In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Evaluation in Patients with Keratoconus

Keratoconus is the most common primary corneal ectasia characterized by progressive focal thinning. Patients experience increased irregular astigmatism, decreased visual acuity and corneal sensitivity. Corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL), a minimally invasive procedure, is effective in halting disease progression. Historically, keratoconus research was confined to ex vivo settings. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) has been used to examine the corneal microstructure clinically. In this review, we discuss keratoconus cellular changes evaluated by IVCM before and after CXL. Cellular changes before CXL include decreased keratocyte and nerve densities, disorganized subbasal nerves with thickening, increased nerve tortuosity and shortened nerve fibre length. Repopulation of keratocytes occurs up to 1 year post procedure. IVCM also correlates corneal nerve status to functional corneal sensitivity. Immediately after CXL, there is reduced nerve density and keratocyte absence due to mechanical removal of the epithelium and CXL effect. Nerve regeneration begins after 1 month, with nerve fibre densities recovering to pre-operative levels between 6 months to 1 year and remains stable up to 5 years. Nerves remain tortuous and nerve densities are reduced. Corneal sensitivity is reduced immediately postoperatively but recovers with nerve regeneration. Our article provides comprehensive review on the use of IVCM imaging in keratoconus patients.

Sorption behavior of natural uranium from aqueous solutions using modified activated carbon with quinoline

The activated carbon (AC) was modified by molecules of quinoline (Q) and the new prepared AC impregnated by Q was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, surface measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). These analytical techniques demonstrated a successful preparation of AC-Q as a new material which was examined for its sorption behavior for natural uranium. The sorption results by batch mode indicated the optimum conditions for 94.5% removal of U(VI) ions at pH 4.7 and an equilibrium contact time of 90 min. The analysis of sorption data revealed that the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir were more fitted than other estimated models. The sorption capacity of U(VI) was ∼63 mg/g onto AC-Q as adsorbent martial. The thermodynamic data demonstrated that the sorption of uranium is endothermic and spontaneous. New mechanism was supposed based on the role of the abrasive material quinoline on the mechanical removal of uranium from aqueous solution.

Automation of plant care processes based on machine vision technology

This paper presents the results of developments for a robotic agrotechnical complex capable of performing work in the open ground and in greenhouse conditions. Algorithmic solutions and the developed software in the development under consideration include separate blocks that implement the necessary functional options for data collection and analysis of the mineral and biological composition of the soil substrate, its humidity, electrical conductivity and temperature, for data collection and analysis of crop morbidity and vegetation progress. The software and hardware complex using a mobile self-propelled base with sufficient controls and sensors allows processing information on the targeted application of fertilizers and preparations, mechanical removal of weed flora, including in adverse weather conditions, when the introduction of drugs is not feasible, and manual weeding is economically and physically impossible.

Influence of Mechanical Wounding and Compartmentalization Mechanism on the Suppression of Invasive Plant Species Using the Example of Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Natural habitats increasingly face the introduction and spread of non-native species. Under the right conditions, non-native species can become invasive over time. This issue is now being addressed by many experts and researchers who are using and developing various approaches and methods to limit and eliminate or suppress problematic plant species. Many invasive plants are already spreading uncontrollably in urban and forestry areas, causing health hazards, environmental and economic damage and negatively impacting natural ecosystems. The use of chemical agents is generally limited, so our only option to control and suppress the problematic species is mechanical removal. In this research suppression by tree stem wounding, i.e., incomplete girdling, was used. This type of injury causes the plant to lose its vitality, become weaker after first year and then die within a few years. Using a research approach, we chronologically monitored the response of cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) stem tissue to mechanical wounding of the incomplete girdling. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and light microscopy were used for monitoring moisture content and anatomical changes in different periods after injury. The results of the study showed that cherry laurel, with an intense wound tissue response and other changes, is a species with good compartmentalization potential. The rapid and intense tissue response to injury requires high energy and nutrient consumption and consequently leads to a loss of vigour and mechanical stability, which may result in plant destruction. Results revealed that mechanical wounding by incomplete girdling is a successful method for suppression of non-native and invasive cherry laurel.

Small Molecule Compounds, A Novel Strategy against Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries, as a common oral infectious disease, is a worldwide public health issue. Oral biofilms are the main cause of dental caries. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is well recognized as the major causative factor of dental caries within oral biofilms. In addition to mechanical removal such as tooth brushing and flossing, the topical application of antimicrobial agents is necessarily adjuvant to the control of caries particularly for high-risk populations. The mainstay antimicrobial agents for caries such as chlorhexidine have limitations including taste confusions, mucosal soreness, tooth discoloration, and disruption of an oral microbial equilibrium. Antimicrobial small molecules are promising in the control of S. mutans due to good antimicrobial activity, good selectivity, and low toxicity. In this paper, we discussed the application of antimicrobial small molecules to the control of S. mutans, with a particular focus on the identification and development of active compounds and their modes of action against the growth and virulence of S. mutans.

