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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

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique that involved the use of a perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) bubble for the selective prevention of indocyanine green (ICG) staining of the parts of the inverted flap in contact with the retinal pigment epithelium for large macular hole (MH) closure.This retrospective, interventional, comparative study included 26 patients with idiopathic large MHs (minimum diameter, 400 µm) who underwent vitrectomy using the inverted ILM flap technique with conventional ILM staining with ICG (n = 14, Group 1) or PFCL-mediated selective ILM staining with ICG (n = 12, Group 2). The hole closure rate, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and optical coherence tomography findings were analyzed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery in both groups.Hole closure was achieved in all the eyes. BCVA significantly improved after surgery in both groups (p 0.001 for both groups), although Group 2 exhibited significantly better values at 3 and 6 months after surgery (p = 0.008 and 0.001 at 3 and 6 months, respectively). The sizes of ellipsoid zone defect significantly decreased after surgery in both groups (p 0.001 relative to the baseline width in both groups), and it was significantly smaller in Group 2 than in Group 1 at 3 (p = 0.006) and 6 (p = 0.001) months after surgery.The findings of this study suggest that recovery of the photoreceptor layers and, consequently, the postoperative VA are better with the inverted ILM flap technique employing PFCL-mediated selective ILM staining with ICG than with the technique employing conventional ILM staining with ICG methods for patients with large MHs.

To compare choroidal vascular characteristics of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) by qualitative and quantitative analyses using swept-source en face optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images. Eyes with non-neovascular AMD (n = 32), neovascular AMD (n = 30), thick and thin choroid PCV (n = 33 and 27), and CSC (n = 34) were enrolled. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and the presence and patterns of pachyvessels were assessed. En face images of the large choroidal vessel layer were converted to binary images for the analysis of vascular density. Pachyvessels were identified in 8 (25%), 14 (46%), 28 (85%), 26 (96%), and 34 (100%) non-neovascular AMD, neovascular AMD, thin choroid PCV, thick choroid PCV, and CSC eyes, respectively (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.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the retinal morphologic characteristics of patients with macropsia caused by epiretinal membrane (ERM) based on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, non-interventional study was performed to compare the characteristics of retinal structures in eyes with ERM according to the presence or absence of macropsia. Twenty-six patients with ERM and macropsia were defined as the macropsia group and 26 age-matched patients with ERM without macropsia were the control group. All participants underwent a full ophthalmologic examination and SD-OCT examination. Macropsia was diagnosed and quantified using a double dot chart. The thickness of retinal layers, including the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and inner segment / outer segment / retinal pigment epithelium (IS/OS/RPE) at the central fovea, were measured by electronic calipers of the SD-OCT system. The interocular ratio of each parameter was calculated for each patient and compared between the two groups. The integrity of the external limiting membrane (ELM), IS/OS junction, and cone outer segment tips (COST) line were evaluated. RESULTS: The thickness of the IS/OS/RPE differed significantly between both eyes in the macropsia group ( P < .001), whereas the control group was not significantly different ( P = .161). The ONL in the diseased eye was significantly thicker in the macropsia group than in the control group ( P = .020), whereas these two groups did not differ significantly in the thickness of ONL in the control eye ( P = .860). More patients had a disrupted COST line in the macropsia group ( P < .001 for macropsia group, P = .252 for control group). No eye showed disrupted ELM and IS/OS junction, regardless of the presence of macropsia. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with macropsia showed thicker foveal ONL, IS/OS/RPE, and more frequently disrupted COST lines. This may indicate that the contractile strength of ERM can lead to centralization of photoreceptor cells. [ Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina . 2018;49:656–663.]

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

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), a new type of cost-effective ionic liquid analogues, were employed to develop a novel and efficient method for direct functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) via Diels-Alder (DA) click reaction. Poly(ionic liquid)s featuring furfuryl moieties (P(F-ILs)) and butyl moieties (P(B-ILs)) were synthesized by the functionalization of poly(chloromethylstyrene-alt-maleic anhydride) with 1-methylimidazole and furfuryl amine or butylamine. Then, the polymer was directly grafted on the surface of untreated MWNTs in choline:ethylene glycol (ChCl:EG) based DES without any catalyst. The successful functionalization of the polymer on MWNTs was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, TGA, and XPS analysis. It was shown that the reaction proceeded in a very rapid fashion (less than an hour) and the use of DESs significantly improved the grafting density (more than double) as compared with the reaction in water.

