bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of Khadi fabrics for optimal comfort properties using multi-criteria decision-making technique
Authors: Mitra Ashis
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Khadi fabrics are known for their unique comfort properties which are attributed to their unique structural and functional properties. For getting optimal comfort from a collection of available Khadi fabrics, further exploration is needed. Ranking the Khadi fabrics from a competitive lot for optimal comfort is a challenging job, which has not been addressed so far by any researcher. The purpose of this study is to present one such selection problem using the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique, a popular branch of operations research, which can handle almost any decision problem involving a finite number of alternatives and multiple decision criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

Two widely popular methods/exponents of MCDM, namely, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and multiplicative analytic hierarchy process (MAHP) have been deployed in this study for ranking a competitive lot of 15 Khadi fabrics and selecting the best alternative for optimal summer comfort based on three comfort attributes, namely, drape coefficient, thermal insulation value and air permeability.

Findings

Both the approaches yield a similar ranking pattern with Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of 0.9857, Khadi fabric K1 achieving Rank 1 (best in terms of optimal comfort) and sample K6 acquiring Rank 15 (worst choice). Two-phase sensitivity analyses were performed subsequently to demonstrate the stability of the two approaches: sensitivity analysis by changing weightage levels of the criteria and sensitivity analysis in dynamic decision conditions by changing the elements of the initial decision matrix. During sensitivity analyses, no occurrence of rank reversal is observed for the best and worst alternatives in either of the two approaches. This corroborates the robustness of the two models.

Practical implications

Khadi fabrics are widely acclaimed for their intrinsic comfort properties for both summer and winter. Although the popularity of Khadi fabrics is increasing day by day, this domain is under-researched, and hence, needs to be explored further. The present approach demonstrates how the MCDM technique can serve as a useful tool for ranking the available Khadi fabrics in terms of optimal comfort in summer. The same approach can be extended to other domains of the textile industry, in general, as well.

Originality/value

This study is the first-ever theoretical approach/research on the selection of Khadi fabrics for optimal summer comfort using the MCDM tool. Another novelty of the present study is that the efficacy of AHP and MAHP approaches, in this study, has been validated through a two-phase sensitivity analysis. This validation part has been ignored in most of the hitherto published applications of AHP and MAHP in other domains.
A review: electrical and gas sensing properties of polyaniline/ferrite nanocomposites
Authors: Ramakrishnaiah Thejas , Gunderi Dhananjaya Prasanna , Vakwadi Sainagesh Chaturmukha , Reddy Sathish , Kumaraswamy Swaroop , Chikkahanumajja Surendranatha Naveen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the various developments taking place in the field of gas sensors made from polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites, which leads to the development of high-performance electrical and gas sensing materials operating at room temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

PANI/ferrite nanocomposites exhibit good electrical properties with lower dielectric losses. There are numerous reports on PANI and ferrite nanomaterial-based gas sensors which have good sensing response, feasible to operate at room temperature, requires less power and cost-effective.

Findings

This paper provides an overview of electrical and gas sensing properties of PANI/ferrite nanocomposites having improved selectivity, long-term stability and other sensing performance of sensors at room temperature.

Originality/value

The main purpose of this review paper is to focus on PANI/ferrite nanocomposite-based gas sensors operating at room temperature.
A framework for knowledge retention to support business continuity in the cross-border mergers of the telecommunications industry in Lesotho
Authors: Tseole Tahleho , Marutha Ngoako Solomon
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate a framework for knowledge retention to support business continuity in cross-border mergers of the telecommunications industry in Lesotho.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a qualitative case study, with data collected through interviews from a purposively selected sample of staff members who held managerial positions. Information in this study was partially extracted from the PhD thesis of Dr Tseole ET supervised by Prof Ngulube P at the University of South Africa completed in 2021.

Findings

The study discovered that a considerable amount of knowledge may have been lost because employees who either left the organisation or those who were apparently forced to resign during the process had left without any proper knowledge retention arrangements.

Research limitations/implications

The framework proposed in this study may be used in framing future studies as a theoretical framework. The study also provides new literature for review and discussion of background in future related studies.

Practical implications

The framework provided in the study may be used as a benchmark in the knowledge management industry and/or organisations for policy development or improvements and implementation of knowledge retention strategies.

Social implications

Through recommendations and framework provided by this study, organisations will be able to improve their services to their sphere of influence in the surrounding communities. So, community will be receiving an improved and good service at all the times.

