Proteomic profiling of TBC1 domain family member 21-null sperms reveals the critical roles of TEKT 1 in their tail defects.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 7% of the males exhibit reduced fertility; however, the regulatory genes and pathways involved remain largely unknown. TBC1 domain family member 21 (TBC1D21) contains a conserved RabGAP catalytic domain that induces GDP/GTP exchange to inactivate Rabs by interacting with microtubules. We previously reported that Tbc1d21-null mice exhibit severe sperm tail defects with a disrupted axoneme, and that TBC1D21 interacts with RAB10. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying the Tbc1d21 loss-induced sperm tail defects remain unknown. RESULTS: Murine sperm from wild-type and Tbc1d21-null mice were comparatively analyzed using proteomic assays. Over 1600 proteins were identified, of which 15 were significantly up-regulated in Tbc1d21-null sperm. Notably, several tektin (TEKT) family proteins, belonging to a type of intermediate filament critical for stabilizing the microtubular structure of cilia and flagella, were significantly up-regulated in Tbc1d21-/- sperm. We also found that TBC1D21 interacts with TEKT1. In addition, TEKT1 co-localized with RAB10 during sperm tail formation. Finally, we found Tbc1d21-null sperm exhibited abnormal accumulation of TEKT1 in the midpiece region, accompanied by disrupted axonemal structures. CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal that TBC1D21 modulates TEKTs protein localization in the axonemal transport system during sperm tail formation.

Correlation of distribution characteristics and dynamic changes of gut microbiota with the efficacy of immunotherapy in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The effects of gut microbiota and metabolites on the responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) wild-type non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been studied. However, their effects on EGFR-mutated (EGFR +) NSCLC remain unknown. METHODS: We prospectively recorded the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with advanced EGFR + NSCLC and assessed potential associations between the use of antibiotics or probiotics and immunotherapy efficacy. Fecal samples were collected at baseline, early on-treatment, response and progression status and were subjected to metagenomic next-generation sequencing and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses to assess the effects of gut microbiota and metabolites on immunotherapy efficacy. RESULTS: The clinical data of 74 advanced EGFR + NSCLC patients were complete and 18 patients' fecal samples were dynamically collected. Patients that used antibiotics had shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (mPFS, 4.8 vs. 6.7 months; P = 0.037); probiotics had no impact on PFS. Two dynamic types of gut microbiota during immunotherapy were identified: one type showed the lowest relative abundance at the response time point, whereas the other type showed the highest abundance at the response time point. Metabolomics revealed significant differences in metabolites distribution between responders and non-responders. Deoxycholic acid, glycerol, and quinolinic acid were enriched in responders, whereas L-citrulline was enriched in non-responders. There was a significant correlation between gut microbiota and metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: The use of antibiotics weakens immunotherapy efficacy in patients with advanced EGFR + NSCLC. The distribution characteristics and dynamic changes of gut microbiota and metabolites may indicate the efficacy of immunotherapy in advanced EGFR + NSCLC.

Clinical Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity Reactivation after Intravitreal Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injection.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate and risk factors for reactivation of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) after intravitreal injection (IVI) of antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents. STUDY DESIGN: Infants who received IVI therapy between 2017 and 2022 were enrolled and divided into 2 groups: those with and without ROP reactivation. Information on ROP variables and patient variables were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 114 infants with 223 eyes were enrolled in the study. The ROP reactivation rate was 11.4% of infants (9.9% of eyes). The mean duration of reactivation was 84 ± 45 days. Among the 223 eyes treated with IVI, reactivation rates were 6% for bevacizumab, 13.9% for aflibercept, and 22.2% for ranibizumab. A multivariable regression model showed that ranibizumab was an independent risk factor (OR 11.4, P = .008) for reactivation. Other risk factors included infants with periventricular leukomalacia (OR 13.8, P = .003), patent ductus arteriosus ligation (OR 10.7, P = .032), and infants who still required invasive mechanical ventilation on the day of IVI therapy (OR 7.0, P = .018). CONCLUSIONS: All anti-VEGF agents carry a risk of ROP reactivation, with the risk being greater with ranibizumab 0.25 mg than with bevacizumab 0.625 mg. Reactivation of ROP should be assessed vigilantly, especially in those infants with increased risks. Future research to determine the optimal anti-VEGF selection and dosage in high-risk infants is warranted.

