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It has been suggested that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a negative impact on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, no study has examined yearly trends in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Here, we performed a retrospective analysis of HbA1c concentrations during the early period of the COVID-19 outbreak (COVID-19 cohort) and then compared the yearly trend in the mean HbA1c level, along with fluctuations in HbA1c levels, with those during previous years (non-COVID-19 cohorts). We observed that the mean HbA1c level in patients with T2DM increased during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 outbreak. After 6 months, HbA1c levels in the COVID-19 cohort returned to levels seen in the non-COVID-19 cohorts. The data suggest that vulnerable patients with T2DM should be monitored closely during the early period of a pandemic to ensure they receive appropriate care.

In this study, a simple approach was described to investigate the theoretical models for electrospun polymer nanofiber-reinforced nanocomposites. For predicting the tensile strength of the electrospun nylon 6 nanofiber-reinforced polyurethane acrylate composites, conventional Pukanszky, Nicolais–Narkis, Halpin–Tsai, and Neilson models were used, while for Young’s modulus, Halpin–Tsai, modified Halpin–Tsai, and Hui–Shia models were used. As per the Pukanszky model, composite films showed better interaction since the values of the interaction parameter, B, were more than 3. Similarly, the value of an interfacial parameter, K, was less than 1.21 (K = −5, for the curve fitting) as per the Nicolais–Narkis model, which indicated better interfacial interaction. For composite films, the modified Halpin–Tsai model was revised again by introducing the orientation factor, α, which was 0.333 for the randomly oriented continuous nanofiber-reinforced composites, and the exponential shape factor, ξ = (2l/d)e−avf−b, which showed the best agreement with the experimental Young’s modulus results. Based on mentioned remarks, these models would be applicable for estimating the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of electrospun nanofiber-reinforced polymer composite films.

Neurogenic differentiation factor 1 (NEUROD1) is frequently overexpressed in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). NEUROD1 plays an important role in promoting malignant behavior and survival. In this study, we evaluated the association between putative functional polymorphisms in 45 NEUROD1 target genes and chemotherapy response and survival outcomes in 261 patients with SCLC. Among the 100 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) studied, two were significantly associated with both chemotherapy response and overall survival (OS) of patients with SCLC. The SNP rs3806915C>A in semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A) gene was significantly associated with better chemotherapy response and OS (P = 0.04 and P = 0.04, respectively). The SNPrs11265375C>T in nescient helix-loop helix 1 (NHLH1) gene was also associated with better chemotherapy response and OS (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). Luciferase assay showed a significantly higher promoter activity of SEMA6A with the rs3806915 A allele than C allele in H446 lung cancer cells (P = 4 × 10-6). The promoter activity of NHLH1 showed a significantly higher with the rs11265375 T allele than C allele (P = 0.001). These results suggest that SEMA6A rs3806915C>A and NHLH1 rs11265375C>T polymorphisms affect the promoter activity and expression of the genes, which may affect the survival outcome of patients with SCLC.

We investigated the relationship between pachydrusen and choroidal thickness and age in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and fellow eyes, compared to eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). This retrospective study included 89 eyes with PCV and 146 eyes with CSC. The number, location, and shape of the pachydrusen and their association with choroidal thickness and age were analyzed. PCV eyes showed pachydrusen more frequently than eyes with CSC (52% vs. 20%, p < 0.001). Large solitary type and clustered type were more frequent in PCV eyes compared to CSC eyes (p = 0.003 and p = 0.001, respectively). Subfoveal choroidal thickness was associated with pachydrusen in eyes with PCV (odds ratio [OR] 1.006, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001–1.011, p = 0.027), while age was associated with pachydrusen in CSC eyes (OR 1.137, 95% CI, 1.073–1.205; p < 0.001). Pachydrusen were localized directly over the pachyvessel on optical coherence tomographic findings in approximately two thirds of PCV eyes and fellow eyes (62% and 67%, respectively). Risk factors for pachydrusen differ according to diseases. The presence of pachydrusen was associated with choroidal thickness in PCV, while the association with age was more prominent in CSC.

