Optical Methods in Sensing and Imaging for Medical and Biological Applications

The recent advances in optical sources and detectors have opened up new opportunities for sensing and imaging techniques which can be successfully used in biomedical and healthcare applications. This book, entitled ‘Optical Methods in Sensing and Imaging for Medical and Biological Applications’, focuses on various aspects of the research and development related to these areas. The book will be a valuable source of information presenting the recent advances in optical methods and novel techniques, as well as their applications in the fields of biomedicine and healthcare, to anyone interested in this subject

Advances in Ophthalmology

This book focuses on the different aspects of ophthalmology - the medical science of diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmology is divided into various clinical subspecialties, such as cornea, cataract, glaucoma, uveitis, retina, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, oncology, pathology, and oculoplastics. This book incorporates new developments as well as future perspectives in ophthalmology and is a balanced product between covering a wide range of diseases and expedited publication. It is intended to be the appetizer for other books to follow. Ophthalmologists, researchers, specialists, trainees, and general practitioners with an interest in ophthalmology will find this book interesting and useful

Glaucoma

This book addresses the basic and clinical science of glaucomas, a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve and visual fields and is usually accompanied by increased intraocular pressure. The book incorporates the latest development as well as future perspectives in glaucoma, since it has expedited publication. It is aimed for specialists in glaucoma, researchers, general ophthalmologists and trainees to increase knowledge and encourage further progress in understanding and managing these complicated diseases

Visual Impairment and Blindness

Blindness and vision impairment affect at least 2.2 billion people worldwide with most individuals having a preventable vision impairment. The majority of people with vision impairment are older than 50 years, however, vision loss can affect people of all ages. Reduced eyesight can have major and long-lasting effects on all aspects of life, including daily personal activities, interacting with the community, school and work opportunities, and the ability to access public services. This book provides an overview of the effects of blindness and visual impairment in the context of the most common causes of blindness in older adults as well as children, including retinal disorders, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular or corneal degeneration

Aerospace medicine and biology, an annotated bibliography. volume xi- 1962-1963 literature

Aerospace medicine and biology - annotated bibliography for 1962 and 196

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A POTENZIATED PIEZOSURGERGICAL DEVICE AT THE RABBIT SKULL

The number of available ultrasonic osteotomes has remarkably increased. In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed differences between conventional osteotomes, such as rotating or sawing devices, and ultrasound-supported osteotomes (Piezosurgery®) regarding the micromorphology and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces. Objective: the present study compares the micro-morphologies and roughness values of osteotomized bone surfaces after the application of rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. Methods: Fresh, standard-sized bony samples were taken from a rabbit skull using the following osteotomes: rotating and sawing devices, Piezosurgery Medical® and a Piezosurgery Medical New Generation Powerful Handpiece. The required duration of time for each osteotomy was recorded. Micromorphologies and roughness values to characterize the bone surfaces following the different osteotomy methods were described. The prepared surfaces were examined via light microscopy, environmental surface electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy. The selective cutting of mineralized tissues while preserving adjacent soft tissue (dura mater and nervous tissue) was studied. Bone necrosis of the osteotomy sites and the vitality of the osteocytes near the sectional plane were investigated, as well as the proportion of apoptosis or cell degeneration. Results and Conclusions: The potential positive effects on bone healing and reossification associated with different devices were evaluated and the comparative analysis among the different devices used was performed, in order to determine the best osteotomes to be employed during cranio-facial surgery

A randomised control trial of corneal vs. scleral rigid gas permeable contact lenses for ectatic corneal disorders

