Maximizing agricultural reuse of recycled nutrients: A spatially explicit assessment of environmental consequences and costs.

Recovering nutrients from organic materials to reduce artificial fertilizer inputs requires the implementation of processing technologies and can involve considerable logistics and transportation costs. Reducing such costs by directly applying organic materials to agricultural land can contribute to pollution due to potential contaminants and unbalanced nutrient ratios. Assessing the cost of increased recycling requires a spatially explicit approach because availability of organic materials, nutrient demand and agro-ecosystem properties vary spatially. A multi-objective model was developed to estimate the trade-offs between costs of nutrient recovery and improvements in nutrient distribution for a case study area in The Netherlands. The evaluated recovery processes included solid-liquid separation followed by reverse osmosis to recover nutrients from pig manure which was compared to a conventional process via hygienisation and export. Results indicate that, even in a nutrient saturated area, replacement potential of artificial nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers through locally reclaimed nutrients is limited to about 17% N and 55% P. A cost optimum was found when about 48% of the initial pig manure quantities were processed via nutrient recovery and directed to land. Increasing manure processing for nutrient recovery led to a redistribution of nutrients and trace metals (zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu)), resulting in more localized concentration. Zn and Cu were enriched by about 8% and 2%, respectively, when maximizing nutrient recovery. Our generic model offers a methodology to assess the trade-offs between increased recycling and associated spatial effects to facilitate sustainable recycling infrastructures for achieving more circular agriculture.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Translating human deficits into mouse behavior.

Autism Spectrum Disorders are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, with rising incidence but little effective therapeutic intervention available. Currently two main clinical features are described to diagnose ASDs: impaired social interaction and communication, and repetitive behaviors. Much work has focused on understanding underlying causes of ASD by generating animal models of the disease, in the hope of discovering signaling pathways and cellular targets for drug intervention. Here we review how ASD behavioral phenotypes can be modeled in the mouse, the most common animal model currently in use in this field, and discuss examples of genetic mouse models of ASD with behavioral features that recapitulate various symptoms of ASD.

The role of Taylor Spatial Frame for the treatment of acquired and congenital tibial deformities in children.

This study evaluates the use of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) for the correction of acquired and congenital tibial deformities in children. The purpose is to underline problems, obstacles and complications that can be observed during treatment to reveal the learning curve and potential risk factors and to propose solutions to avoid difficulties during its use 86 tibia deformities were corrected in 66 children during a period of 7 years and were classified according to anatomical and dominant type of deformity. Follow up was 54.2 months. Gradual correction was performed according to the individualized time schedule. We faced 42 difficulties: 29 problems, 10 obstacles and 3 complications, distributed across all years. Significant correlation was found between patient's age and number of difficulties. The incidence of the difficulties was equally spread over the different etiologies, but it was statistically significant across the years. Proximal tibia and complex multi-plane deformities seem to be related to an increased incidence of postoperative difficulties. TSF can yield accurate results, is easy to handle and provides an excellent concomitant 3-direction correction.

Improving health-related quality of life in middle-age children with cerebral palsy following selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening and functional physiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to assess the HRQOL of children with CP before versus after a combined program of minimally invasive selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) and functional physiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-group pre-posttest design was used. Twenty-six middle childhood children with spastic CP, aged 5-7 years, with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II-IV underwent SPML surgery and 9 months of postoperative functional strength training therapy. The proxy version of the DISABKIDS-Smiley questionnaire was completed by one parent of each child. Dependent t-tests were used to compare mean pre- and post-measurement scores. RESULTS: After the 9-month intervention, the children with CP had significantly higher quality of life scores (mean difference, 11.06±9.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.40-14.71; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that children with CP had better HRQOL after a combined program of minimally invasive SPML surgery and functional physiotherapy (ACTRN12618001535268).

Improving health-related quality of life in middle-age children with cerebral palsy following selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening and functional physiotherapy. / [Artículo traducido] Mejora de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en niños de mediana edad con parálisis cerebral después de un alargamiento miofascial percutáneo selectivo y fisioterapia funcional.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) experience decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study aimed to assess the HRQOL of children with CP before versus after a combined program of minimally invasive selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) and functional physiotherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single-group pre-posttest design was used. Twenty-six middle childhood children with spastic CP, aged 5-7 years, with Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II-IV underwent SPML surgery and 9 months of postoperative functional strength training therapy. The proxy version of the DISABKIDS-Smiley questionnaire was completed by one parent of each child. Dependent t-tests were used to compare mean pre- and post-measurement scores. RESULTS: After the 9-month intervention, the children with CP had significantly higher quality of life scores (mean difference, 11.06 ± 9.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.40-14.71; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that children with CP had better HRQOL after a combined program of minimally invasive SPML surgery and functional physiotherapy (ACTRN12618001535268).

