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Objective: The present study determined the mechanical properties and the wear behavior, as results of the micro(nano)structure, of the enamel, transition, and dentine layers, which comprise the polychromic multilayer zirconia materials of hybrid composition fabricated by milling technology. Materials and Methods: Prismatic blocks were fabricated from two commercial pre‐sintered dental polychromic multilayer zirconia materials of hybrid composition, IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime (medium and high translucency, from the dentine to the incisal layer) and 3D Pro ML (translucency gradient, from the dentine to the incisal layer) by milling technique, and then, cut into 3 distinct parts to separate the enamel, transition, and dentine layers. The samples were sintered, thermally treated (similarly to the glazing procedure), and polished for characterization. Their microstructure, mechanical properties (determined by nanoindentation and microhardness), and wear behavior (evaluated by scratch test), were examined. Results: The produced materials had a homogeneous and dense nanostructure, where the grain size decreased from the enamel to dentine layer. The mechanical properties decreased from the dentine to enamel layer. However, the three layers manifested similar dynamic friction coefficient. Conclusion: The differences in the above properties in the three layers negligibly influenced the wear behavior of the entire multilayer zirconia material. Clinical Significance: The properties of dental restorations produced from polychromic multilayer zirconia of hybrid composition by milling technology (i.e., strong, non‐fragile, and esthetic materials), anticipate good performance in oral cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We aim to understand the factors that drive citizens of different countries to adhere to recommended self-protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Survey data was obtained through the COVID-19 Impact project. We selected countries that presented a sufficiently complete time series and a statistically relevant sample for running the analysis: Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. To identify country-specific differences in self-protective behaviors, we used previous evidence and change-point detection analysis to establish variations across participating countries whose effect was then assessed by means of interrupted series analysis. Results: A high level of compliance with health and governmental authorities' recommendations were generally observed in all included countries. The level of stress decreased near the period when countries such as Cyprus, Greece or the United Kingdom relaxed their prevention behavior recommendations. However, this relaxation of behaviors did not occur in countries such as Germany, Ireland, or the United States. As observed in the change-point detection analysis, when the daily number of recorded COVID-19 cases decreased, people relaxed their protective behaviors (Cyprus, Greece, Ireland), although the opposite trend was observed in Switzerland. Discussion: COVID-19 self-protective behaviors were heterogeneous across countries examined. Our findings show that there is probably no single winning strategy for exiting future health crises, as similar interventions, aimed to promote self-protective behaviors, may be received differently depending on the specific population groups and on the particular geographical context in which they are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful analytical technique for the detection of small analytes with great potential for medical diagnostic applications. Its high sensitivity and excellent molecular specificity, which stems from the unique fingerprint of molecular species, have been applied toward the detection of different types of cancer. The noninvasive and rapid detection offered by SERS highlights its applicability for point-of-care (PoC) deployment for cancer diagnosis, screening, and staging, as well as for predicting tumor recurrence and treatment monitoring. This review provides an overview of the progress in label-free (direct) SERS-based chemical detection for cancer diagnosis with the main focus on the advances in the design and preparation of SERS substrates on the basis of metal nanoparticle structures formed via bottom-up strategies. It begins by introducing a synopsis of the working principles of SERS, including key chemometric approaches for spectroscopic data analysis. Then it introduces the advances of label-free sensing with SERS in cancer diagnosis using biofluids (blood, urine, saliva, sweat) and breath as the detection media. In the end, an outlook of the advances and challenges in cancer diagnosis via SERS is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) can sustainably convert CO2 to products and significant research is currently being conducted towards this end, mainly in laboratory-scale studies. The high-cost ion exchange membrane, however, is one of the main reasons hindering the industrialization of MES. This study investigates the conversion of CO2 (as a sole external carbon source) to CH4 using membraneless MES inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge. Three types of electrodes were tested: carbon cloth (CC) and CC functionalized with Cu NPs, where Cu NPs were deposited for 15 and 45 min, respectively. During the MES experiment, which lasted for 144 days (six cycles), methane was consistently higher in the serum bottles with CC electrodes and applied voltage. The highest CH4 (around 46%) was found in the second cycle after 16 days. The system's performance declined during the following cycles; nevertheless, the CH4 composition was twice as high compared to the serum bottles without voltage. The MES with Cu NPs functionalized CC electrodes had a higher performance than the MES with plain CC electrodes. Microbial profile analysis showed that the Methanobacterium was the most dominant genus in all samples and it was found in higher abundance on the cathodes, followed by the anodes, and then in the suspended biomass. The genus Geobacter was identified only on the anodes regarding relative bacterial abundance at around 6–10%. Desulfovibrio was the most dominant genus in the cathodes; however, its relative abundance was significantly higher for the cathodes with Cu NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multitude of training models and curricula for the specialty of clinical neuropsychology around the world has led to organized activities to develop a framework of core competencies to ensure sufficient expertise among entry-level professionals in the field. The Standing Committee on Clinical Neuropsychology of the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations is currently working toward developing a specialty certification in clinical neuropsychology to establish a cross-national standard against which to measure levels of equivalency and uniformity in competence and service provision among professionals in the field. Through structured interviews with experts from 28 European countries, we explored potential areas of core competency. Specifically, questions pertained to the perceived importance of a series of foundational, functional, and other competencies, as well as current training standards and practices, and optimal standards. Our findings revealed considerable agreement (about three quarters and above) on academic and clinical training, despite varied actual training requirements currently, with fewer respondents relegating importance to training in teaching, supervision, and research (a little over half), and even fewer to skills related to management, administration, and advocacy (fewer than half). European expert clinical neuropsychologists were in agreement with previous studies (including those conducted in the United States, Australia, and other countries) regarding the importance of sound theoretical and clinical training but management, administrative, and advocacy skills were not central to their perspective of a competent specialist in clinical neuropsychology. Establishing a specialty certificate in clinical neuropsychology based on core competencies may enable mobility of clinical neuropsychologists across Europe, and, perhaps, provide an impetus for countries with limited criteria to reconsider their training requirements and harmonize their standards with others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic fundamentally disrupted humans' social life and behavior. Public health measures may have inadvertently impacted how people care for each other. This study investigated prosocial behavior, its association well-being, and predictors of prosocial behavior during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and sought to understand whether region-specific differences exist. Participants (N = 9,496) from eight regions clustering multiple countries around the world responded to a cross-sectional online-survey investigating the psychological consequences of the first upsurge of lockdowns in spring 2020. Prosocial behavior was reported to occur frequently. Multiple regression analyses showed that prosocial behavior was associated with better well-being consistently across regions. With regard to predictors of prosocial behavior, high levels of perceived social support were most strongly associated with prosocial behavior, followed by high levels of perceived stress, positive affect and psychological flexibility. Sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors of prosocial behavior were similar across regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epicurus contrasted the freedom from fear to the tantalizing of artificial needs, whereas Karl Marx thought humans could be protected from vulnerability by avoiding the privileges of artificial hierarchy. However, Epicurus felt reasoning could overcome fears based on belief, while Marx thought that the human will could quest for universal conditions that nourished human excellence.