Introduction. Keratoconus and related corneal ectatic disorders are conditions characterised by a misshapen cornea. Keratoconus is typically managed with corneal rigid gas permeable contact lenses (CRGPcl) and when these are unsuccessful patients may be fitted with the much larger scleral rigid gas permeable contact lenses (SRGPcl). It has been hypothesised that due to their superior performance, SRGPcl might be considered as the first option for management of keratoconus and the present research investigates this hypothesis. Purpose. To assess the visual performance, vision related quality of life (Qol) and subjective perception of vision (SPV) and the subjective perception of comfort (SPC) in two contact lens types: CRGPcl and SRGPcl, in successful CRGPcl wearers with keratoconus (and related ectatic corneal disorders). Methods. Thirty-four successful CRGPcl wearers, with keratoconus or related disorders, participated in a crossover randomised control trial (RCT). This research was approved by the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) of London-Camden and King’s Cross as well as the research ethics committees of London South Bank University (LSBU) and the Institute of Optometry. Participants were randomised into two groups, group 1 (sequence AB) were fitted with new CRGPcl and after a washout period, in which habitual CRGPcl were worn, were fitted with and crossed-over to SRGPcl. Group 2 were first fitted with SRGPcl and after a washout period were fitted with and crossed-over to new CRGPcl (sequence BA). Data for experimental outcome measures were collected three times: first on recruitment in habitual CRGPcl, and once after each period in experimental CRGPcl and SRGPcl. The outcome measures were: The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDRS) log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA); the VectorVision 1000E contrast sensitivity function (CSF), expressed in both numeric and log contrast sensitivity (logCS); the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questioannaire-25 (NEI-VFQ) to assess the visual Qol; and the reported SPV and SPC, recorded on a Likert-like scale from 1–10. The final measure was at the end of the second period, each participant selected the preferred lens type, out of the two experimental lenses, for future habitual use. Results. Thirty participants completed the trial, 13 in group 1 and 17 in group 2. Randomisation demographics revealed no significant differences between the two randomised groups except in corneal pachymetry (thickness): group 1[Mean 423.2 (±45.1)], group 2 [Mean 462.8 (±44.7)] (p= 0.002). The SPC in the experimental lenses and the SPC in the experimental CRGPcl in participants who selected CRGPcl as the habitual lens for future use, were the only measures, which exhibited significant differences. The SPC was not-normally distributed in SRGPcl, [Median=9.0, IQR=2.0, Mean=8.85, (±1.10)] and normally distributed in CRGPcl [Mean=7.78, (±1.45), Median=8.0, IQR=2.0]. The intra-subject period differences in SPC between group 1 (Median=1.0) and group 2 (Median=-1.0), revealed significantly higher scores in SRGPcl (p=0.002), rejecting H0. The preferred habitual lens choice outcome was: 14 participants (47%) chose SRGPcl and 16 (52%) chose CRGPcl. Higher SPC scores in the experimental CRGPcl, were found in participants who chose CRGPcl, (p=0.006) and (p=0.009) by independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test respectively, rejecting H0. The only significant carryover effect was found in the logCS scores (p=0.019), no other outcome was found to have significant carryover or period effects. No other outcome was found to have significant differences between the two lens types, supporting H0, with respect to: the ETDRS logMAR BCVA, the CSF numeric and logCS, the specific logCS at 6 cycles per degree (CPD), the 12 domains of the NEI-VFQ, the specific ocular pain domain of the NEI-VFQ and the SPV. Conclusion. The research population exhibited significantly better comfort in SRGPcl compared with CRGPcl, as measured by the Levit Subjective Comfort Scale (LSCS). Furthermore, participants who chose to remain in CRGPcl had significantly higher LSCS scores in CRGPcl than those who chose SRGPcl. Successful CRGPcl wearers whose LSCS in CRGPcl is < 7 are likely to achieve better comfort / tolerance with SRGPcl. No significant differences were found in this research population between the two experimental lens types, in the visual outcomes of logMAR, logCS and SPV and no significant difference was found in the visual Qol outcomes in the 12 domains of the NIE-VFQ. This research indicates that on average, successful CRGPcl wearers find SRGPcl more comfortable and there should be no visual and visual Qol advantage or disadvantage in refitting successful keratoconic CRGPcl wearers with SRGPcl and vice versa

A randomised control trial of corneal vs. scleral rigid gas permeable contact lenses for ectatic corneal disorders

Introduction. Keratoconus and related corneal ectatic disorders are conditions characterised by a misshapen cornea. Keratoconus is typically managed with corneal rigid gas permeable contact lenses (CRGPcl) and when these are unsuccessful patients may be fitted with the much larger scleral rigid gas permeable contact lenses (SRGPcl). It has been hypothesised that due to their superior performance, SRGPcl might be considered as the first option for management of keratoconus and the present research investigates this hypothesis. Purpose. To assess the visual performance, vision related quality of life (Qol) and subjective perception of vision (SPV) and the subjective perception of comfort (SPC) in two contact lens types: CRGPcl and SRGPcl, in successful CRGPcl wearers with keratoconus (and related ectatic corneal disorders). Methods. Thirty-four successful CRGPcl wearers, with keratoconus or related disorders, participated in a crossover randomised control trial (RCT). This research was approved by the National Research Ethics Service (NRES) of London-Camden and King’s Cross as well as the research ethics committees of London South Bank University (LSBU) and the Institute of Optometry. Participants were randomised into two groups, group 1 (sequence AB) were fitted with new CRGPcl and after a washout period, in which habitual CRGPcl were worn, were fitted with and crossed-over to SRGPcl. Group 2 were first fitted with SRGPcl and after a washout period were fitted with and crossed-over to new CRGPcl (sequence BA). Data for experimental outcome measures were collected three times: first on recruitment in habitual CRGPcl, and once after each period in experimental CRGPcl and SRGPcl. The outcome measures were: The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDRS) log of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) best corrected visual acuity (BCVA); the VectorVision 1000E contrast sensitivity function (CSF), expressed in both numeric and log contrast sensitivity (logCS); the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questioannaire-25 (NEI-VFQ) to assess the visual Qol; and the reported SPV and SPC, recorded on a Likert-like scale from 1–10. The final measure was at the end of the second period, each participant selected the preferred lens type, out of the two experimental lenses, for future habitual use. Results. Thirty participants completed the trial, 13 in group 1 and 17 in group 2. Randomisation demographics revealed no significant differences between the two randomised groups except in corneal pachymetry (thickness): group 1[Mean 423.2 (±45.1)], group 2 [Mean 462.8 (±44.7)] (p= 0.002). The SPC in the experimental lenses and the SPC in the experimental CRGPcl in participants who selected CRGPcl as the habitual lens for future use, were the only measures, which exhibited significant differences. The SPC was not-normally distributed in SRGPcl, [Median=9.0, IQR=2.0, Mean=8.85, (±1.10)] and normally distributed in CRGPcl [Mean=7.78, (±1.45), Median=8.0, IQR=2.0]. The intra-subject period differences in SPC between group 1 (Median=1.0) and group 2 (Median=-1.0), revealed significantly higher scores in SRGPcl (p=0.002), rejecting H0. The preferred habitual lens choice outcome was: 14 participants (47%) chose SRGPcl and 16 (52%) chose CRGPcl. Higher SPC scores in the experimental CRGPcl, were found in participants who chose CRGPcl, (p=0.006) and (p=0.009) by independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test respectively, rejecting H0. The only significant carryover effect was found in the logCS scores (p=0.019), no other outcome was found to have significant carryover or period effects. No other outcome was found to have significant differences between the two lens types, supporting H0, with respect to: the ETDRS logMAR BCVA, the CSF numeric and logCS, the specific logCS at 6 cycles per degree (CPD), the 12 domains of the NEI-VFQ, the specific ocular pain domain of the NEI-VFQ and the SPV. Conclusion. The research population exhibited significantly better comfort in SRGPcl compared with CRGPcl, as measured by the Levit Subjective Comfort Scale (LSCS). Furthermore, participants who chose to remain in CRGPcl had significantly higher LSCS scores in CRGPcl than those who chose SRGPcl. Successful CRGPcl wearers whose LSCS in CRGPcl is < 7 are likely to achieve better comfort / tolerance with SRGPcl. No significant differences were found in this research population between the two experimental lens types, in the visual outcomes of logMAR, logCS and SPV and no significant difference was found in the visual Qol outcomes in the 12 domains of the NIE-VFQ. This research indicates that on average, successful CRGPcl wearers find SRGPcl more comfortable and there should be no visual and visual Qol advantage or disadvantage in refitting successful keratoconic CRGPcl wearers with SRGPcl and vice versa