Association of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and the risk of retinal vascular occlusion: A real-world retrospective cohort study in Taiwan.

AIMS: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are proposed to alleviate the development of inflammatory eye diseases. However, the association between SGLT2i and retinal vascular occlusion remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of SGLT2i on the incidence of retinal vascular occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analysed electronic medical records data from the largest multi-institutional database in Taiwan. Individuals who initiated SGLT2is and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4is) between 2016 and 2019 were included in our analysis. To conduct a homogenous comparison, inverse probability of treatment weighting with propensity scoring was employed. The primary outcome was retinal vascular occlusion, and the secondary outcomes were retinal vascular occlusion-related complications (macular oedema, vitreous haemorrhage, and tractional retinal detachment) and conditions requiring vitreoretinal intervention (intravitreal injection, retinal laser therapy, and vitrectomy). RESULTS: In total, 12,074 SGLT2i users and 39,318 DPP4i users were included. The incidence rate of retinal vascular occlusion in the SGLT2i and DPP4i groups was 1.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-1.4) and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.3-1.8) events per 1000 person-years, respectively, which yielded a subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.55-0.99). Similar risk reductions were observed in the retinal vascular occlusion-related complications (SHR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.69-0.84) and conditions requiring vitreoretinal intervention (SHR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: In this multi-institutional study in Taiwan, SGLT2i use was associated with a reduced risk of retinal vascular occlusion. Further prospective studies are required to ascertain this association.

Green Polymer Electrolytes Prepared by a Cost-Effective Approach.

The preparation of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) typically involves incorporating fillers or undergoing chemical modifications to reduce crystallinity and enhance conductivity. PEO with a lower molecular weight, known as polyethylene glycol (PEG), exhibits higher conductivity, despite weaker mechanical strength. It is commonly employed as a plasticizer to improve the conductivity of SPEs or to fabricate PEG-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). In this study, we use a straightforward approach to create innovative SPEs by blending liquid polymer electrolytes (LPEs), particularly low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (PEG), with a molecular weight of 400 g/mol, and sustainable poly(l-lactide) (PLLA). Solid PEG/PLLA forms are achieved by introducing 30 wt % of PLLA. Subsequently, the addition of lithium salts results in the development of novel PEG/PLLA SPEs. Another focal point of this study involves incorporating 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) into these PEG/PLLA systems. DBS, an organic gelator derived from natural sugars, demonstrates self-assembly, leading to the formation of a nanofibrillar network structure. Leveraging DBS's ability to form organogels in liquid organic environments, we facilitate the transformation of low PLLA content LPEs into innovative solvent-free GPEs. Our prepared PEG/PLLA SPEs exhibited a maximum conductivity value of 4.39 × 10-5 S/cm, approximately five times higher than that of neat PEG (10000 g/mol) SPEs. The ionic conductivity exhibited a declining trend as the content of PLLA and DBS increased. However, there was an improvement in electrochemical stability. Furthermore, the incorporation of PLLA and DBS into electrolytes contributed to enhanced mechanical support and stability within the electrolyte layer. This, in turn, mitigated capacity decay and improved the cycling performance of assembled lithium-ion cells.

A nationwide case-referent study on elevated risks of adenocarcinoma lung cancer by long-term PM2.5 exposure in Taiwan since 1997.

