Effects of whole grain intake on glycemic traits: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Whole grains (WGs) may have various health benefits, including lowering blood glucose and improving insulin sensitivity. To conduct a meta-analysis of the effects of WGs compared with non-WGs on changes in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). A systematic literature search was performed for all published randomized controlled trials on the effects of WG intake on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c and HOMA-IR response up to February 2021. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated. Pre-specified subgroup and univariate meta-regression analyses were explored to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and bias analysis were conducted to appraise study quality. Among 12,435 articles screened for eligibility, data were extracted from 48 articles. Meta-analysis of 4,118 participants showed that WG consumption resulted in a significant reduction in fasting glucose by -0.15 mmol/L, fasting insulin by -2.71 pmol/L, HbA1c by -0.44%, and HOMA-IR by -0.28, respectively. Compared with mixed grains, brown rice, and wheat, oats were significantly lower on marker of glycemic. Besides, multiple interventions per day consolidated effectiveness of WGs. WG consumption decreased the levels of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR compared with non-WG consumption.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2001429 .

Changes in, and correlation analysis of, volatile compounds, key enzymes, and fatty acids in lemon juice vesicles during freeze drying and hot-air drying.

BACKGROUND: Lemon juice vesicles are distinguished by their unique and abundant volatile flavor compounds, which can undergo complex changes during drying. In this study, integrated freeze drying (IFD), conventional freeze drying (CFD), and hot-air drying (AD) were used to dry lemon juice vesicles to investigate the changes in, and correlations among volatile compounds, fatty acids, and key enzyme activity during the drying process. RESULTS: Twenty-two volatile compounds were detected during the drying processes. Compared with fresh samples, seven compounds were lost in the dried samples after IFD, seven after CFS, and six after AD, and the loss rates of the total content of volatile compounds in the dried samples were 82.73% in CFD, more than 71.22% in IFD, and more than 28.78% in AD. In total, 1.015 mg/g of seven fatty acids were detected in the fresh samples; the content loss rates of total fatty acids after drying were 67.68% in AD, more than 53.00% in CFD, and more than 36.95% in IFD, respectively. During the three drying processes, IFD retained relatively higher enzyme activity in the samples. CONCLUSION: Many positive and negative correlations (P < 0.05) were observed among the key enzyme effects, fatty acids, and volatile compounds, showing close associations. The current work provides information that is important for the selection of suitable drying techniques for lemon juice vesicles and suggests how to control their flavor during the drying process. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of cone base diameter on outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in treating keratoconus in relation to cone base diameter (CBD). METHODS: A retrospective study. Sixty-one eyes of 49 keratoconus patients who underwent DALK between 2009 and 2018 were enrolled. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, and astigmatism were measured. Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam) was used to measure the cone base area (CBA) and CBD using MATLAB software. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 20.8 ± 6.1 years old, and the mean follow-up time was 27.3 ± 15.2 months. Mean UCVA improved from 1.23 ± 0.48 to 0.57 ± 0.27 (LogMAR, 95% CI [0.52, 0.80]; P < 0.001), whereas mean BCVA improved from 0.98 ± 0.55 to 0.18 ± 0.13 (95% CI [0.66, 0.94]; P < 0.001). The mean spherical equivalent decreased by 4.53 ± 5.65 D (95% CI [- 6.25, - 2.82]; P < 0.001), with little change in astigmatism (95% CI [- 1.39, 0.64]; P = 0.457). The postoperative BCVA in the patients with CBD < 5.07 mm and corneal curvature ≥ 55D was significantly better than those whose CBD ≥ 5.07 mm (0.14 ± 0.09 vs 0.25 ± 0.15, P = 0.001). The follow-up time was negatively correlated with the BCVA (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, outcomes of DALK in keratoconus were related to CBD and corneal curvature. Patients with large CBD (≥ 5.07 mm) where the corneal curvature ≥ 55D are more likely to have poor visual outcomes after DALK.

Polyphyllin I alleviates inflammatory injury in mice with gestational diabetes through AMPK pathway.

