Implantable Collamer Lens Procedure Planning: A Review of Global Approaches

More than 2 million implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) have been implanted worldwide. With a central port to improve aqueous flow through the ICL, the latest iteration of this phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) has been shown to have stable outcomes with very low rates of adverse events. However, correct planning and ICL size selection continue to be important to achieve an optimal vault. Shallow or excessive vaults are not complications in and of themselves but may increase the risk of complications. Historically, surgeons have relied on measurements of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and manual, caliper-measured white-to-white (WTW) distance to select the ICL size. New diagnostic and imaging technologies such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) provide additional opportunities for visualization and measurement of the intraocular dimensions involved in phakic intraocular lens implantation, including sulcus-to-sulcus (STS) and angle-to-angle (ATA) diameters. This paper reviews various approaches to ICL planning and sizing that have been published in the peer-reviewed literature, all of which produce acceptable results for predicting vault and size selection. Surgeons may also want to identify a methodology for patient evaluation and ICL size selection that best aligns with their personal preferences, diagnostic technology, and familiarity with analytical optimization tools.

Predicting Implantable Collamer Lens Vault Using Machine Learning Based on Various Preoperative Biometric Factors

Purpose

To predict the vault size after Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) V4c implantation using machine learning methods and to compare the predicted vault with the conventional manufacturer's nomogram.

Methods

This study included 707 patients (707 eyes) who underwent ICL V4c implantation at the Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from September 2019 to January 2022. Random Forest Regression (RFR), XGBoost, and linear regression (LR) were used to predict the vault size 1 week after ICL V4c implantation. The mean absolute error (MAE), median absolute error (MedAE), root mean square error (RMSE), symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE), and Bland-Altman plot were utilized to compare the prediction performance of these machine learning methods.

Results

The dataset was divided into a training set of 180 patients (180 eyes) and a test set of 527 patients (527 eyes). XGBoost had the lowest prediction error, with mean MAE, RMSE, and SMAPE values of 121.70 µm, 148.87 µm, and 19.13%, respectively. The Bland‒Altman plots of RFR and XGBoost showed better prediction consistency than LR. However, XGBoost showed narrower 95% limits of agreement (LoA) than RFR, ranging from -307.12 to 256.59 µm.

Conclusions

XGBoost demonstrated better predictive performance than RFR and LR, as it had the lowest prediction error and the narrowest 95% LoA. Machine learning may be applicable for vault prediction, and it might be helpful for reducing the complications and the secondary surgery rate.

Translational Relevance

Using the proposed machine learning model, surgeons can consider the postoperative vault to reduce the surgical complications.

Comparison of formulas in the implantable collamer lens vault prediction

To compare the predictability of different formulas in the postoperative vault of an implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery and assist physicians for formula selection in ICL implantation. This is a retrospective study. Patients who underwent ICL implantation between August 31, 2021 and October 29, 2021 at our clinic were reviewed. The clinical data, predicted ICL sizes and vaults, actual ICL size implanted and vaults at 1 month after surgery, and corresponding prediction formulas used were collected and analyzed. This study included 140 eyes from 72 patients (15 males and 57 females). Differences between ICL sizes recommended by the Visian ICL Online Calculation & Ordering System (OCOS) and NK formula (Version. 3) or KS formula (Version. 4) were statistically significant (P < .0001), except for the recommended ICL sizes between the NK and KS formulas (P > .05). Better consistency between predicted ICL vaults and achieved ICL vaults was observed when using the KS formula compared to the NK formula. The actual ICL vaults were 250 to 750 μm at 1 month after surgery in 66.4%, 76.5%, and 80.5% eyes of the OCOS, NK, and KS groups, respectively. There was significant difference between the OCOS and KS groups (P < .05), especially in the 12.6 mm ICL group. The KS formula is the most accurate formula for recommending an ICL size and vault prediction when compared to the NK formula and OCOS. Further studies for a more accurate formula are warranted.

Comparison of dosimetric analysis of organs at risk and target volumes for ovoids and cylinders in endometrial carcinoma

Purpose

To compare dose volume parameters of target and organs at risk in vaginal vault brachytherapy using ovoids or cylinder in post-operative endometrial carcinoma.

Material and methods

The study was done among 25 histologically proven post-operative endometrial carcinoma patients requiring vaginal brachytherapy. All patients underwent both cylinder and ovoids application alternatively on weekly basis. Ovoids size ranged from 2 to 3 cm diameter. Diameters of cylinder ranged between 2.5 and 3.5 cm. Bladder, rectum, urethra, and clinical target volume (CTV) were contoured on CT simulation images. Prescribed dose was 6-7 Gy in 2-3 fractions at 0.5 cm from the surface of applicator.

