bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathologische Befunde am Interface einer künstlichen Hüftpfanne mit einer 3D-Titannetz-Beschichtung nach einer Standzeit von 27 Jahren
Authors: Koch A. K. , Amling M. , Hahn M. , Koch F. W.
Published: September 2018

Metallische Leitgerüste zur Knochenanbindung unter Lasteinfluss sind seit mehr als 60 Jahren Gegenstand einer stetigen Forschung. 1982 erfolgte nach intensiven tierexperimentellen Untersuchungen durch Jorge Galante die erste Implantation einer künstlichen Hüftpfanne mit einer Beschichtung aus einem Titangeflecht. Um die Struktur des dreidimensionalen Titangeflechts während der Anbindung und Verschmelzung mit der aus TI-6Al-4V-Legierung bestehenden Pfanne nicht zu beeinflussen, erfolgte der Verschweißungsprozess unter milden Temperaturbedingungen. Es entstand ein Verbund mit starker Schichthaftung. Um einen soliden knöchernen Einbau der beschichteten künstlichen Hüftpfanne im menschlichem Beckenknochen zu gewährleisten, waren Poren mit einem Durchmesser von 100–300 μ erforderlich. Zusammen mit den interkonnektierenden Kanälen als den Verbindungswegen zwischen den Poren war ein ausgedehnter Knocheneinwuchs möglich.

In dem hier vorliegenden Fall wird über die histopathologischen Befunde am interface eines Pfannenimplantats mit einer fibermesh-Beschichtung nach 27 Jahren Standzeit berichtet.

Bei einem 82-jährigen Mann wurde die künstliche Hüftpfanne wegen eines ausgedehnten Inlay-Verschleißes explantiert. Nach Auftrennen der Metallkomponente mit der Diamantsäge und Aufarbeiten des vollhemisphärischen Präparats zu einem unentkalkten Dünnschliffpräparat (Dicke 30 μ) erfolgte die Färbung mit Toluidinblau.

Auffällig war eine enorme Variationsbreite der Porosität sowie der Nachweis von Abriebpartikeln in einigen interkonnektierenden Porenkanälen. Ein Knocheneinwuchs war nahezu an allen Stellen der dreidimensionalen Beschichtung des Titandrahtgeflechts nachzuweisen. Der Knochen umgab einzelne Titandrähte und reichte oft bis an die Pfannenschale hinab.

Die histopathologischen Befunde am Einzelpräparat weisen darauf hin, dass auch nach 27 Jahren Standzeit das Drahtgeflecht aus Reintitan als festverschweißte und gegen Abrieb resistente Pfannenbeschichtung einen Knocheneinwuchs bis auf die solide Grundschale der künstlichen Hüftpfanne zulässt.
Photosystem I application in biohybrid polymer solar cells
Authors: Molamohammadi Shahriar , Seyed Jalili Yousef , Riazi Gholamhossein
Published: September 2018

The use of Bio-photonic systems has attracted a lot of attention recently specially in the field of solar energy conversion and photovoltaic materials the use of photosynthetic organs of plants is very promising. The energy conversion in the process of photosynthesis is close to 100% and it’s environmental compatibly are the main reasons for why photosynthesis has attracted the attention of energy system designers and researchers. The way of solar energy conversion in photosynthesis indicates a great potential as a fount of renewable energy. Use of the photosynthetic components in photosensors and photovoltaic devices solitarily, has disadvantages such as low extracted current compared to other kinds of photovoltaic materials. Accordingly, for more useful and better application, these photosynthetic components could be used as the optimizer of the other species of photovoltaic materials and solar cells. photosystem1 protein complex, which is the main member of photosynthetic components has maximum absorption spectrum wavelength at 430nm and 665nm. Therefore, it can be an appropriate complement for polymeric solar cells with their absorption spectrum at the green wavelength region. In this paper we have used the photosystem1 protein complex in the inverted polymer solar cell with structure of ITO/P3HT:ICBA/PS1/Al and positive results have been observed. So that the polymer solar cells efficiency was enhanced from 4.3% to 4.53%.
Life history characteristics of the potentially invasive Ponto-Caspian goby Neogobius fluviatilis in natural lakes from its native range (Black Sea region of Turkey)
Authors: Karakuş Uǧur , Top Nildeniz , Tepeköy Erdi Gökhan , Britton John Robert , Tarkan Ali Serhan
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to provide baseline data and fill an outstanding knowledge gap in our understanding of factors affecting the invasiveness of the Ponto-Caspian gobiid Neogobius fluviatilis. To this end, the life history traits (as somatic growth and reproduction) of N. fluviatilis were studied in three natural freshwater lakes in its native range. These populations were characterised by slow somatic growth rates, being the slowest reported across all the native and non-native ranges of N. fluviatilis. Ages were recorded to 7 years. Across the three lakes, there was considerable variability in sex ratios and reproductive traits (including length at maturity and fecundity at length and age), revealing considerable interpopulation variability. These data suggest that N. fluviatilis has considerable plasticity in the expression of its life history traits, with this plasticity argued as a key factor in facilitating the ability of N. fluviatilis to establish and invade new waters following introductions.
A new Australian record of a Parajapidae (Diplura): a potential pest of wheat
Authors: Greenslade Penelope , Luan Yun-Xia
Published: September 2018