BACKGROUND: The effects of long-term PM2.5 exposures since 1968 on adenocarcinoma lung cancer (AdLC) were not studied before. METHODS: This case-referent study used nationwide cancer registry data since 1997 and air pollution data since 1968 in Taiwan to estimate risks of 30-year PM2.5 exposures on AdLC. Cases were all AdLC, while references were all non-AdLC. Individuals' 30-year PM2.5 exposures were estimated by PM2.5 levels at their residence for 30 years prior their diagnosis dates. We applied multiple logistic regression analyses to estimate PM2.5 exposures on incidence rate ratios (IRRs) between cases and references, adjusting for sex, age, smoking, cancer stage, and EGFR mutation. RESULTS: Elevation in annual ambient PM2.5 concentrations since 1968 were associated with increase in annual age-adjusted AdLC incidence since 1997. AdLC incidences were higher among females, nonsmokers, the elderly aged above 65, cases of stages IIIB to IV, and EGFR mutation. Study subjects' PM2.5 exposures averaged at 33.7 ± 7.4 µg/m3 with 162 ± 130 high PM2.5 pollution days over 30 years. Multiple logistic models showed an increase in 10 µg/m3 of PM2.5 exposures were significantly associated with 1.044 of IRR between all AdLC and all non-AdLC cases during 2011-2020. Our models also showed that females and nonsmokers and adults less than 65 years had higher IRRs than their respective counterparts. Restricted analyses showed similar effects of PM2.5 exposures on IRRs between stage 0-IIIA and IIIB-IV cases and between EGFR+ and EGFR- cases. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposures to PM2.5 over 30 years were associated with elevated risks of AdLC against non-AdLC, regardless of gender, age, smoking status, cancer stage, or EGFR mutation.

A comparative study of stereopsis in term and preterm children with and without retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate stereopsis in term-born, preterm, and preterm children with and without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its treatment. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 322 children between 3 and 11 years of age born term or preterm, with or without ROP, and with or without treatment for ROP. The ROP treatments were laser therapy, intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, or their combination. Stereoacuity was measured using the Titmus Stereo Test, and the results among various age groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Stereopsis was found to improve with increasing age at testing (P < 0.001) across the entire study population. The term group exhibited significantly better stereoacuity than the preterm group (P < 0.001). At 3-5 years and 6-8 years, the preterm children without ROP exhibited significantly better stereoacuity than did those with ROP (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively); however, at 9-11 years, both groups exhibited similar stereoacuity (P = 0.34). The stereoacuity in the children with untreated ROP was similar to that of the children with treated ROP in all age groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences in stereopsis were identified between children with ROP treated with laser versus with IVI (P > 0.05). From multivariate analysis, younger age at testing (P = 0.001) and younger gestational age (P < 0.001) were associated with poorer stereopsis. CONCLUSIONS: Stereopsis development gradually improved with age in all groups. The children born preterm exhibited poorer stereoacuity than those born term. Children with ROP treated with laser photocoagulation versus IVI may exhibit similar levels of stereoacuity. Younger age at testing and gestational age were independent risk factors for poorer stereoacuity.

LONGITUDINAL CHANGES IN CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN CHILDREN WITH A HISTORY OF PREMATURITY: An 18-Month Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate choroidal changes over time in school-age children with a history of prematurity. METHODS: A study of 416 eyes of 208 eligible participants, including 88, 190, 36, 56, and 46 eyes in the full-term control, preterm, spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity, intravitreal bevacizumab (injection of bevacizumab)-treated retinopathy of prematurity, and laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity groups, respectively, were enrolled in this study. The choroidal thickness was measured 4 times at 6-month intervals using optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Of all the groups, the laser-treated children had the thinnest choroid compared with full-term children (-52.3 µ m, P = 0.04). Preterm children exhibited greater attenuation in choroidal thickness over time than did full-term children (-6.3 ± 26.9 and -1.1 ± 12.8 µ m/year, P = 0.03), whereas no difference was observed between injection of bevacizumab and laser treatments (-4.6 ± 18.9 and -2.0 ± 15.7 µ m/year, P = 0.46). In all groups, the changes in axial length were negatively associated with the changes in choroidal thickness (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A greater attenuation in choroid thickness over time was observed in preterm children than in full-term children, but this attenuation did not differ between injection of bevacizumab and laser treatments. Axial elongation was associated with choroidal thinning in school-age children.

Administering Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Retinopathy of Prematurity: 8-Year Cognitive Outcomes in a Prospective Cohort.

