bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Oxysterol 7-Ketocholesterol Reduces Zika Virus Titers in Vero Cells and Human Neurons
Authors: Willard Katherine A. , Elling Christina L. , Stice Steven L. , Brindley Melinda A.
Published: December 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus responsible for a major epidemic in the Americas beginning in 2015. ZIKV associated with maternal infection can lead to neurological disorders in newborns, including microcephaly. Although there is an abundance of research examining the neurotropism of ZIKV, we still do not completely understand the mechanism by which ZIKV targets neural cells or how to limit neural cell infection. Recent research suggests that flaviviruses, including ZIKV, may hijack the cellular autophagy pathway to benefit their replication. Therefore, we hypothesized that ZIKV replication would be impacted when infected cells were treated with compounds that target the autophagy pathway. We screened a library of 94 compounds known to affect autophagy in both mammalian and insect cell lines. A subset of compounds that inhibited ZIKV replication without affecting cellular viability were tested for their ability to limit ZIKV replication in human neurons. From this second screen, we identified one compound, 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC), which inhibited ZIKV replication in neurons without significantly affecting neuron viability. Interestingly, 7-KC induces autophagy, which would be hypothesized to increase ZIKV replication, yet it decreased virus production. Time-of-addition experiments suggest 7-KC inhibits ZIKV replication late in the replication cycle. While 7-KC did not inhibit RNA replication, it decreased the number of particles in the supernatant and the relative infectivity of the released particles, suggesting it interferes with particle budding, release from the host cell, and particle integrity.
Insight into the Contribution and Disruption of Host Processes during HDV Replication
Authors: Goodrum Gabrielle , Pelchat Martin
Published: December 2018

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is unique among animal viruses. HDV is a satellite virus of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), however it shares no sequence similarity with its helper virus and replicates independently in infected cells. HDV is the smallest human pathogenic RNA virus and shares numerous characteristics with viroids. Like viroids, HDV has a circular RNA genome which adopts a rod-like secondary structure, possesses ribozyme domains, replicates in the nucleus of infected cells by redirecting host DNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RNAP), and relies heavily on host proteins for its replication due to its small size and limited protein coding capacity. These similarities suggest an evolutionary relationship between HDV and viroids, and information on HDV could allow a better understanding of viroids and might globally help understanding the pathogenesis and molecular biology of these subviral RNAs. In this review, we discuss the host involvement in HDV replication and its implication for HDV pathogenesis.
Neonatal Genetic Delivery of Anti-Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Antibody by Non-Human Primate-Based Adenoviral Vector to Provide Protection against RSV
Authors: Gomi Rika , Sharma Anurag , Wu Wenzhu , Worgall Stefan
Published: December 2018

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infection in infants. Immunoprophylaxis with the anti-RSV monoclonal antibody, palivizumab, reduces the risk for RSV-related hospitalizations, but its use is restricted to high-risk infants due to the high costs. In this study, we investigated if genetic delivery of anti-RSV antibody to neonatal mice by chimpanzee adenovirus type 7 expressing the murine form of palivizumab (AdC7αRSV) can provide protection against RSV. Intranasal and intramuscular administration of AdC7αRSV to adult mice resulted in similar levels of anti-RSV IgG in the serum. However, only intranasal administration resulted in detectable levels of anti-RSV IgG in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Intranasal administration of AdC7αRSV provided protection against subsequent RSV challenge. Expression of the anti-RSV antibody was prolonged following intranasal administration of AdC7αRSV to neonatal mice. Protection against RSV was confirmed at 6 weeks of age. These data suggest that neonatal genetic delivery of anti-RSV antibody by AdC7αRSV can provide protection against RSV.
Modelling the Leakage Rate and Reduction Using Minimum Night Flow Analysis in an Intermittent Supply System
Authors: AL-Washali Taha , Sharma Saroj , AL-Nozaily Fadhl , Haidera Mansour , Kennedy Maria
Published: December 2018

A significant portion of the water supplied to people doesn’t reach its valid users but instead leaks out of the distribution network, causing water wastage, revenue loss and contamination risks. This paper analyses the leakage rate, leakage components and leakage reduction potential. A minimum night flow (MNF) analysis was carried out on a district metered area (DMA) in an intermittent supply system in Zarqa, Jordan. Leakage was modelled and leakage reduction policies were analysed. Results show that MNF occurs at night or during day time depending on the water levels in customer tanks, implying that one-day MNF analysis cannot be carried out in intermittent supplies and the estimation of the legitimate consumption during MNF is more influential. The potential water savings of the different leakage reduction measures (pressure management; leakage detection; response time minimization) are separately analysed in the existing models in the literature, leading to significant overestimation of the total leakage reduction potential, while these measures are influencing each other. Pressure reduction lowers the failure frequencies but limits the potential of leakage detection surveys, as leaks will become harder to hear and detect. Investigating the inter-dependency relations of these measures is therefore essential for reasonable leakage reduction modelling and planning.
The Influence of Flow Projection Errors on Flood Hazard Estimates in Future Climate Conditions
Authors: Doroszkiewicz Joanna , Romanowicz Renata J. , Kiczko Adam
Published: December 2018

