Multi-System-Level Analysis with RNA-Seq on Pterygium Inflammation Discovers Association between Inflammatory Responses, Oxidative Stress, and Oxidative Phosphorylation.

A pterygium is a common conjunctival degeneration and inflammatory condition. It grows onto the corneal surface or limbus, causing blurred vision and cosmetic issues. Ultraviolet is a well-known risk factor for the development of a pterygium, although its pathogenesis remains unclear, with only limited understanding of its hereditary basis. In this study, we collected RNA-seq from both pterygial tissues and conjunctival tissues (as controls) from six patients (a total of twelve biological samples) and retrieved publicly available data, including eight pterygium samples and eight controls. We investigated the intrinsic gene regulatory mechanisms closely linked to the inflammatory reactions of pterygiums and compared Asian (Korea) and the European (Germany) pterygiums using multiple analysis approaches from different perspectives. The increased expression of antioxidant genes in response to oxidative stress and DNA damage implies an association between these factors and pterygium development. Also, our comparative analysis revealed both similarities and differences between Asian and European pterygiums. The decrease in gene expressions involved in the three primary inflammatory signaling pathways-JAK/STAT, MAPK, and NF-kappa B signaling-suggests a connection between pathway dysfunction and pterygium development. We also observed relatively higher activity of autophagy and antioxidants in the Asian group, while the European group exhibited more pronounced stress responses against oxidative stress. These differences could potentially be necessitated by energy-associated pathways, specifically oxidative phosphorylation.

Analysis of 2-year spherical equivalent progression in emmetropic children with non-cycloplegic refraction: a retrospective chart review.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate children with an emmetropic non-cycloplegic refraction (NCR) to compare the difference in progression of NC spherical equivalent (SE) over 2 years between the children with emmetropic and hyperopic cycloplegic refraction (CR) values. METHODS: Through a retrospective medical record review, 59 children aged under 10 years were evaluated. Refractive error was calculated as the average of the SE values of both eyes. According to the CR results, children with emmetropia (-0.50 to 1.00 diopter [D]) were assigned to group 1 (n = 29), and those with hyperopia (≥ 1.00 D) were assigned to group 2 (n = 30). The prevalence of myopia and SE progression were compared over 2 years. Correlations between final SE progression and baseline age and refractive error were analyzed and multiple regression analysis was conducted. Receiver operating characteristic curves that achieved the best cutoff points to distinguish between the groups were calculated. RESULTS: Group 1 showed significantly myopic SE changes compared to baseline at the 1-year follow-up, and group 1 was significantly myopic compared with group 2 at the 2-year follow-up. Myopia prevalence was 51.7% in group 1 and 6.7% in group 2 after 1 year, and 61.1% and 16.7% after 2 years, respectively. In the correlation analysis, baseline age, baseline CR, and difference between CR and NCR showed significant correlations with the 2-year SE progression (r = -0.359, p = 0.005; r = 0.450, p < 0.001; r = -0.562, p < 0.001, respectively). However, NCR refractive error showed no significant correlation (r = -0.097, p = 0.468). In multiple regression analysis, baseline age (ß= -0.082), and CR-NCR difference (ß= -0.214) showed a significant effect on SE progression for 2 years. When an NCR value of 0.20 D was set as the cut-off value to distinguish between the groups, a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 92% were obtained. CONCLUSION: Even if NCR showed emmetropia, children with baseline CR values of emmetropia showed greater SE progression compared with those with hyperopia. Cycloplegia is essential to confirm the correct refractive status in children. It may be useful for predicting prognosis of SE progression.

