Interactive Threshold Research Articles

Using Music Features for Managing Revisions and Variants of Musical Scores

Abstract Music engravers nowadays use music notation software to create scores for musical works. As is common in any creative process, many different versions of digital artifacts are created—e.g., to manage editions of the same musical work, editorial markups, or the history and genesis of compositions. In the field of software engineering, researchers have proposed the use of features, i.e., user-visible aspects of systems, to manage both revisions and variants of source code and other software artifacts. Feature-based version control systems establish and maintain feature-to-code mappings defining which parts of the artifacts realize particular features, e.g., which code implements a specific function. These mappings can then be used to generate new variants based on the artifacts by selecting the desired features. Our article provides an in-depth study on feature-based version control for music notation. Our automated approach adopts the domain-specific language (DSL) LilyPond and the feature-oriented version control system ECCO. Existing studies show that features in musical scores are often fine-grained and affect only small parts of an artifact, are scattered across noncontiguous locations in the artifact, and highly interact with each other. Such properties have strong implications for the usefulness of versioning tools. Our experiment investigates two factors related to the correctness of output from feature-based version control systems when used for symbolic music notation. We demonstrate the incremental refinement of feature-to-artifact mappings when committing DSL code. We further study the impact of the order of feature interactions on the correctness of the automatically generated music artifacts. We find that a larger feature interaction threshold produces only marginally more correct results, but fixing and recommitting incorrect variants has a more powerful effect. Our results further show that considering DSL specifics is important for versioning fine-grained and scattered features.

Neonatal paw pricking alters adolescent behavior in a sex-dependent manner and sucrose partially remediates the effects

Neonatal exposure to noxious stimuli such as repeated heel lances can cause behavior changes. In the NICU sucrose given prior to procedures attenuates the immediate behavioral response to noxious stimuli but may not ameliorate the long-term consequences, and treatment with 24 % sucrose can brain structure and behavior in adult rodents. We used a rat model to determine whether paw pricks during the neonatal period alter social interaction and/or paw withdrawal thresholds (PWT) in adolescence, and if 7 % sucrose mitigates these effects. One male and one female pup per litter was assigned to each of six experimental groups (no paw prick (control), 1 paw prick (1PP), or 2PP, ± sucrose). Hind paws were pricked once or twice each day between postnatal day (P)3 and P10. Social behavior and PWT were tested in adolescence using the modified social interaction test and von Frey filaments, respectively. Social behavior was altered in the 2PP group; total time interacting was lower in 2PP rats, primarily due to less time sniffing a play partner. Sucrose did not mitigate effects of paw prick but trended to alter social behaviors in males; it decreased time in contact but increased social motivation (movement toward a play partner). PWTs were higher in 2PP animals, this was not altered by sucrose. Thus, rat pups exposed to paw pricks in the neonatal period have some altered behaviors in adolescence. The nature of the behavioral changes is sex-dependent, but sucrose did not mitigate these changes.

Large-scale multiple criteria group decision-making with information emendation based on unsupervised opinion evolutions

Large-scale multiple criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) is prevalent in diverse decision-making scenarios, involving numerous decision makers (DMs), the set of alternatives and criteria, and continuous temporal cycles. Opinions from DMs dynamically evolve through iterative interaction, leading to dynamic opinion evolutions. However, traditional MCGDM methodology usually establish the opinion formation on a static time point throughout information aggregation, which will lead to information distortion. This study develops a novel large-scale MCGDM method with information emendation based on an unsupervised opinion dynamics (UOD) model, combining with the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS). The IFS is utilized to quantify opinions since it can effectively achieve a tradeoff between information retention and convenience of evaluation. Simultaneously, in the proposed UOD model, the weight updating mechanism is further considered to improve the interaction adequacy, and the unsupervised mechanism for interaction threshold helps to decrease the influences of subjectivity from DMs. Moreover, numerical simulations validate the UOD model’s feasibility. Finally, a school site selection problem is carried out to elaborate the effectiveness of the proposed method. This study will provide a methodological reference for solving large-scale MCGDM problems, facilitating rapid convergence of opinions within large-scale groups, and enrich the research on opinion dynamics in the field of decision-making.

