miR-92b-3p protects retinal tissues against DNA damage and apoptosis by targeting BTG2 in experimental myopia.

BACKGROUND: Myopia is one of the eye diseases that can damage the vision of young people. This study aimed to explore the protective role of miR-92b-3p against DNA damage and apoptosis in retinal tissues of negative lens-induced myopic (LIM) guinea pigs by targeting BTG2. METHODS: Biometric measurements of ocular parameters, flash electroretinogram (FERG), and retinal thickness (RT) were performed after miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection in LIM guinea pigs. The apoptotic rate was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and the change in mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining. Retinal apoptosis and expression of p53, BTG2, and CDK2 were explored by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick labeling (TUNEL) and immunofluorescence staining assays, respectively. BTG2 and its upstream and downstream molecules at gene and protein levels in retinal tissues were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with normal controls (NC), the ocular axial length of LIM guinea pig significantly increased, whereas refraction decreased. Meanwhile, dMax-a and -b wave amplitudes of ERG declined, retinal thickness was decreased, the number of apoptotic cells and apoptotic rate in LIM eyes was exaggerated, and the mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased. In addition, results of qPCR and Western blot assays showed that the expression levels of p53, BTG2, CDK2, and BAX in LIM guinea pigs were higher than the levels of the NC group, whereas the BCL-2 expression level was decreased. By contrast, the miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection in LIM guinea pigs could significantly inhibit axial elongation, alleviate DNA damage and apoptosis, and thus protect guinea pigs against myopia. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, p53 and BTG2 were activated in the retinal tissue of myopic guinea pigs, and the activated BTG2 could elevate the expression of CDK2 and BAX, and attenuate the expression of BCL-2, which in turn promote apoptosis and eventually lead to retinal thinning and impaired visual function in myopic guinea pigs. The miR-92b-3p intravitreal injection can attenuate the elongation of ocular length and retinal thickness, and inhibit the CDK2, BAX, and p53 expression by targeting BTG2, thereby ameliorating DNA damage and apoptosis in LIM guinea pigs and protecting ocular tissues.

Applications of metals and metal compounds in improving the sensitivity of microfluidic biosensors - a review.

The enhancement of detection sensitivity in microfluidic sensors has been a continuously explored field. Initially, many strategies for sensitivity improvement involved introducing enzyme cascade reactions, but enzyme-based reactions posed challenges in terms of cost, stability, and storage. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore enzyme-free cascade amplification methods, which are crucial for expanding the application range and improving detection stability. Metal or metal compound nanomaterials have gained great attention in the exploitation of microfluidic sensors due to their ease of preparation, storage, and lower cost. The unique physical properties of metallic nanomaterials, including surface plasmon resonance, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, metal-enhanced fluorescence, and surface-enhanced infrared absorption, contribute significantly to enhancing detection capabilities. The metal-based catalytic nanomaterials, exemplified by Fe3O4 nanoparticles and metal-organic frameworks, are considered viable alternatives to biological enzymes due to their excellent performance. Herein, we provide a detailed overview of the applications of metals and metal compounds in improving the sensitivity of microfluidic biosensors. This review not only highlights the current developments but also critically analyzes the challenges encountered in this field. Furthermore, it outlines potential directions for future research, contributing to the ongoing development of microfluidic biosensors with improved detection sensitivity.

Characterization of lncRNA and mRNA profiles in ciliary body in experimental myopia.

Currently, researchers have mainly focused on the role of the tissues of the posterior segment of the eyes in the development of myopia. However, the ciliary body, an anterior ocular tissue that contracts to initiate the process of accommodation, may also play an important role in the progression of myopia due to the increased demand for near work. In the present study, we established a lens-induced myopia (LIM) animal model in guinea pigs and investigated the molecular changes in the ciliary body associated with the development of myopia based on RNA sequencing. As a result, 871 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and 19 DE lncRNAs were identified in the ciliary body between the LIM group and the normal control group. In addition, the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression analysis was performed to explore the target genes of lncRNAs, which were mainly enriched in the Rap1 signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and complement and coagulation cascades pathways based on the functional enrichment analysis. Among the target genes of lncRNAs, three hub genes, including Ctnnb1, Pik3r1, and Itgb1, were found to be involved in the Rap1 signaling pathway. Interestingly, two crucial genes, Grk1 and Pde6a, which are mainly expressed in retinal photoreceptors, were enriched in visual perception in the ciliary body in functional analysis and were verified to be expressed in the ciliary body. These findings indicate the molecular pathogenetic role of the ciliary body in myopia and provide new insights into the underlying mechanism of myopia development. Further studies are needed to explore the specific contributions of these identified lncRNAs and mRNAs to the development of myopia.