Purpose To develop consensus terminology in the setting of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and to develop and validate a set of diagnostic criteria not requiring indocyanine green angiograph (ICGA) for differentiating PCV from typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) based on a combination of OCT and color fundus photograph findings. Design Evaluation of diagnostic test Participants Panel of retina specialists. Methods As part of the Asia-Pacific Ocular Imaging Society (APOIS), an international group of experts surveyed and discussed the published literature regarding the current nomenclature and lesion components for PCV and proposed an updated consensus nomenclature, which reflects our latest understanding based on imaging and histology reports. The workgroup evaluated a set of diagnostic features based on OCT and color fundus photographs for PCV that may distinguish it from typical nAMD and assessed the performance of individual and combinations of these non-ICGA features, aiming to propose a new set of diagnostic criteria which does not require the use of ICGA. The final recommendation was validated in 80 eyes from 2 additional cohorts. Main Outcome Measures A consensus nomenclature system for PCV lesion components and non-ICGA-based criteria to differentiate PCV from typical nAMD. Results The workgroup recommended the terms ‘polypoidal lesion’ and ‘branching neovascular network’ for the two key lesion components in PCV. For the diagnosis of PCV, the combination of 3 OCT-based ‘major criteria’ (sub-RPE ring-like lesion, enface OCT complex RPE elevation, and sharp-peaked PED) achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.90. Validation of this new scheme in a separate subset 110 eyes achieved an accuracy of 82%. Conclusions We propose updated terminology for PCV lesion components which better reflect the nature of these lesions which was based on international consensus. A set of practical diagnostic criteria that are easily applied to SD-OCT can be used for diagnosing PCV with high accuracy in clinical settings in which ICGA is not routinely performed.

A rapid method for obtaining group B streptococcus (GBS) screening results has been required in the obstetric field. We aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of the Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assay is acceptable compared to the existing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The study involved 527 pregnant women aged 19 to 44 years. Rectovaginal swabs were collected between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation or prior to impending preterm births or term labor without GBS screening. We presented the diagnostic performance of the LAMP assay with a 95% confidence interval (CI) compared to the PCR and microbiological culture. In total, 115 (21.8%), 115 (21.8%) and 23 (4.4%) patients showed positive results using the LAMP, PCR assay and microbiological culture method, respectively. The LAMP assay showed 100% sensitivity (95% CI, 96.8–100.0), 100% specificity (95% CI, 99.1–100.0) and 100% diagnostic accuracy (95% CI, 99.3–100.0) with the reference being the PCR assay. Meanwhile, the LAMP assay showed 87.0% sensitivity (95% CI, 71.0–100.0), 81.2% specificity (95% CI, 77.6–84.7), and 81.4% diagnostic accuracy (95% CI, 78.0–84.8) with the microbiological culture as a reference. This study presented the LAMP assay as an acceptable method for GBS screening with a similar performance to the existing PCR method.

In swarm robotic systems, task allocation is a challenging problem aiming to decompose complex tasks into a series of subtasks. We propose a self-organizing method to allocate a swarm of robots to perform a foraging task consisting of sequentially dependent subtasks. The method regulates the proportion of robots to meet the task demands for given tasks. Our proposed method is based on the response threshold model, mapping the intensity of task demands to the probability of responding to candidate tasks depending on the response threshold. Each robot is suitable for all tasks but some robots have higher probability of taking certain tasks and lower probability of taking others. In our task allocation method, each robot updates its response threshold depending on the associated task demand as well as the number of neighbouring robots performing the task. It relies neither on a centralized mechanism nor on information exchange amongst robots. Repetitive and continuous task allocations lead to the desired task distribution at a swarm level. We also analyzed the mathematical convergence of the task distribution among a swarm of robots. We demonstrate that the method is effective and robust for a foraging task under various conditions on the number of robots, the number of tasks and the size of the arena. Our simulation results may support the hypothesis that social insects use a task allocation method to handle the foraging task required for a colony’s survival.

UV-curable coatings have numerous advantages, including environmental sustainability due to 100% solid content, economic feasibility attributable to relatively fast curing time, decent appearance, mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance. However, UV-curable polyurethane acrylate coatings on metals apparently restrict their engineering applications owing to low mechanical properties and poor thermal stability, giving UV-curable coatings less flexibility and formability. In this study, we evaluated the property change of films according to the type of reactive diluents that lowers the viscosity of UV-curing coatings for pre-coated metal and has a substantial effect on the curing rate, viscoelastic properties, adhesive properties, and flexibility of the film. Moreover, there are many changes in the properties of coatings according to varied curing conditions in order to evaluate the oxygen inhibition phenomenon during the curing process in the atmosphere. In particular, to evaluate the effect of reactive diluents on forming formability, which is the most crucial property for the pre-coated metal, this study used conventional formability tests, such as t-bending or the Erichsen test. Moreover, a cross-die cup drawing mold with a similar form as failure and Safety Zone was utilized in order to obtain clearer information on its actual formability. The analysis on the effect of failure and safety zone on the material used in press forming was conducted by assessing limit punch height and forming a limit diagram of the manufactured film according to varied reactive diluents.