Incidental multiple myeloma in a patient with neuroretinitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neuroretinitis is classically defined as a clinical triad of unilateral, painless vision loss, accompanied by optic disc edema and characteristic macular star formation. The causes of neuroretinitis can be categorized as infectious, non-infectious, and idiopathic, therefore differential diagnosis and careful evaluation are required, owing to the various etiologies and masqueraders. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman presented to the clinic with blurred vision in both eyes. A complete ophthalmic examination revealed optic disc edema with blurred margins and macular exudates, intraretinal edema in the temporal peripapillary area, and subretinal fluid with neurosensory retinal detachment in the macular area. Systemic laboratory investigations showed no signs of infection or inflammation. However, bone marrow suppression was suspected based on the results of the complete blood count test, and the patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. CONCLUSION: Although neuroretinitis is rarely accompanied by hematological malignancy, it is important to be mindful of the latter because ophthalmic manifestations are a common feature of hematological malignancies and lesions occur in nearly every ocular structure.

Bilateral Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis with Dendritic Corneal Lesion: A Case Report.

Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) is a recurrent bilateral corneal epithelial disease. Typically, small, multiple discrete epithelial lesions occur in the central cornea. However, dendritic corneal lesions are rare. Herein, we report a rare case of TSPK in both eyes after a unilateral dendritic corneal lesion. A 42-year-old woman presented with decreased vision and foreign body sensation in her right eye that persisted for 1 month. Her uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 20/160 in the right eye. Slit-lamp microscopy revealed a dendritic lesion in the central cornea of the right eye. No abnormalities were observed in her left eye. Herpetic keratitis in the right eye was diagnosed and systemic acyclovir was prescribed, along with topical acyclovir ointment and steroids. After one week, most of the corneal lesions had disappeared, and the BCVA in the right eye had improved to 20/25. The corneal epithelium completely recovered after 2 weeks. However, 2 weeks later, the patient visited the hospital with decreased visual acuity in the right eye, and the BCVA decreased to 20/40. Multiple fine corneal lesions were observed under a slit-lamp microscope. The patient was diagnosed with TSPK of the right eye. Topical steroids were started, and after 7 days, the corneal condition improved. However, after 6 weeks, visual acuity decreased in the left eye, and a corneal lesion similar to that in the right eye was observed; therefore, the patient was diagnosed with bilateral TSPK. Short-term topical steroids and long-term topical cyclosporine A 0.1% were used in both eyes, and the disease was maintained without recurrence for 3 months. TSPK can appear as a unilateral dendritic corneal lesion similar to herpetic keratitis. Therefore, in case of unilateral dendritic corneal lesions, it should be considered that TSPK may develop later.

Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis with hand, foot and mouth disease in a pregnant woman : a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common systemic infection that is caused by an enterovirus, normally Coxsackie A16. Generally, it affects children or immunocompromised adults. Only a few reports have described pseudomembranous conjunctivitis associated with HFMD. We aim to describe the clinical outcomes and ocular findings of a 37-year-old female with HFMD and concurrent severe pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, who was 28 weeks pregnant. CASE PRESENTATION: A female patient who was 28-weeks pregnant was referred for an ophthalmological review due to pain and injection in both eyes. The patient was hospitalized under obstetrics and gynecology and evaluated for Behcet's disease with oral and perineal ulcers. In an ophthalmic examination, both eyes were observed to have a conjunctival injection. Behcet's disease-associated conjunctivitis was diagnosed. Topical steroids and antibiotics were administered every 6 h. Two days after her presentation, a maculopapular eruption occurred on her palms. Enterovirus type 71 was detected in a serum virus antibody test, and the patient was diagnosed with HFMD. After 7 days, severe pseudomembranous conjunctivitis and corneal epithelial defects occurred in both eyes. Topical steroids were administered every 3 h, and the pseudomembrane was removed every 2 to 3 days. The pseudomembrane did not occur after 3 weeks, but corneal erosion persisted. After 3 months, the corneal erosion had completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: HFMD-associated conjunctivitis is a rare complication in adults, however it can appear as a severe pseudomembranous conjunctivitis. In this case, the removal of the pseudomembrane and topical steroids helped improve the symptoms.

Hyperopic shift caused by capsule contraction syndrome after microincision foldable intraocular Lens implantation: case series.

