Does strontium coated titanium implants enhance the osseointegration in animal models under osteoporotic condition? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to address the effect of strontium modified titanium implants on the osseointegration in the presence of osteoporotic conditions through animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO) were searched electronically, and manual searches were performed till December 2022 to identify preclinical studies on the osseointegration of strontium coated titanium implants in animals with induced osteoporotic conditions. The primary outcomes were the bone-implant contact percentage (BIC%), bone area (BA) from the histomorphometric analysis, and the osseointegration parameters from biomechanical tests; the secondary outcomes were the osseointegration parameters from the micro computed tomography. RESULTS: Nineteen articles were included for the quantitative analysis on basis of the inclusion criteria. The results revealed that Sr-modified implants showed a significant 19.05% increase in BIC, and 15.01% increase in BA. The results of biomechanical tests indicated a significant effect in favor of Sr-coated implants. Furthermore, Results of the secondary outcomes supported the significant advantages of Sr-coated implants over the un-coated implants. The overall, systematic analysis of implants osteointegration parameters proved a significant increase in favor of Sr-coated titanium implants (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present results provide evidence that strontium-coated titanium implants enhanced the osseointegration in animal models under osteoporotic condition as this surface modification techniques have improved the mechanical and biological properties of the titanium implants.

Experimental Investigation on Machinability of α/ß Titanium Alloys with Different Microstructures.

In the current study, Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) and Ti-6Al-7Nb (Ti67) alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting. The produced samples were then subjected to different heat treatment regimes. The evolved microstructures and their corresponding hardness were investigated. Computerized drilling tests using TiAlN-coated high-speed steel bits were performed to assess the machinability of the prepared specimen regarding cutting force, tool wear, and thickness of the deformed layer. It was observed that Ti64 specimens that were water quenched from either α/ß or ß range contained martensitic phase. In Ti67, samples showed martensite only when water quenched from the ß-phase range (1070 °C). Formation of martensite resulted in higher hardness and hence led to higher cutting forces and increased tool wear during the drilling process. Machined samples with higher hardness formed a thicker subsurface deformation area (white layer) and increased burr heights. Surface roughness in Ti64 workpieces was generally higher compared to Ti67 specimens. The coat of the drilling bit was partially attacked in the as-cast specimens, which was evident by elemental N on the machining chips. The machining tool deteriorated further by increasing the workpiece hardness through martensitic formation, where elements such as Cr, V, Fe, etc. that came from the tool steel were detected.

Aneurysmal bone cyst on top of fibro-osseous lesion of the ethmoid sinus with orbital and intracranial extension in a child.

Objective: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) rarely involve the cranium. We report a case arising in the ethmoid sinus with orbital and intracranial invasion. Imaging suggested an associated fibro-osseous lesion. The lesion was completely resected. Histology confirmed the imaging diagnosis of ABC on top of an ossifying fibroma. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for optimal surgical outcomes. Methods: We report a case of an 8-year-old boy with a 5 week history of painless, increasing prominence of the left eye. Clinical examination revealed non-pulsatile left proptosis. Visual acuity and ocular movements were normal. CT and MRI scans of the maxillofacial regions showed a large space-occupying lesion involving the left ethmoid air cells with left orbital and left inferior frontal intracranial extension. Multiple fluid levels with blood products were seen. Areas of the bony component of the lesion showed ground-glass density on CT. Imaging was consistent with an ABC with an underlying fibro-osseous lesion; probably fibrous dysplasia which was confirmed after surgical removal of the lesion. A multidisciplinary team of maxillofacial, neurosusugery and ENT surgeons performed the surgery. Results: ABC arising from an osseous fibroma of the skull is rare. Total resection can be achieved with a multidisciplinary surgical approach. Post-operative histology confirmed by the imaging findings.