Results

The mean values of D90, D50, V150, V100, V90, and V50 of CTV were comparable between cylinder and ovoids plans. The mean dose of CTV was significantly higher with cylinder than with ovoids, and D100 was significantly higher with ovoids (mean = 15.63 Gy vs. 14.64 Gy, p = 0.016, and D100 = 37.82% vs. 42.86%, p = 0.042, for cylinder vs. ovoids). In the dosimetry of the vault, D90, D50, V100, V90, V50, and mean of the vault did not show any significant difference between cylinder and ovoids. The V150 was significantly higher with cylinder plans than ovoids, and D100 of the vault was significantly higher with ovoids plans (V150 = 14.81% vs. 6.86%, p = 0.02, and D100 = 37.77% vs. 44.80%, p = 0.029, for cylinder vs. ovoids). D0.1cc, D1cc, D2cc, and mean for the bladder, rectum, and urethra were comparable between the cylinder and ovoid plans.

Conclusions

The present study showed that the dose to organs at risk, most of the dosimetric parameters of CTV, and vault were comparable between the cylinder and ovoid plans. Both applicators provide good reproducibility. The choice of applicator will ultimately depend on the institutional policies and oncologist decision. However, in patients with dog-ear configuration of the vagina, ovoids may be preferred as per ABS guidelines.

A new formula based on new parameters for predicting postoperative vault after posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation: a retrospective study

Background

To investigate the parameters influencing vault after posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, thereby establishing a formula to predict the vault after operation.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 61 patients (122 eyes) who underwent implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation were enrolled consecutively from the Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, China, between August 2020 and October 2021. Comprehensive optometry, axial length, curvature, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), white-to-white distance (WTW), corneal thickness, sulcus-to-sulcus distance (STS), the distance between the sulcus-to-sulcus plane and the anterior crystalline lens surface (STSL), ciliary-to-ciliary distance (CTC) and the distance between the ciliary-to-ciliary plane and the anterior crystalline lens surface (CTCL) were recorded preoperatively. The vault was measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy at 1 month after operation. The correlation among vault, preoperative parameters and ICL size was analyzed. The accuracy and reliability of the prediction formula were verified by analyzing the postoperative correlation coefficient of actual and predicted vaults of the contralateral eye and through the Bland-Altman consistency test.

Results

Parameters significantly influencing the vault at 1 month after operation are ACD (r=0.260, P=0.004), LT (r=-0.338, P<0.001), WTW (r=0.240, P=0.03), STSL (r=-0.394, P<0.001), CTC (r=-0.199, P=0.03), CTCL (r=-0.328, P<0.001), ICL size (r=0.224, P=0.01) and ICL power (r=-0.231, P=0.01). The regression formula was as follows: vault (mm) = -2.179 - 0.227 * CTC (vertical) - 0.783 * CTCL (mean) + 0.472 * ICL size (fitting R=0.853, R2=0.727, adjusted R2=0.705). The predicted vault was 0.50±0.18 mm, and the actual vault was 0.56±0.24 mm. The Bland-Altman scatter plot showed a satisfactory agreement between actual and predicted vaults (-0.06 mm, 95% limits of agreement: -0.45 to 0.32 mm).

Conclusions

ACD, LT, WTW, STSL, CTC, CTCL, ICL size and ICL power were the factors affecting vault after ICL implantation. The prediction formula with the new parameter CTCL was accurate and reliable.

Diagnostic Techniques to Increase the Safety of Phakic Intraocular Lenses

Preoperative and postoperative diagnostics play an important role in ensuring the safety of patients with phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs). The risk of endothelial cell loss can be addressed by regularly measuring the endothelial cell density using specular microscopy and considering the endothelial cell loss rate and the endothelial reserve in accordance with the patient's age when deciding whether to explant a pIOL. The anterior chamber morphometrics, including the anterior chamber depth and the distance between the pIOL and the endothelium, measured using Scheimpflug tomography and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), can help to assess the risk of the endothelial cell loss. In patients undergoing posterior chamber pIOL implantation, accurate prediction of the vault and its postoperative measurements using AS-OCT or Scheimpflug tomography are important when assessing the risk of anterior subcapsular cataract and secondary glaucoma. Novel approaches based on ultrasound biomicroscopy and AS-OCT have been proposed to increase the vault prediction accuracy and to identify eyes in which prediction errors are more likely. Careful patient selection and regular postoperative follow-up visits can reduce the complication risk and enable early intervention if a complication occurs.

Analysis of Inter-Eye Vault Differences After Implantable Collamer Lens (V4c) Implantation

Purpose

The safety and stability of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation are closely related to the vault. We aimed to assess clinical data from patients with similar anterior segment anatomy who received ICL of the same model placed in the same position and analyze common range and factors affecting the vault inter-eye difference.

Patients and Methods

A prospective study was performed, including 162 eyes of 81 patients with a bilateral ICL (V4c) implantation. Subjects were evaluated before the surgery and 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively, and they were divided into 4 groups based on the ICL size. Bivariate correlation and multiple linear regression (stepwise) analyzed associations between vault inter-eye differences and horizontal sulcus-to-sulcus diameter, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, ICL size, spherical equivalent, and vault.

Results

One month after surgery, mean vault inter-eye differences were 74.59 ± 55.59 µm. Nearly 70% of patients presented with vault inter-eye differences lower than 100 µm. The second eye vault variance of 69% was attributed to the first eye vault. Vault inter-eye differences were positively correlated with ICL spherical equivalent (regression equation: vault inter-eye differences (μm) = 139.415 + 6.295 × ICL spherical equivalent). Vaults after ICL implantation were similar in fellow eyes, with some considerable differences. The 95% confidence interval of the vault inter-eye difference was -34.4 ~ 183.6 μm.

