Reduction In Thickness Research Articles

Material Lateral Position Guiding During Calendering Process Via Material Width Change Modeling and Model Predictive Control

Abstract One of important control problems in calendering system is the web lateral position control: during calendering, the web deforms with a reduction of thickness and an expansion in width, this leads to potential lateral position deviation, especially when the web is not flat. This problem sometimes causes quality issues, hence, precise modeling and control need to be developed. This paper focuses on the web lateral position guiding by modeling and controlling a calendering system: a modeling method and a corresponding model predictive control are proposed. The study is based on electrode web calendering for Li-ion battery production and is supported by data collected from experiments on an industrial-scale winding machine.

Is cranial anatomy indicative of fossoriality? A case study of the mammaliaform Hadrocodium wui.

Determining the ecology of fossil species presents considerable challenges due to the often fragmentary preservation of specimens. The mammaliaform Hadrocodium wui from the Jurassic of China is known only from the cranium and mandible but may have had a fossorial lifestyle. It shares morphological similarities with talpid moles and soricid shrews and is closely related to other fossorial mammaliaforms. However, the lack of postcranial elements has so far precluded a definitive assessment regarding its fossorial behavior. Using a combination of geometric morphometric analysis of the lower mandible and finite element analyses of the cranium, comparisons between H. wui and extant groups are made. H. wui resembles talpid moles more closely than shrews in mandible shape. However, there are more similarities between H. wui and semi-fossorial/semi-aquatic moles than fully fossorial moles. The skull of H. wui is particularly weak in every tested biomechanical scenario when compared to the related mammaliaform Morganucodon oehleri and talpid moles. This weakness is potentially a result of the reduction in thickness of the zygomatic arch. In contrast, the shrew crania show similar stress magnitudes and distribution. These results imply that H. wui was not fully fossorial and fed on a diet of softer invertebrates. Skull morphology may therefore not be sufficient to infer fossoriality in forelimb-digging species.

What is the relationship between the choroidal vascularity ındex (CVI) and myopia?

To examine the detailed vascular and morphological characteristics of the choroidal tissue in subjects with myopia. A total of 111 subjects with myopia were included in the study. The study was conducted in three groups according to spherical equivalent(SE). Group 1 comprised subjects with low myopia (SE between 0.00 diopter (D) and - 3.00 D), Group 2 included those with moderate myopia (SE between - 3.25 D and - 6.00 D), and Group 3 consisted of subjects with high myopia (SE of - 6.25 D or worse). The following parameters were measured: axial length(AL), SE, central macular thickness (CMT), choroidal thickness(CT), total choroidal area(TCA), luminal area(LA), stromal area(SA), LA/SA ratio, and choroidal vascularity index(CVI). The binarization method was employed to calculate the TCA, LA, SA, LA/SA ratio, and CVI values. A comparison was conducted between the groups with respect to all parameters. In patients with high myopia, CT values (subfoveal, nasal, and temporal) were significantly thinner than moderate and low myopic patients (< 0.001). The low myopic group exhibited significantly elevated LA, SA, and TCA values in comparison to the moderate and high myopic groups. Conversely, the LA/SA ratio and CVI values were observed to be higher in patients with high myopia than in those with low or moderate myopia. A statistically significant negative correlation was identified between CVI and LA/SA values and SE(r = - 0.270, P = 0.004; r = - 0.291, P = 0.002, respectively). A statistically significant positive correlation was identified between CVI and LA/SA values and AL (r = 0.269, P = 0.004; r = 0.281, P = 0.003, respectively). In young adults, high myopia has been linked to significant choroidal thinning in the macular region. This reduction in choroidal thickness is largely attributed to a decrease in the stromal component of the choroid, rather than the luminal (vascular) component. 08/06/2022, 2022-49.

