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The deployment of endovascular implants such as stents in the treatment of cardiovascular disease damages the vascular endothelium, increasing the risk of thrombosis and promoting neointimal hyperplasia. The rapid restoration of a functional endothelium is known to reduce these complications. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are increasingly recognized as important contributors to device re-endothelialization. Extracellular matrix proteins prominent in the vessel wall may enhance EPC-directed re-endothelialization. We examined attachment, spreading and proliferation on recombinant human tropoelastin (rhTE) and investigated the mechanism and site of interaction. EPCs attached and spread on rhTE in a dose dependent manner, reaching a maximal level of 56±3% and 54±3%, respectively. EPC proliferation on rhTE was comparable to vitronectin, fibronectin and collagen. EDTA, but not heparan sulfate or lactose, reduced EPC attachment by 81±3%, while full attachment was recovered after add-back of manganese, inferring a classical integrin-mediated interaction. Integrin αVβ3 blocking antibodies decreased EPC adhesion and spreading on rhTE by 39±3% and 56±10% respectively, demonstrating a large contribution from this specific integrin. Attachment of EPCs on N-terminal rhTE constructs N25 and N18 accounted for most of this interaction, accompanied by comparable spreading. In contrast, attachment and spreading on N10 was negligible. αVβ3 blocking antibodies reduced EPC spreading on both N25 and N18 by 45±4% and 42±14%, respectively. In conclusion, rhTE supports EPC binding via an integrin mechanism involving αVβ3. N25 and N18, but not N10 constructs of rhTE contribute to EPC binding. The regulation of EPC activity by rhTE may have implications for modulation of the vascular biocompatibility of endovascular implants.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are implicated in protection against vascular disease. However, studies using angiography alone have reported conflicting results when relating EPCs to epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD) severity. Moreover, the relationship between different EPC types and the coronary microcirculation is unknown. We therefore investigated the relationship between EPC populations and coronary epicardial and microvascular disease. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with a spectrum of isolated left anterior descending artery disease were studied. The coronary epicardial and microcirculation were physiologically interrogated by measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR), index of microvascular resistance (IMR) and coronary flow reserve (CFR). Two distinct EPC populations (early EPC and late outgrowth endothelial cells [OECs]) were isolated from these patients and studied ex vivo. RESULTS: There was a significant inverse relationship between circulating OEC levels and epicardial CAD severity, as assessed by FFR and angiography (r=0.371, p=0.04; r=-0.358, p=0.04; respectively). More severe epicardial CAD was associated with impaired OEC migration and tubulogenesis (r=0.59, p=0.005; r=0.589, p=0.004; respectively). Patients with significant epicardial CAD (FFR

Objectives: Real-world evidence regarding prevalence, patient characteristics, and treatment patterns for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Japan is limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study analysing Japan's Medical Data Vision database from April 2008 to September 2020. Prevalence, incidence, patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and use of vasodilators by treatment line were evaluated. Results: The prevalence of PAH was 0.392% in SLE patients (n = 114/29,077). Cumulative incidence was 0.53% (3 years) and 0.77% (5 years). Of 114 SLE–PAH patients, 49% developed PAH <1 year from SLE diagnosis. SLE–PAH patients were predominantly females (88% vs. 72%), had a lower mean age at SLE diagnosis (53 vs. 56 years), and had more severe SLE (61% vs. 25%) than non-PAH–SLE patients. Glucocorticoids (58%) and vasodilators (27%) were preferred first-line monotherapy for SLE–PAH. A combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants (19%) was the predominant first-line combination therapy. Endothelin receptor antagonists (40% and 44%) and nitric oxide analogues (31% and 40%) were dominant first- and second-line vasodilators. Conclusions: SLE–PAH patients were predominantly females, were younger at diagnosis, and had more severe SLE than non-PAH–SLE patients. Most were diagnosed <1 year of SLE diagnosis. In Japan's real-world practice, the initial treatment goal is SLE management, while vasodilators are preferred in advanced diseases, as per the Medical Data Vision database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A powder-bed-based additive manufacturing process called electron beam melting (EBM) is defined by high temperature gradients during solidification, which produces an extremely fine microstructure compared to the traditional cast material. However, porosity and segregation defects are still present on a smaller scale which may lead to a reduction in mechanical properties. It is important to have a better knowledge of the influence of post-fabrication treatments on the microstructure and mechanical characteristics before the use of additive manufacturing parts in specific applications. In this study, the effects of solution heat treatment (SHT) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated by the EBM process have been investigated. The SHT and HIP treatments can significantly improve the ductility of EBM Ti-6Al-4V due to the coarsening of α laths and the formation of β grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells continues to increase. However, defects in perovskite materials are detrimental to their carrier dynamics and structural stability, ultimately limiting the photovoltaic characteristics and stability of perovskite solar cells. Herein, we report that 6H polytype perovskite effectively engineers defects at the interface with cubic polytype FAPbI3, which facilitates radiative recombination and improves the stability of the polycrystalline film. We particularly show the detrimental effects of shallow-level defect that originates from the formation of the most dominant iodide vacancy (VI +) in FAPbI3. Furthermore, additional surface passivation on top of the hetero-polytypic perovskite film results in an ultra-long carrier lifetime exceeding 18 μs, affords power conversion efficiencies of 24.13% for perovskite solar cells, 21.92% (certified power conversion efficiency: 21.44%) for a module, and long-term stability. The hetero-polytypic perovskite configuration may be considered as close to the ideal polycrystalline structure in terms of charge carrier dynamics and stability.

