Impact of multifocal gas-permeable lens designs on short-term choroidal response, axial length, and retinal defocus profile

AIM:To investigate the impact of multifocal gas permeable contact lens(MFGPCL)in various add power and distance/near area allocation on short-term changes of choroidal thickness(ChT),axial length(AL),and retinal defocus profile in young adults.METHODS:Seventeen young adults(2 males and 15 females;age 23.17±4.48y)were randomly assigned to wear two designs binocularly with a one-week washout period in between.Total of four MFGPCL designs were assessed.All designs were distance-center that varied in two add power(+1.50 and 3.00 D)and/or two distance zone(DZ)diameters(1.50 and 3.00 mm;design A:DZ 1.5/add 3.0,B:DZ 1.5/add 1.5,C:DZ 3.0/add 3.0,D:DZ 3.0/add 1.5).ChT,AL,and peripheral refraction data were collected on each subject at baseline,on days 1 and 7 of MFGPCL daily wear.ChT was assessed in four quadrants using a spectraldomain optical coherence tomography.RESULTS:AL was shortened by-26±44μm with lens C,-18±27μm with lens D,-13±29μm with lens A,and-8±30μm with lens B(all P<0.05).A significant overall increase in ChT was observed with all 4 designs(lens A:+6±6μm,B:+3±7μm,C:+8±7μm,and D:+8±7μm).Temporal and superior choroid exhibited more choroidal thickening associated with MFGPCL.All designs induced significant relative peripheral myopia(RPM)beyond the central 20o across the horizontal meridian in both nasal and temporal fields(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:MFGPCLs show a significant influence on ChT and AL,which are associated with significant increase in RPM after short-term wear.The reliability and feasibility of quantifying short-term changes in ChT support its use as a promising marker for the long-term efficacy of myopia-controlling treatments.

Axial length shortening in myopic children with Stickler syndrome after repeated low-level red-light therapy

AIM:To report the myopia-controlling effect of repeated low-level red-light(RLRL)therapy in patients with Stickler syndrome(STL),an inherited collagenic disease typically presenting with early onset myopia.METHODS:Three STL children,aged 3,7,and 11y,received RLRL therapy throughout the follow-up period of 17,3,and 6mo,respectively after exclusion of fundus anomalies.Data on best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),intraocular pressure,cycloplegic subjective refraction,ocular biometrics,scanning laser ophthalmoscope,optical coherence tomography,genetic testing,systemic disease history,and family history were recorded.RESULTS:At the initiation of the RLRL therapy,the spherical equivalent(SE)of 6 eyes from 3 patients ranged from-3.75 to-20.38 D,axial length(AL)were from 23.88 to 30.68 mm,and BCVA were from 0.4 to 1.0(decimal notation).Myopia progression of all six eyes slowed down after RLRL therapy.AL in five out of the six eyes shortened-0.07 to-0.63 mm.No side effects were observed.CONCLUSION:Three cases of STL whose progression of myopic shift and AL elongation are successfully reduced and even reversed after RLRL therapy.

Effects of different orthokeratology lens designs on slowing axial length elongation in children with myopia

AIM:To elucidate whether differences exist in the impact on retarding the elongation of axial length(AL)among children with myopia when utilizing orthokeratology(ortho-k)lenses employing the corneal refractive therapy(CRT)design versus those employing the vision shaping treatment(VST)design.METHODS:This retrospective clinical trial aimed to collect and analyze AL data from individuals who wore ortho-k lenses for three years.A total of 654 subjects were enrolled and prescribed one of the three specific brands of ortho-k lenses:CRT,Euclid,and Mouldway.The study’s primary focus was to compare the rates of AL elongation and myopic progression across these three brands of ortho-k lenses.RESULTS:In the 3-year follow-up,the AL elongation exhibited variations of 0.73±0.36 mm in the CRT lens group,0.59±0.37 mm in the Euclid lens group,and 0.63±0.38 mm in the Mouldway lens group.A noteworthy disparity emerged between the CRT and Mouldway groups(P<0.01),as well as between the CRT and Euclid groups(P<0.001).Additionally,it was observed that 32.1%of participants who wore CRT lenses experienced a decelerated progression of myopia,in contrast to 47.2%in the Euclid group and 44.4%in the Mouldway group.Statistical analyses revealed a statistically significant distinction between the CRT and Euclid groups(P<0.01),and similarly,the CRT group demonstrated a statistically significant difference when compared to the Mouldway group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Ortho-k lenses represent a pragmatic strategy for mitigating the advancement of myopia.In contradistinction to ortho-k lenses utilizing the CRT design,those employing the VST design exhibited a more favorable impact regarding retarding AL elongation.

