A Glial K/Cl Transporter Controls Neuronal Receptive Ending Shape by Chloride Inhibition of an rGC.

Neurons receive input from the outside world or from other neurons through neuronal receptive endings (NREs). Glia envelop NREs to create specialized microenvironments; however, glial functions at these sites are poorly understood. Here, we report a molecular mechanism by which glia control NRE shape and associated animal behavior. The C. elegans AMsh glial cell ensheathes the NREs of 12 neurons, including the thermosensory neuron AFD. KCC-3, a K/Cl transporter, localizes specifically to a glial microdomain surrounding AFD receptive ending microvilli, where it regulates K(+) and Cl(-) levels. We find that Cl(-) ions function as direct inhibitors of an NRE-localized receptor-guanylyl-cyclase, GCY-8, which synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). High cGMP mediates the effects of glial KCC-3 on AFD shape by antagonizing the actin regulator WSP-1/NWASP. Components of this pathway are broadly expressed throughout the nervous system, suggesting that ionic regulation of the NRE microenvironment may be a conserved mechanism by which glia control neuron shape and function.

The landscape of angiogenesis and inflammatory factors in eyes with myopic choroidal neovascularization before and after anti-VEGF injection.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the levels of angiogenesis and inflammatory cytokines in individuals with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and the changes in these factors following intravitreal anti-VEGF injection. METHODS: Aqueous humor samples were gathered from eyes with mCNV, those with single macular bleeding (SMB) without mCNV in highly myopic eyes, and those with age-related cataracts. Using a multiplex bead immunoassay, we analyzed 28 angiogenesis and inflammatory factors in the aqueous humor. Furthermore, clinical data were documented for correlation analysis. RESULTS: In this study, the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and fibroblast growth factors 1 (FGF-1) were significantly elevated in mCNV compared to SMB eyes (p < 0.05). Their odds ratios for mCNV occurrence were 1.05, 3.45, and 2.64, respectively. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and VEGF-C were notably higher in mCNV than in cataract patients (p < 0.05), and VEGF-C correlated to the degree of myopic atrophic maculopathy (p = 0.024). Axial length exhibited a negative correlation with VEGF-A and positive correlations with VEGF-C, HGF, and MCP-1 (p < 0.01). Following anti-VEGF treatment, a reduction in VEGF-A, endothelin-1, and FGF-2 was noted in mCNV patients (p < 0.05), but MCP-1 levels increased. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the predominant role of angiogenesis and inflammation factors in mCNV pathogenesis. VEGF-C's correlation with axial length and atrophy suggests its involvement in the process of myopic atrophic maculopathy.

A colorimetric/electrochemical sensor based on coral-like CuCo2O4@AuNPs composites for sensitive dopamine detection.

As a central neurotransmitter, DA (dopamine) plays a vital part in human metabolism, and its accurate detection is of great significance in disease diagnosis. In this work, we used Cu/Co bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as templates and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to construct novel nanocomposite coral-like CuCo2O4@AuNPs with strong peroxidase activity and electrochemical response. The coral-like CuCo2O4@AuNPs showed excellent peroxidase activity, and the Km value was as low as 0.358 mM. In the presence of H2O2, the colorless substrate 3,3',5,5', -tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) can be catalytically oxidized into a blue product. Simultaneously, coral-like CuCo2O4@AuNPs, as an electroactive substance, possess strong electrocatalytic activity, which enhances the electron-transfer rate and promotes excellent current response. In the presence of DA, coral-like CuCo2O4@AuNPs can catalyze the oxidation of DA to dopaquinone, which further enhances the electrochemical signal. In addition, DA captures hydroxyl radicals and inhibits the oxidation of TMB, resulting in an obvious color change (blue turns colorless) and realizing colorimetric detection with the naked eye. On this basis, we successfully established a dual-mode colorimetric/electrochemical sensor using coral-like CuCo2O4@AuNP nanocomposites as a dual-signal probe. Combining colorimetric and electrochemical detection, the sensor achieved a wide linear range (0-1 mM) and a low detection limit (0.07 µM) for DA concentration. It was also successfully used for the detection of DA in human serum and urine with good results. In summary, this work provides an intuitive, economical, sensitive, and promising platform for DA detection.

