULE-BASED APPROACH TO SOFA DESIGN WITH KANSEI ENGINEERING
Authors: ZEYDAN Mithat , ÖCAL Abdurrahman
Published: April 2021

Today, product design has been much more complicated when compared with the past. Shorter product life cycle increased product development cost. In order to stay competitive in the market, a well-designed product should be able to not only meet functionality requirements, but also satisfy consumers’ psychological needs (or feelings). In this study, a rough set based kansei engineering decision support system was developed using Fuzzy AHP (Analytical Hierarchical Process) and PLS (Partial Least Square) approximations. Decision rules for 16 design samples were generated by orthogonal design. Twelve selected samples were tested whether the decision of customers were true or not related with the sample products in terms of taste of customers. We find that qualitative evaluations for product design in kansei engineering are more consistent with the results of consumers rather than quantitative evaluations.
YAZILIM GELİŞTİRME SÜRECİNDE DEĞER ODAKLI İYİLEŞTİRME
Authors: SERDARASAN Şeyda , ERTEK Ebru
Published: April 2021

Yazılım geliştirme süreci, bir yazılım ürününün geliştirilmesine uygulanan süreçtir. Yazılım geliştirme sürecinin bir yandan müşteri memnuniyetini sağlayacak kaliteli bir yazılım ürününü son kullanıcıya daha etkin bir iletişim ve görünürlük ile sunması, bir yandan da toplam tedarik süresini azaltması ve kaynak kullanım verimliliğini artırması istenir. Bu çalışmada bu amaçla yazılım ürünü ve yazılım geliştirme süreci değer odaklı olarak ele alınmış ve yalın ilkeler çerçevesinde iyileştirme adımları tanımlanmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında yapılan uygulamada, yazılım geliştirme süreçleri için değer tanımı yapılmış ve bu değer tanımından yola çıkarak projelerin sınıflandırılabilmesi için kriterler belirlenmiş ve projeler iki adımlı kümeleme analizi ile gruplanmıştır. Her bir proje grubu için mevcut durum değer akış haritası çizilmiştir. Bu haritalardan yola çıkarak israflar tespit edilmiş, çevrim süresini kısaltacak ve süreci iyileştirecek öneriler sunulmuştur. Genel olarak yazılım projelerinde israfı gereksiz kodlar, iyi tanımlanmamış ihtiyaçlar, bürokrasi ve yavaş iç iletişim oluşturmaktadır. Müşteri ile sık sık iletişim, prototip oluşturma, kaynak sorununu anlama, gerçekler belirleninceye kadar bağlayıcı kararlar alınmaması israfları azaltan uygulamalar olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır.
Simulation Learning in Nursing: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Togoev O. O.
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the possibility and importance of using simulation equipment for teaching various skills of nursing staff. Despite the existence of standard operating procedures (SOPs), there is no wide practice of their training. Emphasis is placed on the need to develop such teaching methods that would facilitate the work of both teachers and trainees.