Mixed-Mode Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for psychological resilience, Self Esteem and Stigma of patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: People with schizophrenia often face challenges such as lower psychological resilience, reduced self-worth, and increased social stigma, hindering their recovery. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has shown promise in boosting psychological resilience and self-esteem while diminishing stigma. However, MBCT demands professional involvement and substantial expenses, adding to the workload of professionals and the financial strain on patients. Mixed-mode Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (M-MBCT) integrates both "face-to-face" and "self-help" approaches to minimize staff effort and costs. This study aims to assess the impact of M-MBCT on the psychological resilience, self-esteem, and stigma in schizophrenia patients. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, parallel-group, assessor-blinded clinical trial enrolled 174 inpatients with schizophrenia. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group underwent an 8-week M-MBCT intervention, while the control group received standard treatment. Data collection employed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) before and after the intervention. Post-intervention, significant differences in ISMI, CD-RISC, and RSES scores were observed between the experimental and control groups. RESULTS: In the experimental group, ISMI scores notably decreased, while CD-RISC and RSES scores significantly increased (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis identified age, education, and family history of mental illness as significant factors related to stigma (P < 0.05). Additionally, correlation analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between the reduction in CD-RISC scores and the reduction in ISMI scores (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: M-MBCT effectively enhanced psychological resilience and self-esteem while diminishing stigma in individuals with schizophrenia. M-MBCT emerges as a promising treatment option for schizophrenia sufferers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 03/06/2023 ( www.chictr.org.cn ; ChiCTR ID: ChiCTR2300069071).

Ecological restoration for eutrophication mitigation in urban interconnected water bodies: Evaluation, variability and strategy.

Many urban water bodies grapple with low flow flux and weak hydrodynamics. To address these issues, projects have been implemented to form integrated urban water bodies via interconnecting artificial lake or ponds with rivers, but causing pollution accumulation downstream and eutrophication. Despite it is crucial to assess eutrophication, research on this topic in urban interconnected water bodies is limited, particularly regarding variability and feasible strategies for remediation. This study focused on the Loucun river in Shenzhen, comprising an pond, river and artificial lake, evaluating water quality changes pre-(post-)ecological remediation and establishing a new method for evaluating the water quality index (WQI). The underwater forest project, involving basement improvement, vegetation restoration, and aquatic augmentation, in the artificial lake significantly reduced total nitrogen (by 43.58%), total phosphorus (by 79.17%) and algae density (by 36.90%) compared to pre-remediation, effectively controlling algal bloom. Rainfall, acting as a variable factor, exacerbated downstream nutrient accumulation, increasing total phosphorus by 4.56 times and ammonia nitrogen by 1.30 times compared to the dry season, and leading to algal blooms in the non-restoration pond. The improved WQI method effectively assesses water quality status. The interconnected water body exhibits obvious nutrient accumulation in downstream regions. A combined strategy that reducing nutrient and augmenting flux was verified to alleviate accumulation of nutrients downstream. This study provides valuable insights into pollution management strategies for interconnected pond-river-lake water bodies, offering significant reference for nutrient mitigation in such urban water bodies.