Our study aimed to detect the effects of polyphyllin I (PPI) on relieving gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and the possible mechanism. A mouse model of GDM was constructed. The effects of PPI on GDM mice were evaluated by detecting blood glucose, insulin level, glucose tolerance test, and insulin tolerance test. The inflammation response in GDM and GDM+PPI group were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of PPI on the offspring of GDM mice was analyzed. In addition, immunoblot assays were performed to investigate the effects of PPI on the AMPK pathway. We found that PPI improved diabetes-related symptoms and decreased serum inflammatory response in GDM mice. In addition, we also found that PPI reduced the tissue damage of GDM mice. We noticed that PPI alleviated inflammatory injury in GDM mice through targeting AMPK pathway. Our findings showed that PPI has the potential to be explored as the drug for GDM treatment.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with cross-linked acellular porcine corneal stroma to manage fungal keratitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with cross-linked acellular porcine corneal stroma (APCS) and post-operative topical tacrolimus treatment in patients with fungal keratitis. METHODS: This multicenter prospective study involved 25 cases of fungal keratitis that were treated by DALK with cross-linked APCSs and post-operative topical tacrolimus from December 2013 to November 2014 at the Wenzhou Eye Hospital and the Henan provincial Eye Hospital. Signs of post-operative inflammation, corneal reepithelialization, corneal neovascularization, and graft rejection were assessed, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and APCS graft transparency were monitored for the 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: All 25 patients underwent DALK without Descemet's membrane perforation. Corneal epithelium recovered completely in 17 patients in the first week, and APCS grafts maintained transparency in 18 patients at 1-year follow-up. The mean BCVA significantly improved from 2.16 ± 0.32 (LogMAR) at baseline to 1.56 ± 0.70 at 1-week (P < .001), 0.95 ± 0.57 at 1-month (P < .001), and 0.70 ± 0.51 at 3-month follow-ups (P < .001). The BCVA kept stable at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups. Post-operative topical tacrolimus alleviated the ciliary injection, except in one case which acute stromal rejection occurred. One patient developed fungal reinfection and underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Graft rejection occurred in three patients. No case was noted with graft splitting, elevated IOP or tacrolimus intolerance. CONCLUSIONS: DALK using cross-linked APCS combining topical tacrolimus treatment is safe and effective in managing fungal keratitis. It may ameliorate the shortage of corneal donation globally.

Activation of six lipocalins genes' transcription under PCB18 stress in OsTIL-silenced Oryza sativa L.

The lipocalins genes have been assigned for involving in the responses of organisms to various stress factors. The function of lipocalins under PCB18 stress was addressed by pathway complementation in the Oryza sativa L. OsTIL-silenced mutant. The growth of wild type (WT) and OsTIL-silenced mutant (MT) callus were suppressed by PCB18, and MT varieties were inhibited more seriously than WT varieties. Meanwhile, only WT varieties showed "Hormesis" effect. Compared with WT (3 day > 90.0%, 6 day ≤45.5%), MT varieties kept high removing efficiency by HPLC analysis. Varied gene transcription after OsTIL silencing was demonstrated between two varieties, especially obvious under PCB stress. Silenced OsTIL induced more protective gene transcriptions by qPCR analysis, OsVDE at 3 day, OsCHL, OsZEP1, OsZEP2 and OsUN at 6 day and OsZEP2 at 9 day. PCB18 stress further irritated these genes transcription in MT varieties. The defense stagy in WT varieties was that the transcriptions of lipocalins were inhibited to reduce PCB18 accumulation and toxicity. OsTIL could effectively limit PCB18 accumulation and toxicity. After TIL lacking, OsCHL, OsZEP1, OsZEP2 and OsUN in mutant were strongly evoked to against PCB stress. Remarkably, OsUN and OsZEP2 gene expressions were responded to PCB18 stress in both two varieties.

Influence of modified atmosphere packaging on protein oxidation, calpain activation and desmin degradation of beef muscles.