Accuracy of axial length measurements from immersion B-scan ultrasonography in highly myopic eyes

AIM:To evaluate the accuracy of axial length(AL)measurements obtained from immersion B-scan ultrasonography(immersion B-scan)for intraocular lens(IOL)power calculation in patients with high myopia and cataracts.METHODS:Immersion B-scan,contact A-scan ultrasonography(contact A-scan),and the IOLMaster were used to preoperatively measure the AL in 102 eyes from 102 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation.Patients were divided into two groups according to the AL:one containing patients with22 mm≤AL【26 mm(group A)and the other containing patients with AL≥26 mm(group B).The mean error(ME)was calculated from the difference between the AL measurement methods predicted refractive error and the actual postoperative refractive error.RESULTS:Ingroup A,ALs measured byimmersion Bscan(23.48±1.15)didn’t differ significantly from those measured by the IOLMaster(23.52±1.17)or from those by contact A-scan(23.38±1.20).In the same group,the standard deviation(SD)of the mean error(ME)of immersion B-scan(-0.090±0.397 D)didn’t differ significantly from those of IOLMaster(-0.095±0.411 D)and contact A-scan(-0.099±0.425 D).In group B,ALs measured by immersion B-scan(27.97±2.21 mm)didn’t differ significantly from those of the IOLMaster(27.86±2.18 mm),but longer than those measured by Contact A-scan(27.75±2.23 mm,P=0.009).In the same group,the standard deviation(SD)of the mean error(ME)of immersion B-scan(-0.635±0.157 D)didn’t differ significantly from those of the IOLMaster(-0.679±0.359 D),but differed significantly from those of contact A-scan(-0.953±1.713 D,P=0.028).CONCLUSION:ImmersionB-scanexhibitsmeasurement accuracy comparable to that of the IOLMaster,and is thus a good alternative in measuring AL in eyes with high myopia when the IOLMaster can’t be used,and it is more accurate than the contact A-scan.

Comparison axial length measurements from three biometric instruments in high myopia

AIM： To compare the axial lengths （ALs） measured with Lenstar, IOLMaster and A-scan contact ultrasound （Ultrasound） in normal and high myopia （HM）. METHODS： Eighty-four normal eyes and 49 HM eyes were included. Three consecutive measurements were performed on each eye in the following order： Lenstar, IOLMaster, and Ultrasound. The repeatabilities of the AL measurements for each instrument were assessed by calculating the pooled coefficients of variation （CVs） of 18 eyes in each group. Comparisons between the HM and normal groups were made with independent sample t-tests. The inter-device agreements were evaluated with Bland-Altman analyses and paired two-tailed t-tests. RESULTS： For normal group, the CVs of the AL measurements taken with the Lenstar, IOLMaster and Ultrasound were 0.001%, 0.01% and 0.14%, respectively. The corresponding CVs for the HM group were 0.005%, 0.02% and 0.15%, respectively. There was significant difference between the Lenstar and the IOLMaster in normal group （P=0.031） but not in HM group （n=0.100）. In the two groups, the Lenstar and the IOLMaster produced higher values than did the Ultrasound （all P〈 0.001）. All three instruments exhibited good agreement in terms of AL values. For the intraocular lens （IOL） power calculation using SRK II formula, the Lenstar and the IOLMaster showed 0.5 D higher than Ultrasound in both groups （all P〈0.001）. No significant difference existed between the Lenstar and the IOLMaster for the IOL power calculation in both normal （n=0.474） and HM group （P= 0.103）. CONCLUSION： The three devices exhibited excellent intra-visit repeatabilities in the AL measurements. The AL and IOL power difference between partial coherence interferometry and ultrasound instruments should be noticed.