Conclusion

In eyes with similar anterior segment anatomy, there is a 95% probability that the vault will vary from -34.4 μm to -183.6 μm when a similar ICL is implanted. These results can help surgeons to select an appropriate ICL size to achieve an ideal vault. The smaller the spherical equivalent, the larger the difference between the two vaults, which provides a reference for size in moderate myopia. ICL spherical equivalent affects and predicts vault inter-eye differences after ICL implantation.

Integrated proteomics identifies p62-dependent selective autophagy of the supramolecular vault complex

In addition to membranous organelles, autophagy selectively degrades biomolecular condensates, in particular p62/SQSTM1 bodies, to prevent diseases including cancer. Evidence is growing regarding the mechanisms by which autophagy degrades p62 bodies, but little is known about their constituents. Here, we established a fluorescence-activated-particle-sorting-based purification method for p62 bodies using human cell lines and determined their constituents by mass spectrometry. Combined with mass spectrometry of selective-autophagy-defective mouse tissues, we identified vault, a large supramolecular complex, as a cargo within p62 bodies. Mechanistically, major vault protein directly interacts with NBR1, a p62-interacting protein, to recruit vault into p62 bodies for efficient degradation. This process, named vault-phagy, regulates homeostatic vault levels in vivo, and its impairment may be associated with non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis-derived hepatocellular carcinoma. Our study provides an approach to identifying phase-separation-mediated selective autophagy cargoes, expanding our understanding of the role of phase separation in proteostasis.

A Brief Overview on Crack Patterns, Repair and Strengthening of Historical Masonry Structures

Given that a significant fraction of buildings and architectural heritage in Europe's historical centers are masonry structures, the selection of proper diagnosis, technological surveys, non-destructive testing, and interpretations of crack and decay patterns is paramount for a risk assessment of possible damage. Identifying the possible crack patterns, discontinuities, and associated brittle failure mechanisms within unreinforced masonry under seismic and gravity actions allows for reliable retrofitting interventions. Traditional and modern materials and strengthening techniques create a wide range of compatible, removable, and sustainable conservation strategies. Steel/timber tie-rods are mainly used to support the horizontal thrust of arches, vaults, and roofs and are particularly suitable for better connecting structural elements, e.g., masonry walls and floors. Composite reinforcing systems using carbon, glass fibers, and thin mortar layers can improve tensile resistance, ultimate strength, and displacement capacity to avoid brittle shear failures. This study overviews masonry structural diagnostics and compares traditional and advanced strengthening techniques of masonry walls, arches, vaults, and columns. Several research results in automatic surface crack detection for unreinforced masonry (URM) walls are presented considering crack detection based on machine learning and deep learning algorithms. In addition, the kinematic and static principles of Limit Analysis within the rigid no-tension model framework are presented. The manuscript sets a practical perspective, providing an inclusive list of papers describing the essential latest research in this field; thus, this paper is useful for researchers and practitioners in masonry structures.

Improvement in the ideal range of vault after implantable collamer lens implantation: a new vault prediction formula

Background

To derive and validate a novel vault prediction formula to improve the predictability and safety of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation.

Methods

Thirty-five patients (61 eyes) with previous posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were included. Various parameters, such as horizontal-visible iris diameter (HVID), photopic pupil diameter (PPD), axial length (AL), white-to-white (WTW), anterior chamber width (ACW), angle-to-angle (ATA), crystalline lens rise (CLR), anterior chamber depth (ACD), horizontal sulcus-to-sulcus (HSTS), and ciliary sulcus angle (CSA) were measured. Vault was measured at 3 months after surgery using CASIA2 anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The formula was derived using multiple linear regression analysis and named as WH formula. It was validated in 65 patients (118 eyes) to determine the percentage of the ideal postoperative vault range and to compare the differences between the WH formula and the NK, KS, and STAAR formulas.

Results

Final ICL size, ATA, CSA, and CLR were included in the prediction formula model (adjusted R² = 0.67, p < 0.001). The achieved vault 1 month after the surgery was 556.19 μm ± 166.98 μm in the validation group, and the ideal vault range was 200-800 μm (92%). The difference between the achieved vault and that predicted using the WH formula was not statistically significant (p = 0.165), whereas the difference between the achieved vault and that predicted using the NK and KS formulas was statistically significant (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The 95% agreement limit range of the achieved vault and the vault predicted using the WH formula was narrower than those predicted using the NK and KS formulas (-295.20-258.82 μm).

Conclusion

This study combined the results of optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy measurements of the anterior segment of the eye and incorporated ciliary sulcus morphology quantification into the prediction formula. The study derived a prediction formula for vault by combining ICL size, ATA, and CLR. The derived formula was found to be superior to the currently available formulas.

Clinical Prediction of Inadequate Vault in Eyes With Thick Lens After Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation Using Iris Morphology

Background

Obtaining an ideal vault is crucial in the implantable collamer lens (ICL) surgery. Prediction of the vault value is difficult since it requires the integration of multiple factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the iris shape and vault value in eyes with thick lens.