DIFFERENCES IN THE PROGRESSION BETWEEN MYOPIC MACULOSCHISIS EYES WITH AND WITHOUT MACULAR DETACHMENT IN THE NATURAL COURSE OF THE DISEASE: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study Based on the New Myopic Traction Maculopathy Staging System.

PURPOSE: To investigate the pace of visual acuity loss in myopic maculoschisis eyes with or without macular detachment and identify associated risk factors. METHODS: One thousand three hundred and thirty-four eyes of 991 patients with high myopia were reviewed. A new myopic traction maculopathy staging system classified four retinal stages and three foveal stages. To the myopic traction maculopathy eyes with normal fovea, maculoschisis with and without macular detachment was defined as Stage 3a and Stages 1a, 2a respectively. RESULTS: One hundred and ten (8.25%) eyes with maculoschisis were included, with a follow-up of 24.00 ± 17.47 months. Of them, 84 (76.36%) were Stages 1a, 2a, and 26 (23.64%) were Stage 3a. The visual acuity loss per year during the follow-up period was similar between eyes with Stages 1a, 2a and Stage 3a (3.13 ± 12.21 vs. 3.41 ± 18.42 letters, P = 0.930). Multivariate analyses revealed that vitreomacular interface factors were significantly associated with visual acuity loss during the follow-up, no matter in Stages 1a, 2a or Stage 3a ( P = 0.039 and P = 0.038, respectively). In the Stages 1a, 2a group, the percentage of eyes that lost at least 10 letters at the final visit compared with the baseline visual acuity was higher in eyes with vitreomacular interface factors than in those without vitreomacular interface factors (13 eyes, 50.00% vs. 14 eyes, 24.14%, P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: No differences were found in visual acuity loss pace between Stages 1a, 2a and Stage 3a. Surgical intervention or at least more intensive follow-up should be considered for Stages 1a, 2a eyes with vitreomacular interface factors, to promote a more favorable visual outcome.

Nanoparticulate bioceramic putty suppresses osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone loss in mice via inhibition of TRAF6-mediated signalling pathways: A laboratory investigation.

AIM: This study aimed to determine the effects of iRoot BP Plus on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and inflammation-mediated bone resorption in vivo and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODOLOGY: CCK-8 was performed to test cell viability in RANKL-induced RAW 264.7 cells and BMDMs in response to iRoot BP Plus. The effect of iRoot BP Plus on osteoclastogenesis was determined using TRAP staining and phalloidin staining, respectively. Pit formation assay was conducted to measure osteoclast resorptive capacity. Western blot and qPCR were performed to examine osteoclast-related proteins and gene expression, respectively. Western blot was also used to investigate the signalling pathways involved. For in vivo experiments, an LPS-induced mouse calvarial bone resorption model was established to analyse the effect of iRoot BP Plus on bone resorption (n = 6 per group). At 7 days, mouse calvaria were collected and prepared for histological analysis. RESULTS: We identified that iRoot BP Plus extracts significantly attenuated RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, reduced sealing zone formation, restrained osteolytic capacity and decreased osteoclast-specific gene expression (p < .01). Mechanistically, iRoot BP Plus extracts reduced TRAF6 via proteasomal degradation, then suppressed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), blocked the nuclear translocation of c-Fos and diminished nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and NFATc1 accumulation. Consistent with the in vitro results, iRoot BP Plus extracts attenuated osteoclast activity thus protecting against inflammatory bone resorption in vivo (p < .05), which was accompanied by a suppression of TRAF6, c-Fos, NFATc1 and cathepsin K expression. CONCLUSION: These findings provide valuable insights into the signalling mechanisms underlying nanoparticulate bioceramic putty-mediated bone homeostasis.

Phosphate-functionalized Zirconium Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhancing Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cycling.

Lithium-sulfur batteries are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage devices due to their outstanding theoretical energy density. However, they suffer from low sulfur utilization and poor cyclability, greatly limiting their practical implementation. Herein, we adopted a phosphate-functionalized zirconium metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF) as a sulfur host. With their porous structure, remarkable electrochemical stability, and synthetic versatility, Zr-MOFs present great potential in preventing soluble polysulfides from leaching. Phosphate groups were introduced to the framework post-synthetically since they have shown a strong affinity towards lithium polysulfides and an ability to facilitate Li ion transport. The successful incorporation of phosphate in MOF-808 was demonstrated by a series of techniques including infrared spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and X-ray pair distribution function analysis. When employed in batteries, phosphate-functionalized Zr-MOF (MOF-808-PO4) exhibits significantly enhanced sulfur utilization and ion diffusion compared to the parent framework, leading to higher capacity and rate capability. The improved capacity retention and inhibited self-discharge rate also demonstrate effective polysulfide encapsulation utilizing MOF-808-PO4. Furthermore, we explored their potential towards high-density batteries by examining the cycling performance at various sulfur loadings. Our approach to correlate structure with function using hybrid inorganic-organic materials offers new chemical design strategies for advancing battery materials.

