bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5-FU-Supplemented Phacoemulsification, Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation, and Trabeculectomy
Authors: Hurvitz Lawrence M
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

I reviewed the charts of 129 consecutive patients: 38 of whom underwent 5-fluorouracil (S-FU)-supplemented, combined phacoemulsification, posterior chamber lens implantation, and trabeculectomy (phaco/5-FU group); 55 of whom underwent the same combined procedure without 5-FU (phaco group); and 36 of whom underwent a similar combined procedure in which extracapsular cataract surgery was performed instead of phacoemulsifcation, again without 5-FU (ECCE group). I evaluated and compared the surgical results in these three groups at several points, up to and including 1 year postoperatively, in terms of intraocular pressure OOP), number of antiglaucoma medications being used, presence or absence of a visible filtering bleb, visual field, anterior chamber cell and flare, visual acuity, postoperative induced astigmatism, and incidence of cystoid macular edema.

At 3 months and beyond, there were more blebs in the phaco/5-FU group than in the phaco or ECCE groups. IOPs were generally lowest in the phaco/5-FU group, as were the number of antiglaucoma medications being used. There was no significant difference in the distribution of the amount of visual field loss among the three groups. Inflammation was generally least in the phaco/5-FU group, but there was no significant difference among the groups in terms of postoperative-induced astigmatism and visual acuity.

I conclude that 5-FU-supplemented phacoemulsification combined surgery is safe and probably produces better filtering results than those achieved without the adjunctive use of 5-FU.
Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene (Vitreon) as a Short-Term Vitreous Substitute After Complex Vitreoretinal Surgery
Authors: Tanji Troy M , Peyman Gholam A , Mehta Nalin J , Millsap C Mark
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Forty-one eyes underwent surgery for complex vitreoretinal disease, with perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene (Vitreon) used as an intraoperative tool and postoperative vitreous substitute. Postoperative use of Vitreon ranged from 3 days to 9 weeks (mean, 3.3 weeks). All retinas were reattached intraoperatively; 73% remained attached after the initial surgery. The final macular attachment rate was 100% after additional surgery. Four eyes that received a combination of Vitreon and silicone oil for simultaneous superior and inferior tamponade were successfully reattached after the initial procedure. Visual acuity improved or remained stable in 80% of the eyes. No toxic effects directly attributable to Vitreon were observed. Mean follow up was 9 months.
Hydroxyapatite Implantation With Scleral Quadrisection After Evisceration
Authors: Yang Jong Gyoo , Khwarg Sang In , Wee Won Ryang , Kim Dong Myung , Lee Jin Hak
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In con trast to the literature on enucleation, reports of hydroxyapatite (HA) implantation during evisceration are limited; however, those that have been published mention the high HA exposure rate. The authors examined the scleral quadrisection procedure to evaluate its effect on cosmetic appearance and the prevention of HA exposure after evisceration.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors analyzed the surgical outcomes of 17 patients who had undergone an HA implantation with scleral quadrisection after evisceration between November 1994 and November 1995.

* RESULTS: In each case, the authors were able to use HA implants of 18 mm or more. During followup (average 10.7 months), there were no cases of conjunctival erosion, HA exposure, implant migration, significant enophthalmos, or superior sulcus deformity. All of the patients, 7 of whom had a ball-and-socket prosthesis, were satisfied with their cosmetic appearance and prosthetic motility. More than 11 weeks after evisceration, all 10 studied patients had complete, round uptakes with orbital bone SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography).

* CONCLUSION: For good cosmetic appearance and for the prevention of implant exposure, scleral quadrisection is a safe and effective procedure for HA implantation after evisceration.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1997;28:915-919.]
Visual Results After Submacular Surgery for Neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Roth Daniel B , Downie Alan A , Charles Steve T
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Submacular membranectomy has been proposed as a treatment option for subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs). The authors reviewed the visual outcomes of patients who underwent surgical removal of subfoveal CNVMs caused by age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty eight patients (38 eyes) were retrospectively reviewed.

Selection criteria included: (1) the presence of a welldemarcated subfoveal CNVM on fluorescein angiography; (2) best-corrected Snellen visual acuity reduced to the level of 20/200 or worse; and (3) no other eye disease that could compromise visual acuity. Pars plana vitrectomy, retinotomy, and membrane removal were performed to remove the subfoveal choroidal neovascular complex with minimal disruption of the surrounding tissues. A significant change was defined as a two-line difference from best-corrected preoperative visual acuity on the Snellen chart.

* RESULTS: At 3 months postoperatively, 7 (18.4%) of the 38 eyes had improved, 8 (21.1%) of the eyes had worsened, and 23 (60.5%) of the eyes had remained unchanged. The final visual acuity improved in 8 (21.1%) of the eyes, worsened in 11 (28.9%) of the eyes, and remained unchanged in 19 (50%) of the eyes. The average follow-up time was 632 days.

