bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification, gene cloning, subcellular location and expression analysis of the OPR gene family under salt stress in sweetpotato
Authors: Li Wenxing , Li Yongping , Xu Yuan , Kumar Sunjeet , Liu Yi , Zhu Guopeng
Published: December 2024

Background

The 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase (OPR) enzyme is crucial for the synthesis of jasmonates (JAs), and is involved in the plant stress response. However, the OPR gene family in sweetpotato, an important horticultural crop, remains unidentified.

Results

In this study, we employed bioinformatics techniques to identify nine IbOPR genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes could be divided into Group I and Group II. Synteny analysis indicated that IbOPR evolution was driven by tandem duplication, whole-genome duplication (WGD), and segmental duplication events. The promoter sequences of IbOPRs were found to be associated with stress and hormonal responses. Additionally, we successfully cloned four IbOPRs from "Haida HD7791" and "Haida HD7798" using homologous cloning technology. These sequences were 1203 bp, 1200 bp, 1134 bp, and 1137 bp in length and encoded 400, 399, 377, and 378 amino acids, respectively. The protein sequence similarity between the salt-tolerant variety "Haida HD7791" and the salt-sensitive variety "Haida HD7798" was determined to be 96.75% for IbOPR2, 99.75% for IbOPR3, 92.06% for IbOPR6, and 98.68% for IbOPR7. Phylogenetic analysis categorized IbOPR2 and IbOPR3 proteins into Group II, while IbOPR6 and IbOPR7 proteins belonged to Group I. Subcellular localization experiments showed IbOPR2 protein present in the peroxisome, while IbOPR3, IbOPR6, and IbOPR7 proteins were found in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Salt stress induction experiments demonstrated that IbOPR2, IbOPR3, and IbOPR7 were significantly upregulated only in 'Haida HD7791' after 6 h. In contrast, IbOPR6 was induced in 'Haida HD7798' at 6 h but inhibited in 'Haida HD7791' at later time points (12, 24, 48, and 72 h), highlighting functional differences in salt stress responses.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that IbOPR2 may play a crucial role in sweetpotato's response to salt stress by participating in JAs synthesis. These results provide a foundation for future functional analyses of OPR genes in sweetpotato.
Cone-beam computed tomographic evaluation of styloid process: a retrospective study of 498 patients with maxillofacial diseases
Authors: Yang Zhang , Yuzi Jing , Beibei Liang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the structural characteristics of the styloid process (SP) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination in patients with maxillofacial diseases. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of elongated styloid process (ESP) and its relationship to gender in the study population. Radiographic records of 498 subjects were evaluated retrospectively. Radiological examinations including measurements of the structure, length, volume, and angulations of styloid process were performed on CBCT images. Males had significantly longer styloid process in both sides than females in the study population and a strong positive linear relationship was found between left and right sides’ process length (r = 0.83; p < 0.001). The mean internal oblique angle of styloid process differed between genders, but there were no statistically significant differences in the mean anterior oblique angle. Out of 498 subjects, 62 (24.13%) females and 101 (41.91%) males had elongated left styloid process (≥ 30 mm), while 75 (29.18%) and 90 (37.34%) had right side respectively.

Methods

Radiographic records of 498 subjects were evaluated retrospectively. Radiological examinations including measurements of the structure, length, volume, and angulations of styloid process were performed on CBCT images.

Results

Males had significantly longer styloid process in both sides than females in the study population and a strong positive linear relationship was found between left and right sides’ process length (r = 0.83;
p < 0.001). The mean internal oblique angle of styloid process differed between genders, but there were no statistically significant differences in the mean anterior oblique angle. Out of 498 subjects, 62 (24.13%) females and 101 (41.91%) males had elongated left styloid process (≥30 mm), while 75 (29.18%) and 90 (37.34%) had right side respectively.

Conclusions

This study presents the CBCT as an alternative method to CT or panoramic radiographs for the measurement and the assessment of the styloid process. Within the study in 498 subjects in China, it was observed that the males, on average, had significantly longer styloid process and narrower internal oblique angle than females either in left or right side. Around 33% of the study population had ESP.
Pseudo-static analytical formulation for seismic thrust on cantilever retaining walls in C-Φ soils considering double failure planes
Authors: Ayman Gharbi , Fadoua El Khannoussi , Bouraida El Yamouni , Abdellatif Khamlichi
Published: December 2024