The efficacy of fractional CO2 laser with or without triamcinolone acetonide or 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of early postburn hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) are the result of an abnormal healing process resulting from burns and other severe traumas. The symptoms of that condition include skin irritation, discomfort, and itching. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy alone or with triamcinolone or 5-fluorouracil (FU) in the treatment of early post-burn hypertrophic scars (HTSs) that develop during the first 6 months after the injury. A prospective, randomized, single-blind comparative study was conducted on 30 patients aged 16–65 with hypertrophic scars (HTS) resulting from burns. Patients had no prior treatment for their scars. We randomly assigned participants to one of three groups: Group A received fractional CO2 laser therapy alone, Group B received fractional CO2 laser therapy with topical 5-fluorouracil, and Group C received fractional CO2 laser therapy with topical triamcinolone acetonide. All treatment groups showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in overall scar severity and height. Patients in Group C (fractional CO2 laser + triamcinolone) demonstrated significant improvements in scar pliability, height, and pigmentation (p < 0.05). In contrast, patients in Group B (fractional CO2 laser + 5-FU) showed significant reductions in scar vascularity, pliability, and height following treatment (p < 0.05). While all groups reported minor changes in pain and itching, there were no significant differences in these symptoms between Group B and Group C. HTSs of this trial revealed reductions in overall scar surface area and thickness and improvement of pliability and pigmentation; however, there was not statistically significant difference between the effect of 5-fluorouracil and triamcinolone acetonide (TAC), suggesting that neither drug offers better efficacy over the other. Level I, singleblinded randomized control study.

P0806 Monitoring of vedolizumab therapy using fecal calprotectin, abdominal ultrasound, and drug levels in ulcerative colitis: a predictive algorithm

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a relapsing course. Vedolizumab, an anti-integrin, induces clinical remission in UC, but response is typically evaluated after 14 weeks. Earlier predictive markers could optimize treatment. This study aimed to develop an algorithm using baseline and week 6 data (especially abdominal ultrasound, fecal calprotectin, and drug levels) to predict clinical response and remission at week 14. Methods In this prospective study, 37 UC patients were recruited from 2018 to 2024, and 17 were included in the final analysis. The primary endpoint was clinical response or remission at week 14, based on significant changes from baseline to week 6 in at least two markers (vedolizumab ≥ 24 µg/ml, ≥ 25% reduction in colon wall thickness, or ≥ 50% reduction in fecal calprotectin). Secondary endpoints included outcomes at week 22. Statistical methods included among others Mann-Whitney U-tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression. Results Vedolizumab levels at week 6 were the most reliable individual marker for predicting clinical response at week 14, with 0.67 sensitivity and 0.62 specificity. In addition, leukocytes and pancreatic elastase were negatively associated with clinical response, while zonulin showed a positive association (p &amp;lt; 0.001). For clinical remission, colon wall thickness reduction and the combined predictive marker demonstrated perfect sensitivity (1.00) and negative predictive value (1.00). A significant association was found between reduced colon wall thickness and clinical remission (OR = 13.91, 95% CI: 1.13–1986.85). Conclusion Early changes in vedolizumab levels, fecal calprotectin, and colon wall thickness can predict clinical response and remission in UC. Colon wall thickness proved the strongest predictor of remission. Larger studies are needed to validate and refine this algorithm for personalized vedolizumab therapy.

Efficacy and safety of non-focused low-intensity ultrasound technology for subcutaneous lipolysis in the lower abdomen: a clinical study.

With rising demand for non-invasive body contouring, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-focused, low-intensity ultrasound for lower abdominal lipolysis. The enrolled subjects prospectively received 6 weekly sessions of well-setting ultrasound treatment with frequency of 1MHz and an intensity of 2.2W/cm2, to target the subcutaneous fat of lower abdomen with three regions (left, middle, and right). Evaluations included ultrasound measurements and blood biochemical analyses at the baseline, pre-4th session, and at 1 and 2-month post-treatment points to confirm the efficacy and safety. A total of 17 subjects completed the whole treatment. Significant reductions in superficial abdominal fat layer thickness of all three regions were observed (all P-values of ANOVA <0.001), without severe adverse events reported. Post-hoc analysis showed the superficial fat layers of all the three regions at 1-month post-treatment significant reductions comparing the baseline (all adjusted P < 0.05). The reduction effects for superficial fat layers were still available at the 2-month post-treatment follow-up at the left and middle regions. Conversely, there was no significant improvements among the deep fat layers at the three regions. Non-focused, low-intensity ultrasound demonstrate its potential of efficacy and safety for reducing superficial abdominal fat, and may maintain the capability for at least two months. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and optimize treatment parameters. What is already known on this topic? Non-focused ultrasound with low-intensity is recognized for its potential in non-invasive body contouring, but detailed efficacy and safety data were limited, especially for lower abdominal lipolysis. What this study adds? Our research demonstrated the efficacy and safety of non-focused ultrasound with low-intensity in reducing superficial abdominal fat, with sustained effects for at least two months. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy? This study could guide future researches toward long-term effects and optimization of ultrasound treatments, and influence clinical practice by providing a validated method for non-invasive fat reduction.

