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Journal of Molecular Modeling Jul 2024In order to synthesize InN nanoparticles (NPs), we have simulated the co-implantation of indium (In) and nitrogen (N) ions on silicon (Si) and silicon oxide (SiO)...
CONTEXT
In order to synthesize InN nanoparticles (NPs), we have simulated the co-implantation of indium (In) and nitrogen (N) ions on silicon (Si) and silicon oxide (SiO) substrates with flat-top profiles. The choice of flat-top profile is to increase the possibility of creating homogeneous zone with well-distributed InN nanoparticles over the entire implanted layer. In this view and to obtain these flat-top profiles, we must do several implantations with different doses and energies optimized by our program. The simulation results performed on a silicon substrate < 111 > , give an average dose of 4.30 × 10 at./cm and the implantation energies were In (10, 46, and 180 keV) and N (13 and 35 keV). But for the SiO substrate, the total mean dose is about 5.20 × 10at./cm for each Indium and nitrogen ion. The respective implantation energies were In (23, 63, and 120 keV) and N (12 and 28 keV) in an average depth of approximately 100 nm. The implantations were performed in a 206-nm-thick (SiO) layer thermally grown on < 100 > silicon. Subsequent thermal treatments (500-900 °C) lead to the formation of nanoparticles precipitates of the compound semiconductor (InN) and to cure the oxide defects during different periods of time. To verify that indium (In) and nitrogen (N) ions were located according to flat curves, we used RBS technical and study the formation (InN) stoichiometric compound several techniques, were used such as X-ray diffraction, UV-visible-IR, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy.
METHODS
The simulated profiles have been chosen with the aim that the implanted element not exceeding 5-10 at %maximum concentration for each species. We have elaborated our program to simulate these profiles using data as input values from SRIM2008 code taking into account the sputtering factor. The optimal conditions are determined, which are the expected depth impact energies (R), the standard deviation (ΔR) and the sputtering corrosion factor (F). Through these results, a simulation program has been created which allows building flat "distribution" curves for ion implantation for each element (In and N), so that each curve is obtained from three Gaussian functions whose values are carefully chosen in relation to the optimal experimental conditions.
PubMed: 38951282
DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-06036-6 -
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi Jul 2024To analyze the correlation between fatty liver index (FLI) and myocardial remodeling. For cross-sectional study, cluster sampling was used to conduct a follow-up study...
To analyze the correlation between fatty liver index (FLI) and myocardial remodeling. For cross-sectional study, cluster sampling was used to conduct a follow-up study of "Risk evaluation of cancers in Chinese diabetic individuals: A longitudinal (REACTION) study" among communities of Gucheng and Pingguoyuan of Beijing from April 2015 to September 2015. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 848 participants were selected. Biochemical indicators such as body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were detected to calculate the FLI. The correlation between FLI and myocardial remodeling was analyzed. Interventricular septal thickness (IVS), left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and the presence of diastolic dysfunction were measured by color doppler ultrasound. The participants were divided into Q1 group (FLI<30, 4 529 cases), Q2 group (30≤FLI<60, 2 762 cases), and Q3 group (FLI≥60, 1 557 cases) based on FLI levels. Single factor analysis of variance was used for inter-group comparison, logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between FLI and myocardial remodeling. A total of 8 848 subjects were selected for the study (3 110 male and 5 738 female, mean age: 59.96 years). The IVS of Q1, Q2, and Q3 groups were (9.35±1.08), (9.73±1.22), and (10.07±1.31) mm, respectively. The LAD were (30.94±3.90), (33.37±4.12), and (34.98±4.47) mm, respectively. The LVEDD were (42.51±5.05), (44.43±5.10), and (46.06±5.52) mm, respectively. All increased with the increase of FLI (all <0.001). FLI was an independent risk factor for IVS thickening, LAD increase, LVEDD increase, and diastolic function decrease. The respective risks for IVS thickening, LAD increase, LVEDD increase, and diastolic function decrease in a population with intermediate and higher FLI levels was 1.62 times (95% 1.39-1.89) and 2.53 times (95% 2.13-3.00); 2.71 times (95% 2.39-3.06) and 5.00 times (95% 4.12-6.08); 2.36 times (95% 1.85-3.00) and 4.33 times (95% 3.33-5.62); and 1.90 times (95% 1.63-2.19) and 1.95 times (95% 1.60-2.37) than those with lower FLI levels. There is a certain relevance between FLI and myocardial remodeling.
Topics: Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ventricular Remodeling; Fatty Liver; Risk Factors; Body Mass Index; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Female; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38951093
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112138-20231215-00384 -
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Jun 2024To investigate the effect of unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on cartilage thickness and composition, specifically laminar transverse relaxation time...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of unilateral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on cartilage thickness and composition, specifically laminar transverse relaxation time (T2) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in younger and older participants and to compare within-person side differences in these parameters between ACL-injured and healthy controls.