This study proposes a pseudo-static analytical formulation for calculating the active thrust force on cantilever retaining walls under seismic loads. The formula incorporates the effects of soil cohesion and failure surface shape and is applied to short-heel and long-heel cantilever walls. The results are compared to classic analytical methods and a numerical model. The proposed formula provides a good representation of wall behavior under low to medium seismic loads, with an extended range compared to classical methods. However, using 100% of the peak ground acceleration (PGA) overestimates the active force for medium to strong earthquakes, so reduced PGA values are recommended. The formula accurately predicts the failure surface inclination, with an accuracy of approximately 10°. Soil cohesion has no significant effect on the failure mechanism, but the heel length influences its effect on active force reduction. Overall, the study offers an improved analytical approach for assessing the seismic response of cantilever retaining walls.
Αποκατάσταση της καταληπτότητας της ομιλίας σε σύνθετα ηχητικά περιβάλλοντα για άτομα με απώλεια ακοής με τη χρήση τεχνικών βαθιάς μάθησης
Authors: Θωίδης Ιορδάνης
Published: December 2024

Η αντίληψη της ομιλίας σε σύνθετα ηχητικά περιβάλλοντα, ιδίως σε συνθήκες με θόρυβο και πολλαπλούς ομιλητές, αποτελεί μία από τις σημαντικότερες προκλήσεις για άτομα με απώλεια ακοής, επηρεάζοντας σημαντικά την κοινωνική, ψυχολογική και εργασιακή τους ζωή. Η παρούσα διατριβή επικεντρώνεται στην αξιοποίηση της βαθιάς μάθησης ως εργαλείου για την επεξεργασία και την ανάλυση του ήχου, με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην αντίληψη της ομιλίας από άτομα με απώλεια ακοής. Συγκεκριμένα, επιδιώκεται η ανάπτυξη μεθόδων που ενσωματώνουν ψυχοακουστικούς και σημασιολογικούς παράγοντες του ηχητικού περιεχομένου, με στόχο την αποκατάσταση της καταληπτότητας της ομιλίας σε σύνθετα ηχητικά περιβάλλοντα. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, αναπτύχθηκε μία μέθοδος που αξιοποιεί τεχνικές βαθιάς μάθησης για την επεξεργασία μονοφωνικών σημάτων ομιλίας, βασιζόμενη στη χρονική κωδικοποίηση του ήχου από το ανθρώπινο ακουστικό σύστημα. Η προτεινόμενη μέθοδος έδειξε βελτιωμένα αποτελέσματα ενίσχυσης της ομιλίας σε συνθήκες με θόρυβο υποβάθρου. Η έρευνα επεκτείνεται στη σημασιολογική ανάλυση του ηχητικού περιεχομένου με στόχο την αποτελεσματικότερη και πιο εύρωστη προσαρμογή των τεχνικών βαθιάς μάθησης σε δυναμικές ηχητικές σκηνές. Με τη χρήση τεχνικών σημασιολογικής ανάλυσης για την επαλήθευση ομιλητή, αναπτύχθηκε μία μέθοδος για την ενίσχυση της φωνής ενός ομιλητή-στόχου σε συνθήκες με θόρυβο και άλλους ανταγωνιστικούς ομιλητές. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν σημαντικές βελτιώσεις στην καταληπτότητα της ομιλίας, τόσο για άτομα με απώλεια ακοής όσο και για άτομα με φυσιολογική ακοή, σε περιβάλλοντα με θόρυβο υποβάθρου και πολλαπλούς ταυτόχρονους ομιλητές. Τα ευρήματα της παρούσας διατριβής καταδεικνύουν τις δυνατότητες της βαθιάς μάθησης στον τομέα της υπολογιστικής ακρόασης, προβάλλοντας λύσεις για την αντιμετώπιση των προκλήσεων στην αντίληψη της ομιλίας σε σύνθετα ηχητικά περιβάλλοντα. Ενθαρρύνεται η ευρύτερη εφαρμογή και εμβάθυνση στην έρευνα των τεχνολογιών ήχου για πρακτικές εφαρμογές, με στόχο την ουσιαστική βελτίωση της εμπειρίας ακρόασης για άτομα με απώλεια ακοής με τη χρήση ακουστικών συσκευών.
Społeczno-polityczne wpływy masonerii w świetle prasy katolickiej Drugiej Rzeczypospolitej
Authors: Sołga Przemysław
Published: December 2024

W artykule ukazano kwestię stosunku prasy katolickiej w Polsce międzywojennej do wpływów społeczno-politycznych masonerii, zarówno w rodzimym kraju, jak i na świecie. Wzięto pod uwagę historyczne reminiscencje, domniemany wpływ wolnomularzy na politykę, szkolnictwo, laicyzację społeczeństwa, jak również konflikty wewnątrzpaństwowe w Meksyku i Hiszpanii (dopatrywano się w nich istotnych wpływów działalności masońskiej, do których często odnosiła się polska publicystyka katolicka). Za punkt odniesienia przyjęto wybrane periodyki katolickie, na łamach których poruszano najczęściej tematykę społeczno-polityczną.
O konieczności badań nad postawami obywateli polskich narodowości niemieckiej w latach 1939–1945. Stan historiografii i dezyderaty badawcze
Authors: Chinciński Tomasz
Published: December 2024