In this study, we fabricated a coplanar waveguide using a novel graphene-silver nanowire composite structure (GNCS) on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and then investigated its radio frequency (RF) characteristics. According to the measured results, the coplanar waveguide employing GNCS exhibited a substantially lower loss of transmission line than conventional waveguides. Furthermore, compared to the conventional graphene-based coplanar waveguide, the proposed structure allowed for lower skin depth and higher conductivity, resulting from the high electric conductivity of the silver nanowire. In addition, repetitive bending tests, which were performed to investigate the electric stability of the graphene-silver nanowire, showed that the coplanar waveguide employing GNCS offered substantially better electrical stability than the conventional graphene-based coplanar waveguide. These results indicate that the graphene-silver nanowire structure is a promising candidate for application in flexible wireless communication systems. Notably, this is also the first study to investigate the RF performance and electrical stability of a graphene-silver nanowire/PET structure.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a pachychoroid spectrum disease characterized by serous detachment of the neurosensory retina with subretinal fluid in young and middle-aged adults. The pathogenesis of CSC is not yet fully understood. However, it is considered a multifactorial disease that is strongly associated with choroidal dysfunction or vascular engorgement. Although there is no consensus on the treatment of CSC, photodynamic therapy has been effectively used to manage serous retinal detachment (SRD) in CSC. Moreover, micropulse diode laser photocoagulation and focal laser treatment have also been used. Recently, oral medications, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, have been proposed for the management of CSC. Multimodal imaging plays a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of CSC. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has the advantage of detecting vascular flow in the retina and choroid layer, allowing for a better understanding of the pathology, severity, prognosis, and chronicity of CSC. In addition, early detection of choroidal neovascularization in CSC is possible using OCTA. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive and updated understanding of CSC, focusing on treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 28-year-old male patient presented to the outpatient department with visual disturbance in both eyes. The patient had a history of stage IV lupus nephritis that was diagnosed at the age of 14 years and had undergone hemodialysis at the age of 23 years. After he started hemodialysis, the systemic condition was well controlled, and systemic steroids were not used. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/200 in the right eye and 20/100 in the left eye. Funduscopic examination revealed shallow subretinal fluid (SRF) and serous retinal detachment in both eyes. The first impression of this patient was central serous chorioretinopathy. However, the late phase of fluorescein angiography (FA) demonstrated multiple subretinal leakages, and the late phase of indocyanine green angiography showed choroidal vascular engorgement and multiple hyperfluorescent plaques in both eyes. Systemic lupus erythematosus showed moderate activity according to the results of the systemic evaluation. Based on the clinical examination, lupus choroidopathy was suspected in both eyes. Half-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) was administered to both eyes rather than systemic steroids because the patient was systemically stable. Three months after PDT, no SRF was observed in either eye. In addition, multiple subretinal leakages on FA were reduced compared to those before treatment. There was no recurrence of SRF for 4 years after PDT, and the final BCVA was 20/70 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. During this time, numerous hypoautofluorescence spots appeared adjacent to the major retinal vessels in fundus autofluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial condition that contributes to the death of about 20% of cancer patients. It has the potential to cause weight loss, reduction in muscle mass, and loss of fat tissue, significantly lowering the quality of life. Currently, there are no approved drugs for cancer cachexia. Here, we have explored the possible impact of brassinin (BSN) on cancer cachexia under in vitro and in vivo settings. After differentiation, C2C12 and 3T3‐L1 cells were incubated with colorectal carcinoma cells conditioned media or BSN. For preclinical studies, mice were injected with HT‐29 cells followed by intraperitoneal administration of BSN, and muscle and adipose tissues were evaluated by Western blotting and hematoxylin and eosin staining. BSN effectively suppressed muscle atrophy by down‐regulating the levels of Muscle RING‐finger protein‐1 and Atrogin‐1, while also increasing the expression of myosin heavy chain in cachexia‐induced‐C2C12 myotubes. The induction of adipogenesis by BSN prevented adipocyte atrophy in cachexia‐induced 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. We also noted that BSN disrupted the interaction between COX‐2 and signaling transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) promoter, leading to down‐regulation of STAT3 activation. Moreover, it was found that BSN inhibited weight loss in mice and demonstrated anti‐cachexic effects. Overall, our observations indicate that BSN can attenuate cancer cachexia through diverse mechanisms.