Colorimetric and handheld pH meter dual-signal readout platform for E. coli detection based on a cascade reaction.

A dual-signal readout has been designed detecting platform based on a cascade reaction for Escherichia coli (E. coli) detection by using colorimetric approach and a handheld pH meter. The immunoreaction was conducted using polydopamine@copper ferrite-Ag nanoparticles (PDA@CuFe2O4-Ag NP) and a glucose oxidase (GOD)-conjugated graphene oxide-gold nanosheet composite (GOD-GO/Au NS) to synthesize a sandwich complex mode between targets. Together with the formation of immune complexes, the GOD-GO/Au NS can catalyze glucose to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The gluconic acid produced altered the pH of the detection solution. Since the PDA@CuFe2O4-Ag NP have good peroxidase-like activity, they can catalyze the oxidation of TMB to the blue product oxTMB once H2O2 is produced in the reaction system, and the absorbance change of oxTMB at 652 nm can be recorded using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Interestingly, the PDA@CuFe2O4-Ag NP composites can consume the generated H2O2, and can create a reaction cycle that promotes glucose oxidation. Under optimal conditions, the proposed dual-channel signal platform is proportional to the logarithm of the E. coli concentration within a range of 102-107 cfu mL-1. Additionally, the devised approach was successfully used to detect E. coli at the required levels in real samples. This dual-mode detection method notably enhances the accuracy and diversity of detection, and curbs the false negative and positive rates.

A Homogeneous Colorimetric Strategy Based on Rose-like CuS@Prussian Blue/Pt for Detection of Dopamine.

The development of effective methods for dopamine detection is critical. In this study, a homogeneous colorimetric strategy for the detection of dopamine based on a copper sulfide and Prussian blue/platinum (CuS@PB/Pt) composite was developed. A rose-like CuS@PB/Pt composite was synthesized for the first time, and it was discovered that when hydrogen peroxide was present, the 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) changed from colorless into blue-oxidized TMB. The CuS@PB/Pt composite was characterized with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). Moreover, the catalytic activity of the CuS@PB/Pt composite was inhibited by the binding of dopamine to the composite. The color change of TMB can be evaluated by the UV spectrum and a portable smartphone detection device. The developed colorimetric sensor can be used to quantitatively analyze dopamine between 1 and 60 µM with a detection limit of 0.28 µM. Furthermore, the sensor showed good long-term stability and good performance in human serum samples. Compared with other reported methods, this strategy can be performed rapidly (16 min) and has the advantage of smartphone visual detection. The portable smartphone detection device is portable and user-friendly, providing convenient colorimetric analysis for serum. This colorimetric strategy also has considerable potential for the development of in vitro diagnosis methods in combination with other test strips.

Signal-on photoelectrochemical immunoassay for salivary cortisol based on silver nanoclusters-triggered ion-exchange reaction with CdS quantum dots.

Nowadays, the epidemic, employment, and academic pressures are seriously affecting our physical and mental health. Herein, we designed a magneto-controlled photoelectrochemical immunosensor for noninvasive monitoring of salivary cortisol regarded as a pressure biomarker. A competitive immunoassay model was established by coupling bovine serum albumin-cortisol modified magnetic beads (MB-BSA-cortisol) with silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs)-labelled anti-cortisol antibody, and quantity analysis was operated by photoelectrochemical measurement of the CdS/Au electrode as an ion-exchange platform. Accompanying the formation of immune complexes, the carried Ag NCs were readily dissolved with nitric acid to produce abundant silver ions, which transferred to the electrode for ion-exchange reaction with CdS quantum dots to produce Ag2S, a new electron-hole capture site, leading to a decrease in the photocurrent intensity. The photocurrent signal gradually recovered with the increase of concentration of target cortisol, acquiring the signal-on mode competitive immunosensing system, which is propitious to the detection of small molecules. Within optimal conditions, this sensor had a satisfactory linear relationship in the range of 0.0001-100 ng mL-1 with favorable repeatability, specificity, and acceptable method accuracy. The detection limit was as low as 0.06 pg mL-1. In addition, this strategy provided new thought for the test of other small-molecule analytes and immunosensor applied in the complex biological system.