Originality/value

A framework for facilitating knowledge retention in the cross-border mergers of the telecommunications industry is therefore proposed and the researchers believe it will be helpful to the organisation for improving knowledge retention going forward, particularly in the merger process.
Architectural plasticity in response to population density in Abutilon theophrasti (Malvaceae)
Authors: Wang Shu , Zhou Dao‐Wei
Published: January 2022

An increase in population density may result in the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of resources at scales smaller than an individual, inducing different modular responses at different positions of a plant, or architectural plasticity. To better understand how plants respond to density via architectural plasticity, we conducted a field experiment on an annual species, Abutilon theophrasti. Plants were subjected to three densities and harvested at 50 and 70 days, when each individual plant was separated into different layers vertically from bottom to top with an inter‐layer distance of 10 or 20 cm, before we measured a series of traits per layer and analyzed variations in them among layers, densities, and stages. Increased density reduced variation of traits among layers and had different effects on different layers of modular traits: it increased stem mass in the third to fifth layers (L3–L5) and increased stem diameter in the top layer, leading to an increase in stem density in lower layers and a decrease in stem density in the top layer. In addition, there was an increase in petiole length and mass, lamina size, and leaf number in upper layers, while they decreased in lower layers. Results suggested trade‐offs between upper and lower layers in stem density and leaf traits for plants in a dense population, which were important for keeping most leaves at higher positions to acquire light resources, while saving energy, in concert with the effort of extra stem elongation and the complex plasticity in branch traits.
Secondary succession on landslides in submontane forests of central Taiwan: Environmental drivers and restoration strategies
Authors: Chen Chien‐Fan , Li Ching‐Feng , Huang Chu‐Mei , Lin Huan‐Yu , Zelený David
Published: January 2022

Aims

We aim (a) to investigate and describe the species composition of vegetation that has recolonized landslides and describe its relationship to environmental variables; and (b) to propose a set of plant species and restoration strategies applicable for speeding up the restoration process.

Location

Elevation between 240 and 1,350 m a.s.l. in central Taiwan, East Asia.

Methods

We delimited the boundaries of landslides using aerial photographs taken between 1975 and 2015. We sampled 52 plots from 48 selected landslides and measured 21 environmental variables to identify the significant factors related to species composition. Cluster analysis and transformation‐based redundancy analysis were used to determine the vegetation groups and corresponding environmental variables; the environmental differences between different vegetation types were evaluated by ANOVA.

Results

We classified the vegetation into four types and related each of them to a successional age, landslide position and soil pH, as well as Mn and Mg contents. Two early‐successional types (aged 5–10 years) mainly occurred in habitats in steep slip zones, which are dominated by pioneer woody species and have a high coverage of grasses, forbs, or ferns thickets. In contrast, the mid‐successional vegetation type (aged 16–40 years), growing on flat habitats, consists of pioneer woody species in the canopy layer and seedlings or saplings of shade‐tolerant species in the understorey.

Conclusions

We confirmed that the composition and recruitment of species can be well explained by environmental differences between landslide zones and successional age. Some framework species and some shade‐tolerant woody species can be applied to landslide scars with plant dispersal limitation problems and habitats suffering from poor local species pools, respectively. To overcome the problem of vegetation succession blocked by Miscanthus and ferns thickets, we suggest that pioneer woody species and herb species can be seeded on landslide scars at once for erosion control.
Myoglobin as a conservation‐relevant predictor of short‐distance flight capacity in Neotropical forest birds
Authors: Condell Kelsey , Robinson W. Douglas , Moore Randall P. , Rourke Bryan
Published: January 2022

Some forest‐dwelling tropical bird species are unable or unwilling to fly even a few hundred meters across habitat discontinuities, restricting connectivity of isolated populations in fragmented landscapes. Experimental evidence for flight limitation has reliably predicted occurrence across archipelagoes of habitat fragments varying in their distance from potential source populations. Mechanistic explanations for large differences in flight capacity of tropical birds, even over remarkably short distances, have not been tested. We evaluated myoglobin concentration in pectoralis muscles and hearts of eight Neotropical species for which experimental evidence revealing a wide range of flight abilities exists. We found a strong positive relationship between myoglobin concentration in the pectoralis muscles, but not hearts, and average overwater flight distance during dispersal‐challenge experiments. The approximately 2.5‐fold difference in pectoralis myoglobin concentration is directly associated with flight capacity and allows predictions of species or species groups most likely to be impeded by habitat discontinuities and therefore at conservation risk in fragmented landscapes.
Analysis of triptan use during pregnancy in Japan: A case series
Authors: Yamaguchi Yuko , Yamada Takahiro , Goto Mikako , Kawasaki Hidenori , Wada Takahito , Ikeda‐Sakai Yasuko , Saito Yoshiyuki , Hayashi Masahiro , Tanaka Shiro , Takahashi Ryosuke , Nakayama Takeo , Murashima Atsuko , Kosugi Shinji
Published: January 2022

To evaluate the safety of triptan use during pregnancy in a Japanese population, we descriptively analyzed the data on pregnancy and fetal outcomes from 128 pregnant women using triptans for migraine treatment at two Japanese facilities that provided counseling on drug exposure in pregnancy between 2001 and 2017. The risks of miscarriage, low birth weight, and preterm birth were similar to those reported in the demographic statistics in Japan. The incidence proportion of malformation was also within the baseline risk range. Accumulated data suggest that exposure to triptans during pregnancy does not clearly increase the risk of negative pregnancy and fetal outcomes. This finding can help reduce anxiety in pregnant women with migraines who are taking triptans.
Using multi‐scale spatially explicit frameworks to understand the relationship between functional diversity and species richness
Authors: Suárez‐Castro Andrés Felipe , Raymundo Maia , Bimler Malyon , Mayfield Margaret M.
Published: January 2022