DESIGN
Quantitative double-echo steady-state (qDESS) 3 Tesla MRI-sequences were acquired in both knees of 85 participants in four groups: 20-30 years: healthy, HEA, n=24; ACL-injured, ACL, n=23; 40-60 years: healthy, HEA, n=24; ACL-injured, ACL, n=14 (ACL injury 2-10 years prior to study inclusion). Weight-bearing femorotibial cartilages were manually segmented; cartilage T2 and thickness were computed using custom software. Mean and side difference in subregional cartilage thickness, superficial and deep cartilage T2 were compared within and between groups using non-parametric statistics.
RESULTS
Cartilage thickness did not differ within or between groups. Only the side difference in medial femorotibial cartilage thickness was greater in ACL than in HEA. Deep zone T2 was longer in the ACL-injured than in the contralateral uninjured knees and than in healthy controls, especially in the lateral compartment. Most ACL-injured participants had side differences in femorotibial deep zone T2 above the threshold derived from controls.
CONCLUSION
In the ACL-injured knee, early compositional differences in femorotibial cartilage (T2) appear to occur in the deep zone and precede cartilage thickness loss. These results suggest that monitoring laminar T2 after ACL injury may be useful in the diagnosing and monitoring early articular cartilage changes.
PubMed: 38950877
DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2024.06.014 -
Journal of Dentistry Jun 2024To digitally evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) remodelling of FGG used to treat RT2 gingival recession and lack of keratinized tissue on mandibular incisor teeth.
OBJECTIVE
To digitally evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) remodelling of FGG used to treat RT2 gingival recession and lack of keratinized tissue on mandibular incisor teeth.
METHODS
Data from 45 patients included in a previous multicentric RCT were analyzed. Silicone impressions were taken before (baseline) and 3, 6 and 12 months after standardized FGG placement. Casts were scanned and images were superimposed, using digital software, to obtain measurements of estimated soft tissue thickness (eTT; 1, 3, and 5 mm apical to baseline gingival margin). In addition, soft tissue volume (STV) and creeping attachment (CA) were assessed.
RESULTS
All patients exhibited postoperative eTT and STV increases, at all time points. The greatest mean thickness gain was observed at eTT3 (1.0 ± 0.4mm) at 12 months. At 12 months, STV was 52.3 ± 21.1 mm, without relevant changes compared to the 3- and 6-month follow-up. CA, which was observed as early as six months postoperatively, was evident in ∼85% of teeth at 12 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Application of FGG was an effective phenotype modification therapy, as shown by the significantly increased tissue thickness postoperatively. Despite the use of FGG technique not aiming for root coverage, digital 3D assessment documented the early and frequent postoperative occurrence of CA, which helped improve recession treatment outcomes.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The use of 3D assessment methodology allows precise identification of the tissue gain obtained with FGG, which, regardless of technique, results in predictable phenotype modification and frequent occurrence of creeping attachment.
PubMed: 38950768
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105216 -
Ophthalmology. Retina Jun 2024To describe the retinal and vitreous changes in eyes showing myopic macular schisis (MMS) improvement when vitrectomy was not performed and identify triggering factors.
PURPOSE
To describe the retinal and vitreous changes in eyes showing myopic macular schisis (MMS) improvement when vitrectomy was not performed and identify triggering factors.
DESIGN
Retrospective observational study.
SUBJECTS
Patients with non-operated myopic macular schisis METHODS: The records of patients with MMS who were followed without performing surgery for more than 6 months were retrospectively reviewed, and the eyes showing an anatomical improvement were included. MMS evolution was analyzed quantitatively (central foveal thickness [CFT], parafoveal thickness, maximum height) and qualitatively (presence/absence of foveal detachment, lamellar hole, epiretinal membrane, choroidal neovascularization, inner and outer retinoschisis, vitreous status) at baseline and at the final visit. An anatomical improvement was defined as a decrease in CFT by at least 50 μm.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
The rate anatomical improvement of MMS without performing vitrectomy and the morphological changes observed in these cases.
RESULTS
In a cohort of 74 non-operated eyes with MMS, MMS improved in 14 eyes (19%) after a mean follow-up of 55 ± 38 months (range: 8-138). In these improved cases, the mean decrease in CFT was 153 ± 166 μm (range: 24-635, p=0.005) and a complete resolution of MMS was observed in 9 eyes (64%). In 9 eyes (64%), the improvement was associated with visible vitreous changes in the macular area on the OCT scans. The mean visual acuity, which was already good at baseline (20/50, 0.4 ± 0.2 LogMAR), increased at the last visit (20/40, 0.3 ± 0.3 LogMAR) but without reaching significance.