P0724 Endoscopic and radiological outcomes of strictureplasty in patients with small bowel stricturing Crohn’s disease

Abstract Background Strictureplasty has proven effective for alleviating clinical symptoms in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). However, endoscopic and radiological results of strictureplasty remain largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate postoperative endoscopic and radiological outcomes of strictureplasty in patients with CD. Methods Patients who had symptomic small bowel CD undergoing strictureplasty, including Heineke-Mikulicz (H-M) and Finney techniques, at our center between October 2014 and January 2024 were included in this study. Endoscopic and radiological outcomes were studied, using postoperative computed tomography enterography (CTE) and enteroscopy. To evaluate endoscopic recurrence, we applied the Simplified Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease (SES-CD), focusing solely on the ileum (score range: 0-12). Two independent radiologists with extensive experience reviewed CTE parameters, including mucosal enhancement, mural stratification, wall enhancement, comb sign, lymphadenopathy, thick non-enhancing wall, bowel wall thickness, luminal diameter, and the upstream lumen. Results A total of 59 patients were included in this study, with 30 patients having both preoperative and postoperative CTE performed at our center. The majority of patients (52/59) underwent simultaneous intestinal resection. The median hospital stay was 9 days (range: 5–28 days), with postoperative ileus being the primary cause of delayed discharge. Postoperative endoscopic examination showed mucosal healing at the primary strictureplasty site in 47 of 59 patients (Median follow-up 8 months). CTE showed a marked reduction in bowel wall thickness compared to preoperative measurements (8.25 mm vs. 5.6 mm, P &amp;lt; 0.001, Fig.1) (Median follow-up 7 months). Endoscopic recurrence (SES-CD&amp;gt;3), requiring adjustments to medical therapy, was observed in 26 patients (44%) after a median follow-up of 9 months (range: 4-17 months); notably, 16 (62%) of these recurrences involved new sites rather than the primary strictureplasty. Conclusion Significant mucosal and trasmural healing occurred at the primary stricture site within approximately one year. The preserved diseased bowel resulting from strictureplasty does not appear to be the main site of recurrence.

Bifidobacterium animalis BD400 protects from collagen-induced arthritis through histidine metabolism

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic and systemic autoimmune disease. Numerous clinical studies have indicated a correlation between alterations in gut microbiota and the onset and progression of RA. This research aims to restore intestinal microbiota to a healthy state through the oral administration of Bifidobacterium in the early stages with the goal of delaying the onset and progression of RA.MethodsCollagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was constructed to assess the development of RA using arthritis clinical scores, paw thickness, pathological analysis of knee joint. The immune response was evaluated by determinating specific antibodies and cytokines in serum and synovial fluid. The expression of intestinal barrier protein was analyzed by qPCR to evaluate the intestinal barrier function. Alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites were assessed by 16S rDNA and non-targeted metabolomics.ResultsThe findings reveal that administering Bifidobacterium animalis BD400 orally led to a significant reduction in arthritis clinical scores and paw swelling thickness in CIA rats. Additionally, there was a decrease in osteo-facial fusion and calcified cartilage thickening in the knee joint. Furthermore, the oral administration of B. animalis BD400 resulted in the down-regulation of inflammatory factors TNF-α and collagenase MMP-13 in the knee joint. Levels of specific antibodies (anti-CII IgG, anti-CII IgG1, and anti-CII IgG2a) and cytokine IL-17A in serum, as well as cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in the synovial fluid of B. animalis BD400-treated CIA rats, were significantly reduced (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The gene expression levels of intestinal barrier proteins (occludin-1, MUC-2, and ZO-1) showed a significant increase (p &amp;lt; 0.05) in B. animalis BD400-treated CIA rats. The oral administration of B. animalis BD400 altered the composition of intestinal microorganisms in CIA rats at the phylum and genus levels, particularly affecting the genus HT002. B. animalis BD400 alleviates RA by down-regulating 1-methyl-L-histidine and urocanate in the histidine metabolism, laying a foundation for the RA prevention.ConclusionBy affecting genus HT002 and histidine metabolism in the gut microbiota of CIA rats, B. animalis BD400 restored intestinal permeability, inhibited systemic inflammatory response, and ultimately slowed down the development of RA.