Understanding how ecosystem functioning is impacted by global change drivers is a central topic in ecology and conservation science. We need to assess not only how environmental change affects species richness, but also how the distribution of functional traits (i.e. functional diversity) mediate the relationship between species richness and ecosystem functioning. However, most evidence about the capacity of functional diversity to explain ecosystem functioning has been developed from studies conducted at a single spatial scale. Here, we explore theory, expectations and evidence for why and how species richness and functional diversity relationships vary with spatial scale. Despite the importance of accounting for spatial processes at multiple scales, we show that most studies of the species richness–functional diversity relationship focus on single scale analyses that ignore spatial context. Thus, we discuss the need to establish a spatially explicit, multi‐scale framework for understanding the relationship between species richness and functional diversity. As a starting point to developing such a framework, we detail some expected trajectories and mechanisms by which the diversity of species and functional traits may change across increasing spatial scales. We also explore what is known about two important gaps in the literature about this relationship: 1) the influence of spatial autocorrelation on community assembly processes and 2) the variation in the structure of species interactions across spatial extents. We present some key challenges that could be addressed by integrating approaches from community and landscape ecology. This information will help improve our understanding of the relative influence of local and large‐scale processes on community structure, while providing a foundation for improving biodiversity monitoring, policy and ecosystem function based conservation.
Commodity terms of trade shocks and political transitions
Authors: Janus Thorsten , Riera‐Crichton Daniel , Tarufelli Brittany
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we estimate the effects of relative international commodity prices on political transitions accounting for time trends (since democracy might evolve in waves) and the fact that different autocratic regime types might respond differently. A standard deviation (2.1 percentage points) decrease in the growth rate of our 3‐year moving‐average relative price index increases the democratic transition probability by 0.5 percentage points or 13% of the mean probability. The transition probability moves nearly one for one with economic growth. Military autocracies might democratize after positive shocks. The autocratic‐transition effects are negative but insignificant.
Deep brain stimulation targets in epilepsy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of anterior and centromedian thalamic nuclei and hippocampus
Authors: Vetkas Artur , Fomenko Anton , Germann Jürgen , Sarica Can , Iorio‐Morin Christian , Samuel Nardin , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Milano Vanessa , Cheyuo Cletus , Zemmar Ajmal , Elias Gavin , Boutet Alexandre , Loh Aaron , Santyr Brendan , Gwun Dave , Tasserie Jordy , Kalia Suneil K. , Lozano Andres M.
Published: January 2022

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neuromodulatory treatment used in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). The primary goal of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to describe recent advancements in the field of DBS for epilepsy, to compare the results of published trials, and to clarify the clinical utility of DBS in DRE. A systematic literature search was performed by two independent authors. Forty‐four articles were included in the meta‐analysis (23 for anterior thalamic nucleus [ANT], 8 for centromedian thalamic nucleus [CMT], and 13 for hippocampus) with a total of 527 patients. The mean seizure reduction after stimulation of the ANT, CMT, and hippocampus in our meta‐analysis was 60.8%, 73.4%, and 67.8%, respectively. DBS is an effective and safe therapy in patients with DRE. Based on the results of randomized controlled trials and larger clinical series, the best evidence exists for DBS of the anterior thalamic nucleus. Further randomized trials are required to clarify the role of CMT and hippocampal stimulation. Our analysis suggests more efficient deep brain stimulation of ANT for focal seizures, wider use of CMT for generalized seizures, and hippocampal DBS for temporal lobe seizures. Factors associated with clinical outcome after DBS for epilepsy are electrode location, stimulation parameters, type of epilepsy, and longer time of stimulation. Recent advancements in anatomical targeting, functional neuroimaging, responsive neurostimulation, and sensing of local field potentials could potentially lead to improved outcomes after DBS for epilepsy and reduced sudden, unexpected death of patients with epilepsy. Biomarkers are needed for successful patient selection, targeting of electrodes and optimization of stimulation parameters.
Linguistic Hospitality
Authors: Saptenno Kritsno
Published: January 2022

The existence of indigenous religions in Indonesia has always been overshadowed by a history of discrimination from state‐recognized religions. One of the main causes is the government’s use of categorization that is influenced by the world religions paradigm. As a result, the government does not recognize indigenous religion as a religion and promotes a categorization of it that tends to be negative. In the Christian discourse of theology of religions, the models of exclusivism, inclusivism, pluralism, and even particularism are trapped in a similar religious categorization. On the one hand, the models of theology of religions are open to dialogue with world religions. On the other hand, indigenous religion is not considered a dialogue partner. This article argues that linguistic hospitality can be an inspiration for interreligious dialogue, allowing Christianity to become more open to indigenous religions. Emphasizing a hermeneutic of openness allows indigenous religions to show their otherness without being limited by assumptions of Christian theology.
The Challenges of Christian–Daoist Dialogue
Authors: Kubuya Paulin Batairwa
Published: January 2022