The continuous simulation approach to assessing the impact of climate change on future flood hazards consists of a chain of consecutive actions, starting from the choice of the global climate model (GCM) driven by an assumed CO2 emission scenario, through the downscaling of climatic forcing to a catchment scale, an estimation of flow using a hydrological model, and subsequent derivation of flood hazard maps with the help of a flow routing model. The procedure has been applied to the Biala Tarnowska catchment, Southern Poland. Future climate projections of rainfall and temperature are used as inputs to the precipitation-runoff model simulating flow in part of the catchment upstream of a modeled river reach. An application of a lumped-parameter emulator instead of a distributed flow routing model, MIKE11, substantially lowers the required computation times. A comparison of maximum inundation maps derived using both the flow routing model, MIKE11, and its lump-parameter emulator shows very small differences, which supports the feasibility of the approach. The relationship derived between maximum annual inundation areas and the upstream flow of the study can be used to assess the floodplain extent response to future climate changes. The analysis shows the large influence of the one-grid-storm error in climate projections on the return period of annual maximum inundation areas and their uncertainty bounds.
Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediments of Reservoirs in the Lowland Area of Western Poland: Concentrations, Distribution, Sources and Ecological Risk
Authors: Sojka Mariusz , Jaskuła Joanna , Siepak Marcin
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the results of a study of heavy metals (HMs) concentrations in six retention reservoirs located in the lowland area of western Poland. The objectives of this study were to analyze the Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations, assess contamination and ecological risk, analyze the spatial variability of HM concentrations and identify potential sources and factors determining the concentration and spatial distribution. The bottom sediment pollution by HMs was assessed on the basis of the index of geo-accumulation (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and metal pollution index (MPI). To assess the ecological risk associated with multiple HMs, the mean probable effect concentration (PEC) quotient (Qm-PEC) and the toxic risk index (TRI) were used. In order to determine the similarities and differences between sampling sites in regard to the HM concentration, cluster analysis (CA) was applied. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to assess the impact of grain size, total organic matter (TOM) content and sampling site location on HM spatial distribution. Additionally, PCA was used to assess the impact of catchment, reservoir characteristics and hydrological conditions. The values of Igeo, EF, MPI and PLI show that Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb mainly originate from geogenic sources. In contrast, Zn concentrations come from point sources related to agriculture. The mean PEC quotient (Qm-PEC) and TRI value show that the greatest ecological risk occurred at the inlet to the reservoir and near the dam. The analysis showed that the HMs concentration depends on silt and sand content. However, the Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn concentrations are associated with TOM as well. The relationship between individual HMs and silt was stronger than with TOM. The PCA results indicate that HMs with the exception of Zn originate from geogenic sources—weathering of rock material. However, the Ni concentration may additionally depend on road traffic. The results show that a reservoir with more frequent water exchange has higher HMs concentrations, whereas the Zn concentration in bottom sediments is associated with agricultural point sources.
Multilevel Adaptive Control of Alternating Aeration Cycles in Wastewater Treatment to Improve Nitrogen and Phosphorous Removal and to Obtain Energy Saving
Authors: Martín de la Vega Pedro T. , Jaramillo-Morán Miguel A.
Published: December 2018

This work presents an adaptive control of the process of alternating aeration/non-aeration cycles for wastewater treatment. It is aimed at improving nitrogen and phosphorous removal efficiency and reducing energy consumption. It comprises two control levels. The first decides when to switch on and off aeration by comparing the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and the Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) with two activation thresholds. The second, a supervisory control, continuously adapt their values by analyzing the working conditions of the reactor (organic matter and ammonium loads). These working conditions are described by four parameters obtained from the DO and ORP curves: Oxygen Uptake Rate (OUR), Oxygen Rise Average Slope (ORAS), ORParrow and Nitrate and Oxygen Uptake Rate (NOUR). It also adjusts the aeration system power to adapt it to those conditions. This adaptive control has been implemented in a laboratory scale prototype and its performance compared with that provided by another control with fixed thresholds and aeration power implemented in a similar prototype. The adaptive control clearly outperforms that without adaptation in nitrogen and phosphorous removal efficiency and requires lower energy consumption. Similar efficiencies were obtained for organic matter removal (higher than 90% in both cases).
COMPUTATIONAL DYNAMICS OF A LIGHT AIRPLANE
Authors: Chudý Peter , Daněk Vladimír
Published: December 2018

This paper presents work performed by the Institute of Aerospace Engineering at the Brno University of Technology. The main purpose of the project was to compare the results obtained from complex numerical simulation and analytical solutions of the aeroelastic response of an airplane. Numerical simulations provide a integrated description of the dynamic processes analyzed and monitoring of selected quantities in the time domain. This represents a tool for the visual qualification of the investigated process. Utilization of a simplified beam‐stick model represents an industrial standard in the field of computational aeroelasticity/flight mechanics. The need for complex aeroelastic simulations leads to a concept of an advanced aeroelastic model that integrates an advanced 3D dynamic part (model) with proven aerodynamic theory.
Tacca khanhhoaensis V.S. Dang & Vuong (Taccaceae), a new species from southern Vietnam
Authors: Dang Van Son , Truong Ba Vuong , Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao , Hoang Nghia Son
Published: December 2018