The Role of Automated Peripheral Iridectomy Combined with Phacoemulsification and Mini Ex-PRESS Shunt Implantation in Patients with Chronic Angle Closure Glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of automated peripheral iridectomy as an adjunctive tool combined with phacoemulsification and ExPRESS shunt implantation in management of cases with chronic angle closure glaucoma. Setting: Magrabi eye hospital. Methods: This prospective study included 22 eyes of 22 patients with chronic angle closure glaucoma and cataract who underwent Ex-PRESS shunt implantation, cataract extraction and surgical peripheral iridectomy at the site of shunt implantation in the period between January 2018 and April 2020. Results: After surgery, the mean IOP was 11.3±1.2 mm Hg, 14.5±1.6 mm Hg, 14.8±2.1 mm Hg, 15.3±1.9 mm Hg and 17.4±1.8 mm Hg at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, respectively. All postoperative IOP was significantly lower compared with preoperative IOP (P = 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the number of medications required after surgery. The baseline mean number of medications was 3.4±0.02 (range from 1 to 4), while postoperatively the mean number of medications decreased to 0.7±0.01 at 12 months (P < 0.01). The qualified success rate was 6/22 eyes, and the complete success rate was 16/22 (72.7%) at 12 months, respectively. Conclusion: The combined phacoemulsification and Ex-PRESS shunt implantation with automated peripheral iridectomy is an effective and safe procedure to treat chronic angle closure glaucoma.

Impacts of Lubricant Type on the Densification Behavior and Final Powder Compact Properties of Cu-Fe Alloy under Different Compaction Pressures.

A Cu-15Fe alloy was fabricated using a powder metallurgy (PM) route, with the addition of different solid lubricants (i.e., paraffin wax (PW) and stearic acid (SA) as well as their composites (PW+SA)). Green compacts were produced via cold compaction at different pressure levels of 50 MPa, 200 MPa, and 350 MPa, then sintered for 60 min under vacuum at 1050 °C. The systematic evolution of the densification, porosity, and pore-size behavior were studied. Vickers Hardness Tests were used to measure hardness. The analysis of the morphological alterations was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Moreover, under dry sliding conditions, pin-on-disk wear tests were conducted in order to determine tribological properties such as the coefficient of friction (µ), specific wear rate (K), and friction temperature gain. Results revealed that the lubrication process and compaction pressure play a crucial role in defining the characteristics of the final compact. Higher sintered densities and hardnesses were achieved at 50 MPa when PW was used as a solid lubricant, and became reduced as the compaction pressure increased. In contrast, in the case of SA, higher sintered densities and hardnesses were obtained at a compaction pressure of 350 MPa, and increased with increasing pressure. Moreover, PW samples exhibited lower coefficients of friction and wear properties. The addition of SA improves the wear loss of friction materials as well as their coefficients of friction. Compared to blank and PW samples, SA samples show a nearly 50% reduction in wear rate.

Terrestrial arthropods broadly possess endogenous phytohormones auxin and cytokinins.

Some herbivorous insects possess the ability to synthesize phytohormones and are considered to use them for manipulating their host plants, but how these insects acquired the ability remains unclear. We investigated endogenous levels of auxin (IAA) and cytokinins (iP and tZ), including their ribosides (iPR and tZR), in various terrestrial arthropod taxa. Surprisingly, IAA was detected in all arthropods analysed. In contrast, tZ and/or tZR was detected only in some taxa. Endogenous levels of IAA were not significantly different among groups with different feeding habits, but gall inducers possessed significantly higher levels of iPR, tZ and tZR. Ancestral state reconstruction of the ability to synthesize tZ and tZR revealed that the trait has only been acquired in taxa containing gall inducers. Our results strongly suggest critical role of the cytokinin synthetic ability in the evolution of gall-inducing habit and IAA has some function in arthropods.

Intertidal insects associated with halophytic Suaeda (Amaranthaceae) in Japan: a case study in Saga, northern Kyushu.

In contrast to a great diversity in insects in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, few known species have adapted to inhabit marine environments. In this study, we surveyed insects associated with halophytic plants of Suaeda (Amaranthaceae) distributed in intertidal zones, in northern Kyushu, Japan. On four Japanese native species of Suaeda, we found insects belonging to five orders and 18 species. Amongst them, the genus Clanoneurum (Diptera: Ephydridae) and Coleophoradeviella (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) were newly reported from Japan; and Orthotylus (Melanotrichus) parvulus (Hemiptera: Miridae) was newly recorded from Kyushu. The seasonal occurrence of several insects on Suaeda is reported.