Though Daoism is one of the most ancient of Chinese religions, Christian/Catholic–Daoist dialogue is a very recent enterprise whose growth entails managing obstacles inherent to a novel field. This article, based on personal experience, unveils that dialogue with Daoism calls for humility and for a reconsideration of the mental frames that depicted Daoism as a receptacle of exotic and esoteric rituals, luring curious European minds in search of esoteric religious practices. As in other cases of interreligious dialogues, the main challenges to Christian–Daoist dialogue consist of identifying dialogue partners and experientially establishing the contents, modalities, and expectations of a journey that is only at its beginning. With humility, mutual respect, and openness, the journey might be bountiful in rewards as it unveils the treasures of authentic interreligious dialogue engagements.
Ascetic Practices in Interfaith Dialogue
Authors: Pavlyk Nataliia
Published: January 2022

This article explores the fundamental theological and philosophical propositions on which ascetic teachings and mystical experiences within Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Jainism are based. In particular, it examines spirituality, purification, and psychophysical techniques, including bodily postures, breath control, and inner exploration (e.g., the Jesus Prayer and dhyāna), which aim at a soteriological ideal in Hesychasm and Śvētāmbara Jainism. The article demonstrates the value of the body and the importance of asceticism in the spiritual experience of both traditions. Finally, it emphasizes that the focus on ascetic practices is a missing link in interreligious dialogue and can be a significant contribution to ecumenical work in the area of interfaith encounter. This study is part of a growing body of scholarship on ascetic practices as a means of liberation in Jainism and Christianity, as well as a pioneering work on Jain–Hesychast dialogue.
The termination of central government internal auditing and the emergence of the innovation society
Authors: Skærbæk Peter , Themsen Tim Neerup
Published: January 2022

For over two decades, the literature has characterized contemporary Western societies as audit societies. These societies are characterized by an approach to governance that is shaped by the idea and practice of auditing. This paper shows that with regard to public governance, the audit society has started to give way to a program of government innovation, or what we theorize to be the emergence of a new form of society: the innovation society. The paper builds this theorization on a longitudinal case study of the past 40 years of Danish central government administrative policy developments with a focus on internal auditing. The paper shows that internal auditing has transitioned from being a macro actor of public governance to becoming a micro actor and ultimately terminated. The paper further shows that this dissociation process was instigated not by elected politicians but by highly positioned civil servants who managed to remove what they identified as an obstacle to the stability of the innovation program.
Peripheral inflammation effects on retinal phagocytic system
Authors: Albero‐Ros Elsa , David Samuel , Vidal‐Sanz Manuel , Avilés‐Trigueros Marcelino
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To study how a unilateral arthritic inflammatory process, affecting the peripheral nervous system, can activate the mononuclear phagocytic system at retinal level.

Methods

An experimental model of peripheral inflammatory process produced by an intraplantar injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) in the left hind limb was induced to adult C57BL/6J lysozyme M‐eGFP‐knock‐in (LysM‐eGFP) mice that express LysM‐eGFP selectively in myelomonocytic cells. FCA, sham and naïve mice were processed at different survival times (ranging 1–10 days post‐lesion). Retinas were prepared as whole‐mounts and histologically analyzed for microglia markers and LysM‐eGFP expression.

Results

After FCA administration morphological signs compatibles with microglial activation were observed in the eGFP+ cells in the innermost layer of the retina, persisting along the time‐course of study. The three sub‐population of eGFP+ cells identified, amoeboid, ramified and peripheral, showed significant and relevant changes in the distribution pattern respect to that observed in untreated retinas from sham or naïve mice. The quantitative analysis showed statistically significant changes in the expression of eGFP+ and Iba‐1+ for all cell sub‐population in the course of time. However, the number of eGFP+ and Iba‐1 immunonegative amoeboid cells was constant and similar to those of sham or control retinas.

Conclusions

Induction of a peripheral inflammatory process by administration of FCA elicits a response from the peripheral bone marrow‐derived monocyte‐macrophage population at retinal level, where these cells are recruited and transformed into microglia.
Prph2 mutant mice generated by CRISPR reproduces human central areolar choroidal dystrophy
Authors: Saez Xavier Sanchez , Albertos‐Arranz Henar , Pastor María José Ruiz , Kutsyr Oksana , Martínez‐Gil Natalia , Fernández‐Sánchez Laura , Castillo Carla Sánchez , Aguilera Carmen , Méndez Lucía , Hernández‐Carabias Patricia , Maneu Victoria , Lax Pedro , Cuenca Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Central choroidal dystrophies are retinal diseases characterized by progressive choriocapillaris atrophy and retinal degeneration that are usually associated with a single mutation in the PRPH2 gene. Thus, the purpose of this work was to generate a mouse model with the same p.Arg195Leu mutation described in diagnosed human patients.