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.

We compared the outcomes of SWL to treat distal ureter stones with regard to the conventional prone and supine positions using the transgluteal approach through the greater sciatic foramen. A prospective, randomized, single-blind, and multicenter study was conducted between October 2014 and July 2015. The inclusion criteria were radio-opaque distal ureter stones with a maximum diameter of 0.5−2 cm as measured on a CT scan. The included 160 patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the prone group (n = 80; treated in the conventional prone position) and the transgluteal group (n = 80; treated in the supine position using a transgluteal approach). In the latter group, the focused shock wave was transmitted through the greater sciatic foramen with the head positioned at a 40° angle to the vertical. “Stone-free” was defined as the complete clearance of stone fragments, assessed using a CT scan at 2 weeks after treatment. Overall satisfaction was self-reported using a 0–5 Likert scale. The overall efficacy was 66.9%. The stone-free rate was significantly higher in the transgluteal group (72.6%) than in the prone group (54.7%; odds ratio 2.413, 95% CI 1.010−5.761, P = 0.023). No serious adverse events due to treatment were observed in either group. The satisfaction score of the transgluteal group was 4.21 ± 0.81, and 83.6% were willing to repeat the same procedure if necessary. SWL using the transgluteal approach via a supine position through the greater sciatic foramen was more effective than via the conventional prone position. Furthermore, this approach provided a comparably safe and satisfactory procedure.

To develop a halogen-free polyurethane adhesive for thermoplastic nonpolar polyolefins, polyurethanes were synthesized by using polyester polyol, polyolefin polyol, 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocy...

A facile route for grafting poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) on to the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) was demonstrated via Diels-Alder (DA) “click” reaction. Firstly, block copolymers o...

Eco-friendly water-repellent UV-curable polyurethane acrylates (PUA) with fluorine groups were synthesized from H12MDI which is excellent yellowing resistance and water resistance, polycarbonate di...

The UV-curable coatings are emerging as new environmental friendly coating technology for replacement of solvent-based ones. UV-curable polyurethane acrylate oligomers were newly synthesized using ...

In this study, chloroprene rubber (CR) /silica nanocomposites prepared by dispersing nanosilica in CR was applied as a primer and its adhesion properties were examined. The structure of CR/silica n...

Herein, we propose a facile method for the synthesis of functionalised mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) via the polymerisation of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomer with vinyl functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (VMSN). The structural and functional properties of the materials are analysed using various characterisation techniques. Additionally, a transparent hydrophobic glass substrate is fabricated by dispersing a certain amount of the synthesised nanoparticles in ethyl acetate (EA) followed by spin-coating on a glass substrate and drying overnight at 80 °C. In summary, the functionalised mesoporous materials can be used for multiple applications such as the preparation of stable hydrophobic, transparent, and temperature-sensitive surfaces, as well as for the adsorption of Rhodamine B dye.

For an environmentally-friendly coating, waterborne UV-curable poly-urethane acrylates were synthesized with different mixing ratios of 4,4-methylene dicyclohexyl diisocyanate (H12MDI) and ...

To expand their applications, UV-curable coatings for pre-coated metal (PCM) require high flexibility and stiffness for formability and hardness, respectively. However, it is difficult to satisfy b...

Although polyurethane (PU)- and polysiloxane-based coating agents find wide applications in electronics and automotive industries (e.g., for sealing), their full potential can be realized only base...