Intralesional Acyclovir: A Potential Therapeutic Option for Cutaneous Warts.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of warts is challenging and the development of an antiviral drug that can eradicate the human papilloma virus (HPV) is difficult. The viral origin of warts suggests that acyclovir, an antiviral drug with a proven efficacy in DNA viruses, may be a potential therapeutic option. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional acyclovir in the treatment of cutaneous warts. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with cutaneous warts were allocated into 2 groups. Group A (19 patients) had intralesional acyclovir (70 mg/ml) injected into the warts, while group B (12 patients) received intralesional saline as control. The treatment was repeated at 2 week intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of 5 sessions. RESULTS: Complete clearance of warts was observed in 52.6%, partial response in 36.8%, and no response in 10.5% of the patients in the acyclovir group. Partial response was reported in 16.7%, and no response in 83.3% of the patients in the control group. A high statistically significant difference was found between the treatment and control groups (P < .01). Adverse effects included pain during injection in 89.5%, blistering in 52.6% and erythema in5.3% of the patients. No recurrence was detected during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Intralesional acyclovir can be an effective and well-tolerated treatment modality for cutaneous warts.

Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for Correction of Pediatric Unilateral Anisometropic Myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) on treating unilateral myopic anisometropia in children with spectacles or contact lens intolerance. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included children with unilateral myopic anisometropic amblyopia who underwent a SMILE procedure at Alpha Vision Center, Zagazig, Egypt, from January 2014 to December 2016. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four eyes of 124 patients were included in this study. The postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at the 3-month and 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year follow-up visits improved significantly (P < .05) compared to the preoperative CDVA, indicating the safety of the procedure. At the 3-month postoperative visit, 23% of cases showed improvement of one or more lines of CDVA, whereas only 2% of cases showed a decline of only one line. Moreover, the postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity compared favorably to the preoperative CDVA, denoting the efficacy of the refractive correction. The spherical equivalent was within ±0.50 diopters of the intended correction in 75% of the cases and within ±1.00 diopters in 89% of the cases. The intraoperative complications were scarce and relatively innocuous. CONCLUSIONS: SMILE is a safe and effective alternative method for correcting myopic anisometropic amblyopia in children with spectacles or contact lens intolerance with good refractive results. A larger study with longer follow-up periods is necessary to determine the long-term effects of SMILE. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(8):510-515.].

A new species of Pseudasphondylia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) associated with Magnolia kobus DC. var. borealis Sarg. (Magnoliaceae) in Japan.

BACKGROUND: A gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing leaf bud galls on Magnolia kobus DC. var. borealis Sarg. (Magnoliaceae) was found in Hokkaido and northern Honshu, Japan. NEW INFORMATION: Based on its morphology, the species is regarded as an undescribed species of the genus Pseudasphondylia Monzen (Cecidomyiinae, Cecidomyiidi, Asphondyliini). The species is herein described as Pseudasphondylia saohimea Matsuda, Elsayed and Tokuda sp. n. The new species is easily distinguishable from its congeners by the number of adult palpal segments and the shape of the male terminalia and larval spatula.

Three new species of Ametrodiplosis (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Japan, with a key to the Japanese species and a molecular phylogenetic analysis.

Ametrodiplosis Rübsaamen (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Clinodiplosini) is a mostly Holarctic gall midge genus whose species are associated with a wide range of seed plant families, either as gall-inducers or inquilines. In this study, we describe three species of Ametrodiplosis from Japan: A. adetos n. sp. feeding in the flowers of Tylophora aristolochioides Miq. (Apocynaceae); A. aeroradicis n. sp. inducing aerial root galls on Trachelospermum asiaticum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Nakai and T. gracilipes var. liukiuense (Apocynaceae); and A. stellariae n. sp. forming leaf bud galls on Stellaria uliginosa Murray var. undulata (Thunb.) Ohwi (Caryophyllaceae). A molecular phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial COI and ribosomal 16S genes and nuclear ribosomal 28S gene were conducted for the three new Ametrodiplisis species and other clinodiplosine taxa sequences available in GenBank. The analysis supported the monophyly of Ametrodiplosis despite the variable life history of the three species. In addition, it indicated very low intraspecific genetic divergence among the individuals from different localities and/or host plants. A taxonomic key to the three new Japanese species of Ametrodiplosis is provided.

