Assessment of geothermal resource potential in Changbaishan utilizing high-precision gravity-based man-machine interactive inversion technology.

As one of the clean energy sources, geothermal resources have no negative impact in changing the climate. However, the accurate assessment and precise identification of the potential geothermal resource is still complex and dynamic. In this paper, ~2,000 large-scale high-precision gravity survey points are conducted in the north of the Tianchi caldera, Changbaishan. Advanced data processing technologies can provide straightforward information on deep geothermal resources (Hot source, caprock, geothermal reservoir and geothermal migration pathway). Upwards continuation and the technologies decode two dome shaped low and gentle anomalies (-48 × 10-5 m/s2-65 m/s2) and a positive gravity gradient anomaly (0.4 × 10-7 m/s2-1.6 × 10-5 m/s2) in large-scale high-precision gravity planar. According to two point five dimensional man-machine interactive inversion technology and the research on petrophysical parameters, the density of the shied-forming basalts in the two orthogonal gravity sections is 2.58 g/cm3. The relatively intermediate to high density (2.60-2.75 g/cm3) represents geothermal reservoir, and low density (low to 2.58 g/cm3) is the geothermal migration pathway. In addition, large-scale high-precision gravity planar with a solution of about 1/50,000 indicate that the north of the Tianchi caldera exits the sedimentary basin and uplift mountain geothermal system.

Dehydration-rehydration mechanism of vegetables at the cell-wall and cell-membrane levels and future research challenges.

The quality of dehydrated vegetables is affected by the degree to which they are returned to their original state during rehydration (restorability). At present, whether this mechanism occurs at the cell-wall or cell-membrane level is unclear. This paper reviews the important factors affecting the mechanism of dehydration-rehydration, focusing on the analysis of the composition and structure of the cell wall and cell membrane, and summarizes the related detection and analytical techniques that can be used to explore the mechanisms of dehydration-rehydration at the cell-wall and cell-membrane levels. The integrity and permeability of the cell membrane affect water transport during the dehydration-rehydration process. The cell wall and cell membrane are supporting materials for tissue morphology. The arabinan side chains of the primary structure and fibers are important for water retention. Water transport may be classified as symplastic and apoplastic. Cell membrane disruption occurs with symbiotic transport but increases the drying rate. An in-depth analysis of the dehydration-rehydration mechanism of vegetables will help develop and improve their processing methods and inspire new applications.

3D Monolayer Silanation of Porous Structure Facilitating Multi-Phase Pollutants Removal.

Activated carbon (AC) is widely used to removing hazardous pollutants from air and water, owing to its exceptional adsorption properties. However, the high affinity of water molecules with the surface oxygen-containing functional groups can adversely affect the adsorption performance of AC. In this study, a facile and efficient method is presented for fabrication of hydrophobic AC through surface monolayer silanation. Compared to initial AC, the hydrophobic AC improves the water contact angle from 29.7° to 123.5° while maintaining high specific surface area and enhances the removal capacity of multi-phase pollutants (emulsified oil and toluene). Additionally, the hydrophobic AC exhibits excellent adsorption capability to harmful algal bloom species (Chlorella) (97.56%) and algal organic matter (AOM) (96.23%) owing to electrostatic interactions and surface hydrophobicity. The study demonstrates that this method of surface monolayer silanation can effectively weaken the effect of water molecules on AC adsorption capacity, which has significant potential for practical use in air and water purification, as well as in the control of harmful algal blooms.

Cardioprotective effect of ultrasound-targeted destruction of Sirt3-loaded cationic microbubbles in a large animal model of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy occurs in response to numerous increased afterload stimuli and precedes irreversible heart failure (HF). Therefore, therapies that ameliorate pathological cardiac hypertrophy are urgently required. Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) is a main member of histone deacetylase class III and is a crucial anti-oxidative stress agent. Therapeutically enhancing the Sirt3 transfection efficiency in the heart would broaden the potential clinical application of Sirt3. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) is a prospective, noninvasive, repeatable, and targeted gene delivery technique. In the present study, we explored the potential and safety of UTMD as a delivery tool for Sirt3 in hypertrophic heart tissues using adult male Bama miniature pigs. Pigs were subjected to ear vein delivery of human Sirt3 together with UTMD of cationic microbubbles (CMBs). Fluorescence imaging, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the targeted destruction of ultrasonic CMBs in cardiac tissues greatly boosted Sirt3 delivery. Overexpression of Sirt3 ameliorated oxidative stress and partially improved the diastolic function and prevented the apoptosis and profibrotic response. Lastly, our data revealed that Sirt3 may regulate the potential transcription of catalase and MnSOD through Foxo3a. Combining the advantages of ultrasound CMBs with preclinical hypertrophy large animal models for gene delivery, we established a classical hypertrophy model as well as a strategy for the targeted delivery of genes to hypertrophic heart tissues. Since oxidative stress, fibrosis and apoptosis are indispensable in the evolution of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, our findings suggest that Sirt3 is a promising therapeutic option for these diseases. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a central prepathology of heart failure and is seen to eventually precede it. Feasible targets that may prevent or reverse disease progression are scarce and urgently needed. In this study, we developed surface-filled lipid octafluoropropane gas core cationic microbubbles that could target the release of human Sirt3 reactivating the endogenous Sirt3 in hypertrophic hearts and protect against oxidative stress in a pig model of cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding. Sirt3-CMBs may enhance cardiac diastolic function and ameliorate fibrosis and apoptosis. Our work provides a classical cationic lipid-based, UTMD-mediated Sirt3 delivery system for the treatment of Sirt3 in patients with established cardiac hypertrophy, as well as a promising therapeutic target to combat pathological cardiac hypertrophy.