BACKGROUND: Protein oxidation is widespread in biochemical systems. The objective of the study was to investigate the differences in protein oxidation, µ-calpain activity, desmin proteolysis and protein solubility of beef psoas major (PM) and semi-membranosus (SM) muscles under three packaging systems during postmortem ageing. At 24 h postmortem, beef muscles were packaged respectively in air-permeable film overwrap (AP), vacuum pack (VP) or modified atmosphere (MAP, 80% O2 + 20% CO2 ), and then displayed for 10 days at 4 °C. RESULTS: Carbonyl group values and thiol group content were significantly influenced by packaging type and storage time. The SM muscles from AP and MAP showed greater µ-calpain activity compared to VP. Desmin of PM and SM from AP and MAP samples showed decreased proteolysis compared with VP. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the inhibition of µ-calpain activity of beef samples from AP and MAP could be closely associated with protein oxidation which further lowered the level of desmin degradation compared to VP. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Assessment of ADMA, estradiol, and progesterone in severe preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Decreased nitrous oxide (NO) levels are crucial factors in severe preeclampsia (sPE), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthetase. Steroid hormones are closely related to the vascular endothelium. This study determined the levels of and correlations between ADMA, estradiol (E2), and progesterone (Pg) in sPE to investigate the roles of these factors in this disease. METHODS: Sixty-two sPE patients (sPE group) were divided into the sPE1 subgroup (28(+1)-32(+0) weeks of pregnancy), the sPE2 subgroup (32(+1)-36(+0) weeks), and the sPE3 subgroup (36(+1)-40(+0) weeks) and 75 normal pregnant women (NC group) were divided into the NC1 subgroup (28(+1)-32(+0) weeks of gestation), the NC2 subgroup (32(+1)-36(+0) weeks), and the NC3 subgroup (36(+1)-40(+0) weeks). Serum and placental ADMA levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum E2 and Pg concentrations were determined by the chemilumineseent immunoassay (CLIA). RESULTS: ADMA concentrations in both the placenta and the maternal serum were significantly higher in the sPE group (p < 0.05). Higher ADMA contents were observed in the placenta relative to the maternal serum (p < 0.05). Serum E2 levels were significantly lower in the sPE group (p < 0.05). For Pg, the only significant difference was observed between the sPE1 and NC1 subgroups (p < 0.05). The Pg/E2 ratios in the sPE groups were significantly higher, with a significant high positive correlation between Pg/E2 ratios and serum ADMA levels. CONCLUSION: Increased serum levels of ADMA in sPE may result from increased secretion from the placenta, and the increased Pg/E2 ratio may play a role in the development of sPE by aggravating ADMA.

Involvement of phosphate supplies in different transcriptional regulation pathway of Oryza sativa L.'s antioxidative system in response to arsenite and cadmium stress.

The roles of different concentrations of arsenite (As(III)) and cadmium (Cd) (0, 25 and 50 µM) in the absence and presence (1.7 mM) of phosphate (P) in tolerance and antioxidant genes expression in Oryza sativa L. were investigated. The growth parameters, metal accumulation, lipid peroxidation and soluble protein and 17 genes involved in metal accumulation and oxidative stress were measured. In our results, Lsi6 (OsNIP2;2) could play an important role in As(III) accumulation of shoots and roots in P supply (+P) and deficiency (-P) plant, while OsNRAMP5 was attributed to the part of As(III) uptake though roots under -P condition. Both of Lsi6 and OsNRAMP5 could involve Cd uptake of roots in +P plant. OsNRAMP1 was a main transporter for As(III) and Cd uptake in roots of -P plant. However, +P increased the soluble protein contents and reduced the lipid peroxidation under As(III) or Cd exposures. In As(III) exposed rice seedlings, SOD, CAT, POD, GPX, AsA-GSH cycle and GSH metabolism process were provoked to eliminate ROS induced by As(III), especially under -P condition. In Cd exposed rice seedlings, AsA-GSH cycle and GSH metabolism process played a main role in the detoxification process of plant cells, and +P could promote enzyme system activity. Furthermore, +P improve the tolerance ability of plants to tolerant 50 µM As(III) and Cd exposures compared to P deficiency.

Organophosphate esters uptake, translocation and accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.): impacts of lipid transporters and chemical properties.