Purpose: At the end of life, communication is a key factor for good care. However, in clinical practice, it is difficult to adequately discuss end-of-life care. In order to understand and analyze how decision-making related to life-sustaining treatment (LST) is performed, the shared decision-making (SDM) behaviors of physicians were investigated. Methods: A questionnaire was designed after reviewing the literature on attitudes toward SDM or decision-making related to LST. A final item was added after consulting experts. The survey was completed by internal medicine residents and hematologists/medical oncologists who treat terminal cancer patients. Results: In total, 202 respondents completed the questionnaire, and 88.6% said that the decision to continue or end LST is usually a result of SDM since they believed that sufficient explanation is provided to patients and caregivers, patients and caregivers make their own decisions according to their values, and there is sufficient time for patients and caregivers to make a decision. Expected satisfaction with the decisionmaking process was the highest for caregivers (57.4%), followed by physicians (49.5%) and patients (41.1%). In total, 38.1% of respondents said that SDM was adequately practiced when making decisions related to LST. The most common reason for inadequate SDM was time pressure (89.6%). Conclusion: Although most physicians answered that they practiced SDM when making decisions regarding LST, satisfactory SDM is rarely practiced in the clinical field. A model for the proper implementation of SDM is needed, and additional studies must be conducted to develop an SDM model in collaboration with other academic organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous organic networks (PONs) are an emerging class of organic materials with 2D and 3D architectures formed by covalent bonds between light elements, such as C, H, N, O, and B. Extensive efforts have been devoted to synthesizing thermally "stable" 3D PONs to realize their practical applications. Here, the design and synthesis are reported for two new 3D PONs with fused aromatic structures. The PONs structures are constructed by the double condensation reaction between tetrapodal octaamine and pyrenetetraketone (PTK) or hexaketocyclohexane (HKH) to produce PTK-PON (P-PON) or HKH-PON (H-PON), respectively. The prepared nitrogen-rich PONs show good thermal stabilities with specific surface areas of 873 m² g-1 (P-PON) and 741 m² g-1 (H-PON). Because of their relatively narrow pore dimensions (1.29 and 0.78 nm, respectively), the synthesized PONs exhibit high adsorption performance for small molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), and iodine (I2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have the potential to produce solar energy at a low cost, with flexibility, and high power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, there are still challenges to be addressed before mass production of PSCs, such as prevention from degradation under external stresses and the uniform, large-area formation of all layers. Among them, the most challenging aspect of mass production of PSCs is creating a high-quality perovskite layer using environmentally sustainable processes that are compatible with industry standards. In this review, we briefly introduce the recent progresses upon eco-friendly perovskite solutions/antisolvents and film formation processes. The eco-friendly production methods are categorized into two: (1) employing environmentally friendly solvents for perovskite precursor ink/solution, and (2) replacing harmful, volatile antisolvents or even limiting their use during the perovskite film formation process. General considerations and criteria for each category are provided, and detailed examples are presented, specifically focused on the works have done since 2021. In addition, the importance of controlling the crystallization behavior of the perovskite layer is highlighted to develop antisolvent-free perovskite formation methods. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Efficient energy consumption is crucial for achieving sustainable energy goals in the era of climate change and grid modernization. Thus, it is vital to understand how energy is consumed at finer resolutions such as household in order to plan demand-response events or analyze impacts of weather, electricity prices, electric vehicles, solar, and occupancy schedules on energy consumption. However, availability and access to detailed energy-use data, which would enable detailed studies, has been rare. In this paper, we release a unique, large-scale, digital-twin of residential energy-use dataset for the residential sector across the contiguous United States covering millions of households. The data comprise of hourly energy use profiles for synthetic households, disaggregated into Thermostatically Controlled Loads (TCL) and appliance use. The underlying framework is constructed using a bottom-up approach. Diverse open-source surveys and first principles models are used for end-use modeling. Extensive validation of the synthetic dataset has been conducted through comparisons with reported energy-use data. We present a detailed, open, high resolution, residential energy-use dataset for the United States.