Elevated retinal fibrosis in experimental myopia is involved in the activation of the PI3K/AKT/ERK signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of the PI3K/AKT/ERK signaling pathway in retinal fibrosis in -6.0 diopter (D) lens-induced myopic (LIM) guinea pigs. METHODS: Biological measurements of eye tissues were performed on guinea pigs to obtain their refraction, axial length, retinal thickness, physiological function, and fundus retinal status. In addition, Masson staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) assay were further done to explore the changes in retinal morphology after myopic induction. Meanwhile, hydroxyproline (HYP) content was measured to evaluate the degree of retinal fibrosis. Moreover, the levels of the PI3K/AKT/ERK signaling pathway and fibrosis-related molecules in retinal tissues including matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2), collagen type I (Collagen I), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. RESULTS: The LIM guinea pigs showed a significant myopic shift in refractive error and an increase in axial length compared with those of the normal control (NC) group. Masson staining, hydroxyproline content determination, and IHC showed an increase in retinal fibrosis. After myopic induction, qPCR and western blot analyses showed that phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), MMP2, Collagen I, and α-SMA were consistently elevated in the LIM group than those in the NC group. CONCLUSION: The PI3K/AKT/ERK signaling pathway was activated in the retinal tissues of myopic guinea pigs, which exaggerated fibrotic lesions and reduced retinal thickness, ultimately leading to retinal physiological dysfunctions in myopic guinea pigs.

Management and follow-up of uveal effusion syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: We present the management and follow-up of a case of uveal effusion syndrome (UES). CASE PRESENTATION: We study the relevant recent literature reports and review the aetiology, clinical classification, pathogenesis, diagnostic characteristics, treatment methods, and prognosis of this disease. When we encounter UES patients clinically, we can classify them according to their clinical characteristics and adopt different treatment plans for different types. The retina of this patient reattached 5 months after receiving eight periocular injections of triamcinolone acetonide (TA). CONCLUSIONS: For type III UES patients, local hormone therapy can be applied, and follow-up should be done to optimize the clinical outcome.

Regulatory Mechanism of M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization in the Development of Autoimmune Diseases.

Macrophages are innate immune cells in the organism and can be found in almost tissues and organs. They are highly plastic and heterogeneous cells and can participate in the immune response, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining the immune homeostasis of the body. It is well known that undifferentiated macrophages can polarize into classically activated macrophages (M1 macrophages) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) under different microenvironmental conditions. The directions of macrophage polarization can be regulated by a series of factors, including interferon, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin, and noncoding RNAs. To elucidate the role of macrophages in various autoimmune diseases, we searched the literature on macrophages with the PubMed database. Search terms are as follows: macrophages, polarization, signaling pathways, noncoding RNA, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus nephritis, Sjogren's syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. In the present study, we summarize the role of macrophage polarization in common autoimmune diseases. In addition, we also summarize the features and recent advances with a particular focus on the immunotherapeutic potential of macrophage polarization in autoimmune diseases and the potentially effective therapeutic targets.

Application of Artificial Intelligence to Quantitative Assessment of Fundus Tessellated Density in Young Adults with Different Refractions.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess fundus tessellated density (FTD) and associated factors by artificial intelligence (AI) in young adults. METHODS: A total of 1,084 undergraduates (age, 17-23 years old) were enrolled in November 2021. The students were divided into three groups according to axial length (AL): group 1 (AL <24.0 mm, n = 155), group 2 (24 mm ≤ AL <26 mm, n = 578), and group 3 (AL ≥26 mm, n = 269). FTD was calculated by extracting the fundus tessellations as the regions of interest (circle 1, diameter of 3.0 mm; circle 2, diameter of 6.0 mm) and then calculating the average exposed choroid area per unit area of fundus. RESULTS: Among 1,084 students, 1,002 (92.5%) students' FTDs were extracted. The mean FTD was 0.06 ± 0.06 (range, 0-0.40). In multivariate analysis, FTD was significantly associated with male sex, longer AL, thinner subfoveal choroid thickness (SFCT), increased choriocapillaris vessel density (VD), and decreased deeper choroidal VD (all p < 0.05). In circle 1 (diameter of 3.0 mm) and circle 2 (diameter of 6.0 mm), analysis of variance showed that the FTD of the nasal region (p < 0.05) was significantly larger than that of the superior, inferior, and temporal regions. CONCLUSION: AI-based imaging processing could improve the accuracy of fundus tessellation diagnosis. FTD was significantly associated with a longer AL, thinner SFCT, increased choriocapillaris VD, and decreased deeper choroidal VD.

