Modified intraocular lens power selection method according to biometric subgroups Eom IOL power calculator

This study evaluates the accuracy of a newly developed intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation method that applies four different IOL power calculation formulas according to 768 biometric subgroups based on keratometry, anterior chamber depth, and axial length. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in at Korea University Ansan Hospital. A total of 1600 eyes from 1600 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and a ZCB00 IOL in-the-bag implantation were divided into two datasets: a reference dataset (1200 eyes) and a validation dataset (400 eyes). Using the reference dataset and the results of previous studies, the Eom IOL power calculator was developed using 768 biometric subgroups. The median absolute errors (MedAEs) and IOL Formula Performance Indexes (FPIs) of the Barrett Universal II, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Ladas Super, SRK/T, and Eom formulas using the 400-eye validation dataset were compared. The MedAE of the Eom formula (0.22 D) was significantly smaller than that of the other four formulas, except for the Barrett Universal II and Ladas Super formulas (0.24 D and 0.23 D, respectively). The IOL FPI of the Eom formula was 0.553, which ranked first, followed by the Ladas Super (0.474), Barrett Universal II (0.470), Holladay 1 (0.444), Hoffer Q (0.396), Haigis (0.392), and SRK/T (0.361) formulas. In conclusion, the Eom IOL power calculator developed in this study demonstrated similar or slightly better accuracy than the Barrett Universal II and Ladas Super formulas and was superior to the four traditional IOL power calculation formulas.

Improvement of textural and sensory characteristics of aged rice using hydrothermal treatment with xanthan gum

Aged rice (AR) was mildly heated in aqueous dispersions containing different amounts of xanthan gum (Xan) at 60 °C for 1 h, and then dried in a humidity chamber (50 °C, 80% RH) for 12 h. The AR kernels treated without Xan showed a coarse surface with many pores after cooking, whereas the same rice treated with Xan showed a smooth and uniform surface. Prior to the treatment, the cooked AR was harder and less sticky than the cooked fresh rice (FR). The hydrothermal treatment softened the cooked AR although did not change its adhesiveness. The same treatment in the presence of Xan could increase the adhesiveness of AR, making the textural characteristics of AR similar to those of FR. Sensory evaluation revealed that the mild heat treatment in the presence of Xan restored the eating quality and acceptability of cooked AR which had been lost by aging.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01306-0.

Four-flanged polypropylene optic piercing technique for scleral fixation of multifocal intraocular lens

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the feasibility of creating flanges using an optic piercing technique with a 6 - 0 polypropylene monofilament for scleral fixation of dislocated one-piece diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study and case series.

SUBJECTS

Optical bench test and eyes with IOL dislocation.

METHODS

Two separate 6 - 0 polypropylenes were penetrated twice at the opposite peripheral optic of the TECNIS Synergy IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision). The root mean square of the modulation transfer function (MTFRMS), at between + 1.00 and - 4.00 D of defocus, was measured in the TECNIS Synergy IOL both with and without optic piercing in the optical bench study. This case series included three eyes from two patients who underwent scleral-fixation of multifocal IOLs using the four-flanged polypropylene optic piercing technique. The postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 4 m, the uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm, and IOL centration were evaluated.

RESULTS

The optical bench test showed no differences in MTFRMS values measured in the TECNIS Synergy IOL, either with or without optic piercing at all defocuses. In all three case series, the postoperative CDVA at 4 m was 20/20 and UNVA at 40 cm was J1. Postoperative anterior segment photographs showed good centration of IOLs in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The four-flanged polypropylene optic piercing technique for multifocal IOL scleral fixation can provide excellent clinical outcomes and IOL stability after surgery without diminishing the performance of the multifocal IOLs.

Ink-lithographic fabrication of silver-nanocrystal-based multiaxial strain gauge sensors through the coffee-ring effect for voice recognition applications

Human voice recognition techniques have remarkable potential for clinical applications because information from acoustic signals can reflect human body conditions. This paper reports the fabrication of Ag nanocrystal (NC)-based multiaxial wearable strain gauge sensors by ink-lithography for voice recognition systems. Benefiting from the one-step-device-fabrication strategy of ink-lithography, which can yield Ag NC patterns with specific dimensions and endow physical properties, the Ag NC-based multiaxial strain sensors can be fabricated on an ultrathin substrate (~ 6 μm). Additionally, the coffee-ring effect can be induced onto the Ag NC patterns to realize high sensitivity and angle dependence (gauge factors [Formula: see text] = 11.7 ± 1.2 and [Formula: see text] = 105.5 ± 20.1); moreover, the voice onset time for voice recognition can be detected by the sensors. These features assist in distinguishing between voiced and voiceless plosive contrasts via measurements of contact-based voice onset time differences and can act as a cornerstone for further advancements in wearable sensors as well as voice recognition and analysis.

Health Functionality and Quality Control of Laver (Porphyra, Pyropia): Current Issues and Future Perspectives as an Edible Seaweed

The growing interest in laver as a food product and as a source of substances beneficial to health has led to global consumer demand for laver produced in a limited area of northeastern Asia. Here we review research into the benefits of laver consumption and discuss future perspectives on the improvement of laver product quality. Variation in nutritional/functional values among product types (raw and processed (dried, roasted, or seasoned) laver) makes product-specific nutritional analysis a prerequisite for accurate prediction of health benefits. The effects of drying, roasting, and seasoning on the contents of both beneficial and harmful substances highlight the importance of managing laver processing conditions. Most research into health benefits has focused on substances present at high concentrations in laver (porphyran, Vitamin B12, taurine), with assessment of the expected effects of laver consumption. Mitigation of chemical/microbiological risks and the adoption of novel technologies to exploit under-reported biochemical characteristics of lavers are suggested as key strategies for the further improvement of laver product quality. Comprehensive analysis of the literature regarding laver as a food product and as a source of biomedical compounds highlights the possibilities and challenges for application of laver products.