Methods

The study was conducted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Patients who received ICL V4c between 2017 and 2021 were screened. Eyes with thick lens (>4.0 mm) and abnormal iris shape (concave or convex) were included. The preoperative biometric parameters and postoperative vault value were compared between eyes with concave shape group and convex shape group. The relationship between various factors and vault was assessed by spearman rank analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Representative cases our strategies to deal with the abnormal vault were demonstrated.

Results

Twenty eight eyes of 14 patients with thick lens and concave or convex shape iris were eventually included, with 14 eyes of 7 patients in group 1 (concave shape iris) and the other 14 eyes of 7 patients in group 2 (convex shape iris). The mean vault of group 1 was (0.16 ± 0.07) mm, which was significantly lower than (0.88 ± 0.13) mm in group 2. Multiple linear regression analysis showed iris shape (P < 0.001) was only the explanatory variables associated with the postoperative vault. In group1, 4 eyes showed extremely large ACA, requiring a secondary surgical intervention. So all of them underwent ICL exchange for a larger ICL. In group2, the ICL was implanted in a vertical or oblique position to avoid or rescue an extremely large vault.

Conclusion

Concave shape iris had a higher risk of low vault and convex shape iris were more likely to demonstrate high vault in eyes with thick lens. Exchanging ICL for the larger size and adjusting ICL to the vertical or oblique orientation are good option to rescue the low or high vault, respectively.

Research and TLS (LiDAR) Construction Diagnostics of Clay Brick Masonry Arched Stairs

The study presents the terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) diagnostic of the clay brick masonry arched staircase in a historic building. Based on the measurements of the existing arched stair flights, 1:1 scale experimental models with and without stair treads were made. Strength tests of the models were carried out for different concentrated force locations in relation to the supporting structure. Force, deflections and reaction in the upper support of the run were measured during the tests. The influence of the masonry steps on the curved vault on the load capacity and stiffness of the run structure was analyzed. The conducted experimental investigations showed that the key element responsible for the actual load-bearing capacity and stiffness of this type of stair flights were the treads above the masonry arch.

Long-term Comparison of Vault and Complications of Implantable Collamer Lens with and without a Central Hole for High Myopia Correction: 5 Years

PURPOSE

To investigate the long-term safety, efficacy, stability, vault, and complications of implantable collamer lens with (ICL V4c) and without (ICL V4) a central hole for correcting high myopia.

METHODS

78 eyes (40 patients) underwent ICL V4c implantation and 78 eyes (48 patients) underwent ICL V4 implantation were enrolled. They were followed up for 5 years of the uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent (SE), axial length, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density and vault.

RESUITS

The safety indices of the ICL V4c and V4 groups at 5 years were 1.25 ± 0.40 and 1.31 ± 0.40, respectively (P = .353). The efficacy indices were 0.90 ± 0.29 and 1.00 ± 0.44, respectively (P = .098). The preoperative, 1 month and 5 year postoperative logMAR UDVAs were respectively 1.54 ± 0.48, 0.11 ± 0.17, and 0.20 ± 0.26 in the V4c group and 1.56 ± 0.44, 0.14 ± 0.19, and 0.22 ± 0.26 in the V4 group (P = .703, 0.329, 0.585). The logMAR CDVAs were resepectively 0.13 ± 0.18, 0.02 ± 0.11, and 0.05 ± 0.16 in the V4c group and 0.18 ± 0.22, 0.05 ± 0.14, and 0.09 ± 0.21 in the V4 group (P = .128, 0.169, 0.229). The SE were resepectively -15.10 ± 4.32 D, -0.71 ± 1.31 D and -1.65 ± 1.30 D in the V4c group and -15.44 ± 3.51 D, -0.61 ± 1.12 D and -1.40 ± 1.30 D in the V4 group (P = .585, 0.637, 0.296). The mean vault reduced by 97.31 ± 136.61 μm in the V4c group and by 99.74 ± 245.83 μm in the V4 group. Three eyes (3.85%) with mid-periphery anterior subcapsular opacification in the V4c group and two (2.56%) with cataract, one (1.28%) with central anterior subcapsular opacification in the V4 group were observed. The CDVA of 20/40 was obtained in the two cataract eyes after phacoemulcification and intraocular lens implantation.

CONCLUSION

Long-term ICL V4c and ICL V4 implantations are safe, effective, and stable for high myopia correction. ICL V4c can potentially reduce the risk of lens opacification and may be more tolerant to low vault than ICL V4.

Indications for exchange or explantation of phakic implantable collamer lens with central port in patients with and without keratoconus

AIM

To evaluate the causes of phakic implantable collamer lens (ICL) exchange/explantation in patients with and without keratoconus (KC) at two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent ICL (model V4c with central port) exchange/explantation was performed using the electronic medical record systems. All available preoperative and postoperative data were documented for each patient.