BACKGROUND: Increasing interest in microincision cataract surgery has led to the use of more flexible intraocular lens (IOL). Flexible IOL may cause more IOL deformation and refractive error when capsule contraction syndrome (CCS) occurred. In this retrospective observational case series study, the aim was to report four cases of hyperopic shift caused by CCS after phacoemulsification with microincision foldable intraocular lens implantation. CASE PRESENTATION: All of four patients underwent phacoemulsification and in-the-bag implantation of an Akreos MI60 (Bausch and Lomb) IOL from 2010 to 2016 in our clinic. These patients had been diagnosed with CCS and had undergone Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy. The mean age of the patients with CCS was 66.8 ± 6.7 years and the mean time for development of CCS after the cataract surgery was 9.3 ± 6.9 months. The mean spherical equivalent (SE) value at the time of the CCS diagnosis was 0.88 ± 0.91 D, which had shown a hyperopic shift compared to the SE value of - 0.91 ± 1.29 D after cataract surgery. The mean SE decreased by - 0.47 ± 1.14 D after Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy. The mean age, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and preoperative SE were not significantly different between the patient with CCS and the patients without CCS. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of IOL implantation with flexible materials in microincision cataract surgery, CCS can cause a hyperopic shift. Refractive error caused by CCS can be effectively corrected by Nd:YAG laser anterior capsulotomy.

Comparison of cytokine expression and ultrastructural alterations in fresh-frozen and dried electron beam-irradiated human amniotic membrane and chorion.

The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of drying and fresh-freezing on human amniotic membrane (HAM) and amnion/chorion membrane (HACM) in terms of histological and structural characteristics and cytokine levels. HAM and HACM samples, obtained from six placentae, were investigated. HAM and HACM were dried, electron beam-irradiated (dehydration group; d-HAM/d-HACM), or fresh-frozen (freezing group; f-HAM/f-HACM). Luminex assay was used to assay the levels of 15 cytokines. The ultrastructural characteristics of HAM and HACM were evaluated using light and transmission electron microscopies. Total cytokine contents did not show the statistical difference between dehydration and fresh-freezing process. Significantly higher levels of total cytokines were observed in HACM than in HAM. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) level was significantly higher in d-HAM than in the other samples. The levels of most of the other growth factors were higher in HACM than in HAM, but there was no statistical difference between the dehydration process and the fresh-freezing process. The levels of the cytokines, other than the growth factors, were higher in HACM than in HAM, and higher concentrations of cytokines were observed in the freezing group than in the dehydration group. Histological examination revealed that the dehydration group had thinner tissues than the freezing group, but the structural stability, including the basement membrane, did not differ between the two groups. Microscopic structures such as microvilli and nuclei were well-preserved in the freezing group, based on the results of the transmission electron microscopy. Our dehydration process maintained the histological structure of HAM/HACM and a variety of growth factors and cytokines were identified. Especially, the HAM, processed with the dehydration method, had a higher EGF level than that processed with the fresh-freezing method. Therefore, dehydration method can be used to effectively promote wound repair.

Clinical characteristics and ophthalmologic findings of pituitary adenoma in Korean patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of and ophthalmic findings in Korean patients diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma. METHODS: The medical records of 534 patients diagnosed with a pituitary adenoma at Kyung Hee University Hospital between January 2007 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 47.9 ± 16.2 years. The most common symptoms at the time of presentation were headache (26.2%) and visual disturbance (12.4%). The referral rate to the ophthalmology department was 18.44% and patients most often presented to the neurosurgery department. Optic chiasm compression was identified in 23.4% of patients (54.4% of patients referred to ophthalmology, 15.0% of patients not referred to ophthalmology). Normal visual field (57%) was the most common visual field feature followed by bitemporal hemianopsia (17.8%). Optic chiasmal compression without visual field defects was found in 36.1% of patients. Tumor volume was positively correlated with visual field pattern standard deviation (PSD, p = 0.020) and best-corrected logMAR visual acuity (p = 0.000) and negatively associated with tumor volume and visual field mean deviation (MD, p = 0.000). Best-corrected visual acuity (p = 0.000), MD (p = 0.001), and PSD (p = 0.028) significantly improved after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Pituitary adenoma patients do not always have ocular symptoms at their first presentation, even when optic chiasm compression and visual field deficits are present. Therefore, collaboration with an ophthalmologist is important when evaluating pituitary adenoma patients.