Influence of corneal cross-linking for keratoconus on several objective parameters of dry eye.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential influence of corneal cross-linking (CXL) with ultraviolet-A light and riboflavin in keratoconic eyes on several objective parameters of dry eye syndrome. METHODS: This prospective single center study included 30 consecutive eyes of 16 patients that underwent CXL with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A treatment (epithelial removal, 30 minutes soaking with riboflavin, 30 minutes of illumination with 365 nm, 3 mW/cm(2), 5 cm distance). Several dry eye syndrome parameters were evaluated preoperatively and 3 and 6 months after the procedure: intra-individual comparison of fluorescein and Rose bengal staining, height of tear film meniscus, and tear film break-up time. RESULTS: Pathologic staining (more than 10 point-shaped areas or diffuse staining) with fluorescein was evident before CXL in 1 eye, 3 months after CXL in 1 eye, and 6 months after CXL in 1 eye. Rose bengal staining 3 and 6 months postoperatively was comparable to preoperative staining. Tear film height was reduced in 2 eyes before CXL and in 4 eyes 3 months postoperatively, and was normal in all eyes after 6 months. The number of eyes with reduced tear film break-up time was not significantly changed. CONCLUSIONS: CXL had no significant impact on several parameters of dry eye syndrome 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Decision taking in corneal refractive surgery.

A 27-year-old woman who wants to get rid of contact lenses and spectacles was seen at our clinic. She had strabismus surgery as a child and was patched for the right eye but now shows mild nondisturbing exophoria. Infrequently, she likes to box in the sports school. Her corrected distance visual acuity at presentation in the right eye was 20/16 with -3.75 -0.75 × 50 and in the left eye 20/16 with -3.75 -1.25 × 142. Her cycloplegic refraction in the right eye was -3.75 -0.75 × 44 and in the left eye was -3.25 -1.25 × 147. The left eye is the dominant eye. The tear break-up time was 8 seconds in both eyes, and the Schirmer tear test was 7 to 10 mm in right and left eyes, respectively. Pupil sizes under mesopic conditions were 6.62 mm and 6.68 mm. The anterior chamber depth (ACD) (measured from the epithelium) in the right eye was 3.89 mm and in the left eye was 3.87 mm. The corneal thickness was 503 µm and 493 µm of the right and left eye, respectively. Corneal endothelial cell density was on average 2700 cells/mm2 for both eyes. Slitlamp biomicroscopy showed clear corneas and a normal flat iris configuration. Supplemental Figures 1 to 4 (available at http://links.lww.com/JRS/A818, http://links.lww.com/JRS/A819, http://links.lww.com/JRS/A820, and http://links.lww.com/JRS/A821) show the corneal topography and Belin-Ambrósio deviation (BAD) maps at presentation of the right eye and left eye, respectively. Would you consider this patient a candidate for corneal refractive surgery (eg, laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy, laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK], or small-incision lenticule extraction [SMILE] procedure)? Has your opinion changed given the recent opinion of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding LASIK?1 The patient herself is slightly favoring an implantation of a phakic intraocular lens (pIOL), as she prefers something reversible. Would you implant a pIOL, and which type of IOL, for this level of myopia? What is your diagnosis or are additional diagnostic methodologies needed to establish a diagnosis? What is your treatment advice for this patient? REFERENCES 1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, HHS. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) lasers-patient labeling recommendations; draft guidance for industry and food and drug administration staff; availability. July 28, 2022, Federal Register; 87 FR 45334. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/laser-assisted-situ-keratomileusis-lasik-lasers-patient-labeling-recommendations Accessed January 25, 2023.

Correlation between central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and corneal keratometry as measured by Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820 in preoperative cataract surgery patients.