Photopic pupil size change in myopic orthokeratology and its influence on axial length elongation

AIM:To explore the photopic pupil size behavior in myopic children undergoing overnight orthokeratology(ortho-k)over 1-year period and its effects on the axial elongation.METHODS:A total of 202 Chinese myopic children were enrolled in this prospective clinical trial.Ninetyfive subjects in ortho-k group and eighty-eight subjects in spectacle group completed the 1-year study.Axial length(AL)was measured before enrollment and every 6mo after the start of ortho-k.The photopic pupil diameter(PPD)was determined using the Pentacam AXL and measured in an examination room with lighting of 300-310 Lx.Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify variables contribution to axial elongation.RESULTS:Compared with spectacle group,the average 1-year axial elongation was significantly slower in the ortho-k group(0.25±0.27 vs 0.44±0.23 mm,P<0.0001).In ortho-k group,PPDs significantly decreased from 4.21±0.62 mm to 3.94±0.53 mm after 1mo of lens wear(P=0.001,Bonferroni correction)and the change lasts for 3-month visit.No significantly change during the other follow-up visits was found(P>0.05,Bonferroni correction).The 4.81 mm PPD may be a possible cutoff point in the ortho-k group.Subjects with PPD below or equal to 4.81 mm tended to have smaller axial elongation compared to subjects with PPD above 4.81 mm after 1-year period(t=-3.09,P=0.003).In ortho-k group,univariate analyses indicated that those with older age,greater degree of myopia,longer AL,smaller baseline PPD(PPDbaseline)experienced a smaller change in AL.In multivariate analyses,older age,greater AL and smaller PPDbaseline were associated with smaller increases in AL.In spectacle group,PPD tended to be stable(P>0.05,Bonferroni correction)and did not affect axial growth.CONCLUSION:PPDs experience significantly decreases at 1-month and 3-month ortho-k treatment.Children with smaller PPD tend to experience slower axial elongation and may benefit more from ortho-k.

Effect of axial length and anterior chamber depth on the peripheral refraction profile

AIM:To evaluate the effect of axial length(AL)and anterior chamber depth(ACD)on peripheral refractive profile in myopic patients compared to emmetropic participants.METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted in right eyes of 58 participants of whom 38 were emmetropic and 20 were myopic.Central and peripheral refraction were measured at 10°,20°,and 30°eccentricities in nasal and temporal fields using an open-field autorefractor.The Lenstar LS900 was used to measure ACD and AL.The participants were divided into three groups of short(<22.5 mm),normal(22.5-24.5 mm),and long eye(>24.5 mm)according to AL and three groups of low ACD(<3.00 mm),normal ACD(3.00-3.60 mm),and high ACD(>3.60 mm)according to ACD.RESULTS:The mean age of the participants was 22.26±3.09 y(range 18-30 y).The peripheral mean spherical refractive error showed a hypermetropic shift in myopic and emmetropic groups although this shift was more pronounced in the myopic group.The results showed significant changes in the spherical equivalent,J0,and J45 astigmatism in all gazes with an increase in eccentricity(P<0.001).The pattern of refractive error changes was more noticeable in long and short eyes versus normal AL eyes.Moreover,the pattern of peripheral refractive changes was much more prominent in the high ACD group versus the normal ACD group and in the normal ACD group versus the low ACD group.CONCLUSION:Peripheral refraction changes are greater in participants with AL values outside the normal range and deeper ACD values compared to participants with normal AL and ACD.

Associations of lens thickness and axial length with outcomes of laser peripheral iridotomy

AIM:To investigate the association of axial length(AL),lens thickness(LT),and lens vault(LV)with postoperative anterior chamber angle metrics after laser peripheral iridotomy(LPI).METHODS:Prospective observational study of 69 patients(97 eyes)were diagnosed as primary angle-closure suspect(PACS),primary angle closure(PAC)or primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG).AL,LT,anterior central chamber depth(ACD),angle opening distance(AOD),trabecular iris angle(TIA),and angle recess area(ARA)were measured before and 1 wk after LPI.The association between AL,LT,LV with ACD,AOD,TIA,ARA were analyzed by comparing the differences between preoperative and postoperative measurements for anterior segment biometric parameters.RESULTS:ACD,AOD,TIA,and ARA were significantly increased after LPI(all P<0.05).Greater LT was significantly associated with greater postoperative increases in ACD,AOD,TIA,and ARA(all P<0.05).AL was not significantly associated with changes of anterior segment biometric parameters.Greater LV was significantly associated with greater postoperative increases in ACD,AOD,and TIA(all P<0.05),but was not significantly associated with changes of ARA.CONCLUSION:Greater baseline LT and LV measurements are associated with greater increases in anterior segment biometric parameters after laser peripheral iridotomy.AL are not associated with the change of anterior segment biometric parameters.