RESULTS

Over 7y, 2283 ICL implantation procedures were performed; 46 implants (2%) required exchange (21 implants)/explantation (25 implants), of which 14 cases (30.4%) were patients with KC. Indications for ICL exchange/explantation in non-KC group were vault measurement, cataract formation, increased intraocular pressure, inaccurate refraction, and patient dissatisfaction in 22 (68.75%), 4 (12.5%), 3 (9.37%), 2 (6.25%), and 1 (3.12%) case, respectively. The most common indication for ICL exchange/explantation in the KC group was inaccurate vault sizing in 11 patients (78.57%), inaccurate refraction in 2 patients (14.28%), and patient dissatisfaction postoperatively in 1 (7.14%) case.

CONCLUSION

ICL implantation results in predictable refractive outcomes over the long term with exchange/explantation rates comparable to previous literature. Improper vault size is the most common cause of ICL exchange/explantation among patients with or without KC.

Effect of pupil size on posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens vault measurements

Purpose

The aim of this study was to measure the implantable collamer lens (ICL) vault changes with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) after the implantation of the Visian posterior chamber phakic ICL with a central hole (V4c) in relation to the pupil size.

Methods

This retrospective observational pilot study included 32 eyes of 16 patients, who underwent V4c ICL implantation. ICL vault was measured with AS-OCT in undilated and fully dilate state of the pupil. Primary outcome measure was the change in the vault of V4c ICL at the maximum and minimum pupil size.

Results

Median (IQR) undilated and post-dilated vault measurement was 393.00 (335.50-493.50) microns and 421.00 (338.50-503.75) microns, respectively, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.44).

Conclusion

No statistically significant difference was observed between the undilated and post-dilated ICL vault measurements. Hence, the postoperative vault can be measured either in resting, undilated state or fully dilated state of the pupil and would be similar irrespective of the pupil size.

Clinical results of Visian implantable collamer lens implantation according to various sizes and implantation angles

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical outcomes of Visian implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation according to lens size and implantation angle.

SETTING

Onnuri Smile Eye Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

This study included 566 eyes of 283 patients treated with ICL implantation. Patients were divided into three groups: horizontally implanted same-sized ICL (group A), horizontally implanted different sized-ICL (group B: large ICL and small ICL) and same sized-ICL implanted with a different implantation angle (group C: horizontal and vertical).

RESULTS

At 12-month follow-up, the mean vault was 0.78 ± 17, 0.48 ± 0.13, 0.71 ± 0.18 and 0.44 ± 0.16 mm when large and small sized ICL was used in group B (p < 0.001), and when ICL was horizontally and vertically implanted in group C (p = 0.021), respectively. And the mean SE was -0.11 ± 0.30, -0.34 ± 0.42, -0.3 ± 0.56 and -0.64 ± 0.66 dioptres (D), when the large and the small sized ICL was used group B (p = 0.039), and when the ICL was horizontally and vertically implanted in group C (p = 0.036), respectively. No significant difference in UDVA, IOP and ECD between both eyes in groups B and C was observed. No statistical difference was found in the vault between both eyes for groups B and C.

CONCLUSIONS

The vault was significantly higher and the SE was significantly more hyperopic when a larger-sized ICL was used or the ICL was horizontally implanted compared to when the ICL was vertically implanted.

Skull Imaging-Radiographs and CT revisited

Although rare, skull vault lesions include a vast array of pathology encompassing infection, benign, and malignant bone tumors. Given the large range of potential diagnoses, it is crucial to identify imaging features to differentiate one from another, ensuring early diagnosis. Radiographs are still valuable in modern radiology but have largely been superseded by computed tomography (CT) due to its high spatial resolution. Both are especially important in developing countries where access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be limited.There are currently several publications outlining imaging appearances of skull vault lesions. However, the majority of literature is dated, with the last dedicated textbook published in 1980 (Principles of X-ray diagnosis of the skull). Despite overlapping features, a few lesions have "aunt minnie," type classical characteristics, which we will highlight. Most vault lesions also appear as a spectrum depending on location and the exact stage of the disease. A small subset within each disease entity also has atypical features not widely discussed in the current literature. In this pictorial review, we hope to focus on radiographic and CT imaging appearances to help differentiate between various skull vault lesions.

Posterior-chamber phakic implantable collamer lenses with a central port: a review

We aimed to summarize the outcomes reported following the implantation of the V4c implantable collamer lens with a central port (ICL, STAAR Surgical Inc) for myopia correction. A literature search in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus was carried out to identify publications reporting clinical outcomes of patients who were implanted with the V4c ICL model and had a follow‐up period of at least 6 months. A total of 35 clinical studies published between 2012 and 2020 were included in the present review. A comprehensive analysis of the available data was performed, focusing on visual and refractive outcomes at different time‐points post‐surgery. In addition, adverse events and other parameters such as endothelial cell density, intraocular pressure and vault measurements—which were evaluated in some of the studies—were also compared. This review encompassed a total of 2904 eyes. The outcomes reported in this review lead us to conclude that ICL V4c implantation for myopia correction is a safe and efficient procedure, with stable visual and refractive outcomes and low adverse event rates. The patient’s anterior segment should be thoroughly characterized, and the ICL parameters should be carefully selected so as to achieve good outcomes and avoid complications.

