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To assess the long-term outcomes of minimally invasive conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (MICDCR) with StopLoss™ Jones tubes. A retrospective interventional case series was performed on all patients who underwent a MICDCR with StopLoss™ Jones tubes (SLJT) over a period of 5 years. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year after surgery. The parameters studied include patient demographics, clinical presentation, indication for MICDCR, duration of surgery, SLJT length, standard Jones tube drainage classification, complications, and anatomical and functional successes. The variables influencing the outcomes were assessed. Anatomical success was defined as patent SLJT on irrigation, and functional success was defined as resolution of epiphora. Statistical analysis was performed using the R 4.0.4 (R Project, R Foundation). A total number of 44 eyes of 42 patients were studied. The mean age of patients was 61.81 years. Approximately 87% and 64% of the patients completed 2 years and 3 years of follow-up, respectively. The Jones tube drainage class dipped significantly from class I to others at the 3-month follow-up. Classes III and IV dominated the follow-up period between 3 and 18 months, and class II dominated at 24 months and beyond. The anatomical and functional successes at the end of 1-year follow-up were 77.2%. The success was not affected by age, gender, length of SLJT tube, or duration of the surgery. However, the middle turbinate reduction influenced the success (P

Iatrogenic lacrimal drainage trauma during surgery is not common. It has been reported during orbital surgeries, medial maxillectomies, post-trauma repairs, excision of adherent lesions in the vicinity, and facial reconstructive procedures. The present case reports a focal loss of the lacrimal sac wall during the excision of an intricate dermoid cyst. The defect was sealed by a nasal mucosal graft harvested from the floor of the ipsilateral nasal cavity. Postoperatively, the epiphora was resolved, and a CT-dacryocystography confirmed the anatomical integrity of the reconstructed lacrimal sac.

PURPOSE To assess the long-term quality of life outcomes of minimally invasive conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with StopLoss Jones tubes. METHODS A retrospective interventional case series was performed on all patients diagnosed with proximal bicanalicular obstruction who underwent a minimally invasive conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with StopLoss Jones tubes over a period of 5 years from October 2014 to September 2019. The procedure was performed as per standard published protocols of minimally invasive conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy and StopLoss Jones tubes. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year after surgery. The tools employed to study were the "Jones tube satisfaction questionnaire" and the "Nasolacrimal duct obstruction-symptom score." These tools were employed at every step from the preoperative stage to each of the follow ups. Statistical analysis was performed using the R 4.0.4 (R Project, R Foundation). RESULTS A total number of 44 eyes of 42 patients were studied. Of these, 73.81% (31/42) were females. The mean age of patients was 61.81 years. Approximately 87% and 64% of the patients completed 2 and 3 years of follow up, respectively. For up to 2 months postoperative period, the outcomes were excellent, with the majority (76.74%, 33/43) reporting "moderately satisfied" outcomes on Jones tube satisfaction questionnaire. The dissatisfaction began at the 3-month follow up (4.55%, 3/44) and peaked at 6-month follow up (25%, 11/44), owing to tube-related complications. The mean ± standard deviation nasolacrimal duct obstruction-symptom score scores dipped from 19.98 ± 2.88 at baseline to 5.58 ± 2.99 at the 2-month follow up. Similar to Jones tube satisfaction questionnaire, the scores began worsening at 3-month follow up (9.8 ± 5.86) with the poorest scores at 6 months (12.34 ± 5.96), and these changes were significant as compared with the baseline (p < 0.001). The Jones tube satisfaction questionnaire and the nasolacrimal duct obstruction-symptom score scores showed significant improvements at 1-year follow up, owing to appropriate management of complications. The good outcomes were maintained for up to 3 years of postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS The long-term quality of life outcome following minimally invasive conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with StopLoss Jones tubes was good. The quality of life significantly suffers between 3 and 6 months following the surgery and improves equally well following appropriate management of complications.

To assess the long-term outcomes of transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy in cases of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). Retrospective interventional case series was performed on all patients diagnosed with PANDO and who underwent a primary transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy from Jan 2014 to June 2016. The procedure was performed using 980 nm diode laser. All the patients additionally underwent intraoperative adjunctive procedures: mitomycin C application and silicone intubation. Patients were followed for up to 3 years after surgery. Anatomical success was defined as patent ostium on irrigation, and functional success was defined as resolution of epiphora. The parameters studied include patient demographics, clinical presentation, type of anesthesia, duration of surgery, laser energy delivered, complications, and anatomical and functional success. The variables influencing the outcomes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the package Statistica (version 10.0, Statsoft, Poland). A total number of 205 patients were assessed. Of these, 73.17% (150/205) were females. The mean age of patients was 62.92 years. The mean laser energy used was 1060.09 J, and the mean operating time was 22.33 min. Approximately, 95% and 68% of the patients completed 1 year and 3 years of follow-up, respectively. The anatomical and functional success rates dropped significantly beyond the 3 months and 6 months postoperative period and maintained the lower success rates beyond 1-year follow-up for up to 3 years. The anatomical and functional success at the end of 3-year follow-up was 56.12% and 33.81%, respectively. The functional success was not affected by gender (P = 0.132), age (P = 0.956), laser energy (P = 0.626), or duration of the surgery (P = 0.906). However, the intraoperative pain scale was influenced by the laser energy (P < 0.001) and the duration of the surgery (P < 0.001). The anatomical and functional outcomes of primary transcanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy are suboptimal and not encouraging in the long term.

