Search Results (52)

Anthropogenic air pollution represents a significant threat to both environmental and human health, with nitrogen oxides (NO_x) playing a substantial role in the formation of photochemical smog, acid rain, eutrophication, and respiratory diseases. In Bangladesh, NO_x emissions primarily originate from combustion sources such as road transportation, power generation, and industrial activities, while natural sources include lightning, wildfires, and soil emissions. Furthermore, ammonia emissions from fertilizers and livestock exacerbate air quality issues in both urban and rural settings. Despite the acknowledgment of vehicular and industrial contributions, comprehensive and systematic assessments of NO₂ trends across the nation remain scarce. This study presents a complementary, side-by-side assessment of ground-based NO₂ measurements from the Department of Environment (DoE) with atmospheric NO₂ retrieved from the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI Level-3 product via Google Earth Engine (GEE). Spatial distribution patterns of both ground-level and atmospheric NO₂ were analyzed using ArcGIS Pro, along with seasonal and interannual trend assessments from 2018 to 2024. Results indicated pronounced spatial and temporal variability in NO₂ concentrations. The highest levels were consistently recorded over Dhaka and surrounding industrial zones, with moderate accumulation in Chattogram. Winter months (December–February) exhibited hazardous concentrations, with a national maximum of 205.21 µg/m³, while monsoon periods recorded the lowest levels overall, as reflected in its seasonal mean (see below). Seasonal averages indicated the highest concentrations in winter (35.03 µg/m³), followed by pre-monsoon (29.16 µg/m³), with monsoon recording the lowest seasonal mean (19.94 µg/m³). Long-term analysis showed the highest national annual mean NO₂ con-centration in 2018 (44.32 µg/m³), decreasing to 14.81 µg/m³ by 2024, with non-monotonic year-to-year fluctuation in the intervening period (2020–2021 data were unavailable). These findings underscore the necessity for stricter emission regulations and targeted mitigation measures. As a policy recommendation, this may include the implementation of NO_x-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) using NH₃ over metal oxide and zeolite catalysts. This study provides evidence-based insights to support cleaner air initiatives and sustainable environmental management strategies in Bangladesh. Full article

Background/Objectives: High astigmatism remains challenging in keratorefractive lenticule extraction because small errors in centration or cyclotorsion may affect astigmatic correction. This study evaluated early refractive and astigmatic vector outcomes after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) Pro using the VISUMAX 800 in eyes with high astigmatism. Methods: This prospective interventional cohort study was conducted at Cung Hong Son International Eye Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. Refractive outcomes, including uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, astigmatic vector analysis, and intraoperative and postoperative complications, were evaluated up to 3 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 160 eyes from 102 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 23.7 ± 4.7 years, and 63.7% of participants were female. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SEQ) was −7.21 ± 2.03 D, and the mean preoperative refractive cylinder was −2.51 ± 0.56 D. Mean postoperative SEQ was −0.10 ± 0.38 D at 1 month and 0.02 ± 0.31 D at 3 months. At 3 months, 99% and 84% of eyes achieved UDVA of 0.8 decimal or better and 0.9 decimal or better, respectively. The mean residual refractive cylinder was −0.52 ± 0.28 D, with 69% and 98% of eyes achieving a residual cylinder ≤0.50 D and ≤1.00 D, respectively. All eyes had an angle of error within ±15°. The safety index was 1.01, and no eyes lost two or more lines of CDVA. Conclusions: SMILE Pro performed with the VISUMAX 800 provided favorable early 3-month refractive and astigmatic vector outcomes with a satisfactory safety profile in eyes with high astigmatism. Full article