Taccakhanhhoaensis V.S. Dang & Vuong (Taccaceae) is described as a new species from Hon Ba Nature Reserve in southern Vietnam. This species is morphologically similar to T.chantrieri and T.ampliplacenta but differs from its allies by several salient characters: size of leaves and petioles, inflorescent much shorter leaves, number of flowers, stigma lobes, buds colour. A description, conservation assessment, together with photographs and a key to the species of Tacca in Vietnam are presented.
An updated checklist of the European Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea)
Authors: Wiemers Martin , Balletto Emilio , Dincă Vlad , Fric Zdenek Faltynek , Lamas Gerardo , Lukhtanov Vladimir , Munguira Miguel L. , van Swaay Chris A. M. , Vila Roger , Vliegenthart Albert , Wahlberg Niklas , Verovnik Rudi
Published: December 2018

This paper presents an updated checklist of the butterflies of Europe, together with their original name combinations, and their occurrence status in each European country. According to this checklist, 496 species of the superfamily Papilionoidea occur in Europe. Changes in comparison with the last version (2.6.2) of Fauna Europaea are discussed. Compared to that version, 16 species are new additions, either due to cryptic species most of which have been discovered by molecular methods (13 cases) or due to discoveries of Asian species on the eastern border of the European territory in the Ural mountains (three cases). On the other hand, nine species had to be removed from the list, because they either do not occur in Europe or lost their species status due to new evidence. In addition, three species names had to be changed and 30 species changed their combination due to new evidence on phylogenetic relationships. Furthermore, minor corrections were applied to some authors’ names and years of publication. Finally, the namePolyommatusottomanusLefèbvre, 1831, which is threatened by its senior synonymLycaenalegeriFreyer, 1830, is declared anomen protectum, thereby conserving its name in the current combinationLycaenaottomana.
On a new species of freshwater crab, Indochinamon khinpyae, from northern Myanmar (Crustacea, Brachyura, Potamidae)
Authors: Ng Peter K. L. , Mar Win
Published: December 2018

A new species of freshwater crab of the genusIndochinamonYeo & Ng, 2007 (family Potamidae), is described from highlands north of Myitkyina in Kachin State, Myanmar.Indochinamonkhinpyaesp. n.is distinguished from congeners by its very rugose carapace, broad male pleon and distinctively structured male first gonopod; and is the first potamid species recorded from northern Myanmar.
New species of Idris Förster (Hymenoptera, Platygastroidea) from southeast Asia, parasitoids of the eggs of pholcid spiders (Araneae, Pholcidae)
Authors: Johnson Norman F. , Chen Huayan , Huber Bernhard
Published: December 2018

Four new species of the genusIdrisFörster (Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea), reared from the eggs of pholcid spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae) in southeast Asia are described on the basis of external morphology and the barcode region of the mitochondrial COI gene. The new species and their hosts are:I.badiusJohnson & Chen,sp. n.(exNipisaphyllicola(Deeleman-Reinhold),PanjangehamiguitanHuber),I.balteusJohnson & Chen,sp. n.(exPanjangecamiguinHuber),I.curtusJohnson & Chen,sp. n.(exCalapnitanunezaeHuber,PanjangecamiguinHuber,Tissahamiabukittimah(Huber),UthinaluzonicaSimon), andI.fusciceps(exBelisanakhaosokHuber).
Improvement of Visual Acuity Following Refractive Surgery for Myopia and Myopic Anisometropia
Authors: Vuori Elisa , Tervo Timo M T , Holopainen Martti V A , Holopainen Juha M
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that anisometropic adults without significant amblyopia suffer from mild visual impairment probably due to aniseikonia, which might be improved by corneal refractive surgery.

METHODS: Fifty-seven patients presenting with myopic anisometropia ≥3.25 diopters (D) and 174 myopic controls appropriate for refractive surgery were included. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or LASIK was performed on 57 anisometropic eyes. As 43 of the 174 myopic control patients had bilateral surgery, PRK or LASIK was performed on 217 myopic control eyes. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, and refractive correction were measured preoperatively and at 1, 3, 5 to 7, 8 to 13, and 25 months following surgery.

RESULTS: Preoperative mean spherical equivalent was -7.20±2.40 D for anisometropic patients and -6.40±1.90 D for myopic patients. At 8 to 13 months postoperatively, when 23 (40%) anisometropic eyes and 94 (43%) myopic eyes were examined, the mean spherical equivalent refractions were -0.80±1.60 D and -0.30±0.60 D, respectively. Preoperatively, the mean BSCVA on a logMAR scale was -0.0143±0.0572 (Snellen 0.98±0.12) in the anisometropic group and 0.0136±0.0361 (Snellen 1.04±0.09) in the control group (P=.001). Eight to 13 months postoperatively, these values were 0.0076±0.0659 (Snellen 1.03±0.15) and 0.0495±0.0692 (Snellen 1.13±0.18) and this difference remained statistically significant (P=.012). For the myopic patients, the improvement in BSCVA reached almost maximum at 3 months, and this improvement was found to be highly significant 3 months after surgery (P=.001). The improvement in BSCVA was significantly slower for anisometropic patients and became statistically significant only after 8 to 13 months postoperatively (P=.041).

CONCLUSIONS: Anisometropia reduces visual acuity in the more myopic eye and can be at least partially reversed by refractive correction. The slower improvement in BSCVA for anisometropic patients suggests plastic changes in the visual cortex following refractive surgery. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:447-455.]
Measurement of Angle Kappa With Synoptophore and Orbscan II in a Normal Population
Authors: Basmak Hikmet , Sahin Afsun , Yildirim Nilgun , Papakostas Thanos D , Kanellopoulos A John
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To obtain normative values of angle kappa in a normal population by synoptophore and Orbscan II and to compare the reliability of these devices.