Orthokeratology for Slowing Myopia Progression in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of orthokeratology for slowing myopia progression in children. METHODS: We performed a specific search on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, CNKI, SinoMed, and Wanfang Data for RCTs conducted up to October 1, 2022. We pooled the weighted mean difference (WMD) between the orthokeratology and control groups for axial length (AL) elongation and the odds ratio (OR) for rates of adverse events and dropout. RESULTS: Seven RCTs involving 655 eyes were included. There were significant differences in the effects of orthokeratology versus control in slowing AL elongation with WMD of -0.11 mm (95% confidence interval (CI), -0.13 to -0.08; P <0.01) at 6 months, -0.16 mm (95% CI, -0.18 to -0.13; P <0.01) at 12 months, -0.23 mm (95% CI, -0.29 to -0.18; P <0.01) at 18 months, and -0.28 mm (95% CI, -0.38 to -0.19; P <0.01) at 24 months, respectively. Myopia control rate declined, with 64%, 53%, 50%, and 47% recorded for 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. There was no statistical significance for adverse events between orthokeratology and control groups (OR=2.63, 95% CI, 0.72-9.61; P =0.11). CONCLUSION: Orthokeratology can effectively slow myopia progression in children, and the efficacy of myopia control decreases with time.

Guided self-help mindfulness-based intervention for increasing psychological resilience and reducing job burnout in psychiatric nurses: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: The present study aimed to explore the effects of a guided self-help mindfulness intervention on psychological resilience and job burnout among psychiatric nurses. BACKGROUND: Psychiatric nurses work in challenging and potentially high stress settings. Mindfulness interventions can improve psychological resilience and reduce job burnout of nurses. However, face-to-face delivery of mindfulness interventions may be inconvenient for individuals. Guided self-help interventions may be more accessible. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from January to August 2022. One hundred and eighteen psychiatric nurses were randomized into the intervention and control groups. The individuals in the intervention group received an 8-week guided self-help mindfulness intervention, while the individuals in the control group received a psycho-educational brochure. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey were used to evaluate the levels of mindfulness, psychological resilience and job burnout, respectively. RESULTS: After an 8-week intervention, compared with the control group, the levels of mindfulness and psychological resilience were higher, while the level of job burnout was lower in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: The guided self-help mindfulness intervention can improve psychological resilience and reduce job burnout among psychiatric nurses.

Electroacupuncture Prevents the Depression-Like Behavior by Inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway in Hippocampus of Mice Subjected to Chronic Mild Stress.

BACKGROUND: The precise physiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of depression are still unknown. This study aimed to observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on depression-like behavior of mouse in chronic mild stress (CMS) model and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The depression model was established by using CMS method for 6 weeks. After the third week of the CMS paradigm, EA treatment was performed daily for 15 min over a period of 3 weeks. The antidepressant-like effects of EA were evaluated using the sucrose preference test and the forced swimming test (FST). The protein levels of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), p-NF-κB, inhibitor of NF-κB, p-IκBα, NOD-like receptor protein 3, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hippocampus of mice were detected. RESULTS: Sucrose preference was decreased after 6 weeks of CMS and the effects of CMS was reversed by EA. CMS increased immobility time and decreased latency to the first immobility in the FST test, but these effects were reversed by EA. CMS-induced nuclear entry of NF-κB (nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of NF-κB) with an increase in protein levels of p-NF-κB and p-IκBα in the hippocampus. The CMS also increased NLRP3 levels in the hippocampus. However, these effects were reversed by EA. In addition, the levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-18, and TNF-α in the hippocampus were increased by CMS, and these effects of stress were reversed by EA. CONCLUSION: EA prevented CMS-induced depressive-like behaviors by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway.

Association between anti-fibrillin-2 protein induced retinal degeneration via intravitreous delivery and activated TGF-ß signalling in mice.