* CONCLUSIONS: The authors employed a minimally invasive approach to the removal of CNVMs in ARMD. Nevertheless, the resultant visual acuity was often unsatisfactory. Therefore, the authors recommend not operating on ARMD-associated subfoveal CNVMs with the current technology.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1997;28:920-925.]
Peribulbar Anesthesia: One Versus Two Injections
Authors: Demirok Ahmet , Simsek Saban , Çinal Adnan , Yasar Tekin
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The authors describe their prospective, randomized study of a single peribulbar injection into the junction of the lateral third and medial two thirds of the lower lid compared with the standard two-injection peribulbar technique.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty patients undergoing elective intraocular surgery were randomly allocated to receive either one or two injections of a mixture of balanced salt solution, 2% lidocaine, 0.5% bupivacaine, and hyaluronidase. Preoperative akinesia was assessed following the injections. At the end of surgery, the patients were asked if they had experienced any pain or discomfort during surgery.

* RESULTS: There was no significant difference in pain or globe akinesia between the two groups.

* CONCLUSION: The single peribulbar injection was found to be as effective as the standard twoinjection peribulbar technique.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 1997;28:998-1001.]
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in a Case of Anterior Hyaloidal Fibrovascular Proliferation
Authors: Berinstein Daniel M , Garreston Bruce R , Williams George A
Published: April 2021

Abstract: The authors describe the use of ultrasound biomicroscopy for the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of anterior hyaloidal fibrovascular proliferation (AHFVP). Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed on a 62-year-old man who presented after diabetic vitrectomy with a hyphema, vitreous hemorrhage, and hypotony. Images in the temporal and nasal meridians revealed thickened tissue bands extending from the peripheral retina to the ciliary body, and from the pars plicata to the posterior surface of the iris. A ciliary body epithelium detachment was seen in the nasal meridian. Ultrasound biomicroscopy demonstrated to be a potential tool in the diagnosis and surgical management of AHFVP. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;3 1:69-70.]
Fourier Analysis of Irregular Astigmatism after Trabeculectomy
Authors: Hayashi Ken , Hayashi Hideyuki , Oshika Tetsuro , Hayashi Fumihiko
Published: April 2021

* OBJECTIVE: To examine irregular astigmatism following trabeculectomy using Fourier analysis of videokeratography data.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty eyes of 40 glaucoma patients, undergoing primary trabeculectomy, underwent videokeratographic examinations preoperatively, and at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The dioptric data of the central cornea were decomposed into spherical, regular astigmatic, and irregular astigmatic (decentration and higherorder irregularity) components using Fourier analysis.

* RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent did not change throughout the observation period. The regular astigmatic component from 2 weeks to 6 months postoperatively was greater than the preoperative diopter, but the increase was not significant. In contrast, the decentration component increased significantly after surgery, but returned to the preoperative level by 12 months. The higher-order irregularity component also presented a transient increase postoperatively.

* CONCLUSIONS: Irregular astigmatism, particularly decentration component, increases significantly after trabeculectomy, but returns to the preoperative level 12 months after surgery.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:94-99]
Retinal Detachment Following Laser In Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Aras Cengiz , Ozdamar Akif , Karacorlu Murat , Sener Bozkurt , Bahcecioglu Halil
Published: April 2021

* OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical characteristics, surgical management and outcome of retinal detachment following laser in situ keratomÜeusis (LASIK) in myopic patients.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 10 eyes of 10 myopic patients with retinal detachment who had previously undergone LASIK surgery were analyzed. Included in the study were 7 males and 3 females, aged 22 to 68 years (35.2±2.8).

* RESULTS: Mean spherical equivalent refraction was -10.51±3.90 D (ranging from -6.37 D to -17.00 D) before surgery. The time interval between the LASIK procedure and the development of retinal detachment varied from two months to nine months (5-2±2.78 months). The number of retinal breaks was one in 7 patients, two in 2 patients and three in 1 patient. The type of retinal breaks included 7 patients with horse shoe tears, 1 patient with a retinal hole, 1 patient with a giant retinal tear, and 1 patient with retinal dialysis. Retinal breaks were located anterior to the equator in 9 patients and posterior to the equator in 1 patient. Retinal reattachment was achieved with one operation in 8 eyes (80%) and the remaining 2 eyes required a second surgery for the reattachment of the retina.

* CONCLUSION: This study suggests the possible association between retinal detachment and LASIK procedure in patients with myopia. Clinicians should be aware of retinal pathology predisposing to retinal detachment in patients undergoing LASIK.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:121-125]
Combined Hamartoma of the Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium as the Presenting Sign of Neurofibromatosis-1
Authors: Tsai Patricia , O'Brien Joan M
Published: April 2021

