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Lasers in Medical Science Jul 2024Nowadays, lasers are used in various medical fields. Ophthalmology was the first medical specialty to utilize lasers in patient treatment and still remains the leading... (Review)
Review
Nowadays, lasers are used in various medical fields. Ophthalmology was the first medical specialty to utilize lasers in patient treatment and still remains the leading medical field that uses laser energy for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser is one of the most common lasers used in ophthalmology. It is a solid-state laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm that works on the principle of photodisruption. Since its introduction in ophthalmology over 40 years ago, it has found various applications, mainly for procedures where cutting or disruption of ocular tissue is required. Compared to surgical alternatives, the use of Nd: YAG lasers on ocular tissue is minimally invasive. In this review, we focus on the two most common ophthalmic applications of Nd: YAG laser - laser peripheral iridotomy and posterior capsulotomy. The history of the techniques, current trends, potential complications, and the prognosis for future use is discussed.
Topics: Humans; Lasers, Solid-State; Laser Therapy; Posterior Capsulotomy; Iridectomy; Ophthalmology; Iris
PubMed: 38954050
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-04118-8 -
Journal of Neurology Jul 2024A recent international consensus panel proposed diagnostic criteria for optic neuritis and a new classification. We aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of these...
BACKGROUND
A recent international consensus panel proposed diagnostic criteria for optic neuritis and a new classification. We aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of these diagnostic criteria and classification, in a cohort of patients hospitalized for a suspected diagnosis of optic neuritis.
METHODS
We included all patients hospitalized between 2017 and 2022 in our tertiary center for (sub)acute loss of visual acuity suggestive of optic neuritis. Clinical and paraclinical criteria obtained within the first 3 months of symptoms were collected, as well as the final diagnosis which could be optic neuritis or non-optic neuritis. We constructed a contingency table comparing diagnoses based on physician experience to those based on the recently proposed criteria. The subtypes of optic neuritis based on the new classification were compared to subtypes based on the clinician experience.
RESULTS
Two hundred fifty-seven patients were included in this study. Prevalence of optic neuritis in our cohort was 88.3%. Sensitivity and specificity of a correct diagnosis using the new criteria were, respectively, 99.5% and 86.7%. The proposed diagnostic criteria overdiagnosed four patients with optic neuritis and missed the diagnosis in one patient. According to the recent classification, idiopathic optic neuritis and clinical isolated syndrome were reclassified mainly as single isolated optic neuritis.
CONCLUSION
In our specific cohort of patients hospitalized for acute and subacute optic neuropathy highly suspect of optic neuritis, we found that recently proposed diagnostic criteria and classification of optic neuritis are relevant for our clinical practice. Our interpretation of clinical requirement for definite and possible optic neuritis diagnosis might explain our excellent sensitivity and our high percentage of definite optic neuritis, relative to previous publications. The moderate specificity (86.7%) underlines the importance to include all contextual data in consideration for the diagnosis. The simplification of subgroups is useful, but our study highlights the complexity to find the adequate subgroup for seronegative NMOSD.
PubMed: 38954036
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12540-9 -
Histochemistry and Cell Biology Jul 2024Skin represents the main barrier against the external environment, but also plays a role in human relations, as one of the prime determinants of beauty, resulting in a...
Skin represents the main barrier against the external environment, but also plays a role in human relations, as one of the prime determinants of beauty, resulting in a high consumer demand for skincare-related pharmaceutical products. Given the importance of skin aging in both medical and social spheres, the present research aims to characterize microscopic changes in human skin composition due to intrinsic aging (as opposed to aging influenced by external factors) via histological analysis of a photoprotected body region. Samples from 25 autopsies were taken from the periumbilical area and classified into four age groups: group 1 (0-12 years), group 2 (13-25 years), group 3 (26-54 years), and group 4 (≥ 55 years). Different traditional histological (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, orcein, toluidine, Alcian blue, and Feulgen reaction) and immunohistochemical (CK20, CD1a, Ki67, and CD31) stains were performed. A total of 1879 images photographed with a Leica DM3000 optical microscope were morphometrically analyzed using Image ProPlus 7.0 for further statistical analysis with GraphPad 9.0. Our results showed a reduction in epidermis thickness, interdigitation and mitotic indexes, while melanocyte count was raised. Papillary but not reticular dermis showed increased thickness with aging. Specifically, in the papillary layer mast cells and glycosaminoglycans were expanded, whereas the reticular dermis displayed a diminution in glycosaminoglycans and elastic fibers. Moreover, total cellularity and vascularization of both dermises were diminished with aging. This morphometric analysis of photoprotected areas reveals that intrinsic aging significantly influences human skin composition. This study paves the way for further research into the molecular basis underpinning these alterations, and into potential antiaging strategies.
