Comparing the ocular surface temperature and dry eye condition of keratoconus with normal eyes using infrared thermal imaging.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare the ocular surface temperature in keratoconus eyes with that in normal eyes. METHODS: A total of 27 participants were enrolled, with 10 and 17 participants in the keratoconus and control groups, respectively. Participants in the control group underwent an ophthalmic slit lamp examination and ocular thermography, while an additional corneal tomography was performed for those in the keratoconus group. RESULTS: For patients with keratoconus, the mean upper eyelid temperature (UET) was 32.36 ± 1.02 °C, inner canthus temperature (ICT) was 34.25 ± 0.83 °C, outer canthus temperature (OCT) was 33.62 ± 0.96 °C, initial central corneal temperature (initial CCT) was 33.04 ± 1.03 °C, sixth-second CCT (6 s-CCT) was 32.67 ± 1.19 °C, and the mean change in CCT measured within 6 s (change in CCT within 6 s) was 0.36 ± 0.26 °C. For controls, the values for UET, ICT, OCT, initial CCT, 6 s-CCT, and change in CCT within 6 s were 32.35 ± 1.13 °C, 34.14 ± 0.91 °C, 33.51 ± 1.02 °C, 33.22 ± 1.01 °C, 32.99 ± 1.01 °C, and 0.22 ± 0.17 °C, respectively. Except for the change in CCT within 6 s (p = 0.022), no significant differences were observed in UET (p = 0.973), ICT (p = 0.659), OCT (p = 0.697), initial CCT (p = 0.556) or 6 s-CCT (p = 0.310) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The keratoconus eyes showed faster changes in CCT and evaporation of tear film after opening the eyes. Therefore, the keratoconus eyes had a higher incidence of dry eye conditions.

Ophthalmic findings of congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis with a novel neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1 gene mutation: A case report.

We report a case of congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) with a novel neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1 (NTRK1) gene mutation. The patient suffered from recurrent corneal ulcer. A slit-lamp examination revealed ciliary hyperemia, bulbar conjunctival edema, epithelial defect, and ulcer lesion in the inferior part of the cornea, local corneal stromal edema accompanied by new vascular growth in his affected eye. In addition, the corneal sensitivity and nerve fiber density decreased significantly in both eyes. Tear film break-up time and Schirmer's I test were below lower limit. Moreover, the patient exhibited typical systemic features, including no normal response to pain stimuli, anhidrosis and self-injurious behavior. Gene sequencing revealed a compound-heterozygous mutations in NTRK1 gene: a missense mutation inherited from his mother (c.1750G > A, P.E584K) and a new splicing mutation inherited from his father (c.2187 + 5G > C). After 8 weeks of medication, the corneal ulcer basically healed. This study expands the spectrum of NTRK1 gene mutation associated with CIPA and provides a feasible approach for clinicians to treat patients with CIPA-related keratopathy.

Heterogeneous Ti/PbO2-electro-Fenton degradation of aromatic methane dyes using industrial pyrite waste slag as catalyst.

It is imperative to search the eco-friendly and cost-effective technologies for degrading contaminants. Coupling the effect of Ti/PbO2 at the anode with heterogeneous electro-Fenton was an efficient method. Industrial pyrite waste slag characterized by a variety of methods had catalytic performance and stable performance to activate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radical (∙OH). Meanwhile, the processing conditions, the malachite green wastewater concentration, the current density, the pH range, and the dosage of industrial pyrite waste slag were emphatically optimized. Herein, the total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency reached 97.70%, the mineralization current efficiency (MCE) was 0.392%, and the energy consumption (EC) was 1.942 kWh/m3 after 240 min. Heterogeneous Ti/PbO2-electro-Fenton using industrial pyrite waste slag as catalyst was an environmentally friendly technology and provided a recycling method with traditional wastes. Finally, catalytic mechanisms and possible pathways were represented according to the results of quantum chemistry calculations and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS).

Electrocatalysis degradation of coal tar wastewater using a novel hydrophobic benzalacetone modified lead dioxide electrode.

Coal tar wastewater is hard to degrade by traditional methods because of its toxic pollutant constituents and high concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons, especially phenolic substances. A new type of hydrophobic benzacetone modified PbO2 anode (BA-PbO2 electrodes) was used for the electrocatalytic treatment of coal tar wastewater in a continuous cycle reactor. The surface morphology, structure, valences of elements, hydrophobicity, hydroxyl radical (·OH) produced capacity, electrochemical properties and stability of BA-PbO2 electrodes were characterized by SEM (scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), contact angle, a fluorescence probe test, an electrochemical workstation and accelerated life test, respectively. The BA-PbO2 electrodes exhibited a compact structure and finely dispersed crystallize size of 4.6 nm. The optimum degradation conditions of coal tar wastewater were as follows: current density of 90 mA cm-2, electrode gap of 1 cm and temperature at 25 °C with flow velocity of 80 L h-1. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency reached 92.39% after 240 min of degradation under the optimized conditions and the after-treatment COD value was 379.51 mg L-1 which was lower than the centralized emission standard (less than 400 mg L-1). These findings demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of electrocatalytically degrading coal tar wastewater by BA-PbO2 electrodes. The possible mechanism and pathway for phenol a specific pollutant in coal tar wastewater were investigated by quantum chemistry calculations (Multiwfn) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The toxicity of each intermediate was predicted by the ECOSAR program.