Objectives: The VISUMAX 800 (Carl Zeiss Meditec) is the second-generation femtosecond laser for small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), featuring faster pulse rates, automated cyclotorsion compensation (OcuLign), and automated centration (CentraLign) versus the VISUMAX 500. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared their clinical outcomes in myopia correction. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science through March 2026 for studies comparing the two platforms in myopia or myopic astigmatism with extractable data. Primary outcomes were predictability (SE ± 0.50 D) and astigmatism (CYL ≤ 0.50 D). Secondary outcomes included UDVA ≥ 20/20, safety (CDVA loss ≥ 1 line), R² values, surgically induced astigmatism, axis alignment (±5°), and higher-order aberrations. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool for all included studies, as no randomized controlled trials were available. Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots, Egger’s test, and Begg’s test, with appropriate caution noted regarding the limited number of studies. Sensitivity analysis used the leave-one-out method. Results: Nine studies (1672 eyes: 646 VISUMAX 800, 1026 VISUMAX 500) were included. For SE ± 0.50 D, the pooled risk ratio (RR) was 1.065 (95% CI: 0.997–1.137, p = 0.061) with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 64.7%, p = 0.004). For CYL ± 0.50 D (eight studies, 1585 eyes), the pooled RR was 1.022 (95% CI: 0.978–1.068, p = 0.333, I² = 51.7%). Astigmatism axis within ±5° significantly favored VISUMAX 800 (RR = 1.157, 95% CI: 1.071–1.250, p = 0.0002, I² = 0%). No statistically significant differences were observed for UDVA ≥ 20/20, safety, SEQ R², cylinder R², TIA, SIA, total HOAs, spherical aberration, or coma RMS. Publication bias tests showed no significant asymmetry for the primary outcomes, though these tests have limited power with fewer than 10 studies. ROBINS-I assessments classified most studies as having “serious” risk of bias due to their non-randomized designs. Conclusions: Both platforms yield comparable predictability, safety, and visual outcomes. VISUMAX 800 offers superior astigmatism axis alignment, likely due to automated compensation and centration. The borderline SE predictability warrants further randomized investigation Full article

Background/Objectives: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) commonly causes vision loss from macular edema (ME). OCT biomarkers (IRF, SRF, HRF, and ELM/EZ disruption) inform prognosis and treatment but are rarely quantified routinely due to time burden and interobserver variability. We aimed to validate a deep-learning algorithm for automated detection and quantification of key OCT biomarkers in RVO-ME versus expert assessment. Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, 93 eyes with RVO-ME imaged with spectral-domain OCT were analyzed. The AI quantified IRF/SRF volumes, ELM/EZ interruption, and HRF counts. Two masked expert clinicians provided reference evaluations. Performance and agreement were assessed using ROC AUC, Cohen’s kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson correlation, and Bland–Altman analysis. Image-quality metrics (foveal centration and retinal layer segmentation) were recorded. Results: The AI showed high diagnostic performance (AUC: SRF 0.969; ELM 0.871; EZ 0.958) and substantial-to-almost-perfect agreement (kappa: SRF 0.807; ELM 0.788; EZ 0.914). HRF quantification correlated strongly with experts (r = 0.89, p < 0.001), with very good agreement (ICC = 0.87) and minimal bias. Image-quality accuracy exceeded 98% for foveal centration and layer segmentation. Conclusions: This AI software enables reliable, rapid automated assessment of major OCT biomarkers in RVO-ME, supporting streamlined personalized management; prospective studies should confirm longitudinal monitoring and treatment-guidance value. Full article

Background: To compare tilt and decentration results of two scleral fixation intraocular lens (IOL) methods of four-point scleral fixation (Akreos AO60) and the Yamane technique (AcrySof MA60AC). Methods: Two groups were compared in terms of IOL decentration and tilt at day 30 and 2 years after surgery. Correlations between IOL tilt and decentration and previous pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), axial length (AL), refractive error (RE), astigmatism, and spherical equivalent (SE) were also analyzed. Results: This study included 50 eyes from 47 patients: four-point fixation in 25 eyes (group 1) and Yamane technique in 25 eyes (group 2). The mean horizontal tilt was 1.66° ± 1.45° in group 1 and 5.06° ± 4.65° in group 2. The horizontal tilt value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group 2. The mean vertical tilt for group 1 and group 2 at two year’s observation was 1.74° ± 2.16° and 3.09° ± 2.79° respectively (p = 0.02). The mean horizontal IOL decentration was 0.35 ± 0.32 mm in group 1 and 0.34 ± 0.26 mm in group 2 (p > 0.05). The mean vertical IOL decentration in group 1 was 0.34 ± 0.33 mm and in group 2 it was 0.27 ± 0.20 mm respectively (p = 0.45). No statistically significant changes in tilt and decentration time were demonstrated in both groups (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between IOL tilt and decentration and previous PPV in both groups. Conclusions: Both techniques provide good centration and stability IOL in aphakic eyes in the absence of capsular support. Full article