Objective: Illness perceptions (IP) are important predictors of emotional and behavioral responses in many diseases. The current study aims to investigate the COVID-19-related IP throughout Europe. The specific goals are to understand the temporal development, identify predictors (within demographics and contact with COVID-19) and examine the impacts of IP on perceived stress and preventive behaviors. Methods: This was a time-series-cross-section study of 7,032 participants from 16 European countries using multilevel modeling from April to June 2020. IP were measured with the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Temporal patterns were observed considering the date of participation and the date recoded to account the epidemiological evolution of each country. The outcomes considered were perceived stress and COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Results: There were significant trends, over time, for several IP, suggesting a small decrease in negativity in the perception of COVID-19 in the community. Age, gender, and education level related to some, but not all, IP. Considering the self-regulation model, perceptions consistently predicted general stress and were less consistently related to preventive behaviors. Country showed no effect in the predictive model, suggesting that national differences may have little relevance for IP, in this context. Conclusion: The present study provides a comprehensive picture of COVID-19 IP in Europe in an early stage of the pandemic. The results shed light on the process of IP formation with implications for health-related outcomes and their evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered vast governmental lockdowns. The impact of these lockdowns on mental health is inadequately understood. On the one hand such drastic changes in daily routines could be detrimental to mental health. On the other hand, it might not be experienced negatively, especially because the entire population was affected. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine mental health outcomes during pandemic induced lockdowns and to examine known predictors of mental health outcomes. We therefore surveyed n = 9,565 people from 78 countries and 18 languages. Outcomes assessed were stress, depression, affect, and wellbeing. Predictors included country, sociodemographic factors, lockdown characteristics, social factors, and psychological factors. Results: Results indicated that on average about 10% of the sample was languishing from low levels of mental health and about 50% had only moderate mental health. Importantly, three consistent predictors of mental health emerged: social support, education level, and psychologically flexible (vs. rigid) responding. Poorer outcomes were most strongly predicted by a worsening of finances and not having access to basic supplies. Conclusions: These results suggest that on whole, respondents were moderately mentally healthy at the time of a population-wide lockdown. The highest level of mental health difficulties were found in approximately 10% of the population. Findings suggest that public health initiatives should target people without social support and those whose finances worsen as a result of the lockdown. Interventions that promote psychological flexibility may mitigate the impact of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To assess the clinical and patient-centred effectiveness of a novel residential ocular care (ROC) model in Australian individuals residing in residential care. Methods In this prospective, multicentred, randomised controlled trial conducted in 38 Australian aged-care facilities (2015–2017), 178 visually impaired individuals living in residential care facilities (mean age ±SD: 83.9 ±8.6 years; 65.7% women) were cluster randomised to ROC (n=95) or usual care (n=83) pathways. The ROC arm comprised a tailored and comprehensive within-site eye examination and care rehabilitation pathway, while usual care participants were given a referral to an external eyecare provider. Outcomes included presenting distance and near visual acuity (PNVA); Rasch-transformed Reading, Emotional and Mobility scores from the Impact of Vision Impairment questionnaire; quality of vision (QoV comprising Rasch-transformed Frequency, Severity and Bother domains) scores; Euroqol-5-Dimensions (raw scores); Cornell Scale for Depression (raw scores) and 6-month falls frequency, assessed at baseline and 6 months post intervention. Within-group and betweengroup comparisons were conducted using linear mixed models, adjusted for baseline differences in characteristics between the two arms. Results At 6 months, intention-to-treat analyses showed significant between-group improvements in ROC residents compared with usual care for PNVA, Emotional and QoV scores (all p<0.05) These significant findings were retained in per-protocol analyses. No other between-group changes were observed. Conclusion Our ROC model was effective in improving near vision, emotional well-being and perceived burden of vision-related symptoms in residential care dwellers in Australia with vision impairment. Future studies to evaluate the cost effectiveness and implementation of ROC in Australia are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence and negative impact of brain disorders are increasing. Clinical Neuropsychology is a specialty dedicated to understanding brain-behavior relationships, applying such knowledge to the assessment of cognitive, affective, and behavioral functioning associated with brain disorders, and designing and implementing effective treatments. The need for services goes beyond neurological diseases