Visual debugging for particle-based simulations of fluids

Visualizations represent an important tool that we have at our disposal when it comes to analyzing large data sets. A significant amount of data comes from simulations such as fluid, weather, biology and chemistry simulations. Due to increases in computation power the simulations have become more comprehensive, resulting in a larger amount of data. Increased volumes of the simulations require more specialized tools that can offer an insight so we can better understand the phenomena that is reproduced. The present thesis presents a visual debugging plug-in for Particle-based simulations of fluids that can help the researchers to better explain the simulation scenario and to identify possible errors. Moreover, the tool can be used to comprehend modeling and development of new techniques. The environment in which I have implemented the plug-in is MegaMol, a system software focus on visualizing particle-based simulations. There are four modules that I have implemented to enhance MegaMol functionality. In order to import a specific multidimensional data set I have created the BGEODataSource module which converts Houdini geometry formats into MegaMol Particle List Data (MMPLD). By doing this, the simulation data is available for other modules that are already implemented. To explore different particles that have certain properties I have created the ScatterPlot module that offers a way to select and visualize interesting regions of the attribute space. The user can select two attributes that will generate a scatter plot and interact with it by brushing. In order to get another perspective on the data I have implemented the ParallelCoordPlot module which allow the user to identify different patterns and trends between various attributes. By choosing distinct attributes we can see the correlation between different properties and clusters within a specific value range. The modules mentioned above work in the 2D space for observing the feature space. In SimpleSpherePickingRenderer module we can select particles in the 3D space that will serve as input data for the ScatterPlot and ParallelCoordPlot. This is done by a simple selection of the region of interest

Intraocular Pressure Measurement after Penetrating Keratoplasty

Assessing the intraocular pressure is a difficult but crucial task in the follow-up of patients that have undergone penetrating keratoplasty. Early recognition of elevated intraocular pressure and/or glaucoma and establishment of the appropriate treatment is essential to ensure the best possible visual outcome for patients dealing with this feared complication. Although Goldmann applanation tonometry is still the gold standard for measuring the intraocular pressure, its limitations in postkeratoplasty eyes, due to postoperative modified corneal morphology, have led to the search for more suitable alternatives. This review is the result of a comprehensive literature search in the MEDLINE database that aims to present glaucoma in the context of perforating keratoplasty, the corneal properties with impact on ocular pressure measurement, and the results achieved with the most important tonometers that have been studied in this pathology. Goldmann applanation tonometry remains the reference for intraocular pressure assessment even in corneas after penetrating keratoplasty. However, some promising alternatives have emerged, the most important of which are the Pascal dynamic contour tonometry, the Tono-Pen XL, the ocular response analyzer, and the iCare. All have advantages and disadvantages but have proved to be appropriate alternatives, especially in cases in which Goldmann applanation tonometry cannot be used

Intrastromal Injections in the Management of Infectious Keratitis

Infectious keratitis is a major global cause of vision loss and blindness. Prompt diagnosis and targeted antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing the condition. Topical antimicrobials are the most effective therapy for bacterial keratitis, but they can lead to unsatisfactory results due to ocular perforation, scarring, and melting. Intrastromal injection is a newer technique for delivering antimicrobials directly to the site of infection and has been successful in treating severe, treatment-resistant infectious keratitis, especially when surgery is not recommended. In cases where deep stromal disease is resistant to topical treatment, intrastromal antimicrobial injections may be necessary to achieve higher drug concentration at the infection site. However, the use of intrastromal antibiotics is limited, as topical antibacterial agents have better penetration than antifungal agents. Bacterial and fungal keratitis have been extensively researched for intrastromal medication injections, while there is limited evidence for viral keratitis. This review emphasizes the potential of intrastromal antimicrobial injections as an alternative for managing severe refractory infectious keratitis. The technique offers direct targeting of the infection site and faster resolution in some cases compared to topical therapy. However, further research is needed to determine the safest antimicrobials options, minimal effective doses, and concentrations for various pathogens. Intrastromal injections may serve as a non-surgical treatment option in high-risk cases, with benefits including direct drug delivery and reduced epithelial toxicity. Despite promising findings, more studies are required to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach

Ocular Complications of Radiotherapy in Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor in adults. Radiation therapy has replaced enucleation and is now the preferred treatment in most cases. Nonetheless, around 70% of patients develop radiation-related complications, some of which are vision-threatening. The objective of this review is to present the most important complications associated with radiotherapy in the treatment of uveal melanoma and their pathogenesis, incidence, risk factors, and available preventive and therapeutic measures. The most common complications are cataracts, with a reported incidence ranging from 4% to 69%, and radiation retinopathy, reported in 5–68% of cases. Radiation-related complications are responsible for approximately half of secondary enucleations, the leading cause being neovascular glaucoma. A poor visual outcome is mainly associated with the presence of radiation retinopathy and radiation optic neuropathy. Therapeutic options are available for the majority of complications with the notable exception of optic neuropathy. However, many studies report a final visual acuity of less than 20/200 in more than 60% of treated eyes. Reducing complication rates can be achieved by lowering the dose of radiation, with the use of eccentric, customized plaques and careful planning of the irradiation delivery in order to protect structures vital to vision and by associating radiation therapy with other methods with the aim of reducing tumor volume

Micropulse Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation for Glaucoma after Penetrating Keratoplasty

