Greater Magnification Research Articles

Replication of soil analogues at the original scale by 3D printing: Quantitative assessment of accuracy and repeatability of the pore structural heterogeneity

The present study investigates the quality of four three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies to accurately reproduce the complex pore structure of a real undisturbed soil sample for laboratory experiments of transport in porous media at a 1:1 scale. Four state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies were evaluated (digital light synthesis, PolyJet with gel support material, low-force stereolithography, and PolyJet with water-soluble support material) using a combination of 3D image analysis from microtomopraphy and flow simulations of the pore structure produced with each 3D printing technique. Accuracy, as determined by matching solid and void volumes, permeability, connected porosity, specific surface area, and pore size distribution of the print against the original digital soil structure, was found to be substantially better for digital light synthesis, as compared to the other tested technologies. Repeatability, as determined by the same metrics but compared between identical prints, was found to be comparable across all printing technologies and did not significantly improve for prints at greater magnification (1.5×). Wettability of the samples was improved by plasma treatment of the prints. The thorough analysis herein presented demonstrates that advanced, yet relatively inexpensive 3D printing approaches can be used to generate real-scale high quality analogs of soils/rocks that are much needed for experimental laboratory work. Such a method can open countless opportunities for studying the coupling of pore-structure and hydrodynamics on reactive mass transport in environmental science and engineering, soil science, and other subsurface related fields.

The Use of Immersion Oil in Parasitology Light Microscopic Examination

Aims: to briefly review the history of application of immersion oil and specifically in some Parasitology Microscopic examination.
 Discussion: One way of increasing the optical resolving power of the microscope is to use immersion liquids between the front lens of the objective and the cover slip. The application of immersion oil in microscopic examination began in the mid-17th century. The principle of immersion oil in microscopic examination is to improve the resolution and clarity of the image by reducing the refractive index mismatch between the specimen and the objective lens. In the context of micro-sized parasitic agent, adding this oil will greatly enhanced visualization and in turn will have a direct impact on improving the characteristic morphological image/appearance, thereby enabling observers to optimize microscopic assessment for parasitological examination. Protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium spp, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Microsporidia spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, Toxoplasma spp, Trypanosoma spp, Babesia spp, Leishmania spp, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Blastocystis hominis are some examples of parasitic organisms that should be viewed at great magnification to see detailed morphology; and for that it means you need to add immersion oil.
 Conclusion: The addition of immersion oil in Paarasitology microscopic examination is surely improve optical resolution and clarity of the image and positively support Parasitologist to make correct diagnosis.

Radial and Tangential Retinal Magnifications as Functions of Visual Field Angle Across Spherical, Oblate, and Prolate Retinal Profiles.

PurposeTo provide a tool for calculating radial and tangential retinal magnifications as functions of field angle and retinal shape and to articulate patterns of magnification across the retina for monocular and binocular combinations of prolate-, oblate-, and spherical-shaped retinas.MethodsFormulae were derived to calculate radial and tangential retinal magnifications (mm/deg) from field angle (degrees), retinal asphericity (unitless conic constant), retinal vertex radius of curvature (mm), and nodal point position (mm). Monocular retinal magnifications were determined for eyes with prolate, spherical, and oblate retinas as functions of field angle. Bilateral differences in magnifications were examined for combinations of those eyes.ResultsRetinal shape substantially affects magnification profiles even for eyes with the same axial length. Greatest magnification changes across a retina and between eyes, as well as greatest increase in radial–tangential differences (distortion), occur with prolate retinas. Binocular magnification differences were smallest for oblate retinas. Nodal points anterior to the vertex center of curvature and oblate asphericity both cause field-dependent reductions in magnification relative to the fovea (barrel distortion), whereas nodal points posterior to vertex center of curvature and prolate asphericity cause the opposite (pincushion distortion). Retinal magnification differences due to eye shape are much greater than aniseikonia thresholds and chromatic differences in magnification. A spreadsheet tool implements the magnification calculations.ConclusionsLocal retinal magnifications as functions of field angle have substantial effects on objective applications (imaging retinal anatomy) and subjective experiences (aniseikonia) and quantify an ocular property that differs across eye shapes and refractive errors.Translational RelevanceMethods are provided to customize the calculation of radial and tangential magnifications across the retina for individual eyes, which will bolster the multifactorial study of the effects of foveal and peripheral optics across eye shapes and refractive errors.