Methods

Prph2KI/WT and Prph2KI/KI mice have been designed and generated using the CRISPR system to introduce the Arg195Leu mutation. The retinal function was analyzed by electroretinography (ERG) and optomotor test. The structural integrity of the retinas was evaluated using optical coherence tomography and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Genetic sequencing confirmed that both Prph2KI/WT and Prph2KI/KI mice presented the same codon mutation and degeneration pattern found in humans suffering from this dystrophy. A progressive loss of retinal function was found from 3 months of age, with significantly reduced mice visual acuity, measured by optomotor test. At 6 months of age, decreased a‐ and b‐wave amplitudes of the ERG responses were observed. Moreover, morphological analysis of the retinas correlated with functional findings, showing a decreased number of photoreceptor rows and retinal thickness, also presenting an increased inflammation with activation of microglia and Müller cells

Conclusions

The new Prph2KI/WT and Prph2KI/KI mouse models show a similar degeneration pattern to human disease and may facilitate the study of the pathophysiological process, also displaying their potential to be a model for evaluation of different therapeutic strategies.

Support

Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (FEDER‐ PID2019‐106230RB‐I00). Ministerio de Universidades (FPU16/04114, FPU18/02964). Instituto Carlos III (RETICS‐FEDER RD16/0008/0016). Retina Asturias/Cantabria. FARPE‐FUNDALUCE. Generalitat Valenciana (IDIFEDER/2017/064, ACIF/2020/203). Es Retina Asturias (2019/00286/001).
Effect of systemic immunosuppression and BM‐MSC allotransplantation in retinal functionality and RGC population
Authors: Muñoz María Norte , Ortega Alejandro Gallego , Lucas‐Ruiz Fernando , Bernal David García , Vidal‐Sanz Manuel , Agudo‐Barriuso Marta
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM‐MSC) transplant is widely studied in preclinical models because of their potential neuroprotective properties. In the clinic, allotransplants are combined with systemic immunosuppressive treatments to improve transplantation outcomes. We purposed to carry out a comparative functional and histological study to find out the role of immunosuppression after BM‐MSC allotransplantation in retina.

Methods

20,000 BM‐MSC from donor eGFP‐C57BL/6J mice were intravitreally injected into recipient BALB/c mice. Animals were divided in two groups (n=5/each). One group was immunosuppressed right after the BM‐MSC injection with oral cyclosporine in water (100 mg/ml) and a daily intraperitoneal injection of cortisone (1.6 mg/kg), whereas the other group was kept w/o immunosuppression as control. Electroretinograms were performed before and 5 days and 21 days after the BM‐MSC graft. Animals were perfused, and flat mounted retinas analyzed at 21 days. Brn3a+ retinal ganglion cells (RGC) were automatically quantified, and their spatial distribution analyzed with isodensity maps.

Results

BM‐MSC allotransplant alone causes a significant decrease (40%) of the positive scotopic threshold response (pSTR, RGC function) at 21 days compared to baseline. In the immunosuppressed group, retinal functionality was further impaired as most of the electroretinogram waves (pSTR, rod response, a and b waves, and photopic wave) drastically decreased at 5 days compared to allotransplant alone. This functionality was partially recovered at 21 days. In spite of the functional impairment, the population of RGC was not affected in any group.

Conclusions

In allogeneic BM‐MSC transplants, immunosuppression has a negative effect on retinal function.
Clinical spectrum and geographic distribution of keratitis fugax hereditaria caused by the pathogenic variant c.61G>C in NLRP3
Authors: Immonen Annamari , Kawan Sabita , Vesaluoma Minna , Heiskanen Miikael , Taipale Claudia , Koskinen Mira , Majander Anna , Kivelä Tero , Turunen Joni
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To chart clinical findings in individuals with keratitis fugax hereditaria (KFH) and the geographic distribution of their ancestors.

Methods

Patient population included 84 Finnish patients (55% female) from 25 families with the pathogenic NLRP3 variant c.61G>C. Procedures and main outcome measures were Sanger sequencing, clinical examination, corneal imaging, and a questionnaire regarding symptoms, quality‐of‐life, treatment, and comorbidities.

Results

The oldest members in each family were born in Ostrobothnia in Western Finland or Southwestern Finland with historical ties to Sweden. One carrier was asymptomatic. Most (77%) experienced their first attack between 6 and 20 years of age. Three quarters had unilateral attacks 3‐5 times annually, primarily triggered by cold wind or air, or stress. Eighty percent reported ocular pain (median, 7 on scale 1‐10), conjunctival injection, photophobia, foreign body sensation, and tearing during attacks. Visual blur occurred 75% and 91% during and after the attack, respectively, for 1 day to 2 months (median, 10 days). Forty‐seven percent had corneal oval opacities with irregular tomography patterns and mild to moderate decrease (20/60 or better) in best‐corrected visual acuity that improved with scleral contact lenses. Except for headache in 40%, systemic symptoms were absent during the attacks.

Conclusions

Symptoms and signs of KFH are restricted to the anterior segment of the eye, and they vary widely between individuals. We recommend scleral contact lenses as first‐line treatment for reduced vision. Allele frequencies suggest that KFH goes unrecognized in Sweden and populations with Scandinavian heritage.
Preloaded descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty grafts with endothelium outward: a validation study of the DMEK rapid device
Authors: Wojcik Gabriela , Parekh Mohit , Romano Vito , Ferrari Stefano , Ruzza Alessandro , Ahmad Sajjad , Ponzin Diego
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To validate a device (DMEK Rapid, Geuder AG, Germany) for preloading and transporting DMEK grafts with endothelium facing outwards.