Several studies have shown that zinc has a significant influence on erectile function. However, no studies evaluating the cellular distribution of free zinc in penile erectile tissue have been performed. Therefore, this study aimed to test whether free zinc is present in penile tissue and whether it may be involved in the electrical stimulation (ES)-induced penile erection.The subjects for this study were 26 young (8-week-old) male C57BL/6J mice. After the cavernous nerve was exposed through a midline stomach incision, 14 mice received ES of the cavernous nerve (ES group), whereas 12 mice did not (control group). Intracavernous pressure (ICP) (consisting of 10 V at a duration of 1 min, frequency of 12 Hz and a pulse width of 1 m/s) was recorded during ES. Immediately after ICP was recorded, penile tissues were harvested for histological and biochemical analysis, including analysis of zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and intracellular free zinc levels.The expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in penile tissue was significantly greater in the ES group than in the control group (p=0.036 and 0.016, respectively). And then, ZnT3 and intracellular free zinc were present in the penile tissue of both groups. However, ZnT3 immunofluorescence in the ES group was more intense in the dorsal nerve bundle (22% increase, p=0.032). The ES group also showed higher intensity N-(6-methoxy-8-quinolyl)-para-toluenesulfonamide (TSQ) fluorescence signals indicative of intracellular free zinc level in the penile tissue compared to the control group (49% increase in dorsal nerve bundle, p=0.001; 50% increase in corpus cavernosum, p=0.001).The results of the study supported the expression and distribution of free zinc in penile tissue and increased levels after penile erection. Therefore, this study provides anatomical evidence for the potential role of free zinc in penile erection.

Introduction There are only a few studies on the clinical utility of filler injections for penile augmentation (PA) in patients with small penis syndrome (SPS), which is a type of anxiety or body dysmorphic disorder, not a true micropenis. Aim To compare the clinical outcomes of hyaluronic acid (HA) with polylactic acid (PLA) filler injection for temporary PA in patients with SPS. Methods Our prospective, patient/evaluator-blind, comparative, randomized, non-inferiority trial consisted of a single filler injection and a 24-week post-injection period. Seventy-four men with SPS were included between November 2017 and February 2018. Patients were divided into those injected with HA (n = 39) and those injected with PLA filler (n = 35). Main Outcome Measure The psychological effects of PA, based on the Beliefs about Penis Size Scale, penile girth, and satisfaction, were assessed at baseline and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection. Results At 24 weeks, the mean penile girth increases were 2.1 ± 1.0 cm (P < .001) in the HA group and 1.6 ± 0.9 cm (P < .001) in the PLA group, with a mean difference of 0.5 ± 0.2 cm between groups (P = .031). In both groups, satisfaction levels significantly increased at 24 weeks, with 1.8 ± 1.7 and 1.6 ± 1.4 mean increases in the visual analog scale for penile appearance satisfaction in the HA and PLA groups, respectively (each P < .001), and 1.0 ± 1.1 and 0.7 ± 1.2 mean increases in the visual analog scale for sexual life satisfaction in the HA and PLA groups, respectively (each P < .001), with no significant differences between groups (P = .950 and P = .287). The mean Beliefs about Penis Size Scale scores significantly decreased at 24 weeks, with 7.8 ± 8.3 and 5.3 ± 7.2 mean decreases in the HA and PLA groups, respectively (each P < .001), and no significant difference between the groups (P = .920). There were no serious adverse events, but filler injection-related adverse events in the HA and the PLA groups were reported in 2 cases (5.13%) and 5 cases (14.29%), respectively (P = .245). Clinical Implications Our study provides an overview of clinical course after HA and PLA filler injections for PA and suggests that filler injections can be considered an alternative approach in patients with SPS. Strengths & Limitations Our study is the first to assess the psychological symptoms in patients with SPS who received the filler injection for PA; however, the follow-up duration was insufficient to prove the long-term outcomes of fillers. Conclusion Without serious adverse events, HA and PLA filler injections for PA significantly resulted in not only an augmentative effect but also improvement of psychological distress, and the clinical utility was comparable between the fillers.