Seismic Wave Propagation Characteristics and Their Effects on the Dynamic Response of Layered Rock Sites

To investigate the seismic response of layered rock sites, a multidomain analysis method was proposed. Three finite element models with infinite element boundaries for layered sites were analysed. The results of this multidomain analysis show that stratum properties and elevation have an impact on wave propagation characteristics and the dynamic response of layered sites. Compared with the rock mass, the overlying gravel soil has a greater dynamic amplification effect at the sites. A time domain analysis parameter PGA(IMF) was proposed to analyse the effects of different strata on the seismic magnification effect of layered sites, and its application was also discussed in comparison with PGA. According to the frequency domain analysis, the interface of the rock mass strata has a low impact on the Fourier spectrum characteristics of the sites, but gravel soil has a great magnification effect on the spectrum amplitude in the high-frequency band (≥30 Hz) of waves. Moreover, the stratum properties have a great influence on the shape and peak value of the Hilbert energy and marginal spectrum at layered sites. When waves propagate from hard rock to soft rock, the peak value of the Hilbert energy spectrum changes from single to multiple peaks; then, in gravelly soil, the Hilbert energy spectral peak, its nearby amplitude and the amplitude in the high-frequency band (28–36 Hz) are obviously amplified. The frequency components and amplitude of the marginal spectrum become more abundant and larger from rock to gravelly soil in the high-frequency band (28–35 Hz).

The Efficiency of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Improving Microcirculation in the Cerebral Cortex of Rats after Nephrectomy

The aim of the investigation was to examine the effect of intravenous transplantation of human stem cells (hMSCs) on the main parameters of microcirculation (density of the microvascular network, reactivity of arterial vessels, tissue perfusion (TP) and oxygen saturation (SaO2)) in the cerebral cortex of rats after nephrectomy. Using an apparatus for studying microcirculation (magnification 40×), the density of the entire microvascular network and the density of arterial vessels in the pial membrane of the sensorimotor cortex of the brain of nephrectomized rats after intravenous transplantation of hMSCs were studied with equipment for the study of microcirculation. Equipment with greater magnification (160×) was utilized to investigate the reactivity of the pial arteries after exposure to acetylcholine (ACh). In parallel, the TP and SaO2 parameters in the sensorimotor cortex were measured with a LAKK-M laser doppler. The results showed that, 4 months after nephrectomy in rats (removal of five-sixths of the whole renal tissue), the density of the entire microvascular network and the density of arterial vessels decreased by an average of 1.3 and 1.5 times, respectively. The reactivity of the pial arteries after ACh exposure significantly reduced: the number of dilated arteries decreased by 2.1–4.4 times. TP (by 20%) and SaO2 (from 94.8 ± 0.7 to 91.2 ± 1.8%) significantly decreased. Intravenous administration of MSCs restored the density of the pial membrane microvascular network (at the level of control animals) in rats after nephrectomy. All other parameters of microcirculation (reactivity, TP, and SO2) in the cell therapy group also did not differ from the control values. It was concluded that the use of hMSCs prevented degradation of the microvascular bed in the cerebral cortex of rats after nephrectomy and preserved the main parameters of microcirculation at the level of control animals.