Losy i postawy polskich Niemców podczas II wojny światowej są zagadnieniem słabiej rozpoznanym i przedstawianym w literaturze przedmiotu niż dzieje mniejszości niemieckiej w okresie międzywojennym. Tematyka ta nie doczekała się także oddzielnej i całościowej oceny stanu historiografii, która wskazywałaby kierunki dalszych badań1. Nie zdefiniowano również luk poznawczych. W artykule sformułowano tematy najczęściej przedstawiające problematykę stosunku polskich Niemców do okupacyjnej rzeczywistości, wskazano na dominujące modele badań i wykorzystywaną bazę źródłową.
Afera Roseline Gadek „Rose” – przykład działalności polskiego wywiadu wojskowego we Francji w dobie odprężenia
Authors: Jackowska Anna Maria
Published: December 2024

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie pracy polskiego wywiadu wojskowego w dobie odprężenia. Aby zilustrować uwarunkowania, w jakich działał, wybrano sprawę agentki Roseline Gadek „Rose”, która pracowała w CEDOCAR (Bibliothèque centrale du centre de documentation de l’armement – Centralna Biblioteka Ośrodka Dokumentacji Uzbrojenia) w Paryżu i wyniosła stamtąd dokumenty potrzebne polskiemu Ministerstwu Obrony Narodowej. W 1979 r. jej historia zakończyła się aresztowaniem dwóch funkcjonariuszy polskiego wywiadu wojskowego. Ze względu na dobre wzajemne relacje postanowiono tego faktu nie nagłaśniać medialnie.
HER2-low breast cancer. Diagnostics, treatment and its adverse events
Authors: Bartkowiak Hanna , Grubski Damian , Ziarnik Kacper , Nadolny Filip , Jabłoński Jędrzej , Kania Martyna , Adamowska Agnieszka , Śniatała Alicja
Published: December 2024

Introduction: 
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumors among women worldwide. HER2 receptor is a protein that plays a role in cell growth, division, and repair. Approximately 50% of HER2 –negative breast cancers express low levels of HER2 receptors.  HER2-low breast cancer is a newly characterized subtype of breast cancers that express low levels of HER2 receptor but do not meet the criteria for HER2 positivity and HER2 negative with SCORE - 0 in immunohistochemistry. Recent studies have discovered that HER2-targeted therapies can be effective even at low HER2 expression levels.
 
Aim of study: 
The  purpose  of  this  review  was  to   increase  awareness of  HER2- low breast cancer. The objective was also to underscore the importance of detecting low and very low expression of HER2 receptors. The other goal of  this  project  is  to  raise awareness of potential new directions in oncological treatments including antibody–drug conjugates.   

Materials and methods:
The review was based on the analysis of materials collected in the „Pubmed” and Google Scholar databases. The search was performed using the  keywords: „HER2-low breast cancer”, trastuzumab deruxtecan antibody–drug conjugates”,  „HER2-low diagnostic algorithm”. 
 
Conclusion:
 The results of the DESTINY - Breast04 study shows that trastuzumab-deruxtecan significantly improved both progression-free survival and overall survival among all patients including hormone-positive patients cohort compared to chemotherapy. While trastuzumab-deruxtecan is highly effective, it does come with specific safety considerations that necessitate close monitoring.
Płynne tożsamości
Authors: Kwieciński Bartosz
Published: December 2024

FLUID IDENTITIES: IDENTITY QUESTIONS IN EUROPEAN CINEMA: CRISIS AND TRAUMA
A review of recent scholarly writing on European cinema suggests that the two most significant developments in European cinema in the last couple of decades – the trend to national and cultural fragmentation, on the one hand, and to pan-Europeanisation on the other hand – have shifted the debate from the question, What is the identity of European cinema? (i.e. how does it differ from other cinemas, particularly from Hollywood) to the question, What is European identity in cinema? and, more specifically, What identities are represented in European cinema? These classic questions have lost their relevance. I will trace European identities through the example of the Lux European Audience Award, which is selected by European parliamentarians and European audiences. The themes and motifs that the awarded and selected films address stand in stark contrast to the naïve narrative of EU documentaries. The picture of Europe that emerges from them is that of a continent mired in trauma, fears about the uncertain future of the European community. I will also show that the axiological centre – despite the enlargement of the community – is still oriented towards the countries of the old union.
Rola miast w strategiach i procesach rozwojowych UE
Authors: Kwieciński Leszek , Kamiński Maciej
Published: December 2024