PubMed: 38954026
DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02305-w -
Current Microbiology Jul 2024A new area of biotechnology is nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is an emerging field that aims to develope various substances with nano-dimensions that have utilization in... (Review)
Review
A new area of biotechnology is nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is an emerging field that aims to develope various substances with nano-dimensions that have utilization in the various sectors of pharmaceuticals, bio prospecting, human activities and biomedical applications. An essential stage in the development of nanotechnology is the creation of nanoparticles. To increase their biological uses, eco-friendly material synthesis processes are becoming increasingly important. Recent years have shown a lot of interest in nanostructured materials due to their beneficial and unique characteristics compared to their polycrystalline counterparts. The fascinating performance of nanomaterials in electronics, optics, and photonics has generated a lot of interest. An eco-friendly approach of creating nanoparticles has emerged in order to get around the drawbacks of conventional techniques. Today, a wide range of nanoparticles have been created by employing various microbes, and their potential in numerous cutting-edge technological fields have been investigated. These particles have well-defined chemical compositions, sizes, and morphologies. The green production of nanoparticles mostly uses plants and microbes. Hence, the use of microbial nanotechnology in agriculture and plant science is the main emphasis of this review. The present review highlights the methods of biological synthesis of nanoparticles available with a major focus on microbially synthesized nanoparticles, parameters and biochemistry involved. Further, it takes into account the genetic engineering and synthetic biology involved in microbial nanobiosynthesis to the construction of microbial nanofactories.
Topics: Nanotechnology; Nanoparticles; Bacteria; Biotechnology; Synthetic Biology; Nanostructures
PubMed: 38954017
DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03772-z -
Journal of Mathematical Biology Jul 2024The embedding problem of Markov matrices in Markov semigroups is a classic problem that regained a lot of impetus and activities through recent needs in phylogeny and...
The embedding problem of Markov matrices in Markov semigroups is a classic problem that regained a lot of impetus and activities through recent needs in phylogeny and population genetics. Here, we give an account for dimensions , including a complete and simplified treatment of the case , and derive the results in a systematic fashion, with an eye on the potential applications. Further, we reconsider the setup of the corresponding problem for time-inhomogeneous Markov chains, which is needed for real-world applications because transition rates need not be constant over time. Additional cases of this more general embedding occur for any . We review the known case of and describe the setting for future work on .
Topics: Markov Chains; Phylogeny; Mathematical Concepts; Genetics, Population; Models, Genetic; Humans
PubMed: 38954016
DOI: 10.1007/s00285-024-02112-w -
Experimental Brain Research Jul 2024The influence of travel time on perceived traveled distance has often been studied, but the results are inconsistent regarding the relationship between the two...
The influence of travel time on perceived traveled distance has often been studied, but the results are inconsistent regarding the relationship between the two magnitudes. We argue that this is due to differences in the lengths of investigated travel distances and hypothesize that the influence of travel time differs for rather short compared to rather long traveled distances. We tested this hypothesis in a virtual environment presented on a desktop as well as through a head-mounted display. Our results show that, for longer distances, more travel time leads to longer perceived distance, while we do not find an influence of travel time on shorter distances. The presentation through an HMD vs. desktop only influenced distance judgments in the short distance condition. These results are in line with the idea that the influence of travel time varies by the length of the traveled distance, and provide insights on the question of how distance perception in path integration studies is affected by travel time, thereby resolving inconsistencies reported in previous studies.
PubMed: 38953973
DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06880-1 -
Die Ophthalmologie Jul 2024The click phenomenon occurs when an acquired mechanical restriction of the elevation in adduction of the eye or of the extension of the finger/thumb, is forcefully... (Review)
Review
CLINICAL FEATURES
The click phenomenon occurs when an acquired mechanical restriction of the elevation in adduction of the eye or of the extension of the finger/thumb, is forcefully overcome. The common cause is a nodule either of the superior oblique tendon posterior to the trochlea in the case of a Jaensch-Brown syndrome or of the digital flexor tendon anterior to the A1 annular pulley in the case of a trigger finger. Both locations share similar anatomical conditions for the development of the nodule and the pathomechanism of the click.
RESULTS
From these identical findings in the eye and the hand in small children it can be assumed that the results from the studies of the hand in newborns and infants with a trigger thumb/finger are also applicable to the situation of the eye. 1. This motility disorder is not congenital. This is most likely due to an incomplete development at the time of birth of the sliding factors needed for a free passage of the tendon through the trochlea and the A1 annular pulley. 2. A distinction must be made between stages 0-3: stage 0 = no more restriction of the motility and no click phenomenon; stage 1 = forced active extension/elevation possible; stage 2 = only passive extension/elevation, each with a click phenomenon; stage 3 = no extension/elevation possible and no click phenomenon. 3. In most cases in early childhood there is a spontaneous complete recovery (75% after 6-7 years). In the eye this spontaneous course can only limitedly be shortened with motility exercises in combination with segmental occlusion.
CONCLUSION
The click phenomenon is a symptom of stages 1 and 2 of an acquired mechanical restriction of the elevation in adduction of the eye or the extension of the finger/thumb. It should not be called a syndrome.