METHODS: Three hundred consecutive healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. A complete orthoptic and ophthalmologic examination was performed. Synoptophore and Orbscan II corneal topography were used to measure angle kappa. To evaluate the association of the angle kappa and refraction measures, individuals were further classified according to the degree of myopia and hyperopia. The spherical equivalent error measures were grouped into six categories: ≥-3.00 diopters (D); -2.75 to -1.50 D; -1.25 to -0.50 D; +0.50 to +1.25 D; +1.50 to +2.75 D; and ≥+3.00 D. Paired t test and Pearson's correlation test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals was 28.74±1.63 years (range: 20 to 40 years). The angle kappa values obtained by synoptophore and Orbscan II were normally distributed. In the myopic group, angle kappa values decreased significantly towards negative refractive errors. In contrast, a correlation existed between large positive angles and positive refractive errors in the hyperopic group. Angle kappa values obtained by Orbscan II were significantly higher in all groups when compared to synoptophore (P<.0001). A significant correlation was noted between synoptophore and Orbscan II measurements (r=0.932, P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation exists between positive refractive errors and large positive angle kappa values. Refractive surgeons must take into account angle kappa, especially in hyperopic patients, to avoid complications related to decentration of the ablation zone. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:456-460.]
Correlation Between Attempted Correction and Keratometric Refractive Index of the Cornea After Myopic Excimer Laser Surgery
Authors: Savini Giacomo , Barboni Piero , Zanini Maurizio
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Given that the standard keratometric refractive index of 1.3375 is no longer valid after excimer laser surgery, we aimed to investigate how this value changes postoperatively and if any correlation to the attempted correction exists.

METHODS: The pre- and postoperative data of 98 patients who underwent either myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or LASIK were reviewed. Using post-operative videokeratography, the corneal radius (r) was obtained; the corrected corneal power (P^sup c^) was measured by separately calculating the dioptric power of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. The postoperative index of refraction (n^sup post^) was derived from these values using the formula: n^sup post^ = (rP^sup c^)+1.

RESULTS: As the amount of refractive change increases, n^sup post^ progressively decreases (P<.0001, r=0.9581). Linear regression provided the subsequent formula to calculate the postoperative index of refraction: n^sup post^ = 1.338 + 0.0009856 × attempted correction.

CONCLUSIONS: Myopic PRK and LASIK induce a decrease in the keratometric refractive index. This reduction correlates to the amount of attempted correction. When the latter is known, calculating n^sup post^ may enable the measurement of corneal power and thus provide an additional method for calculating intraocular lens power in eyes that have undergone myopic PRK or LASIK. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:461-466.]
Histological Changes and Unscheduled DNA Synthesis in the Rabbit Cornea Following 213-nm, 193-nm, and 266-nm Irradiation
Authors: Van Saarloos Paul P , Rodger Jennifer
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine the acute outcome of corneal irradiation in adult rabbits for 193-, 213-, and 266-nm laser wavelengths.

METHODS: Animals were randomly allocated to one of three groups and were treated with 213-nm quintupled Nd:YAG laser, a 193-nm excimer laser, or a 266-nm quadrupled Nd:YAG laser (n=6 per group, two exposure durations). Thermal damage was assessed histologically and the extent of DNA damage estimated by measuring unscheduled DNA synthesis in corneal epithelial and stromal cells using
p 3
H thymidine autoradiography.

RESULTS: For the 193- and 213-nm groups, irradiation did not induce thermal damage. Moreover, cells displaying unscheduled DNA synthesis represented <4% of the total cell numbers with no difference between groups (P>.05). By contrast, the 266-nm laser led to stromal melting and vacuolation; unscheduled DNA synthesis levels were elevated over the other groups (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Corneal laser ablation with the 213-nm Nd:YAG laser resulted in similarly low levels of thermal and DNA damage to those produced using the clinically accepted 193-nm excimer laser. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:477-481.]
Comparison of Anterior Chamber Depth Measurement Between Orbscan IIz and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Authors: Lee Jong Yun , Kim Jun-Heon , Kim Hyo-Myung , Song Jong-Suk
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the measurement of anterior chamber depth exclusive of corneal thickness using Orbscan IIz and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and evaluate the repeatability of each method.

METHODS: Three consecutive measurements of anterior chamber depth were prospectively performed using Orbscan IIz and Paradigm 50-MHz UBM in 40 eyes in 20 individuals. Mean values were compared using the paired t test. For 12 eyes in 6 individuals, anterior chamber depth measurements were performed 5 times to estimate the repeatability of each method by a coefficient of variation. Refractive errors were measured to correlate with anterior chamber depth.

RESULTS: The mean anterior chamber depth was 2.82 ± 0.46 mm with the Orbscan IIz and 2.91 ± 0.43 mm in UBM. This difference was statistically significant (P<.001), but not clinically meaningful. The coefficient of variation was 1.15% and 1.10% in Orbscan IIz and UBM, respectively. A negative correlation between anterior chamber depth and spherical equivalent refraction was noted within the range of -5.50 to +3.00 diopters.