THE ROLE OF CITIES IN THE EU’S STRATEGIES AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES: AN EXAMPLE OF POLISH COASTAL CITIES
The aim of this article is to identify the role of cities in the process of Europeanisation. Particular attention is paid to relatively under-researched local entities, such as coastal cities, which primarily fulfil functions related to the environment, spatial planning, housing, tourism and logistics. The article highlights the growing role of cities in the Europeanisation process, influenced by both internal (top-down, bottom-up) and external (ad extra) factors. The research objective was achieved by using the Multi-Level Governance (MLG) concept and research methods specific to the social sciences, including historical (logographic) and civilisation studies (spiral development), as well as new institutionalism in a sociological context. The operationalisation of these approaches was carried out using Griffinger’s concept (smart cities) and the SDG paradigm, in particular Goal 11 (Sustainable cities and communities).
Obywatel Unii Europejskiej – konsument jako podmiot polityki konsumenckiej
Authors: Malczyńska-Biały Mira
Published: December 2024

CITIZEN OF THE EUROPEAN UNION – A CONSUMER, AS A SUBJECT OF THE CONSUMER POLICYThe article is based on the analysis of selected EU legal acts, literature on the subject and official websites of the European Union. The article aims to present the consumer – a citizen of the European Union and his role as a subject of consumer policy. The article analyses the concepts of consumer and European Union citizen and indicates the elements of their convergence. The idea of the European Citizens’ Initiative was characterised as one of the forms of participation of EU citizens in the process of establishing consumer rights. In particular, was made a detailed analysis of initiatives in the „consumers and health” category, as an element of the participation of European Union citizens in creating consumer policy.
Interseccionalidad, resistencia y resiliencia de mujeres afro en búsqueda de una paz que aún no llega, caso de los municipios de Istmina y Condoto (Chocó, Colombia)
Authors: Rodriguez Calderón Camila , Ascanio-Noreña Catalina , Castrillón-Arias Gloria Patricia , Zarama-Alvarado Stephanye
Published: December 2024

Este artículo continúa con el análisis de la investigación “Mujer, conflicto armado y paz: un ejercicio de memoria individual y colectiva para la reconstrucción del tejido social en Caldas, Sucre y Chocó”, en el marco del programa Colombia Científica. Particularmente se discute el caso de las mujeres afro del departamento de Chocó (Colombia), en los corregimientos de Basurú en Istmina y Acosó en Condoto. La información se desarrolló a partir de la reconstrucción de memoria individual y colectiva con hombres y mujeres de las comunidades por medio de relatos biográficos, entrevistas y grupos focales en relación con los hechos vividos por la mujer antes, durante y después del conflicto armado. Como resultado se propone la interseccionalidad como postulado necesario para comprender la realidad de las mujeres afro desde una lectura integral del conflicto armado, de la mano del estudio a las respuestas de las comunidades a este conflicto enmarcadas en los distintos tipos de resiliencia y resistencia.
An Operations Research–Based Teaching Unit for Grade 12: The ROAR Experience, Part III
Authors: Colajanni Gabriella , Gobbi Alessandro , Picchi Marinella , Raffaele Alice , Taranto Eugenia
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we finish describing the project and the experimentation of Ricerca Operativa Applicazioni Reali (ROAR; in English, Real Applications of Operations Research), a three-year project for higher secondary schools. ROAR is composed of three teaching units addressed to grades 10, 11, and 12, respectively. To improve students’ interest, motivation, and skills related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, ROAR integrates the teaching of mathematics and computer science through operations research. Its implementation started in 2021 in a grade 10 class at the scientific high school IIS Antonietti in Iseo (Brescia, Italy). We provided the details of the first two units in previous papers. Here, we focus on the third and last unit, carried out from October 2022 to January 2023, with the same students, then in a grade 12 class. Similarly to the first two units, we describe objectives, prerequisites, topics and methods, the organization of the lectures, digital technologies used, and a challenging final project that, this time, involved the manufacturer company Filtrec S.p.A. with a case. After analyzing the feedback from students, teachers, and practitioners engaged in the experimentation, we reflect on the entire experimentation and provide some insights to replicate a similar experience.

Funding: G. Colajanni was partially supported by the research project Programma Ricerca di Ateneo UNICT 2020-22 linea 2, Ottimizzazione di Modelli di Network slIce 5G con UAV, the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the European Union for the Programma Operativo Nazionale project on Research and Innovation 2014-2020, D.M. 1062/2021, and the GNAMPA-INdAM Group. A. Raffaele was partially supported by the National Group for Scientific Computation. E. Taranto was partially supported by the National Group for Algebraic and Geometric Structures, and their Applications.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ited.2023.0065 .
Enhancing patient outcomes through proactive stoma care
Authors: Rudoni Caroline
Published: December 2024

A well-sited stoma can reduce the risk of complications such as leakage, which in turn can damage skin. Although many patients may experience problematic skin, this should not be considered an acceptable norm; people with a stoma should have confidence in their appliance to continue their usual lifestyle. The Nursing and Midwifery Council code states that nurses must always practise in line with the best available evidence. With increasing demand for healthcare and limited financial resources, there are ongoing challenges to deliver care at the required level. A recent advance in stoma care includes adhesive flanges permeated with skin-friendly ingredients. In line with value-based procurement and Getting it Right First Time, the stoma care clinical nurse specialist should consider being proactive in their approach and look to use these products before the patient experiences problems rather than waiting until a problem occurs.
NMC: limitations and opportunities
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: December 2024