Relationship Between Retinal Oxygen Saturation and the Severity of Visual Field Damage in Glaucoma.

Increased oxygen saturation (StO 2 ) was significantly associated with the severity of visual field (VF) damage in patients with glaucoma. To investigate the association between retinal StO 2 percentage and the severity of VF loss in glaucoma. A total of 198 eyes from 131 patients with glaucoma were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent imaging using ocular oximetry (Zilia) and 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm standard VF (Carl Zeiss-Meditec). StO 2 (%) was measured at 2 locations of the peripapillary optic nerve head (superotemporal, and inferotemporal). Measurements were reported as the mean of at least 5 measurements in each location. Associations between the severity of VF loss, reported as mean deviation, and StO 2 (%) were calculated. A total of 198 eyes of 131 patients (mean (95% CI) age, 71.1 (68.9,73.3) years, 68 females (51.9%), and 63 males (48.1%) were analyzed. In univariable analysis, higher StO 2 -0.06 (-0.12, 0.00) was associated with severity in all hemifields ( P = 0.047). Multivariate regression analysis showed that each 1% increase in StO 2 was associated with -0.06 (-0.12, -0.00) dB loss in mean deviation in all hemifields ( P = 0.043). In multivariate regression analysis in the superior hemifields, higher StO 2 -0.07 (-0.16, 0.01) tended to be associated with superior hemifield severity ( P = 0.09). Retinal oximetry enabled the continuous quantitative measurement of retinal StO 2. Increased StO 2 was significantly associated with the severity of VF damage in patients with glaucoma.

Comparative Analysis of 24-2C, 24-2, and 10-2 Visual Field Tests for Detecting Mild-Stage Glaucoma With Central Visual field Defects

This study sought to identify the most effective testing program for detecting visual-field defects in mild-stage glaucoma with central visual-field defects. A multicenter, retrospective diagnostic testing evaluation. The study involved 93 eyes (83 patients) with mild-stage glaucoma (median mean deviation [interquartile range]: -1.79 [2.16] dB) with central visual-field defects and 69 eyes (63 patients; median mean deviation, -1.38 [2.31] dB) with mild-stage glaucoma without central visual-field defects, from Jikei University School of Medicine and Tajimi Iwase Eye Clinic. Patients underwent 10-2 Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA) Standard, 24-2 SITA Standard, and 24-2C SITA Faster tests. Central visual-field defects were defined using 10-2 SITA Standard and optical coherence tomography (OCT). A detection power of 4 points in the 24-2 that coincided with 10-2 (Center4), 12 points that lie within 10° (24-2-12), and 22 points that lie within 10° of 24-2C (24-2C-22) were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves based on logistic regression analysis, using total deviation (TD) and pattern deviation (PD) probability plots. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the Center4, 24-2-12, and 24-2C-22 tests. In the upper-central visual field, AUCs of the TD plot were 0.50 (0.40-0.58) for the Center4, 0.75 (0.67-0.83) for 24-2-12, and 0.85 (0.78-0.91) for 24-2C-22, with 24-2C-22 AUC significantly exceeding 24-2-12 AUC. For the PD plot, AUCs were 0.53 (0.44-0.63), 0.81 (0.74-0.89), and 0.84 (0.77-0.90), respectively. In the lower-central visual field, using a total plot, AUCs were 0.27 (0.18-0.36), 0.57 (0.47-0.69), and 0.57 (0.46-0.68) for the Center4, 24-2-12, and 24-2C-22, respectively. Using the PD plot in the upper field, AUCs were 0.27 (0.19-0.36), 0.64 (0.53-0.75), and 0.81 (0.72-0.90), respectively, with the AUC of the 24-2C-22 significantly exceeding that of 24-2-12. The 24-2C test was significantly faster than both the 24-2 and 10-2 tests, reducing testing duration by 46% and 52%, respectively. The 24-2C SITA Faster test is highly effective and efficient for detecting mild-stage glaucoma with central visual-field defects. This, and its reduced duration, makes it a valuable tool in clinical settings.