Post-micturition dribble (PMD) is the involuntary loss of urine immediately after urination. It is classified as a post-micturition symptom and is more common in males. Traditionally, PMD has been considered to be part of the aging process, to have a low prevalence, and to be less bothersome than other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, recent evidence suggests that PMD is not less common and does not elicit less discomfort compared with other LUTS in males. Also, PMD seems to commonly overlap with other LUTS and to be associated with erectile dysfunction. Although the etiology of PMD is not fully understood, a weakness or failure of the pelvic floor muscles is considered to be the most important factor. Although bulbar urethral massage and pelvic floor exercises are known to be effective in treating PMD, pharmacologic treatment has not yet been introduced. Recently, the possibility of treating PMD with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor has been suggested.

Water-based immersion lithography has been introduced for achieving O(10 nm) spatial resolution in the semiconductor industry. The major challenges remaining in immersion lithography are to decrease the tail of the main lens and to prevent residual droplet formation after the main lens while increasing the relative speed of the silicon wafer with respect to the main lens. Here, we propose a novel method to control the shape of the immersion lens by applying Marangoni stress using volatile vapor. Furthermore, we experimentally and theoretically observed that the stability and wafer speed of the immersion lens are increased by the vapor-driven solutal Marangoni effect.

We aimed to determine the upper and lower cutoff values to simplify the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We investigated the 50-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results from 1441 pregnancies and identified 423 gravidas who underwent the 100-g OGTT from 2011 to 2019. We collected the results of 50- and 100-g OGTTs. Moreover, we obtained the sum of the 50-g OGTT and 0-hour values, and the sum of those levels and 1-hour values. We determined the upper cutoff at 50-g OGTT, 0-, 1-hour, sum of 50-g OGTT and 0-hour results, and sum of those levels and 1-hour results for the confirmation of GDM. Also, we determined the lower cutoff at these tests for the exclusion of GDM. The upper cutoffs in 50-g OGTT, 0-, 1-hour, the sum of 50-g OGTT and 0-hour were 222, 115, 212, and 315 mg/dL, respectively. The lower cutoffs in 50-g OGTT, 0-, 1-hour, the sum of 50-g OGTT and 0-hour were 131, 65, 151, and 208 mg/dL, respectively. In addition, we discovered that the upper and lower cutoffs in the sum of 50-g OGTT, 0- and 1-hour values were516 and373 mg/dL, respectively. We implemented these cutoffs to our study group at 50-g OGTT and 0-, 1-hour of 100-g OGTT. It could omit 2- and 3-hour sampling in 216 gravidas (51.1%). Our approach was able to simplify GDM diagnostic steps in half of our study group.

PurposeTo compare the efficacy and safety of brolucizumab versus aflibercept in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) over 96 weeks in the HAWK study.DesignHAWK was a global, 2-year, randomised, double-masked, multicentre phase III trial in participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.MethodsOf the Japanese participants with PCV, 39 received brolucizumab 6 mg and 30 received aflibercept 2 mg. After 3 monthly loading doses, brolucizumab-treated eyes received an injection every 12 weeks (q12w) but were adjusted to q8w if disease activity was detected. Aflibercept-treated eyes received fixed q8w dosing. Mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the proportion of participants on q12w, retinal thickness, retinal fluid changes and safety were assessed to Week 96.ResultsMean change in BCVA (early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) letters) from baseline to week 48/week 96 was+10.4/+11.4 for brolucizumab and +11.6/+11.1 for aflibercept. For brolucizumab-treated eyes, the probability of only q12w dosing after loading through week 48 was 76%, and 68% through week 96. Fluid resolution was greater with brolucizumab than aflibercept: respective proportions of eyes with intraretinal fluid and/or subretinal fluid were 7.7% and 30% at week 48% and 12.8% and 16.7% at week 96. Brolucizumab exhibited an overall well-tolerated safety profile despite a higher rate of intraocular inflammation compared with aflibercept.ConclusionIn Japanese eyes with PCV, brolucizumab q12w/q8w monotherapy resulted in robust and consistent BCVA gains that were comparable to q8w aflibercept dosing. Anatomical outcomes favoured brolucizumab over aflibercept, with 76% of brolucizumab participants maintained on q12w dosing after loading to week 48.