and has increased in areas of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, among others. In Europe, a great deal of variability exists in the education and training of Clinical Neuropsychologists. Training models include master's programs, continuing education courses, doctoral programs, and/or post-doctoral specialization depending on the country, with no common framework of requirements, although patients' needs demand equal competencies across Europe. In the past 5 years, the Standing Committee on Clinical Neuropsychology of the European Federation of Psychologists' Association has conducted a series of surveys and interviews with experts in the field representing 30 European countries. The information, along with information from the existing literature, is used in presenting an overview of current and relevant topics related to policy and guidelines in the training and competencies in Clinical Neuropsychology. An option for the way forward is the EuroPsy Specialist Certificate, which is currently offered in Work and Organizational Psychology, and in psychotherapy. It builds upon the basic certificate and complements national standards without overriding them. General principles can be found that can set the basis for a common, solid, and comprehensive specialty education/training, sharpening the Neuropsychologists' competencies across Europe. The requirements in Clinical Neuropsychology should be comparable to those for the existing specialty areas in the EuroPsy model. Despite the perceived challenges, developing a specialist certificate appears a step forward for the development of Clinical Neuropsychology. Recommendations are proposed toward a shared framework of competencies by the means of a common level of education/training for the professionals in Europe. Benchmarking training standards and competencies across Europe has the potential of providing protection against unqualified and ethically questionable practice, creating transparency, raising the general European standard, and promoting mobility of both Clinical Neuropsychologists and patients in Europe, for the benefit of the professional field and the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the association between vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) and depressive symptoms in residents with vision impairment (VI) in aged care facilities. Methods: In this cross-sectional study using baseline data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial (ACTRN12615000587505) assessing the effectiveness of a novel eye care model, 186 English-speaking residents (mean age 84 years, SD[standard deviation] = 8.7; 33.9% male) with VI and moderate cognitive functioning or better were recruited from 38 facilities across Victoria, Australia. VRQoL was measured using Rasch-transformed scores from the 'Reading'; 'Mobility', and 'Emotional' scales of the Impact of Vision Impairment for Residential Care (IVI-RC) questionnaire. Outcomes were presence of depressive symptoms (binary score: Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia [CSDD] > 0 vs. CSDD = 0) and severity of depressive symptoms (continuous CSDD score; sample range 1-21). Independent associations with presence and severity of depressive symptoms were examined using zero-inflated logistic and linear multivariable models, respectively. Results: Of the 186 participants, n = 79 (42.5%), n = 94 (50.5%) and n = 13 (7%) reported no, mild (scores 1-7), and clinically significant depressive symptoms (score ≥8), respectively. Better vision-related Mobility (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.95, p = 0.02) was associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms. With every unit improvement in vision-related Reading (β=-0.48; 95% CI: -0.94, -0.01, p = 0.04) and Emotional (β=-0.56; 95% CI: -1.09, -0.02, p = 0.04), severity of depressive symptoms reduced, independent of sociodemographic and medical issues. Conclusion: Better VRQoL was independently associated with reduced depressive symptoms. Supporting older people in aged care to maintain optimal levels of vision-specific functioning, independence, and emotional well-being may protect their mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance Diabetic retinopathy (DR) may progress following cataract surgery due to surgery‐induced inflammation. The effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (BVB) and triamcinolone acetonide (TCA), which have differing anti‐inflammatory properties, on DR progression following cataract surgery has not been reported. Background: To report the progression of DR in diabetic patients undergoing cataract extraction treated with intravitreal BVB or TCA during the surgery. Design Post hoc analysis of 6‐month data from a prospective, randomized, double‐masked clinical trial. Participants: Diabetic patients with clinically significant cataract and fovea involving diabetic macular oedema (DME), or a recent history of DME. Methods: Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive intravitreal BVB 1.25 mg or TCA 4 mg during and post‐cataract surgery as needed. The rate of DR progression between groups was compared. Main Outcome Measures: DR progression. Results: There were 61 eyes included. Patients receiving