Presbyopia-correcting IOLs have revolutionized cataract surgery by enabling functional vision across multiple focal distances, thereby reducing dependence on spectacles. These lenses—ranging from multifocal to extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) and hybrid designs—incorporate advanced optical technologies to address the limitations of traditional monofocal IOLs. Despite their clinical promise, patient satisfaction remains variable, with a substantial subset experiencing postoperative visual discomfort. This review provides a comprehensive overview of presbyopia-correcting IOL technologies, detailing their optical principles, design evolution, and clinical performance. It further analyzes the multifactorial causes of postoperative dissatisfaction, which include optical phenomena such as glare, halos, and reduced contrast sensitivity; ocular comorbidities like dry eye disease, corneal irregular astigmatism, glaucoma, and macular pathology; and surgical variables including IOL centration, pupil size, and biometry accuracy. Additionally, non-physiological factors—such as patient expectations, lifestyle demands, and psychological disposition—play a critical role in perceived outcomes. To address these challenges, the review explores evidence-based strategies for improving satisfaction. These include rigorous preoperative screening for ocular surface disease and aberrations, personalized lens selection based on anatomical and functional criteria, and thorough patient counseling to align expectations with achievable results. Emerging IOL designs that blend multifocal and EDOF features offer promising avenues for minimizing visual disturbances while preserving range of vision. By integrating optical innovation with individualized clinical care, ophthalmologists can enhance postoperative outcomes and optimize real-world satisfaction with presbyopia-correcting IOLs. Full article

Background: Scleral fixation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) is a valuable option in cases of aphakia or inadequate capsular support, yet conventional sutured and sutureless approaches can pose technical challenges and complication risks. The needle-guided scleral fixation technique offers a simplified, single-suture solution that enhances safety and reproducibility. Methods: In this retrospective interventional case series, 30 eyes with insufficient capsular support underwent IOL implantation using Meduri’s needle-guided single-suture technique at the G. Martino University Hospital, Messina. The surgical method employs a 24-gauge needle to guide a double-armed 10-0 polypropylene suture through the sclera for precise IOL anchorage, minimizing vitreous manipulation. Outcomes were assessed over 24 months, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOL centration, intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications. Results: Mean BCVA improved from X to Y LogMAR at two years (p < 0.05). All IOLs remained well-centered without tilt or decentration. Mild conjunctival hyperemia occurred in 70% of cases, resolving spontaneously. No suture erosion, vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal detachment was observed. Conclusions: The needle-guided single-suture technique provides a stable, efficient, and reproducible method for posterior chamber IOL fixation in aphakic eyes lacking capsular support. Its minimal learning curve and reduced surgical complexity make it an attractive alternative to both traditional sutured and modern sutureless methods, particularly in centers without vitreoretinal expertise. Full article

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) has emerged as a crucial imaging technique in ophthalmology, particularly for evaluating intraocular structures and the behavior of phakic and secondary intraocular lenses (IOLs). This narrative review summarizes the latest findings and clinical applications of OCT regarding phakic and secondary IOLs, focusing on their effectiveness, safety, and factors influencing performance. Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature, we explore how OCT facilitates the assessment of IOLs on key anatomical parameters—such as vault, angle configuration, lens centration, tilt, and haptic positioning—essential for optimizing surgical outcomes and minimizing postoperative complications. In phakic IOLs, including posterior chamber lenses such as the Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL, STAAR Surgical, Monrovia, CA, USA) and iris-fixated lenses, such as Artiflex (Ophtec BV, Groningen, The Netherlands), OCT enables precise evaluation of the anterior segment, aiding both candidate selection and long-term monitoring. In secondary implants for aphakia—especially iris-fixated lenses like Artisan (Ophtec BV, Groningen, The Netherlands) and sutureless scleral-fixated lenses such as the Carlevale IOL (Soleko, Rome, Italy)—or those implanted via the Yamane technique, OCT provides high-resolution visualization of haptic fixation, IOL stability, and potential complications, including tilt or decentration. This review also highlights comparative insights between fixation techniques, underscores the need for standardized OCT protocols, and discusses the integration of artificial intelligence tools. In summary, the routine use of OCT in the preoperative and postoperative management of phakic and secondary IOLs has been increasingly incorporated into clinical practice, as it enhances clinical decision-making and improves patient outcomes. Full article