Ultrasonic Evaluation of the Lens Thickness to Axial Length Factor in Primary Closure Angle Glaucoma

Ultrasonic biometry was done in 232 normal eyes and 138 eyes with primary angle closure glaucoma (ACG), using Ultrascan Digital B System IV (10 MHz). The ratio between the lens thickness and the axial length (lens thickness to axial length factor, LAF) was evaluated as a biometric index for assessing the eye with primary ACG in Chinese. LAF of 2.00 was found to be ideal point of demarcation between ACG and normal eyes (i.e., lens thickness equals to 1/5 of axial length). It appears that LAF is helpful i...

Axial length,vitreoretinal pathology,and anterior chamber depth can predict postoperative refractive outcomes in phacovitrectomy/silicone oil removal

AIM:To evaluate the postoperative refractive prediction error(PE)and determine the factors that af fect the refractive outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)or silicone oil removal(SOR)with cataract surgery.METHODS:The study is a retrospective,case-series study.Totally 301 eyes of 301 patients undergoing combined PPV/SOR with cataract surgery were enrolled.Eligible individuals were separated into four groups according to their preoperative diagnoses:silicone oil-filled eyes after PPV(group 1),epiretinal membrane(group 2),macular hole(group 3),and primary retinal detachment(RD;group 4).The variables af fecting postoperative refractive outcomes were analyzed,including age,gender,preoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),axial length(AL),keratometry average,anterior chamber depth(ACD),intraocular tamponade,and vitreoretinal pathology.The outcome measurements include the mean refractive PE and the proportions of eyes with a PE within±0.50 diopter(D)and±1.00 D.RESULTS:For all patients,the mean PE was-0.04±1.17 D,and 50.17%of patients(eyes)had a PE within±0.50 D.There was a significant difference in refractive outcomes among the four groups(P=0.028),with RD(group 4)showing the least favorable refractive outcome.In multivariate regression analysis,only AL,vitreoretinal pathology,and ACD were strongly associated with PE(all P<0.01).Univariate analysis revealed that longer eyes(AL>26 mm)and a deeper ACD were correlated with hyperopic PE,and shorter eyes(AL<26 mm)and a shallower ACD were correlated with myopic PE.CONCLUSION:RD patients have the least favorable refractive outcome.AL,vitreoretinal pathology,and ACD are strongly associated with PE in the combined surgery.These three factors affect refractive outcomes and thus can be used to predict a better postoperative refractive outcome in clinical practice.

Axial length and anterior chamber indices in elderly population: Tehran Geriatric Eye Study

AIM:To determine the normative distribution of axial length(AL),anterior chamber depth(ACD),anterior chamber volume(ACV),anterior chamber angle(ACA),and some of their associated factors in subjects aged 60 and over.METHODS:In this cross-sectional study,160 clusters were sampled using multi-stage cluster sampling in Tehran,Iran.After a preliminary interview,the participants underwent optometric examinations including visual acuity and refraction measurement followed by slit lamp biomicroscopy.Finally,ocular imaging was done using the Pentacam AXL to measure AL,ACD,ACV,and ACA.RESULTS:A total of 4519 eyes of 2436 participants were evaluated,of whom 58.0%(n=1412)were female.The mean age of the subjects was 67.32±6.05y(range:60-95y).The mean AL,ACD,ACV,and ACA was 23.22 mm(23.18-23.27 mm),2.61 mm(2.59-2.62 mm),126.56 mm3(125.08-128.04 mm3),and 30.61°(30.3°-30.92°),respectively.In the multivariable model,after adjusting for the effect of both eyes,the longest and shortest AL was seen in myopic and hyperopic subjects,respectively.AL,ACD,ACV and ACA were significantly larger in men compared to women(P<0.001).Except ACA,other evaluated parameters showed an inverse correlation with age(P<0.001),however,this correlation was insignificant for AL(P=0.623).CONCLUSION:Normative value of AL,and other biometric parameters are specific for each ethnicity,age and sex group.Any alteration in these parameters and their effect on refraction should be considered in this age group,especially in case of cataract surgery.