Methods

Stripped DMEK tissues were divided into 2 groups: internal transportation simulations (study A) and cross‐country transport study (Study B). Study A was designed to investigate the influence of 2 types of media, tissue culture medium (TCM; n = 12) or transport medium (TM; n = 12), on DMEK tissues preloaded in the DMEK Rapid device. The tissues were placed on the laboratory rocker for 4 days at room temperature. For Study B, DMEK tissues (n = 9), preloaded with TM were shipped from Italy to the UK and analysed within 72 hr. For both studies, endothelial cell loss (ECL – trypan blue staining), morphology (alizarin red staining), viability (live/dead staining) and expression of biomarker (ZO‐1 immunostaining) were performed.

Results

Post‐stripping ECL was 7.5 ± 66.2% in TCM group, compared to 9.1 ± 64.9 from the TM group (p = 0.54). Post‐simulation ECL was 14.3 ± 63.8% from the TCM group and 11.5 ± 64.6% from the TM group (p = 0.08). Alizarin red (n = 4 in each group) showed the low polymorphism in both media groups. Weka segmentation of the live/dead analysis showed 78.83 ± 62.78% viability in TCM group and 80.83 ± 63.48% viable cells in TM group (p = 0.60). ZO‐1 immunostaining (n = 4 in each group) showed the presence of tight junctions in both the groups. In study B (n = 9), post‐stripping ECL was 10.1 ± 64.5% and 3.3 ± 66.6% after transporting the tissues from Italy to the UK (p = 0.05). Alizarin red (n = 3) showed proper tissue morphology and viability of 85.16 ± 65.33% was detected (n = 3). ZO‐1 (n = 3) was expressed in all tested grafts.

Conclusions

Preloading DMEK tissue with endothelium outwards and transported within 72 hr using the DMEK Rapid device is safe and can be pursued for clinical application.
Optimising the method for isolating ocular surface microRNA using impression cytology
Authors: Greenan Emily , Ní Gabhann‐Dromgoole Joan , Murphy Conor
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Conjunctival impression cytology is a reliable method to obtain epithelial cells from the ocular surface. Its application has broadened our knowledge of ocular surface disease, paving the way for a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of disease, new treatment options and personalised medicine. Herein we compare the most commonly used materials to optimise isolating microRNA (miR) from the conjunctiva.

Methods

MiR yield of 12 mm PTFE and 13 mm PES in a free membrane semicircle form were compared (n = 3). Next a single 13 mm PES semicircle membrane and a single Eyeprim applicator were compared (n = 8). MiRs were isolated using miRNeasy kit (QIAGEN GmbH Hilden Germany) and concentration was determined on Nanodrop ND‐1000 Spectrophotometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific Wilmington DE). In the second experiment, subjective discomfort provoked by each technique was also determined using SANDE immediately and 2 min after sampling.

Results

PES had a significantly higher miR yield vs PTFE; 131.3 ng/µl±8.1 vs 32 ng/µl±9.9 ng/µl p = 0.0002. In the second experiment miR yield from PES was comparable to Eyeprim; 48.7 ng/µl±24.4 vs 46.9 ng/µl±19.2, p = 0.88. SANDE measured participant discomfort in this experiment. Regarding intensity PES was most tolerable at the point of sampling; 0.1± 0.3 vs 4.5±2.8 for Eyeprim, p = 0.0016. At 2 min, PES measured 0.1 ± 0.3 vs 3.3 ± 3.22 for Eyeprim, p = 0.03.

Conclusions

Our results confirm that free PES membrane is greatly superior in its miR harvesting ability compared to free PTFE membrane which was previously optimised in studies using Millicell Biopore. Furthermore, miR yield from free PES membrane is comparable to the commercially designed Eyeprim while being better tolerated. We recommend the use of PES of 0.2 µm pore in 13 mm semicircle design to harvest and characterise miR expression from conjunctival epithelial cells. This simple, inexpensive method can easily be implemented in a clinical research setting to investigate ocular surface disease.
Integration of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement in the corneal bioreactor
Authors: Peyret Benjamin , Crouzet Emmanuel , Mentek Marielle , Urbaniak Sébastien , Papillon Jean‐Marie , Hodin Sophie , Garcin Thibaud , Delavenne Xavier , Thuret Gilles , Gain Philippe
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The corneal bioreactor (BR) patented by our laboratory allows to restore a physiological epithelium of porcine or human corneas. The measurement of the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), correlated with the presence of tight junctions, is a robust parameter for assessing the integrity of the corneal epithelium.

Aim

To integrate the measurement of TEER with BR and to evaluate its relevance on porcine corneas.