Theoretical Promises and Methodological Troubles Capturing Dialogical Discourse in Classroom Research

A review of Skidmore, D & K. Murakami (Eds). (2016). Dialogic pedagogy: The importance of dialogue in teaching and learning. Bristol, United Kingdom: Multilingual MattersSkidmore and Murakami’s collection of essays takes on a dual theoretical and empirical project: first, to define and advocate for dialogical classroom pedagogy; and second, to unearth such practice through microstudies of classroom dialogue. This project divides itself neatly in half: the first six chapters trace the theory of dialogic pedagogy, including the history of discourse, coding, and practices, while the remaining seven are devoted to empirical studies marked by a careful microanalysis of dialogue.The work distinguishes itself from scholarship on the dialogical the past 20 years, during which works have either been single-authored, deeply-researched, and theoretical (Matusov, 2009a; Wegerif, 2013) or vast collections of essays organized conceptually (Ball & Freedman, 2004; White & Peters, 2011; Ligorio & Cesar, 2013). While special journal editions have brought new focus to unexplored threads of the dialogical, such as the exploration of silence in the classroom or the history of the School of the Dialogue of Cultures (Matusov 2009b), this collection affords considerable latitude to its theoretical and historical frame. A comparable work of conceptual breadth is that of White (2016), whose publication frames classroom research of lower school learners with concepts from Bakhtin. Like White’s work, Skidmore and Murakami paint at once in broad strokes and miniature: on the one hand, the collection situates dialogical pedagogy into its historical context, interweaving the work of early Russian theorists; at the same time, it offers granular studies of classroom dialogue. Since Skidmore authors or co-authors seven of the 13 chapters, the collection somewhat serves as a project of singular intent, one that raises a persistent question as to whether the methodologies in the studies presented in the second half of the work, focused on Conversational Analysis (CA) and the Discourse Analysis (DA), cohere to the ambitions of dialogical pedagogy offered in the first. In the end, the promise that CA affords greater magnification of classroom moments does not overcome what may be a limitation of the methodology to unearth dialogic pedagogy.

Electrochemical Sensing Fabricated with Ta2O5 Nanoparticle-Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite for the Detection of Oxytetracycline.

A novel tantalum pentoxide nanoparticle-electrochemically reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode (Ta2O5-ErGO/GCE) was developed for the detection of oxytetracycline in milk. The composition, structure and morphology of GO, Ta2O5, and Ta2O5-ErGO were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Oxytetracycline electrochemical behavior on the bare GCE, GO/GCE, ErGO/GCE, and Ta2O5-ErGO/GCE was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The voltammetric conditions (including scan rate, pH, deposition potential, and deposition time) were systematically optimized. With the spacious electrochemical active area, the Ta2O5-ErGO/GCE showed a great magnification of the oxidation signal of oxytetracycline, while that of the other electrodes (GCE, GO/GCE, ErGO/GCE) could not reach the same level. Under the optimum conditions, the currents were proportional to the oxytetracycline concentration in the range from 0.2 to 10 μM, and a low detection limit of 0.095 μM (S/N = 3) was detectable. Moreover, the proposed Ta2O5-ErGO/GCE performed practically with satisfactory results. The preparation of Ta2O5-ErGO/GCE in the current work provides a minor outlook of detecting trace oxytetracycline in milk.

Reliability and validity of miniscrews as references in cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral scanner digital models: study on goat heads

BackgroundMiniscrews have been used to superimpose three-dimensional (3D) craniofacial images as well as explore stable structures in jaws. Our purpose was to evaluate the reliability and validity of linear and angular measurements made with miniscrews on a 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at two voxel sizes and compared to models created by an intraoral scanner (IOS).MethodsAltogether, 64 miniscrews were placed in 12 goat jaws. The jaws were scanned by CBCT machine at 0.12 mm and 0.3 mm voxels and by the IOS. Linear and angular measurements between miniscrews on CBCT at the two voxel settings and the IOS were compared with actual measurements and with each other.ResultsAn intra-and inter-class correlation of 0.961–1.000 were obtained by each method. Linear measurements showed significant overestimations of 0.27 ± 0.24, 0.14 ± 0.22 and 0.15 ± 0.26 mm, and angular measurements showed non-significant differences of 0.11 ± 1.97°, 0.15 ± 2.79° and 0.41 ± 2.34° for the CBCT at 0.12-mm, 0.3-mm voxels and the IOS, respectively. Equal magnification of linear measurements was on homolateral and contralateral sides using CBCT, whereas significantly greater magnification on the homolateral side than on the opposite was observed using the IOS. There was no significant difference with angular measurements between digital CBCT models at two voxels and IOS. In addition, all angular measurements were comparable to actual measurement results.ConclusionsMiniscrews in CBCT and IOS are reliable and clinical valid when used as a reference measuring tooth movement. However, when miniscrews are involved in high precision measurement in CBCT or IOS image, systematic error should be taken into consideration. When comparing CBCT images, using the same voxel size is recommended for miniscrew related measurements to reduce error.