CONCLUSIONS: The mean anterior chamber depth of Orbscan IIz was 0.087 mm less than that of UBM. Both methods were precise. Orbscan IIz seems to be a useful and more convenient method to measure anterior chamber depth for phakic intraocular lens implantation. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:487-491.]
Retreatment After LASIK Using Epithelial Ablation Alone
Authors: Harter Deanna E , Hardten David R
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Retreatments after refractive surgery may be associated with complications similar to the original surgical procedure. Excimer laser ablation of the epithelium may be associated with fewer complications and may prevent the need for flap-lift retreatment after LASIK.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified eyes that had undergone epithelial retreatments after primary LASIK. Treatment was performed with excimer laser correction on a dry intact epithelium.

RESULTS: Of the 27 eyes that were treated in this fashion, 8 (29.6%) eyes went on to subsequent flap-lift retreatment. The most common complication at 1 day was punctate keratopathy (7 eyes, 25.9%). No eyes lost best spectacle-corrected visual acuity during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of subsequent flap-lift retreatment, as well as the lack of statistically significant changes in refractive error, will limit the usefulness of epithelial retreatments. Because of the low incidence of complications, improvement in a small number of patients, and the lack of desire of some patients to undergo further flap-lift retreatment, epithelial retreatment may be useful in some eyes with minimal residual refractive error after LASIK. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:518-520.]
Matched Population Comparison of the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens and Standard LASIK for Myopia of -3.00 to -7.88 Diopters
Authors: Sanders Donald R
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare matched populations of LASIK and Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) cases in the correction of myopia between -3.00 and -7.88 diopters (D).

METHODS: One hundred sixty-four LASIK eyes with prospective data collected from a single center and 164 ICL eyes from the multicenter US ICL Clinical Trial were compared in this observational non-randomized study. The LASIK and ICL groups were well matched for age, gender, and mean level of preoperative spherical equivalent refraction.

RESULTS: At 6 months, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) > 20/20 was 85% with LASIK and 95% with ICL (P= .003) compared to preoperative values of 93% and 88%, respectively (P= .292). Loss of s*2 lines of BSCVA was significantly lower with the ICL at 1 week (0.6% vs 10%, P<.001) and 1 month (7% vs 0%, P=. 001) with comparable outcomes at 6 months (0% vs 1%). At 6 months postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) 2*20/15 (11% vs 25%, P=. 001) and >20/20 (49% vs 63%, P=OOl) was better in the ICL cases. Predictability within 0.50 D at 6 months for ICL cases was 85% (67% LASIK, P<.001); 97% of ICL cases were within 1.00 D (88% LASIK, P= .002). Refractive stability (?0.50 D) between 1 and 6 months was 93% with ICL compared to only 82% with LASIK (P= .006).

CONCLUSIONS: The ICL performed better than LASIK in almost all measures of safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability in this matched population comparison, supporting the ICL as an effective alternative to existing refractive laser surgical treatments for the range of myopia studied. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:537-553.]
Anterior Segment OCT Analysis of Thin IntraLase Femtosecond Flaps
Authors: Stahl Jason E , Durrie Daniel S , Schwendeman Frank J , Boghossian Allen J
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to analyze thin flaps created with the IntraLase femtosecond laser (IntraLase Corp).

METHODS: Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients had flaps created with the 60 kHz IntraLase femtosecond laser prior to excimer laser ablation. The desired flap thickness was 110 µm with a diameter of 8.5 mm for all eyes. At 1 month postoperatively, all eyes were evaluated with the Visante anterior segment OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Four thickness measurements were obtained across the length of the flaps at the meridians of 45°, 90°, 135°, and 180°. Thus, 16 thickness measurements were analyzed for each flap.

RESULTS: Flaps were uniform (planar) with a mean thickness of 112 ?5 µm (range: 87 to 118 µm). Average standard deviation within the individual flaps was 4 µm (range: 1 to 8 ???).

CONCLUSIONS: The IntraLase femtosecond laser creates thin, uniform (planar) flaps with high predictability and reproducibility. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:555558.1
Effect of Suction Ring Application During LASIK on Goblet Cell Density
Authors: Rodriguez-Prats Jose Luis , Hamdi Islam M , Rodriguez Alejandra E , Galal Ahmed , Alio Jorge L
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study the effect of LASIK surgery on conjunctival goblet cells as one of the proposed mechanisms for dry eye occurring after LASIK.

METHODS: This prospective study included 22 eyes (11 patients) that underwent LASIK for the correction of myopia. Three pairs of samples were taken from the bulbar conjunctiva of each eye. The first pair was taken preoperatively before application of the suction ring. The second and third pairs were taken from the same sites at 1 week and 1 month consecutively. The first site was at 12 o'clock and the second at the inferotemporal quadrant between 7 and 8 o'clock. Time of suction was recorded.

RESULTS: Preoperatively, mean goblet cell density was 424+105 cells/mm2 (range: 284 to 630 cells/mm2). All postoperative samples showed a statistically significant decrease in goblet cell count: 216?81 cells/mm2 (range: 40 to 325 cells/mm2) at 1 week and 218?99 cells/mm2 (range: 50 to 396 cells/mm2) at 1 month. Other parameters of conjunctival impression cytology were normal. The difference between the samples in the inferior conjunctiva preoperatively and 1 week postoperatively was greater than that of the superior conjunctiva. Recovery rate in both sites was similar and the damage did not correlate with the duration of suction.