Development of a High-Throughput Assay for Inhibitors of the Polo-Box Domain of Polo-Like Kinase 1 Based on Time-Resolved Fluorescence Energy Transfer.

Although enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology has been widely accepted for binding assays against the polo-box domain (PBD) of polo-like kinase-1 (Plk1), these assays have a limitation-related heterogeneous procedure, such as multiple incubations and washing steps to apply high-throughput screenings (HTSs). In the present study, a Plk1-PBD binding assay based on time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) was developed for HTS of PBD-binding inhibitors. The TR-FRET-based Plk1-PBD binding assay is sensitive and robust and can be miniaturized into the 384-well plate-based format. Compared with the ELISA-based Plk1-PBD binding assay (Z' factor, 0.53; signal-to-background ratio, 4.19), the TR-FRET-based Plk1-PBD binding assay improved the Z' factor (0.72) and signal-to-background ratio (8.16). Using TR-FRET based Plk1-PBD binding assay, pilot library screening of 1019 natural compounds was conducted and five hit compounds such as haematoxylin, verbascoside, menadione, lithospermic acid and (1,3-dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolinium 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4-methoxy-6,6-dimethyl-5-[2-oxo-2-(2-pyridinyl)ethyl]-iodide) (DITMD) were identified as Plk1-PBD inhibitor. In a functional assay to validate the hit compounds, five hit compounds exhibited suppression of HeLa cells proliferation. These results suggest that TR-FRET-based Plk1-PBD binding assay can be applied for an efficient and less time-consuming HTS of compound libraries.

Morphologic changes in the retina after selective retina therapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate structural changes in the retina by histologic evaluation and in vivo spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) following selective retina therapy (SRT) controlled by optical feedback techniques (OFT). METHODS: SRT was applied to 12 eyes of Dutch Belted rabbits. Retinal changes were assessed based on fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FAG), SD-OCT, light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at each of the following time points: 1 h, and 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after SRT. BrdU (5'-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine) incorporation assay was also conducted to evaluate potential proliferation of RPE cells. RESULTS: SRT lesions at1 h after SRT were ophthalmoscopically invisible. FAG showed leakage in areas corresponding to SRT lesions, and hyperfluorescence disappeared after 7 days. SD-OCT showed that decreased reflectivity corresponding to RPE damage was restored to normal over time in SRT lesions. Histologic analysis revealed that the damage in SRT lesions was primarily limited to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and the outer segments of the photoreceptors. SEM and TEM showed RPE cell migration by day 3 after SRT, and restoration of the RPE monolayer with microvilli by 1 week after SRT. At 14 and 28 days, ultrastructures of the RPE, including the microvilli and tight junctions, were completely restored. The outer segments of the photoreceptors also recovered without sequelae. Interdigitation between the RPE and photoreceptors was observed. BrdU incorporation assay revealed proliferation of RPE on day 3 after SRT, and peak proliferation was observed on day 7 after SRT. CONCLUSION: Based on multimodal imaging and histologic assessment, our findings demonstrate that SRT with OFT could selectively target the RPE without damaging the neurosensory retina. Therefore, the use of SRT with OFT opens the door to the possibility of clinical trials of well-defined invisible and nondestructive retina therapy, especially for macular disease.

Molybdenum Disulfide-Assisted Spontaneous Formation of Multistacked Gold Nanoparticles for Deep Learning-Integrated Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering.