PURPOSE: To compare and correlate central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and keratometric (flat and steep K) measurements using two anterior segment imaging methods, a Scheimpflug camera system (Oculyzer II [Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH]) and a partial coherence biometry system (WaveLight OB820 [Alcon Laboratories Inc]) in eyes undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: Ninety patients (mean age: 66±13 years [range: 32 to 88 years]) underwent preoperative measurement of CCT, ACD, and keratometric measurements by Scheimpflug tomography (Oculyzer II) and optical low coherence reflectometry (WaveLight OB820). Interdevice agreement and correlation between the two techniques were assessed. RESULTS: All measurements were highly correlated and showed no clinically significant difference between methods. Mean CCT was 554.21±39.07 µm and 546.59±37.75 µm for the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820, respectively (R²=0.9268). Mean ACD was 2.63±0.44 mm and 2.63±0.43 mm for the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820, respectively (R(2)=0.9488). The principal meridian keratometric values were also highly correlated. Mean flat K was 42.88±1.50 diopters (D) and 42.96±1.40 D for the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820, respectively (R²=0.8741). Mean steep K was 44.08±1.79 D and 44.26±1.95 D for the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820, respectively (R(2)=0.9159). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that the Oculyzer II and WaveLight OB820 provide measurements that are in agreement with published values for CCT and ACD in patients. Excellent agreement for CCT and ACD was found between the two devices, as demonstrated by a high degree of correlation and linearity, in addition to minimal bias. Thus, CCT, ACD, and K measurements by these instruments can both be used in clinical preparation, and their agreement is an ensuring precision factor for cataract and refractive surgeons.

Stability of simultaneous topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy and riboflavin/UVA cross-linking for progressive keratoconus: case reports.

PURPOSE: To follow the stability of a simultaneously delivered therapy that corrects aberrations and stiffens the corneal collagen of eyes with progressive keratoconus. METHODS: Two patients with progressive keratoconus underwent partial treatment (70% cylinder and sphere up to 50-µm central depth) with topographic customized photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using the T-CAT module of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories Inc), and then immediate corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin 0.1% drops every 2 minutes while exposed to mean 365-nm ultraviolet A (UVA) light at 3.0 mW/cm² for 30 minutes (the Athens Protocol). Pre- and postoperative evaluations included manifest and cycloplegic refraction, Scheimpflug corneal tomography and pachymetry, and slit-lamp examination of corneal clarity with a minimum follow-up of 30 months. RESULTS: Both treated eyes experienced rapid healing of the epithelial surface within 5 days and progressive improvement of vision. In the first case, partial treatment reduced the astigmatism and aberrations, allowing for successful soft contact lens wear at 3 months. Follow-up at 13, 19, 30, and 36 months showed progressive reduction of refractive myopia and keratometric power. In the second case, laser treatment led to a near emmetropic refraction with an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 at 3 months, which remained unchanged at 21 and 30 months postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: Partial topography-guided PRK followed by riboflavin/UVA CXL is a safe and effective therapy that halts the progression of keratoectasia and reduces the spherocylindrical refraction and aberrations to improve the visual function of patients with progressive keratoconus. Stability and progressive improvement over time is observed, although limitations may exist for steeper and thinner corneas.

A three-dimensional finite element model of maximal grip loading in the human wrist.

The aim of this work was to create an anatomically accurate three-dimensional finite element model of the wrist, applying subject-specific loading and quantifying the internal load transfer through the joint during maximal grip. For three subjects, representing the anatomical variation at the wrist, loading on each digit was measured during a maximal grip strength test with simultaneous motion capture. The internal metacarpophalangeal joint load was calculated using a biomechanical model. High-resolution magnetic resonance scans were acquired to quantify bone geometry. Finite element analysis was performed, with ligaments and tendons added, to calculate the internal load distribution. It was found that for the maximal grip the thumb carried the highest load, an average of 72.2 +/- 20.1 N in the neutral position. Results from the finite element model suggested that the highest regions of stress were located at the radial aspect of the carpus. Most of the load was transmitted through the radius, 87.5 per cent, as opposed to 12.5 per cent through the ulna with the wrist in a neutral position. A fully three-dimensional finite element analysis of the wrist using subject-specific anatomy and loading conditions was performed. The study emphasizes the importance of modelling a large ensemble of subjects in order to capture the spectrum of the load transfer through the wrist due to anatomical variation.