Association between axial length and toric intraocular lens rotation according to an online toric back-calculator

AIM: To assess the relationship between axial length(AL) and intraocular lens(IOL) rotation among eyes receiving a toric IOL and subsequently entered into an online toric back-calculator database.METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data collected online via astigmatismfix.com, a freely available online toric back-calculator where surgeons enter pre-and postoperative information to help manage residual postoperative astigmatism.Included records were deemed valid with entry of AL and IOL orientation between January 2017 and March 2019.Rotation was determined by a difference of ≥5° between pre-operative intended IOL orientation and actual post-operative IOL orientation.Frequency and magnitude of rotation are presented with means and associated standard deviation(SD).Linear regression models of this association are presented.RESULTS: Records of 6752 eyes were included in the analysis, of which 74.8% were determined to have a rotated IOL.The magnitude of rotation increased with each millimeter(mm) increase in AL with a mean rotation of 13.3°(SD: 12.8°) for eyes with AL 20-20.9 mm and a maximum mean rotation of 30.6°(SD: 30.3°) among eyes with AL 29-29.9 mm.General linear modeling demonstrated a significant association(P<0.0001) with a parameter estimate of 1.19(standard error: 0.159) and R;of 0.0083.CONCLUSION: Analysis from an online database indicates that toric IOLs inserted into eyes with longer AL are more likely to rotate and to rotate more degrees from the target axis.The findings from this study are clinically relevant for surgeons implanting toric IOLs.

Accuracy of segmented measurement of axial length in ultra-high myopia filled with silicone oil using immersion B-scan ultrasonography

AIM:To evaluate the accuracy of segmented measurement of axial length(AL)in high myopia filled with silicone oil by immersion B-scan ultrasonography(immersion B-scan).METHODS:From June 2016 to June 2020,a total of 67 ultra-high myopia inpatients(67 eyes)who underwent silicone oil removal combined with cataract extraction and intraocular lens(IOL)implantation were retrospectively enrolled.The preoperative axial length(AL)of 31 patients with severe cataract were segmented measured using immersion B-scan(B-scan group)and another 36 patients with mild or moderate cataract were measured using IOLMaster 500(IOLMaster group).The post-operative ALs in two groups were both measured using IOLMaster 500.The IOL power was calculated with Haigis formula.The differences in ALs between pre-and post-surgery,as well as the postoperative refractive spherical equivalent,absolute refractive error,the prediction deviation of postoperative refraction and best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)were compared.RESULTS:The pre-and post-operative ALs were 30.46±1.63 mm(range 28.09-33.51 mm)and 30.42±1.70 mm(range 28.03-33.90 mm)in B-scan group(t=0.644,P=0.542)and 30.51±1.21 mm(range 28.03-33.90 mm)and 30.43±1.27 mm(range 28.54-33.50 mm)in IOLMaster group(t=1.843,P=0.074),respectively.Three months after surgery,BCVA were 0.45±0.13(range 0.3-0.9)and 0.44±0.20(range 0.2-1.0)in B-scan and IOLMaster group respectively(t=0.086,P=0.932).There was no significant difference of the postoperative spherical equivalent(-3.11±0.65 D vs-3.21±0.51 D,t=0.671,P=0.505)and the absolute refractive error(0.589±0.340 vs 0.470±0.245 D,t=1.615,P=0.112)between two groups.In B-scan group,absolute refractive error within±0.50 D was found in 18 eyes(58.1%),within±1.00 D in 26 eyes(83.9%),and within±1.50 D in 31 eyes(100%).In IOLMaster group,absolute refractive error within±0.50 D was found in 23 eyes(63.9%),within±1.00 D in 34 eyes(94.4%),and within±1.50 D in 36 eyes(Z=0.757,P=0.449).CONCLUSION:The segmented measurement of ALs by immersion B-scan shows comparable measurement accuracy with that of IOLMaster 500 in ultra-high myopia patients with severe cataract secondary to silicone oil filling and can obtain an ideal postoperative refractive state.