PurposeTo develop and validate OCT and color fundus photography (CFP) criteria in differentiating polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) from typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in eyes with suboptimal response to anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy and to determine whether OCT alone can be used to guide photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment.DesignClinical study evaluating diagnostic accuracy.ParticipantsPatients with nAMD who received 3-month anti-VEGF monotherapy but had persistent activity defined as subretinal fluid or intraretinal fluid at month 3 assessments.MethodsIn phase 1, international retina experts evaluated OCT and CFP of eyes with nAMD to identify the presence or absence of features due to PCV. The performance of individual and combinations of these features were compared with ICGA. In phase 2, these criteria were applied to an independent image set to assess generalizability. In a separate exercise, retinal experts drew proposed PDT treatment spots using only OCT and near-infrared (NIR) images in eyes with PCV and persistent activity. The location and size of proposed spot were compared with ICGA to determine the extent of coverage of polypoidal lesions (PLs) and branching neovascular network (BNN).Main Outcome MeasuresSensitivity and specificity of CFP and OCT criteria to differentiate PCV from nAMD and accuracy of coverage of OCT-guided PDT compared with ICGA.ResultsIn eyes with persistent activity, the combination of 3 non–ICGA-based criteria (sharp-peaked pigment epithelial detachment [PED], subretinal pigment epithelium [RPE] ring-like lesion, and orange nodule) to detect PCV showed good agreement compared with ICGA, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85. Validation using both an independent image set and assessors achieved an accuracy of 0.77. Compared with ICGA, the OCT-guided PDT treatment spot covered 100% of PL and 90% of the BNN.ConclusionsIn nAMD eyes with persistent activity, OCT and CFP can differentiate PCV from typical nAMD, which may allow the option of adjunct PDT treatment. Furthermore, OCT alone can be used to plan adjunct PDT treatment without the need for ICGA, with consistent and complete coverage of PL.

Survival analyses for malignancies, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), have primarily been conducted using the Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model. We compared the random survival forest (RSF) and DeepSurv models with the CPH model to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in non-metastatic clear cell RCC (nm-cRCC) patients. Our cohort included 2139 nm-cRCC patients who underwent curative-intent surgery at six Korean institutions between 2000 and 2014. The data of two largest hospitals’ patients were assigned into the training and validation dataset, and the data of the remaining hospitals were assigned into the external validation dataset. The performance of the RSF and DeepSurv models was compared with that of CPH using Harrel’s C-index. During the follow-up, recurrence and cancer-specific deaths were recorded in 190 (12.7%) and 108 (7.0%) patients, respectively, in the training-dataset. Harrel’s C-indices for RFS in the test-dataset were 0.794, 0.789, and 0.802 for CPH, RSF, and DeepSurv, respectively. Harrel’s C-indices for CSS in the test-dataset were 0.831, 0.790, and 0.834 for CPH, RSF, and DeepSurv, respectively. In predicting RFS and CSS in nm-cRCC patients, the performance of DeepSurv was superior to that of CPH and RSF. In no distant time, deep learning-based survival predictions may be useful in RCC patients.

Nitrogen-doped magnetic mesoporous hollow carbon (NMMHC) was prepared to realize effective adsorption of phenol from wastewater. The chemical and physical properties of NMMHC were analyzed, and the effects of adsorption time, initial pH, and phenol concentration on the adsorption capacity of NMMHC were studied. Adsorption kinetics and isotherm models were used to explain the adsorption properties. The results showed that the specific surface area, type of nitrogen group, and nitrogen content of NMMHC are related to the carbonization temperature. Chemical interaction was demonstrated to be present in the process of adsorption, which was characterized as monolayer adsorption. In addition, the adsorption mechanism was studied by attenuated total internal reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and analysis of non-covalent interactions. This study found that non-covalent interactions between NMMHC and phenol molecules are van der Waals interactions, and nitrogen-containing groups increase the phenol adsorption capacity by enhancing such interactions. The π-π interactions between the nitrogen groups and phenol molecules also enhanced the adsorption energy.