Staged intrastromal delivery of riboflavin with UVA cross-linking in advanced bullous keratopathy: laboratory investigation and first clinical case.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of staged ultraviolet A (UVA) cross-linking following intrastromal 0.1% riboflavin administration in eyes with advanced corneal edema. METHODS: Ten eye bank corneas divided in two groups (n = 5) were placed on a pressurized artificial anterior chamber following Descemet's membrane stripping. Two consecutive corneal pockets (350- and 150-microm depth) were sequentially created using a femtosecond laser. Sequential intrastromal injections of 0.1% riboflavin (0.2 mL) followed by either UVA irradiation (15 mW/cm2) for 7 minutes or exposure to air were performed for each pocket. Corneal clarity and central thickness were measured before and after the two UVA cross-linking steps. The same steps were clinically applied in an 84-year-old woman with bullous keratopathy prior to corneal transplantation and followed for 6 months. RESULTS: The corneal clarity improved in the treated but not the control eyes. The mean central corneal thickness was significantly reduced by 256 microm (ultrasound, P = .0002) and 273 miccrom (Scheimpflug, P = .0004) in treated eyes, but only 100 microm (ultrasound, P = .048) and 107 microm (Scheimpflug, P = .075) in the control eyes. The clinical treatment of corneal edema showed improved clarity and reduced central corneal thickness from 675 to 550 microm (ultrasound) and 696 to 571 microm (Scheimpflug) at 1 month. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from finger counting to 20/80 at 1 week and beyond, postponing corneal transplantation for > 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Staged UVA cross-linking (15 mW/cm2) with femtosecond laser facilitated intrastromal 0.1% riboflavin administration may be a safe (no corneal scarring) and effective (marked reduction of edema) temporizing alternative method for managing bullous keratopathy.

Graft-versus-leukaemia effect post fludarabine, melphalan and alemtuzumab reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantat in HIV-infected patient with acute myeloid leukaemia.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) is sine qua non to cure high-risk acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In spite the advent of highly active antiretroviral treatment, HIV-infected patients display a remarkable risk for haematological neoplasms such as non-Hodgkin lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphoma and acute leukaemia. Several case series have confirmed the efficacy of the autologous stem cell transplantation for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphomas in the HIV setting. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data for the role of the Allo-HSCT in HIV-infected individuals with haematological malignancies. Herein, we presented the successful long-term outcome of a HIV-infected patient who received reduced intensity conditioned, matched unrelated donor transplant with alemtuzumab as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis for therapy-related acute myeloid leukaemia. We propose that Allo-HSCT in HIV patients is safe and that alemtuzumab-based conditioning could further work to eradicate HIV in those whose donor is not CCR5 homozygous.

Measurement of angle kappa with synoptophore and Orbscan II in a normal population.

PURPOSE: To obtain normative values of angle kappa in a normal population by synoptophore and Orbscan II and to compare the reliability of these devices. METHODS: Three hundred consecutive healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. A complete orthoptic and ophthalmologic examination was performed. Synoptophore and Orbscan II corneal topography were used to measure angle kappa. To evaluate the association of the angle kappa and refraction measures, individuals were further classified according to the degree of myopia and hyperopia. The spherical equivalent error measures were grouped into six categories: > or = -3.00 diopters (D); -2.75 to -1.50 D; -1.25 to -0.50 D; +0.50 to +1.25 D; +1.50 to +2.75 D; and > or = +3.00 D. Paired t test and Pearson's correlation test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals was 28.74 +/- 1.63 years (range: 20 to 40 years). The angle kappa values obtained by synoptophore and Orbscan II were normally distributed. In the myopic group, angle kappa values decreased significantly towards negative refractive errors. In contrast, a correlation existed between large positive angles and positive refractive errors in the hyperopic group. Angle kappa values obtained by Orbscan II were significantly higher in all groups when compared to synoptophore (P < .0001). A significant correlation was noted between synoptophore and Orbscan II measurements (r = 0.932, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation exists between positive refractive errors and large positive angle kappa values. Refractive surgeons must take into account angle kappa, especially in hyperopic patients, to avoid complications related to decentration of the ablation zone.

Collagen cross-linking (CCL) with sequential topography-guided PRK: a temporizing alternative for keratoconus to penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation-induced collagen cross-linking (CCL) on keratoconus (KC) progression. METHODS: A patient with bilateral, progressive KC underwent UVA irradiation (3 mW/cm for 30 minutes) after topical 0.1% riboflavin drops over a deepithelialized cornea. Twelve months later, a topography-guided penetrating keratoplasty (PRK; wavelight 400 Hz Eye-Q excimer) was performed in 1 eye for a refractive error of -3.50 -4.00 x 155 by using an attempted treatment of -2.50 -3.00 x 155. At all postoperative follow-up visits to 18 months, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), pachymetry, and topography were performed. RESULTS: In the treated left eye, the UCVA after the UVA CCL improved from 20/100 to 20/80, and the BSCVA improved from 20/50 to 20/40. Eighteen months after the topography-guided PRK, the UCVA was 20/20, and the BSCVA was 20/15, with a refractive error of Plano -0.50 x 150. The cornea was clear, and the endothelial cell count remained unchanged. The untreated right mate eye continued to progress during the same period. CONCLUSIONS: The significant clinical improvement and the apparent stability of more than a year after UVA CCL, and subsequent PRK compared with the untreated mate eye, seems to validate this treatment approach for KC. An adjusted nomogram may be considered in the ablation of cross-linked cornea tissue to avoid overcorrections.