The main objective of the article was to assess the surgical outcome of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in patients presenting with glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty. We conducted a retrospective study that included 26 eyes of 26 patients who presented with glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty, and who were treated using micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation between January 2017 and December 2020. The surgeries were performed using the Iridex Cyclo G6 MicroPulse P3 Probe. The intraocular pressure, mean number of antiglaucoma medications, visual acuity, corneal status, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. The success rate after 12 months was 76.9%. The baseline median intraocular pressure was 29 mm Hg and decreased to 18 mm Hg after 12 months. The median number of antiglaucoma medications was also reduced from three preoperatively to one after one year. In seven cases (29.92%), the visual acuity decreased and, in four cases (15.38%), the corneal graft was not transparent. We concluded that micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation is an effective and safe method for the treatment of glaucoma after penetrating keratoplasty

Surgical Treatment in Silicone Oil-Associated Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a vision threatening, not uncommon complication of eyes that have undergone pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil endotamponade. Although most patients respond well to medical antiglaucoma therapy, there are refractory cases where surgery is required to control the intraocular pressure. This review, following a comprehensive literature search in the Medline database, aims to present the most important surgical techniques currently in use for glaucoma associated with silicone oil endotamponade and their indication depending on the mechanism of glaucoma. In cases of pupillary block, the presence of a patent iridotomy or iridectomy must be ensured, either by laser or surgically. When silicone oil is in excess and whenever the retinal status permits it, partial or complete removal of the silicone oil should be performed. Trabeculectomy has shown higher failure rates and more complications in these cases compared to other indications, so alternate methods are warranted. For very high intraocular pressures, glaucoma drainage devices and transscleral cyclophotocoagulation are the most used options, with good efficacy and safety profiles, although rarely they may have serious complications. The Ex-PRESS mini shunt has shown excellent results and lower rates of complications. For less important IOP elevations, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery and selective laser trabeculoplasty may be used, either alone or in conjunction with other methods

Micropulse vs. continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in neovascular glaucoma.

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a refractory form of glaucoma, associated with important morbidity, for which no consensus exists regarding the optimal choice of therapy. The primary aim of our study was to compare the performances of micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC) and continuous wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCPC) in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). A total of 24 eyes for MP-TSCPC and 22 eyes for CW-TSCPC, all with NVG were included. The procedures were performed using either the Iridex Cyclo G6 (IRIDEX Laser System), the MP3, or the G-Probe devices. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA), the mean number of antiglaucoma medications, and postoperative complications were monitored. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. The success rate at 12 months was 54.5% in the CW-TSCPC group and 33.3% in the MP-TSCPC group. The mean IOP at baseline was 35.82 mm Hg for CW-TSCPC and 34.71 mm Hg for MP-TSCPC. The change from baseline in IOP at 12 months was 11.95 mm Hg in the CW-TSCPC group and -8.04 mm Hg in the MP-TSCPC group. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of serious complications (worsening of VA, hypotony, and phthisis bulbi) between the two methods, with CW-TSCPC associated with more important adverse effects (P=0.045). There was a decrease in the number of topical antiglaucoma medications in both groups: in the MP-TSCPC group from a mean number of 2.6 at baseline, to 1.7 at 3 months, followed by a slight increase to 2.1 at 12 months and in the CW-TSCPC group from 2.8 at baseline, to 1.4 at 3 months and 1.9 at 12 months. Our study concluded that both MP-TSCPC and CW-TSCPC could manage NVG, but, while CW-TSCPC revealed higher IOP control in the long term (which did not reach statistical significance), it also had a significantly lower safety profile

Phase 2 Study of Weekly Bortezomib in Mantle Cell and Follicular Lymphoma

Twice-weekly bortezomib has proven activity in mantle cell (MCL) and indolent lymphomas. This study explored a weekly schedule of bortezomib in follicular lymphoma (FL) and MCL. Although weekly bortezomib was better tolerated, the overall response rate (ORR) was inferior (18% vs. 50%, p = 0.02) with no complete remissions (CR) (compared with 18% CR for the twice-weekly schedule). Progression-free survival (PFS) was not different. The weekly schedule of bortezomib was less toxic, but yielded fewer and lower quality responses than twice-weekly bortezomib. Given the similar PFS, the weekly schedule may still be appropriate for some patients

Phase I Trial of Weekly and Twice-Weekly Bortezomib with Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, and Prednisone in Relapsed or Refractory Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Abstract Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy of substituting weekly or twice-weekly bortezomib for vincristine in the R-CVP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen in patients with relapsed/refractory indolent and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Experimental Design: Of the 57 patients in this phase I trial, 55 participated in 1 of 2 dosing schedules that included rituximab (375 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (750 or 1,000 mg/m2) administered on day 1 of each 21-day cycle and prednisone (100 mg orally) days 2 to 6. In the once-weekly schedule, bortezomib was administered on days 2 and 8; on the twice-weekly schedule, bortezomib was given on days 2, 5, 9, and 12. Bortezomib and cyclophosphamide were alternately escalated. A separate cohort of 10 patients in the twice-weekly schedule received concurrent pegfilgrastim (PegG) on day 2. Results: Both schedules of R-CBorP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and prednisone) were well tolerated. Most toxicities across all dose levels and cycles were grade 1 or 2. The overall response rates for patients on the weekly (n = 13) and twice-weekly (n = 33) schedules were 46% [23% complete response/complete response unconfirmed (CR/CRu)] and 64% (36% CR/CRu), respectively. Concurrent PegG did not increase hematologic toxicities in this regimen. A randomized phase II study is under way to further compare toxicity and efficacy of the 2 dosing schedules. Conclusions: R-CBorP is a safe and effective regimen in patients with relapsed/refractory indolent and MCLs. Most toxicities were grade 1 or 2, and a promising response rate was seen in this phase I study. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2493–501. ©2011 AACR.</jats:p