Psr1p interacts with SUN/sad1p and EB1/mal3p to establish the bipolar spindle

Regular Abstracts - Sunday Poster Presentations: no. 382During mitosis, interpolar microtubules from two spindle pole bodies (SPBs) interdigitate to create an antiparallel microtubule array for accommodating numerous regulatory proteins. Among these proteins, the kinesin-5 cut7p/Eg5 is the key player responsible for sliding apart antiparallel microtubules and thus helps in establishing the bipolar spindle. At the onset of mitosis, two SPBs are adjacent to one another with most microtubules running nearly parallel toward the nuclear envelope, creating an unfavorable microtubule configuration for the kinesin-5 kinesins. Therefore, how the cell organizes the antiparallel microtubule array in the first place at mitotic onset remains enigmatic. Here, we show that a novel protein psrp1p localizes to the SPB and plays a key role in organizing the antiparallel microtubule array. The absence of psr1+ leads to a transient monopolar spindle and massive chromosome loss. Further functional characterization demonstrates that psr1p is recruited to the SPB through interaction with the conserved SUN protein sad1p and that psr1p physically interacts with the conserved microtubule plus tip protein mal3p/EB1. These results suggest a model that psr1p serves as a linking protein between sad1p/SUN and mal3p/EB1 to allow microtubule plus ends to be coupled to the SPBs for organization of an antiparallel microtubule array. Thus, we conclude that psr1p is involved in organizing the antiparallel microtubule array in the first place at mitosis onset by interaction with SUN/sad1p and EB1/mal3p, thereby establishing the bipolar spindle.postprin

Removal of antagonistic spindle forces can rescue metaphase spindle length and reduce chromosome segregation defects

Regular Abstracts - Tuesday Poster Presentations: no. 1925Metaphase describes a phase of mitosis where chromosomes are attached and oriented on the bipolar spindle for subsequent segregation at anaphase. In diverse cell types, the metaphase spindle is maintained at a relatively constant length. Metaphase spindle length is proposed to be regulated by a balance of pushing and pulling forces generated by distinct sets of spindle microtubules and their interactions with motors and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). Spindle length appears important for chromosome segregation fidelity, as cells with shorter or longer than normal metaphase spindles, generated through deletion or inhibition of individual mitotic motors or MAPs, showed chromosome segregation defects. To test the force balance model of spindle length control and its effect on chromosome segregation, we applied fast microfluidic temperature-control with live-cell imaging to monitor the effect of switching off different combinations of antagonistic forces in the fission yeast metaphase spindle. We show that spindle midzone proteins kinesin-5 cut7p and microtubule bundler ase1p contribute to outward pushing forces, and spindle kinetochore proteins kinesin-8 klp5/6p and dam1p contribute to inward pulling forces. Removing these proteins individually led to aberrant metaphase spindle length and chromosome segregation defects. Removing these proteins in antagonistic combination rescued the defective spindle length and, in some combinations, also partially rescued chromosome segregation defects. Our results stress the importance of proper chromosome-to-microtubule attachment over spindle length regulation for proper chromosome segregation.postprin