Seismic ductility of very-high-strength-concrete short columns subject to combined axial loading and cyclic lateral loading

The seismic ductility of reinforced very-high-strength-concrete （VHSC） short columns was studied by combinatively applying axial load and low cyclic lateral load on specimens to simulate seismic impact. Twelve specimens with concrete compressive strength ranging from 95.6 MPa to 118.6 MPa and a shear-span ratio of 2.0 were tested for shear failure pattern and fear force-displacement hysteretic responses. Combinative application of axial load and low cyclic lateral load to VHSC short columns incurs shear failure. The displacement ductility is much smaller when the axial load ratio is larger; whereas a larger stirrup ratio is accompanied with a better displacement ductility. The relationship of displacement ductility factor,μ△, with stirrup characteristic value, λv, and test axial load ratio, nt, is μ△=（1＋8λv）/（0.33＋nt）. By this relationship and relevant codes for aseismatic design, the axial load ratio limits for aseismatic design of reinforced VHSC （C95 to C100） short columns for frame construction are respectively 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 for seismic classes Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ; corresponding minimum characteristic values of stirrups are calculated according to the required characteristic values of at least 1.273 times of experimental results. These data are very useful to aseismatic engineering.

Distribution of Axial Length, Anterior Chamber Depth and Lens Thickness of Pre-Operative Cataract Patients in Indonesian Population

Purpose: Biometry measurement of pre-operative cataract patients plays a major role in calculating intraocular lens power. This study aimed to review and determine the distribution of biometry components, such as axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and lens thickness (LT) of pre-operative cataract patient in Indonesian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study data were obtained from 2015-2018 cataract surgery at Prima Husada Citra Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. A total of 1295 eyes with cataract was included in the study based on their medical record. We analyzed the data using descriptive analysis and correlated each variable using the Spearman’s Rho analysis. Results: Mean AL, LT and ACD was 23.81 ± 1.46 mm, 4.49 ± 0.55 mm, 3.25 ± 0.70 mm respectively. Male has longer AL and deeper ACD with (p < 0.001), while LT was found thicker in female (p = 0.005). The increase of AL was accompanied by ACD (r = 0.457;p < 0.001) and a thinner LT (r = -0.101;p < 0.001). Conclusions: LT is increased with age while AL and ACD are shortened with age. There was a positive correlation between AL and ACD, but an inverse correlation between AL and LT.

Evaluation of axial length/total corneal refractive power ratio as a potential marker for ocular diagnosis of Marfan’s syndrome in children

AIM:To investigate whether the axial length(AL)/total corneal refractive power(TCRP)ratio is a sensitive and simple factor that can be used for the early diagnosis of Marfan’s syndrome(MFS)in children.METHODS:The relationship between the AL/TCRP ratio and the diagnosis of MFS for 192 eyes in 97 children were evaluate.The biological characteristics,including age,sex,AL,and TCRP,were collected from medical records.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was performed to investigate whether the AL/TCRP ratio effectively distinguishes MFS from other subjects.The Youden index was used to re-divide the whole population into two groups according to an AL/TCRP ratio of 0.59.RESULTS:Of 96 subjects(mean age 7.46±3.28 y)evaluated,56(110 eyes)had a definite diagnosis of MFS in childhood based on the revised Ghent criteria,41(82 eyes)with diagnosis of congenital ectopia lentis(EL)were included as a control group.AL was negatively correlated with TCRP,with a linear regression coefficient of-0.36(R2=0.08).A significant correlation was found between age and the AL/TCRP ratio(P=0.023).ROC curve analysis showed that the AL/TCRP ratio distinguished MFS from the other patients at a threshold of 0.59.MFS patients were present in 24/58(41.38%)patients with an AL/TCRP ratio of≤0.59 and in 34/39(87.18%)patients with an AL/TCRP ratio of>0.59.CONCLUSION:An AL/TCRP ratio of>0.59 is significantly associated with the risk of MFS.The AL/TCRP ratio should be measured as a promising marker for the prognosis of children MFS.Changes in the AL/TCRP ratio should be monitored over time.