CHANGES IN MYOPIC MACULOPATHY BASED ON ATN CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

PURPOSE: To assess changes in myopic maculopathy based on the ATN classification system with optical coherence tomography angiography. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The macular choroidal thickness (MCT) and the choriocapillaris flow (CC) were measured with optical coherence tomography angiography. The relationship of MCT and CC with different chorioretinal atrophy (A), myopic foveoschisis (T), and myopic neovascularization (N) grades was investigated. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-three participates (219 eyes) were included. MCT and CC had no significant correlation with different T grades (P > 0.05). Choriocapillaris flow had a significant decrease in eyes with lacquer cracks compared with those with no neovascular maculopathy (P < 0.05) and showed a significant increase in active choroidal neovascularization compared with those with lacquer cracks (P < 0.05). Macular choroidal thickness and CC had negative correlations with different A grades (P < 0.001). MCT showed the greatest decrease in the early stage of myopic atrophic maculopathy (P < 0.001), and CC showed the most significant reduction in the late stage (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Choroidal changes in the highly myopic patients were detected by optical coherence tomography angiography. Progressive ischemia in the macula may play an important role in the development of myopic atrophic maculopathy. Active choroidal neovascularization may have manifested as compensation for the decrease in MCT and CC. On the contrary, myopic traction maculopathy had little correlation with choroidal changes.

CHARACTERISTICS AND MANAGEMENT OF MYOPIC TRACTION MACULOPATHY IN MYOPIC EYES WITH AXIAL LENGTH LESS THAN 26.5 mm.

PURPOSE: To explore the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) with axial length less than 26.5 mm and to assess the effectiveness of macular buckling for the treatment of MTM. METHODS: Thirty-eight MTM eyes with axial length less than 26.5 mm were prospectively enrolled. Thirty-one eyes received surgery, and they were followed up for at least 6 months. Characteristics of MTM and surgical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the MTM eyes, 92.11% (35/38) showed posterior staphyloma. Narrow macular staphyloma was the most common type (54.29%, 19/35), followed by peripapillary (37.14%, 13/35). Three cases (8.57%) had wide macular staphyloma, and 44.74% of cases (17/38) had vitreoretinal traction. Twenty-two MTM eyes of type T3 underwent macular buckling surgery, and all the cases achieved foveal reattachment after the surgery. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly at the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). Nine MTM eyes of type T4 or T5 received combined surgery, all macular holes recovered, and the best-corrected visual acuity also improved postoperatively (P = 0.008) as of the 6-month visit. CONCLUSION: Posterior staphyloma might serve as the initial force of the pathogenesis of MTM in eyes with axial length ˂26.5 mm. Macular buckling is a productive way to improve the MTM.

MACULAR BUCKLING COMBINED WITH VITRECTOMY AND INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP TECHNIQUE FOR MACULAR HOLES WITH MACULAR RETINOSCHISIS WITHOUT RETINAL DETACHMENT IN HIGH MYOPIA.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes of macular buckling combined with vitrectomy and inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for highly myopic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) with macular retinoschisis. METHODS: Twenty-six eyes of 26 consecutive patients were retrospectively included. Twelve eyes underwent macular buckling alone (buckling group). Fourteen eyes underwent macular buckling and vitrectomy with an inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique (combination group). Patients were followed for at least 9 months. Rates of FTMH closure and macular retinoschisis resolution, best-corrected visual acuity gained at the final visit were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 13.00 ± 3.16 months. FTMH closed in six eyes (50%) of the buckling group and 13 eyes (92.86%) of the combination group ( P = 0.026) at the final visit. The macular retinoschisis resolution rate was close between two groups (100% vs. 92.86%; P = 1.000). Both groups achieved significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (10.42 ± 17.25 and 16.36 ± 10.39 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters; P = 0.014 and P < 0.001). The combination group achieved slightly more best-corrected visual acuity improvement, but the difference fell short of significance ( P =0.312). CONCLUSION: Combination of macular buckling and vitrectomy with the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique could achieve a high FTMH closure rate and significant best-corrected visual acuity improvement in FTMH with macular retinoschisis.