PURPOSE: Determine whether intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) exerts long-term effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) when reaching the age of 8 years. METHODS: We enrolled 277 children. Patients were stratified into the groups full-term, preterm without ROP, ROP without treatment, or ROP with treatment, based on gestational age (GA) and ROP status. Children under GA of 37 weeks were considered premature. Patients' cognitive outcomes were evaluated using Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FIQ) (full score and percentile) generated by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) every 1 to 2 years. RESULTS: At the mean age of 7.8 years, ROP without and with treatment groups demonstrated lower FIQ scores and percentiles, compared with full-term and premature groups (both p<0.05). FIQ scores and percentiles didn't significantly differ between patients who received different treatments for ROP (full score p=0.19; percentile p=0.37). After adjusting for GA, LogMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was negatively associated with FIQ scores (p=0.0008) and percentiles (p=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: At the mean age of 8 years, patients with ROP undergoing IVB didn't exhibit worse cognitive outcomes than those who underwent laser photocoagulation or both treatments. GA and BCVA correlated with cognitive development in children.

MicroRNA-152-3p and MicroRNA-196a-5p Are Downregulated When Müller Cells Are Promoted by Components of the Internal Limiting Membrane: Implications for Macular Hole Healing.

Müller cells play a critical role in the closure of macular holes, and their proliferation and migration are facilitated by the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Despite the importance of this process, the underlying molecular mechanism remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of ILM components on the microRNA (miRNA) profile of Müller cells. Rat Müller cells (rMC-1) were cultured with a culture insert and varying concentrations of ILM component coatings, namely, collagen IV, laminin, and fibronectin, and cell migration was assessed by measuring cell-free areas in successive photographs following insert removal. MiRNAs were then extracted from these cells and analyzed. Mimics and inhibitors of miRNA candidates were transfected into Müller cells, and a cell migration assay and additional cell viability assays were performed. The results revealed that the ILM components promoted Müller cell migration (p < 0.01). Among the miRNA candidates, miR-194-3p was upregulated, whereas miR-125b-1-3p, miR-132-3p, miR-146b-5p, miR-152-3p, miR-196a-5p, miR-542-5p, miR-871-3p, miR-1839-5p, and miR-3573-3p were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05; fold change > 1.5). Moreover, miR-152-3p and miR-196a-5p reduced cell migration (p < 0.05) and proliferation (p < 0.001), and their suppressive effects were reversed by their respective inhibitors. In conclusion, miRNAs were regulated in ILM component-activated Müller cells, with miR-152-3p and miR-196a-5p regulating Müller cell migration and proliferation. These results serve as a basis for understanding the molecular healing process of macular holes and identifying potential new target genes in future research.

Efficient perchlorate reduction in microaerobic environment facilitated by partner methane oxidizers.

The conventional perchlorate (ClO4-) reduction typically necessitates anaerobic conditions. However, in this study, we observed efficient ClO4- reduction using CH4 as the electron donor in a microaerobic environment. The maximum ClO4- removal flux of 2.18 g/m2·d was achieved in CH4-based biofilm. The kinetics of ClO4- reduction showed significant differences, with trace oxygen increasing the reduction rate of ClO4-, whereas oxygen levels exceeding 2 mg/L decelerated the ClO4- reduction. In the absence of exogenous oxygen, anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) archaea contribute more than 80% electrons through the reverse methanogenesis pathway for ClO4- reduction. Simultaneously, microorganisms activate CH4 by utilizing oxygen generated from chlorite (ClO2-) disproportionation. In the presence of exogenous oxygen, methane oxidizers predominantly consume oxygen to drive the aerobic oxidation of methane. It is indicated that methane oxidizers and perchlorate reducing bacteria can form aggregates to resist external oxygen shocks and achieve efficient ClO4- reduction under microaerobic condition. These findings provide new insights into biological CH4 mitigation and ClO4- removal in hypoxic environment.

Biochar modulates intracellular electron transfer for nitrate reduction in denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidizing archaea.

Denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidizing (DAMO) archaea plays a significant role in simultaneously nitrogen removal and methane mitigation, yet its limited metabolic activity hinders engineering applications. This study employed biochar to explore its potential for enhancing the metabolic activity and nitrate reduction capacity of DAMO microorganisms. Sawdust biochar (7 g/L) was found to increase the nitrate reduction rate by 2.85 times, although it did not affect the nitrite reduction rate individually. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) analyses revealed that biochar promoted microbial aggregation, and stimulated the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Moreover, biochar bolstered the redox capacity and conductivity of the biofilm, notably enhancing the activity of the electron transfer system by 1.65 times. Key genes involved in intracellular electron transport (Hdr, MHC, Rnf) and membrane transport proteins (BBP, ABC, NDH) of archaea were significantly up-regulated. These findings suggest that biochar regulates electrons generated by reverse methanogenesis to the membrane for nitrate reduction.

Dual residence time for droplets to coalesce with a liquid surface.

When droplets approach a liquid surface, they have a tendency to merge in order to minimize surface energy. However, under certain conditions, they can exhibit a phenomenon called coalescence delay, where they remain separate for tens of milliseconds. This duration is known as the residence time or the noncoalescence time. Surprisingly, under identical parameters and initial conditions, the residence time for water droplets is not a constant value but exhibits dual peaks in its distribution. In this paper, we present the observation of the dual residence times through rigorous statistical analysis and investigate the quantitative variations in residence time by manipulating parameters such as droplet height, radius, and viscosity. Theoretical models and physical arguments are provided to explain their effects, particularly why a large viscosity or/and a small radius is detrimental to the appearance of the longer residence time peak.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of emodin from Rheum officinale Baill and its antibacterial mechanism against Streptococcus suis based on CcpA.

Emodin was extracted from Rheum officinale Baill by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and ethanol was chosen as the suitable solvent through SEM and molecular dynamic simulation. Under the optimum conditions (power 541 W, time 23 min, liquid to material ratio 13:1 mL/g, ethanol concentration 83 %) predicted by RSM, the yield of emodin was 2.18 ± 0.11 mg/g. Moreover, ultrasound power and time displayed the significant effects on the extraction process. Extracting dynamics analysis indicated that the extraction process of emodin by UAE conformed to Fick's second diffusion law. The results of antibacterial experiments suggested that emodin can damage cell membrane and inhibit the expression of cps2A, sao, mrp, epf, neu and the hemolytic activity of S. suis. Biolayer interferometry and FT-IR multi-peak fitting assays demonstrated that emodin induced a secondary conformational shift in CcpA. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics confirmed that emodin bound to CcpA through hydrogen bonding (ALA248, GLU249, GLY129 and ASN196) and π-π T-shaped interaction (TYR225 and TYR130), and the mutation of amino acid residues affected the affinity of CcpA to emodin. Therefore, emodin inhibited the sugar utilization of S. suis through binding to CcpA, and CcpA may be a potential target to inhibit the growth of S. suis.

Enhancing safety in conditionally automated driving: Can more takeover request visual information make a difference in hazard scenarios with varied hazard visibility?

Autonomous driving technology has the potential to significantly reduce the number of traffic accidents. However, before achieving full automation, drivers still need to take control of the vehicle in complex and diverse scenarios that the autonomous driving system cannot handle. Therefore, appropriate takeover request (TOR) designs are necessary to enhance takeover performance and driving safety. This study focuses on takeover tasks in hazard scenarios with varied hazard visibility, which can be categorized as overt hazards and covert hazards. Through ergonomic experiments, the impact of TOR interface visual information, including takeover warning, hazard direction, and time to collision, on takeover performance is investigated, and specific analyses are conducted using eye-tracking data. The following conclusions are drawn from the experiments: (1) The visibility of hazards significantly affects takeover performance. (2) Providing more TOR visual information in hazards with different visibility has varying effects on drivers' visual attention allocation but can improve takeover performance. (3) More TOR visual information helps reduce takeover workload and increase human-machine trust. Based on these findings, this paper proposes the following TOR visual interface design strategies: (1) In overt hazard scenarios, only takeover warning is necessary, as additional visual information may distract drivers' attention. (2) In covert hazard scenarios, the TOR visual interface should better assist drivers in understanding the current hazard situation by providing information on hazard direction and time to collision to enhance takeover performance.