Posterior Ankle and Hindfoot Arthroscopy: Complications and Posterior Ankle Impingement Pathologies

Category:Ankle, Arthroscopy, Hindfoot, SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Posterior ankle/hindfoot arthroscopy (PAHA) is an established surgical option for treating pathologies, of posterior ankle and subtalar joints, which otherwise would require open incisions. Arthroscopic procedures are less invasive, provide magnified visualization and allow earlier rehabilitation and return to activity. Many studies have reported outcomes after PAHA, however only two studies have reported complications in larger cohorts. Although posterior ankle impingement (PAI) is a common indication for PAHA, it is a non-specific diagnosis. The aims of our study are 1) to report the complications after posterior ankle arthroscopy. 2) Delineate the structures involved in PAI into zones based on arthroscopic findings including bone impingement from the talus or tibia, soft tissue impingement from the PITFL, PTFL, inter-malleolar ligament, posterior deep deltoid ligament and synovitis.Methods:We reviewed the chart for demographic details, diagnosis, arthroscopic findings, and complications in a consecutive series of 250 PAHA in 237 patients (94 males,143 females, mean age 34.3 years) who had surgery between 2008 and 2016 and excluded those who had Haglund excision. The indications were PAI (95 ankles), subtalar arthritis/coalition/nonunion(21/12/5), flexor hallucis longus (FHL) stenosis/tenosynovitis/contracture(22/9/5), osteochondral lesions(14), and others(14)(Table 1A). There were 67 ankles with PAI and at least one other coexisting condition. For patients with PAI, we catalogued the specific anatomic etiologies of impingement.To investigate a priori factors predictive of neurological complication after PAHA, unadjusted and multivariable regression techniques were utilized. Sparse events sensitivity analysis was tested by fitting models with Firth log-likelihood approach; penalizing estimates for first-order bias correction and stability of regression coefficients. To control for clustering of outcomes across surgeons (n=3), estimates were assessed by fitting the primary log-binomial model with generalized estimating equation.Results:Complications: sensory nerves (10) (5 tibial/branches, 5 sural), portals (4) (painful/nodular (1), draining>1week (3)). Achilles pain (1) DVT (1). Nerve symptoms after 6 months (3) had; transection of the sural nerve (1), sural neurolysis (1) or tarsal tunnel release (1). (Table 1B)In unadjusted analysis, advancing age (OR: 1.04; p=0.029) and accessory portal (OR: 15.64; p<0.001) were associated with neurological complication. In multivariable regression models controlled for confounders, accessory posterolateral portal usage (OR:12.37; 95% CI: 3.11-49.27; p<0.001) was the most significant driver for neurological complication after PAHA. No significant correlation exists between neurological complications and surgical duration, surgeon, tourniquet time, BMI, FHL release.There were 162 ankles treated for PAI +/- associated conditions. PAI etiologies were grouped into: posterior, posteromedial, posterolateral, subtalar, and combined zones.Conclusion:This study supports the safety of posterior ankle/hindfoot arthroscopy for the treatment of numerous pathologies with an overall complication rate of 6.4% (16/250). There were no infections, motor nerve or vascular injuries. Complications included sensory nerve symptoms in 10 patients (4%), of which three (1.2%) did not improve and required further treatment. One patient developed DVT which required further treatment. The common pathologies of impingement were able to be grouped into zones that can correlate with physical examination (Table 1C). The ability to visualize the structures with the arthroscope provides greater magnification, detail and precision in the treatment.