Expression of PINK1 and Parkin in human apical periodontitis.

AIM: PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (Parkin) are critical for immune and inflammatory regulation in health and disease. PINK1 and Parkin have been confirmed to be involved in the progression of apical periodontitis by affecting mitophagy-related osteoblast apoptosis; however, the expression of PINK1 and Parkin in macrophages, one of the most important cells in apical periodontitis, remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the expression of PINK1 and Parkin in human apical periodontitis lesions, as well as their possible localization in macrophages. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-seven human periapical tissues, including periapical granulomas (PGs, n = 12), radicular cysts (RCs, n = 11) and healthy gingival tissues (n = 14) were examined. The inflammatory infiltrates of lesions were evaluated by haematoxylin staining, and the expression of PINK1 and Parkin was detected by immunohistochemistry. Double immunofluorescence was used to explore the colocalization of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and TOMM20, as well as the localization of PINK1 and Parkin, in macrophages of human apical periodontitis lesions. The ultrastructural morphology of mitochondria in human apical periodontitis lesions was visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Data were analysed by one-way anova with Student-Newman-Keul's test and the Mann-Whitney test. p < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a significantly higher expression of PINK1 and Parkin proteins in human apical periodontitis lesions than in healthy gingival tissues (p < .0001), but no significant difference was demonstrated between PGs and RCs (p > .05). The higher expression of LC3 and the presence of more LC3-TOMM20 double-positive cells were also observed in human apical periodontitis. Double-labelling analysis of PINK1, Parkin and LC3 with CD68 indicated that macrophage mitophagy might be present in the progression of human apical periodontitis. Finally, the results of TEM morphological analysis revealed the appearance of double-membraned mitophagosomes and vacuolated mitochondria in macrophage-like cells of apical periodontitis lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that PINK1 and Parkin proteins were highly expressed in clinical apical periodontitis lesions.

Molecular Dipole-Induced Photoredox Catalysis for Hydrogen Evolution over Self-Assembled Naphthalimide Nanoribbons.

D-π-A type 4-((9-phenylcarbazol-3-yl)ethynyl)-N-dodecyl-1,8-naphthalimide (CZNI) with a large dipole moment of 8.49 D and A-π-A type bis[(4,4'-1,8-naphthalimide)-N-dodecyl]ethyne (NINI) with a negligible dipole moment of 0.28 D, were smartly designed and synthesized to demonstrate the evidence of a molecular dipole as the dominant mechanism for controlling charge separation of organic semiconductors. In aqueous solution, these two novel naphthalimides can self-assemble to form nanoribbons (NRs) that present significantly different traces of exciton dissociation dynamics. Upon photoexcitation of NINI-NRs, no charge-separated excitons (CSEs) are formed due to the large exciton binding energy, accordingly there is no hydrogen evolution. On the contrary, in the photoexcited CZNI-NRs, the initial bound Frenkel excitons are dissociated to long-lived CSEs after undergoing ultrafast charge transfer within ca. 1.25 ps and charge separation within less than 5.0 ps. Finally, these free electrons were injected into Pt co-catalysts for reducing protons to H2 at a rate of ca. 417 µmol h-1 g-1 , correspondingly an apparent quantum efficiency of ca. 1.3 % can be achieved at 400 nm.

Outcomes of macular buckling surgery in myopic foveal detachment eyes with and without disrupted ellipsoid zone band: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of macular buckling (MB) surgery between myopic foveal detachment (FD) eyes with and without ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption. METHODS: A retrospective, case-control study. Forty-four consecutive eyes from 44 patients received MB surgery for myopic FD between November 2017 and January 2019 were included. The eyes were divided into two groups according to the integrity of EZ on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT): 28 eyes with disrupted EZ band and 16 eyes with intact EZ band. Main outcome measures were visual acuity and the duration of subfoveal fluid (SFF) after MB. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 17.64 ± 6.61 and 16.06 ± 5.78 months in the disrupted EZ and intact EZ group, respectively (P = 0.430). The logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly, from 1.13 ± 0.46 and 1.12 ± 0.39 at baseline to 0.85 ± 0.65 (P = 0.002) and 0.53 ± 0.33 (P = 0.000) for the disrupted EZ group and intact EZ group, respectively. The mean visual improvement was 15.00 ± 14.14 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters for the disrupted EZ group and 26.88 ± 19.48 ETDRS letters for the intact EZ group. Significant difference was found on both final postoperative BCVA (P = 0.035) and visual improvement (P = 0.025). At 6 months, SFF remained in 53.57% (15/28) of the eyes in the disrupted EZ group and in only 12.50% (2/16) of the eyes in the intact EZ group (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: The intact EZ group showed better functional and anatomical outcomes than the disrupted EZ group after MB surgery.