Parajapyx isabellae (Grassi, 1886) is recorded for the first time from Australia. It is a cosmopolitan soil species found in Europe, North and South America and Asia. Womersley last studied Australian Parajapygidae 80 years ago, listing a single endemic species for the genus Parajapyx Silvestri, 1903, sensu stricta. In 2017, an unidentified Parajapyx was found in deep soil under wheat in winter, spring and summer at Harden, New South Wales, in a long-term tillage trial. It was most abundant in the minimum tillage/stubble retained plots in soil below 5 cm but rarely observed in the conventionally tilled/stubble burned plots. The same field experiment was sampled five times using the same methods over 3 years from 1993–95 but no specimens of Diplura were collected. The specimens were identified as P. isabellae using morphology and confirmed with the DNA barcoding sequence data. Most species of Parajapygidae are carnivores feeding on small arthropods but there are records from North America, Europe and Hawaii of P. isabellae feeding on roots of wheat and other agricultural crops. We provide here illustrations of species P. isabellae so that crop scientists in Australia are aware of the potential pest and can identify it. Sequence data indicate that the population may have originated from two sources.
Elements of poultry nutrition.
Authors: Blair R.
Published: September 2018

This chapter discussed the five components in poultry diet namely: energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and water. Highlights focused on the effect of nutrient shortage or imbalance in relation to other nutrients on the performance of the animals particularly on production of eggs and meat.
Approved ingredients for organic diets.
Authors: Blair R.
Published: September 2018

This chapter presents the lists and criteria of approved feed ingredients, feedstuffs, nutrient elements, feed additive, and processing of feeds for organic poultry diets.
Conclusions and recommendations for the future.
Authors: Blair R.
Published: September 2018

In this chapter the author presents his recommendations and conclusions on the nutrition and feeding strategies in the organic poultry industry with emphasis on guidelines that will aid poultry producers to improve their systems with regards to organic poultry farming and feeding.
Designing effective water policy: capacity and effectiveness of reforms in developing countries
Authors: Jensen Olivia
Published: September 2018

Designing effective water policy in developing countries is challenging for many reasons, including limited capacity to formulate and implement policy. This paper examines major water policy reforms in two exemplary cases, Malaysia and the Metro Manila region of the Philippines, considering the quality of regulatory design and how this relates to policy capacity. The paper identifies ways in which policy design can anticipate challenges associated with capacity limitations.
Gang membership, Mental Illness, and Negative Emotionality: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Osman Sarah , Wood Jane
Published: September 2018

Gang-related violence poses detrimental consequences worldwide. Gang members suffer a range of adverse experiences, often as victims who then transition to adolescence and early adulthood as offenders. Such experiences may negatively affect their mental health. Yet, the relationship between gang membership and mental illness is, to date, not well understood. This systematic review synthesized the literature on gang members’ mental health and emotions. A two-part search strategy of electronic and hand searches, dated from: January 1980–January 2017, was conducted. A total of n = 306 peer papers were included in a preliminary scoping review, of which n = 23 met the inclusion criteria and study outcomes. Narrative synthesis revealed how gang members may be at increased risk of suffering from mental illnesses and negative emotions, such as anger and rumination. Yet, synthesis showed that understanding remains limited regarding gang members’ experiences of self-conscious emotions and how such emotions might link to persistent offending patterns and violence. The results suggest gang members may benefit from clinically tailored interventions to support their mental and emotional health. Clinical and research implications are discussed to inform future empirical, intervention, and prevention work with gang members and individuals at risk of gang involvement.
Training Tomorrow's Television Journalists: In the Trenches with Media Convergence
Authors: Tanner Andrea , Smith Laura
Published: September 2018

The researchers conducted a nationwide survey examining the impact of convergence on reporters and producers in small and medium-sized local television markets. We examined the practices of news workers in television media markets 51 and below—markets in which journalism students usually obtain their first jobs. Data revealed nearly 70% of respondents personally performed convergent tasks, and we found significant differences between reporters and producers regarding the convergent activities to which they're tasked. Findings are interpreted in light of training expectations for educators and news managers.
Capturing Multiple Markets: A New Method of Capturing and Analyzing Local Television News
Authors: Hale Matthew , Fowler Erika Franklin , Goldstein Kenneth M.
Published: September 2018

This paper focuses on the importance of local news as the primary source of information for most Americans, emphasizing the need for additional research about local TV news content across a variety of topics and about elections and crime in particular. In addition, we present a detailed methodology of a new capture, coding, and digital archiving process that significantly advances current tools available to researchers, journalists, educators, policymakers, and that portion of the general public interested in local TV news content. Finally, the paper presents initial findings from an ongoing study of local TV coverage as an example of how researchers can capture and analyze large amounts of local TV news data in multiple media markets at a comparatively low cost, thus overcoming a reliance on single market studies with relatively small sample sizes.
Race in the Television Newsroom: Do On-Air Personalities Reflect the Communities They Serve?
Authors: Owens Lynn C.
Published: September 2018

Race data of anchors and reporters were collected from a total of 125 stations from 40 randomly chosen television markets in the United States, and then compared to the race data from the population of the stations' viewership areas. Overall, the study found that the percentage of White and Black news anchors and reporters accurately reflected the percentages of Whites and Blacks living in the Designated Market Area (DMA) groupings. Hispanics and Asians weren't as well represented, and the most underrepresented group was American Indians.
Video Production: Disciplines and Techniques
Authors: Thornton Lee
Published: September 2018