CONCLUSIONS: The application of the microkeratome suction ring induced changes in the perilimbic conjunctiva. These changes contribute to the pathology of dry eye. Goblet cell count remains affected at 1 month postoperatively. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:559-562.]
Ocular Structure Changes During Vacuum by the Hansatome Microkeratome Suction Ring
Authors: Davis Richard M , Evangelista Jason A
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the vacuum of a microkeratome suction ring induces ocular structure changes.

METHODS: A prospective case series using ?-scan ultrasonography to measure anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous body, and axial length was performed. Measurements before and during application of a Hansatome microkeratome suction ring were performed on 69 eyes of 39 consecutive patients scheduled to undergo a first-time LASIK procedure with mechanical creation of a corneal flap.

RESULTS: Mean patient age was 43+12.1 years. Of the 69 eyes, 63 (91.3%) had refractive myopia with a mean spherical equivalent refraction of -2. 93 ?1.56 diopters (D) and 6 (8.7%) had refractive hyperopia with a mean spherical equivalent refraction of 1.37+0.31 D. Overall, the mean spherical equivalent refraction of all eyes was -2.56+1.94 D. Ultrasound measurements during suction revealed a decrease in the anterior chamber depth of -0.06+0.36 mm (P<.05) and lens thickness by -0.14+0.45 mm (P<.05) whereas the vitreous body increased 0.25+0.36 mm (P<.05). Although insignificant, a trend toward increasing axial length was noted. No measurements changed over time during the application of vacuum.

CONCLUSIONS: Vacuum by a microkeratome suction ring induced a compression of the anterior chamber and lens with commensurate expansion of the vitreous body. The assessment of vacuum effects during LASIK suggests that measurements of intraocular compartments are more informative than axial length. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:563-566.]
Effect of Preoperative Keratometric Power on Intraoperative Complications in LASIK in 34,099 Eyes
Authors: Albelda-Vallés J Carlos , Martin-Reyes Clara , Ramos Francisco , Beltran Jaime , Llovet Fernando , Baviera Julio
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of preoperative keratometric power on the intraoperative complications in LASIK for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, the records of 34,099 eyes of 17,388 patients who underwent LASIK for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism using the Moria LSK One manual microkeratome and the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217 Z excimer laser were reviewed.

RESULTS: One thousand three hundred thirty-eight (3.92%) intraoperative microkeratome complications were identified in the total number of eyes: 571 (1.67%) free caps, 320 (0.93%) epithelial abrasions, 282 (0.82%) thin/irregular flaps, 126 (0.36%) incomplete flaps, and 39 (0.11%) flap buttonholes. When eyes were stratified according to preoperative keratometric power, eyes with flatter corneas usually had more free caps and incomplete flaps than eyes with steeper corneas (P<.05), whereas eyes with steeper corneas usually had more epithelial abrasions and thin/irregular flaps than eyes with flatter corneas (P<.05). The risk of free caps, incomplete flaps, and epithelial abrasions was greater when bigger keratome rings (H) were used than when smaller rings (-1) were used (P<.05). The incidence of buttonholes was independent of the preoperative keratometric power, keratome plate (100 or 130 /im), and keratome ring (-1, -2, or H).

CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant relationship was found between preoperative keratometric power and incidence of flap buttonholes in this series. Eyes with flatter corneas tended to have more free caps and incomplete flaps, whereas eyes with steeper corneas tended to have more epithelial abrasions and thin/irregular flaps. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:592-597.]
Clinical Ocular Wavefront Analyzers
Authors: Cerviño Alejandro , Hosking Sarah L , Montes-Mico Robert , Bates Keith
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To provide a summary of the methods used by clinical wavefront analyzers and their historical, current, and future applications.

METHODS: Review of the literature and authors' experience with the various devices.

RESULTS: A wide range of clinical wavefront aberrometers, which use different principles, are available to clinicians and researchers.

CONCLUSIONS: Applications of wavefront analyzers in vision sciences range from assessment of refractive error, refractive surgery planning, evaluation of outcomes, optimization of contact lenses and IOL designs, evaluation of pathology relating to optical performance of the eye, and evaluation of accommodation alterations. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:603-616.]
Treatment of Ocular Surface Syndrome After LASIK With Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma
Authors: Alio Jorge L , Pastor Silvia , Ruiz-Colecha Jose , Rodriguez Alejandra , Artola Alberto
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To ascertain the usefulness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of patients suffering from symptomatic ocular surface syndrome following LASIK.

METHODS: Twenty-six eyes (9 women and 4 men) affected by symptomatic ocular surface syndrome were treated with topical eye drops of autologous platelet-rich plasma and results were reported at 4 weeks. Topical platelet-rich plasma was prepared from total blood and enriched in platelets by centrifugation.