CHANGES IN THE CHOROIDAL THICKNESS AFTER MACULAR BUCKLING IN HIGHLY MYOPIC EYES.

PURPOSE: To assess changes in the choroidal thickness (CT) after macular buckling in eyes with high myopia. METHODS: Highly myopic eyes that underwent macular buckling surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Data of swept-source optical coherence tomography scanning at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after macular buckling were collected. Subfoveal CT and CT at 750 µm superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal to the fovea were measured. The total choroidal area, vascular area, and stromal area were measured by the binarization method. The choroidal vascularity index was calculated by dividing the vascular area by the total choroidal area. RESULTS: Forty-one eyes were included in the final analysis. The subfoveal CT increased from 49.85 ± 31.23 µm preoperatively to 75.74 ± 37.89 µm 1 month after macular buckling (P < 0.001), then decreased over time, coinciding with the trends of parafoveal CT, total choroidal area, vascular area, and stromal area. The subfoveal CT was restored to the preoperative level six months postoperatively (P = 0.202) and remained stable until the end of follow-up. The choroidal vascularity index increased at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (P = 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: The choroid thickened in the early postoperative period. The compression force of the buckle implant might disturb microcirculatory drainage and contribute to the thickening. The choroid spontaneously recovered to the preoperative level over time.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EYES WITH DIFFERENT GRADES OF MYOPIC TRACTION MACULOPATHY: Based on the New Classification System.

PURPOSE: To analyze clinical characteristics in eyes with myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). METHODS: Nine hundred and ninety-one patients (1,334 eyes) with MTM, who visited Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from January 2014 to December 2019, were involved. Myopic traction maculopathy was classified into six grades according to the new classification system: no macular schisis (T0), inner or outer foveoschisis (FS) (T1); inner and outer FS (T2), foveal detachment (T3), full-thickness macular hole (T4), and macular hole retinal detachment (T5). RESULTS: Seven hundred and seventy-eight (58.32%) eyes were in T0, 157 (11.77%) in T1, 177 (13.27%) in T2, 129 (9.67%) in T3, 45 (3.37%) in T4, and 48 (3.67%) in T5. With the severity of MTM, age increased and the best-corrected visual acuity became worse (P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were found on spherical equivalent refraction or axial length among different grades of MTM (P > 0.05). Moreover, significant differences on best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent refraction, axial length, and staphyloma rate existed between eyes with inner FS and eyes with outer FS (P < 0.01), but not between eyes with outer FS and eyes with both inner FS and outer FS (P > 0.05). Besides, significant differences were found on spherical equivalent refraction, axial length, and staphyloma rate between full-thickness macular hole with and without macular schisis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Spherical equivalent refraction and axial length were not correlated with the severity of MTM in this cohort. It might be preferable to categorize eyes with outer FS and eyes with both inner FS and outer FS as a same grade. Potential difference in the pathogenesis between full-thickness macular hole with and without macular schisis might exist.

DEEP PHENOTYPING AND FURTHER INSIGHTS INTO ITM2B-RELATED RETINAL DYSTROPHY.

PURPOSE: To reappraise the presentation and the course of ITM2B-related retinal dystrophy and give further insights into ITM2B expression in the retina. METHODS: The clinical data of nine subjects with ITM2B-related retinal dystrophy were retrospectively reviewed. The genetic mutation was assessed for its influence on splicing in cultured fibroblasts. The cellular expression of ITM2B within the inner retina was investigated in wild-type mice through mRNA in situ hybridization. RESULTS: All patients complained of decreased vision and mild photophobia around their twenties-thirties. The peculiar feature was the hyperreflective material on optical coherence tomography within the inner retina and the central outer nuclear layer with thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Although retinal imaging revealed very mild or no changes over the years, the visual acuity slowly decreased with about one Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter per year. Finally, full-field electroretinography showed a mildly progressive inner retinal and cone dysfunction. ITM2B mRNA is expressed in all cellular types of the inner retina. Disease mechanism most likely involves mutant protein misfolding and/or modified protein interaction rather than misplicing. CONCLUSION: ITM2B-related retinal dystrophy is a peculiar, rare, slowly progressive retinal degeneration. Functional examinations (full-field electroretinography and visual acuity) seem more accurate in monitoring the progression in these patients because imaging tends to be stable over the years.