To explore key factors involved in the uptake, translocation and accumulation of organophosphate esters (OPEs), computer simulation analysis and hydroponic experiments were executed. Lipid transporters with stocky-like active (SAC) cavities usually showed stronger binding affinities with the OPEs, especially when the SAC cavities belong to the Fish Trap model according to molecular docking. In our hydroponic trial, the binding affinity and gene expression of the lipid transporters and log Kow of the OPEs could be charged to the uptake, translocation and accumulation of the OPEs; however, these three factors played various important roles in roots and shoots. In detail, the effect of gene expression and binding affinity were stronger than log Kow in roots uptake and accumulation, but the result was the opposite in the shoots translocation. Transporters OsTIL and OsLTPL1 among all investigated transporters could play key roles in transporter-mediated OPE uptake, translocation and accumulation in the roots and shoots. OsMLP could be involved in the bidirected vertical translocation of the OPEs. OsLTP2 and OsLTP4 mainly acted as transporters of the OPEs in roots.

Repeat corneal transplantation in Southern China: Indications, surgical technique, outcomes, and risk factors for repeat keratoplasty failure.

PURPOSE: To report the indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes of repeat keratoplasty and evaluate the risk factors for graft failure in the Chinese population. METHODS: The medical records of 216 patients (243 cases) who underwent at least two keratoplasties at a leading eye hospital in southern China between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Indications and surgical procedures for repeat corneal transplantation were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine the graft survival rate after repeat keratoplasty. A multivariable survival model was used to assess the risk factors. RESULTS: Repeated keratoplasties increased continuously from 2011 to 2020 (P = 0.002). The most common primary indication was infectious keratitis (38.7%), and the most common reason for repeat keratoplasty was graft rejection (30.04%). Regraft techniques included penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in 165 cases (67.9%), deep lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in 52 cases (21.40%), and endothelial keratoplasty (EK) in 26 cases (10.7%). Median survival was 5.3, 6.8, and 6.4 years for PK, DALK, and EK, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 53.5%, 66.6%, and 69.8% for PK, DALK, and EK, respectively. The median LogMAR visual acuity was 1.4 for PK, 0.75 for DALK, and 1.2 for EK at the end of the follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that graft rejection is a risk factor for repeat keratoplasty failure (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: DALK and EK may provide better outcomes than PK in treating graft failure. Preventing and treating postoperative graft rejection may be key to improving regraft survival. These findings will aid in the management of failed corneal grafts.

Phytic acid cross-linked and Hofmeister effect strengthened polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels for zinc ion storage.

It is a big challenge to retain the water and thus reduce the charge impedance for solid electrolytes used in flexible and wearable zinc ion batteries. Here, we propose novel phytic acid (PA) cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels as high-performanced solid electrolytes strengthened by the Hofmeister effect. In this approach, freeze-thawing followed by a salting-out procedure via anions to induce the Hofmeister effect can greatly improve the tensile strain and flexibility of the hydrogels. The PA addition dramatically enhances the ionic conductivity and increases the affinity between the electrolyte and zinc plate. Consequently, the PVA/PA hydrogels exhibit remarkable electrochemical performances with stable full-cell cycling in zinc ion storage and capability in inhibiting Zn dendrite growth.

Transformation of cell wall pectin profile during postharvest ripening process alters drying behavior and regulates the sugar content of dried plums.

This study evaluated the effects of postharvest ripening (0-6 days, D0-6) on cell wall pectin profile, infrared-assisted hot air-drying characteristics, and sugar content. Results showed that during postharvest ripening progress, the content of water-soluble pectin (WSP) and chelate-soluble pectin (CSP) increased while the content of Na2CO3-soluble pectin (NSP) and hemicellulose (HC) decreased. In addition, the average molecular weight of WSP increased while the average molecular weight of NSP decreased. Secondly, the drying time of plums with different postharvest ripening periods was in the order: D3 < D4 < D2 < D1 < D0 < D5 < D6. Furthermore, the sugar content of dried plums was mainly influenced by drying time, with three stages of sugar changes observed, tied to moisture content: (1) Sucrose hydrolyzes (50-85%); (2) Fructose and glucose degrade (15-50%); (3) Sorbitol degrades (15-42%). These findings indicate that the transformation of cell wall pectin profile during the postharvest ripening process alters drying behavior and regulates the sugar content of dried plums. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS STUDIED IN THIS ARTICLE: Galacturonic acid (PubChem CID: 439215); Acetone (PubChem CID: 180); Distilled water (PubChem CID: 962); Trans-1,2-Diaminocyclohexane-N, N, N, N'-tetraacetic acid (PubChem CID: 2723845); Na2CO3 (PubChem CID: 10340); Glucose (PubChem CID: 5793); fructose (PubChem CID: 2723872) sucrose (PubChem CID: 5988) sorbitol (PubChem CID: 5780) and Sodium borohydride (PubChem CID: 4311764).