Sam Foster, Executive Director of Professional Practice, Nursing and Midwifery Council, considers the ways in which the NMC aims to promote professional standards and protect the public
Big changes to the NHS patient safety landscape expected in 2025
Authors: Tingle John
Published: December 2024

John Tingle, Associate Professor, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, looks to 2025 and how the NHS patient safety landscape might change along with some recent patient safety and clinical negligence reports
Intranasal ketamine analgesia for non-physician prehospital clinicians
Authors: Pawley Steve , Worthington Judith
Published: December 2024

Prehospital analgesia is often under-administered within the UK for various reasons – especially within the paediatric population. Several analgesic options are available in the ambulance service with ketamine being a versatile medication often used by prehospital clinicians who have undergone additional training and governance with the use of a patient group direction. The options for non-invasive analgesia are limited within the ambulance service, even more so for the paediatric population or for non-compliant patients. Intranasal administration is becoming more popular as a route of medication administration for both in-hospital and prehospital clinicians. Intranasal analgesia has been well-researched within the in-hospital environment and has shown that IN ketamine is a viable and effective option for providing safe rapid analgesia.
Everything to play for
Authors: Moylett Helen
Published: December 2024

In part two of this series, Helen Moylett explores the role of play in the CoEL and how early years settings can make sure that play is at the centre of their practice
From the ground up
Authors: Mountain Julie , Robinson Felicity
Published: December 2024

May, when trees and flowers are at their most active, is the perfect time to get outdoors. By Julie Mountain and Felicity Robinson
We've explored…: careers
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

After a fire brigade visit, parents at one setting came in to talk about their own jobs. By Annette Rawstrone
A group for dads
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

One network is creating a community for fathers to socialise and discuss their children, similar to the support already widely available to mothers. By Annette Rawstrone
Steering Welsh patients away from GPs to opticians
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean finds out how optical practices in west Wales have implemented prescribing services
Fanworms: nature's eye factories
Authors: Daly Ilse
Published: December 2024

Dr Ilse Daly explores the plethora of eye types found across species of fanworms
Locums, employers and the National Insurance increase
Authors: Chaudhry Mo
Published: December 2024

Mo Chaudhry, director of Locumkit, outlines the impact of the increase in National Insurance from April 1, 2022
CPD: Fundamentals of ophthalmic dispensing – 26
Authors: Black Peter , Black Tina Arbon
Published: December 2024

The previous three articles relating to presbyopia have dealt with the routine cases and common problems associated with poor quality dispensing of progressive lenses. In this fourth article Tina Arbon Black and Peter Black consider challenging presbyopic prescriptions and patient scenarios whose very nature makes problems likely even if frame selection, lens measurements and refraction are performed perfectly. (C 101834, suitable for logging as one provider-led distance learning CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Cycloplegia interactive
Authors: Harvey Bill , Tang Sosena
Published: December 2024

Bill Harvey and Sosena Tang share some of the outcomes and views from your discussions about the use of cycloplegia in community practice
Month of CL hot topics
Authors: Bennett Chris
Published: December 2024

Following the success of last year's Contact Lens Week webinars, this year Optician spread the fun over a full month. Chris Bennett reports
CONFERENCE: New front tears
Authors: Thompson Phil , Mussa Ros
Published: December 2024

Phil Thompson and Ros Mussa report from the Contact Lens Specialist Club education day which went ahead in Birmingham recently against all odds
Time for change
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean reports on why the GOC failed to meet the standard for fitness to practice cases again
A way out of the dark
Authors: Lock Alan
Published: December 2024

Alan Lock outlines a pathway to extra help for patients with sight loss who at some point served in the armed forces
Diabetes in India
Authors: Kumar Narendra
Published: December 2024

Dr Narendra Kumar offers an overview of diabetes and its significant impact in India where the disease is a major cause of sight, a state of affairs not helped by some attitudes towards the best approach to management
Taking the next step
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: December 2024

Mike Hale finds that rapid expansion has driven a recent organisational restructure of Women in Vision UK
Genetics study identifies changes linked to foveal defects
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean reports on the findings from a study exploring the development of babies eyes
Low vision interactive 1 Sight impairment registration
Authors: Harvey Bill
Published: December 2024

Bill Harvey introduces a new interactive CPD exercise focusing upon the potential support available to those with sight impairment (C 102201, suitable for one interactive CPD point for optometrists and dispensing opticians)
Remote vision testing Ancient, modern, and in between
Authors: O'Regan Graham
Published: December 2024

Graham O'Regan standfirst
Breath of fresh air
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: December 2024