BVB were older than those receiving TCA (70.2 vs 64.3 years; P <.05). Three participants (10.7%) in the BVB and three (9.09%) in the TCA group had a one‐step progression, while none in BVB and only one (3%) in the TCA group demonstrated two‐step DR progression. In the majority of these patients, DR progression was from mild to moderate non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion and Relevance: In this study, BVB and TCA groups had a similar, and lower rate of DR progression compared to previous studies where no adjunctive treatment was administered, suggesting that patients with DME may benefit from either intraoperative intravitreous BVB or TCA injection to reduce the risk of DR progression following cataract surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims To determine if selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is superior to topical medication as a first-line treatment for glaucoma on quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes.///Methods In this international, longitudinal, multisite randomised controlled trial, treatment naïve mild-to- moderate primary open angle or exfoliation glaucoma patients were randomised 1:1 to SLT or topical medication. Glaucoma-specific QoL (primary outcome) was measured using the Glaucoma Outcomes Assessment Tool (GOAT; 342 items, 12 domains). Secondary outcomes included rate of successful intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction (>25% reduction from baseline) and presence of ocular surface disease including conjunctival hyperaemia and eyelid erythema. Our intention-to- treat analysis was performed at months 12 and 24.///Results Of 167 enrolled patients, 83 and 84 were randomised to SLT and topical medication, respectively; and 145 (n=75 SLT, n=70 medication) completed 24-month follow-up. While both treatment arms achieved significant within-group gains in GOAT outcomes at both endpoints, SLT patients reported a greater between-group improvement in 'social well-being' compared with medication patients (mean±SE=0.28±0.13; p=0.034) at 24 months. At month 24, the rate of successful IOP reduction was 18.6% (95% CI 3.0% to 34.3%, p=0.022) higher (absolute difference) in the medication compared with SLT group. More individuals in the medication group had conjunctival hyperaemia and eyelid erythema compared with SLT at 24 months.///Conclusion Overall, we did not find evidence that SLT was superior to medication in improving glaucoma-specific QoL. While we found superior IOP reduction in the medication arm, eyelid erythema and conjunctival hyperaemia were more prevalent in these patients compared with the SLT group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To report the 6-month results of a clinical trial that compared intravitreous bevacizumab (BVB) 1.25 mg versus triamcinolone acetonide (TA) 4 mg when administered as an adjunct during cataract surgery to patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO). Methods Prospective, double-masked, single-centre (Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne) clinical trial. Patients with visually significant cataract and centreinvolving DMO (either current or prior) were randomised (1: 1) to receive either intravitreous BVB 1.25 mg or TA 4 mg at the time of cataract surgery and if required at review. Main outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline to the 6-month time point of this 12-month study. results 61 eyes of 58 patients were enrolled. At baseline, both groups were similar in terms of BCVA and CMT (p>0.2). At 6 months, there was no significant difference in vision between the groups, with mean letter gain of +21.4 (95% CI +14.5 to +28.4) in the TA group and +17.3 (95% CI +12.1 to +22.6) in the BVB group (p=0.35). The TA group had a significant sustained anatomical improvement at 6 months, with a reduction in CMT (-51.4 µm; 95% CI -98.2 to -4.7) compared with thickening in the BVB group (+15.6 µm; 95% CI-26.4 to +57.7, p=0.04). Conclusions When given as an adjunct to cataract surgery, both TA and BVB improved visual outcomes at 6 months postoperatively. However, only TA resulted in sustained improvement in CMT, with the majority not requiring any further treatment postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents FluxTracer, an advanced open source computer tool to assist in the analysis, design, and optimization of solar concentrators and receivers. FluxTracer is a postprocessor for Monte Carlo ray tracers used to simulate the optical behavior of solar concentrating systems. By postprocessing the rays generated by the ray tracer, FluxTracer can partition into volumetric pixels (voxels) a region of interest in three-dimensional (3D) space defined by the user and compute for each voxel the radiant power density of the concentrated solar radiation. Depending upon the set of rays provided by the ray tracer, it may be able to integrate the radiant power density in every voxel over time. The radiant energy density analysis described is just one of the analyses that FluxTracer can carry out on the set of rays generated by the ray tracer. This paper presents the main analyses that FluxTracer can provide. It also presents examples of how the information provided by FluxTracer can be used to assist in the analysis, design, and optimization of solar concentrators and receivers. FluxTracer is the first of a series of components of an open-source computational framework for the analysis, design, and optimization of solar concentrators and receiver, being developed by The Cyprus Institute (CyI) and the Australian National University (ANU). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aims of the study were to analyze the current European situation of specialist education and training within clinical neuropsychology, and the legal and professional status of clinical neuropsychologists in different European countries. Method: An online survey was prepared in 2016 by a Task Force established by the European Federation of Psychological Associations, and representatives of 30 countries gave their responses. Response rate was 76%. Results: Only three countries were reported to regulate the title of clinical neuropsychologist as well as the education and practice of clinical neuropsychologists by law. The most common university degree required to practice clinical neuropsychology was the master's degree; a doctoral degree was required in two countries. The length of the specialist education after the master's degree varied between 12 and 60 months. In one third of the countries, no commonly agreed upon model for specialist education existed. A more systematic training model and a longer duration of training were associated with independence in the work of clinical neuropsychologists. Conclusions: As legal regulation is mostly absent and training models differ, those actively practicing clinical neuropsychology in Europe have a very heterogeneous educational background and skill level. There is a need for a European standardization of specialist training in clinical neuropsychology. Guiding principles for establishing the common core requirements are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Wear and corrosion have been identified as two of the major forms of medical implant failures. This study aims to improve the surface, protective and tribological characteristics of bare metals used for medical implants, so as to improve scratch resistance and increase lifetime. Methods Hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) films were deposited, using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), on stainless steel (SS), titanium (Ti) and niobium (Nb) metal plates. Nanomechanical and nanotribological responses were investigated before and after a-C:H deposition. Film thickness and density were quantified through X-ray reflectivity, and surface morphology before and after deposition were measured using atomic force microscopy, whereas the tribomechanical characteristics were probed using instrumented indentation. Results and conclusions Films of approximately 40 nm in thickness and density of 1.7 g/cm3 were deposited. The a-C:H films reduce the roughness and coefficient of friction while improving the tribomechanical response compared with bare metals for Ti, SS and Nb plates. The very good tribomechanical properties of a-C:H make it a promising candidate material for protective coating on metallic implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Estimated to affect 60 million people worldwide, this figure is expected to rise to 80 million by 2020. Untreated, glaucoma leads to visual decay and eventually to blindness, and can significantly reduce quality of life. First-line treatment in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and exfoliative glaucoma is topical medical therapy with ocular hypotensives as eye drops. However, eye drops have several disadvantages including cost, possible local and systemic side effects, and adherence and perseverance issues. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that selective laser trabeculoplasty is equally as effective in lowering intraocular pressure as eye drops. However, the impact of these two treatment modalities from the patient and economic perspectives has not been adequately determined. Thus, it remains unclear whether topical medical therapy or selective laser trabeculoplasty should be recommended as first-line treatment for glaucoma.Methods/design: This protocol describes an international, multi-centre, randomised controlled trial to determine the optimum first-line therapy for people with primary open-angle glaucoma and exfoliative glaucoma. This study will compare the effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty and topical medication with respect to patients' generic and glaucoma-specific quality of life. The trial will also provide a detailed cost-effectiveness analysis and compare the clinical effectiveness with respect to the degree of intraocular pressure lowering and rates of treatment failure. Research coordinators in each centre will identify and recruit previously untreated patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and exfoliative glaucoma. Those who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to enter a randomised controlled trial with either selective laser trabeculoplasty or topical ocular hypotensive therapy, according to a stepped regimen. Outcome assessment will be measured at 6 weeks and at 6, 12, and 24 months