RESULTS: Eighty-five percent of patients experienced significant improvement of symptoms; best spectacle-corrected visual acuity increased 1 to 2 lines in 54%; fluorescein staining analysis showed a 69% full fluorescein disappearance; and tear break-up time increased >2 seconds in 46%. Only one patient developed intolerance to platelet-rich plasma after 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS: Autologous platelet-rich plasma was effective in the treatment of patients with ocular surface syndrome following LASIK, with symptoms generally relieved and a positive effect on punctate keratitis. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:617-619.]
Standardized Analyses of Correction of Astigmatism With the Visian Toric Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens
Authors: Sanders Donald R , Sarver Edwin J
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the methodology described by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard Subcommittee on Astigmatism Analysis reporting a standardized method of presenting astigmatism data by laser systems that reshape the cornea also applies to toric phakic intraocular lens (IOL) data.

METHODS: The US Food and Drug Administration trial of the Visian Toric Implantable Collamer Lens comprised 210 eyes of 124 study patients. The mean preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent for the study cohort was -9.36±2.66 diopters (D) (range: -19.50 to -2.38 D). The mean preoperative manifest refractive cylinder was 1.94±0.84 D (range: 1.00 to 4.00 D).

RESULTS: Data were arrayed using the 11 tables and 4 figures suggested in the Subcommittee paper. Interpretation of the data from a toric phakic IOL study was similar to that of laser refractive procedures. The addition of a table of manifest refractive cylinder (in the spectacle plane) over time, which provides a direct clinical measure of clinical efficacy, is suggested. Mean postoperative manifest refractive cylinder was 0.51±0.48 D (range: 0 to 3.00 D) with 65.6% of eyes having ≤0.50 D of refractive cylinder at 12 months. A table of observed stability of the toric phakic IOL orientation within the eye obtained by slit-lamp examination also is recommended, which is a useful table not applicable in laser refractive procedures.

CONCLUSIONS: The data presented demonstrate that the methodology developed by the ANSI Standard Subcommittee on Astigmatism Analysis, with some minor additions, accurately characterizes the efficacy of toric phakic IOLs in treating astigmatism. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:649-660.]
Phototherapeutic Keratectomy in Children
Authors: Kollias Aris N , Spitzlberger Georg M , Thurau Stephan , Grüterich Martin , Lackerbauer Carl-Arnold
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Children with dense superficial opacities of the cornea are at risk for developing amblyopia. This study evaluated the efficacy of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in severe cases of anterior stromal scarring.

METHODS: Five eyes of five patients, aged 6 to 8 years, were included. Three children suffered from uveitis-associated band keratopathy, one child had anterior corneal stromal scarring due to viral infection, and one child had anterior basement membrane dystrophy. Phototherapeutic keratectomy was performed under general anesthesia using the 200 Hz ALLEGRETTO excimer laser. Optical treatment zone was 7.0 mm (one eye) and 8.0 mm (four eyes), and ablation depths were between 20 and 100 µm. Postoperative treatment consisted of bandage soft contact lens, topical preservative-free antibiotics, steroids, and artificial tears. Part-time occlusion therapy was continued, as prior to PTK. Because of the small cohort, statistical evaluation was not performed.

RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 23.4±13.7 months (range: 10 to 41 months). Surgery and postoperative follow-up were uneventful, and no signs of infection or haze were noted. Preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.4 to 3.0 logMAR (mean: 1.22±1.07 logMAR). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved in four eyes and stabilized in one eye due to uveitis recurrence (mean 0.64±0.65 logMAR). Mean preoperative keratometric values changed from 45.60±0.90 to 44.90±3.00 diopters postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS: Dense superficial corneal opacity in children may be successfully treated with PTK. Phototherapeutic keratectomy was performed to increase corneal transparency and corneal surface smoothing thereby avoiding amblyopia. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:703-708.]
Corneal Light Shield as a Delivery System for Standardized Application of Mitomycin C in Excimer Surface Ablation
Authors: Khoury Johnny M , Farah Toufic , El-Haibi Christelle P , Noureddin Baha N
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To develop a simple, reproducible method of applying intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) in excimer surface ablation surgery.

METHODS: A two-part protocol was developed to study several properties of corneal light shields. Part A tested the amount of MMC (0.2 mg/mL) absorbed, expansion dimension attained, and amount released to filter paper. Part B examined in vitro release of MMC to a photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)-treated enucleated pig eye.

RESULTS: Mean MMC absorbed by corneal light shields was 63.7±5.0 mg (range: 57.4 to 72.8 mg); coefficient of variability was 7.8%. Expansion diameter and thickness were constant at 9.0 mm and 1.1 mm, respectively. Mean solution released to filter paper was 55.4±3.9 mg (range: 51.3 to 63.5 mg); coefficient of variability was 7.1%. Mean solution transferred to the PRK-treated pig eye was 2.3±0.7 mg (range: 1.1 to 3.5 mg); coefficient of variability was 33%.