Chemokines in Vitiligo Pathogenesis: CXCL10 and 12.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disease that affects 0.5% to 1% of the global population. The main manifestation of vitiligo is skin depigmentation, which significantly influences appearance and brings enormous psychological stress for patients. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), CXCL10 , CXCL11 and CXCL12 are linked to the Th1 pattern and have been suggested as one of the most relevant chemokine axes that promote T cell migration in different autoimmune and inflammatory process . These were suggested to promote melanocyte-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTLs) to infiltrate into the basal layer of the epidermis to attack melanocytes, resulting in the deficiency of melanin. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CXCL10 and CXCL12 in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and to detect its relationship to disease activity. METHODS: Forty patients with non-segmental vitiligo (NSV; 20 patients with active disease and 20 stable patients). This group included 20 male patients and 20 female patients, with ages ranging from 10 to 65 years. Twenty healthy age- and sex-matched controls were included. The control group included 10 males and 10 females with ages ranging from 10 to 65 years. We measured the serum level of CXCL10 and CXCL12 in the patients and controls using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: Serum CXCL10 level was highly significantly increased in patients with vitiligo compared to controls. There was a high statistically significant difference between patients with active disease and those with stable disease regarding serum level of CXCL10 with higher level of CXCL10 in active type. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that vitiligo might be associated with increased serum levels of CXCL10 and CXCL12. There is a positive relationship to disease activity, indicating that CXCL10 and CXCL12 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Scleral Fixation of Single-Piece Foldable IOL Using Double-Flanged Technique.

PURPOSE: To describe the efficiency and visual results of a new method of transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of single-piece foldable IOL using double-flanged 6/0 prolene suture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen aphakic eyes of 17 patients without adequate capsular support were involved in this study. Lens was prepared by passing the 6/0 prolene suture in a track in the haptic of single-piece foldable IOL created by 31 g needle. The 6/0 prolene suture was retrieved through a 30 g needle transconjunctivally to outside the globe; then, IOL was implanted and a terminal bulb was created at the outer end of the prolene suture. RESULTS: All cases were aphakic after complicated phacoemulsification. In 10 cases hydrophilic IOLs were used and in 7 cases hydrophobic IOLs were used. There is clear statistically significant difference between pre-UCVA and post- UCVA. Complications included suture slippage in 2 cases and prolene bulb exposure in one case. There was no significant difference in endothelial cell count and IOP before and after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of foldable single-piece IOLs is a safe efficient method for correcting aphakia.

Revision of the birch-associated genus Massalongia (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae), with description of a new species from Japan and a taxonomic key to worldwide species.

Betula (Betulaceae), or birch, is a Holarctic genus of trees and shrubs whose species have ornamental, industrial, and medical importance. Gall midges of the genus Massalongia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiidi) are exclusively associated with birches in the Palearctic region. In 2018, an undescribed Massalongia species was discovered forming leaf galls on the midveins of B. grossa on Mount Tara, Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. In this study the species is described as M. nakamuratetsui Elsayed & Tokuda, sp. nov., and a DNA barcode provided for it. The other known species of Massalongia are redescribed because the original descriptions are outdated and insufficient. A lectotype is designated for M. bachmaieri. In addition, the monotypic genus Apagodiplosis, containing A. papyriferae associated with B. papyrifera in the Nearctic region, is synonymized here under Massalongia, resulting in M. papyriferae comb. nov., rendering Massalongia a Holarctic genus with six species. Comparing the sequence data of M. nakamuratetsui with all sequences available in The Barcode of Life Data (BOLD) system supports the occurrence of Massalongia in the Nearctic region and suggest that more species could be discovered there. Massalongia species form leaf or bud galls, and their mature larvae drop to the ground in autumn and overwinter in characteristic waterproof bottle-like cocoons, which is possibly a protective adaptation for pupation in wet and snowy lands. A taxonomic key to all Massalongia species is provided.

Double-Flanged polypropylene Suture for Scleral Fixation of Cionni Capsule Tension Ring.