Lucy Patchett explores how UK optometry practices are embracing air filtration as a new post-pandemic norm to ensure the safety of staff and patients
Professional bodies join eye health campaign
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean reports on what impact the AOP and RCOphth will have on The Eyes Have It partnership
Closing in on the latest contact lenses
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: December 2024

Lucy Patchett explores the contact lens exhibitors at 100% Optical
End of the stranglehold
Authors: Hamilton Ron
Published: December 2024

Daysoft CEO Ron Hamilton offers a personal account of how the company overcame contact lens restrictions through innovation
Showcasing the possibilities
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean speaks to Kim Walker at Allegro Optical about being named dispensing optician of the year at the Optician Awards
Child screening needs joined-up approach
Authors: Jones Simon
Published: December 2024

The Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning has called for a standardised approach to post-screening care for children after data showed variations in services across England. Simon Jones reports
How the pandemic changed community optometry
Authors: Soomal Satvinder Singh
Published: December 2024

Satvinder Singh Soomal shares his experiences at the recent 100% Optical trade show and visiting colleagues across London
Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy
Authors: Patel Kirit
Published: December 2024

Optometrist Kirit Patel discusses a case concerning a patient with a common corneal condition that we all encounter in general practice and illustrates how it can be managed without the need for referral
What a difference a day makes
Authors: Smyrl Nicola
Published: December 2024

Nicola Smyrl weighs up some of the employment contract issues raised by the extra bank holiday
The importance of continuous aftercare
Authors: Grewal Indie , Carta Fabio
Published: December 2024

Indie Grewal and Fabio Carta review the importance of continuous aftercare for contact lens wearers and how this can be of long-term benefit to patients and practices
Calculating the carbon footprint of a sight test
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean explores the findings of a study into the carbon footprint of a sight test
Specscart targets national expansion
Authors: McCarthy-McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Sid Sethi tells Andrew McCarthy-McClean how growth and ambitious plans for Specscart gained him recognition on two entrepreneur lists
School's out for summer
Authors: Morris Paul
Published: December 2024

Paul Morris makes the case for mandatory eye examinations for young people
Moorfields Eye Hospital: the first 100 years
Authors: Clarkson Douglas
Published: December 2024

Accusations of nepotism, a court case, high infection rates. Not the plot of a TV show but Dr Douglas Clarkson's summary of how the famous Moorfields Eye Hospital came to be
A matter of trust
Authors: Patel Keyur
Published: December 2024

Dr Keyur Patel shares why the profession must overcome long-held perceptions to deliver true patient care
Keys to successful practice management 5
Authors: Samuel David
Published: December 2024

David Samuel outlines how effective communication is a cornerstone of good optometric practise
Diary of a Spectacle Designer
Authors: Davies Tom
Published: December 2024

Tom Davies is facing up to a personal milestone
Dryness, ocular surface temperature and conjunctival blood flow
Authors: Itokawa Takashi
Published: December 2024

Dr Takashi Itokawa describes findings from a recent study evaluating ocular surface temperature, conjunctival blood flow, and dryness in soft contact lens wearers
GOC workplace concerns remain high
Authors: Patchett Lucy
Published: December 2024

The GOC workforce survey results cast a dim view on the optical sector, with disillusionment and dissatisfaction among optometrists and dispensing opticians. Lucy Patchett reports
Bilateral Snapping Knee in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis Accompanied by Sjögren’s Syndrome – A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukuoka University Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan,, Yamasaki Yutaro , Maeyama Akira ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukuoka University Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan,, Takeuchi Mai ,   Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan., Yamamoto Takuaki ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukuoka University Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan,
Published: December 2024

Introduction: We experienced a rare case in which a bilateral snapping knee was caused by rheumatoid arthritis accompanied by Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), and the symptoms were resolved by arthroscopic surgery.

Case Report: A 43-year-old Asian male presented at another hospital with finger, shoulder, and knee pain and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis accompanied by SS. Two months later, he developed the snapping phenomenon in both knees and presented at our hospital. The patient was positive for rheumatoid factor, anti-Smith antibody, and anti-SS-A antibody. Arthroscopy revealed a hard scar-like tissue in the lateral patellofemoral joint in both knees. The scar-like tissue was excised arthroscopically. Post-operatively, the snapping phenomenon and pain during flexion of the bilateral knee joints had been resolved.

Conclusion: In the present case, rheumatoid arthritis accompanied by SS caused inflammation of the knee joints and degeneration of the articular capsules, and snapping of the bilateral knees was caused by impingement of the scar tissue in the patellofemoral joints.