CONCLUSIONS: Mitomycin C contact surface area, amount absorbed, and amount released by each corneal light shield were reproducible. Uniform dimensions theoretically provide uniform distribution of MMC. This method may allow standardization of intraoperative MMC application in excimer surface ablation. [J Refract Surg. 2007;23:716-719.]
Intraosseous "Lipoma" of the Calcaneus Developing in an Intraosseous Ganglion Cyst
Authors: Powell Garret Michael , Ringler Michael David , Turner III Norman Stewart , Broski Stephen Michael , Howe Benjamin Matthew
Published: December 2018

Intraosseous lipomas are rare primary bone tumors, most common to the calcaneus. There are several proposed theories of the natural etiology of intraosseous lipomas; however, all lack definitive support. In this report, an 18-year-old man presented with radiologic evidence of a simple bone cyst of the calcaneus. Over a 4-year period, the patient was followed with interval magnetic resonance imaging. The cyst demonstrated progressive development of peripheral intralesional fat with final magnetic resonance imaging features characteristic of an intraosseous lipoma. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study that shows gradual peripheral fat deposition within an intraosseous ganglion cyst, illustrating a potential cause of intraosseous lipomas of the calcaneus.
Classical Type 1 Dendritic Cells Dominate Priming of Th1 Responses to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Skin Infection
Authors: Harpur Christopher M. , Kato Yu , Dewi Shinta T. , Stankovic Sanda , Johnson Darryl N. , Bedoui Sammy , Whitney Paul G. , Lahoud Mireille H. , Caminschi Irina , Heath William R. , Brooks Andrew G. , Gebhardt Thomas
Published: December 2018

CD4+ T cell responses are crucial for the control of many intracellular pathogens, yet the requirements for their induction are not fully understood. To better understand the role that various dendritic cell (DC) subtypes play in CD4+ T cell priming, we compared in vivo T cell responses to skin inoculation of mice with infectious or UV-inactivated HSV type 1. Localized infection elicited a Th1 response that was primed in skin-draining lymph nodes involving Ag presentation by migratory dermal and lymph node–resident DC. However, expansion and Th1 differentiation was impaired in response to UV-inactivated virus (UV-HSV), and this defect correlated with a restriction of Ag presentation to migratory CD103– dermal DC. A similar differentiation defect was seen in infected mice lacking CD8α+ and CD103+ classical type 1 DC (cDC1). Finally, Th1 differentiation after UV-HSV inoculation was rescued by targeted Ag delivery to CD8α+ and CD103+ cDC1 using an anti-Clec9A Ab construct. This suggests that Ag presentation by cDC1 is crucial for optimal Th1 immunity to HSV type 1 infection and potentially other pathogens of the skin.
Activation of the Omega-3 Fatty Acid Receptor GPR120 Protects against Focal Cerebral Ischemic Injury by Preventing Inflammation and Apoptosis in Mice
Authors: Ren Zhiping , Chen Lin , Wang Yimeng , Wei Xinbing , Zeng Shenglan , Zheng Yi , Gao Chengjiang , Liu Huiqing
Published: December 2018

G protein–coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) has been shown to negatively regulate inflammation and apoptosis, but its role in cerebral ischemic injury remains unclear. Using an in vivo model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), we investigated the potential role and molecular mechanisms of GPR120 in focal cerebral ischemic injury. Increased GPR120 expression was observed in microglia and neurons following MCAO-induced ischemia in wild type C57BL/6 mice. Treatment with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) inhibited OGD-induced inflammatory response in primary microglia and murine microglial BV2 cells, whereas silencing of GPR120 strongly exacerbated the inflammation induced by OGD and abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of DHA. Mechanistically, DHA inhibited OGD-induced inflammation through GPR120 interacting with β-arrestin2. In addition to its anti-inflammatory function, GPR120 also played a role in apoptosis as its knockdown impaired the antiapoptotic effect of DHA in OGD-induced rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Finally, using MCAO mouse model, we demonstrated that GPR120 activation protected against focal cerebral ischemic injury by preventing inflammation and apoptosis. Our study indicated that pharmacological targeting of GPR120 may provide a novel approach for the treatment of patients with ischemic stroke.
High-Dose IL-2 Skews a Glucocorticoid-Driven IL-17+IL-10+ Memory CD4+ T Cell Response towards a Single IL-10–Producing Phenotype
Authors: Mann Elizabeth H. , Gabryšová Leona , Pfeffer Paul E. , O’Garra Anne , Hawrylowicz Catherine M.
Published: December 2018

Glucocorticoids are known to increase production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and this action is associated with their clinical efficacy in asthmatics. However, glucocorticoids also enhance the synthesis of IL-17A by PBMCs, which, in excess, is associated with increased asthma severity and glucocorticoid-refractory disease. In this study, we show that the glucocorticoid dexamethasone significantly increased IL-10 production by human memory CD4+ T cells from healthy donors, as assessed by intracellular cytokine staining. In addition, dexamethasone increased production of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22, with the most striking enhancement in cells coproducing Th17-associated cytokines together with IL-10. Of note, an increase in IFN-γ+IL-10+ cells was also observed despite overall downregulation of IFN-γ production. These dexamethasone-driven IL-10+ cells, and predominantly the IL-17+IL-10+ double-producing cells, were markedly refractory to the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone on proliferation and IL-2Rα expression, which facilitated their preferential IL-2–dependent expansion. Although lower concentrations of exogenous IL-2 promoted IL-10+ cells coproducing proinflammatory cytokines, higher IL-2 doses, both alone and in combination with dexamethasone, increased the proportion of single IL-10+ T cells. Thus, glucocorticoid-induced IL-10 is only accompanied by an increase of IL-17 in a low IL-2 setting, which is, nevertheless, likely to be protective owing to the induction of regulatory IL-17+IL-10+–coproducing cells. These findings open new avenues of investigation with respect to the role of IL-2 in glucocorticoid responsiveness that have potential implications for optimizing the benefit/risk ratio of glucocorticoids in the clinic.