Several fabrication methods have been developed for label-free detection in various fields. However, fabricating high-density and highly ordered nanoscale architectures by using soluble processes remains a challenge. Herein, we report a biosensing platform that integrates deep learning with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), featuring large-area, close-packed three-dimensional (3D) architectures of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-assisted gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the on-site screening of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) using human tears. Some AuNPs are spontaneously synthesized without a reducing agent because the electrons induced on the semiconductor surface reduce gold ions when the Fermi level of MoS2 and the gold electrolyte reach equilibrium. With the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone, a two-dimensional large-area MoS2 layer assisted in the formation of close-packed 3D multistacked AuNP structures, resembling electroless plating. This platform, with a convolutional neural network-based deep learning model, achieved outstanding SERS performance at subterascale levels despite the microlevel irradiation power and millisecond-level acquisition time and accurately assessed susceptibility to COVID-19. These results suggest that our platform has the potential for rapid, low-damage, and high-throughput label-free detection of exceedingly low analyte concentrations.

Geographic Variations and the Associated Factors in Adherence to and Persistence with Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy for the Privately Insured women Aged 18-64 with Breast Cancer in Texas.

The purpose of this study is to examine the geographical patterns of adjuvant hormonal therapy adherence and persistence and the associated factors in insured Texan women aged 18-64 with early breast cancer. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using 5-year claims data for the population insured by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). Women diagnosed with early breast cancer who were taking tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for adjuvant hormonal therapy with at least one prescription claim were identified. Adherence to adjuvant hormonal therapy and persistence with adjuvant hormonal therapy were calculated as outcome measures. Women without a gap between two consecutively dispensed prescriptions of at least 90 days were considered to be persistently taking the medications. Patient-level multivariate logistic regression models with repeated regional-level adjustments and a Cox proportional hazards model with mixed effects were used to determine the geographical variations and patient-, provider-, and area-level factors that were associated with adjuvant hormonal therapy adherence and persistence. Of the 938 women in the cohort, 627 (66.8%) initiated adjuvant hormonal therapy. Most of the smaller HRRs have significantly higher or lower rates of treatment adherence and persistence rates relative to the median regions. The use of AHT varies substantially from one geographical area to another, especially for adherence, with an approximately two-fold difference between the lowest and highest areas, and area-level factors were found to be significantly associated with the compliance of AHT. There are geographical variations in AHT adherence and persistence in Texas. Patient-level and area-level factors have significant associations explaining these patterns.

RNA-Sequencing Analysis Reveals the Role of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism Alterations and Immune Cell Activation in Form-Deprivation and Lens-Induced Myopia in Mice.

Myopia is a substantial global public health concern primarily linked to the elongation of the axial length of the eyeball. While numerous animal models have been employed to investigate myopia, the specific contributions of genetic factors and the intricate signaling pathways involved remain incompletely understood. In this study, we conducted RNA-seq analysis to explore genes and pathways in two distinct myopia-inducing mouse models: form-deprivation myopia (FDM) and lens-induced myopia (LIM). Comparative analysis with a control group revealed significant differential expression of 2362 genes in FDM and 503 genes in LIM. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified a common immune-associated pathway between LIM and FDM, with LIM exhibiting more extensive interactions. Notably, downregulation was observed in OxPhos complex III of FDM and complex IV of LIM. Subunit A of complex I was downregulated in LIM but upregulated in FDM. Additionally, complex V was upregulated in LIM but downregulated in FDM. These findings suggest a connection between alterations in energy metabolism and immune cell activation, shedding light on a novel avenue for understanding myopia's pathophysiology. Our research underscores the necessity for a comprehensive approach to comprehending myopia development, which integrates insights from energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and immune response pathways.

Spontaneous resolution of a unilateral cataract in an adult: A case report.