Lynne Schafer Gross, James C. Foust, and Thomas D. Burrows. Video Production: Disciplines and Techniques (9th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. 314 pp., ISBN 0072935480 (paperback).
The Relationship Between Tone of TV News Coverage and Public Opinion for a Controversial Issue
Authors: Hester Joe Bob , Gibson Rhonda
Published: September 2018

More than 200 network news stories about the gays-in-the-military issue from 1992-1993 were examined for number and tone (in favor of gays in the military, against gays in the military, both, or neutral), and this coverage was compared with public opinion. Results indicate that news coverage was primarily in favor of gays in the military or neutral in tone. However, there was a significant relationship between news stories that were antigay in tone and public opinion about the issue, with negative tone significantly associated with a later decrease in overall support for allowing homosexuals to serve in the military. Additional effects were identified on the basis of race and political affiliation, although no such effects were found for gender. We suggest that today's news directors and reporters should consider these results when planning coverage of the same-sex marriage issue, which is likely to be prominent in the upcoming presidential election.
Illuminating cell signaling with genetically encoded FRET biosensors in adult mouse cardiomyocytes
Authors: Reddy Gopireddy Raghavender , West Toni M. , Jian Zhong , Jaradeh Mark , Shi Qian , Wang Ying , Chen-Izu Ye , Xiang Yang K.
Published: September 2018

FRET-based biosensor experiments in adult cardiomyocytes are a powerful way of dissecting the spatiotemporal dynamics of the complicated signaling networks that regulate cardiac health and disease. However, although much information has been gleaned from FRET studies on cardiomyocytes from larger species, experiments on adult cardiomyocytes from mice have been difficult at best. Thus the large variety of genetic mouse models cannot be easily used for this type of study. Here we develop cell culture conditions for adult mouse cardiomyocytes that permit robust expression of adenoviral FRET biosensors and reproducible FRET experimentation. We find that addition of 6.25 µM blebbistatin or 20 µM (S)-nitro-blebbistatin to a minimal essential medium containing 10 mM HEPES and 0.2% BSA maintains morphology of cardiomyocytes from physiological, pathological, and transgenic mouse models for up to 50 h after adenoviral infection. This provides a 10–15-h time window to perform reproducible FRET readings using a variety of CFP/YFP sensors between 30 and 50 h postinfection. The culture is applicable to cardiomyocytes isolated from transgenic mouse models as well as models with cardiac diseases. Therefore, this study helps scientists to disentangle complicated signaling networks important in health and disease of cardiomyocytes.
Everyday Discrimination Prospectively Predicts Blood Pressure Across 10 Years in Racially/Ethnically Diverse Midlife Women: Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation
Authors: Moody Danielle L Beatty , Chang Yue-Fang , Pantesco Elizabeth J , Darden Taylor M , Lewis Tené T , Brown Charlotte , Bromberger Joyce T , Matthews Karen A
Published: September 2018

Background

Interpersonal discrimination is linked to greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and this association varies by race/ethnicity.

Purpose

To examine whether exposure to everyday discrimination prospectively predicts elevated blood pressure (BP), whether this association differs by race/ethnicity, and is mediated by adiposity indices.

Methods

Using data for 2,180 self-identified White, Black, Chinese, Japanese, and Hispanic participants from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, we examined associations among exposure to (higher vs. lower) everyday discrimination at baseline and BP and hypertension (HTN; systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥ 140 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥ 90 mmHg; or self-reported HTN medication use) risk over a 10 year period. Additionally, we used the bootstrap method to assess repeated, time-varying markers of central and overall adiposity (waist circumference and body mass index [BMI] (kg/m2), respectively) as potential mediators.

Results

Exposure to everyday discrimination predicted increases in SBP and DBP over time, even after adjusting for known demographic, behavioral, or medical risk factors. However, greater waist circumference or BMI (examined separately) mediated these observations. Notably, there were no racial/ethnic differences in the observed association and HTN risk was not predicted.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that everyday discrimination may contribute to elevated BP over time in U.S. women, in part, through increased adiposity. These findings demonstrate the complexity of the linkage of discrimination to CVD risk and raise the need to closely examine biobehavioral pathways that may serve as potential mediators.
Length of Stay Beyond Medical Readiness in Neurosurgical Patients: A Prospective Analysis
Authors: Linzey Joseph R , Kahn Elyne N , Shlykov Maksim A , Johnson Kyle T , Sullivan Katie , Pandey Aditya S
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

In an era of growing healthcare costs, there is increased pressure on medical care providers to discharge patients once they are medically fit. However, it is not uncommon for patients to stay beyond medical readiness (BMR).

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the frequency with which patients remain in the hospital BMR.

METHODS

A prospective cohort analysis utilizing a database maintained between 2014 and 2015 included 718 adults admitted to the neurosurgical service. The attending for admitted patients was asked on a daily basis as to whether the patient was medically cleared for discharge. Standard statistical analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 718 patients, 105 (14.6%) remained in the hospital BMR. Of the patients who presented with a spinal pathology, 17.8% had a length of stay (LOS)-BMR compared to 13.9% who presented with cerebrovascular pathologies and 14.8% who presented with a brain tumor. The average LOS-BMR was 1.8 d. Only 7.7% of patients who were discharged home had an LOS-BMR compared to 30.7% of patients who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center (P < .001). In logistic regression, a physical therapy consultation and discharge to a specialized nursing facility were both associated with a longer LOS (average 2.4 d longer, P < .001, and 6.2 d longer, P = .028, respectively). However, neither was associated with an LOS-BMR.