P0675 Ultrasonographic assessment of response in hospitalized patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis

Abstract Background Patients admitted with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) respond to medical therapy in upto two-third cases but monitoring and early detection of non-response is of prime importance to prevent colectomy or mortality, through use of rescue medical therapy. This study evaluates the utility of ultrasonography (USG) in prognostication and decision-making for ASUC patients undergoing standardized treatment protocols. USG offers a non-invasive approach to assess bowel wall thickening and vascularity, pivotal indicators of disease activity. Methods In this prospective study, 45 ASUC patients undergoing intravenous steroid therapy were enrolled, with additional randomization to receive tofacitinib or placebo. USG evaluations of bowel wall thickness (defined as ≥3 mm) and vascularity were conducted at baseline and on day 5, with data available for 41 patients. Clinical responses were assessed using the Lichtiger index. Correlations between USG findings, clinical outcomes, and biochemical markers such as CRP and albumin were analyzed. Results Baseline USG revealed bowel wall thickening in the sigmoid colon in 82.9% (34/41) of patients and in the descending colon in 70% (28/41). (Figure 1) Responders showed a significant reduction in bowel wall thickness in the sigmoid and descending colon (p &amp;lt; 0.05), whereas non-responders exhibited no changes. (Figure 2) There was a moderate correlation between bowel wall thickening across different segments (Spearman’s rho = 0.3–0.5, p &amp;lt; 0.05), but no significant correlation with CRP, albumin, or endoscopic severity. Doppler findings indicated similar rates of increased vascularity (Limberg grade ≥3) in both responders and non-responders at baseline and follow-up. Ancillary findings, such as pericolic fat thickening and free fluid, were associated with poor clinical outcomes, highlighting their prognostic value. Notably, baseline USG identified skip lesions in two patients, later confirmed to have Crohn’s colitis instead of ASUC. The sample size was limited as the trial is ongoing, and the treatment groups (tofacitinib vs. placebo) remain blinded. Conclusion Serial ultrasonography of the left colon provides valuable, non-invasive insights into treatment response in ASUC, correlating well with reductions in clinical activity and bowel wall thickness among responder. Presence of pericolic fat thickening and ascites correlates with poor outcomes, while doppler assessment does not contribute to the assessment. Importantly, baseline USG may aid in differentiating ASUC from Crohn’s colitis in patients with index presentation as acute severe colitis.

Mechanical Properties and Strengthening Contributions of AISI 316 LN Austenitic Stainless Steel Grade

The main goal of this contribution is to evaluate the mechanical properties, strengthening contributions and microstructure development of austenitic stainless steel AISI 316 LN with high nitrogen content in the states characterized as the initial state and the states after rolling with different thickness deformations. The initial state was represented by solution annealing (777 K/60 min). The deformation state was characterized by rolling thickness reductions carried out at ambient temperature (TA = 295 K) with deformations in the range ε ∈ (0; 50&gt; [%]. Studies of microstructures, mechanical properties and strengthening contributions before and after rolling were carried out. The initial state after solution annealing was as follows: offset yield strength Rp0.2 = 325 MPa, elongation A5 = 49% and diameter of grain size d =214 μm. The state after ambient rolling with thickness deformation ε = 50% was as follows: Rp0.2 = 994 MPa, A5 = 4% and d =64 μm. The maximum contribution to strengthening after rolling processing with 50% thickness deformation was dislocations (∆ R P0.2_DS =560 MPa) followed by twins (∆ R P0.2_DT =140 MPa).

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) findings over time: ultrasound and ultra-widefield fundus photography