Abstract. The authors report a case of combined harmartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium in a 6-year-old child as the presenting sign of neurofibromatosis-1 The patient was followed closely for three years but received no treatment. Observation over these years revealed no significant change in the patient's visual acuity. A referral to the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Neurofibromatosis Clinic resulted in a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis (NF)-I, and she continues to be observed for further systemic manifestations of this disease. Combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium, a rare and benign tumor, can be easily mistaken for malignant processes such as retinoblastoma or choroidal melanoma. Ophthalmologists should also be aware of the association with neurofibromatosis and consider this diagnosis when such retinal findings are observed in a child. [Ophthalmol Surg Lasers 2000;31:145-147.]
Retinal Surgery for Treatment of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Weiss Jeffrey N
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Vitreous surgery with retinal vein cannulation and injection of tissue plasminogen activator was performed in 8 eyes of 8 patients with longstanding visual loss secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. A modest improvement in visual acuity was demonstrated in 4 of the 8 eyes, and 3 of the 8 eyes maintained the preoperative vision. Retinal vein cannulation may offer a new treatment option for patients with central retinal vein occlusion. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:162-165]
Petalloid Phacoemulsification
Authors: Dada Tanuj , Sharma Namrata , Dada Vijay K
Published: April 2021

Abstract. Hard grade IV nuclei are difficult to emulsify without causing additional stress on the zonular apparatus. We herein, describe a method to accomplish successful phacoemulsification in hard cataracts. This technique of "petalloid phacoemulsification" consists of partial central debulking, followed by sequential chopping to create petal-shaped nuclear fragments emanating from the partially debulked center. The rim of the petals are emulsified followed by the emulsification of the central disc and the base of the petal. Twenty eyes with grade IV nuclei underwent uncomplicated petalloid phacoemulsification. The mean phaco time was 1.02 ± 0.06 minutes and mean percentage endothelial loss was 4.2 ± 0.8%. Petalloid phacoemulsification is a safe and useful technique in cases of hard cataracts. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:170-172]
Optical Coherence Tomography After Laser Photocoagulation For Clinically Significant Macular Edema
Authors: Rivellese Mark , George Arnaud , Sulkes Destry , Reichel Elias , Puliafito Carmen
Published: April 2021

* BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for documenting an early response to laser photocoagulation in clinically significant macular edema (CSME) secondary to diabetes.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five eyes of four patients were selected for review based on the diagnosis of CSME. All eyes had a clinical diagnosis of CSME based on slit lamp bíomicroscopy. All eyes underwent focal/grid laser photocoagulation to areas of retinal thickening detected by OCT and clinical exam. Pre and post-treatment optical coherence tomograms were obtained for all patients.

* RESULTS: All eyes selected for review had an early positive response to focal laser photocoagulation. OCT was useful for demonstrating areas of retinal thickening prior to laser treatment. Serial macular maps demonstrated the resolution of retinal thickening after laser photocoagulation in all eyes.

* CONCLUSION: OCT is a useful tool for evaluating and documenting CSME both before and after focal/grid laser photocoagulation. OCT is capable of detecting an early positive response to photocoagulation for macular edema.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:192-197]
Retina Tomography After Vitrectomy for Macular Edema of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Sekiryu Tetsuju , Yamauchi Takeshi , Enaida Hiroshi , Hara Yoko , Furuta Minoru
Published: April 2021

* PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE: To report retina tomography after vitrectomy for macular edema in central rerinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients with macular edema caused by CRVO were examined using optical coherence tomography (OCT) through their clinical courses.

* RESULTS: The retinal thickness through the fixation was reduced in all 5 eyes. Preoperatively, the retina thickness at the foveola was more than 500 µm in three eyes and more than 1000 µm in 2 eyes. The retina thickness was reduced to 311+80 µm within two weeks on average. Visual acuity was improved by two or more lines in 3 of 5 eyes.

* CONCLUSION: Vitrecromy is worthy of consideration when macular edemas are prolonged in patients of CRVO. OCT is a useful instrument for management and treatment of macular edema.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:198-202]
Aqueous Flare Elevation in the Fellow Eye After Vitrectomy
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko , Suzuki Junko , Shiraga Fumio
Published: April 2021

* OBJECTIVE: Aqueous flare elevation has been shown to occur in the fellow eye after cataract surgery. This study tests whether such subclinical sympathetic reaction also takes place after vitrectomy.

* PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective clinical study, preoperative and postoperative 2-week levels of aqueous flare in the fellow eyes of 38 patients who underwent vitrectomy during a 6-month period were measured with a laser flare-cell meter.

* RESULTS: Aqueous flare levels in the fellow eyes 2 weeks after vitrectomy (mean, 15.70 photon counts/millisecond) were significantly higher than preoperative flare levels (mean, 1 1 .78 photon counts/millisecond, Wilcoxon's signed rank test, P = 0.04).

* CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that subclinical sympathetic reaction did occur in the fellow eyes after vitrectomy.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:282-286]
Macular Changes in Type I Gaucher's Disease
Authors: Rosenthal G , Wollstein G , Klemperer I , Yagev R , Lfshitz T
Published: April 2021

Abstract. The authors illustrate the spectrum of Gauchers disease involving the eye in the case of a 51year-old man suffering from Type I Gauchers disease who presented with unusual macular changes. This is the first report of chronic adult non-neuronopathic disease (Type I) with a plaque-like mass at the fovea. Our hypothesis is that the lesion at the fovea is probably an aggregation of Gauchers cells. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:331-333]
Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage During Silicone Oil Removal in Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Aras Cengiz , Ozdamar Akif , Karacorlu Murat
Published: April 2021

Abstract. A 30-year-old male with Marfan syndrome underwent pars plana lensectomy and vitrectomy combined with silicone oil injection for the treatment of retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Four months after vitrectomy, the silicone oil was removed using an anterior chamber maintainer (AC) and a self-sealing clear corneal incision at the upper temporal quadrant. Suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) developed at the end of the operation. It was limited to the nasal side of the retina. Suprachoroidal hemorrhage remained to be limited and did not show progression. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:337-339]
Intramuscular Lipoma of the Eyelid
Authors: Charles Norman C , Palu Richard N
Published: April 2021

Abstract. To report a unique case of intramuscular lipoma of the eyelid and to alert surgeons to this entity that simulates a common dermoid cyst. A slowlygrowing mass of the upper eyelid was excised from a 62-year-old man. Histology showed mature lipocytes interspersed with skeletal muscle. To our knowledge, this case represents the first report of intramuscular lipoma of the eyelid. Lipomas, including the intramuscular variety, are common tumors elsewhere in the body. The differential diagnosis of eyelid masses should include this entity. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:340-341]
A New Technique for Retrieval or Repositioning of Damaged or Migrated Silicone Punctal Plugs
Authors: Piccone Michele R
Published: April 2021

Abstract. A new technique for retrieval or repositioning of migrated or malpositioned silicone punctal plugs is described. Malposition is known to occur secondary to either spontaneous migration or forceful insertion. This technique offers considerable advantages over current treatment options including simplicity and minimal trauma to both the plug and the nasolacrimal system. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers 2000;31:351-352]
Serpiginous Intraretinal Lesions Associated With Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Güemes-Villahoz Noemí , Acón Dhariana , Hamichi Sophia El , Tanenbaum Rebecca , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: April 2021

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a rare inherited disorder affecting retinal angiogenesis that may present with a wide range of phenotypic characteristics. In this report, the authors describe an atypical presentation of FEVR in a healthy 9-year-old male with progressive decreased visual acuity in the left eye. Fundus examination showed an avascular retina in the temporal periphery bilaterally. The left eye also revealed serpiginous hypopigmented lesions in the superior quadrant, which showed intraretinal location on optical coherence tomography and hyperautofluorescence. Genetic testing revealed
LRP5
mutation, confirming a diagnosis of FEVR. The serpiginous lesions represent an unusual finding associated with FEVR not previously described in the literature.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2021;52:155–159.]
A novel risk ranking method based on the single valued neutrosophic set
Authors: Chang Kuei-Hu
Published: April 2021

Risk assessment is a key issue in the process of product design and manufacturing. Traditionally risk assessment uses the risk priority number (RPN) method to rank the extent of a threat. However, this simultaneously includes quantitative and qualitative evaluation factors in the process of risk assessment. Moreover, the information provided by different experts for evaluation factors contain ambiguous, incomplete and inconsistent information. These problems lead to more difficulty for risk assessment, and cannot be effectively solved by the traditional RPN method. To solve some limits of the traditional risk analysis method, this paper integrates the single valued neutrosophic set and subsethood measure method to rank the extent of the threat. For missing or incomplete information in the information aggregation process, the minimum, averaging and maximum operators are used to perform data imputation to avoid the distortion of decision results. Finally, a numerical example of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy treatments is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method, and a comparative analysis with some other existing methods is given.
Emotion Analysis Model of MOOC Course Review Based on BiLSTM
Authors: Ji Shen , Fangbi Tan
Published: April 2021

Online course review can objectively reflect the emotional tendency of learners towards the learning effect. This paper proposes a deep neural network based sentiment analysis model for MOOC course reviews. The model uses Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network (BiLSTM) to analyze Chinese semantic. In order to deal with the imbalance of training data set, this paper introduces two methods to balance it and adds dropout mechanism to prevent the over fitting of the model. The model is then applied to the emotional evaluation of MOOC course of “Fundamentals of College Computer Application”. The application results show that the model has achieved good accuracy and can well realize the emotional orientation analysis of online course reviews so as to provide valuable reference for Course Builders.
Virtual Classroom Usage and User Perception for English Learning as a Second Language at Universities in Lima, Peru
Authors: La Torre Castillo Carlos Celso
Published: April 2021

A more extensive use of virtual tools in teaching-learning processes needs a professors’ and students’ proactive attitude, positive experiences, and improvement in their implementation. A cross-sectional study was carried out to know the perceptions of private university students from Lima on the use of the necessary elements for an English language virtual classroom. The sample was composed of 150 accounting students from five universities, whose perceptions on virtual classroom elements were assessed and compared to their previous experiences. Most students were in favor of using the virtual classroom and its different elements, and those who had a previous experience with virtual classrooms were more in favor of using reminders, chats, forums, e-mails and online exercises (p<0,05). In sum, most students were in favor of using the virtual classroom and having a previous experience favors a more positive perception towards online learning tools.
Effectiveness Criteria for Interaction Between the Participants of the Educational Production Cluster Within PDA
Authors: Lizunkov Vladislav G. , Morozova Marina V. , Zakharova Alexandra A.
Published: April 2021