CONCLUSION

LOS-BMR is an important process engineering concept within neurosurgery that represents a potential area for improvement to maximize limited healthcare resources. A sizeable portion of neurosurgical patients remained in the hospital BMR.
Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir in the Treatment of Early Hepatitis C Virus Infection in HIV-Infected Men
Authors: Palaniswami Paari M , El Sayed Ahmed , Asriel Benjamin , Carollo Jesse R , Fierer Daniel S ,   the New York Acute Hepatitis C Surveillance Network, Akil Bisher , Bailey Juan , Bellman Paul , Bowers Daniel , Bungay Krisczar , Burger Susanne , Cantor Aviva , Chasan Rachel , Chavez Robert , Chow Rita , Cohen Robert , Dalton Patrick , Dellosso John , Dillon Stephen , Donlon Eileen , Farrow Terry , Fefer Jose , Gaisa Michael , Guadron Rodolfo , Haber Stuart , Hefron Susan , Higgins Lawrence , Hitzeman Lawrence , Hsu Ricky , Huprikar Shirish , Inada Victor , Jacob Sneha , Johnson Livette , Johnston Barbara , Kaminsky Donald , Klein Oscar , Kwong Jeffrey , Lares-Guia Jose , Leach Eric , Levine Randy , Linetskaya Irina , Litvinova Larisa , Malhotra Amisha , Mandell William , Markowitz Martin , Mayer Gal , Meraz Eddie , Mortensen Erik , Olivieri Joseph , Paolino Charles , Photangtham Punyadech , Psevdos George , Radix Asa , Rapaport Steven , Ray Roona , Rodriguez-Caprio Gabriela , Shay William , Somasundaram Nirupama , Sorra Lembitu , Tran Richie , Urbina Antonio , Vail Rona , Wallach Francis , Wang Wen , Weiss Susan , Wiener Melissa
Published: September 2018

Background

Treatment of HIV-infected men during early hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with interferon results in a higher cure rate with a shorter duration of treatment than during chronic HCV infection. We recently demonstrated that this phenomenon applied to interferon-free treatment as well, curing most participants with short-course sofosbuvir and ribavirin. Due to the significantly higher potency of the ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) combination, we hypothesized that we would be more successful in curing early HCV infections using a shorter course of LDV/SOF than that used for treating chronic HCV infections.

Methods

We performed a prospective, open-label, consecutive case series study of 8 weeks of LDV/SOF in HIV-infected men with early genotype 1 HCV infection. The primary end point was aviremia at least 12 weeks after completion of treatment.

Results

We treated 25 HIV-infected men with early sexually acquired HCV infection with 8 weeks of LDV/SOF, and all 25 (100%) were cured. Twelve (48%) reported sexualized drug use with methamphetamine.

Conclusions

Eight weeks of LDV/SOF cured all 25 HIV-infected men with early HCV infection, including those who were actively using drugs. Based on these results, we recommend treatment of newly HCV-infected men during early infection, regardless of drug use, to both take advantage of this 8-week treatment and to decrease further HCV transmission among this group of men.
Distinguishing Brain Impact of Aging and HIV Severity in Chronic HIV Using Multiparametric MR Imaging and MR Spectroscopy
Authors: Chu Karen , Tran Thao , Wei Ke , Lammering Jeanne C , Sondergaard Anders , Mogadam Emad , Shriner Kimberly , King Kevin S
Published: September 2018

Background

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV into a manageable but complex chronic disease, in which it is uncertain which brain insults may relate to age vs initial disease severity. We evaluate N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr), white matter hyperintensities (WMH), and mean cortical thickness to identify which subclinical markers of brain insult best relate to CD4 nadir and aging. This is a prospective study of the association between brain markers with age and initial infection severity, based on CD4 nadir, in chronic HIV patients.

Methods

Thirty-seven chronic HIV patients (age 25–77 years) with successful viral suppression were scanned on a GE 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner to obtain NAA/Cr (standardized and averaged over 5 brain regions), log-transformed WMH volume, and mean cortical thickness. The brain measures were fitted with both CD4 nadir and age to evaluate the significance of their relationship.

Results

NAA/Cr, WMH, and cortical thickness were all correlated with age and CD4 nadir in unadjusted associations. Stepwise regression models showed that NAA/Cr alone best predicted CD4 nadir (β = 40.1 ± 13.3; P = .005), whereas WMH (β = 2.3 ± .9; P = .02) and mean cortical thickness (β = –2.7 ± 6.6; P < .0001) together produced the best model fit with age. NAA/Cr was higher for HIV stage 1 (CD4 nadir ≥ 500 cells/ µL; n = 15) compared with stage 2 (200 ≥ CD4 nadir < 500; n = 13) and stage 3 (CD4 nadir < 200; n = 9; P < .01 for both).

