Transplantation of reprogrammed peripheral blood cells differentiates into retinal ganglion cells in the mouse eye with NMDA-induced injury.

The generation of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) holds significant implications for replacement therapy in treating optic neuropathies such as glaucoma. Stem-cell-based therapy targeted at replacing and replenishing retinal ganglion cells is progressing at a fast pace. However, clinical application necessitates an efficient and robust approach for cell manufacturing. Here, we examine whether the embryo body derived from human peripheral blood-derived iPSC can localize into the host retina and differentiate into retinal ganglion cells after transplantation into a glaucoma injury model. Human peripheral blood T cells were isolated and reprogrammed into an induced pluripotent stem cell (TiPSC) line using Sendai virus transduction carrying transcription factors Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Oct4. TiPSCs were differentiated into RGC using neural basal culture. For in vivo studies, embryo bodies derived from TiPSCs (TiPSC-EB) were injected into the vitreous cavity of N-Methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)-treated mice 2 weeks before sacrifice and retinal dissection. Induced pluripotent stem cells generated from human peripheral blood T cells display stem cell morphology and pluripotency markers. Furthermore, RGC-like cells differentiated from TiPSC exhibit extending axons and RGC marker TUJ1. When transplanted intravitreally into NMDA-treated mice, embryo bodies derived from TiPSC survived, migrated, and incorporated into the retina's GCL layer. In addition, TiPSC-EB transplants were able to differentiate into TUJ1 positive RGC-like cells. Retinal ganglion cells can be differentiated using human peripheral blood cells derived iPSC. Transplantation of embryo body derived from TiPSCs into a glaucoma mouse model could incorporate into host GCL and differentiate into RGC-like cells.

Spatial-frequency-based image reconstruction to improve image contrast in multi-offset adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy.

Off-axis detection methods in adaptive optics (AO) ophthalmoscopy can enhance image contrast of translucent retinal structures such as cone inner segments and retinal ganglion cells. Here, we propose a 2D optical model showing that the phase contrast produced by these methods depends on the offset orientation. While one axis provides an asymmetric light distribution, hence high phase contrast, the perpendicular axis provides a symmetric one, thus substantially lower contrast. We support this model with in vivo human data acquired with a multi-offset AO scanning light ophthalmoscope. Then, using this finding, we provide a post-processing method, named spatial-frequency-based image reconstruction, to optimally combine images from different off-axis detector orientations, significantly increasing the structural cellular contrast of in vivo human retinal neurons such as cone inner segment, putative rods, and retinal ganglion cells.

Effects and Mechanism of Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation in a Rat Model of Heart Failure Due to Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND Impaired heart function induced by myocardial infarction is a leading cause of chronic heart failure (HF). This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanism of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in a rat model of HF due to myocardial infarction. MATERIAL AND METHODS To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of NIPPV on acute myocardial infarction-induced HF, we established a rat model of HF by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery and confirmed by ultrasonic cardiography and brain natriuretic peptide 45 detection. RESULTS The levels of heat-shock protein (HSP)-70 increased and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha decreased in the group that received NIPPV treatment compared with the control group. In addition, the histopathologic results showed less severe inflammatory infiltration and a smaller area of myocardial fibrosis in the NIPPV treatment group. CONCLUSIONS In a rat model of HF due to myocardial infarction, NIPPV resulted in increased levels of HSP70 and reduced expression of MMP2, MMP9, and TNF-alpha and reduced myocardial neutrophil infiltration and fibrosis. Taken together, we showed that NIPPV is an effective treatment for HF induced by myocardial infarction by inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors and preventing microvascular embolism.

Validation of the Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-BM22 in patients with bone metastases.

PURPOSE: Our aim is to test the validity, reliability, and acceptability of the Chinese version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Bone Metastases 22 (EORTC QLQ-BM22) module to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with bone metastases in China. METHODS: Patients with histological confirmation of malignancy and bone metastases from Tianjin Cancer Institution and Hospital from June 2013 to April 2014 were enrolled in this study. All patients self-administered the EORTC QLQ-BM22 and the EORTC QLQ-C30. The Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) was performed to evaluate scores. The reliability and validity tests of the questionnaires were based on Cronbach's α coefficients, Pearson correlation test, and Wilcoxon rank sum nonparametric test. RESULTS: Internal consistency reliabilities of all the four scales were acceptable. Scales measuring similar HRQOL aspects were found to correlate with one another between EORTC QLQ-BM22 and EORTC QLQ-C30, but differences still existed. Significant differences were demonstrated in the scores of all four subscales of the QLQ-BM22 between the two KPS subgroups (KPS ≤ 80; KPS > 80). Meanwhile, the compliance for item completion of the QLQ-BM22 was satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese version of EORTC QLQ-BM22 is a reliable and valid instrument, which is appropriate for measuring the HRQOL of patients with bone metastases in China.