Poly(lactic acid)(PLA)/lipophilized graphene oxide (LGO) nanohybrids were prepared using a solution blending method. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized using a modified Hummers method and then lipophilized by functionalization with alkylamines such as octylamine (OA), dodecylamine (DA), or octadecylamine (ODA). The PLA/GO (PG) nanohybrids were also prepared for comparison. Among the LGOs, ODA-GO was chosen to produce the PLA/LGO (PLG) nanohybrids because ODA-GO exhibited obvious intercalation behavior and the best dispersibility in chloroform. The properties of the PGs and PLGs were examined by scanning electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, universal testing machine, chemical resistance test, and hydrolytic degradable analysis. The hydrophobic ODA-GO (LGO) was dispersed on the nanoscale within the PLA matrix and the resulting nanohybrids showed significantly higher chemical resistance and reduced hydrolytic degradation.

The magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles with the morphologies of globular agglomerates were synthesized from a seawater bittern by a wet decarboxylation/precipitation method. The effect of the synt...

Among the curing hardeners for powder coating, β-hydroxyalkylamide is widely used due to its easy handling, excellent exterior durability, good mixing with other chemicals, flexibility, hardness, a...

To improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polyurethane, two prepolymers, polyurethane acrylate (PUA) and epoxy acrylate (EPA) which have acrylate-ended groups, were synthesized. The obtained prepolymers were homogeneously mixed with various compositions and cured by UV. After UV curing, the properties of PU/EP copolymers were investigated by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, universal testing machine, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal and tensile properties of PU/EP copolymers gradually increased with the amount of EP due to the intermolecular interaction whereas their elongation properties decreased. These results indicate that the copolymerization of PU with EP could control their mechanical properties.

We prepared novel hybrid materials by in situ self-hydroxylation and condensation of polymethylsiloxane (PMHS) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The hybrid material showed superhydrophobic and non-stick properties, mesoporous structure, and liquid marble-like non-stick water droplet behavior. Moreover, we found that the in situ addition of MWCNTs to the PMHS would increase the thermal stability of the hybrid material. Thermal stability of the hybrid is enhanced by increasing the percentage of MWCNTs to the PMHS. The superhydrophobic hybrid powder covered non-stick water droplet showed anti-icing behavior for long time. The hybrids also showed oils sorption behavior and easy reusable property. The obtained results suggest that the thermally stable superhydrophobic hybrid mesoporous materials with anti-icing, oils sorption properties can be easily synthesized and used for various applications.

Purpose To investigate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level according to the clinical and imaging features, and to explore its relationship with the responsiveness to anti-VEGF treatment in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Methods Aqueous samples were collected from 62 eyes of 62 patients with treatment-naive polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness, greatest linear dimension of the lesion, and the presence of hemorrhage were included in the analysis. The effects of 3 monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections on best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness were assessed. Results Baseline VEGF level was negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (r = -0.33, P = 0.01). Other variables had no correlation with VEGF level. The mean change in central macular thickness after anti-VEGF treatment was -51 ± 64 μm, which is positively correlated with VEGF concentration (r = 0.30, P = 0.04) and negatively correlated with subfoveal choroidal thickness (r = -0.35, P = 0.02). Conclusion Vascular endothelial growth factor level demonstrated a negative correlation with baseline subfoveal choroidal thickness and was associated with response to anti-VEGF treatment. These findings suggest that VEGF has a variable contribution to the pathogenesis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy depending on choroid thickness.

