Investigation of the porosity of ceramic composite materials based on hydroxyapatite and biodegradable polyesters

In the present study, we obtained porous composite materials based on biodegradable polymers and hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramics with different mass ratio of components. Special properties of porous materials allow to solve the most complicated problems in the field of bone tissue engineering. The characteristics of micro- and mesoporosity were investigated using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. An experiment on the formation of a calcium-phosphate layer on the surface of samples in a SBF-solution was performed. The surface morphology of the composites throughout the experiment was investigated by SEM

Vision Care Utilization and Insurance Coverage Prior to and Following Medicaid Expansion in Ohio

Background: Increased access and utilization of vision care services has the potential to reduce preventable vision loss. The state of Ohio has been uniquely proactive when collecting vision-oriented data through population health surveys, including the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). These data can be used to better understand vision care utilization patterns and access to insurance. Methods: Responses to 3 items administered in the Ohio BRFSS that assess vision care utilization and insurance coverage were compared between 2 different administration periods, 2005-2011 and 2018-2019, using chi-square tests. Comparable data from 2 items assessing eye care utilization were available in 2005-2011 and 2019. Comparable data for insurance coverage were available in 2005-2011 and in 2018-2019. Responses were further stratified by population characteristics, including age, gender, household income, and education level. Results: The percentages of those reporting eye exams in the previous year were not significantly different between 2005-2011 and 2019 (chi-square, p = 0.06). In Ohio, the primary reason for not seeing a vision care provider in the past 12 months was “No reason to go” in 2005-2011 and in 2019. The second most common reason for not seeing a vision care provider in the past 12 months was “Cost/insurance,” which decreased between 2005-2011 and 2019 (chi-square, p <0.001). Insurance coverage for eye care increased between 2005-2011 and 2018-2019 (chi-square, p <0.001). Important differences were found within the demographic stratification. Conclusion: Population health surveillance data provide useful insight into vision care utilization and insurance coverage. Despite the increase in insurance coverage, eye care provider utilization remains relatively stable

Spatial distribution of macular birefringence associated with the Henle fibers

AbstractThe spatial distribution of macular birefringence was modeled to examine the contribution from the foveal Henle fiber layer, particularly cone axons. The model was tested in 20 normal subjects, age 17–55yr. Phase retardance due to Henle fibers was modeled for rings increasing in radius around the fovea, using a sinewave of two periods (2f). The 2f sinewave amplitude increased linearly with eccentricity for each individual, (p<0.004) in 19 of 20 subjects. A good fit to linearity implies regular cone distribution and radial symmetry, and the uniformly excellent fits indicate no effect of age in our sample. The peak of the 2f sinewave amplitude varied across subjects from 1.06 to 2.46deg. An increasingly eccentric peak with increasing age would indicate a relative decrease of cone axons in the central fovea, but the location of the peak was not associated with age for our sample, which did not include elderly subjects

Media 7: The use of forward scatter to improve retinal vascular imaging with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

Originally published in Biomedical Optics Express on 01 October 2012 (boe-3-10-2537

Media 4: The use of forward scatter to improve retinal vascular imaging with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

Originally published in Biomedical Optics Express on 01 October 2012 (boe-3-10-2537

Media 3: The use of forward scatter to improve retinal vascular imaging with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

Originally published in Biomedical Optics Express on 01 October 2012 (boe-3-10-2537

Media 1: The use of forward scatter to improve retinal vascular imaging with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

Originally published in Biomedical Optics Express on 01 October 2012 (boe-3-10-2537

Media 2: The use of forward scatter to improve retinal vascular imaging with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

Originally published in Biomedical Optics Express on 01 October 2012 (boe-3-10-2537

Media 6: The use of forward scatter to improve retinal vascular imaging with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

Originally published in Biomedical Optics Express on 01 October 2012 (boe-3-10-2537

Media 9: The use of forward scatter to improve retinal vascular imaging with an adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope

Originally published in Biomedical Optics Express on 01 October 2012 (boe-3-10-2537