Label-Free Imaging of Inflammation at the Level of Single Cells in the Living Human Eye.

Purpose: Putative microglia were recently detected using adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy in healthy eyes. Here we evaluate the use of nonconfocal adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) for quantifying the morphology and motility of presumed microglia and other immune cells in eyes with retinal inflammation from uveitis and healthy eyes. Design: Observational exploratory study. Participants: Twelve participants were imaged, including 8 healthy participants and 4 posterior uveitis patients recruited from the clinic of 1 of the authors (M.H.E.). Methods: The Pittsburgh AOSLO imaging system was used with a custom-designed 7-fiber optical fiber bundle for simultaneous confocal and nonconfocal multioffset detection. The inner retina was imaged at several locations at multiple timepoints in healthy participants and uveitis patients to generate time-lapse images. Main Outcome Measures: Microglia and macrophages were manually segmented from nonconfocal AOSLO images, and their morphological characteristics quantified (including soma size, diameter, and circularity). Cell soma motion was quantified across time for periods of up to 30 minutes and their speeds were calculated by measuring their displacement over time. Results: A spectrum of cell morphologies was detected in healthy eyes from circular amoeboid cells to elongated cells with visible processes, resembling activated and ramified microglia, respectively. Average soma diameter was 16.1 ± 0.9 µm. Cell movement was slow in healthy eyes (0.02 µm/sec on average), but macrophage-like cells moved rapidly in some uveitis patients (up to 3 µm/sec). In an eye with infectious uveitis, many macrophage-like cells were detected; during treatment their quantity and motility decreased as vision improved. Conclusions: In vivo adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy offers promise as a potentially powerful tool for detecting and monitoring inflammation and response to treatment at a cellular level in the living eye. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

New insight of metabolomics in ocular diseases in the context of 3P medicine.

Metabolomics refers to the high-through untargeted or targeted screening of metabolites in biofluids, cells, and tissues. Metabolome reflects the functional states of cells and organs of an individual, influenced by genes, RNA, proteins, and environment. Metabolomic analyses help to understand the interaction between metabolism and phenotype and reveal biomarkers for diseases. Advanced ocular diseases can lead to vision loss and blindness, reducing patients' quality of life and aggravating socio-economic burden. Contextually, the transition from reactive medicine to the predictive, preventive, and personalized (PPPM / 3P) medicine is needed. Clinicians and researchers dedicate a lot of efforts to explore effective ways for disease prevention, biomarkers for disease prediction, and personalized treatments, by taking advantages of metabolomics. In this way, metabolomics has great clinical utility in the primary and secondary care. In this review, we summarized much progress achieved by applying metabolomics to ocular diseases and pointed out potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways involved to promote 3P medicine approach in healthcare.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between cystotome-assisted prechop phacoemulsification surgery and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for hard nucleus cataracts.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and efficacy of cystotome-assisted prechop phacoemulsification surgery (CAPPS) and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) in patients with hard nucleus cataract. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Ninety-six eyes of 64 patients with grade IV hard nucleus cataract were assigned to 1 of the 2 groups (49 CAPPS and 47 FLACS). Follow-up visits were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, and the outcome measures comprised ultrasound power, effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), corneal endothelium cell loss rate (ECL), central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The ultrasound power and EPT were lower in the CAPPS group (p = 0.03 and <0.0001, respectively). Patients in both groups gained better CDVA postoperatively. The ECD value decreased at each follow-up visit and did not return to the preoperative level; FLACS resulted in greater endothelial cell loss compared to CAPPS. CCT increased immediately after the surgery and decreased thereafter. The mean CCT value returned to the preoperative level 3 months postoperatively in the CAPPS group, while in the FLACS group, CCT value took 6 months to return to the preoperative level. Miosis was more likely to occur in the FLACS group. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its efficacy and cost-effectiveness, CAPPS is worth promoting and applying to clinical work in the future.