Changes and correlation analysis of volatile flavor compounds, amino acids, and soluble sugars in durian during different drying processes.

Durian contains rich flavor components that undergo complex changes during drying. In this study, durian was subjected to integrated freeze-drying (IFD), conventional freeze-drying (CFD), and hot air drying (AD). Compared with the fresh samples, those dried by IFD, CFD, and AD lost 11, 9, and 7 original volatile compounds, respectively, and generated 7, 6, and 8 new volatile compounds, respectively, and showed a rapid and then slow decreasing trend in the total content during drying. However, the types of amino acids and soluble sugars remained unchanged during each of the drying methods. Furthermore, volatile compounds showed a significant negative correlation with the majority of amino acids and a significant positive correlation with soluble sugars. The IFD samples had the highest content of volatile compounds, amino acids, and soluble sugars. Therefore, IFD is recommended as a preferable drying method for durian.

Effect of guar gum, gelatin, and pectin on moisture changes in freeze-dried restructured strawberry blocks.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of edible gum addition on moisture changes in freeze-dried restructured strawberry blocks (FRSB), which involved five groups: the control, 1.2% guar gum, 1.2% gelatin, 1.2% pectin, and the composite group with 0.5% guar gum, 0.5% gelatin, and 0.45% pectin. The results indicated that the drying rates of the five groups of FRSB presented similar early acceleration and later deceleration trends. Moisture content in FRSB was linearly predicted by peak area of low field nuclear magnetic resonance with R2 higher than 0.90 for all the five groups. The FRSB samples in the gelatin and composition groups formed a denser porous structure and had a lower hygroscopicity after four days of storage. This study provides a theoretical basis for controlling the processing of FRSB.

Characterization of Cu-tolerant bacteria and definition of their role in promotion of growth, Cu accumulation and reduction of Cu toxicity in Triticum aestivum L.

The effects of Cu-tolerant bacteria strain USTB-O on Cu accumulation, plant growth and reduction of Cu toxicity in wheat seedlings Triticum aestivum L. were investigated. The strain was identified as belonging to Bacillus species and showed a specific tolerance to Cu through binding the Cu ions to the cell walls to reduce their entry into the cells. The bacteria not only increased Cu accumulation in wheat seedlings, but also secreted indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and therefore promoted plant growth. Moreover, the bacteria effectively improved the antioxidant defence system to alleviate the oxidative damage induced by Cu. The bacteria promoted superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both shoots and roots to reduce superoxide radicals. The bacteria stimulated all enzymes activities under Cu exposure conditions, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in shoots and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) in roots were major enzymes to eliminate H2O2 in wheat seedlings.

Effect of preparation conditions on the size and encapsulation properties of mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles simultaneously loaded with vincristine sulfate and curcumin.

This study prepared monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) nanoparticles simultaneously loaded with vincristine sulfate (Vin) and curcumin (Cur) via O/W emulsion solvent evaporation. Five independent processing parameters were systematically evaluated to enhance the entrapment of dual agents with different properties (i.e. Vin and Cur, which are the hydrophilic and hydrophobic, respectively) into mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles and to control the particle size. The approaches used to investigate the enhancement of drug entrapment efficiencies and control over the particle size included mPEG-PLGA concentration, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration, initial Vin/Cur content, dichloromethane-to-acetone volume ratio, and aqueous-to-organic phase volume ratio. The nanoparticles produced using the optimum formulation conditions had a particle size of 131.5 nm with a low polydispersity index of 0.047. The entrapment efficiencies were 63.52 ± 2.36% for Vin and 54.60 ± 2.46% for Cur (n = 3). The drug loadings were 1.06 ± 0.04% for Vin and 3.64 ± 0.16% for Cur (n = 3).