Conclusions

In patients with effectively suppressed HIV, NAA reflects the subclinical brain impact of initial disease severity related to development of even mild immune compromise, whereas cortical thickness and WMH volume are useful to evaluate age-related changes.
Innovative Development of Contact Lenses
Authors: Kobashi Hidenaga , Ciolino Joseph B.
Published: September 2018

Contact lenses have been a common means of vision correction for more than half a century. Recent developments have raised the possibility that the next few decades will see a considerable broadening of the range of applications for contact lenses, with associated expansions in the number and type of individuals who consider them a valuable option. The novel applications of contact lenses include treatment platforms for myopic progression, biosensors, and ocular drug delivery. Orthokeratology has shown the most consistent treatment for myopia control with the least side effects. Recent work has resulted in commercialization of a device to monitor intraocular pressure for up to 24 hours, and extensive efforts are underway to develop a contact lens sensor capable of continuous glucose tear film monitoring for the management of diabetes. Other studies on drug-eluting contact lenses have focused on increasing the release duration through molecular imprinting, use of vitamin E, and increased drug binding to polymers by sandwiching a poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) layer in the lens. This review demonstrates the potential for contact lenses to provide novel opportunities for refractive management, diagnosis, and management of diseases.
Penetrating Keratoplasty Using the Femtosecond Laser: A Comparison of Postoperative Visual Acuity and Astigmatism by Suture Pattern
Authors: Shumway Caleb L. , Aggarwal Sahil , Farid Marjan , Muniz-Castro Hannah , Jarstad Allison , Garg Sumit , Kedhar Sanjay , Wade Matthew
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To compare the effect of 3 common suturing techniques on eyes that received femtosecond laser-enabled penetrating keratoplasty (FLEK) with a zig-zag configuration at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California- Irvine, California.

Methods:

This is a retrospective chart review of a series of 319 eyes of 286 patients who underwent FLEK with a zig-zag configuration. One hundred fifty-seven eyes had running sutures, 136 eyes had simple interrupted sutures, and 26 eyes had combined sutures (single running and simple interrupted). The main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and topographic astigmatism (TCyl). These parameters were recorded for the first year of follow-up regardless of suture removal status and also after full suture removal.

Results:

At 3 months, the BSCVA of the running, interrupted, and combined suture groups was 0.22 (±0.2), 0.41 (±0.3), and 0.29 (±0.1), respectively (P < 0.01). The mean TCyl of the running, interrupted, and combined groups at 3 months was 3.95 (±2.7), 6.41 (±4.4), and 5.44 (±3.3) D, respectively (P < 0.01) All sutures were removed in 190 of 319 eyes, and at the last recorded visit, the mean BSCVA was 0.18 (±0.2), 0.34 (±0.2), and 0.19 (±0.2) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution in the running, interrupted, and combined groups, respectively (P < 0.01) and mean TCyl was 4.51 (±2.8), 5.62 (±3.7), and 4.57 (±2.9) D, respectively (P = 0.11).

Conclusions:

Better visual acuity after full suture removal was observed in the running suture group; however, the subgroups of patients with keratoconus were similar after all sutures were removed.
Descemetorhexis Without Endothelial Keratoplasty Versus DMEK for Treatment of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Huang Marshall J. , Kane Steven , Dhaliwal Deepinder K.
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To compare the visual outcomes and associated morbidity of patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy who were treated with either Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) or descemetorhexis without endothelial keratoplasty (DWEK).

Methods:

This is a retrospective comparative cohort study of 27 eyes with mild to moderate Fuchs dystrophy (with corneal guttae/edema limited to the central cornea with relatively clear periphery) that were treated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from 2015 to 2017 with either DMEK (n = 15) or DWEK (n = 12). Descemetorhexis was performed by removing the central 4 mm of diseased Descemet membrane at the end of phacoemulsification for cataract surgery. Visual acuity was measured using the Snellen chart and then converted to logMAR for analysis.

Results:

Average postoperative pinhole visual acuity was 20/25 − 1 (logMAR 0.16 ± 0.09) for DMEK eyes and 20/30 + 1 (logMAR 0.13 ± 0.10) for DWEK eyes (P = 0.44). The average time to 20/40 vision for DMEK was 2.2 ± 2.8 weeks compared with 7.1 ± 2.7 weeks for DWEK (P < 0.01). In our DMEK group, 8 (53%) patients had adverse events, including increased intraocular pressure (n = 7), anterior chamber inflammation (n = 1), and graft nonadherence (n = 1), with 1 patient requiring anterior chamber paracentesis (6.7%) and 1 patient (6.7%) requiring a rebubbling procedure. Our DWEK group had no adverse events (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

DWEK effectively treats select patients with mild to moderate Fuchs dystrophy with equivalent visual outcomes compared with the current standard of care, DMEK. Although the recovery time may be longer, DWEK patients had reduced adverse events and need for additional procedures and did not require long-term immunosuppression or donor corneal tissue.
Association Between Season, Temperature and Causative Organism in Microbial Keratitis in the UK
Authors: Walkden Andrew , Fullwood Catherine , Tan Shi Zhuan , Au Leon , Armstrong Malcolm , Brahma Arun K. , Chidambaram Jaya D. , Carley Fiona
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

Microbial keratitis (MK) is a major cause of corneal blindness worldwide. Variations in season and temperature can affect MK incidence due to specific causative organisms; however, few studies have examined these factors in the UK.