Methods

Two Ag/AgCl electrodes (WPI, Saratosa, FL) were placed, one in an endothelial chamber filled with Corneamax storage medium (Eurobio, Les Ulis, France), the other in an epithelial chamber and under 3 conditions: immersed in the conservation medium; immersed in the conservation medium while isolating the cornea from the sclera thanks to an applicator cone usually used for iontophoresis (Opia Technologies, Paris, France); in direct contact with the epithelium with interposition of Gel‐larmes (Théa, Clermont‐Ferrand, France). The electric current frequencies tested ranged from 50 Hz to 1 MHz. Three fresh pig corneas (with and without epithelium) were placed in BR and the TEER measured in the 3 conditions, with and without epithelium. Controls: Fresh pig sclera and Corneamax alone in BR.

Results

Results are expressed as median. TEER of controls: 302 Ω (sclera) and 266 Ω (Corneamax alone) TEER of corneas without epithelium: 321 Ω, in the 3 experimental conditions, thus close to the control. TEER of corneas with epithelium: 397 Ω with electrode immersed in the medium, thus close to the sclera (397 Ω). In the other 2 conditions, the TEER was higher, with a greater variability, depending on the current frequency: from 1456 Ω to 143 Ω with the applicator cone and from 2335 Ω to 242 Ω with the Gel‐Larmes.

Conclusions

The sclera placed in BR is a conductive tissue. It is possible to determine the TEER of a cornea ex vivo in the BR, if the cornea is isolated from the sclera and the epithelium present on the cornea is healthy.
Corneal densitometry analysis in patients diagnosed with keratoconus
Authors: Derivas Marta Orejudo , Boned‐Murillo Ana , Díaz‐Barreda Mª Dolores , El Bakkali Ismael Bakkali , Rivasés Guillermo Pérez , Moscarda Eva Josefina Núñez , Cisneros Pablo , Del Buey Sayas María Ángeles
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to carry out a comparative study of corneal densitometry (COD) using Pentacam HR in two groups of patients. A control group of normal eyes where corneal pathology has been ruled out and another group of patients diagnosed with keratoconus (KC) who have not received corneal Cross‐Linking as treatment.

Methods

The sample consists of 30 eyes diagnosed with keratoconus compared to 30 eyes with normal corneas (N). The results are studied using Pentacam HR, which has a double Scheimpflug chamber. Patients are classified into 2 groups, ruling out corneal pathology in the control group. COD is measured in a 12mm diameter area, divided into concentric annular zones and different depths. COD is used to describe the characteristics of corneal tissue and makes it possible to quantify the degree of transparency of the corneal tissue.

Results

There are significant differences between the groups after the COD examination. In the average of rings and total layers, an increase in total COD is observed in the eyes diagnosed with keratoconus compared to the normal ones (N = 15.71, KC = 21.05). When studied in layers, an increase in densitometry is also seen in the keratoconus group. The front layer (N = 21.61, KC = 29.13), the middle layer (N = 14.49, KC = 18.70) and the back layer (N = 11.04, KC = 14.57).

Conclusions

The corneal densitometry map shows total higher values in eyes with keratoconus compared to healthy eyes. The difference is most marked in the anterior layer of the cornea.

References

1. Maurice DM. The structure and transparency of the cornea. J Physiol. 1957;136:263–286.

2. Shen Y, Han T, Jhanji V, Shang J, Zhao J, Li M, et al. Correlation between corneal topographic, densitometry, and biomechanical parameters in keratoconus eyes. Transl Vis Sci Technol. 2019;8(3):12.

3. Rabinowitz YS. Keratoconus. Surv Ophthalmol. 1998;42(4):297–319.

4. Lopes B, Ramos I, Ambrósio R Jr. Corneal densitometry in keratoconus. Cornea. 2014;33(12):1282–6.

5. Koc M, Tekin K, Tekin MI, Uzel MM, Kosekahya P, Ozulken K, et al. An early finding of keratoconus: Increase in corneal densitometry: Increase in corneal densitometry. Cornea. 2018;37(5):580–6.
Evaluation of ocular surface disease symptoms and patient satisfaction in dry eye disease after 84 days of treatment with preservative‐free eye drops containing sodium hyaluronate and trehalose
Authors: Mateo‐Otobia Antonio , Del Prado Sanz Eduardo , Martínez Alejandro Blasco , Corta Miriam Idoipe , Sanz María Romero , Pablo Júlvez Luis E. , Farrant Sarah
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Dry eye disease (DED) has a multifactorial etiology, including insufficient tear production and/or excessive tear evaporation linked to multiple conditions. A preservative‐free eye drop formulation containing sodium hyaluronate and trehalose (SH‐THL, Thealoz® Duo) capitalizes on the bioprotectant properties of trehalose. This study evaluated the improvement of ocular surface disease (OSD), dry eye signs and symptoms, treatment satisfaction in patients with DED receiving SH‐THL.

Methods

Multi‐center, international, non‐interventional prospective survey lasting 84 days with up to 2 post‐baseline visits in up to 310 adult subjects with clinically confirmed DED requiring artificial tears. Clinical signs with Schirmer Test, tear Break Up Time, hyperemia, dry eye symptoms with OSDI® scale and the five‐item dry eye questionnaire (DEQ‐5) as well as patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline, visit 1 (28 days) and 2 (84 days). SH‐THL was to be instilled when needed. The number of eye drops instilled per day was determined using the Kali Care Drop Meter (n=42).