RATIONALE: Cataracts are a disease that is usually caused by aging and involve the irreversible degeneration of the lens material. On the other hand, transient cataracts have also been reported, mainly due to systemic hyperglycemia, which often occurs bilaterally. However, reports of the spontaneous regression of unilaterally occurring cataracts in patients with normal blood glucose levels are rare. Here, we report a rare case of spontaneous regression of unilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts in an adult with normal blood glucose levels. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 42-year-old woman presented with distorted vision in her right eye. The patient was taking medication for diabetes, and her blood sugar level was well-controlled. DIAGNOSIS: Upon examination, her uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity were 20/70 in her right eye. Slit lamp microscopy revealed fine, feathery, and streak-like posterior subcapsular opacities. Color fundus photography revealed a star-shaped shadow due to the cataract, and no diabetic retinopathy was observed. Her two hour postprandial glucose level was 115 mg/dL. The patient was diagnosed with posterior subcapsular cataracts, and cataract surgery was planned. The patient was scheduled to visit the clinic again after seven days. INTERVENTIONS: Close observation for one week without any intervention. OUTCOMES: After one week, most of the posterior subcapsular opacities disappeared, and the uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity in the right eye improved to 20/40 and 20/30, respectively. LESSONS: This case report demonstrates that unilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts may spontaneously regress in patients with normal blood glucose levels. Therefore, it is important to check whether cataracts improve spontaneously through short-term close follow-up before planning cataract surgery to avoid unnecessary surgery.

An excitation wavelength-optimized, stable SERS biosensing nanoplatform for analyzing adenoviral and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination efficacy status using tear samples of vaccinated individuals.

We introduce a label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensing platform equipped with metallic nanostructures that can identify the efficacy of Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZD1222) vaccine in vaccinated individuals using non-invasive tear samples. We confirmed the hypothesis that the tears of people who receive the AZD1222 vaccine may be similar to those of adenovirus epidemic keratoconjunctivitis patients since the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is derived from a replication-deficient ChAdOx1 vector of chimpanzee adenovirus. Additionally, we confirmed the potential of the three markers for estimating the vaccination status via analyzing the signals emanating from antibodies or immunoglobulin G by-product using our label-free, SERS biosensing technique with a high reproducibility (<3% relative standard deviation), femtomole-scale limit of detection (1 × 10-14 M), and high SERS response of >108. Therefore, our label-free SERS biosensing nanoplatforms with long-term storage and robust stability will enable rapid and robust monitoring of the vaccine presence in vaccinated individuals.

Comparison of corneal endothelial cell changes after phacoemulsification between type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to compare the endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphology between diabetic mellitus (DM) and nondiabetic patients at 1 year after phacoemulsification in operated eyes and nonoperated eyes.Evaluation was performed in 28 patients (56 eyes) with type 2 diabetes and 37 patients (74 eyes) without diabetes who underwent 1-year interval cataract surgery. Using a noncontact specular microscope and Scheimpflug rotating camera, corneal parameters were analyzed before and 1 year after surgery. Subgroups analysis was performed based on a disease duration 10 years and HbA1c concentration 7% and Pearson correlation analysis was performed.The mean change in ECD at 1 year after surgery was 13.28% in the DM group and 11.40% in the control group. In the fellow nonoperated eyes, the mean change was 4.47% and 3.63% in the DM and control groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in postoperative ECD, coefficient of variance, hexagonality, and central corneal thickness between 2 groups. In the subgroup analysis, the long disease duration DM group (≥10 years) had a significantly greater ECD loss than the control and short disease duration DM groups (<10 years). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) showed a significant correlation with postoperative ECD change (r = -0.474, P = .011).The diabetic group with a longer disease duration showed significantly greater ECD decrease compared to the nondiabetic group and BUN correlated with ECD changes after phacoemulsification. Postoperative ECD loss may be high if the disease duration is long or if the BUN level is high.

The effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the corneal endothelium and central corneal thickness.

Aim of this study is to evaluate the differences in corneal endothelial cell morphology and corneal thickness in patients with and without type 2 diabetes related to age, disease duration, and HbA1c percentage. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 511 (1022 eyes) type 2 diabetes patients and 900 (1799 eyes) non-diabetic patients. The endothelial cell density (ECD), variation in endothelial cell size (CV), percentage of hexagonal cells, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were analyzed using a noncontact specular microscope and a Pentacam Scheimpflug camera. We also examined the correlation between the corneal parameters and the duration of diabetes. For total ages, the subjects with type 2 diabetes showed significantly lower ECD, hexagonality, higher CV, and thicker CCT than the control group. This difference was more pronounced in patients with long-standing DM (≥ 10 years) and high HbA1c (≥ 7%). When stratified by age group, from the 60 s group, corneal endothelial cell parameters showed a statistically significant difference between DM and control groups. The duration of diabetes was inversely correlated with ECD (r = - 0.167; p = 0.000). These findings suggest that diabetes affects corneal endothelial cell in older age and those with long-standing DM and higher HbA1c. Regular corneal endothelial examinations are required in diabetic patients.