The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) consists of the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) due to oxidative stress. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant activity of whey protein isolate (WPI) in PD models, using neurotoxin-exposed SH-SY5Y cells differentiated into dopaminergic-like neurons. Our research shows that WPI’s high glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and leucine contribute to its antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, with glutamic acid crucial for glutathione synthesis. In vitro studies found that WPI, at concentrations of 5–1000 µg/mL, is non-toxic to differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Notably, the lowest con-centration of WPI (5 µg/mL) significantly decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in these cells following a 24 h co-treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺). The antioxidant effects of WPI were also confirmed by the increased expression of HO1 and GPx antioxidant enzymes, which are Nrf2 pathway target genes and were evaluated by real-time PCR. Furthermore, Nrf2 nuclear translocation in the differentiated SH-SY5Y cells was also increased when the cells were exposed to 5 µg/mL of WPI with MPP⁺. These results together suggest that WPI has antioxidant effects on dopaminergic-like neurons in a Parkinson’s disease model. Full article

Background/Objectives: To objectively evaluate the rotational stability, refractive predictability, and visual outcomes of toric EVO ICL using automated infrared retinal retroillumination imaging. Setting/Venue: The research was conducted in a specialized ophthalmic surgery center. Design: Longitudinal analytical prospective study. Methods: The methodology included preoperative and postoperative assessments of visual acuity, subjective refraction, corneal topography, and anterior segment OCT. The implantation and alignment process utilized advanced digital centration techniques. Postoperative evaluations were conducted at 1 and 3. Results: The study found a mean incision surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) of 0.32 D, and a refractive SIA average of 2.02 D, closely matching the preoperative refractive astigmatism (target-induced astigmatism—TIA) mean of 2.07 D, resulting in a correction index (CI) of 0.96. Rotational stability was high, with 72% of lenses showing less than 5° rotation and 96% under 10° at the 1-month follow-up. No significant correlations were observed between lens rotation and postoperative vault size or horizontal compression, indicating independent factors. The discrepancy between theoretical and observed rotations suggested that the calculation method slightly underestimated actual rotation, which did not significantly affect visual outcomes. Graphical analysis demonstrated minimal impact of lens rotation on uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), confirming the procedure’s efficacy and safety. Conclusions: Toric EVO ICL implants provide high rotational stability, excellent refractive predictability, and satisfactory visual outcomes. The study underscores the importance of precise implantation and the minimal influence of lens rotation on postoperative refractive errors. Full article

In the context of struvite precipitation, the most significant gap pertains to the transfer of knowledge from scientific research to practical applications. The primary objective of this study is twofold: firstly, to identify the most critical process parameters influencing struvite precipitation and, secondly, to translate these parameters into a pragmatic tool for real-world applications. This study investigates the precipitation of struvite from digestion centrate to obtain information on the appropriate precipitation conditions for different initial chemical compositions. We carried out 24 lab-scale experiments to investigate the effect of varying pH value (7.0–8.5), temperature (5 °C and 33 °C) and initial phosphate concentrations (353; 165; 68 mg/L) on struvite precipitation. Varying the pH had the strongest influence on precipitation efficiencies. Adjusting pH from 7 to 8.5 increased PO₄-P removal from 1.4% to 98.8%, whereas temperature had little impact on PO₄-P removal. Furthermore, we found that a saturation index of at least 1.7 is imperative to precipitate at least 90% of the available PO₄-P. Based on the results, we developed a nomogram showing the resulting saturation index and the associated PO₄-P removal efficiency for variable initial PO₄-P and pH levels. The tool developed in this study enables users to directly identify the so-called ‘sweet spot’, which is the optimal balance between process effectiveness and resource efficiency, for each centrate. Full article