Reliability of digital radiographs in measuring the vertical and horizontal dental implants’ dimensions a retrospective study

Introduction: Digital radiography can take accurate measurements. In implant dentistry, intraoral periapical (PA), bite-wing (BW) and panoramic (OPG) radiographs are being used, although it had limitations of distortion. This research aims to assess the accuracy of digital radiography in measuring dental implants and to evaluate the SIDEXIS software’s reliability in measuring their dimensions.Materials and Methods: Over 192 implants from 316 radiographs were selected. All radiographs were analyzed using SIDEXIS software. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.Results: Statistically significant differences (P &lt; 0.5) between the actual heights and widths compared to the measured radiographic dimensions. Over all the distortion was greatest in OPGs. The magnifications were 2.48mm in height and 0.82mm in width for OPGS, 0.17mm in width for BWs while in PAs it was 1.37mm in height and 0.156mm in width. The magnification was more in maxilla for PAs and OPGs. Anteriorly the PAs had the greatest magnification (2.16mm), and OPGs had the greatest at (3.03mm) in height posteriorly.Conclusion: Digital OPG, PA and Bitewing radiographs are reliable for performing dimensions linear measurements for implants, and PAs have the highest precision. Additionally, SIDEXIS software provided accurate results and can be considered a reliable method for implants’ assessment. Â

Robotic bladder diverticulectomy: step-by-step extravesical posterior approach – technique and outcomes

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of robotic extravesical posterior surgical bladder diverticulectomy for treatment of symptomatic bladder diverticula (BD).Materials and methods: Data from patients with posterior BD who consecutively underwent robotic bladder diverticulectomy (RBD) from 2013 to 2016 in Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes including operative time (OT), estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative transfusion rate and length of hospital stay (LOS), and early (30 days) and late (90 days) postoperative complications were recorded and analysed.Results: Six patients underwent RBD. Storage, voiding and postvoiding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were reported by 33.3%, 100% and 33.3% of patients, respectively. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] BD diameter was 7.1 (5.5–9.5) cm; median (IQR) preoperative postvoiding residual volume (PVR) was 300 (90–395) ml. The median (IQR) OT was 112.5 (83.7–133.7) min and median (IQR) EBL was 25.8 (0–50) ml. The median (IQR) LOS was 7 (4.7–9.0) days. One patient (16.7%) reported early minor postoperative complication. No patient showed early or late major postoperative complications. At 2 month follow-up, all patients underwent a lower abdomen ultrasound and minimal or no postoperative PVR was found. At 6 month follow-up no LUTS were reported.Conclusions: RBD appears to be a safe treatment for posterior BD with excellent perioperative and functional outcomes. The three-dimensional visualization, greater magnification and wristed instrumentation with seven degrees of freedom allow precise dissection of BD and reconstruction of the bladder wall.

Fungal wood-decay strategies in Nothofagaceae woods from Miocene deposits in southern Patagonia, Argentina

Carlos Daniel Greppi, Juan L. García Massini, Roberto R. Pujana and Sergio A. Marenssi, May 2018. Fungal wood-decay strategies in Nothofagaceae woods from Miocene deposits in southern Patagonia, Argentina. Alcheringa xxx, xxx -xxx.Decayed woods from the Miocene, Rio Leona Formation, Santa Cruz, Argentina having simultaneous decay patterns consistent with soft- and white rot characteristics are described. Samples were previously identified as Nothofagoxylon scalariforme. At low magnification, the permineralized woods appear mottled, with discoloured, degraded areas, scattered in apparently robust tissue, consistent with white-rot decay. At greater magnification, the woods reveal several micromorphological features, including differential decay of cellulose-rich cellular components that match soft-rot decay by extant ascomycetes and some basidiomycetes. In addition, decayed woods either appear differentially delignified or show simultaneous decay of all cellular components (lignin- and cellulose-rich), which are by-products of white-rot fungal decay. Additional anatomical characteristics of the decayed woods are consistent with a host response to the fungal attack. Co-occurrence of these two decay patterns suggests soft-rot decay and white-rot fungal decay. In addition, co-occurrence of all the decay features observed also suggests facultative soft rot by white-rot fungi, such as in some extant species that switch between these two types of decay strategies as a means to circumvent plant defences. These data indicate that fungi with soft-rot capacity for wood decay can be traced back to the early Miocene (ca 19 Ma). In addition, this report adds to the distribution and diversity of fungi in the geological record and underscores the ecological importance of wood as a preferred substrate for the association and interactions between fungi with different saprotrophic abilities, which have been fundamental for nutrient recycling in terrestrial ecosystems during the Cenozoic.Carlos Daniel Greppi [greppi.carlos.d@gmail.com] Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales-CONICET, Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, (1405) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Juan L. García Massini [massini112@yahoo.com.ar] Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia Tecnológica de La Rioja (CRILAR), Provincia de La Rioja, UNLaR, SEGEMAR, UNCa, CONICET, Entre Ríos y Mendoza s/n (5301) Anillaco, La Rioja, Argentina; Roberto R. Pujana [rpujana@gmail.com] Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales-CONICET, Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, (1405) Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sergio A. Marenssi [smarenssi@hotmail.com] IGEBA-CONICET, Departamento de Geología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Guiraldes 2620, (1428) Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Analysis of the key points in the micro-endodontic treatment