The current context of the Priority Development Areas (PDA) raises the issues of ensuring the interaction between vocational and higher education organizations and real sector enterprises operating in the city. This paper presents an analysis of Russian and foreign studies to identify the main stakeholders interested in this interaction, as well as the criteria that contribute to determining the effectiveness of joint work to train qualified personnel demanded by the PDA production enterprises.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Cultivation of Art Design Professionals
Authors: Sun Yan
Published: April 2021

This paper summarized the problems in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the cultivation of art design professionals, and evaluated the promotive effect of AI in terms of teaching contents, methods, and means. On this basis, an improved fuzzy evaluation system was established to reveal how AI application enhance the training of art design professionals. Drawing on fuzzy theory, a fuzzy similarity calculation model was developed for fuzzy evaluation. Next, several strategies were proposed for applying AI in the cultivation of art design professionals. This research effectively demonstrated the promotive effect of AI in the training of art design professionals, and pointed out the ways to improve the training effect.
Effectiveness of Digital Technology in Education During COVID-19 Pandemic. A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mustapha Ishamuddin , Thuy Van Nguyen , Shahverdi Masoumeh , Qureshi Muhammad Imran , Khan Nohman
Published: April 2021

Digital technologies are viewing as a gateway to solve many of the problems arising from the crisis. How can we provide efficient education in COVID-19? To extend classroom learning to the home is a challenging task for the nations and the COVID-19 outbreak put the world in a situation from home learning. This study will analyze the overall resources and digital technologies available for education from home. For this purpose, Scopus and web of science databases are used to find the literature. The final 82 articles are select for the SLR (systematic literature review).  The data inclusion and exclusion process are used in the PRISMA statement 2015 for quality assessment of data. The bibliometric analysis will conduct for text frequency co-occurrence and collaborations between the authors in countries. The vital step of data classification will process according to the author's segmentation and published research settings. In the last findings of the study, reports will explain past literature and recent outbreak. We are applying bibliometric analysis, showing that reviews are classified into 04 main clusters for analysis and discussion. These are 1) Digital Education Quick Shift Online Teaching and Learning for during Covid19 Pandemic 2) Digital Education during Pandemic and Rethinking for Sustainable Community; 3) Digital education for medical education and healthcare in hospital; 4) Digital Education and Digital innovation development during Covid19 pandemic. These findings are expected to benefit stakeholders studying and working relevant in digital education during and resilient post-Covid-19 pandemic.
Ubc13 Promotes K63-Linked Polyubiquitination of NLRP3 to Activate Inflammasome
Authors: Ni Jun , Guan Chenyang , Liu Hua , Huang Xian , Yue Jinnan , Xiang Hongrui , Jiang Zhenyan , Tao Yuexiao , Cao Wenyi , Liu Jiamin , Wang Zhengting , Wang Yugang , Wu Xuefeng
Published: April 2021

NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in innate immune system through recognizing pathogenic microorganisms and danger-associated molecules. Deubiquitination of NLRP3 has been shown to be essential for its activation, yet the functions of Ubc13, the K63-linked specific ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2, in NLRP3 inflammasome activation are not known. In this study, we found that in mouse macrophages, Ubc13 knockdown or knockout dramatically impaired NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Catalytic activity is required for Ubc13 to control NLRP3 activation, and Ubc13 pharmacological inhibitor significantly attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, Ubc13 associates with NLRP3 and promotes its K63-linked polyubiquitination. Through mass spectrum and biochemical analysis, we identified lysine 565 and lysine 687 as theK63-linked polyubiquitination sites of NLRP3. Collectively, our data suggest that Ubc13 potentiates NLRP3 inflammasome activation via promoting site-specific K63-linked ubiquitination of NLRP3. Our study sheds light on mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and identifies that targeting Ubc13 could be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation–induced pathogenesis.
Notes on genus Bembidion, subgenus Peryphanes, from “Anatolo-Caucasian-Turanian” region with description of two new taxa from Iran (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Bembidiina)
Authors: Neri Paolo , Toledano Luca
Published: April 2021

Some taxonomic and geographic aspects of genus Bembidion Latreille, 1802 subgenus Peryphanes Jeannel, 1941 are discussed here. Two new taxa are herewith described: Bembidion (Peryphanes) augusti sp. n. (Iran) and B. (P.) grandipenne safavidense ssp. n. (Iran and Iraq). We describe some further characters of Bembidion (Peryphanes) antennarium (Morvan, 1972), belonging to subgenus Peryphanes, “weiratherianum” group. Some distributional data for B. (P.) grandipenne freyi Netolitzky, 1937 (mention for Syria) and B. (P.) brunnicorne Dejean, 1831 (mentions for azerbaijan and Turkey) not reported in Marggi et al. (2017) are reported here. A key for the Peryphanes species of anatolic-Caucasian-Turanic area is provided in Italian and in English.
Description and illustration of the discotelic larvae of Pachyteles vignai Deuve, 1999 and P. digiulioi Deuve, 1999 from the Otonga cloud forest (Ecuador) (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Ozaenini)
Authors: Di Giulio Andrea , Muzzi Maurizio , Fattorini Simone
Published: April 2021