Fibrillin-2 (FBN2) is a major component of tissue microfibrils, and the decrease of FBN2 perturbs the signalling events mediated by transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), thereby playing a role in macular degeneration. However, the association between the retinal degeneration resulting from the abnormality of FBN2 and the activation of TGF-ß signalling has not been fully addressed. In the present study, the mice were divided into a normal control group (NC group), a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) injection group (PBS group), and an anti-FBN2 protein injection group (anti-FBN2 group), and the mice in PBS and anti-FBN2 groups received the relevant treatment via the intravitreal injection once a week for three consecutive weeks. One week later after injection, the retinal morphology and visual function of the fundus were detected. Further, the expression of FBN2, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3 in retina was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. As a result, fundus examination suggests that after intravitreous injection of anti-FBN2 protein, there were a large patchy yellow white degeneration region and numerous pigmentations in the retina in anti-FBN2-treated mice; by contrast, there was no apparent change in mice from the NC and PBS groups. The retina suffered markedly damage, and the thickness of whole retina and outer nuclear layer markedly thinned. The expression of FBN2 was decreased whereas the levels of TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2 and TGF-ß3 were upregulated. Together, our findings indicate that the intravitreous delivery of anti-FBN2 protein could induce retina degeneration in mice, accompanied by the higher activated TGF-ß. The retinal degeneration mouse model established will provide a platform for the investigation of the retinal diseases.

Changes in visual cortical function in moderately myopic patients: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study.

PURPOSE: To investigate haemoglobin oxygenation in the visual cortex of myopic patients using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). METHODS: The experiment consisted of two parts. Part 1 examined functional changes in the visual cortex before and after refractive correction in myopic patients. Subjects were divided into normal controls, uncorrected and corrected myopes. Part 2 examined functional changes in the visual cortex caused by lens-induced myopia in normal subjects, and whether this activity recovered after a period of rest. Here, subjects were divided into three groups: emmetropes, lens-induced myopia and a rest group. The rest group completed a test with the uncorrected eye following lens removal and 5 min of rest. The visual stimulus was a black and white checkerboard. fNIRS was used to detect changes in oxyhaemoglobin content within the visual cortex. The original fNIRS data were analysed using MATLAB to obtain the ß values (the visual cortical activity response caused by the task); these were used to calculate Δß, which represents the degree of change in oxygenated haemoglobin caused by visual stimulation. RESULTS: The Δß value measured in each single channel or only in the region of interest (ROI) was significantly higher in the emmetropic control group than the uncorrected myopic group. After optical correction, the responses of myopic subjects approached those of the emmetropes and were not significantly different. If myopia was induced in emmetropic subjects by imposing defocus with positive lenses, a decline in functional activity was observed similar that observed in uncorrected myopes. Activity recovered after the lenses were removed. CONCLUSIONS: Myopic defocus reduced the level of haemoglobin oxygenation in the visual cortex, but activity could be restored by optical correction.

In vivo analysis of ciliary muscle in myopic Chinese young adults using ArcScan Insight® 100.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the morphological characteristics of the ciliary muscle (CM) and to explore its relationship with different ocular biometric parameters in myopic young Chinese adults. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study included 50 right eyes from 50 myopic adults. The CM area (CMA), CM thickness (CMT) and CM length (CML) were measured using the ArcScan Insight® 100. CMT was determined at three points: 1.0 mm (CMT-1), 2.0 mm (CMT-2) and 3.0 mm (CMT-3) posterior to the scleral spur. CML was measured on the scleral (CMLs) and vitreous (CMLv) aspects. The spherical equivalent refraction (SER), axial length (AL) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were examined to determine their associations with CM parameters (CMA, CML and CMT). RESULTS: The mean SER and AL were -4.39 ± 2.29 D and 25.61 ± 1.15 mm, respectively. Compared with the nasal CMA, CML and CMT (CMT-1, CMT-2 and CMT-3) findings, the temporal CM parameters (CMA, CMLs, CMLv, CMT-1, CMT-2 and CMT-3) were found to be significantly thicker (all p < 0.001, except CMLv and CMT-1; p < 0.01). The nasal CMA was associated with the average corneal curvature (r = 0.30, p = 0.03) and SER (r = -0.30, p = 0.04). Nasal and temporal CMT-2 were negatively correlated with SER (r = -0.33 and -0.32, respectively, both p < 0.05). There was no correlation between CM parameters (except nasal CMLs, r = 0.31, p = 0.03) and SFCT, or between CM parameters and either the AL or anterior chamber depth (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there is temporal versus nasal asymmetry of the CM. CMA, CMT or CML did not vary with axial growth of the eye. The CM is not simply stretched as the eye elongates in myopic young adults.