Micro-endodontic treatment refers to the microscope-assisted endodontic treatment techniques. The microscope offers a stereoscopic, enlarged image under great magnification and illumination at a comfortable working position. It will greatly promote the precision and improve the outcomes of endodontic treatment through enhancing the ability to detect the complexity of the root canal system of teeth that probably cannot be seen by the naked eyes, remove the infectious substances in root canal more efficiently, provide a tight root canal obturation and carry out effective retreatment procedures. The requirements of micro-endodontic treatment are different from the conventional root canal therapy carried out without microscope due to the complicated structure of the microscope. In order to make the use of microscope easier, it is of great importance to learn how to adjust the position of the operator and the patient, preset the angle of objective lens and the eyepiece, select the proper magnification and instruments, practice eye-hand cooperation under the microscope, etc. The purpose of this article was to analyze the key points in the applications of the microscope in endodontic treatment by reviewing the literature together with the author's clinical experience.

Bivalent ion transport through graphene/PET nanopore

The PET suspended single graphene nanopore (G/PET) was produced by heavy ion irradiation and asymmetric chemical etching. The solutions of NiSO4, NiCl2, CuSO4 and CuCl2 with different concentration were adopted to study the transport properties of bivalent ion in single G/PET nanopore by measuring the I–V curves. The perfect “diode effect” and excellent rectification effect of G/PET nanopore were observed, and the huge rectification ratio up to 43.3 was obtained in NiSO4 solution. The great solution selectivity and ion current magnification effect of graphene/PET nanopore were also confirmed in our study.

광기구적 자동 비열화가 적용된 비정형 적외선 광각 카메라

A system of infrared camera optics with wide field of view and anamorphic lenses is proposed, and its validity verified through manufacture. The infrared camera produced provides a wide field of view of over 100 degrees in the horizontal direction, and an even greater magnification in the vertical direction. As a result, the system can have a wider surveillance range and improved detection ability at the same time. In addition, a new optomechanical automatic athermalization mechanism is proposed and applied to the infrared camera. Its performance and utility is proved through testing. Keywords: Infrared optics, Anamorphic lens, AthermalizationOCIS codes: (110.3080) Infrared imaging; (220.3620) Lens system design; (280.4788) Optical sensing and sensing

Abstract P5-01-04: In vivo lymphatic imaging of a human inflammatory breast cancer model