The load networks of advanced Doherty power amplifiers (DPAs) have traditionally been designed according to the ABCD parameters. In this paper, design conditions as an impedance transformation condition and an effective electrical length were used to design the output matching networks (OMNs) for the carrier and peaking amplifiers of the virtual-stub DPAs (VS-DPAs). An optimization method for the effective electrical length was proposed that was specifically constructed for the load impedances of the carrier amplifier at the low power level to have broadband characteristics through the load-pull simulation. Using the optimized design conditions for broadband design, compact OMNs for the carrier and peaking amplifiers were designed using quasi-lumped components. Moreover, an asymmetric structure with an increased power capacity of the peaking amplifier for the VS-DPA was proposed to compensate for a relatively low peak fundamental current of the peaking amplifier due to its deep class-C operation as well as the extended output back-off (OBO) range of the VS-DPA. To verify the proposed load network, a broadband asymmetric VS-DPA for the 3.3 - 4.2 GHz band was designed and implemented using GaN HEMTs with power capacities of 6 and 10 W. Using a 5G new radio (5G NR) signal with a signal bandwidth of 100 MHz and a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of 7.8 dB, power gain of 8.2 - 9.1 dB, DE of 46.0 - 57.0%, ACLR of better than −45 dBc after DPD linearization at an average power of 35.0 dBm were achieved at the broad frequency range of 3.3 - 4.2 GHz.

This paper presents a 2.8-3.8 GHz broadband 2-stage fully differential Doherty power amplifier using direct interstage power division based on a 2- $\mu \text{m}$ InGaP/GaAs HBT process for 5G new radio handset applications. A compact transformer-less interstage network is proposed for direct power division for carrier and peaking amplifiers. The power division ratio at the interstage is designed to dynamically vary according to the input power level to provide higher power gain and desired load impedance modulation. By utilizing the non-linear input reactance of the peaking amplifier, broadband dynamic power division circuits were designed for an operating frequency band of as broad as 1 GHz. In addition, active bias circuits for the peaking amplifier were optimized to have sufficient gain expansion, so that the overall AM-AM characteristics is as flat as possible. A broadband load modulation network using one transformer and two quarter-wave transmission lines is proposed. For the off-chip output transformer, impedance trajectory for the wide band impedance matching is presented using a T-equivalent circuit of the transformer. The self-inductance ratio of the transformer is optimized to maximize the bandwidth. Using the 5G new radio uplink signal with a signal bandwidth of 100 MHz, the implemented Doherty PA IC exhibited a power gain of 31.9 to 38.4 dB, PAE of 22.0 to 30.6%, and average output power of 26.0 to 27.8 dBm at a given ACLR of −33.0 dBc without pre-distortion.