Methods:

Retrospective review of all corneal scrapes from patients with MK presenting to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, UK, between January 2004 and December 2015. Manchester’s monthly temperature data were obtained from Met Office UK. Analysis was performed using logistic regression.

Results:

From 4229 corneal scrapes, 1539 organisms grew (90.6% bacteria, 7.1% fungi, and 2.3% Acanthamoebae sp.). Gram-positive bacteria grew with increasing temperature [odds ratio (OR) 1.62, 95% CI: 1.11–2.39, P = 0.014], and fungi grew with decreasing temperature (OR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16–0.51, P < 0.001). Moraxella sp. grew with decreasing temperature (OR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.96, P = 0.001). Compared with winter, overall culture positivity was significantly less likely in summer (OR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38–0.87, P = 0.008) and spring (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43–0.99, P = 0.045). Gram-negative bacteria were more likely in summer (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.06–2.09, P = 0.022) and autumn (OR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.24–2.47, P = 0.001). Candida sp. were less likely in summer (OR 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07–0.82, P = 0.027) and autumn (OR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05–0.62, P = 0.009), and Acanthamoeba sp. were less likely in summer (OR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.15–0.92, P = 0.037) and spring (OR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08–0.69, P = 0.011).

Conclusions:

Herein we report variation in the incidence of MK-causing organisms by season and temperature; this finding may aid clinicians in predicting possible causative organisms for MK at differing times of the year.
Road to a Genetic Model of Gelatinous Drop-Like Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Tsujikawa Motokazu
Published: September 2018

Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDLD; OMIM: 204870) is an autosomal recessive Mendelian-inherited disease. Subepithelial amyloid deposition results in severe visual impairment. Its pathogenesis remains unknown. Identification of the responsible gene is a useful approach to investigating the pathogenesis of genetic diseases. Such an identification is also necessary for the creation of genetic models. For this purpose, our group performed positional cloning using homozygosity mapping. The results revealed that GDLD maps to the short arm of chromosome 1. Subsequent mutation analyses identified tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TACSTD2; former name, M1S1) as the gene responsible for GDLD. After identification of the gene, we examined the phylogenetical distribution of TACSTD2 in the genomes of vertebrates.
Superficial Keratopigmentation: An Alternative Solution for Patients With Cosmetically or Functionally Impaired Eyes
Authors: Al-Shymali Olena , Rodriguez Alejandra E. , Amesty Maria A. , Alio Jorge L.
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To report the use of different superficial keratopigmentation (KTP) techniques for restoring or enhancing cosmetic appearance of eyes impaired for several reasons.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative interventional series of cases, in which 136 cosmetically disabled eyes (due to different corneal abnormalities) of 130 patients were included. A total of 222 procedures of superficial manual KTP and superficial automated KTP were performed. The procedures were divided into 2 groups: first and second-stage procedures. The patients' cosmetic appearance and satisfaction were evaluated and graded as excellent, good, or poor.

Results:

A total of 222 procedures were performed, 57.2% were superficial automated KTP, 22.5% were superficial manual KTP, and 20.3% included the combination of superficial KTP with other KTP techniques. Six procedures were purely cosmetic, 16 therapeutic functional, and 200 therapeutic cosmetic. Superficial KTP, as a second-stage procedure, was performed in 13 eyes that were previously pigmented by intrastromal techniques. Superficial KTP as an initial indication (first-stage procedure) alone or in combination with another KTP technique in the same surgery was performed in 123 eyes, in which 44.7% of them were reoperated once or more. Best-corrected visual acuity changed insignificantly, and the intraocular pressure decreased significantly in all the studied groups. No intraoperative complications were observed, 11.2% of eyes with a follow-up time of more than 3 months developed postoperative complications. Most of the patients (98.5%) were satisfied.

Conclusions:

The modern superficial KTP procedure provides the possibility to improve the cosmetic appearance of impaired eyes, as an alternative to evisceration, enucleation, prosthetic contact lenses, or keratoplasty.
Corneal Endothelial Cell Density in Uveal Coloboma Associated With Microcornea
Authors: Dhakal Rohit , Mohamed Ashik , Chaurasia Sunita , Ramappa Muralidhar , Jalali Subhadra
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the relationship between endothelial cell density (ECD) and mean corneal diameter (MCD) in eyes with uveal coloboma associated with microcornea.

Methods:

Corneal endothelial cell imaging was performed using specular microscopy on 22 eyes of 18 subjects diagnosed with uveal coloboma associated with microcornea. The MCD was noted as the average of horizontal and vertical corneal diameters, which were measured using the ruler tool of the slit-lamp biomicroscope and Castroviejo calipers.

Results:

Mean age of the study subjects was 29.7 ± 10.4 years (range, 14–46 years). The MCD was 7.3 ± 1.1 mm (range, 4.9–9 mm). Mean ECD (3436 ± 316.2 cells/mm2) of the study subjects was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than the mean ECD (2761.8 ± 140.9 cells/mm2) of age-matched (range, 10–40 years) normal eyes with no ocular pathology. The pleomorphism and polymegathism were comparable between the 2 groups. Regression analysis showed that MCD had a significant negative (R = −0.55; P = 0.02) relationship with ECD.