A Surgical Approach for Managing Refractory Macular Holes Using the Human Amniotic Membrane Patch Technique.

To introduce a novel surgical technique using the human amniotic membrane (hAM) patch technique to address refractory macular holes (MHs). After vitrectomy, the hAM patch was positioned on top of the MH with the chorion side facing downward. Viscoat (Alcon Laboratories) was applied on top of the hAM patch for better fixation. Fluid-air exchange was then performed and 20% SF6 or 10% C3F8 tamponade was administered after the surgery. Five patients with refractory MHs larger than 400 µm underwent the hAM patch technique. After a minimum 2-year follow-up, results showed 100% closure of MHs, 80% improvement in visual acuity, and a notable enhancement in best-corrected logMAR visual acuity from 0.98 to 0.72 (P = 0.039). Dislocation of hAM patch occurred among 3 out of 5 patients (60%). The hAM patch technique appears to be a promising approach for addressing refractory MHs. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:XX-XX.].

Magnetic metal-organic frameworks as sensitive aptasensors for coronavirus spike protein.

Electrochemical biosensors, known for their low cost, sensitivity, selectivity, and miniaturization capabilities, are ideal for point-of-care devices. The magnetic metal-organic framework (MMOF), synthesized using the in-situ growth method, consists of ferric salt, magnetic nanoparticles, histidine, and benzene tetracarboxylic acid. MMOF was sequentially modified with aptamer-biotin and streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase, serving as a detector for spike protein and a transducer converting electrochemical signals using H2O2-hydroquinone on a screen-printed electrode. MMOF facilitates easy washing and homogeneous deposition on the working electrode with a magnet, enhancing sensitivity and reducing noise. The physical and electrochemical properties of the modified MMOFs were thoroughly characterized using various analytical techniques. The aptasensors' performance achieved a detection limit of 6 pM for voltammetry and 5.12 pM for impedance spectroscopy in human serum samples. This cost-effective, portable MMOF platform is suitable for rapid point-of-care testing for SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.

Trocar blade-assisted skewer technique for phacoemulsification of a dislocated lens.

A posteriorly dislocated lens is often managed with a fragmatome through a pars plana approach because it is difficult to manage anteriorly. The lens often sinks to the surface of the retina or floats around in the vitreous cavity during pars plana lensectomy. Mechanical trauma can occur while removing the dislocated lens fragments. However, sometimes the lens can be confined to the anterior vitreous cavity even though the zonules are completely disrupted. It would be ideal if there was a simple way to stabilize and support the lens so that the lens could remain in the posterior chamber while phacoemulsification is performed through a corneal incision as usual. We describe a technique using a trocar blade to stabilize the lens while performing phacoemulsification through a corneal incision. We found it to be a useful and safe instrument to support the subluxated lens during phacoemulsification.

Comparing the morphology of optic nerve head and lamina cribrosa in full-term and preterm school-aged children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the morphology of lamina cribrosa (LC) in preterm school-aged children. METHODS: A study of 120 eyes from 120 patients, including 42 full-term children (control group), 41 preterm children without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), 16 children with ROP treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), and 21 children with ROP treated with laser. Five parameters of LC were measured by optical coherence tomography, including Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) diameter, minimum rim width (MRW), LC depth, prelaminar tissue (PLT) thickness, and LC curvature index (LCCI). RESULTS: The PLT thickness increased with age in full-term and preterm children (ß = 30.1, P = 0.003 and ß = 19.6, P < 0.001, respectively). LC depth and LCCI showed no differences between full-term and preterm children. Worse refractive errors in preterm children were associated with greater MRW and PLT thickness (ß = -17.1, P = 0.001 and ß = -5.7, P = 0.03, respectively). However, this relationship was not found in full-term children. Laser-treated children had greater MRW, PLT, temporal peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer, and foveal thickness than full-term or other preterm children (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Prematurity and ROP treatment may have an impact on the structural development of the LC. Refractive status plays a vital role in the LC structure of preterm children. This highlights the refractive errors of preterm children at school age that merit greater attention.