Pachychoroid is characterized by dilated Haller vessels and choriocapillaris attenuation that are seen on optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scans. This study investigated the feasibility of using deep learning (DL) models to classify pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid eyes from OCT B-scan images. In total, 1898 OCT B-scan images were collected from eyes with macular diseases. Images were labeled as pachychoroid or non-pachychoroid based on strict quantitative and qualitative criteria for multimodal imaging analysis by two retina specialists. DL models were trained (80%) and validated (20%) using pretrained convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Model performance was assessed using an independent test set of 50 non-pachychoroid and 50 pachychoroid images. The final accuracy of AlexNet and VGG-16 was 57.52% for both models. ResNet50, Inception-v3, Inception-ResNet-v2, and Xception showed a final accuracy of 96.31%, 95.25%, 93.40%, and 92.61%, respectively, for the validation set. These models demonstrated accuracy on an independent test set of 78.00%, 86.00%, 90.00%, and 92.00%, and an F1 score of 0.718, 0.841, 0.894, and 0.920, respectively. DL models classified pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid images with good performance. Accurate classification can be achieved using CNN models with deep rather than shallow neural networks.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a chorioretinal disorder characterized by serous detachment of the neurosensory retina, associated with serous retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) detachment, angiographic leakage at the level of the RPE, and choriodal hyperpermeability (Nicholson et al. 2013). It is usually idiopathic but might also be secondary to high levels of endogenous or exogenous corticosteroids. CSC typically affects young to middle-aged men, and the lesion is usually located at the posterior pole (Kitzmann et al. 2008). CSC can be classified according to its clinical course: acute or chronic (persisting for more than 3–6 months). Acute CSC usually resolves spontaneously within 2–3 months with good visual prognosis. However, some patients in chronic CSC may suffer from persistent or recurrent serous macular detachment with subsequent progressive visual loss (Gilbert et al. 1984).

A new type of UV-curable organic–inorganic hybrid oligomer was synthesized from vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), tetraethylorthosilicate, and colloidal silica (CS) using a sol–gel method. UV-curable hybrid hard coating formulations were then prepared by mixing the organic–inorganic hybrid oligomer and acrylic monomers, trimethylolpropane triacrylate and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, with a levelling agent and a photoinitiator. The oligomer was hydrolyzed and condensed from alkoxysilane and CS to obtain the UV-cured hybrid films. The hybrid oligomer and resulting hybrid films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry to confirm the chemical functionality, oxo-silicon signal, cross-sectional morphology, and transparency, respectively. When the concentration of the CS/VTMS mixture in the organic–inorganic hybrid oligomer was 0.50 mol, remarkable pencil hardness (up to 5H) with excellent transparency was observed. The hardness and transparency of the UV-cured hybrid coating films were improved significantly by increasing the CS content in the organic–inorganic hybrid oligomer.

PURPOSE: To investigate outcomes of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab in association with choroidal morphology in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHOD: Eighty-six PCV eyes (83 patients) treated with PDT in combination with intravitreal bevacizumab and followed for 1 year were evaluated. Choroidal morphological features including subfoveal choroidal thicknesses, diameter of pachyvessel, and choroidal vascularity were analyzed for association with responsiveness and recurrence. RESULT: Total choroid, Haller’s layer, and pachyvessel were thicker in responders (n = 70) compared with non-responders (n = 16) at baseline (298 vs. 227 μm, 213 vs. 144 μm, and 276 vs. 210 μm, respectively; all P ≤ 0.001). Choroidal vascularity was significantly higher (0.68 vs 0.60, P

To describe the features of peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS), a novel pachychoroid disease spectrum (PDS) entity.Medical records of 31 eyes (16 patients) with choroidal thickening associated with intraretinal and/or subretinal fluid in the nasal macula extending from the disk were reviewed (patients with PPS). Choroidal thickness was compared with 2 age-matched cohorts: typical PDS (17 eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy or pachychoroid neovasculopathy) and 19 normal eyes.The patients with PPS were 81% men aged 71 ± 7 years. Peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome eyes displayed thicker nasal versus temporal macular choroids, unlike PDS eyes with thicker temporal macular choroids (P0.0001). Peripapillary intraretinal and/or subretinal fluid was often overlying dilated Haller layer vessels (pachyvessels). Fundus autofluorescence and fluorescein angiography illustrated peripapillary pigmentary mottling without focal leakage. Most PPS eyes (70%) exhibited other PDS findings including serous pigment epithelial detachment or gravitational tracks. Indocyanine green angiography illustrated dilated peripapillary pachyvessels and choroidal hyperpermeability. The disk was usually crowded, with edema noted in 4/31 (13%) eyes and mild late fluorescein disk leakage identified in half of the cases. Choroidal folds (77%), short axial lengths (39% less than 23 mm), and hyperopia (86%) were common.Peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome is a distinct PDS variant, in which peripapillary choroidal thickening is associated with nasal macular intraretinal and/or subretinal fluid and occasional disk edema. Recognition of PPS is important to distinguish it from disorders with overlapping features such as posterior uveitis and neuro-ophthalmologic conditions.