A novel botanical formula improves eye fatigue and dry eye: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: With the frequent use of video display units, eye fatigue is becoming more common globally. An alternative nutritional strategy is needed to prevent the aggravation of eye fatigue symptoms. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate the protective effect of a novel botanical combination of lutein ester, zeaxanthin, and extracts of blackcurrant, chrysanthemum, and goji berry on adults with eye fatigue in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. METHODS: We randomly allocated 360 participants into 4 groups to receive placebo and 3 doses of our formula (chewable tablets, containing 6 mg, 10 mg, or 14 mg of lutein) once daily for 90 d. Each participant had 3 visits at baseline (V1), 45 d (V2), and 90 d (V3) during the study. RESULTS: Intervention with the formula improved individual scores of eye fatigue symptoms, including eye soreness, blurred vision, dry eye, foreign body sensation, and tearing. Compared with placebo, the formula at all 3 doses significantly decreased the total score of eye fatigue symptoms and increased the visuognosis persistence time at both V2 and V3. According to the Schirmer test, both 10-mg and 14-mg lutein formula groups had improved tear secretion at V3 compared with the placebo. The keratography results indicated that the first tear break-up time, average tear break-up time, and tear meniscus height were significantly increased after formula intervention. The formula at all 3 doses significantly increased the macular pigment optical density at V2 and V3 compared with the placebo, whereas optical coherence tomography showed no significant difference in retinal thickness and retinal volume across all groups at both visits. CONCLUSIONS: Our botanical formula improves eye fatigue, dry eye, and macular function without changing the retinal structure, and thus it could serve as an effective nutritional strategy in improving eye fatigue without causing serious side effects.Clinical Trial Registry: chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1800018987).

Prevalence of Dry Eye in Uyghur and Han Ethnic Groups in Western China.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the prevalence and characteristics of dry eye among Han and Uyghur persons living in Kashi, the most inland city of China. METHODS: A total of 1015 residents of Kashi participated in this 2013 cross-sectional study. To evaluate clinical characteristics, each subject completed (1) a dry-eye questionnaire detailing symptoms of dry eye, (2) Schirmer's I-test (SIT), (3) tear-film break-up time (BUT) test, and fluorescein staining of the cornea. Dry eye was defined as the existence of dry eye symptoms and at least two positive clinical signs. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The prevalence and risk factors of dry eye were evaluated using a multivariate model. RESULTS: Overall, 282 (27.8%) of the 1015 participants were diagnosed with dry eye (95% confidence interval (CI): range, 25.5-30.1). The prevalence of dry eye among Han persons (37.9 %) (95% CI: range, 35.8-40.0) was higher than that among Uyghurs (21.8%) (95% CI: 19.6-24.0) (p < 0.05). The prevalence of dry eye was 25.6% (95% CI: range, 23.3-27.8) among men and 28.7% (95% CI: 26.5-30.9) among women (p > 0.05). Risk factors for dry eye included ethnicity, age, occupation, arthritis, and dry mouth. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a higher prevalence of dry eye among Han than Uyghur persons in Kashi. Dry eye was significantly associated with environment and ethnicity.

An Arg124His mutation in TGFBI associated to Avellino corneal dystrophy in a Chinese pedigree.

PURPOSE: To identify the gene mutation underlying Avellino corneal dystrophy in a four-generation Chinese pedigree. METHODS: Patients from the affected family underwent detailed clinical examination involving slit-lamp photography and confocal microscopy. Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes was amplified using touch-down PCR for gene scanning. Two-point linkage analysis and haplotyping were performed to map the relevant chromosome region. The candidate gene in this region was sequenced to screen out the disease-causing mutation. RESULTS: Patients in the pedigree were diagnosed with Avellino corneal dystrophy. Using linkage analysis, the responsible gene was mapped to chromosome 5q31.2 with a maximum LOD (log odds) score (Z(max)) of 3.23 at D5S479 (θ(max)=0.0). Haplotypes constructed from 11 microstallite markers identified the disease-linked chromosome region as being below D5S808. Sequencing of TGFBI (transforming growth factor-beta induced gene), a known gene in this region, revealed a heterozygous transition (c.418 G>A) in exon 4 resulting in Arg124His (R124H) being co-segregated with the disease in affected family members but not in the unaffected members or the 50 unrelated controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that a G>A transition in Arg124His of TGFBI was responsible for Avellino corneal dystrophy in a Chinese pedigree. This result further supports the importance of TGFBIp in maintaining transparency of the cornea.

A splice site mutation in CRYBA1/A3 causing autosomal dominant posterior polar cataract in a Chinese pedigree.

PURPOSE: To identify the mutant gene for autosomal dominant posterior polar congenital cataract in a four-generation Chinese pedigree. METHODS: The clinical data of patients from the family were recorded by slit-lamp photography. Genomic DNA samples from peripheral blood of the pedigree members were then isolated to map the relevant gene, using microsatellite markers for two-point linkage analysis. Genotype and haplotypes of the pedigree were constructed using Cyrillic software to locate the relevant region. Direct sequencing was performed to screen out the disease-causing mutation. RESULTS: The congenital cataract phenotype of the pedigree was labeled as the posterior polar type by using slit-lamp photography. Linkage analysis results indicated a maximum logarithm of odds LOD score of (Z(max)) 2.02 at D17S1800 (theta(max)=0.00). Haplotyping identified a 26-cM region flanked by D17S921 and D17S800 on 17p12-21.2, namely at the betaA1/A3-crystallin (CRYBA1/A3) gene locus. Sequencing revealed a splice site mutation, G-->A, at the first base of intron 3 of CRYBA1/A3, which co-segregated with the affected individuals in the pedigree but which was not found in the unaffected members of the family or in the 50 unrelated controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that a splice site mutation of CRYBA1/A3 was responsible for the autosomal dominant posterior polar congenital cataract in a four-generation Chinese pedigree. The same mutation in this gene had previously been reported to be associated with other phenotype cataracts. This study is the first report relating a mutation of CRYBA1/A3 to posterior polar cataract.