Abstract Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive but poorly understood type of breast cancer. IBC constitutes only appoximately 5% of all newly diagnosed breast cancers, yet responsible for 8-10% of breast cancer-related deaths. Unfortunately, there are no definitive molecular or pathological, early diagnostic criteria for IBC. IBC grows in nests or sheets, spreading outward into the skin and eventually distant sites through dermal lymphatic vessels; therefore, one of the key pathological characteristics of IBC is dermal lymphatic invasion by tumor emboli, which can lead to obstruction of the lymphatic drainage possibly causing the clinical inflammatory features of diffuse erythema, rapid breast enlargement and edema as indicated by peau d’orange (orange peel) appearance covering at least a third of the breast surface. However, relatively little is known about the role of lymphatic function in IBC growth and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to non-invasively and longitudinally image changes of lymphatic drainage patterns in mice bearing the triple negative, human IBC SUM149 cells, which were stably transfected with iRFP gene reporter (iRFP-SUM149) in order to better monitor tumor growth and metastasis. Methods: Eight to ten weeks old female non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice were housed and fed special sterilized pelleted food and sterilized water. Two weeks after feeding special diets, mice were subcutaneously injected with iRFP-SUM149 cells in the left hindlimb or orthotopically in the left inguinal mammary fat pad (MFP). Fluorescence images were acquired immediately after and for up to 10 mins after i.d. injection of indocyanine green (ICG) using a custom-built NIRF imaging system. To achieve a greater magnification, a macrolens was used. Results: Our NIRF imaging data showed gradual changes of lymphatic vessels around the tumor. In mice with an orthotopic tumor, ICG accumulation was observed in the distal peritumoral region at up to 3 weeks p.i., indicative of the start of tumor obstruction of normal lymphatic drainage. As tumors grew, the greater extent of lymph flow, but not all, was obstructed by a tumor, resulting in dermal backflow and thus staining more lymphatic capillaries and eventually rerouting of lymphatic drainage was detected due to complete obstruction of lymph flow by a tumor. Similar to an orthotopic model, mice with a s.c. tumor also showed altered lymphatic drainage patterns during tumor growth. Interestingly, extravasation of ICG into iRFP-SUM149 was detected at 3 weeks p.i., due to leaky lymphatic vessels. A similar lymphatic phenotype has also been observed in IBC patients. Previously, we have imaged atypical tortuous lymphatics and altered lymphatic drainage in the arm and affected breast of a patient with IBC using clinical NIRF imaging developed in our team to image as deep as 3-5 cm with a microdose of ICG. Conclusions: Longitudinal, non-invasive imaging of lymphatic functional and architectural changes provides a new method to dynamically monitor lymphatic response to IBC growth and metastasis. Citation Format: Sunkuk Kwon, Germaine Agollah, Grace Wu, Eva M Sevick-Muraca. In vivo lymphatic imaging of a human inflammatory breast cancer model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-04.

Endoscopic telemicrosurgery or minimally invasive robotically-assisted microsurgery for peripheral nerve repair

Microsurgery comprises a variety of surgical procedures such as neurovascular anastomoses, performed under optical magnification and with fine instrumentation. While refinements have been made since its advent in the 1960s, robotics offers the potential for major technological advancement. Endoscopic telemicrosurgery is minimally invasive, robotically-assisted microsurgery. This technique removes some limitations of conventional microsurgery and enhances visual and manual dexterity. Vision is enhanced through greater magnification, three-dimensionality, and functionalization, all through an endoscopic view. Manual dexterity is improved by suppression of physiological tremor and tremor filtration, while permitting useful enhancement of movement amplitudes and tactile feedback forces. Furthermore, better endoscopic ergonomics, new hand tools and the ability for multi-manual and remote work, confer a distinct advantage. Endoscopic telemicrosurgery is already in clinical use. Some of the advantages above are incorporated into the DaVinci ® robot, that is, used in brachial plexus surgery. Conventional brachial plexus surgery requires large incisions for exploration and neurotization, with its attending risks of unsightly scars, prolonged hospital stay, sepsis, and perineural adhesions that interfere with nerve regrowth. Endoscopic telemicrosurgery limits the incisions and these risks, with minimal compromise. Endoscopic telemicrosurgery, through the amplification of human capabilities may pave the way for a major advancement in the microsurgical field.