Conclusions:

Eyes with congenital uveal coloboma associated with microcornea have increased ECD. Increased ECD may be partly due to a reduced posterior corneal surface area in microcornea.
The Relation Between Morphometric Features and Susceptibility to Mandibular Angle Fractures
Authors: Bereznyak Elias Yekaterina , Shilo Dekel , Emodi Omri , Noy Dani , Rachmiel Adi
Published: September 2018

The study was aimed to determine possible relations between skeletal morphologic parameters to mandibular angle fractures. Retrospective study of 100 patients suffering from mandibular fractures and treated in the Rambam Health Care Campus between the years 2013 and 2017 was conducted. Predictor variable was facial skeletal morphologic features as derived from the measurements. Outcome variable was mandibular angle fractures. About 42 patients suffered from angle fractures. Gonial angle (131.3° versus 118.1°), condylar neck width (8.3 mm versus 6.8 mm sagittaly and 7.1 mm versus 5.8 mm horizontally), and wisdom tooth prevalence and impaction were positively correlated to the fracture. Ramus height (48.3 mm versus 53.4 mm) was negatively correlated to angle fractures. Many reports in the literature show positive relations between impacted 3rd molars and angle fractures, yet only sporadic reports describe relations between facial fractures and facial features. Our results showed the predictable positive relation between angle fractures and 3rd molar prevalence and impaction. Yet surprisingly, we found unequivocal significant positive correlation between angle fractures to gonial angle and condylar neck width and negative correlation to ramus height. Based on the correlation to the gonial angle and ramal height, it is concluded that enlarged anterior vertical growth is a predictor for angle fractures, as are condylar neck width, and wisdom teeth.
A New Proposal for Three-Dimensional Positioning of the Chin Using a Single Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing Surgical Guide
Authors: Costa Pedro Jorge Cavalcante , Demétrio Maurício Silva , Nogueira Pedro Thalles Bernardo Carvalho , Rodrigues Larissa Raposo , Júnior Paulo Domingos Ribeiro
Published: September 2018

The workflow digital to aid the treatment of dentofacial deformities is a reality. Associated with the virtual planning, the creation of surgical guides assists the performance of osteotomies and bone positioning, increasing the accuracy of surgical outcomes. This study aims to present a new method of surgical guide for genioplasty based on the selected osteosynthesis plate.
Nasal Tip Grafts
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Winkler Andrew , Thomas J. Regan
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

The nasal tip is the most prominent part of the nose. The aim of this paper is to review nasal tip grafts with detailed explanation and figures.

Methods:

The authors searched PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and Proquest Central database of the Kirikkale University. Search was performed with the key words of “nasal,” “tip,” “graft.” The indications and grafting techniques were presented.

Results:

The external shape of the nasal tip is determined by the curves and contours of the lower lateral cartilages and their interactions with the surrounding tissues. Normative data exist regarding the ideal shape and shadowing of the nasal tip. The mainly used tip grafts in rhinoplasty are “Floating graft (Goldman) ,” “Tip Onlay Graft,” “Columellar Strut Graft,” “Caudal Septal Extension Graft,” “Shield Graft,” “Alar batten onlay graft,” “Lateral Crural Strut Grafts,” “Alar rim grafts.”

Conclusion:

When tip sutures are not enough, cartilage tip grafts offer a versitile and effective way to change the nasal tip. While there has been a vast array of grafting techniques described, this paper reviewed many of the most popular and useful grafts in modern use.
The Rules of Attractiveness: A Study on the Lower Facial Third
Authors: Saponaro Gianmarco , Gasparini Giulio , Boniello Roberto , Pelo Sandro , Doneddu Piero , Todaro Mattia , D’Amato Giuseppe , Garagiola Umberto , Grippaudo Cristina , Moro Alessandro
Published: September 2018

What is considered attractive may not fall into the “norm,” and it can vary from culture to culture and depending on the historical time, for this reason the standard cephalometric and antropometric references may not be sufficient in these cases.

Lately some techniques have arose to popularity that are aimed to changing the frontal and lateral aspect of the facial lower third, such as V-line or the Chin-Wing Osteotomy technique, but no reference system exists at the moment to define to which extent a modification of the lower third falls within what is considered beautiful, and everything is left to the patient's will or to the surgeon's sensitivity.

The aim of this article is to study which antropometric value is considered attractive by the most for what concerns the frontal shape of the lower third of the face.

Twenty-four female models were enrolled in this study and the angle taken into consideration was the one at the intersection between the 2 lines connecting the cutaneous gonial angle of each side of the face and the most external part of the chin on the same side. Measures were made on pictures in frontal view.

Two hundred two random examiners were asked to see the pictures and rate them as attractive or nonattractive.

Results were then paired with the angles values.

Among the models the higher angle measured was 107.5° (found in 1 individual) while the lower angle was 76° (found in 1 individual), the average measure calculated was 88.3° while the median angle was 89.5°.

According to the result the subjects considered more attractive were those with an angle between 84.5 and 91.5 (92 for male examiners).