Prognostic Factor Study of Macular Edema Recurrence in Retinal Vein Occlusion after Conbercept Treatment: A Post Hoc Analysis of the FALCON Study.

Objective: The study was aimed at exploring the potential predictive factors associated with the recurrence of macular edema (ME) secondary to vein occlusion (RVO) after intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) loading treatment in the FALCON study. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of 30 patients with central RVO and 30 patients with branch RVO. All patients received a monthly administration of intravitreal conbercept during the 3-month loading phase and pro re nata (PRN) treatment during the 6-month follow-up period. Based on the recurrence of ME at the first follow-up visit, patients were classified into the recurrence group or nonrecurrence group. The primary endpoint was to explore the risk factors for recurrence among baseline characteristics, fluorescein angiography (FA) patterns, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results: In general, 38 patients (64.4%) experienced ME recurrence at the first follow-up visit (3 months), regardless of disease type (p = 0.32). Significant improvements in VA were noted in both the nonrecurrence and recurrence groups (p < 0.001), however, without significant between-group differences (p = 0.1). A significant reduction in CRT in both groups (p < 0.001) was identified, and patients without recurrence showed a greater reduction in CRT compared with those with recurrence (p < 0.001). In addition, logistic regression analyses indicated the corrections of ME recurrence with baseline macular volume and the disruption of the outer limiting membrane at the fovea. Conclusion: This study suggested that OCT parameters, including baseline macular volume and outer limiting membrane disruption, and reduction in CRT after loading therapy were more predictive of ME recurrence than FA patterns or visual changes following conbercept loading therapy.

Waterborne superamphiphobic coatings with network structure for enhancing mechanical durability.

Superamphiphobic coatings may significantly change the wettability of a substrate, and so are attractive for applications in aero/marine engineering, biotechnology, and heat transfer. However, the coatings are caught in a double bind when their durability is considered, as they are vulnerable to mechanical abrasion. Meanwhile, the wide use of organic solvents for preparing the coatings generates environmental pollution. Here, we present a waterborne superamphiphobic coating through one-step spraying that repels a wide range of liquids. By tailoring the repellence of the nano-silica to waterborne resin, a network structure is constructed to protect the embedded nano-silica from damage. Thus, the coatings are durable against 725 cycles of friction tester abrasion under a load of 250 g, showing a significant improvement in the mechanical durability by 3-25 times. Moreover, our coating also shows excellent comprehensive durability, including resistance to oil-flow erosion, falling sand impact, chemical attack, thermal treatment, etc. This strategy can be introduced to various waterborne resins, demonstrating its universality, and may offer a new insight to design sustainable superamphiphobic coatings for long-term practical applications.

Human Decidual Mesenchymal Stem Cells Obtained From Early Pregnancy Improve Cardiac Revascularization Postinfarction by Activating Ornithine Metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Compared with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), decidual mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are easy to obtain and exhibit excellent angiogenic effects, but their role in cell transplantation after myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear. METHODS: BMSCs and DMSCs were harvested from healthy donors. The effects of both cell types on angiogenesis were observed in vitro. Metabonomics analysis was performed to compare different metabolites and screen critical metabolic pathways. A murine model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was established, which was randomized into five groups (control, BMSC, DMSC, DMSC + ODCshRNA and BMSC + ODC consisting of 50 animals, equally divided into each group). The therapeutic effect of DMSCs on MI in rats was assessed based on neovascularization and cardiac remodeling. RESULTS: DMSCs exhibited a better angiogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) than BMSCs in vitro. In addition, ornithine metabolism, which is associated with vascularization, was significantly increased in DMSCs. The transplantation of DMSCs in the rat MI model significantly enhanced angiogenesis of the infarct border area and improved cardiac remodeling and dysfunction postinfarction compared with BMSCs. Furthermore, inhibition of ornithine metabolism by silencing ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in DMSCs partly abolished the benefits of DMSC transplantation. CONCLUSION: Compared with BMSCs, DMSCs exhibited better efficacy in improving revascularization and heart remodeling post-MI via the activation of ODC-associated ornithine metabolism.