Gene‒Environment Interaction Between CAST Gene and Eye-Rubbing in the Chinese Keratoconus Cohort Study: A Case-Only Study.

Keratoconus (KC), characterized by progressive corneal protrusion and thinning, is a complex disease influenced by the combination of genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to explore potential gene‒environment interaction between the calpastatin (CAST) gene and eye-rubbing in KC. A case-only study including 930 patients (676 patients with eye-rubbing and 254 patients without eye-rubbing) from the Chinese Keratoconus (CKC) cohort study was performed in the present study. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was conducted using the Illumina Infinium Human Asian Screening Array (ASA) Beadchip. The gene‒environment interactions between CAST gene and eye-rubbing were analyzed using PLINK version 1.90. The interactions between CAST genotypes and eye-rubbing were analyzed by logistic regression models. The SNP-SNP-environment interactions were analyzed using generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR). Three SNPs in CAST gene, namely, rs26515, rs27991, and rs9314177, reached the significance threshold for interactions (defined as P < 2.272 × 10-3). Notably, the minor alleles of these three SNPs exhibited negative interactions with eye-rubbing in KC. The results of logistic regression models revealed that the minor allele homozygotes and heterozygotes of rs26515, rs27991, and rs9314177 also exhibited negative interactions with eye-rubbing. Furthermore, GMDR analysis revealed the significant SNP-SNP-environment interactions among rs26515, rs27991, rs9314177, and eye-rubbing in KC. This study identified rs26515, rs27991, and rs9314177 in CAST gene existed gene-environment interactions with eye-rubbing in KC, which is highly important for understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of KC and guiding precision prevention and proper management.

Non-covalent interaction induces controlled reinforcement of thermoplastic elastomer composites homologously incorporated with hydrophobized cellulose nanocrystals

Surface hydrophobization of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is developed through Pickering emulsion method and esterification-grafting, consequentially enhancing its thermal properties and hydrophobicity, and tensile modulus in thermoplastic elastomer composites. n-Tetradecenylsuccinic anhydride (TDSA) provides a high level of compatibility owing to the structural homology by non-covalent interactions between CNC-graft-TDSA and poly(styrene)-block-poly(isoprene)-block-poly(styrene) (SIS). Theoretical calculations supports the molecular-level insight on how the nanofiller and SIS interacts. Density functional theory calculations and the energy decomposition analysis reveal the stabilization free energy of −2.59 kcal mol−1 gained through hydrophobic and OH–π interactions, which is assigned as the key component for the superior mechanical properties. At the filler contents of 0.6–2.5 vol %, the moduli of the TPE nanocomposites gradually strengthen while retaining thermoplasticity, without sacrificing the ultimate tensile characteristics of SIS, although it is below the calculated φc of 5.9 vol % (critical percolation threshold) for filler-filler interactions. Origin of the controlled boost in filler-matrix binding is rationalized by pronounced hydrophobic interactions in isoprene-rich rubbery phase (86 wt % in SIS). Interestingly, at 5.1 vol % near to filler-filler interactions, even though reinforcements in storage/initial modulus, and toughness increase by up to 14/4.0-, and 1.2-fold, the tensile stress at break only decreases by 27 %.

Three-year efficacy and safety of omidenepag isopropyl in patients with normal tension glaucoma.