BackgroundOzurdex® (Allergan®, AbbVie Company, North Chicago, Illinois, EUA), is composed of 0.7 mg of dexamethasone, fused in a solid biodegradable PLGA polymer, whose degradation occurs naturally in the vitreous cavity, usually in six months after its application.MethodsIn this study, we included patients aged ≥ 18 years with one or two eyes who had an indication for Ozurdex® implants. Eyes submitted to Ozurdex® application were evaluated in the first hour after the injection via transpalpebral contact B-scan ocular ultrasonography (Aviso® or Compact Touch®, Quantel®) and non-mydriatic ultra-widefield fundus photography (California®, Optos®) performed sequentially. The exams were executed using similar parameters and techniques, by the same ophthalmologist, after every 45 days, until the end of 180 days. The programed visits were the initial (tagged D0) and sequential (D45, D90, D135, and D180) visits, with a possible variance of seven days, before or after. The ultrasonographic Ozurdex® findings evaluated were: non-quantitative: structure, height, reflectivity, artifact production, location, and movement; and quantitative: length and thickness. Ultra-widefield fundus photography parameters were: Ozurdex® visualization, location, and structure.ResultsThe B-scan showed the implant initially, at the D0 visit, as a well-delimited and homogeneously highly reflective linear and continuous structure. On D45, Ozurdex® implants presented with low internal reflectivity and irregularity in the limits. On D90, D135, and D180, reductions in the length and thickness progressively lessened, leading to the final appearance of a small highly reflective clust. Over time, all the implants presented reductions in length and thickness. The mean length at D0 was 7.42 ± 0.39 mm and at the final visit (D180) it was 1.50 ± 0.47 mm. The mean thickness at D0 was 0.77 ± 0.13 mm and at the final visit (D180) it was 0.44 ± 0.18 mm.ConclusionsConsidering implant dimensions, the change in length over time was more evident than the change in thickness. In all the cases where visualization was possible, positive correlations with B-scan findings were found despite changes in patient position. These alterations evidenced in the Ozurdex® implant over time may be related to the degradation of the glucose polymer structure.

Halogenated meroterpenoids with antifungal activities from the Deep-Sea-Derived fungus Acremonium sclerotigenum guided by the genomic and OSMAC strategy.

Thirteen new meroterpenoids, acremorins A-M (1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9-16), together with three known analogues (3, 5 and 8) were isolated from the deep-sea-derived fungus Acremonium sclerotigenum LW14 guided by the genomic and OSMAC strategy. Their structures and absolute configurations were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, Rh2(OCOCF3)4-induced ECD experiments, and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment. Compounds 2, 4, 6 and 9 represent the rare brominated ascochlorins. Compounds 1/3 and 2/4 are two pairs of epimers isomerized at C-19. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first examples of ascochlorins which have the 19S configuration in the cyclohexanone moiety. Compounds 3/7, 8/10 and 11/12 are three pairs of epimers isomerized at C-12, C-18 and C-15, respectively. Compounds 7-10 showed moderate antifungal activity against Cryptococcus gattii 3271G1 with the same MIC values of 8μg/mL. The treatment with compound 7 led to a significant reduction in the cell wall thickness, rarefaction of cytoplasm, and damage to the structural integrity of organelles in C. gattiii 3271G1. Further RNA sequencing (RNA seq) analysis indicated that compound 7 exerted its anti-C. gattiii effect by up-regulating the biosynthesis and RNA binding of ribosomes, while concurrently inhibiting RNA and nucleic acid metabolism and ATPase activity.

HMGB2 knockdown ameliorates retinal ganglion cell injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation after retinal ischemia.

To explore the neuroprotective effects of high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) knockdown on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI). Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-injured RGCs from postnatal three-day C57BL/6 mice pups and high intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced RIRI mice were used as cellular and animal models of RIRI. The expression of HMGB2 in the retina of RIRI mice and OGD-injured RGCs was detected through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. The effects of HMGB2 silencing on the morphological changes, RGCs survival, and cell apoptosis in mouse retinal tissues were observed through H&E staining, immunofluorescence staining with RNA-binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS) antibody, and TUNEL staining, respectively. RGC viability and apoptosis were examined by CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays. The levels of proteins associated with NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)-mediated pyroptosis [NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18] in vivo and in vitro were measured by Western blotting. HMGB2 protein and NLRP3 were upregulated in the retina of RIRI mice and OGD-injured RGCs (P<0.001). The retina was edematous, accompanied by disorganized cell arrangement and decreased thickness of all layers, and obvious vacuoles in ganglion cell layer. HMGB2 silencing alleviated the reduction in total retinal thickness and the severity of retinal tissue damage as well as suppressed RGC loss and retinal cell apoptosis in RIRI mice. OGD-induced RGC apoptosis was ameliorated after downregulation of HMGB2 in vitro. Intravitreal injection of the AAV-sh-HMGB2 and si-HMGB2 resulted in significantly decrease of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 protein levels in the retinal tissues of RIRI mice and OGD-injured RGCs, respectively (all P<0.001). HMGB2 knockdown protects against RGC apoptosis and pyroptosis after RIRI through suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Neurodegeneration and choroidal vascular features on OCT in the progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration.