Emblica officinalis and Hordeum vulgare L. Mixture Regulates Lipolytic Activity in Differentiated 3T3-L1 Cells.

In this study, we investigated the lipolytic effects of an Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry [IG]) and Hordeum vulgare L. (barley sprout [BP]) mixture on differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. On the ninth day of differentiation, Oil red O staining and Western blotting were performed; additionally, glycerol release and triglyceride (TG), fatty acid (FA), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were measured. Compared to the differentiation-induced control (C) group, the IG and BP mixture inhibited intracellular TG and FA levels by 61.7% and 48.9%, respectively, at a concentration of 200 µg/mL. Moreover, the mixture increased glycerol release and cAMP levels by more than twofold more than those in the C group. Western blotting was performed to confirm the protein expression involved in lipolysis, and the IG and BP mixture was found to significantly increase the protein activities of AMP-activated protein kinase, protein kinase A, and hormone-sensitive lipase compared to those of the C group. Furthermore, the mixture significantly inhibited the protein activities of phosphodiesterase 3B, adipose TG lipase, and perilipin compared to those of the C group at a concentration of 200 µg/mL. We found that the IG and BP mixture activates the cAMP pathway and regulates lipolytic enzymes, which are necessary for lipolysis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the IG and BP mixture can be potentially developed as a new material for targeting mechanisms underlying lipolysis.

Photochemical Retinopathy induced by blue light emitted from a light-emitting diode Face Mask: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Skin photobiomodulation involves the use of low doses of light of a specific wavelength to reduce skin inflammation and promote tissue repair. Recently, a face mask using a light-emitting diode (LED) to induce photobiomodulation has been widely introduced in the market. However, a short wavelength of high-energy blue light can cause retinal damage. We would like to report a rare case of photochemical retinopathy after using a blue LED face mask. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 37-year-old woman presented with complaints of distorted vision. The patient was exposed to blue light from an LED face mask 1 month before presentation. DIAGNOSIS: Color fundus photography revealed a yellowish chorioretinal lesion and optical coherence tomography revealed retinal pigment epithelium destruction in the parafoveal area. Fluorescein angiography revealed leakage from the lesion at the parafovea. The patient was diagnosed with blue LED-induced photochemical retinopathy. INTERVENTIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab was injected in the right eye. OUTCOMES: After 4 weeks, dysmorphopsia was improved. LESSONS: This case report demonstrates that retinal damage can occur in humans due to prolonged exposure to blue light. Therefore, it is important to be wary of eye exposure and ensure the eyes are covered during LED face mask use.

Label-Free Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Biosensor for On-Site Breast Cancer Detection Using Human Tears.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an ultrasensitive molecular screening technique with greatly enhanced Raman scattering signals from trace amounts of analytes near plasmonic nanostructures. However, research on the development of a sensor that balances signal enhancement, reproducibility, and uniformity has not yet been proposed for practical applications. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of the practical application for detecting or predicting asymptomatic breast cancer from human tears using a portable Raman spectrometer with an identification algorithm based on multivariate statistics. This potentiality was realized through the fabrication of a plasmonic SERS substrate equipped with a well-aligned, gold-decorated, hexagonal-close-packed polystyrene (Au/HCP-PS) nanosphere monolayer that provided femtomole-scale detection, giga-scale enhancement, and <5% relative standard deviation for reliability and reproducibility, regardless of the measuring site. Our results can provide a first step toward developing a noninvasive, real-time screening technology for detecting asymptomatic tumors and preventing tumor recurrence.