The developmental emergence of differential brainstem serotonergic control of the sensory spinal cord.

Descending connections from brainstem nuclei are known to exert powerful control of spinal nociception and pain behaviours in adult mammals. Here we present evidence that descending serotonergic fibres not only inhibit nociceptive activity, but also facilitate non-noxious tactile activity in the healthy adult rat spinal dorsal horn via activation of spinal 5-HT3 receptors (5-HT3Rs). We further show that this differential serotonergic control in the adult emerges from a non-modality selective system in young rats. Serotonergic fibres exert background 5-HT3R mediated facilitation of both tactile and nociceptive spinal activity in the first three postnatal weeks. Thus, differential descending serotonergic control of spinal touch and pain processing emerges in late postnatal life to allow flexible and context-dependent brain control of somatosensation.

To which countries do European psychiatric trainees want to move to and why?

BACKGROUND: There is a shortage of psychiatrists worldwide. Within Europe, psychiatric trainees can move between countries, which increases the problem in some countries and alleviates it in others. However, little is known about the reasons psychiatric trainees move to another country. METHODS: Survey of psychiatric trainees in 33 European countries, exploring how frequently psychiatric trainees have migrated or want to migrate, their reasons to stay and leave the country, and the countries where they come from and where they move to. A 61-item self-report questionnaire was developed, covering questions about their demographics, experiences of short-term mobility (from 3 months up to 1 year), experiences of long-term migration (of more than 1 year) and their attitudes towards migration. RESULTS: A total of 2281 psychiatric trainees in Europe participated in the survey, of which 72.0% have 'ever' considered to move to a different country in their future, 53.5% were considering it 'now', at the time of the survey, and 13.3% had already moved country. For these immigrant trainees, academic was the main reason they gave to move from their country of origin. For all trainees, the overall main reason for which they would leave was financial (34.4%), especially in those with lower (<500€) incomes (58.1%), whereas in those with higher (>2500€) incomes, personal reasons were paramount (44.5%). CONCLUSIONS: A high number of psychiatric trainees considered moving to another country, and their motivation largely reflects the substantial salary differences. These findings suggest tackling financial conditions and academic opportunities.

Wavefront-guided enhancements using the wavelight excimer laser in symptomatic eyes previously treated with LASIK.

PURPOSE: To describe our clinical experience in wavefront-guided LASIK enhancements using the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO system (WaveLight Technologie AG, Erlangen, Germany) for symptomatic eyes previously treated with standard LASIK. METHODS: Twenty-six eyes of 20 patients with residual myopia, hyperopia, or mixed astigmatism and/or night vision symptoms after primary standard LASIK were considered for wavefront-guided customized retreatment using the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO WAVE 200 Hz excimer laser system (model 106). Preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), uncorrected visual acuity, topography with the ALLEGRETTO Topolyzer, wavefront analysis using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Tscherning Analyzer, and contrast sensitivity were compared to postoperative (enhancement) measurements. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the original 26 eyes underwent wavefront-guided enhancement, 4 were excluded because they did not meet wavefront-guided treatment inclusion guidelines of this study. Mean follow-up was 8 months (range: 6 to 13 months, standard deviation [SD] 2). All patients were within +/- 0.50 diopters (manifest refraction) of intended postoperative refraction. The mean preoperative BSCVA improved from 20/25 (SD +/- 0.12) to 20/18 (SD +/- 0.1) postoperatively. All patients gained at least one line of BSCVA, and a maximum of three lines. There was no loss of BSCVA in any patient. The total amount of high order aberrations (RMSH) decreased from an average of 1.04 (SD +/- 0.22) to 0.46 (SD +/- 0.14) microm. Patients also had a mean improvement in low contrast sensitivity of 59%. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this small series, customized wavefront-guided enhancements using the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO system in patients who underwent previous LASIK appear to be safe and effective in correcting residual refractive error, reducing high order aberrations, and improving visual symptoms when reliable and reproducible measurements are achieved.