Effects of vanadate supply on plant growth, Cu accumulation, and antioxidant capacities in Triticum aestivum L.

The effects of normal vanadate (V) supply (40 µM) on copper (Cu) accumulation, plant growth and reduction in Cu toxicity in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) were investigated. The results showed Cu accumulation (mg g(-1 )dw) in the applied V treatment was about 10.2 % in shoots and 16.7 % in roots higher up on exposure to excess Cu (300 µM) than that observed only in excess Cu plants. Compared with the treatment of the normal concentration used in Hoagland's culture solution Cu (0.6 µM), excess Cu significantly induced lipid peroxidation indicated by accumulation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (MDA). The seedlings showed apparent symptoms of Cu toxicity and plant growth were significantly inhibited by excess Cu. The applied V significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in roots caused by excess Cu and inhibited the appearance of Cu toxicity symptoms. Moreover, the applied V effectively improved the antioxidant defense system to alleviate the oxidative damage induced by Cu. Although the addition of V could promote superoxide dismutase in both shoots and roots to reduce superoxide radicals, peroxidase and catalase in shoots and ascorbate peroxidase and dehydroascorbate reductase in roots were major enzymes to eliminate H2O2 in wheat seedlings.

Elliptical deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in severe Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an intractable infection of the cornea. Penetrating keratoplasty is widely used for the management of severe AK but suffers from complications like graft rejection, endophthalmitis, and glaucoma. Herein, we aimed to describe the surgical technique and the results of elliptical deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (eDALK) for the management of severe AK. In this retrospective case series, records of consecutive patients with AK poorly responsive to medical treatment who underwent eDALK from January 2012 to May 2020 were reviewed. The largest diameter of infiltration was ≥8 mm and did not involve the endothelium. The recipient bed was made by an elliptical trephine, and big bubble or wet-peeling technique was performed. Postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, corneal topographic data, and complications were evaluated. Thirteen eyes of thirteen patients (eight men and five women, 45.54 ± 11.78 years old) were included in this study. The mean follow-up interval was 21.31 ± 19.59 months (range, 12-82 months). At the last follow-up, the mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.35 ± 0.27 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. The mean refractive and topographic astigmatism were - 3.21 ± 1.77 and 3.08 ± 1.14 D, respectively. Intraoperative perforation was encountered in one case and double anterior chambers occurred in two cases. One graft developed stromal rejection and one eye developed amoebic recurrence. eDALK can serve as the first-line surgical management of severe AK poorly responsive to medical treatment.

Structure-Guided Evolution Modulate Alcohol Oxidase to Improve Ethanol Oxidation Performance.

A high ethanol usage of alcohol oxidase (AOX) was required in industry. In this study, a "expand substrate pocket" strategy achieved a high activity AOX from Hansenula polymorpha (H. polymorpha) by Phe to Val residue (F/V) site-directed mutation to enlarge ethanol channel. Although H. Polymorpha AOX (HpAOX) possessed respectively 71.3% and 76.1% similarity with AOX (PpAOX) from Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris) in DNA and protein sequences, their active site structures including catalytic site and substrate channel were similar according to computer-aided analysis. After 3D structure analysis, Phe99 residue of their substrate channels was the most important residue to impact enzyme activity because of its large aromatic side chains. F99V mutation of HpAOX (HpAOXF99V) was designed and executed based on the enzyme catalytic mechanism and molecular computation in order to allow more larger size ethanol into active site. The highest enzyme activity of the fourth strains of HpAOXF99V mutant strain exhibited 12.06-folds increase than that of the host GS115 strain. Furthermore, kinetic studies indicated that the HpAOXF99V significantly promoted catalytic efficiency of ethanol than HpAOX, including Km, Vmax, kcat and kcat/Km. We also provided a new insight that the cofactor FAD irritated both active AOX octamer biosynthesis production and enzyme-catalysed ability due to help enzyme assembly and redox potential.