CONCLUSION
This long-term follow-up analysis showed that almost 20% of MMS in eyes without indication for surgery could improve over time. In most cases, the improvement was associated with an apparent resolution of vitreous tensions.
PubMed: 38950656
DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2024.06.017 -
Cornea Jun 2024To evaluate the rate of corneal swelling induced by hypoosmolar riboflavin in patients with progressive keratoconus (KCN) with corneal thickness <400 µm after the...
PURPOSE
To evaluate the rate of corneal swelling induced by hypoosmolar riboflavin in patients with progressive keratoconus (KCN) with corneal thickness <400 µm after the induction phase using riboflavin with 20% dextran during epithelium-off corneal crosslinking (CXL).
METHODS
Prospective, nonrandomized, single-center consecutive case series. Preoperative assessments included tomography, specular microscopy, and hysteresis. After epithelial debridement, riboflavin with 20% dextran (Photrexa Viscous; Glaukos, Burlington, MA) was applied at 2-min intervals during a 30-min induction phase. Eyes that dehydrated to a minimum corneal thickness (MCT) of <400 µm after induction (postinduction pachymetry) were recruited. Hypoosmolar riboflavin 0.146% (Photrexa; Glaukos) was used every 10 s to induce stromal swelling, with pachymetry performed every 30 s until the MCT was ≥400 µm (postswelling pachymetry). Corneal swelling rate was compared with variables using regression analysis.
RESULTS
In 31 eyes of 31 patients, mean postinduction pachymetry was 338.4 ± 28.7 μm. Hypoosmolar riboflavin induced a postswelling pachymetry of 413.4 ± 15.0 μm over a mean of 5.2 ± 3.2 min, and the average stromal swelling rate was 10.3 ± 8.7 μm/30 s. All eyes reached a postswelling pachymetry MCT ≥400 µm and no cases were aborted. Eyes with highly severe KCN (Kmax >70 and Belin/Ambrosio enhanced ectasia display final D score >17) experienced quicker swelling (14.4 ± 12.8 μm/30 s and 14.9 ± 12.4 μm/30 s, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). A thicker postinduction pachymetry was moderately associated with a faster rate of swelling (rs = 0.389; P = 0.030).
CONCLUSIONS
Hypoosmolar riboflavin 0.146% can be safely employed in thinner corneas, allowing for swelling to ≥400 µm for epithelium-off CXL. Associations between swelling rate, KCN severity, and postinduction pachymetry were determined, allowing for a more accurate prediction of procedure time during CXL.
PubMed: 38950099
DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003609 -
Cornea Jun 2024To describe a novel technique for preparing multiple corneal allogeneic ring segments (CAIRS) from a single corneal graft using femtosecond laser technology.
PURPOSE
To describe a novel technique for preparing multiple corneal allogeneic ring segments (CAIRS) from a single corneal graft using femtosecond laser technology.
METHODS
This is a case series of 10 eyes from 10 patients with keratoconus who underwent FS-assisted CAIRS implantation using corneas from 4 donors at the Hospital Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild-Noémie de Rothschild institute. A preoperative and postoperative examination was performed at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month. Anterior segment OCT and corneal tomography with aberrometric and pachymetric analyses were performed at each visit. Visual, refractive, and topographic parameters were extracted. The thickness and width of implanted CAIRS were analyzed.
RESULTS
Patients were classified according to keratoconus severity: group A (maximal keratometry Kmax <75D) and group B (Kmax >75D). At 1 month postoperatively, both groups A and B showed a significant decrease in mean keratometry by 4.78 ± 1.57D and 12.87 ± 4.62D, respectively. Total and higher order aberrations decreased by 5.66 ± 4.55 and 0.65 ± 1.54 in group A and by 9.45 ± 9.15 and 0.49 ± 1.39 in group B, respectively. The corrected distance visual acuity improved by 4.8 ± 1.7 lines in group A. Visual improvement was not significant in group B. One eye in group B exhibited acute rejection and required explantation.
CONCLUSIONS
FS-assisted multiple CAIRS implantation using a single corneal graft maximizes the utilization of viable corneal tissue. CAIRS implantation is an effective and biocompatible therapeutic alternative, particularly in cases of moderate to advanced keratoconus with Kmax <75D.
PubMed: 38950064
DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003604 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Jun 2024To assess functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients having undergone dorsal nasal augmentation with costochondral graft in a tertiary care setting. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
To assess functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients having undergone dorsal nasal augmentation with costochondral graft in a tertiary care setting.
METHODS
The single-centre, retrospective, observational study was conducted at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised data of patients who underwent dorsal nasal augmentation using costochondral graft between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. Aesthetic outcomes in terms of patient satisfaction were assessed using Facial Appearance, Health-related Quality of Life and Adverse Effects scores. Data was analysed using SPSS 26.