PURPOSE: To describe a new technique for transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of Cionni CTR using double-flanged polypropylens suture. METHODS: This is a prospective interventional case series which included 7 cases with severe (more than 180 degrees) zonular dialysis. Three cases were hereditary lens subluxation (Marfan syndrome), 2 cases with traumatic subluxation and 2 cases with pseudo-exfoliation syndrome. RESULTS: All cases achieved a good postoperative stable and centered IOL with good visual results. No postoperative complications were recorded apart from PCO in 3 cases and mild bleeding during needle passage in one case. CONCLUSION: This described technique is a simple, time sparing and minimally invasive method for achieving good bag centration. It eliminates the need of conjunctival peritomy, subconjunctival vessels cautery and scleral fashioning of a flap, pocket or a groove. The use of 6/0 polypropylene theoretically can achieve better longevity.

Pattern of Intermediate Uveitis in an Egyptian Cohort.

Purpose: To describe the clinical experience with intermediate uveitis at six Egyptian tertiary eye centers.Methods: A multicenter retrospective chart review of all patients with intermediate uveitis seen at six ocular inflammation referral clinics in Egypt between January 2010 and January 2017.Results: The study included a total of 781 patients with intermediate uveitis. The study cohort comprised of 282 male and 499 female patients. In over half of our cohort (58.77%), no specific cause could be confirmed. The remaining patients had sarcoidosis (16.26%), tuberculosis (14.85%), multiple sclerosis (9.09%), and TINU (1.02%). By the end of our study, 62% of the affected eyes had a BCVA better than 20/40Conclusion: More than 40% of our patients with intermediate uveitis had sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, or TINU as the underlying etiology. Owing to their potential morbidity, these diseases need to be considered in Egyptian patients presenting with intermediate uveitis.

Evaluation of Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection in the Treatment of Localized Chronic Pruritus.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that causes a flaccid muscle paralysis. It is currently used for aesthetic procedures and to treat focal hyperhidrosis. The botulinum toxin has also been used experimentally in many other dermatological conditions with positive results. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal injection of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of localized recalcitrant chronic pruritus in lichen simplex, inverse psoriasis, post-burn itching, lichen planus (hypertrophic), and postherpetic neuralgia. METHODS: This was a clinical trial study of 32 patients (12 with lichen simplex chronicus [LSC], 4 with inverse psoriasis, 4 with post-burning itch, 4 with lichen planus, 4 with hypertrophic lichen planus, and 4 with post-herpetic neuralgia). We used 2 to 3mL of unpreserved saline to dilute each vial (50 units) of botulinum toxin A. This led to a final concentration of 2 to 2.5U/0.1cc; injections were typically made into the dermis. RESULTS: The ages of patients in the group studied ranged from 13 to 85 years, with a mean of 37.38 years, and 59.4 percent were female. There were statistical reductions in visual analog scale in all the studied cases. CONCLUSION: Botulinum toxin A appears to be a safe and effective therapy for the improvement of localized recalcitrant itching in LSC, inverse psoriasis, burns, hypertrophic lichen planus, lichen planus, and symptoms of postherpetic neuralgia.

Two new species of Schizomyia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Japan, with an updated key to larval, pupal and adult Schizomyia in Japan.

Two new species of Schizomyia Kieffer (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini: Schizomyiina) are reported from Japan. Schizomyia broussonetiae Elsayed Tokuda n. sp. forms hairy globular leaf galls on the paper mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent. (Moraceae) and S. uechiae Elsayed and Tokuda n. sp. induces red flower bud galls on the porcelain berry Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Momiy. (Vitaceae). Morphological features of larvae, pupae and adults of the new species are described, illustrated and compared in detail to several other Schizomyia species. An updated taxonomic key to known Japanese species of Schizomyia is provided.

Pseudasphondylia tominagai, a new gall midge species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing flower bud galls on Eleutherococcus spinosus (Araliaceae) in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The genus Pseudasphondylia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Asphondyliini: Asphondyliina) comprises ten Palearctic, Oriental and Australian species associated with various hosts belonging to at least ten plant families. NEW INFORMATION: A new species, Pseudasphondylia tominagai Elsayed & Tokuda n. sp., that induces flower bud galls on Eleutherococcus spinosus (L.f.) S.Y.Hu (Araliaceae) is described. This species is considered to alternate between host plants seasonally. A key to males of known Pseudasphondylia species is provided.