Retro-orbital injection of FITC-dextran combined with isolectin B4 in assessing the retinal neovascularization defect.

BACKGROUND: A reliable and effective method is required to deliver agent that can aid the in vivo imaging of retinal vessels. The aim of the present study was to evaluate retro-orbital (RO) injection of fluorescein-labeled isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-dextran) as a method of demonstrating retinal neovascularization (NV) and avascular areas in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice. METHODS: Different concentrations of FITC-dextran were used to compare the efficacy of this agent in perfusing the retinal vessels. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the safety of RO injection. The vitreous blood vessels and extent of NV were assessed in P17 OIR mice using FITC-dextran and compared with the corresponding measurements obtained following isolectin B4 staining or the combination of both methods. RESULTS: The fluorescence of small vessels and neovascular tufts could be observed clearly following RO injection of 0.05 ml of 25 mg/ml or 50 mg/ml FITC-dextran. No visible damage to tissues adjacent to the injection site was discovered. Vitreous blood flow was gradually reduced from P0 to P5 and eventually disappeared in P17 OIR mice, as demonstrated by FITC-dextran perfusion. The retinal NV areas assessed by isolectin B4 were larger than those assessed by FITC-dextran, but the retinal avascular areas were smaller. The combination of both methods could conduce to distinguish non-functional blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: RO injection of FITC-dextran combined with isolectin B4 is an effective, optimal method for assessing the NV area and avascular area.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND VISUAL ACUITY OF HIGHLY MYOPIC EYES WITH DIFFERENT SEVERITIES OF MYOPIC MACULOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To investigate the morphological feature, visual acuity, and prevalence of macular complications in highly myopic eyes with different categories of myopic maculopathy (MM) according to the META-PM classification system. METHODS: The clinical records of 1,132 consecutive patients (1,841 eyes) with high myopia (refractive error ≤ -6D and axial length ≥26.5 mm), who visited the High Myopia Clinic at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from January 2014 to July 2017, were reviewed. Fundus photograph, optical coherence tomography, axial length, refractive error, and best-corrected visual acuity were measured in each patient. Myopic maculopathy was graded from fundus photographs according to the META-PM classification, including tessellated fundus (C1), diffuse chorioretinal atrophy (C2), patchy atrophy (C3), and macular atrophy (C4). Other macular complications, including foveoschisis, extrafoveal schisis, full-thickness macular hole, epiretinal membrane, lacquer cracks, Fuchs spot, choroidal neovascularization, macular hemorrhage, and dome-shaped macula, were also investigated. RESULTS: Among the 1,841 eyes, 58 (3.15%) had no MM (C0), 779 (42.31%) had tessellated fundus only (C1), 524 (28.46%) had diffuse chorioretinal atrophy (C2), 352 (19.12%) had patchy chorioretinal atrophy (C3), and 128 (6.95%) had macular atrophy (C4). Age increased and best-corrected visual acuity became worse with the severity of MM (P < 0.01). Axial length was significantly longer with the severity of MM from C0 to C3 (P < 0.01), and spherical equivalent was greater with the severity of MM from C0 to C3 (P < 0.01) but was not different between C3 and C4 (P > 0.05). Subfoveal and parafoveal choroidal thicknesses were significantly thinner from C0 to C3 (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference was found between C3 and C4 in parafoveal choroidal thickness (P > 0.05). The complications were different among C0 to C4 correlated with MM (P < 0.01). The complications of foveoschisis, choroidal neovascularization, hemorrhage, lacquer cracks, Fuchs spot, dome-shaped macula, and epiretinal membrane were different between C1 and C2 (P < 0.01), but none of the complications were different between C3 and C4 (P > 0.05) except Fuchs spot (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The morphological and functional characteristics in eyes with high myopia were positively correlated with the severity of C0 to C3 MM. However, no morphological difference was found between C3 and C4. The absence of the progressive relationship between C3 and C4 might be determined.