To develop environmentally friendly coating materials with good workability, a low-viscosity polyurethane acrylate (LPUA) was newly synthesized using cycloaliphatic isocyanate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate and caprolactone hydroxyl acrylate. Low-viscosity UV-curable dendritic polyurethane acrylate coatings (LPUA-DAs) were then prepared by adding different amounts of dendritic acrylates to LPUA. The viscosity of the resulting products, curing behavior, mechanical and thermal stability, hardness, and flexibility of the UV-cured films were examined. The mechanical properties and the glass transition temperature increased with increasing content of dendritic acrylates but the viscosity decreased. The optimal properties of the coating materials were observed when 10% of dendritic acrylate was used.

Purpose: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are correlated with erectile dysfunction (ED), but research on whether post-micturition dribble (PMD) is related to ED is limited. We assessed the correlation between PMD and ED in middle-aged and older Korean men with LUTS. Materials and Methods: In our prospective, cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study, we enrolled 205 men (age >40 years) with LUTS. LUTS and ED were assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), respectively. PMD was assessed using the Hallym PostMicturition Dribble Questionnaire, Question 1, and the PMD volume was calculated in a paper test. Age, prostate volume, serum prostate-specific antigen, maximum urinary flow rate, and postvoid residual urine were also evaluated. Results: There were significant differences in the total and voiding IPSS between men with and without ED (p=0.042 and 0.043, respectively). The Hallym PostMicturition Dribble Questionnaire 1 score was inversely well correlated with the IIEF-5 score (r=-0.388, p

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is an age-related macular degeneration (AMD) subtype and is seen particularly in Asians. Previous studies have suggested disparity in response to intravitreal injections of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents between PCV and typical AMD, and thus, the preferred treatment for PCV has remained unclear. Recent research has provided novel insights into the pathogenesis of PCV, and imaging studies based on OCT suggest that PCV belongs to a spectrum of conditions characterized by pachychoroid, in which disturbance in the choroidal circulation seems to be central to its pathogenesis. Advances in imaging, including enhanced depth imaging, swept-source OCT, en face OCT, and OCT angiography, have facilitated the diagnosis of PCV. Importantly, 2 large, multicenter randomized clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of anti-VEGF monotherapy and combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) recently reported initial first-year outcomes, providing level I evidence to guide clinicians in choosing the most appropriate therapy for PCV. In this review, we summarize the latest updates in the epidemiologic features, pathogenesis, and advances in imaging and treatment trials, with a focus on the most recent key clinical trials. Finally, we propose current management guidelines and recommendations to help clinicians manage patients with PCV. Remaining gaps in current understanding of PCV, such as significance of polyp closure, high recurrence rate, and heterogeneity within PCV, are highlighted where further research is needed.

Polylactic acid (PLA) fillers are widely used for cosmetic volume augmentation. But, no study has evaluated the use of PLA filler in penile augmentation (PA No. 4). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a newly developed PLA filler for PA during a 18-month follow-up period. A total of 23 healthy adult men were prospectively enrolled between June and November 2012. Penile girth was measured at proximal-, mid- and distal-shaft at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months following injection. Subjects' satisfaction was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). Adverse events (AEs) were also reported. Mean injected volume was 20 ml. The circumference of proximal-, mid-, and distal-shaft increased by a mean of 2.2±0.2, 2.7±1.0 and 2.7±1.0 cm at 3 months, respectively (each P0.001). No significant differences were noted in girth circumference between 3 and 18 months post-injection (each P0.05). VAS score increased from 51.6±14.7 at baseline to 64.8±19.3 and 74.3±14.6 at 3 and 6 months, respectively (each P0.05). Six cases of mild, transient treatment-emergent AEs were reported in 5 subjects. Serious AEs were not reported. In conclusion, penile injection of a newly developed PLA filler led to significant penile augmentative effects for up to 18 months and was well tolerated without serious AEs.