Experimental Study on the Axial Compression Behavior of Short Columns of Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete

In order to study the axial compression performances of short columns made of recycled aggregate concrete,four samples were designed with different recycled aggregate replacement rates and carbon fibre reinforced plastics(CFRP)sheets.Then,monotonic loading was implemented to assess the variation trends of their axial compression properties.The ABAQUS finite element software was also used to determined the compression performances.Good agreement between experimental and numerical results has been found for the different parameters being considered.As shown by the results,recycled coarse aggregates result in improved ductility and better deformation performance of the specimens.The failure of specimens caused by pre damage can be compensated by using CFRP sheets,by which both the resistance to deformation and the axial carrying capacity of columns can be increased.

Supraceliac Aortic Clamping for Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Patients with Short Aortic Neck Length

Objective: Prompt bleeding control with proximal aortic clamping and subsequent aortic repair are very important for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, unsuitable anatomy, such as short aortic neck length, not only disturbs the means to an expeditious repair, but may also increase morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of supraceliac aortic clamping for improving surgical outcomes for patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, who have a short aortic neck length. Method: Between April 2010 and September 2015, eighteen patients underwent emergent open surgical repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Eight patients with a short aortic neck length underwent supraceliac aortic clamping, and 10 underwent infrarenal aortic clamping. Results: The mean supraceliac aortic clamping time was 30 ± 7 minutes. There was 1 operative death in the infrarenal aortic clamping group due to respiratory failure, and the overall operative mortality was 6%. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to postoperative complication rates or mortality. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in variables of renal function between the 2 groups, through-out the study period. Conclusion: Supraceliac aortic clamping was associated with minimal mortality and morbidity, but not with harmful effects on postoperative renal function. Thus, supraceliac aortic clamping can be safely applied for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with short aortic neck length.

Heterosis Expression of Hybrid Rice in Natural-and Short-Day Length Conditions

Development of hybrid rice is an important strategy to increase yields of irrigated rice in China. Day length is a highly important environmental factor for hybrid rice adaptability, productivity and quality. Heterosis of hybrid rice has been utilized under natural- （long） day length conditions in the middle and lower reaches plain of Yangtze River Valley in China for a long time. However, whether the hybrid rice can show heterosis under short-day length conditions is unknown. In this study, we analyzed plant height, grain number per panicle, and other yield related traits of hybrid rice Liangyoupeijiu （LYP9） and its parents （Pei＇ai 64S and 93-11） under natural- and short-day length conditions and compared the respective heterosis. Results showed that earlier heading, reduced plant height, and reduced grain number per panicle were found in these three varieties under short-day length conditions relative to those under natural-day length conditions. In either natural- or short-day length conditions, heterosis of LYP9 was mainly displayed in grain number per panicle and plant height. This study may help in breeding and selectina suitable hybrid rice for different re qions with natural- or short-day length.

Change in foveal position based on age and axial length in high myopic eyes

AIM：To evaluate the influence of age and axial length（AL） on the position of the fovea in patients with high myopia（HM）.METHODS：In this prospective study,96 patients（186 eyes） with HM were consecutively recruited from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University.DRI-OCT Atlantis,fundus imaging,and IOL Master were used in this study.Three indices were measured：the distance between the fovea and the optic nerve head（ONH） center（DFO）,the vertical distance between the fovea and the horizontal line pass of the ONH center（VDFO）,and the horizontal distance between the fovea and the vertical line pass of the ONH center（HDFO）.These measurements were used to analyze the effects of different age groups（A1,A2,A3 groups） and AL（AL1,AL2,AL3,AL4 groups） on these indices.RESULTS：The results showed that there was no statistical significance in DFO among the age and AL groups（F=0.46,0.37;P=0.62,0.76,respectively）.In HDFO,there was also no statistical significance among the age and AL groups（F=0.10,0.48;P=0.90,0.69,respectively）.In VDFO,however,the difference in the age and AL groups was statistically significant（F=3.21,3.12;P=0.04,0.02,respectively）.Thus,VDFO were correlated with age and AL（r=0.21,0.23,all P〈0.01）,while HDFO and DFO were not correlated with age and AL（r=0.30,P〉0.05）.CONCLUSION：In high myopia,the foveal position changes mainly in the vertical direction along with factors of age and AL.