Results

Data from 238 patients were analyzed. 83.2% were women, the mean age was 57.9 ± 15.1 years. At baseline, the overall OSDI was 42.2 ± 19.9 and 61.3% of patients had severe OSDI. The DEQ‐5 score was 12.4±4.1 and the patient treatment satisfaction score was 6.4 ± 2.1. The OSDI significantly improved (p < 0.001) after 84 days. The DEQ‐5 score significantly improved at visit 1, persisting until visit 2 (both p < 0.001) with a statistically significant (p = 0.002) difference between visit 1 and 2. Patient satisfaction with treatment significantly improved (p < 0.001) at visit 1 and 2 compared to baseline. All clinical signs significantly improved after 84 days of SH‐THL.

Conclusions

Results confirm that continued use of eye drops containing SH‐THL reduced DED signs and symptoms, OSDI scores, and result in a very high patient satisfaction.
Neuronal sources of visually evoked potentials using selective color opponent channel stimulation
Authors: Klee Sascha , Link Dietmar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The retinal stages of color processing have been extensively researched in recent years. In contrast, the cortical stages, especially the spatial distribution of visual processing are less understood. It is known that many cells in the visual cortex respond to color. However, what kind of computations these cells perform on their visual input, and what are their temporal and spatial properties are still under debate. In this study, we aimed to analyze the neuronal sources of visually evoked potentials using selective color opponent channel stimulations.

Methods

The study was conducted on 10 healthy subjects (6 male, 4 female, 1 eye each, mean age 25.5±5.1 yr). All subjects were free of eye diseases. Normal color vision was checked with Ishihara and Stilling‐Velhagen plates. To modulate selective activity in the S‐cone and L/M‐cone driven channels (the related cells are: short‐wavelength absorbing: S‐cone, medium‐wavelength absorbing: M‐cone, long‐wavelength‐absorbing: L‐cone) we presented two silent substitution flash sequences (total of 200 stimuli) in a full circle with a diameter of 22°. Electroencephalography was performed using a 64‐channel amplifier system (Theraprax, neuroConn GmbH, Germany) in combination with Ag/AgCl ring electrodes (B10‐S‐200, EASYCAP GmbH, Germany). The preprocessed data were analyzed with source localization software (CURRY v4.6, Compumedics, USA). For each subject, a realistically shaped volume conductor was constructed by a boundary element model.

Results

We found two main components (N1, P1) in all subjects, as well as a third late component in most subjects. For these components significant latency differences (mean: N1 = 33 ms, P1 = 22 ms; p < 0.05) between both color opponent channels were found. The results showed no differences in the topography and no differences in dipole localization between both color channels. Talairach coordinates of grand averages indicated activation in area 18.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that neural processing occurs in the same areas of the visual cortex for stimuli with different spectral properties. The signals of S‐ and L/M‐cone driven channels are transmitted in distinct pathways to the cortex. Thus, the observed latency differences might be caused by different anatomical and functional properties of these pathways.
Evaluation of the effect of eye movements on the Sweep VEP
Authors: Dimopoulos Ioannis , Kantungane Lynca , Coupland Stuart
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of fixation stability on the sweep visual evoked potential (sVEP) visual acuity estimate in normal subjects.

Methods

Twenty eyes of 10 subjects with normal ophthalmic exam and best‐corrected Snellen chart visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20 or better in the tested eye underwent sVEP visual acuity estimation using commercially available equipment and software (Diagnosys Espion E3 System Lowell, MA, USA). sVEP was sequentially recorded under two conditions: (i) steady fixation using a central stationary target; and (ii) simulated unsteady fixation with the subject allowed roving eye movements outside the central stationary target. Fixation was monitored using eye‐tracking technology (Tobii Eye Tracker 4C, Tobii Technology AB, Sweden). Fixation stability was classified based on the proportion of fixation points within 4° retinal diameter circle (stable fixation: >75% fixations within 4° circle; unstable fixation: <75% fixations within 4° circle). Within‐subject differences in the estimated sVEP visual acuities under the two tested conditions were assessed using Wilcoxon non‐parametric signed comparisons with significance level set at p < 0.05. Bland‐Altman plots were used to calculate 95% limits of agreement.

Results

Simulated unsteady fixation yielded significant differences in sVEP visual acuity estimation compared to steady fixation (p < 0.0001). The median difference between the two conditions was 0.19 logMAR (~2 Snellen VA lines), with 95% limits of agreement ranging from 0.05 to 0.49 logMAR. Steady fixation overestimated visual acuity compared to BCVA (p < 0.0001), contrary to simulated unsteady fixation, which yielded estimates not statistically different from the expected BCVA (p = 0.91).

Conclusions

Simulated unsteady fixation affects sVEP acuity estimates in normal subjects. However, the estimated visual acuities are not significantly different from the expected normal visual acuity of 20/20. sVEP testing can therefore be used to document normal visual acuity without the requirement of steady and central fixation.