In the field of bone tissue engineering, which is being developed for the ideal restoration of bone defects, researchers are exploring the improvement of the bone regeneration efficacy of scaffolds through various approaches involving osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and angiogenic factors. In the current trend of research, there is also a suggestion that the topological factors of recent scaffolds may influence the attachment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of bone cells. Building upon experimental confirmation of the effect of scaffold conformity with the defect site on enhanced bone regeneration in previous studies, we conducted this research to experimentally investigate the relationship between contact area with the defect site and bone regeneration efficacy. The results demonstrated that as the contact area of the scaffold increased, not only did the resistance to bone tissue growth increase, more significant bone regeneration also occurred, as evidenced through histological analysis and micro-CT analysis. This research confirms that the contact area between the scaffold and the defect site is a critical variable affecting bone regeneration efficacy, emphasizing its importance when designing customized scaffolds. This finding holds promising implications for future studies and applications in the field.

PURPOSE. The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a desktop scanner and intraoral scanners based on the volumetric dimensions of a complete arch. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Seven reference models were fabricated based on the volumetric dimensions of complete arch (70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, 120%, and 130%). The reference models were digitized using an industrial scanner (Solutionix C500; MEDIT) for the fabrication of a computer-aided design (CAD) reference model (CRM). The reference models were digitized using three intraoral scanners (CS3600, Trios3, and i500) and one desktop scanner (E1) to fabricate a CAD test model (CTM). CRM and CTM were then superimposed using inspection software, and 3D analysis was conducted. For statistical analysis, one-way analysis of variance was used to verify the difference in accuracy based on the volumetric dimensions of the complete arch and the accuracy based on the scanners, and the differences among the groups were analyzed using the Tukey HSD test as a post-hoc test (a=.05). RESULTS. The three different scanners showed a significant difference in accuracy based on the volumetric dimensions of the complete arch (P<.05), but the desktop scanner did not show a significant difference in accuracy based on the volumetric dimensions of the complete arch (P=.808). CONCLUSION. The accuracy of the intraoral scanners was dependent on the volumetric dimensions of the complete arch, but the volumetric dimensions of the complete arch had no effect on the accuracy of the desktop scanner. Additionally, depending on the type of intraoral scanners, the accuracy differed according to the volumetric dimensions of the complete arch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing (AM) of customized scaffolds has been actively studied in tissue engineering. Most studies have focused on the functionalization of scaffolds for osteoinduction and osteoconduction for bone regeneration. However, in our previous study, we found that shape conformity between a defect and the scaffold was also a major factor with regard to enhancing bone regeneration. Thus, in this study, we performed a quantitative analysis of the shape conformity between the defect and scaffold using several novel experimental scaffolds. Employing several scaffolds with different conformities that increased linearly, the degree of bone regeneration was analyzed through new bone volume measurements and a histological analysis in conjunction with an in vivo experiment using rat calvaria. For the quantitative analysis, we compared the new bone volume reconstructed from a three-dimensional model based on CT data. New bone maturation was analyzed with respect to shape conformity through a histological analysis. Proliferation, maturation, and new bone formation were promoted by scaffold shape conformity. Thus, for bone regeneration, the AM precision and the fabrication technique are critical as the shape conformity of the scaffold to the bone defect is highly dependent on AM fabrication errors.

In this explorative study, we first investigate current use of public library statistics in public library management to identify a governing framework and then carefully suggest an alternative framework with income as a goal for sustainability. The meaning of income in terms of management is also discussed. Within this framework, we conduct a series of statistical analyses with public library statistics data for 2002-7. We first attempt to identify and control outside effects, such as service population and socioeconomic factors. After data screening and transformation, we conduct several statistical analyses, including factor and regression analyses. The significant results from regression analysis between income as a dependent variable and eleven independent variables provide evidence for the validity of the framework, with small effect size (14 percent). We discuss issues such as a linearity assumption, small effect size, and a unit period and offer suggestions for future studies to develop an alternative model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In bone tissue engineering, the endogenous regeneration of bone defects still represents a clinical challenge despite the development of intervention therapy to achieve bone regeneration via autologous grafts, allogeneic grafts, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, etc. To overcome the limitation of endogenous bone regeneration, we assumed that the 3D-printed collagen pattern with BMP-2 and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 in the 3D-printed polycaprolactone/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold could guide the endogenous regeneration of bone defects. Therefore, to test our hypothesis, polycaprolactone/nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds with dual growth factors (BMP-2 and FGF-2) and various hydrogel patterns (positive, edge, and radial patterns) were fabricated at the same ratio and concentration of dual growth factors. Consequently, we revealed that the in vitro released concentrations of BMP-2 and FGF-2 were not affected by collagen patterns in the polycaprolactone/nano-hydroxyapatite scaffold. Furthermore, endogenous bone regeneration and angiogenesis in the polycaprolactone/nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffold with a radial pattern were promoted compared with those in the polycaprolactone/nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen scaffolds with positive and edge patterns. Therefore, we demonstrated that a collagen design loaded with dual growth factors in the 3D-printed scaffold could affect endogenous bone regeneration and angiogenesis.