The peculiar morphology of the discotelic larvae of three species of Pachyteles (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussinae, ozaenini) collected in an Andean cloud forest in Ecuador (otonga nature Reserve, Cotopaxi) is here analyzed. All instars of Pachyteles vignai Deuve, 1999, 2nd and 3rd instars of P. digiulioi Deuve, 1999, and the 3rd instar of another undetermined Pachyteles species are described. A particular emphasis on the illustration of the aberrant larval morphology is given by using both traditional drawing techniques and macro multifocal image acquisition, combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for analyzing the details. The diagnostic characters of these larvae are compared to those of the other known larvae of ozaenini.
Utility of a modified distress thermometer in screening COVID-19 patients for psychological distress: A prospective Egyptian study
Authors: Mohamed Sherif A.A. , AbdelHafeez Azza , Kamel Ehab , Rashad Alaa
Published: April 2021

Background: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has adopted the distress thermometer (DT) as one of the best-known distress-screening instruments. We have adopted a modified version of the NCCN distress thermometer.We questioned if this modified DT (m-DT) could be utilized for measuring the prevalence of psychological distress among COVID-19 patients.Methods: The prospective study included 2 phases; modification of the original DT and its associated problem list (PL), and evaluation of this m-DT in measuring the prevalence of psychological distress among COVID-19 patients. Egyptian adult subjects with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at 2 University Hospitals were enrolled. Binary logistic regression tests were carried out to explore the association between the m-DT cut-off scores of 4 and the clinical variables.Results: One hundred sixty-nine (60.4%) patients experienced significant distress (m-DT cut off score ≥4). Logistic regression showed that occupation, presence of special habits, length of quarantine time, worry, cough, shortness of breath, and fever, were independent factors associated with significant distress in COVID-19 patients.Conclusion: With the modified distress thermometer (m-DT), 60% of Egyptian COVID-19 patients experienced significant distress. This distress was significantly related to age, marital status, occupation, presence or absence of special habits, and length of the quarantine time. With m-DT, the current study had identified worry, being a health-care worker, shortness of breath, fever, length of quarantine time, presence of special habits, and cough as independent factors associated with significant distress in COVID-19 patients. Further studies are warranted.
Cicogne tecnologiche: genitori e figli nati dalla scienza!
Authors: Merisio Alessandra
Published: April 2021

Le nuove tecnologie riproduttive inevitabilmente impongono rilevanti trasformazioni valoriali, culturali e relazionali del concetto di genitorialità e in senso più ampio di famiglia. La scissione tra genitorialità biologica e genitorialità sociale sollecita numerosi riflessioni. Il presente lavoro, affronta il tema della donazione di gameti e il bisogno di accogliere ‘l’intruso’ che rivendica e si appropria di una cittadinanza che non è solo corporea o ascrivibile al mondo femminile bensì è una questione della coppia.
The determination of lead in ore slurries by gamma-ray attenuation
Authors: Churchill T R , Dalton J L , Dibbs H P
Published: April 2021

The preferential attenuation of low energy gamma radiation by high atomic number elements has been applied to the determination of the lead content of ore slurries containing up to 50 wt % solids. For ores containing between about 0.16 and 10% lead, a
linear relationship was found between lead content and gamma attenuation. The determination of the solids content (density) of the slurries, based on the attenuation of high energy gamma radiation, has also been investigated, and was shown to be effectively independent of the atomic number of the
absorber.
An equation is given that predicts the effect of changes in density and elemental composition in the slurry on the attenuation of gamma radiation. Also, an analysis of the errors in both gamma-ray attenuation methods is presented.
The determination of low concentrations of uranium in ores and solid mill products by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Zimmerman J B , Reynolds V
Published: April 2021

A direct X-ray fluorescence method for the rapid determination of uranium in low-grade ores and rocks of variable Matrix, is described.
Accuracy and precision are comparable to the optical fluorescence method down to the 0.01% uranium level.
The effects of matrix composition on uranium intensities are eliminated by a double-dilution technique, in which the dilutions are kept small to minimize intensity losses.
Reverse osmosis for the treatment of metal waste solutions
Authors: Sastri V S
Published: April 2021