The issue of bonding formation in liquid metal/open-celled carbon foam (Cof) systems was examined, taking into account the practical aspects of the synthesis of a new type of Mg-C metal material composite. The problem is complex due to the strong oxidation and intense evaporation of liquid magnesium, as well as the 3D geometry of the carbon component, where metal transport occurred through the foam cells’ windows. Laboratory experiments performed at 700°C in ceramic crucibles showed that spontaneous carbon foam infiltration by liquid metal is impossible under the applied conditions, either in an air atmosphere coupled with flux protection or under argon protection. Comparative tests performed in a UHV chamber filled with static pure Ar by a sessile drop method, coupled with non-contact heating and capillary purification at a test temperature of 700°C directly in the UHV chamber, showed non-wetting behavior of the Mg/Cof couple with a correspondingly high contact angle of about 135°. The graphite capillary was then moved down, the liquid drop being slightly pressed into the foam, but these changes did not induce effective foam penetration. Despite the short contact time for the sessile drop test under an argon atmosphere, SEM+WDS analysis of the solidified Mg/Cof couple revealed the formation of an MgO interlayer at the interface, with a thickness of approx. 1 µm. The experimentally demonstrated presence of oxygen in the carbon foam sample, both before and after its contact with magnesium, points to oxide-type bonding being established between Mg and Cof. This observation is in a good agreement with previous reports on the interface characterization of magnesium matrix composites reinforced with glassy carbon materials and carbon fibers by stir casting and pressure infiltration. Based on the findings of this study, a general structural scheme of the bonding process between carbon foam and liquid magnesium, as an important stage in the syntheses of Mg-C composites, was proposed.

We present a case of a 75-year-old patient who underwent reconstruction of the lower eyelid and lateral canthus following removal of 80% of the lower eyelid due to basal cell carcinoma. A Hughes transconjunctival eyelid-sharing flap was used to form the posterior lamella, and a free skin graft from the ipsilateral upper lid was used to recreate the anterior lamella. The lateral canthal ligament was reconstructed using a free fascia lata graft. A periosteal flap was not used due to local scarring that was the result of previous multiple lateral canthal surgeries. Skin preservation in the lateral canthal area and additional horizontal support for the lower eyelid were achieved by using a local advancement flap. This two-stage surgery produced excellent functional and cosmetic effects. Fascia lata free graft can be an alternative to the periosteal flap for reconstruction of the lateral canthal ligament when use of the lateral orbital periosteum is not feasible.

Among types of trinucleotide repeats, there is some disproportion in the frequency of their occurrence in the human exome. This research presents new data describing the folding and thermodynamic stability of short, tandem RNA repeats of 23 types, focusing on the rare, yet poorly analyzed ones. UV-melting experiments included the presence of PEG or potassium and magnesium ions to determine their effect on the stability of RNA repeats structures. Rare repeats predominantly stayed single-stranded but had the potential for base pairing with other partially complementary repeat tracts. A coexistence of suitably complementary repeat types in a single RNA creates opportunities for interaction in the context of the secondary structure of RNA. We searched the human transcriptome for model RNAs in which different, particularly rare trinucleotide repeats coexist and selected the GABRA4 and CHIC1 RNAs to study intramolecular interactions between the repeat tracts that they contain. In vitro secondary structure probing results showed that the UAA and UUG repeat tracts, present in GABRA4 3′ UTR, form a double helix, which separates one of its structural domains. For the RNA CHIC1 ORF fragment containing four short AGG repeat tracts and the CGU tract, we proved the formation of quadruplexes that blocked reverse transcription.

This review describes the role of contact lenses as an innovative drug delivery system in treating eye diseases. Current ophthalmic drug delivery systems are inadequate, particularly eye drops, which allow about 95% of the active substance to be lost through tear drainage. According to the literature, many interdisciplinary studies have been carried out on the ability of contact lenses to increase the penetration of topical therapeutic agents. Contact lenses limit drug loss by releasing the medicine into two layers of tears on either side of the contact lens, eventually extending the time of contact with the ocular surface. Thanks to weighted soft contact lenses, a continuous release of the drug over an extended period is possible. This article reviewed the various techniques to deliver medications through contact lenses, examining their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the potential of drug delivery systems based on contact lenses has been extensively studied.

PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of commonly available coronary angioplasty balloon catheters as a low-cost alternative to the traditional dacryoplasty catheters in select patients of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. METHODS A prospective, interventional study was performed between July 2018 and December 2018 in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, who underwent balloon dacryoplasty using the coronary angioplasty balloon catheters (2.75 × 10 mm, SPALNO, Cardiomac, Haryana, India). The inclusion criteria were children ≥4 years of age, and/or previously failed probing and/or previous failed intubation. Parameters documented were demographics, techniques, costs, complications, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS Twenty-three eyes of 22 children underwent balloon dacryoplasty using coronary angioplasty balloon catheters. The mean age of the patients was 4.33 years (range 1.5-10 years). The procedure was performed in 8 patients (8 eyes, 35%) as the primary procedure. The remaining 14 patients (15 eyes, 65%) had a history of probing, of which 4 eyes had it twice earlier. All eyes underwent balloon dacryoplasty as per standard protocols. The insertion profile and trackability of the coronary catheters were good. At a mean follow up of 6.17 months (range 1.5-9 months), anatomical and functional success was obtained in 87% cases (n = 20/23). No lacrimal passage trauma or injuries were noted during the procedure. The cost of coronary balloon catheter was approximately $60. CONCLUSIONS The present pilot study has shown that outcomes of balloon dacryoplasty in patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with coronary balloon catheters is comparable to that of traditional balloons and offers significant economic advantage for developing nations.

The contact heating sessile drop method was applied for a fundamental study concerning the wettability and reactivity of liquid Si-16.2at%Ti (eutectic composition) in contact with Glassy Carbon. The evolution of the contact angle behaviors and spreading kinetics were evaluated at three different temperatures. A strong temperature-dependence was found by analyzing the spreading kinetics in determining the achievement of the equilibrium at the interface. Different spreading stages with different slopes, depending on whether the diffusion of reacting phases (liquid Si and C) through the growing reaction layer (SiC), starts to be the rate-limiting factor. On the contrary, the final contact angle value seems not affected by the temperature. The solidified Si-Ti eutectics/GC samples were examined both at the top of the drop and at the crosssection by SEM/EDS. The presence of C-pockets of dissolution and a SiC layer at the interface, confirmed the reactive nature of the interaction mechanisms. In addition, a thicker layer of SiC at the triple line was detected and most probably responsible for pinning the alloy drop and as a consequence for the final value of contact angle measured (θ ≈ 43°± 2).

To properly design and optimize liquid-assisted processes, such as reactive infiltration for fabricating lightweight and corrosion resistant SiC/TiSi2 composites, the extensive knowledge about the interfacial phenomena taking place when liquid Si-rich Si-Ti alloys are in contact with glassy carbon (GC) is of primary importance. To this end, the wettability of GC by two different Si-rich Si-Ti alloys was investigated for the first time by both the sessile and pendant drop methods at T = 1450 °C. The results obtained, in terms of contact angle values, spreading kinetics, reactivity, and developed interface microstructures, were compared with experimental observations previously obtained for the liquid Si-rich Si-Ti eutectics processed under the same operating conditions. As the main outcome, a different Si content did not seem to affect the final contact angle values. Contrarily, the final developed microstructure at the interface and the spreading kinetics were observed as weakly dependent on the composition. From a practical point of view, Si-Ti alloy compositions with a Si content falling in the simple eutectic region of the Si-Ti phase diagram might be potentially used as infiltrating materials of C- and SiC-based composites.

A good thermochemical compatibility of ceramics intended to be applied as a vessel with the preselected phase change materials (PCMs) is crucial regarding development of novel ultra-high temperature latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems. The selection of proper refractories, that will ensure long life-time and reliable service of the system, should be preceded by the experimental verification of candidate materials upon contact heating/cooling cycles. In this chapter, we focus on the characterization of a solid/liquid interaction between Si-based PCMs and potential container materials under conditions specified by the predicted LHTES application. In this regard, new experimental procedures based on the sessile drop method were developed to examine temperature applicability limits of selected PCM/refractory couples and their thermocycling behavior upon consecutive melting/solidification cycles.