To analyze features of the choriocapillaris in eyes with earlier stages of pachychoroid spectrum, this study included 46 eyes with PPE, 32 age-matched eyes with pachychoroid without epitheliopathy, and 30 normal controls. Macular 3 × 3 mm2 angiographic images were obtained with swept-source optical coherence tomography. Vascular density and signal void area in the choriocapillaris were analyzed. Topographical correlation of signal voids with the dilated choroidal large vessel (pachyvessel) was assessed. Choriocapillaris vascular density was significantly lower in eyes with PPE compared with controls (p = 0.003). The number, the total area and the average size of signal voids was the highest in the PPE group followed by the pachychoroid without epitheliopathy and then controls (all p ≤ 0.001). 89.0% signal void area colocalized with pachyvessels. The average size of the signal void was higher if it was colocalized with pachyvessel (p

Postmicturition dribbling (PMD) is a stressful symptom in middle-aged men characterized by urinary leakage after the completion of normal voiding. Appropriate treatments have not yet been introduced. This study assessed the efficacy of treatment of PMD with 75 mg udenafil daily.The study included 138 men with regular sexual lifestyles. The Hallym PMD questionnaire (HPMDQ) was used to assess PMD symptoms. After all basic examinations, patients were randomly assigned to either udenafil or placebo. Patients completed the surveys, uroflowmetry (UFM), a bladder scan, and the paper test during the follow-up visit.The mean age of the patients was 57.6 years. PMD with one of every three urinations was experienced by 59 patients (42.8%), whereas 45 patients (32.6%) experienced PMD with two of every three urinations. PMD with every urination was experienced by 34 patients (24.6%). More than half of the patients (89 patients, 65.4%) indicated that persistent PMD symptoms would likely result in moderate to severe discomfort in their daily activities. As time passed, the udenafil group showed significant improvement in PMD symptoms (Udenafil 75 mg once daily can be an effective treatment for patients with PMD symptoms.

Background Limited data exist on real-world treatment patterns for diabetic macular edema (DME) in Korea. In this study, we investigated DME treatment patterns from 2009 to 2014 and the impact of baseline treatment on healthcare resource utilization and visual acuity (VA) outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort chart review of DME patients treated at 11 hospital ophthalmology clinics between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013 was conducted. We collected data on demographics, healthcare resource utilization (clinic visits, treatment visits, and visits for ocular investigations), distribution of DME treatments, and VA. Results Overall, 522 DME patients (men, 55.2%; mean age, 59 years; mean HbA1c [n = 209], 8.4%) with 842 DME eyes were evaluated. For all treatments, healthcare resource utilization was significantly higher during the first 6 months versus months 7–12, year 2, or year 3 (P ≤ 0.001), but was highest for patients whose first treatment was an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment (visits/quarter; anti-VEGF, 1.9; corticosteroids, 1.7; laser, 1.4). Use of macular laser therapy decreased (44% to 8%), whereas use of anti-VEGF injections increased (44% to 69%) during the study period. However, VA improvement was not commensurate with healthcare resource utilization of anti-VEGF treatment (mean VA gain, 2.7 letters). Conclusion A trend toward increasing use of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for DME treatment was observed in Korea. However, the frequency of dosing and monitoring was lower in clinical practice versus major clinical trials, which may have led to the less-than-favorable improvements in visual outcomes., Graphical Abstract

This study is for reporting the outcomes of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling on persistent submacular fluid (PSF) after otherwise successful pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for diabetic tractional retinal detachment (TRD). In this retrospective case series, five consecutive patients (5 eyes) who exhibited PSF following successful repair of diabetic TRD were included. The second operation was performed to remove ILM. The area of ILM peeling was expanded up to the major vascular arcade. Only air tamponade was used. The median interval between the first PPV and the second PPV with ILM peeling was 4.8 months (range: 4–6 months). PSF resolved completely within one (2 eyes) or 2 months after ILM peeling. The median logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was improved from 1.00 (Snellen equivalent 20/200) to 0.70 (Snellen equivalent 20/100). In conclusion, wide ILM peeling is an effective treatment option for PSF subsequent to successful repair of diabetic TRD. ILM peeling might increase the elasticity of retina, thereby allowing the retina to flatten. This procedure can induce faster retinal reattachment in diabetic TRD involving the macula.