Polyelectrolytes (PEs) have a wide range of applications in various industrial processes, including water and wastewater treatment, cosmetics, and the textile industry. They remain irreplaceable as flocculants, particularly in wastewater treatment and sludge dewatering. Due to the variability in the pollutant parameters of wastewater over time, residual polyelectrolytes from the sludge dewatering process are inevitable. These residues can alter the physical and chemical properties of water, potentially causing an environmental hazard. Polyelectrolyte residues are a critical concern in wastewater treatment processes, and their concentration measurements represent one of the most essential steps in ensuring process efficiency. This study investigates the use of UV-VIS spectrophotometry to determine the concentrations of PEs used in water and wastewater treatment. The absorbance spectra of two different cationic polyelectrolytes (PEs) were tested in the wavelength range of 190–300 nm. A linear increase in absorbance values was observed with increasing polyelectrolyte concentrations, with R² > 0.99 at 190 nm wavelengths. The lowest detection limits were determined as 0.05 mg/L in distilled water and 0.085 mg/L in centrate water. For wastewater samples collected from sludge dewatering units, detection limits ranged from 0.08 mg/L to 0.013 mg/L, depending on the type of polymer. The method was successfully applied to determine polymer concentrations in centrate samples collected from two different wastewater treatment plants. It is thought that this study will assist in research on polyelectrolyte analysis in wastewater. Full article

Myopia, an increasingly grave public health concern, necessitates the implementation of various techniques for its management. These techniques predominantly comprise the employment of spectacles correction, orthokeratology (ortho-k), and soft bifocal and multifocal lenses. In the present study, a pioneering polish-free ortho-k lens was devised, featuring two reverse lines and three alignment lines, which, respectively, expedite the shaping process and enhance centration. The structural blueprint of the ortho-k lens, along with the simulation of fluorescence staining, was executed employing the FocalPoints software V7.0 (Advance Medical, Milan, Italy). Subsequently, lens aberration elimination was accomplished through ray tracing utilizing ZEMAX software V13.0 (Focus Software, Wixom, MI, USA). The fabrication of the lens was carried out via high-precision lathe turning using the UPC 100 Vision instrument (SCHNEIDER, Ratingen, Germany). The power profile of the ortho-k lens was measured using the CONTEST 2 apparatus (ROTLEX, Omer, Israel). The surface quality was observed under a 200× microscope (ZEISS, Oberkochen, Germany). The fitting of the lens was assessed through the utilization of both Slit-lamp microscopy (MediWorks, Shanghai, China) and Corneal topographer (Medmont E300, Melbourne, VIC, Australia) Full article

(1) Background: Defining the optimum center for laser refractive corrections is difficult, with many of the available approaches having pros and cons. Decentered ablations result in undesirable side effects like halos, glare, monocular diplopia, and a reduction in visual acuity; (2) Methods: The ideal centration in refractive corrections should fulfil three requirements: covering a scotopic pupil; respecting the visual axis; and minimizing tissue removal. The implications of different centration strategies are discussed and shown graphically; (3) Results: Oversized asymmetric offset ablation faces fewer difficulties in registering static cyclotorsion, features less tissue wastage compared to a symmetric offset, and includes a certain amount of coma (and trefoil) in the profile, benefiting eyes with a pupil offset, which typically present with relevant amounts of coma and trefoil corneal aberrations due to decentered optics; (4) Conclusions: There is a need for a flexible choice of centration in refractive procedures to design customized and non-customized treatments optimally. An ideal optical zone covering the pupil with the widest entrance may be as important as a centration reference. Full article

High concentrations of activated sludge are an excellent biological treatment; in particular, simultaneous nitrification and denitrification play a huge role in nitrogen removal. However, the influencing factors of SND have not been fully elucidated. The effects of sludge concentration and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on the performance of SND in a high-concentration activated sludge reactor assisted by chemical agents were investigated, and the SND reaction effect was de-termined by analyzing the along-stream changes of elemental nitrogen in the reactor. The results showed that the SND phenomenon in the reactor was most obvious when the system activated sludge concentration (MLSS) was maintained at 7–9 g/L and DO concentration at 1–2 mg/L. When MLSS decreases within the range of 5–9 g/L, the nitrification reaction improves, but the SND phe-nomenon decreases or even disappears; the SND phenomenon diminishes with increasing DO con-centration. Thus, high sludge concentrations and low dissolved oxygen concentrations are im-portant influences associated with SND and promote unconventional nitrogen removal pathways. In addition, the average value of MLVSS/MLSS for the high-concentration activated sludge process was 0.586, which indicates that the system has a higher activated sludge volume and better sludge activity, which is very effective in enhancing SND. In addition, this study also further investigated the influencing factors of SND in the high-concentration method by exploring the kinetic modeling of the SND reaction in the high-concentration method. Full article