Keywords: Snapping knee, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, Arthroscopy.
Bilateral Traumatic Rupture of the Quadriceps Tendon – A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Science, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India,, Mishra Baibhav , Raj Manish ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Science, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India,, Behera Sudarsan ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Science, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India,, Bhadani Janki Sharan ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India,, Kumar Rajeev ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh, India., Kumar Pawan ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Science, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India,
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Quadriceps tendon rupture is a traumatic injury where the quadriceps detaches from the patella, disrupting the knee’s extensor mechanism. Bilateral ruptures, first documented in 1949, are rare, with an incidence of 0.17–2.5% Diagnosis involves a clinical examination, revealing a palpable defect above the patella and inability to perform a straight leg raise. Risk factors include metabolic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue diseases, and steroid use. In younger patients, it often results from direct trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred diagnostic tool. While partial tears may be managed non-operatively, surgical repair is typically required for complete disruption of the extensor mechanism.

Case Report: A young man presented with an inability to walk for 1 month after a fall. He was diagnosed with bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture. Primary open repair was performed, followed by the application of bilateral long knee braces. The patient was advised delayed weight-bearing and initiated on quadriceps strengthening exercises.

Conclusion: After 12 months of follow-up, the patient showed significant improvement in function and range of motion compared to preoperative status. Primary open repair of bilateral quadriceps tendon ruptures proved to be an effective treatment, leading to satisfactory recovery and a return to good functional outcomes.

Keywords: Bilateral, quadriceps tear, primary open repair, extensor mechanism, transosseous tunnels.
Kingella kingae Induced Septic Arthritis in the Knee Revealing an Unexpected Diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, a Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Regions Hospital Horsens, Horsens, Denmark., Christensen Sanne Høj , Christensen Bjørn Borsøe ,   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Regions Hospital Horsens, Horsens, Denmark.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Kingella kingae has become an increasingly significant cause of osteoarticular infection in children under the age of 4. The bacteria is infrequent in adults. Previous reports have indicated its association with infections, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. Only a few cases of isolated septic knee arthritis in immunocompetent patients caused by K. kingae have been reported.

Case Report: We present a case involving a 64-year-old male with an unremarkable medical history diagnosed with septic arthritis in the knee attributed to K. kingae. He was treated with antibiotic therapy and joint irrigation and discharged with outpatient follow-up on the 9th day. The diagnosis led to an unexpected finding of multiple myeloma prompting further treatment.

Conclusion: This case confirms that K. kingae can cause septic arthritis in adults and physicians and microbiologists should be alert to the possibility, especially in adults with an underlying disease.

Keywords: K. kingae, septic arthritis, immunocompromised, multiple myeloma.
The Journey of an Ankylosed Hip: A 20 Year Long-Term Follow-up of an Hip Arthrodesis using Cobra Plate – The Present Day Relevance
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., Sivaramakrishnan Adithyaa , Ramanathan Ashok Thudukuchi ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., Menon P Gopinath ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Hip fusion surgeries even though uncommon have shown good functional outcomes in patients and have its own advantages over arthroplasty

Case Report: In this case report, we present a 62-year-old female, who underwent right hip arthrodesis using Cobra plate when she was 42 years, with a long-term 20 years follow-up, leading a functionally normal life, good patient satisfaction with acceptable quality of life.

Discussion: Although hip fusion can limit the patient’s range of motion, it confers the advantage of better and stable fixation, pain relief, and advantage of future conversion to hip arthroplasty if done within accepted limits.

Conclusion: Hip fusion surgeries have become very rare in recent times due to the advances made in arthroplasty surgeries. Literature evidences of long-term follow-up of hip arthroplasties are very few while hip fusion surgeries have a substantial literature evidence of showing good functional outcomes in patients

Keywords: Hip, arthrodesis, fusion, THR, Cobra plate.
Blackish Discoloration of Articular Cartilage during Total Knee Replacement; a Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College Trivandrum, Kerala, India., Puthanveetil Dhrushith Ettakkepraven , Subhash Vivek Panoor ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College Trivandrum, Kerala, India., Kannu Ansari Noohu ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College Trivandrum, Kerala, India., Kavalakkatt Kevin ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic disorder that follows an autosomal recessive genetic inheritance pattern. It is distinguished by the buildup of homogentisic acid in tissues due to deficient homogentisic acid oxidase enzyme activity. The excess homogentisic acid is expelled through urine, darkening it on oxidation. Moreover, it deposits in connective tissues, imparting a characteristic blue-black pigmentation. This condition is known as Ochronosis or black bone disease. This accumulation over time renders cartilage brittle, potentially leading to ochronotic arthropathy.

Case Report: A 46-year-old lady presented with long-standing bilateral knee pain for 8 years with a predominant focus on the right side. Recurrent swelling and pain episodes in the right knee were noted, occurring without significant traumatic events. Despite various conservative treatments attempted to alleviate her knee pain, the patient experienced minimal relief. On examination, the patient demonstrated difficulty in ambulating, with severe tenderness along the joint line and a restricted range of motion. Standing knee X-rays revealed severe tricompartmental osteoarthritis and a correctable valgus deformity of 5. She underwent total knee replacement. A provisional diagnosis of ochronosis was made intraoperatively, later confirmed on histopathological examination of the tissue, and the patient was evaluated retrospectively.