본 연구는 우리나라 대학에서 회계학의 경쟁력을 강화할 수 있는 방안을 모색하고자 미국대학의 회계학 전공 위상과 국내 대학의 회계학 전공 변천 및 현황을 살펴보았다. 분석결과 첫째, 조사대상 미국소재 대학 중 학부과정에서 경영대학을 운영하는 139개 대학 중 83%가 회계전공을 별도로 운영하고 있었으며, 이 중 약15%는 회계학부(School of Accountancy)를 운영하는 것으로 나타나 국내대학의 회계학과 설치비율에 비해 상당히 높은 수준임을 알 수 있었다. 둘째, 미국의 경우 회계학 전공자의 대부분이 회계담당자나 감사인 등의 직업에 종사하고 있어 전공과의 연계성이 매우 높은 것으로 나타났으며, 이들의 평균연봉도 대학 졸업생 전체 평균연봉보다 약17% 높은 것으로 나타났다. 국내에서도 회계학과의 취업률이 경영, 경제 및 무역학과 등 상경계열의 타 학과에 비해 높은 것으로 나타났으며, 학교 간 취업률 편차도 가장 낮은 것으로 파악되었다. 셋째, 인공지능 및 첨단기술 등과 같은 4차 산업혁명의 영향에 따른 일자리 감소 예측조사에서도 회계 관련 직무가 타 직무에 비해 일자리 감소에 덜 민감할 것으로 나타났다. 이를 통해 국내에서도 회계학이 경쟁력 있는 학문임에도 불구하고 해외와 달리 국내의 회계학 교육은 학부제 통합 등으로 경영학의 하위 학문으로 인식되어 사회적 수요에 반하는 형태로 진행되고 있음을 확인하였다. 따라서 국내대학에서 회계학 경쟁력을 강화하기 위해서는 무엇보다 미국 등의 선진국과 같이 대학의 목적과 특성, 그리고 사회적인 요구에 맞게 회계학 전공을 독자적으로 운영하는 것이 선행되어야 할 것으로 판단된다. 또한 IT 기술 발달 등으로 회계처리, 보고 및 감사에 많은 변화가 있을 것이므로 이에 대해 적절히 대응할 수 있도록 대학 차원에서의 회계학 교육의 확대 및 변화가 필요할 것으로 판단된다. 국내외 회계교육의 현황 및 사회적 수요를 토대로 분석한 본 연구의 결과가 국내 대학의 회계학 경쟁력 강화에 도움이 되길 희망한다.

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.

The hybrid material of magnetic graphene oxide (MNPs/GO) was prepared with a facile route and adsorption properties for removal of methylene blue (MB) were investigated. Initially, the surface of m...

In this study, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite films containing various content of GO were prepared using solution casting method. The effect of GO content on Young`s modulus and dispersion of GO in PHBV matrix was investigated. Also, the thermomechanical properties, oxygen transmission rates and hydrolytic degradation of PHBV/GO nanocomposite films were studied. The addition of GO into PHBV improves the Young`s modulus and decreases thermal expansion coefficient. The improvement can be mainly attributed to good dispersion of GO and interfacial interactions between PHBV and GO. Furthermore, PHBV/GO nanocomposite films show good oxygen barrier properties. PHBV/GO nanocomposites show lower hydrolytic degradation rates with increasing content of GO.

Purpose To determine the impact of choroidal vascular morphology on clinical outcomes in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy/aneurysmal Type 1 neovascularization. Methods Sixty-six eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy/aneurysmal Type 1 were included. Eyes were subdivided according to the choroidal vascular morphology of the large vessel layer on optical coherence tomography en face images: focal (n = 39) versus diffuse (n = 27) pachyvessels. All patients were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab pro re nata with or without rescue photodynamic therapy. Results Best-corrected visual acuity at baseline, 6, and 12 months did not differ between groups (P = 0.394, 0.142, and 0.292). At Month 3, best-corrected visual acuity was worse, and the proportion of eyes with fluid was higher in the focal group (P = 0.016 and 0.024). Among responders, the number of injections during 12-month follow-up was higher in the focal group (P = 0.033). During the total follow-up period, photodynamic therapy was required in 15 eyes (10 focal and 5 diffuse group, P = 0.497). The injection-free period after the photodynamic therapy was shorter in the focal group (P = 0.018). Conclusion The polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy/aneurysmal Type 1 eyes with a diffuse pattern of pachyvessels required fewer injections during 12-month follow-up and showed a longer injection-free period after rescue photodynamic therapy.