RESULTS
Of the 46 patients, 28(61%) were males and 18(39%) were females. The overall mean age was 28.39±9.13 years. Dorsal nasal deficiency occurred secondary to congenital causes in 12(26.1%) patients, trauma 19(41.3%) and prior surgery 15(32.6%). Postoperative complication rate was 7(15%); 3(6.5%) had recipient site infection and 2(4.3%) had rib graft resorption. Besides, 1(2.2%) patient reported pain 2 months postoperatively and 1(2.2%) had hypertrophic scarring. Patient satisfaction with the outcome was noted in all the 10 parameters analysed. Most commonly reported problem was that the nose was 'looking thick/swollen' by 12(26.1%) patients, but the issue resolved during 1-year follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Costochondral graft was found to be an ideal material for dorsal nasal augmentation, with high patient satisfaction rate.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Adult; Rhinoplasty; Retrospective Studies; Patient Satisfaction; Young Adult; Adolescent; Postoperative Complications; Esthetics; Quality of Life; Nose; Treatment Outcome; Costal Cartilage; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 38948980
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.10844 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2024This study investigates the efficacy of transitioning patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from aflibercept (T1) to biosimilar ranibizumab...
PURPOSE
This study investigates the efficacy of transitioning patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from aflibercept (T1) to biosimilar ranibizumab (T2), an approach not previously documented in literature.
METHODS
In this multicenter observational study, patients over 50 years of age with nAMD were shifted from intravitreal aflibercept (IVI AFL) to biosimilar ranibizumab (B-RBZ) due to financial constraints. This study employed standardized ophthalmological methods to assess visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT), and subretinal and intraretinal fluid. Statistical analyses included paired -tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and linear regression.
RESULTS
A total of 29 eyes (12 males and 17 females) were analyzed. Mean age was 72.55 ±6.43 years. VA improved significantly during T1, with a mean increase from 55.0 ± 10.2 to 70.0 ± 8.5 ETDRS letters at the switch time point ( < 0.01), then a slight decrease to 62.3 ± 8.9 at 12 months ( < 0.05) was noted during T2. The mean CMT decreased notably from 400 ± 50 to 290 ± 45 μm at the switch. The final CMT at 12 months after switching to B-RBZ was 280 ± 40 μm ( < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the retinal and intra retinal fluid during T1, followed by a gradual increase during T2. A significant correlation ( < 0.05) was noted between the presence of intraretinal fluid and increased injection frequency of B-RBZ.
CONCLUSION
The switch from IVI AFL to IVI B-RBZ in patients with nAMD demonstrated efficacy in maintaining the VA and macular anatomy, with some challenges in fluid management.
PubMed: 38948341
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S459085 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2024To compare the efficacy of intravitreal injections of Conbercept combined with dexamethasone (DEX) for macular edema (ME) following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
BACKGROUND
To compare the efficacy of intravitreal injections of Conbercept combined with dexamethasone (DEX) for macular edema (ME) following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).
METHODS
This was a prospective, single-masked, randomised, controlled clinical trial. Patients with ME following CRVO were randomised into groups to receive intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg Conbercept plus 0.2 mg DEX or 0.5 mg Conbercept alone on day 0 followed by repeat injections as indicated. The primary outcome measure was the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to month 12. Secondary outcome measures included decrease in central retinal thickness (CRT), injection frequency and interval and percentage of patients who gained more than 15 ETDRS letters or achieved a CRT of < 250 μm at month 12.
RESULTS
33 males (51%) and 32 females (49%) were initially recruited with an average age of 56.64 ± 13.88 years. Patients in the Conbercept and Conbercept + DEX groups gained an average of 14.55 ± 19.19 and 14.88 ± 17.68 ETDRS letters, respectively, at months 12 ( = 4.221, = 0.000; and = 4.834, = 0.000) with no significant difference between the two groups ( = 0.071, = 0.943). In the Conbercept group, the mean reduction in CRT from baseline to month 12 was 435.26 ± 293.37 μm ( = 8.261, = 0.000) compared to 431.36 ± 294.55 ( = 8.413, = 0.000) in the Conbercept + DEX group. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( = 0.053, = 0.958). The Conbercept + DEX group received fewer intravitreal injections. No major complications occurred.
CONCLUSION
Conbercept, alone or with DEX, can improve BCVA and reduce CRT in ME following CRVO without serious adverse events. The treatment interval was longer in the Conbercept + DEX group.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at 5 July 2017. (http://www.chictr.org.cn, 05/07/2017 Registration Number: ChiCTR-INR-17011877).
PubMed: 38948340
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S448671