To retrospectively evaluate the 3-year efficacy and safety of single-agent omidenepag isopropyl in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Retrospective. One hundred patients (100 eyes) who had newly been administered omidenepag isopropyl were enrolled in this study. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was compared at baseline and 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months after administration. The mean deviation values at baseline and 12, 24, and 36 months measured using the Humphrey visual field test (30-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm standard) were compared. Adverse reactions and dropouts were assessed. IOP significantly decreased from 15.5±2.7 mmHg at baseline to 13.8 ±2.3 mmHg after 6 months, 13.9± 2.3 mmHg after 12 months, 13.9±2.3 mmHg after 18 months, 13.8±2.1 mmHg after 24 months, 13.9±2.0 mmHg after 30 months, and 13.6±1.7 mmHg after 36 months (P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean deviation values at baseline (-3.66±3.49 dB), 12 months (-3.41±3.80 dB), 24 months (-3.13±3.81 dB), and 36 months (-3.06±3.30 dB). Adverse reactions occurred in 11 patients (11.0%), including conjunctival hyperemia in 6 patients. Fifty-two patients (52.0%) were excluded from the analysis because they discontinued treatment either due to IOP measurement by NCT or the use of additional drugs. After the administration of omidenepag isopropyl, IOP in patients with NTG decreased within 3 years, visual fields were maintained, and safety was satisfactory. Thus, omidenepag isopropyl can be used as the first-line treatment for patients with NTG.

Probability density distributions of morphological parameters of barchan dunes and their responses to the climate environment

Barchan dunes are a common aeolian geomorphology in sand seas on Earth and Mars. They occur primarily as barchan dune groups. Obvious regional differences occur in the size distribution of dune swarms in different dune fields because of sediment grain size, regional airflow, sand flux, and surface conditions. To explore dune size distributions in different barchan dune fields and clarify the effects of climate on barchan dune morphometry, we used high-resolution remote sensing images and extended time-series meteorological data. Barchan dune fields were located in the southeast edge of the Taklimakan Desert, the western and southern parts of the Qaidam Basin Desert, the Gonghe Basin Sandy Land, and the sand belt connecting the Badain Jaran Desert and the Tengger Desert. Our results revealed the probability density distribution of morphological parameters of barchan dunes, correlations among parameters, and responses to wind regime. The main conclusions are: (1) Probability density distributions of the lengths of windward and lee slopes, the lengths of the two horns, and the dune width, height, and spacing in different deserts followed a log-normal distribution function. (2) Good correlations were found among the dune morphological parameters; width and height, windward slope length and width, and height and spacing showed positive proportionality, and the basal area and the product of width and height were linearly correlated in a double logarithmic coordinate system. (3) Good correspondence was found between dune asymmetry and regional wind conditions, which can be explained by Tsoar's model. Morphological parameters of barchan dunes were linearly and positively correlated with the drift potential. These results provide essential data for further study of the morphological thresholds for dune-dune interactions and elucidation of the mechanisms of interaction among barchan dunes.

Milk consumption and behavior of calves in automated calf feeders as early indicators of weaning liveweight

Modern intensive dairy farming relies on data to aid and prioritize management decisions made on farm. Decisions made early in an animal's life can have lasting effects on welfare, productivity, longevity, and profitability. Precision technology such as automated calf feeders (ACF) allow the customization of feeding programs, but despite this, weaning weights (WWT) vary substantially between calves. This observational study used a 3-yr dataset comprising 1,440 female Holstein Friesian calves at a single intensive commercial dairy farm (Dairy Australia feeding system 5; indoor, total mixed ration) using ACF to (1) determine the variability in WWT (as a proxy of animal performance) of calves within this system; (2) identify the contributing factors responsible for the variation in WWT; and (3) identify potential early management intervention points that could be indicative of the performance of calves at weaning within the system. Calves entered the ACF at 10 d of age with 12 calves per ACF; calves were weighed at birth and weaning using weigh scales. We discovered a large range of calf WWT (41–118 kg/head) at ~60 d of age despite the application of strict uniform management protocols. Our results from modeling showed that WWT was significantly and positively associated with birth weight (BWT), with low BWT calves (<36 kg) achieving an average of 70 kg weight at weaning. In contrast, heavier BWT (>36 kg) calves achieved an average of 82 kg at weaning. Based on calf feeder data, cumulative milk consumption and cumulative unrewarded visits to the feeder, as well as BWT, were identified as indicators of greater WWT as all these were highly significant terms in the model for WWT. Results suggest that quantifying consumption and number of visitations to the ACF at d 5 may allow farmers to identify, with time to intervene, calves underperforming within the feeder or system, therefore increasing their potential for growth. Additionally, this demonstrated that greater milk consumption (>30 kg) and interaction with the feeder up to d 5 in the feeder is more likely to yield a WWT >75 kg, identifying a potential point for management intervention for calves below consumption and interaction thresholds (e.g., by developing alarm systems based on consumption or visitation number).