This could be an important starting point for studies who can evaluate attractiveness from a numerical point of view.
Repeated phenotypic evolution by different genetic routes: the evolution of colony switching in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25
Authors: Gallie Jenna , Bertels Frederic , Remigi Philippe , Ferguson Gayle C , Nestmann Sylke , Rainey Paul B
Published: September 2018

Repeated evolution of functionally similar phenotypes is observed throughout the tree of life. The extent to which the underlying genetics are conserved remains an area of considerable interest. Previously, we reported the evolution of colony switching in two independent lineages of Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 (Beaumont et al., 2009). The phenotypic and genotypic bases of colony switching in the first lineage (Line 1) have been described elsewhere (Beaumont et al., 2009; Gallie et al., 2015). Here, we deconstruct the evolution of colony switching in the second lineage (Line 6). We show that, as for Line 1, Line 6 colony switching results from an increase in the expression of a colanic acid-like polymer (CAP). At the genetic level, nine mutations occur in Line 6. Only one of these - a non-synonymous point mutation in the housekeeping sigma factor rpoD - is required for colony switching. In contrast, the genetic basis of colony switching in Line 1 is a mutation in the metabolic gene carB (Beaumont et al., 2009). A molecular model has recently been proposed whereby the carB mutation increases capsulation by redressing the intracellular balance of positive (ribosomes) and negative (RsmAE/CsrA) regulators of a positive feedback loop in capsule expression (Remigi et al., 2018). We show that Line 6 colony switching is consistent with this model; the rpoD mutation generates an increase in ribosome expression, and ultimately an increase in CAP expression.
Transition bias influences the evolution of antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Payne Joshua L. , Menardo Fabrizio , Trauner Andrej , Borrell Sonia , Gygli Sebastian M. , Loiseau Chloe , Gagneux Sebastien , Hall Alex R.
Published: September 2018

Transition bias, an overabundance of transitions relative to transversions, has been widely reported among studies of mutations spreading under relaxed selection. However, demonstrating the role of transition bias in adaptive evolution remains challenging. We addressed this challenge by analyzing adaptive antibiotic-resistance mutations in the major human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We found strong evidence for transition bias in two independently curated datasets comprising 152 and 208 antibiotic resistance mutations. This was true at the level of mutational paths (distinct, adaptive DNA sequence changes) and events (individual instances of the adaptive DNA sequence changes), and across different genes and gene promoters conferring resistance to a diversity of antibiotics. It was also true for mutations that do not code for amino acid changes (in gene promoters and the ribosmal gene rrs), and for mutations that are synonymous to each other and are therefore likely to have similar fitness effects, suggesting that transition bias can be caused by a bias in mutation supply. These results point to a central role for transition bias in determining which mutations drive adaptive antibiotic resistance evolution in a key pathogen.

Significance statement

Whether and how transition bias influences adaptive evolution remain open questions. We studied 296 DNA mutations that confer antibiotic resistance to the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We uncovered strong transition bias among these mutations and also among the number of times each mutation has evolved in different strains or geographic locations, demonstrating that transition bias can influence adaptive evolution. For a subset of mutations, we were able to rule out an alternative selection-based hypothesis for this bias, indicating that transition bias can be caused by a biased mutation supply. By revealing this bias among M. Tuberculosis resistance mutations, our findings improve our ability to predict the mutational pathways by which pathogens overcome treatment.
Detection of arterial wall abnormalities via Bayesian model selection
Authors: Larson Karen , Bowman Clark , Papadimitriou Costas , Koumoutsakos Petros , Matzavinos Anastasios
Published: September 2018

Patient-specific modeling of hemodynamics in arterial networks has so far relied on parameter estimation for inexpensive or small-scale models. We describe here a Bayesian uncertainty quantification framework which makes two major advances: an efficient parallel implementation, allowing parameter estimation for more complex forward models, and a system for practical model selection, allowing evidence-based comparison between distinct physical models. We demonstrate the proposed methodology by generating simulated noisy flow velocity data from a branching arterial tree model in which a structural defect is introduced at an unknown location; our approach is shown to accurately locate the abnormality and estimate its physical properties even in the presence of significant observational and systemic error. As the method readily admits real data, it shows great potential in patient-specific parameter fitting for hemodynamical flow models.
Towards an applied metaecology
Authors: Schiesari Luis , Matias Miguel G. , Prado Paulo Inácio , Leibold Mathew A. , Albert Cecile H. , Howeth Jennifer G. , Leroux Shawn J. , Pardini Renata , Siqueira Tadeu , Brancalion Pedro H.S. , Cabeza Mar , Coutinho Renato Mendes , Diniz-Filho José Alexandre Felizola , Fournier Bertrand , Lahr Daniel J. G. , Lewinsohn Thomas M. , Martins Ayana , Morsello Carla , Peres-Neto Pedro R. , Pillar Valério D. , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: September 2018

The complexity of ecological systems is a major challenge for practitioners and decision-makers who work to avoid, mitigate and manage environmental change. Here, we illustrate how metaecology - the study of spatial interdependencies among ecological systems through fluxes of organisms, energy, and matter - can enhance understanding and improve managing environmental change at multiple spatial scales. We present several case studies illustrating how the framework has leveraged decision-making in conservation, restoration and risk management. Nevertheless, an explicit incorporation of metaecology is still uncommon in the applied ecology literature, and in action guidelines addressing environmental change. This is unfortunate because the many facets of environmental change can be framed as modifying spatial context, connectedness and dominant regulating processes - the defining features of metaecological systems. Narrowing the gap between theory and practice will require incorporating system-specific realism in otherwise predominantly conceptual studies, as well as deliberately studying scenarios of environmental change.