Several studies are conducted to determine the contribution of several different amino acids in the [beta]-glucosidase aggregating factor (BGAF) binding process. The lysine-81 and threonine-82 on maize [beta]-glucosidase isozyme Glu1 are shown to be the most significant amino acids in the BGAF binding.

The DNA binding mode of RTBP1, a rice telomeric protein binding to the duplex array of TTTAGGG repeats, is analyzed by determining the three-dimensional structure of the C-terminal 110-amino acid region ([RTBP1.sub.506-615]) in solution by NMR spectroscopy. The results have shown that helix 3 has functioned as a sequence-specific recognition helix while the N-terminal arm has stabilized the DNA binding.

Examines the influence of coupling strength and temperature on the solute-solvent interaction of chromophores in polymer glass. Use of three-pulse photon echo peak shift method; Description of different temperature sensitivities of the long-time peak shift; Presence of an ultrafast component in the transition frequency correlation function.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of the abutment superimposition process on the final virtual model in the scanning process of single and 3-units bridge model using a dental model scanner. Materials and methods: A gypsum model for single and 3-unit bridges was manufactured for evaluating. And working casts with removable dies were made using Pindex system. A dental model scanner (3Shape E1 scanner) was used to obtain CAD reference model (CRM) and CAD test model (CTM). The CRM was scanned without removing after dividing the abutments in the working cast. Then, CTM was scanned with separated from the divided abutments and superimposed on the CRM (n=20). Finally, three-dimensional analysis software (Geomagic control X) was used to analyze the root mean square (RMS) and Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis (α=.05). Results: The RMS mean abutment for single full crown preparation was 10.93 µm and the RMS average abutment for 3 unit bridge preparation was 6.9 µm. The RMS mean of the two groups showed statistically significant differences (P<.001). In addition, errors of positive and negative of two groups averaged 9.83 µm, -6.79 µm and 3-units bridge abutment 6.22 µm, -3.3 µm, respectively. The mean values of the errors of positive and negative of two groups were all statistically significantly lower in 3-unit bridge abutments (P<.001). Conclusion: Although the number of abutments increased during the scan process of the working cast with removable dies, the error due to the superimposition of abutments did not increase. There was also a significantly higher error in single abutments, but within the range of clinically acceptable scan accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To elucidate the clinical characteristics of a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) with atypical epiretinal tissue (AET), and expand the spectrum of pathogenesis of MH. Methods This study involved 225 consecutive eyes of 211 patients who underwent surgery for an idiopathic FTMH. Eyes were divided into two groups according to the presence of AET. Tomographic features at baseline, closure rate of the MH and visual outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results AET was detected in 26 (11.6%) among 225 eyes. Overall closure of the MH was noted in 92.3% of eyes with AET and 99.5% of eyes without AET at 12 months postoperatively (p=0.003). At 12 months postoperatively, the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity in eyes with and without AET was 0.38 and 0.21, respectively (p=0.046). At baseline, eyes with AET more frequently had splitting of the inner retina but fewer intact photoreceptors compared with eyes without AET (19.2% vs 2.5%, and 57.7% vs 89.9%, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions The presence of AET in an FTMH was related to poorer anatomical success and less visual recovery after surgery, suggesting that AET reflects a chronic pathogenic process involving more severe damage to the foveal tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]