Asynchronous Threshold ECDSA With Batch Processing

Threshold Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) has attracted a lot of attention due to the wide applications of ECDSA in crypto asset. Although several variants of threshold signature protocols can provide functions, such as key generation and signing, they suffer from two shortfalls. First, these schemes only discuss a single signature computation task in a synchronous algorithm context, which is difficult to adapt to real crypto-asset applications, such as custody. Second, these schemes are computing intensive and not scalable, hence can hardly support large-scale processing operations in real life even after traditional optimization, such as multithreading, is applied. In this article, we propose an innovative computation method called asynchronous threshold ECDSA with batch processing, based on the interactive threshold signature protocols. The method provides a reliable solution for critical operational scenarios, such as threshold signing and distributed key generation (DKG) in crypto-asset custody, and can be a future reference in secure data distribution mechanisms. The performance and scalability of our methods are validated through a benchmark testing.

Visual Field Evaluation Using Zippy Adaptive Threshold Algorithm (ZATA) Standard and ZATA Fast in Patients With Glaucoma and Healthy Individuals.

To evaluate visual fields obtained with Zippy Adaptive Threshold Algorithm (ZATA) Standard and ZATA Fast from patients with glaucoma and healthy individuals. Fifty-five patients with glaucoma (median mean deviation [MD], -7.6dB; interquartile range [IQR], -15.3 to -2.6dB) and 22 healthy participants (median MD, -0.6dB; IQR, -1.7 to 0.2dB) performed ZATA Standard and ZATA Fast tests on a Henson 9000 perimeter and Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm (SITA) Standard and SITA Fast tests on a Humphrey Field Analyzer. Tests were repeated within 90days (median, 14days; range, 7-26days) to evaluate the test-retest variability. The mean difference between the MD of the ZATA Standard and SITA Standard tests was 1.7dB (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-2.4). Between ZATA Fast and SITA Fast, it was 0.9dB (95% CI, 0.2-1.5dB). Although there were systematic differences between the distributions of sensitivity estimates with ZATA and SITA, they did not affect the overall representation of damage by these tests. ZATA Standard and ZATA Fast were approximately 30% and 6% faster, respectively, than the corresponding SITA tests. ZATA Standard and ZATA Fast are suitable for clinical practice. However, differences between ZATA and SITA tests suggest that they should not be used interchangeably when patients with glaucoma are followed over time. This study examined the characteristics of ZATA visual field tests in a clinical population, and it supports the adoption of these tests for assessing patients with glaucoma.

Exploring the Rural Revitalization Effect under the Interaction of Agro-Tourism Integration and Tourism-Driven Poverty Reduction: Empirical Evidence for China

Under the robust impetus of China’s rural revitalization strategy, agro-tourism integration and tourism-driven poverty reduction have profoundly impacted various aspects of China’s economy, society, and ecology. This has propelled coordinated urban–rural development and the sustainable development of the tourism industry. This study introduces an analytical framework encompassing tourism-driven poverty reduction, agro-tourism integration, and rural revitalization. Through PVAR and threshold models, it empirically examines the interactive effects, dynamic relationships, and threshold effects between agro-tourism integration, tourism-driven poverty reduction, and rural revitalization. The conclusions are as follows: Firstly, the indices of rural revitalization and the level of agro-tourism integration show an increasing trend across Chinese provinces, with varying trends in tourism-driven poverty reduction efficiency. Secondly, there is a significant dynamic relationship among these factors, with the explanatory power of tourism-driven poverty reduction and agro-tourism integration gradually strengthening. Agro-tourism integration is identified as the most effective means of driving rural revitalization, while tourism-driven poverty reduction has a relatively weaker direct impact. Thirdly, tourism-driven poverty reduction exhibits a positive impulse response to agro-tourism integration. The improvement in tourism-driven poverty reduction efficiency propels further development in agro-tourism integration, thereby fostering rural revitalization. The efficiency of tourism-driven poverty reduction presents a single threshold effect in the process of agro-tourism integration promoting rural revitalization. Fourthly, the development of China’s tourism industry has become an indispensable means of promoting rural revitalization and poverty reduction. However, rural revitalization is a comprehensive project influenced by various factors, requiring improvements and development across multiple aspects.