Choroidal changes in lens-induced myopia in guinea pigs.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the role of the choroid in lens-induced myopia (LIM) in guinea pigs. METHODS: Guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups: a normal control (NC) group and a LIM group. Refraction and axial length (AL) were measured by streak retinoscopy and A-scan ultrasonography. The choroidal thickness (ChT), vessel density of the choriocapillaris (VDCC) and vessel density of the choroidal layer (VDCL) were assessed by Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (SD-OCT). In addition, the choroidal expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes at the mRNA and protein levels was analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the LIM group, refraction and AL were increased significantly compared with those in the NC group at 2 weeks (refraction: LIM vs. NC, -4.23 ± 0.43 D vs. 2.20 ± 0.48 D; AL: LIM vs. NC, 8.36 ± 0.05 mm vs. 8.22 ± 0.03 mm) and 4 weeks (refraction: LIM vs. NC, -5.88 ± 0.49 D vs. 1.63 ± 0.41 D; AL: 8.57 ± 0.06 mm vs. 8.40 ± 0.04 mm). The ChT and VDCC were decreased significantly compared with those in the NC group at 2 weeks (ChT: LIM vs. NC, 60.92 ± 8.15 µm vs. 79.11 ± 7.47 µm; VDCC: LIM vs. NC, 23.43 ± 3.85% vs. 28.74 ± 4.11%) and 4 weeks (ChT: LIM vs. NC, 48.43 ± 6.85 µm vs. 76.38 ± 7.84 µm; VDCC: LIM vs. NC, 21.29 ± 2.17% vs. 27.64 ± 2.91%). The VDCL was also decreased compared with that in the NC group at 2 weeks and 4 weeks (NC vs. LIM, 24.87 ± 5.16% vs. 22.45 ± 3.26%; 23.37 ± 5.85% vs. 21.39 ± 2.62%; all P > 0.05). Moreover, the ChT was positively correlated with the VDCC and VDCL. The mRNA and protein expression of NOS enzymes (eNOS and nNOS) was increased. CONCLUSIONS: During the development of myopia, the ChT, VDCC and VDCL were decreased, while NOS expression in the choroid was increased. The expression of NOS was negatively correlated with the ChT, VDCC and VDCL. NO may play an important role in regulating the choroid during myopia development.

Activated γδ T Cells Promote Dendritic Cell Maturation and Exacerbate the Development of Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis (EAU) in Mice.

Our previous study reveals that gamma delta (γδ) T cells were activated and dendritic cells (DCs) underwent maturation during the inflammation phase in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) mice, and the interaction between DCs and γδ T cells may significantly exacerbate the development of EAU. However, the interactions between DCs and γδ T cells that can affect DCs maturation to influence EAU development must be further addressed. In this study we showed that mature DC numbers in TCR-δ-/- (KO) EAU mice were lower than those in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 (B6) mice. The γδ T cells harvested from WT EAU mice secreted more interferon-γ (IFN-γ), however, after blocking IFN-γ, the maturation of DCs was significantly downregulated. By contrast, the percentage of IFN-γ- and IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells in KO EAU mice decreased to a greater extent than that in WT EAU mice during the inflammatory phase. Additionally, the levels of IFN-γ/IL-17 in serum were in agreement with those of CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, after activated γδ T cells injection, the inflammatory symptoms of EAU mice were more aggravated. In vitro co-cultures of both cell types showed that activated γδ T cells may induce DCs to generate higher levels of intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1/CD54), CD80, CD83, and CD86. Moreover, co-culture of the two cells may induce the activation of CD4+ T cells. Taken together, our results demonstrated that activated γδ T cells may promote DCs maturation and further enhance the generation of Th1/Th17 cells in EAU mice, resulting in exacerbated EAU.

Thelazia callipaeda infection during phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: In August 2020, we found one case of thelazia callipaeda infection during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. This maybe the first report for thelazia callipaeda discovered during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in China. CASE PRESENTATION: An 85 years old farmer was found thelazia callipaeda infection during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The patient admitted whose foreign body sensation was often found in the right eye in recent 2 months. The worm was then taken out with ophthalmic forceps and put into sterile normal saline. The worm was sent to the Eye Institute of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine for identification. After identification, the worm was regarded as the male thelazia callipaeda. The head is blunt and round, the tail end curls to the abdomen, and the long copulation spines protrudes from the cloaca. The conjunctival sac was washed carefully with a large amount of Sodium Lactate Ringer 's Solution. After operation, antibiotics, pranoprofen eye drops, and tobramycin dexamethasone eye drops were further applied. After continuous examination of conjunctival sac for 2 weeks, the patient's visual acuity maintained 20/20, confirming that there was no residual thelazia. CONCLUSIONS: This report highlights the physician should ask the patient's history carefully before operation and it is necessary to strengthen health publicity and education, maintaining clean environment and keeping personal eye hygiene.