Conclusion: Ochronotic arthropathies are rare conditions- characterized by articular cartilage damage. They are typically diagnosed post-surgery, often when surgeons observe the dark coloration of cartilage. However, joint replacement surgery can safely and effectively manage these conditions, leading to favorable outcomes, including improved functionality, pain alleviation, and heightened patient satisfaction.

Keywords: Ochronosis, alkaptonuria, ochronotic arthropathy, total knee arthroplasty.
Proximal Tibial Fracture in Pseudo-Rheumatoid Synovial Chondromatosis: A Case Study
Authors:   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., Tiwari Utkarsh , Menon P Gopinath ,   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., Chockalingam Sitsabesan ,   Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia is an autosomal recessively inherited rare disorder with features of growth retardation, multiple joint deformities, and intra-articular loose bodies.

Case Report: This case study is about a 34-year-old man who presented to us following trauma to his right leg. On general assessment, he was short statured with multiple deformities of both upper and lower limbs with local signs suggestive of proximal tibial fracture over his right tibia. Blood values indicated low Vitamin D levels with normal serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase, inclusive of the inflammatory markers. X-rays showed platyspondyly, decreased bone stock, and significant joint space narrowing in addition to the displaced proximal tibial meta-diaphyseal fracture. He was managed surgically and went on to have an uneventful post-operative period with fracture healing but with a need for further intervention in the future to address his associated secondary knee arthritis.

Conclusion: To share the morphometrics and presentation of this rare disease. And to highlight the role of psychological and rehabilitative therapy in improving the disease outcomes.

Keywords: Pseudorheumatoid, synovial chondromatosis, growth retardation, multiple joint deformities, intra-articular loose bodies.
Dual Mobility in Extreme Situations of Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Series of 3 Cases and Review of Literature
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India., Shah Urvil , Desai Mohan ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India., Samant Vinay ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India., Mehta Chandan ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Dual mobility (DM) total hip replacement (THR) features an acetabular component with an unconstrained tripolar build which ensures a greater range of motion without provoking any dislocation. We report three cases with extremes of surgical misadventure where we carried out a revision arthroplasty with a DM cup. The causes of the failure of the primary arthroplasty were multifactorial, even individually, and ranged from instability due to component malposition, trochanteric fracture, intrapelvic prosthesis protrusion, etc.

Case Report: (1) Case 1 is a 40-year-old male, who following a failed fixation of a right proximal femur shaft fracture had undergone a proximal femur replacement outside with a proximal femur bipolar prosthesis and presented with a dislocated prosthesis due to excessive anteversion of 40 degree of the stem. Revision was done by inserting a DM cup without revising the stem to preserve the valuable femoral bone stock. (2) Case 2 is an 84-year-old comorbid female, who had come with right protrusio acetabuli with bipolar prosthesis in situ. The patient was managed with bone grafting and insertion of a DM cup with a peripheral fit. Greater trochanter wiring was done for the greater trochanter fracture (GTF) along with prophylactic posterior column plating. (3) Case 3 is a 60-year-old male, who had left sided chronic THR instability. He has had three previous episodes of dislocation which started after 7 years, when the patient fell and had a GTF. Here, the causes of instability were multifactorial- GTF, malposition, and liner wear. Instead of using a constrained liner and predisposing the patient to impingement, we did an isolated revision with a DM cup only.

Conclusion: The presented cases highlight the versatility and efficacy of utilizing a DM cup in revision arthroplasty for addressing diverse causes of primary hip arthroplasty failure. The adaptability is demonstrated in preserving the bone stock, managing bone loss, and addressing multifactorial instability, thereby emphasizing its widespread potential.

Keywords: Dual mobility, revision total hip replacement, instability, protrusio, component malposition.
A Study on Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring versus Peroneus graft
Authors:   Dhiraj Hospital, Smt BK Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India., Gandhi Malay P , Patel Nil Kumar R ,   Dhiraj Hospital, Smt BK Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India., Shah Kshemankar K ,   Dhiraj Hospital, Smt BK Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India., Shah Rushit M ,   Dhiraj Hospital, Smt BK Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India., Shah Malkesh D ,   Dhiraj Hospital, Smt BK Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is the most common for athletes. ACL injury reconstruction is a pivotal surgical intervention aimed at restoring knee stability and function following ligamentous trauma. Advances in surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols have significantly improved outcomes and patient recovery rates. This paper reviews current trends, outcomes, and future directions in ACL reconstruction using peroneus longus and hamstring grafts and emphasizing innovations in surgical approaches and rehabilitation strategies.

Conclusion: Peroneus longus grafts offer superior outcomes compared to hamstring grafts for ACL reconstruction. They provide enhanced graft strength and stability, potentially reducing the risk of re-injury. In addition, their use can lead to quicker recovery times and improved functional results for patients.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, hamstring tendon autograft, peroneus longus tendon autograft.