To quantify and compare longitudinal thickness changes of the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and the choroid in patients with different patterns of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progression. Retrospective cohort analysis of anonymized data from participants aged 50y or more and diagnosed with early/intermediate AMD in at least one eye (with no evidence of advanced AMD). A total of 64 participants were included from the Instituto de Retina de Lisboa (IRL) study (IPL/2022/MetAllAMD_ESTeSL) and divided into 4 groups according to the Rotterdam classification for AMD. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to assess and quantify GCC and choroid thickness at two time points (first visit vs last visit) with a minimum interval of 3y. In the GCC inner ring, a thinner thickness (P=0.001) was observed in the atrophic AMD group (51.3±21.4 µm) compared to the early AMD (84.3±11.5 µm), intermediate AMD (77.6±16.1 µm) and neovascular AMD (88.9±16.3 µm) groups. Choroidal thickness quantification showed a generalized reduction in the central circle (P=0.002) and inner ring (P=0.001). Slight reductions in retinal thickness were more accentuated in the inner ring in the atrophic AMD (-13%; P<0.01). The variation of the analyzed structures could be an indicator of risk of progression with neurodegenerative (GCC) or vascular (choroid) pattern in the intermediate and atrophic AMD. The quantification of both structures can provide important information about the risk of disease progression in the early and intermediate stages but also for the evolution pattern into late stages (atrophic or neovascular).

Retinal Vessels Whitening in Retinitis Pigmentosa.

To characterize retinal vessel whitening (RVW) in Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Single-center cross-sectional study. Review of clinical notes of clinically confirmed RP patients was performed followed by grading ultra-widefield imaging. Data collected included Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), presence or absence and location of RVW and were correlated with disease. In total, 120 RP patients' charts were reviewed. Of these, 116 patients (232 eyes) were included in the final analysis with a mean age of 43.2 (39.8, 46.6) and a 1:1 male to female ratio. RVW was seen in either eye of 44 (38%) subjects, most frequently in the inferotemporal quadrant (p< 0.001). Total retinal thickness within the ETDRS area was significantly less in eyes with RVW (p<0.001), a mean difference of 151.7 µm. Both the inner and outer retina were thinner in the RVW group (p<0.001). There was also a significant association (p<0.04) between the number of quadrants of the retina affected by RVW and the reduction in retinal thickness. RVW is a common finding in RP, suggesting that it should be considered as a phenotypic feature of RP. RVW is also associated with structural changes to the central macula indicating its potential use as a marker of retinal disease severity.

Insights into the effects of subretinal voretigene neparvovec-rzyl in RPE65-associated Leber congenital amaurosis: an 18-Month report.

Assess safety and effectiveness of subretinal gene replacement therapy at 18 months post treatment. Retrospective, longitudinal study conducted at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Patients with bi-allelic RPE65 variants, early onset retinal degeneration, and residual viable retina who underwent voretigene neparvovec r-zyl gene replacement therapy. Data collected included demographic information, molecular genetic results, and comprehensive ocular assessment results from preoperataive and postoperative visits up to 18 months. To assess the treatment's efficacy, postoperative best corrected visual acuity, full-field stimulus test (FST), visual field (VF) area, optical coherence tomography, and global satisfaction were compared to preoperative findings. The procedures were safe with no complications. There was no significant improvement in visual acuity. Three eyes showed a slight reduction in VF area. All showed a reduction in ellipsoid zone thickness and area, but the outer nuclear layer thickness and area were stable. All had a significant improvement in retinal sensitivity, as per FST, allowing better navigation in a dim environment. All 3 patients reported being "very satisfied". Following a safe gene replacement therapy, the 3 first Canadian cases had an improvement in retinal sensitivity as per FST, and our patients described their experience as positively life changing.

Genetic Characteristics of 63 Patients with Non-syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa at a Single Korean Institution