Human vault RNA1-1, but not vault RNA2-1, modulates synaptogenesis

The small non-coding vault RNA (vtRNA) is a component of the vault complex, a ribonucleoprotein complex found in most eukaryotes. vtRNAs regulate a variety of cellular functions when unassociated with the vault complex. Human has four vtRNA paralogs (hvtRNA1-1, hvtRNA1-2, hvtRNA1-3, hvtRNA2-1), which are highly similar and differ only slightly in primary and secondary structure. Despite the increasing research on vtRNAs, a feature that distinguishes one hvtRNA from the others has not been recognized. Recently, we demonstrated that murine vtRNA (mvtRNA) promotes synapse formation by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Here we showed that expression ofhvtRNA1-1, but not hvtRNA2-1 increases the expression of synaptic marker proteins, ERK phosphorylation and the number of PSD95 and Synapsin I double positive puncta to an extent similar to that of mvtRNA, suggesting that hvtRNA1-1 may enhance synapse formation. This finding opens new perspectives to uncover the function of the different vtRNA paralogs.

Comparison of Phakic Intraocular Lens Vault Using Conventional Nomogram and Prediction Formulas

This study aimed to compare the achieved vault using a manufacturer's nomogram and the predicted vault using the currently available prediction formulas after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (EVO Implantable Collamer Lens; ICL, STAAR Surgical) implantation. We included 200 eyes of 100 consecutive patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 34.3 ± 7.8 years) undergoing ICL implantation with a central hole. Three months postoperatively, we quantitatively measured the actual vault, and we compared it with the predicted vault using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (CASIA 2, Tomey). The agreement rate of the recommended ICL size using the manufacturer's nomogram, the NK formula, and the KS formula was 50.0%. The achieved vault was 477.1 ± 263.7 µm, which was significantly smaller than the predicted vaults of 551.2 ± 335.1 and 606.4 ± 212.2 µm, using the NK and KS formulas, respectively (Dunnett test, p = 0.014, p < 0.001). The achieved vault was not significantly different from the predicted vault using the NK or KS formula (p = 0.386, p = 0.157) when selecting a 12.1 mm ICL size. It was not significantly different from the predicted vault using the NK formula (p = 0.962), but it was significantly smaller than that using the KS formula (p = 0.033) when selecting a 12.6 mm size. It was significantly smaller than the predicted vault using the NK and KS formulas (p < 0.001) when selecting 13.2 mm size. The total agreement rate of the recommended ICL size was approximately 50%. The predicted ICL vault tended to overestimate the actual ICL vault, especially when selecting a larger ICL size.

Skull Vault Plasmacytoma Mimicking Parasagittal Meningioma: "Mini-Brain Appearance"

Plasmacytomas occur as lesions in soft tissue or bone. Skull vault plasmacytomas are rare lesions comprising 0.7% of all plasmacytomas. Workup for myeloma must be done in such cases to rule out multiple myeloma. Here, we report a case of a 63-year-old female who presented to us with a large skull vault swelling which appeared to mimic a parasagittal meningioma on imaging. Histopathological imaging revealed it to be a plasmacytoma. A retrospective review of the radiology revealed the characteristic "mini-brain appearance" in our case. Literature on the subject is also reviewed.

Comparative analysis of 2 glenoid version measurement methods in variable axial slices on 3-dimensionally reconstructed computed tomography scans

BACKGROUND

Most glenoid version measurement methods have been validated on 3-dimensionally corrected axial computed tomography (CT) slices at the mid glenoid. Variability of the vault according to slice height and angulation has not yet been studied and is crucial for proper surgical implant positioning. The aim of this study was to analyze the variation of the glenoid vault compared with the Friedman angle according to different CT slice heights and angulations. The hypothesis was that the Friedman angle would show less variability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty shoulder CT scans were retrieved from a hospital imaging database and were reconstructed in the plane of the scapula. Seven axial slices of different heights and coronal angulations were selected, and measurements were carried out by 3 observers.

RESULTS

Mid-glenoid mean version was -8.0° (±4.9°; range, -19.6° to +7.0°) and -2.1° (±4.7°; range, -13.0° to +10.3°) using the vault method and Friedman angle, respectively. For both methods, decreasing slice height or angulation did not significantly alter version. Increasing slice height or angulation significantly increased anteversion for the vault method (P < .001). Both interobserver reliability and intraobserver reliability were significantly higher using the Friedman angle.

CONCLUSION

Version at the mid and lower glenoid is similar using either method. The vault method shows less reliability and more variability according to slice height or angulation. Yet, as it significantly differs from the Friedman angle, it should still be used in situations where maximum bone purchase is sought with glenoid implants. For any other situation, the Friedman angle remains the method of choice.

Comparison of anterior section parameters using anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy in myopic patients after ICL implantation

AIM

To compare the agreement of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and central vault measurements obtained by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) of post surgical high myopic eyes with posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (Visian ICL; STAAR Surgical) implantation.

METHODS

Fifty-two phakic eyes of 28 high myopic patients who underwent implantable Collamer lens (ICL) surgery for the correction of high myopia were studied. The postoperative ACD, the distance between the corneal endothelium and the anterior surface of ICL (cornea-ICL) and the central vault were measured with the AS-OCT system and the UBM system. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman plot were used to evaluate the repeatability and agreement of two devices.