Effects of Orthokeratology on Axial Length Elongation in Anisometropes.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of overnight orthokeratology (OK) lenses on anisometropes. METHODS: We enrolled 178 anisometropes from August 2015 to August 2017. We then divided these patients into 2 parts depending on them wearing either monocular or binocular OK lenses. In part one, 47 monocular myopic subjects (25 males and 22 females) were treated with OK lenses in the myopic eyes only. We also labeled the myopic eyes as the OK group and the contralateral nonmyopic eyes as the control group. The initial average wearing age of the subjects was 12.35 ± 2.37 years (8-16 years). The mean follow-up duration was 15.43 ± 4.88 months (7-25 months). The average spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was -2.31 ± 1.16 diopter (D) in the OK group and 0.15 ± 0.49 D in the control group (p < 0.001). In part 2, 131 binocular myopic anisometropes (56 males and 75 females) were involved in the study. The eyes with more severe myopia were assigned to the G group and the contralateral eyes to the L group. The initial average wearing age of the subjects was 12.92 ± 2.60 years ( 8-16 years). The mean follow-up duration was 17.83 ± 5.02 months (7-26 months). The average SER was -4.79 ± 1.90 D in the G group and -3.14 ± 1.88 D in the L group (p < 0.001). We calculated the axial length (AL) difference and AL elongation as our primary outcome measures. RESULTS: In part one, the AL elongation in the OK group (0.21 ± 0.09 mm) was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.70 ± 0.17 mm) at 24 months (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the AL difference exhibited a decrease of 0.50 ± 0.29 mm from a baseline of 1.08 ± 0.35 to 0.58 ± 0.25 mm at 24 months (F = 24.539, p < 0.001). In part 2, the AL had increased by 0.17 ± 0.13 mm in the G group and 0.24 ± 0.18 mm in the L group after 24-month follow-up, respectively (p < 0.001). While the AL difference decreased from 0.55 ± 0.11 mm at the baseline, to 0.48 ± 0.08 mm at 24 months, eliciting a decrement in AL difference of 0.07 ± 0.09 mm (F = 3.884, p = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: OK lenses can slow down AL growth in anisometropes and has a greater effect on reducing AL elongation in the more severely affected myopic eyes of anisometropic patients.

Epigallocatechin gallate protects the human lens epithelial cell survival against UVB irradiation through AIF/endo G signalling pathways in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress has been recognised as an important mediator of apoptosis in lens epithelial cells. It also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cataracts. It is reported that (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the most abundant component in green tea, exhibits potent antioxidant activity against oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of EGCG against Ultraviolet B (UVB) induced apoptotic death and the underlying mechanism in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). METHODS: HLECs were exposed to various concentrations of EGCG under UVB (30 mJ/cm2), and cell viability was monitored by the MTT assay. Next, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the total antioxigenic capacity (T-AOC) was determined by enzyme standard instrument, and the expression of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (Endo G) was measured by quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Moreover, the localisation of AIF and Endo G within cells was further detected by confocal optical microscopy. RESULTS: The results indicated that EGCG could enhance the cell viability and protect against cell apoptosis caused by UVB irradiation in HLECs. EGCG could also decrease the UVB-induced generation of ROS and collapse of Δψm, increase the T-AOC level. In addition, EGCG could also inhibit the UVB-stimulated increase of AIF and Endo G expression at mRNA and protein levels and ameliorate the UVB-induced mitochondria-nuclear translocation of AIF and Endo G. CONCLUSIONS: UVB irradiation could damage HLECs viability, while EGCG exhibits antioxidant effect and inhibits UVB-induced apoptosis in HLECs through AIF/Endo G signalling pathways. Our findings reveal the underlying mechanism of EGCG against UVB-induced oxidative stress in HLECs.