Purpose: To investigate the genetic characteristics of patients with non-syndromic retinitis pigmentosa (RP) analyzed at a single institution.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 63 patients clinically diagnosed with non-syndromic RP who underwent genetic testing. The clinical features of patients exhibiting the most common mutations, &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt;, were further assessed through routine ophthalmic examinations.Results: Of the 63 patients, 22 (34.9%) exhibited significant mutations. Notably, &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt; mutations were each found in 5 patients (7.9%); &lt;i&gt;RP1&lt;/i&gt; mutations were found in 4 patients (6.3%). The average ages at diagnosis were 38.8 years for &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; mutations and 41.8 years for &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt; mutations. The average best-corrected visual acuities were logMAR 0.08 for &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; mutations and logMAR 0.51 for &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt; mutations. Both mutation types showed a decrease in the normal macular area in fundus photographs with increasing age. In &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt; mutations, optical coherence tomography revealed a more pronounced reduction in central macular thickness and central foveal ellipsoid length compared with &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; mutations. Visual field tests indicated a reduction within the central 10° in 40% of &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; mutations and 60% of &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt; mutations. Electroretinography showed non-detectable responses in 2 individuals with &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; mutations and 4 individuals with &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt; mutations (40% and 80%, respectively).Conclusions: &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt; mutations represented 45% of the genetically identified cases; affected patients typically were diagnosed in their 40s. &lt;i&gt;EYS&lt;/i&gt; mutations tended to preserve retinal function and central foveal structure better than &lt;i&gt;USH2A&lt;/i&gt; mutations.

Multimodal ultrasound assessment of the injection therapy in lateral epicondylitis: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundAt present, there is a dearth of objective methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of treatments for Lateral Epicondylitis (LE). This study examined 73 patients suffering from tennis elbow using a multimodal ultrasound approach and investigated the correlation between pertinent indicators and clinical scores.Methods73 patients diagnosed with unilateral tennis elbow by interventional ultrasound at Zhejiang Rongjun Hospital were included in the study. Ultrasound data of the extensor tendon, as well as VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) for the affected elbow, were collected before and after a two-week treatment period. The study aimed to compare the alterations in gray-scale ultrasound features, hemodynamic parameters, and elastography scores pre- and post-treatment, and to analyze the correlation between the changes in ultrasound parameters and pain scores.ResultsFollowing treatment, the effective group exhibited a reduction in both the blood flow grade and elastic score of the extensor tendon. Additionally, the extensor tendon thickness in the effective group diminished to a greater extent than in the ineffective group. The effective group also experienced a higher rate of decrease in blood flow grade and a more pronounced increase in Resistive Index (RI) compared to the ineffective group. The reduction in tendon thickness, the increase in RI, and the improvement in elastic score were all positively correlated with the reduction in VAS scores. Notably, the increase in RI demonstrated the strongest correlation with the decrease in VAS scores.ConclusionsMultimodal ultrasound plays a significant role in the clinical assessment of treatment outcomes for Lateral Epicondylitis.

Subthreshold nanosecond laser therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy: A prospective study.

To investigate the morphologic and functional outcomes of nanosecond subthreshold (ST) laser treatment for patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). In this prospective study, 44 patients were treated with the ST nanosecond laser with a follow-up period of 12 months. All target variables were measured at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the first laser treatment. This study showed a significant improvement in macular sensitivity (MS), a significant reduction in central macular thickness (CMT) as well as a significant reduction in subretinal fluid height (SRF) after 3 months of treatment. The subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was significantly reduced after 12 months of treatment. However, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logMAR) did not change significantly at any time during the study. A high proportion of patients (85%) showed complete resolution of SRF after 12 months, indicating a positive response to treatment in the majority of our patients. This study showed statistically significant functional improvement in MS as well as significant anatomical reduction in CMT, SFCT and SRF height in CSC patients treated with ST nanosecond laser therapy. Patients with higher SRF at baseline required repeated laser treatments to achieve complete resolution of the SRF.

Exploring the radiation shielding efficiency of low-impact Portland cement pastes made with barium sulfate, silica fume and fly ash&lt;i&gt;&lt;/i&gt;

The scope of this work is the development of new composites with low environmental impact to act as radiological shielding in hospital environments. For this purpose, the radioprotection properties of cement pastes containing 20% ​​BaSO4, in addition to 10% fly ash and silica fume as SCM’s were investigated. The samples were characterized by consistency, apparent density and mechanical strength at 7 and 28 days of age. In addition, transmission measurements were performed for different sample thicknesses using a photon beam from a linear accelerator operating at 6 and 10 MV in a radiotherapy room. The barium pastes showed a reduction in sample thickness of approximately 10% compared to the reference paste (without barium) at the highest voltage analyzed to attenuate 90% of the incident radiation (according to current legislation). Among the SCM’s, silica fume stood out as the most suitable substitute when combined with barium in Portland cement matrices. Finally, the apparent density of the samples appears to be decisive for the performance of new materials in terms of radiological shielding.