A new scale for the assessment of wheat spike morphogenesis

The period prior to anthesis determines to a great extent the yield in wheat by modifying the number of fertile florets and hence the number of grains per spike. For an easy and accurate identification of this period to researchers and cereal growers a simple numerical scale of wheat spike development is proposed. It includes 20 distinct stages, starting from the apex transition stage and ending just prior to heading, with the stages being separated by similar-sized steps in thermal time to produce a continuous scale. The scale describes the whole process of wheat apical development and is convenient (e.g. uses easily detectable characters without great magnification, such as the development of awns, lemmas and glumes) and precise (e.g. uses combination of more stable characters, such as pistil and stamen development as well as the sequence of floret initiation, in order to accurately assess the development of the spike). The proposed scale was used to describe the development of the durum wheat cultivar ‘‘Mexicali 81’’ during two seasons. The meteorological conditions during the different cultivation seasons affected the onset and the duration of the spike developmental phases. Additionally, a variation was observed concerning the synchronisation between spike morphogenesis and plant external developmental phases (e.g. tillering, jointing and boot). The advantages of the new scale with respect to the already existing ones are discussed.

Low vision aids: A boon

Dear Friends, It gives me great pleasure to write the last summer editorial of this Diamond Jubilee year of Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO). We live in an era when technology in every field is growing exponentially. High tech gadgets have given us innumerable ways to improve our quality of life. Here, I write to you about an important but underutilized modality of vision rehabilitation using currently available options. A person with low vision is one who has permanent visual impairment with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) less than 6/18 to perception of light or central visual field <10° because of an untreatable cause in both eyes, but who uses, or is potentially able to use, vision for the planning and/or execution of a task.[1] As it does not include patients with treatable causes (refractive errors, cataract, posterior capsular opacification, and corneal scars, clinically judged to be treatable by penetrating keratoplasty), it identifies patients who will benefit from low vision services. The leading causes of noncurable visual impairment include retinal disease (age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, hereditary dystrophies, myopic degeneration, etc.), glaucoma, other forms of optic atrophy, amblyopia, corneal disease, endophthalmitis, congenital eye anomalies, and higher visual pathway defects. As noted above, most causes are related to the aging process; hence, the numbers with visual impairment will only rise, as the trend is toward increasing life expectancy. This brings us to focus on the need to rehabilitate the ‘rehabilitative services’. According to a study, percentage of patients regaining near vision to N8 were from the age related macular degeneration (ARMD) group, followed by glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and myopic degeneration.[2] There are numerous ways to help the patient with low vision remain independent, including making things brighter (by improving illumination, controlling glare, and increasing contrast), bigger, and bolder. Using audio books, e-book reader, and text-to-speech computer software are few available technologies. Various products are available to magnify reading fonts, which includes optical (telescopes and magnifiers) and electronic devices. Optical devices, like telescopes, are used for refining distant tasks like reading blackboard, street signs, bus numbers, recognizing faces. These are available as refractive devices to be fitted on to glasses, and as hand held for monocular magnification, which, however, severely restricts the field of view. Telescopes may be rejected by many patients for cosmetic purposes and problems with spatial judgment as it makes the objects appear nearer. While others may be very happy for the clarity it offers. Magnifiers are another form of optical devices (hand held, bar, dome, fixed or variable focus stand, spectacle binoculars). These may have inbuilt illumination function. Its prime use is for near tasks like reading newspapers or books, writing and signing, viewing mobile texts, checking price tags, and much more. Spectacle magnifiers in particular provide widest field of view. Hand held magnifiers are cumbersome, as they are not hands free like their counterparts, making it difficult for patients with tremors and while doing tasks that require use of hands, like writing, etc. Electronic video magnifiers like closed-circuit TVs (CCTVs) provide distortion free viewing, a large field of view, and a very large range of magnification levels (from 2 to 70 times). Video magnifiers have an advantage over the conventional optical magnifier in being flexible in its larger field of view and greater magnification. However, it may be limited by its display size and power requirements.

The quality of portable chest radiographs second audit cycle report

Background to the audit: There has always been a considerable reservation about the mobile non departmental chest xrays compared to the traditional departmental studies. There is a perception that mobile films are technically difficult to perform, interpret and more likely to be of inadequate quality due to a number of reasons. The projection is anterior posterior and hence the anatomy tends to be less sharp with greater magnification.