LASIK for hyperopia with the WaveLight excimer laser.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser system (WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, Erlangen, Germany) in LASIK for hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. METHODS: One hundred twenty consecutive LASIK cases for hyperopia with or without astigmatism treated with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser were prospectively evaluated up to 12 months postoperatively. Patients were allocated into three groups according to their refractive sphere and cylinder: a low hyperopia group, with up to +3.00 diopters (D) sphere and astigmatism < or = +1.00 D (n = 52); a moderate hyperopia group with +3.25 to +5.00 D sphere and astigmatism of < or = +1.00 D (n = 45); and a high hyperopia/toric group with sphere > or = +5.25 D or cylinder > or = +1.25.D (n = 23). Flaps were created with the Moria M2 microkeratome (Moria, Antony, France). Parameters evaluated were pre- and postoperative refractive error, uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), higher order aberration change, and contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: One hundred twelve eyes (93%) were available for follow-up at 12 months. Of the eyes in the low hyperopia group, 92% were within +/- 0.50 D of the refractive goal. For the moderate sphere group and the high hyperopia/toric group, 79% and 71% of eyes, respectively, were within +/- 0.50 D of the refractive goal. No eye lost > or = 2 lines of BSCVA. An increase in higher order aberrations was noted in the high hyperopia/toric group from 0.47 microm (+/- 0.096) to 0.94 microm (+/- 0.167) (P < .001). No significant changes in higher order aberrations were noted in the low and moderate hyperopia groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperopic LASIK using the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser appears to be safe and effective in the correction of low, moderate, and high hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism.

Modified intracorneal ring segment implantations (INTACS) for the management of moderate to advanced keratoconus: efficacy and complications.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified intracorneal ring segment implantation (INTACS) in the management of moderate and advanced keratoconus (KCN). METHODS: A modified procedure of intracorneal ring segment (INTACS) implantation was performed in eyes with moderate to advanced keratoconus that were intolerant to contact lens or spectacle correction. The main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction, and keratometry. The preoperative values were compared with the values 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Implantation was performed on 20 eyes of 15 patients; 9 were female and 6 were male. The mean age was 30.2 years (SD +/- 5.44; range, 23-40). At the 6-month follow-up, UCVA improved from 20/154 (SD +/- 0.11) preoperatively to 20/28 (SD +/- 0.21) postoperatively (P < 0.05); BCSVA improved from 20/37 (SD +/- 0.21) preoperatively to 20/22 (SD +/- 0.13) postoperatively (P < 0.05). Spherical refractive error improved from -3.38 D (SD +/- 3.12) to -1.15 D (SD +/- 1.84); cylindrical refractive error improved from -3.75 (SD +/- 2.04) preoperatively to -1.21 (SD +/- 0.84) postoperatively (P < 0.05); average keratometry decreased from 49.50 D (SD +/- 1.64) preoperatively to 46.35 D (SD +/- 1.50) postoperatively. The changes remained stable to the 12-month follow-up. There was 1 case of anterior chamber perforation. There were 6 eyes that had ring exposure secondary to corneal thinning over the implants 3-6 months postoperatively, and a dense corneal infiltrate developed in 1 patient at 7 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure appears to be effective in improving UCVA and BSCVA of patients with clinical keratoconus. In our small study group, however, there were significant (6/20) postoperative problems with regards to thinning and ring exposure.

Topography-guided custom retreatments in 27 symptomatic eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of topography-guided ablations for refractive irregularities induced by previous surgery. METHODS: This prospective, non-comparative trial comprised 27 symptomatic eyes with a history of LASIK for myopia that underwent topography-guided treatment with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE system. Pre- and postoperative refraction, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), corneal asphericity (Q value), low contrast sensitivity, and patient's subjective assessment of improvement were measured. RESULTS: Preoperative data were sphere -0.84 +/- 1.37 diopters (D), cylinder -1.55 +/- 0.78 D, UCVA 20/49 +/- 0.22, BSCVA 20/32 +/- 0.15, and Q value 1.46 +/- 0.79. Postoperative data at mean 6-month follow-up were: sphere -0.61 +/- 0.81 D, cylinder -0.53 +/- 0.58 D, UCVA 20/25 +/- 0.21 (P < .01), BSCVA 20/21 +/- 0.14 (P < .001), and Q value 1.07 +/- 0.89. Contrast sensitivity scores improved by 70%. No loss of BSCVA occurred in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: Topography-guided treatments may be effective in correcting the quality of vision. It should be viewed as a possible two-step procedure due to spherical adjustment that may change refraction unpredictably.