RESULTS

The mean ACD, cornea-ICL and central vault in the 52 phakic eyes after ICL surgery was 3.19±0.28 mm, 2.47±0.28 mm, 0.50±0.19 mm by AS-OCT and 3.13±0.25 mm, 2.49±0.25 mm, 0.44±0.19 mm by UBM, respectively. Pairwise comparison of ACD and central vault measurements showed significant differences between AS-OCT and UBM (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found between these imaging techniques in cornea-ICL (P>0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between AS-OCT and UBM measurements for ACD, cornea-ICL and vault was 0.88, 0.80 and 0.89, respectively (P<0.001). The ICC was 0.89-0.94 for the measurements of AS-OCT and UBM. Bland-Altman analysis showed the 95% limits of agreement of ACD, cornea-ICL, central vault measurements between these two devices were -0.20 to 0.32 mm, -0.36 to 0.32 mm and -0.12 to 0.24 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Central ACD and vault measurements using AS-OCT demonstrated a slight significantly higher value than using UBM in phakic eyes after ICL surgery. These two devices should not be used interchangeably for measurements of central ACD and vault in patients after phakic intraocular lens implantation.

Major vault protein in cardiac and smooth muscle

Major vault protein (MVP) is the major component of the vault particle whose functions are not well understood. One proposed function of the vault is to serve as a mechanism of drug transport, which confers drug resistance in cancer cells. We show that MVP can be found in cardiac and smooth muscle. In human airway smooth muscle cells, knocking down MVP was found to cause cell death, suggesting that MVP serves as a cell survival factor. Further, our laboratory found that MVP is S-glutathionylated in response to ligand/receptor-mediated cell signaling. The S-glutathionylation of MVP appears to regulate protein-protein interactions between MVP and a protein called myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9). Through MYH9 and Vsp34, MVP may form a complex with Beclin-1 that regulates autophagic cell death. In pulmonary vascular smooth muscle, proteasome inhibition promotes the ubiquitination of MVP, which may function as a mechanism of proteasome inhibition-mediated cell death. Investigating the functions and the regulatory mechanisms of MVP and vault particles is an exciting new area of research in cardiovascular/pulmonary pathophysiology.

Dual pH- and Temperature-Responsive Protein Nanoparticles

Multiply responsive protein nanoparticles are interesting for a variety of applications. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a vault nanoparticle that responds to both temperature and pH. Specifically, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) with a pyridyl disulfide end group was prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The polymer had a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of 31.9 °C at pH 5, 44.0 °C at pH 6 and above 60 °C at pH 7. The polymer was conjugated to human major vault protein (hMVP), and the resulting nanoparticle was analyzed by UV-Vis, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy. The data demonstrated that poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid)-vault conjugate did not respond to temperatures below 60 °C at pH 7, while the nanoparticles reversibly aggregated at pH 6. Furthermore, it was shown that the vault nanoparticle structure remained intact for at least three heat and cooling cycles. Thus, these dually responsive nanoparticles may serve as a platform for drug delivery and other applications.

The brain and the braincase: a spatial analysis on the midsagittal profile in adult humans

The spatial relationships between brain and braincase represent a major topic in surgery and evolutionary neuroanatomy. In paleoneurology, neurocranial landmarks are often used as references for brain areas. In this study, we analyze the variation and covariation of midsagittal brain and skull coordinates in a sample of adult modern humans in order to demonstrate spatial associations between hard and soft tissues. The correlation between parietal lobe size and parietal bone size is very low, and there is a marked individual variation. The distances between lobes and bones are partially influenced by the dimensions of the parietal lobes. The main pattern of morphological variability among individuals, associated with the size of the precuneus, apparently does not influence the position of the neurocranial sutures. Therefore, variations in precuneal size modify the distance between the paracentral lobule and bregma, and between the parietal lobe and lambda. Hence, the relative position of the cranial and cerebral landmarks can change as a function of the parietal dimensions. The slight correlation and covariation among these elements suggests a limited degree of spatial integration between soft and hard tissues. Therefore, although the brain influences the cranial size and shape during morphogenesis, the specific position of the cerebral components is sensitive to multiple effects and local factors, without a strict correspondence with the bone landmarks. This absence of correspondent change between brain and skull boundaries suggests caution when making inferences about the brain areas from the position of the cranial sutures. The fact that spatial relationships between cranial and brain areas may vary according to brain proportions must be considered in paleoneurology, when brain anatomy is inferred from cranial evidence.

New features of vault architecture and dynamics revealed by novel refinement using the deformable elastic network approach

The vault particle, with a molecular weight of about 10 MDa, is the largest ribonucleoprotein that has been described. The X-ray structure of intact rat vault has been solved at a resolution of 3.5 Å [Tanaka et al. (2009), Science, 323, 384-388], showing an overall barrel-shaped architecture organized into two identical moieties, each consisting of 39 copies of the major vault protein (MVP). The model deposited in the PDB includes 39 MVP copies (half a vault) in the crystal asymmetric unit. A 2.1 Å resolution structure of the seven N-terminal repeats (R1-7) of MVP has also been determined [Querol-Audí et al. (2009), EMBO J. 28, 3450-3457], revealing important discrepancies with respect to the MVP models for repeats R1 and R2. Here, the re-refinement of the vault structure by incorporating the high-resolution information available for the R1-7 domains, using the deformable elastic network (DEN) approach and maintaining strict 39-fold noncrystallographic symmetry is reported. The new refinement indicates that at the resolution presently available the MVP shell can be described well as only one independent subunit organized with perfect D39 molecular symmetry. This refinement reveals that significant rearrangements occur in the N-terminus of MVP during the closing of the two vault halves and that the 39-fold symmetry breaks in the cap region. These results reflect the highly dynamic nature of the vault structure and represent a necessary step towards a better understanding of the biology and regulation of this particle.