Association of WDR36 polymorphisms with primary open-angle glaucoma

Background: Various genes contribute to the pathophysiology of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The WD repeat domain 36 (WDR36) gene may participate in T cell activation and, hence, in the pathogenesis of POAG. We investigated the association of two WDR36 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with POAG.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited patients aged &gt;40 years with POAG and investigated the rs10038177 and rs1971050 SNPs of WDR36 using polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing. All participants underwent comprehensive ocular examination, visual field assessment using the Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm standard 24-2 threshold test, and measurement of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.&#x0D; Results: We enrolled 105 patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 55.41 (8.56) years and a male-to-female ratio of 56 (53.3%) to 49 (46.7%), most of whom had a diagnosis of POAG for 2 to 5 years (60.0%). Most participants had diabetes (90.5%) but not hypertension (88.6%). There was a significant association of rs10038177 (P&lt;0.05), but not rs1971050 (P&gt;0.05), with family history of glaucoma. The association between rs10038177 and intraocular pressure was significant (P&lt;0.05), but that between rs1971050 and intraocular pressure was not (P&gt;0.05). No significant association was observed between mean cup-to-disc ratio and either SNP (both P&gt;0.05). For rs10038177, a significant association was found only with the RNFLT of the superior quadrant (P&lt;0.05), whereas for rs1971050, a significant association was found with the RNFLT of all four quadrants and average RNFLT (all P&lt;0.05). However, pairwise comparisons revealed no significant differences between genotypes (P&gt;0.05 for all pairwise comparisons). The association of rs10038177 with glaucoma severity was insignificant (P&gt;0.05), and most patients with the TC genotype (71.7%) had moderate severity. There was no significant association between rs1971050 and glaucoma severity (P&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: We observed genetic links between some, but not all, characteristics of POAG and the rs10038177 and rs1971050 SNPs of WDR36. Follow-up studies on these and other WDR36 SNPs in populations with different genetic backgrounds are necessary to confirm this genetic association.

Comparison of the TEMPO binocular perimeter and Humphrey field analyzer

This study compared between TEMPO, a new binocular perimeter, with the Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA). Patients were tested with both TEMPO 24–2 Ambient Interactive Zippy Estimated by Sequential Testing (AIZE)-Rapid and HFA 24–2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA)-Fast in a randomized sequence on the same day. Using a mixed-effects model, visual field (VF) parameters and reliability indices were compared. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was measured using Cirrus optical coherence tomography (OCT), and coefficient of determinations for VF and OCT parameters were calculated and compared using Akaike information criteria. 740 eyes (including 68 healthy, 262 glaucoma suspects, and 410 glaucoma) of 370 participants were evaluated. No significant differences were seen in mean deviation and visual field index between the two perimeters (P > 0.05). A stronger association between VF mean sensitivity (dB or 1/L) and circumpapillary RNFL was found for TEMPO (adjusted R2 = 0.25; Akaike information criteria [AIC] = 5235.5 for dB, and adjusted R2 = 0.29; AIC = 5200.8 for 1/L, respectively) compared to HFA (adjusted R2 = 0.22; AIC = 5263.9 for dB, and adjusted R2 = 0.22; AIC = 5262.7 for 1/L, respectively). Measurement time was faster for TEMPO compared to HFA (261 s vs. 429 s, P < 0.001). Further investigations are needed to assess the long-term monitoring potential of this binocular VF test.