Controlled drug delivery is a matter of interest to numerous scientists from various domains, as well as an essential issue for society as a whole. In the treatment of many diseases, it is crucial to control the dosing of a drug for a long time and thus maintain its optimal concentration in the tissue. Heart diseases are particularly important in this aspect. One such disease is an obstructive arterial disease affecting millions of people around the world. In recent years, stents and balloon catheters have reached a significant position in the treatment of this condition. Balloon catheters are also successfully used to manage tear ducts, paranasal sinuses, or salivary glands disorders. Modern technology is continually striving to improve the results of previous generations of stents and balloon catheters by refining their design, structure, and constituent materials. These advances result in the development of both successive models of drug-eluting stents (DES) and drug-eluting balloons (DEB). This paper presents milestones in the development of DES and DEB, which are a significant option in the treatment of coronary artery diseases. This report reviews the works related to achievements in construction designs and materials, as well as preparation technologies, of DES and DEB. Special attention was paid to the polymeric biodegradable materials used in the production of the above-mentioned devices. Information was also collected on the various methods of producing drug release coatings and their effectiveness in releasing the active substance.

Despite the application of aluminum melt filtration with ceramic foam filters since the 1960s the process is not fully understood. Outstanding issues are for example the influence of the wetting behavior and filter chemistry on the filtration efficiencies.Contact angle measurements by the sessile drop method coupled with non-contact heating and capillary purification technique were conducted at 730 °C with AlSi7Mg alloy on the substrates of four different oxides (Al2O3, MgAl2O4, 3Al2O3·2SiO2 and TiO2). The highest contact angle was measured on 3Al2O3·2SiO2, followed by MgAl2O4, Al2O3 and TiO2.Experimental values of contact angles were correlated with the evaluated filtration efficiencies of filtration trials performed at Constellium. They show a good correlation for inclusions smaller than 110 μm - the larger the contact angle the higher is the filtration efficiency.The adhesion forces of alumina inclusions on the four filter materials were experimentally estimated with an AFM in water based model system. The highest adhesion forces were measured on the Al2O3 substrate, followed by the 3Al2O3·2SiO2, the MgAl2O4 and the TiO2 substrate. For inclusions >70 μm, both the measured filtration efficiencies for >70 μm and the adhesion forces increase by the following order of coatings: TiO2, 3Al2O3·2SiO2, MgAl2O4, Al2O3. Keywords: Aluminum, Ceramic, Contact angle, Adhesion force, Filtration

The phase diagram of the ternary Gd-Ti-Zr system has been investigated. The phase equilibria behave as a pseudo-binary Gd-(Ti, Zr) system with the solid state been characterized by the coexistence of elemental Gd and (Ti, Zr) solid solution phase with low solubility ( 20 Ti 40 Zr 40 , Gd 40 Ti 20 Zr 40 and Gd 40 Ti 50 Zr 10 by in situ high energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction at elevated temperatures. Based on the experimental data a thermodynamic description of the ternary Gd-Ti-Zr system is derived.

The wettability of graphene-coated SiC single crystal (CGn/SiCsc) by liquid Cu (99.99%) was investigated by a sessile drop method in vacuum conditions at temperature of 1100 °C. The graphene layer was produced via a chemical vapor deposition routine using 4H-SiC single crystal cut out from 6″ wafer. A dispensed drop technique combined with a non-contact heating of a couple of materials was applied. The Cu drop was squeezed from a graphite capillary and deposited on the substrate directly in a vacuum chamber. The first Cu drop did not wet the CGn/SiCsc substrate and showed a lack of adhesion to the substrate: the falling Cu drop only touched the substrate forming a contact angle of θ0 = 121° and then immediately rolled like a ball along the substrate surface. After settling near the edge of the substrate in about 0.15 s, the Cu drop formed an asymmetric shape with the right and left contact angles of different values (θR = 86° and θL = 70°, respectively), while in the next 30 min, θR and θL achieved the same final value of ~ 52°. The second Cu drop was put down on the displacement path of the first drop, and immediately after the deposition, it also did not wet the substrate (θ = 123°). This drop kept symmetry and the primary position, but its wetting behavior was unusual: both θR and θL decreased in 17 min to the value of 23° and next, they increased to a final value of 65°. Visual observations revealed a presence of ~ 2.5-mm-thick interfacial phase layer reactively formed under the second drop. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations revealed the presence of carbon-enriched precipitates on the top surface of the first Cu drop. These precipitates were identified by the Raman spectroscopy as double-layer graphene. The Raman spectrum taken from the substrate far from the drop revealed the presence of graphene, while that obtained from the first drop displacement path exhibited a decreased intensity of 2D peak. The results of SEM investigations and Raman spectroscopy studies suggest that the presence of graphene layer on the SiC substrate suppresses but does not completely prevent chemical interaction between liquid Cu drop and SiC. Both chemical degradation (etching) and mechanical degradation of the graphene layer during drop rolling due to high adhesion of the Cu drop to the SiC substrate are responsible for mass transfer through the 2nd drop/substrate interface that in turn results in significant changes of structure and chemistry of the drop and the interface.