post-treatment. Regular clinic follow-ups will continue as clinically indicated between study outcome visits.Discussion: The Glaucoma Initial Treatment Study is the first multi-centred RCT to determine the optimum first-line therapy for people with glaucoma. Our trial will have an unprecedented capacity to meaningfully transform the treatment and management of glaucoma in Australia and overseas.Trial Registration: ACTRN12611000720910; Date registered: 11 July 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pain is common in people with dementia, yet identification is challenging. A number of pain assessment tools exist, utilizing observation of pain-related behaviours, vocalizations and facial expressions. Whilst they have been developed robustly, these often lack sufficient evidence of psychometric properties, like reliability, face and construct validity, responsiveness and usability, and are not internationally implemented. The EU-COST initiative "Pain in impaired cognition, especially dementia" aims to combine the expertise of clinicians and researchers to address this important issue by building on previous research in the area, identifying existing pain assessment tools for dementia, and developing consensus for items for a new universal meta-tool for use in research and clinical settings. This paper reports on the initial phase of this collaboration task. Methods All existing observational pain behaviour tools were identified and elements categorised using a three-step reduction process. Selection and refinement of items for the draft Pain Assessment in Impaired Cognition (PAIC) meta-tool was achieved through scrutiny of the evidence, consensus of expert opinion, frequency of use and alignment with the American Geriatric Society guidelines. The main aim of this process was to identify key items with potential empirical, rather than theoretical value to take forward for testing. Results 12 eligible assessment tools were identified, and pain items categorised according to behaviour, facial expression and vocalisation according to the AGS guidelines (Domains 1 - 3). This has been refined to create the PAIC meta-tool for validation and further refinement. A decision was made to create a supporting comprehensive toolkit to support the core assessment tool to provide additional resources for the assessment of overlapping symptoms in dementia, including AGS domains four to six, identification of specific types of pain and assessment of duration and location of pain. Conclusions This multidisciplinary, cross-cultural initiative has created a draft meta-tool for capturing pain behaviour to be used across languages and culture, based on the most promising items used in existing tools. The draft PAIC meta-tool will now be taken forward for evaluation according to COSMIN guidelines and the EU-COST protocol in order to exclude invalid items, refine included items and optimise the meta-tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of 2 intraocular lenses (IOLs) for the treatment of age-related cataracts. Design: Prospective, randomized trial. Participants: Patients with age-related cataracts were recruited and randomized to receive phacoemulsification and implantation of either the AcrySof SA60AT lens (Alcon, Inc, Fort Worth, TX) or the low-cost Tecsoft Flex lens (Fred Hollows Foundation, Tilganga, Nepal). A total of 300 patients were available for description and analysis (148 in the AcrySof group and 152 in the Tecsoft group). Methods: Patients underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of the AcrySof SA60AT lens or the Tecsoft Flex lens. They were followed up and examined at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after cataract surgery. Main Outcome Measures: Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BDVA), incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), Visual Function Index questionnaire results, and safety of the implanted IOLs. Results: No significant difference (P>0.05) was found in UDVA and BDVA after surgery between the 2 groups. The equivalence test of the 95% confidence intervals showed that both lenses had an equal improvement of UDVA and BDVA as well as similar rates of PCO after cataract surgery. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with regard to visual functioning or the incidence of adverse surgical events during (P>0.05) or after (P>0.05) the surgery. Conclusions: The Tecsoft Flex IOL is a low-cost suitable alternative that is similar to the AcrySof IOL in terms of safety and visual outcomes. Financial Disclosure(s): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article retrieves the anti-imperialist thrust of the work of Walter Benjamin, Hannah Arendt and Jacques Lacan, in search of a critical method capable of understanding, explaining and challenging the contemporary phenomenon of “non-governmental” micro-imperialism. It argues that an attentive reading that juxtaposes portraits, characters and physiognomies as they appear in their work may provide strong theoretical ground and seminal insights into the operational principles and paradigmatic depressions germane to the mental apparatus and occupational structure of biopolitical micro-imperialism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]