Comparison between open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma regarding the short-term optic disc vessel density changes after trabeculectomy

To compare the microvasculature of the optic disc in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) after trabeculectomy. This study included 34 patients divided into two groups based on the angle: (1) the OAG Group, which included 24 eyes from 24 patients, and (2) the ACG Group, which included ten eyes from 10 patients. All patients were subjected to comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. It included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Goldmann applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, dilated fundus examination, and stereoscopic examination of the optic disc. The central corneal thickness was measured using a Nidek AL scan optical biometer. The visual field was evaluated by standard automated perimetry using Humphrey Field Analyzer (24–2 Swedish interactive threshold algorithm; Carl-Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). Moreover, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) was performed utilizing the RTVue XR Avanti scanner (Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA) preoperatively as well as 1 month after surgery. There was a statistically significant increase in optic disc vessel density (VD) in the whole image, radial peripapillary, inferior, superior, temporal, and nasal quadrant in OAG after surgery. Regarding the change in VD after surgery in ACG patients, there was a statistically significant increase in optic disc VD in the whole image, radial peripapillary, inferior, superior, temporal, and nasal quadrant in ACG after surgery.Regarding the percentage of VD change following trabeculectomy surgery, there were highly significant differences between the two groups for the whole image, radial peripapillary, inferior quadrant, and temporal quadrant VD. Statistically significant changes were also observed in the superior and nasal quadrants of VD. However, no significant change in VD was detected within the disc. In conclusion, the optic disc VD improved after the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) by surgery in both OAG and ACG. However, ACG demonstrated a significant improvement than the OAG.

Remote Perimetry in a Virtual Reality Metaverse Environment for Out-of-Hospital Functional Eye Screening Compared Against the Gold Standard Humphrey Visual Fields Perimeter: Proof-of-Concept Pilot Study.

The growing global burden of visual impairment necessitates better population eye screening for early detection of eye diseases. However, accessibility to testing is often limited and centralized at in-hospital settings. Furthermore, many eye screening programs were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting an urgent need for out-of-hospital solutions. This study investigates the performance of a novel remote perimetry application designed in a virtual reality metaverse environment to enable functional testing in community-based and primary care settings. This was a prospective observational study investigating the performance of a novel remote perimetry solution in comparison with the gold standard Humphrey visual field (HVF) perimeter. Subjects received a comprehensive ophthalmologic assessment, HVF perimetry, and remote perimetry testing. The primary outcome measure was the agreement in the classification of overall perimetry result normality by the HVF (Swedish interactive threshold algorithm-fast) and testing with the novel algorithm. Secondary outcome measures included concordance of individual testing points and perimetry topographic maps. We recruited 10 subjects with an average age of 59.6 (range 28-81) years. Of these, 7 (70%) were male and 3 (30%) were female. The agreement in the classification of overall perimetry results was high (9/10, 90%). The pointwise concordance in the automated classification of individual test points was 83.3% (8.2%; range 75%-100%). In addition, there was good perimetry topographic concordance with the HVF in all subjects. Remote perimetry in a metaverse environment had good concordance with gold standard perimetry using the HVF and could potentially avail functional eye screening in out-of-hospital settings.

Are multi-detector computed tomography and cone-beam computed tomography exams and software accurate to measure the upper airway? A systematic review.