Orbital myiasis on recurrent undifferentiated carcinoma in the COVID-19 era: a case report and brief review of the literature

Background Myiasis is defined as the infestation of living tissues by Diptera larvae. Ophthalmic involvement occurs in less than 5% of cases. As the most uncommon type of involvement, orbital myiasis usually affects patients with poor personal hygiene, a low socioeconomic status, a history of surgery, and cancer. Findings In January 2020, an 89-year-old man presented to the Oculoplastic Department of Farabi Eye Hospital (Iran) with a history of left-side progressive orbital mass for six months. A large infiltrative mass of the left orbit with extension to the globe, periorbita, and adnexa was remarkable at the presentation, and its appearance suggested malignancy. Our findings persuaded us to perform exenteration and histopathological evaluation which were reported as “undifferentiated carcinoma”. Regular follow-up visits were recommended. In June 2020, with a 3-month delay, the patient presented with the recurrence of the mass complicated with mobile alive larva. Examinations revealed numerous maggots crawling out of an ulcerative and foul-smelling lesion. He stated that fear of COVID-19 infection postponed his follow-up visit. The patient underwent immediate mechanical removal of larvae, followed by wide local excision of the mass. Conclusion Patients with carcinoma of the adnexal tissues seem to be more prone to myiasis infestation even though it is an uncommon disease. Since COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic with no end in sight appropriate protocols should be implemented to prevent loss of follow-up in these high risk patients.

Abstract 1122‐000164: Peri‐embolization Use of Stent Retrievers as a Rescue Tool in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction : Coil migration after endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms is one of the periprocedural complications in 2–6% of patients. Stent retriever use is well‐established in treatment of ischemic stroke but has not been well established to address coil retrieval as rescue therapy. We describe three cases with successful removal of migrated coils using stent retrievers. Methods : A retrospective review at a single center university hospital was performed for all Neuro‐endovascular case log from December 2018 to November 2020. Cases of coil migration were reviewed and coil retraction with Stent Retriever with successful coil mass extraction was considered an endpoint. Number of attempts, types of stent retrievers used and time taken for extraction were noted. Results : Case 1: 56‐year‐old female presented with ruptured tri‐lobed 4 × 3 mm Anterior communicating artery aneurysm. Hunt and Hess (H&H) Grade 2. Modified Fisher scale (MFS) 4. Underwent primary coil embolization. Two 2mmx2cm Galaxy Orbit coils were deployed within aneurysm. During deployment of third coil the first two coils displaced out of the aneurysm migrating into left A2 segment. Stryker’s Trevo 3 × 20 mm stent retriever was used for retrieval of coils however they dislodged at the left internal carotid artery (ICA) terminus and migrated distally into the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 superior division. Subsequently, Medtronic’s Solitaire 4 × 40 mm stent retriever was successfully deployed retrieving the migrated coils with full recanalization. Case 2: 64‐year‐old female presented with ruptured 3 × 5.3 mm right posterior communicating artery (Pcom) aneurysm. H&H 5 and MFS 4. Underwent primary coil embolization with placement of Galaxy Orbit 2.5mmx3.5cm coil. On follow up run, coil mass had migrated into the origin of right fetal Pcom. Migrated coil was successfully retrieved using Stryker’s 4 × 40 mm stent retriever with complete recanalization. Case 3: 65‐year‐old female with presented ruptured 8.5 × 6.8 mm right supraclinoid ICA irregular aneurysm. H&H Grade 1. MFS 3. Underwent primary coil embolization with one Galaxy coil (5mm x 10cm) with plan for future flow diversion. Two weeks later, patient experienced acute neurological worsening with new left sided hemiparesis and right gaze deviation. Imaging revealed acute occlusion of right middle cerebral artery M1 segment occlusion with thrombosed migrated coil. Patient underwent retrieval of the coil and superimposed thrombus utilizing Stryker’s Trevo (4*30 mm) stent retriever with resultant full recanalization. Conclusions : These cases demonstrate successful endovascular mechanical removal of migrated coils using stent retrievers. They add to the limited experience of stent retrievers utilization as effective tools for dealing with such complications.

A Strange Gingival Orifice in an Infant: A Case of Oral Myiasis

Myiasis is a parasitic infection of humans and animals caused by dipterous larvae and is often seen in rural areas. For the first time in the literature as a case of gingival myiasis in an 18-month-old healthy child with good oral hygiene is reported. This case presents the clinical and histopathologic features of oral myiasis. The patient had a swelling in the upper lip for three days and a perforation in the gingiva. After mechanical removal of larvae intraoral symptoms resolved within six days. The larva was identified as Wohlfahrtia magnifica according to the histopathologic evaluation. Dentists working in rural areas should be aware of this very rare condition and its treatment.