To compare the effects of taking tadalafil 5 mg and placebo once daily on post-micturition dribble (PMD) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).Our prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial enrolled 102 men with PMD and other LUTS. PMD was assessed using the Hallym Post-Micturition Dribble Questionnaire (HPMDQ) and according to PMD volume. Over a 12-week period, patients took either tadalafil 5 mg (n = 51) or placebo (n = 51) once daily and their HPMDQ and PMD volume results were evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) were also reported.Over the course of 12 weeks, total HPMDQscores and PMD volumes improved significantly more in the tadalafil group than in the placebo group (reduction of total HPMDQ score of ≥2 points in the tadalafil and placebo group in 68.8% and 31.9% of patients (P0.001) and decreased mean PMD volume in the tadalafil and placebo group at 0.48 mL and 0.22 mL, respectively (P = 0.046). Specifically, PMD frequency decreased and quality of life increased significantly more in the tadalafil group than in the placebo group (P = 0.029 and P0.001, respectively). Furthermore, 66.7% of the tadalafil group reported moderate and significant PMD improvement, whereas only 4.2% reported that tadalafil was ineffective. Treatment-emergent AEs did not significantly differ between the groups (all P0.05), and no serious AEs were observed.Taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily reduced PMD symptom severity and PMD volume in men with PMD, without inducing serious AEs, more effectively than placebo, suggesting that taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily may be an effective and well-tolerated PMD treatment.

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

To describe the clinical characteristics and courses for eyes with retinoschisis associated with pachychoroid. A retrospective interventional case series study. Twenty-one eyes (18 patients) with pachychoroid that showed retinoschisis without evidence of neovascularization that had been followed for 1 year were included. Multimodal imaging, including fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) with an enhanced depth protocol, fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), was provided and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Focal RPE atrophy was present below or adjacent to the schisis in all eyes, and the mean atrophy area was 1.38 ± 1.37 mm2. Intraretinal fluids of the schisis originated from the atrophy area and involved the retinal layer which was correlated with the extent of outer retinal defect. Dilated Haller layer vessel and choroidal vascular hyperpermeability were observed under the area with atrophy in all eyes. After 1 year of treatment, 11 eyes (52%) still had fluid and 7 of them had fluid at the macula. Nonetheless, the mean central macular thickness decreased (144.4 to 121.8, 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.

Purpose To study the efficacy of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) to differentiate pachychoroid from nonpachychoroid on en face optical coherence tomography (OCT) images at the large choroidal vessel. Methods En face OCT images were collected from eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and central serous chorioretinopathy. All images were prelabeled pachychoroid or nonpachychoroid based on quantitative and qualitative criteria for choroidal morphology on multimodal imaging by two retina specialists. In total, 1188 nonpachychoroid and 884 pachychoroid images were used for training (80%) and validation (20%). Accuracy for identification of pachychoroid by DCNN models was analyzed. Trained models were tested on a test set containing 79 nonpachychoroid and 93 pachychoroid images. Results The accuracy on the validation set was 94.1%, 93.2%, 94.7%, and 94.4% in DenseNet, GoogLeNet, ResNet50, and Inception-v3, respectively. On a test set, each model demonstrated accuracy of 80.2%, 83.1%, 89.5%, and 90.1% and an F1 score of 0.782, 0.824, 0.904, and 0.901, respectively. Conclusions DCNN models could classify pachychoroid and nonpachychoroid with good performance on OCT en face images. Automated classification of pachychoroid will be useful for tailored treatment of individual patients with exudative maculopathy. Translational Relevance En face OCT images can be used by DCNN for classification of pachychoroid.

The compatibility and hydrolytic behaviors of the monolayer mixtures of biodegradable stereochemical polylactide (l-PLA or dl-PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were studied by the Langmuir technique at the air/water interface. The π-A behaviors of two binary systems, well mixed and unmixed, were compared with each other to demonstrate their compatibility. From the changes in the occupied area and the transition region, the compatibility of l-PLA/PBS monolayer mixtures decreased with increasing PBS composition while dl-PLA/PBS monolayer mixtures showed better compatibility than l-PLA/PBS monolayer mixtures. Since PBS monolayers at a pH of 6.8 showed a long transition region of approximately 5 mN/m due to the conformation change, the change in the PBS transition in the monolayer mixtures was analyzed. The results were in accordance with the occupied area. The hydrolytic behaviors of the homopolymer and mixed monolayers on an alkaline subphase were monitored at a constant surface pressure as a function of exposure time. The compatible monolayer mixtures showed much slower hydrolytic kinetics than their arithmetic averages. This hydrolytic impedance is mainly due to the interaction between both monolayer chains which prevents the ions from attacking the ester bonds of PBS, resulting in a much faster hydrolytic rate than that of PLA.