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has several applications in various fields of dental medicine such as diagnosis and treatment planning. When compared to computed tomography (CT), CBCT's radiation exposure dose is decreased by 3%-20%. However, CBCT produces more scattered signals and may present poorer image quality when compared to medical CT. To review the findings regarding the accuracy of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and CBCT and to compare the different software programs that segment the upper airway. Three databases (PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science) were searched for articles and a manual search was performed. The inclusion criteria were defined following the PICO framework: P-any patient with a CBCT or CT; I-dimensional evaluation of the upper airway using MDCT or CBCT; C-phantoms; O-the primary outcome was MDCT and CBCT accuracy, the secondary outcome was the evaluation and comparison of software programs used to segment the upper airway. Articles that met eligibility criteria were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Checklist. Among the 16 eligible studies, 6 articles referred to the accuracy of MDCTs or CBCTs and 10 to the accuracy of the software. Most articles were qualified as high quality. MDCT and CBCT scans' accuracy in upper airway dimensional measurements depends on machine brand, parameters, and segmentation technique. Regarding the segmentation technique, 12 programs were studied. Most either underestimated or overestimated upper airway measurements. In particular, OnDemand3D and INVIVO showed poor accuracy. On the contrary, Invesalius, and MIMICS were accurate in assessing nasal cavities when using an interactive threshold. However, results varied due to methodological differences among the studies. Finally, fully automatic segmentation based on artificial intelligence may represent the future of airway segmentation because it is faster and seems to be accurate. However, further studies are necessary. This study was registered in Prospero (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) with the ID number CRD42022373998.

Influence of exposure of customized dental implant abutments to different cleaning procedures: an in vitro study using AI-assisted SEM/EDS analysis

PurposeDental implant abutments are defined as medical devices by their intended use. Surfaces of custom-made CAD/CAM two-piece abutments may become contaminated during the manufacturing process in the dental lab. Inadequate reprocessing prior to patient care may contribute to implant-associated complications. Risk-adapted hygiene management is required to meet the requirements for medical devices.MethodsA total of 49 CAD/CAM-manufactured zirconia copings were bonded to prefabricated titanium bases. One group was bonded, polished, and cleaned separately in dental laboratories throughout Germany (LA). Another group was left untreated (NC). Five groups received the following hygiene regimen: three-stage ultrasonic cleaning (CP and FP), steam (SC), argon–oxygen plasma (PL), and simple ultrasonic cleaning (UD). Contaminants were detected using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and segmented and quantified using interactive machine learning (ML) and thresholding (SW). The data were statistically analysed using non-parametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis test, Dunn’s test).ResultsSignificant differences in contamination levels with the different cleaning procedures were found (p ≤ 0.01). The FP–NC/LA groups showed the most significant difference in contamination levels for both measurement methods (ML, SW), followed by CP–LA/NC and UD–LA/NC for SW and CP–LA/NC and PL–LA/NC for ML (p ≤ 0.05). EDS revealed organic contamination in all specimens; traces of aluminum, silicon, and calcium were detected.ConclusionsChemothermal cleaning methods based on ultrasound and argon–oxygen plasma effectively removed process-related contamination from zirconia surfaces. Machine learning is a promising assessment tool for quantifying and monitoring external contamination on zirconia abutments.Graphical

Visual Function after Implantation of Diffractive Extended Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lenses in Eyes with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the visual functions of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses (EDOF IOLs) and monofocal IOLs in eyes with mild to moderate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Cataractous eyes with POAG controlled using medical treatments, no central visual field defects, and mean deviation (MD) values of -10dB or better on the 30-2 test grid of the Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm standard program were included. Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients received EDOF IOLs (ZXR00V and ZXV150-375; J&J), whereas 24 eyes of 24 patients received monofocal IOLs (ZCB00V and ZCV150-375; J&J). MD values, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and photopic contrast sensitivity were measured at 3months after surgery. Noninferiority of CDVA and contrast sensitivity in eyes with EDOF IOLs to eyes with monofocal IOLs were examined. The postoperative mean MDs of eyes with EDOF and monofocal IOLs were -2.76dB and -4.21dB with no significant difference. The CDVA of eyes with EDOF IOLs was noninferior to that of eyes with monofocal IOLs (P = 0.02). There were no inferiority in contrast sensitivity at any spatial frequency (P < 0.001). The visual function of EDOF IOLs in eyes with mild-to-moderate POAG was not inferior to that of monofocal IOLs. Registered in the Japan Registry for Clinical Research (identifier: jRCTs032200218).