The principles and some applications of reverse osmosis are briefly reviewed. Physico-chemical criteria for the separation of ions by semi-permeable membranes are discussed, together with the major factors which influence the stability of membranes in reverse
osmosis operations.
Applications of reverse osmosis are considered for the treatment of electroplating waste solutions, and acid mine drainage waters. Some economic considerations of this process are also discussed. Finally, other areas of application are indicated and the research work required to determine the
applicability of this process in the mining and metallurgical field is suggested.
Protective effects of hydrogen gas inhalation on radiation-induced bone marrow damage in cancer patients
Authors: Hirano Shin-ichi , Aoki Yukimasa , Li Xiao-Kang , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Takahara Shiro , Takefuji Yoshiyasu
Published: April 2021

Although intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has been developed as an alternative to conventional radiotherapy, reducing bone marrow damage is limited. Thus, a novel technology is needed to further mitigate IMRT-induced bone marrow damage. Molecular hydrogen (H2) was recently reported as a preventive and therapeutic antioxidant that selectively scavenges hydroxyl radical (·OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO–). This observational study aimed to examine whether H2 gas treatment improves IMRT-induced bone marrow damage in cancer patients. The study was performed at Clinic C4 in Tokyo, Japan between May 2015 and November 2016. During this period, all enrolled patients received IMRT once per day for 1 to 4 weeks. After each time of IMRT, the patients of control group (n = 7, 3 men and 4 women, age range: 26–70 years) received mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy in health care chamber for 30 minutes, and the patients of H2 group (n = 16, 8 men and 8 women, age range: 35–82 years) received 5% H2 gas in health care chamber for 30 minutes once per day. Radiation-induced bone marrow damage was evaluated by hematological examination of peripheral blood obtained before and after IMRT, and the data were expressed by the ratio after to before treatment. The total number of radiation times and total exposure doses of radiation were similar between the control and H2 groups. IMRT with health care chamber therapy significantly reduced white blood cells and platelets, but not red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit. In contrast, H2 gas treatment significantly alleviates the reducing effects of white blood cells and platelets (P = 0.0011 and P = 0.0275, respectively). Tumor responses to IMRT were similar between the two groups. The results obtained demonstrated that H2 gas inhalation therapy alleviated IMRT-induced bone marrow damage without compromising the anti-tumor effects of IMRT. The present study suggests that this novel approach of H2 gas inhalation therapy may be applicable to IMRT-induced bone marrow damage in cancer patients. The study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee Review of Tokyo Clinic and Research Institute ICVS Incorporated (Tokyo, Japan) on February 1, 2019, and was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN ID: UMIN000035864) on February 20, 2019.
Efficacy of xenon anesthesia in preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac and major non-cardiac surgeries in elderly patients
Authors: Nair Abhijit S. , Christopher Asiel , Pulipaka Sai Kaushik , Suvvari Praneeth , Kodisharapu Praveen Kumar , Rayani Basanth Kumar
Published: April 2021

Elderly patients undergoing major cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries have a high propensity (up to 40–60%) of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction, which are caused by patient’s factors, type of surgery, intraoperative and postoperative factors. All these pose a challenge to the clinicians. The noble gas xenon does not undergo metabolism or any kind of biotransformation in the body owing to its inert nature. Xenon confers excellent hemodynamic stability and provides excellent recovery at the end of surgery. This topical review discusses advantages of xenon anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing major cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries and whether it is worth using a costly anesthetic in elderly patients for preventing postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
Intermediate Type of Gerbode Defect Associated with Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Jariwala Pankaj , Jadhav Karthik , Reddy Marri Ajay
Published: April 2021

A young girl was evaluated for the recent onset of dyspnea. She was found to have an intermediate or Type III communication between the left ventricle and the right atrium (a unusual form of Gerbode defect) associated with an atrial septal defect (ASD) on the echocardiography. The combination of the intermediate form of the Gerbode defect with an ASD is rare and not documented in the literature.
Fatal Mycotic Pulmonary Artery Aneurysms in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Complicated by Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Palaparti Raghuram , Raj G. R. Rohit , Sivakumar Kothandam
Published: April 2021

Mycotic aneurysms of pulmonary arteries are potentially fatal conditions occurring in patients ith congenital heart disease complicated by infective endocarditis folloing surgery or interventions. Presentation is indolent and symptoms may be nonspecific. Unless suspected and investigated ith computed tomography, they are missed until their advanced stage. Treatment options are limited as shon in to patients presented in this report.
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Postoperative Patient with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Sachdeva Sakshi , Ramakrishnan Sivasubramanian
Published: April 2021

As tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease, with the advancements in cardiac surgical techniques, there has been an ever-increasing number of postoperated patients with this condition. TOF repair is denoted as “total correction,” however, many hemodynamic and electrophysiologic sequelae remain or come into picture over time, which need to be tackled for the improvement of quality of life and life expectancy. Therefore, regular life-long follow-up is required after TOF surgery. During follow-up visits, only clinical assessment does not suffice, and various investigations are employed from time to time. These include electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, computed tomogram angiography, perfusion scanning, cardiac catheterization, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Echocardiography nevertheless, is the easiest, quickest, noninvasive and overall, the most informative investigation. In this review, step-by-step echocardiographic evaluation of a postoperated TOF patient is described.
Novel Use of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound in the Pretreatment Planning Prior to Endovascular Repair of Endoleak after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a Patient with Chronic Renal Insufficiency
Authors: Cruz Jeffrey C. , McGillen Kathryn L , Pryor William , Esslinger Daniel , Shin Benjamin
Published: April 2021