PubMed: 38953924
DOI: 10.1007/s00347-024-02059-9 -
Journal of Vision Jul 2024Applications for eye-tracking-particularly in the clinic-are limited by a reliance on dedicated hardware. Here we compare eye-tracking implemented on an Apple iPad Pro... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Applications for eye-tracking-particularly in the clinic-are limited by a reliance on dedicated hardware. Here we compare eye-tracking implemented on an Apple iPad Pro 11" (third generation)-using the device's infrared head-tracking and front-facing camera-with a Tobii 4c infrared eye-tracker. We estimated gaze location using both systems while 28 observers performed a variety of tasks. For estimating fixation, gaze position estimates from the iPad were less accurate and precise than the Tobii (mean absolute error of 3.2° ± 2.0° compared with 0.75° ± 0.43°), but fixation stability estimates were correlated across devices (r = 0.44, p < 0.05). For tasks eliciting saccades >1.5°, estimated saccade counts (r = 0.4-0.73, all p < 0.05) were moderately correlated across devices. For tasks eliciting saccades >8° we observed moderate correlations in estimated saccade speed and amplitude (r = 0.4-0.53, all p < 0.05). We did, however, note considerable variation in the vertical component of estimated smooth pursuit speed from the iPad and a catastrophic failure of tracking on the iPad in 5% to 20% of observers (depending on the test). Our findings sound a note of caution to researchers seeking to use iPads for eye-tracking and emphasize the need to properly examine their eye-tracking data to remove artifacts and outliers.
Topics: Humans; Eye-Tracking Technology; Fixation, Ocular; Saccades; Male; Adult; Female; Young Adult; Pursuit, Smooth; Computers, Handheld; Eye Movements
PubMed: 38953861
DOI: 10.1167/jov.24.7.1 -
Translational Vision Science &... Jul 2024To identify the accelerometer-measured daily behaviors that mediate the association of refractive status with depressive disorders and enhance the understanding of...
PURPOSE
To identify the accelerometer-measured daily behaviors that mediate the association of refractive status with depressive disorders and enhance the understanding of behavioral differences in depression.
METHODS
Participants with baseline mean spherical equivalent (MSE) and 7-day accelerometer measurements from the UK Biobank were included in this cohort study. Refractive status was categorized as hyperopia and non-hyperopia. Four daily behaviors, including moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary, and sleep were recorded between 2013 and 2015. We also assessed 24-hour behavior patterns. Depression cases were defined through both questionnaires and hospital records over 10 years of follow-up.
RESULTS
Among 20,607 individuals, every 0.5-diopter increase in MSE was associated with a 6% higher risk of depressive disorders, with hyperopia participants at a higher risk than non-hyperopia participants (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.23; P = 0.001). MVPA and sleep time significantly correlated with depressive disorders, with odds ratios of 0.79 and 1.14 (P < 0.05). MSE showed significant correlations with all four behaviors. The effects of MVPA and sleep duration on MSE and depressive disorders varied throughout the day. Mediation analyses showed that MVPA and sleep partially mediated the relationship between MSE and depressive disorders, with 35.2% of the association between moderate to high hyperopia and depression mediated by MVPA.
CONCLUSIONS
Physical activity and sleep significantly mediate the relationship between MSE and depressive disorders.
TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE
The mediation effect of MVPA highlights its therapeutic potential in reducing the risk of depression among individuals with moderate to severe hyperopia. Interventions aimed at increasing daytime MVPA and decreasing daytime sleep could enhance mental health in this vulnerable group.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Accelerometry; Middle Aged; Exercise; Depressive Disorder; Adult; Sleep; Aged; Sedentary Behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires; Hyperopia; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38953853
DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.7.3 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jul 2024Light weight, thinness, transparency, flexibility, and insulation are the key indicators for flexible electronic device substrates. The common flexible substrates are...
Light weight, thinness, transparency, flexibility, and insulation are the key indicators for flexible electronic device substrates. The common flexible substrates are usually polymer materials, but their recycling is an overwhelming challenge. Meanwhile, paper substrates are limited in practical applications because of their poor mechanical and thermal stability. However, natural biomaterials have excellent mechanical properties and versatility thanks to their organic-inorganic multiscale structures, which inspired us to design an organic-inorganic nanocomposite film. For this purpose, a bio-inspired multiscale film was developed using cellulose nanofibers with abundant hydrophilic functional groups to assist in dispersing hydroxyapatite nanowires. The thickness of the biosustainable film is only 40 μm, and it incorporates distinctive mechanical properties (strength: 52.8 MPa; toughness: 0.88 MJ m) and excellent optical properties (transmittance: 80.0%; haze: 71.2%). Consequently, this film is optimal as a substrate employed for flexible sensors, which can transmit capacitance and resistance signals through wireless Bluetooth, showing an ultrasensitive response to pressure and humidity (for example, responding to finger pressing with 5000% signal change and exhaled water vapor with 4000% signal change). Therefore, the comprehensive performance of the biomimetic multiscale organic-inorganic composite film confers a prominent prospect in flexible electronics devices, food packaging, and plastic substitution.
PubMed: 38953852
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c09157