Two-Year Follow-Up of Clinical Efficacy of Femtosecond Laser, Modified Capsular Tension Ring, and Iris Hook-Assisted Surgical Treatment of Lens Subluxation in Patients with Elevated Intraocular Pressure.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of femtosecond laser, modified capsular tension ring, and iris hook-assisted surgical treatment of lens subluxation in patients with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: Fifteen patients with lens subluxation and elevated IOP were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent femtosecond-laser-assisted cataract surgery/phacoemulsification/intraocular lens implantation/modified capsular tension ring (MCTR) implantation with iris hook assistance. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, number of glaucoma medication complications, endothelial cell density (ECD), and tilt of the lens were recorded before and after surgery. All patients were observed for 24 months postoperatively. Results: UCVA and BCVA increased significantly at 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, compared with preoperative UCVA and BCVA (P < 0.001). IOP significantly decreased at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months, compared with preoperative IOP (P < 0.001). 3 patients received glaucoma medications to control IOP after surgery. All medications were discontinued at 3 months postoperatively. Conjunctival redness or hemorrhage was observed in 11 patients (73.3%); transient corneal edema was observed in 3 patients (20.0%); and posterior capsule opacification occurred in 1 patient (6.67%). The ECD and tilt of the lens are within an acceptable range. Conclusion: The combined use of a femtosecond laser, MCTR, and iris hooks is an effective and safe method for treating patients with lens subluxation and elevated IOP.

Design of a radial multi-offset detection pattern for in vivo phase contrast imaging of the inner retina in humans.

Previous work has shown that multi-offset detection in adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) can be used to image transparent cells such as retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in monkeys and humans. Though imaging in anesthetized monkeys with high light levels produced high contrast images of RGCs, images from humans failed to reach the same contrast due to several drawbacks in the previous dual-wavelength multi-offset approach. Our aim here was to design and build a multi-offset detection pattern for humans at safe light levels that could reveal transparent cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer with a contrast and acquisition time approaching results only previously obtained in monkeys. Here, we present a new single-wavelength solution that allows for increased light power and eliminates problematic chromatic aberrations. Then, we demonstrate that a radial multi-offset detection pattern with an offset distance of 8-10 Airy Disk Diameter (ADD) is optimal to detect photons multiply scattered in all directions from weakly reflective retinal cells thereby enhancing their contrast. This new setup and image processing pipeline led to improved imaging of inner retinal cells, including the first images of microglia with multi-offset imaging in AOSLO.

Strip-based digital image registration for distortion minimization and robust eye motion measurement from scanned ophthalmic imaging systems.

Retinal image-based eye motion measurement from scanned ophthalmic imaging systems, such as scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, has allowed for precise real-time eye tracking at sub-micron resolution. However, the constraints of real-time tracking result in a high error tolerance that is detrimental for some eye motion measurement and imaging applications. We show here that eye motion can be extracted from image sequences when these constraints are lifted, and all data is available at the time of registration. Our approach identifies and discards distorted frames, detects coarse motion to generate a synthetic reference frame and then uses it for fine scale motion tracking with improved sensitivity over a larger area. We demonstrate its application here to tracking scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (TSLO) and adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO), and show that it can successfully capture most of the eye motion across each image sequence, leaving only between 0.1-3.4% of non-blink frames untracked, while simultaneously minimizing image distortions induced from eye motion. These improvements will facilitate precise measurement of fixational eye movements (FEMs) in TSLO and longitudinal tracking of individual cells in AOSLO.

Genetic Profiles Related to Pathogenesis in Sporadic Intracranial Aneurysm Patients.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial aneurysm (IA) represents a cerebrovascular disorder that featured by dilation or bulging of the weakened blood vessel wall. When it ruptures, an IA leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage with high disability and mortality rates. Despite the numerous studies focusing on IA ruptures, little research on IA pathogenesis has been reported. In this study, we aimed to reveal key genes related to IA formation. METHODS: Four datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus data were downloaded, normalized, and separated into the IA group and the normal vessel control group for analyses. We screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups and conducted functional enrichment, pathway enrichment, and gene set enrichment analysis analyses among significant DEGs. RESULTS: according to our analyses, significant DEGs majorly associate with smooth muscle system and the complement system. Among all DEGs, 5 down-regulated genes (MYH11, CNN1, MYOCD, ACTA1, and LMOD1) and 3 up-regulated genes (C1QB, C3AR1, and VSIG4) are most relevant in IA formation. CONCLUSIONS: Key DEGs identified in this study are related to IA pathogenesis. Among identified DEGs, LMOD1 is the most significant and merits more attention.