Endoleaks are a common complication in patients who have undergone endovascular stent-graft repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The management of these complications depends on the type of endoleak seen at follow-up imaging, with embolization being generally accepted treatment option for Type 2 endoleaks in certain clinical scenarios. Endovascular endoleak embolization can be arduous, time-consuming, and require large amounts of iodinated contrast during the angiographic procedure. This article describes a novel use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound as a clinical problem-solving tool in the preprocedural planning of patient undergoing an endoleak embolization.
Sonographic Finding of Medial Ankle Subcutaneous Edema and Its Association with Posterior Tibial Tenosynovitis
Authors: Dammeyer Kyle L. , Klochko Chad L. , Soliman Steven B.
Published: April 2021

Background:

To evaluate if the sonographic finding of medial ankle subcutaneous (subQ) edema is associated with posterior tibial tenosynovitis (PTTS).

Methods:

Sonographic images of the medial ankle soft tissues from 40 patients with PTTS and 37 patients with a normal posterior tibial tendon (PTT) were randomized and independently evaluated by two musculoskeletal radiologists for the presence or absence of subQ edema. Both radiologists were blinded to the images and status of the PTT and the patient's history. Statistical analyses included the Chi-square test and Cohen's Kappa statistics for inter-observer agreement.

Results:

A statistically significant association was seen for the presence of medial ankle subQ edema and PTTS among both radiologists’ findings. Of the 40 patients with PTTS, 33 (82.5%) were found positive by the first radiologist for medial ankle subQ edema, while no subQ edema was found in 28 of the 37 (75.7%) patients with a normal PTT (P < 0.001). Similarly, the second radiologist found that 33 of the 40 (82.5%) with PTTS were positive for subQ edema, while no subQ edema was found in 24 of the 37 (64.9%) patients with a normal PTT (P < 0.001). There was also substantial inter-observer agreement between the 2 radiologists (κ-value = 0.79; 95% confidence intervals: 0.65, 0.93).

Conclusion:

A statistically significant association was present for the association of the sonographic finding of medial ankle subQ edema and the presence of PTTS. Further studies could evaluate if the sonographic finding of medial ankle subQ edema is an early predictor of PTT dysfunction.
Investigation of Obsessions and Compulsions in Terms of Psychological Resilience in the Epidemic Period
Authors: Atalay Zeynep , Cebi Merve , Demir Zeynep Gümüs
Published: April 2021

Aims and Objectives:

In this study, obsessions and compulsions observed during the epidemic period were investigated in terms of psychological resilience.

Materials and Methods:

The research was conducted on a voluntary basis with 208 people (51.4% women, 48.6% men) who were exposed to the COVID 19 epidemic. Participants were given a Sociodemographic Information Form including questions about COVID 19, Vancouver Obsession–Compulsion Inventory (VOCI), and Adult Psychological Resilience Scale. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package Program for Social Science 21.0 program.

Results:

When the findings were examined, no difference was found between obsession–compulsion and psychological resilience in terms of total score. However, there are relationships in subdimensions. Contamination subscore of VOCI and social resources subscore of Resilience Scale for Adults were found to be higher than the others. Hoarding was higher in men, while self perception, structural style, and family cohesion were higher in women. Single participants had higher obsession–compulsion scores, whereas married participants had higher self perception and family adjustment. It was concluded that as individuals' age increased, their self perception and social competence increased. Relationships were also found in terms of both obsession–compulsion and psychological resilience with variables, such as the frequency of COVID 19 news and case follow up, the frequency of body screening for COVID 19 symptoms, the change in the frequency of cleaning, and the idea of getting psychological support.

Conclusion:

This research is significant when it comes to seeing the effect of a compulsive life event, such as an epidemic disease on obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
The Relationship between Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Religious Attitudes
Authors: Cinar Tayfun , Tan Oguz , Keskin Remziye , Sayar Gokben Hizli
Published: April 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the relationship between obsessive compulsive symptoms and religious attitudes.

Method:

A total of 80 people, 40 females and 40 males, randomly selected between the ages of 18 and 65 participated in the study. Participants were given Sociodemographic Information Form, the Padua Inventory, and Ok Religious Attitude Scale.

Results:

Based on the findings, there was no statistically significant relationship between obsessive compulsive symptoms subscales and religious attitudes. According to results related to sociodemographic variables, no statistically significant difference was found between sociodemographic variables of the participants and obsessive compulsive symptoms. No statistically significant difference was found between the religious attitudes of the participants and their sociodemographic variables.

Conclusion:

Because the number of study for understanding these variable is limited in Turkey, It can be considered that the findings of the study related to obsessive-compulsive symptoms and religious attitudes is contributive in terms of providing further information for future research.