Smart vaults: thermally-responsive protein nanocapsules

Synthetic modification of a recombinant protein cage called a vault with stimuli-responsive smart polymers provides access to a new class of biohybrid materials; the polymer nanocapsules retain the structure of the protein cage and exhibit the responsive nature of the polymer. Vaults are naturally occurring ubiquitous ribonucleoprotein particles 41 × 41 × 72.5 nm composed of a protein shell enclosing multiple copies of two proteins and multiple copies of one or more small untranslated RNAs. Recombinant vaults are structurally identical but lack the vault content. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm), a polymer responsive to heat, was conjugated to recombinant vaults that were composed of ~78 copies of the major vault protein (MVP) modified to contain a cysteine rich region at the N-terminus (CP-MVP). The polymer was synthesized using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to have a dansyl group at the alpha end and modified to have a thiol-reactive pyridyl disulfide at the omega end, which readily coupled to CP-MVP vaults. The resulting vault nanocapsules underwent reversible aggregation upon heating above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the polymer as determined by electron microscopy (EM), dynamic light scattering experiments, and UV-vis turbidity analysis. The vault structure remained entirely intact throughout the phase transition; suggesting its use in a myriad of biomedical and biotechnology applications.

Vaults are dynamically unconstrained cytoplasmic nanoparticles capable of half vault exchange

Vaults are naturally occurring ribonucleoprotein particles with an enormous interior volume, large enough to encapsulate hundreds of proteins. They are highly conserved and are present in nearly all eukaryotic cells ranging from 10(4) to 10(7) particles per cell. Recombinant vaults can be produced in vitro and engineered to allow cell targeting and protein packaging. These nanometer-sized particles have many desirable characteristics that may give them advantages for use as drug delivery vehicles. Using photoactivatable green fluorescent protein (PAGFP) labeled vaults, we demonstrate that the particles rapidly diffuse throughout the cytoplasm following single pixel photoactivation in live cells. Their in vivo movement remained relatively unchanged despite exposure to a variety of cellular stresses, suggesting that vaults are largely unconstrained in the cytoplasm. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was observed from polyethylene glycol (PEG) fused hybrid cells that expressed either CFP or YFP labeled vaults, indicating that vaults can exchange major vault protein (MVP) subunits in vivo. Investigation into the mechanism of this exchange in vitro using recombinant vaults demonstrated that they were capable of rapidly separating at the particle waist and reassembling back into whole vaults, supporting a half vault exchange mechanism. This data suggests a means whereby vaults can functionally interact with their cellular environment and deliver materials packaged within their interior.

Vault nanoparticles containing an adenovirus-derived membrane lytic protein facilitate toxin and gene transfer

Nonviral methods of gene delivery possess several advantages over that of viral-based vectors, including having increased safety. However, the ability to achieve effective transport of therapeutic molecules across host cell membranes via nonviral methods remains a significant goal. Cell-derived nanoparticles known as vaults have been proposed as novel candidate transfer vehicles for various foreign molecules. Recombinant vault particles enter cells via macropinocytosis or phagocytosis but lack demonstrable membrane penetrating activity. To explore the feasibility of improving vault penetration into target cells, we incorporated the membrane lytic domain of adenovirus protein VI (pVI) into the interior of recombinant vault particles via fusion to the vault poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (VPARP) interaction domain. The membrane lytic activity of the pVI domain was retained upon incorporation into vault particles. Moreover, internalization of vault-pVI complexes into murine macrophages promoted co-delivery of a soluble ribotoxin or a cDNA plasmid encoding GFP. These findings indicate that vault particles can be modified to enhance cell transfer of selected biomolecules.

Confidence, Concentration, and Competitive Performance of Elite Athletes: A Natural Experiment in Olympic Gymnastics

During the women's all-around gymnastics final at the 2000 Olympics, the vault was inadvertently set 5 cm too low for a random half of the 36 gymnasts. The error was widely viewed as undermining their confidence and adversely affecting their subsequent performance. This paper examines whether the vault problem had such a carryover effect. Both pretest scores (from preliminary rounds) and posttest scores (from the final) are available on vault, bars, beam. and floor. Manipulation checks establish that the error had experimental impact on vault performance. However, from comparing means, from analysis of covariance, from multiple regression, and from statistically adjusting the official scores, it is clear that the vault error had little if any effect on later performances or on the final standings. Elite athletes in a closed-skill sport apparently learn to concentrate so well that most can recover from a mishap and refocus successfully for the next effort.