Nanoscale zero-valent iron loaded vermiform expanded graphite for the removal of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution.

Cr (VI) is indispensable in industrial manufacturing, and its extensive use leads to severe heavy-metal pollution in the water environment around people, posing a great danger to physical health and living environment of multitudinous organisms. Expanded graphite (EG) is considered as a typical material for adsorption, while nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) can be applied to degrade and sedimentate various organic or inorganic pollutants. In this study, a simultaneous collaboration of EG and nZVI is carried out, with the investigation on the influence of different test conditions for adsorption performances. These findings demonstrate that nZVI@EG manifests favourable adsorptive performance on the removal of hexavalent chromium efficiently. nZVI, acting as an electron donor, is supposed to reduce Cr (VI) to Cr (III), turning itself into iron oxide or hydroxide. The whole process is an exothermic reaction, accompanying chemical reduction and physical adsorption. And Cr (III) is fastened on the appearance by deposition of chromium hydroxide or ferrochromium complex precipitation, which greatly reduces the total chromium content in the aqueous solution. Herein, as a new composite adsorbent, nZVI@EG shows promising prospects of practical applications in water contamination and environmental remediation.

Peripheral arterial filling time and peripheral retina fluorescence features in ultra-widefield angiography.

AIM: To evaluate the peripheral arterial filling time (PAFT) and venous filling time (VFT) in eyes without known diseases that may influence filling process using ultra-widefield (UWF) fluorescein angiography (FA), and to review the peripheral retina fluorescence features. METHODS: A total of 30 eyes of 30 patients were retrospectively reviewed in this observational study. UWF-FA was performed using Optos 200Tx. PAFT and VFT was recorded. The interval between the arterial or venous filling completion and the previous photo was documented. The appearance of the far peripheral retina was described as either granular background fluorescence or mottled fluorescent band or vascular leakage. Terminal vascular patterns was described as loop pattern or branching pattern. Microvascular abnormalities such as arteriovenous shunting, vessels crossing the horizontal raphe, right angle vessels, terminal networks, capillary nonperfusion, drusen or microaneurysms were evaluated. RESULTS: The normal limits of PAFT was 3.397-8.984s and 4.399-11.753s for VFT. The appearance of the far peripheral retina, defined as granular background (63%), mottled fluorescence (20%), or vascular leakage (17%), was symmetrical between both eyes. Capillary nonperfusion (23%) and microaneurysms (40%) were more frequently found in eyes with loop pattern than in eyes with branching pattern. Other peripheral signs such as right-angle vessels (73%), and terminal networks (80%) were commonly seen on UWF-FA in the normal peripheral retina. CONCLUSION: The main courses of retinal artery and vein filling time are overlapping with each other on UWF-FA. Notably, the arterial filling process is completed in the arteriovenous phase rather than the traditionally named arterial phase. There are various manifestations in the peripheral retina of normal eyes.

Therapeutic potential of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth infusion into patients with type 2 diabetes depends on basal lipid levels and islet function.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great potential in treating patients with diabetes, but the therapeutic effects are not always achieved. Particularly, the clinical factors regulating MSC therapy in this setting are largely unknown. In this study, 24 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with insulin were selected to receive three intravenous infusions of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) over the course of 6 weeks and were followed up for 12 months. We observed a significant reduction of glycosylated serum albumin level (P < .05) and glycosylated hemoglobin level (P < .05) after SHED transplantation. The total effective rate was 86.36% and 68.18%, respectively, at the end of treatment and follow-up periods. Three patients ceased insulin injections after SHED transplantation. A steamed bread meal test showed that the serum levels of postprandial C-peptide at 2 hours were significantly higher than those at the baseline (P < .05). Further analysis showed that patients with a high level of blood cholesterol and a low baseline level of C-peptide had poor response to SHED transplantation. Some patients experienced a transient fever (11.11%), fatigue (4.17%), or rash (1.39%) after SHED transplantation, which were easily resolved. In summary, SHED infusion is a safe and effective therapy to improve glucose metabolism and islet function in patients with T2DM. Blood lipid levels and baseline islet function may serve as key factors contributing to the therapeutic outcome of MSC transplantation in patients with T2DM.

The electrochemical performance of reduced graphene oxide prepared from different types of natural graphites.

Graphene, as a new type of carbon material in the forefront of research, has been applied widely in the area of supercapacitors with the advantages of a large positive specific surface, high conductivity, stable chemical properties and good supercapacitor performance. In this study, an investigation on the electrochemical performance of reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) prepared from various natural graphites was conducted. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and electrochemical performance analysis were performed to characterize the as-prepared GOs and rGOs. The results demonstrated that a reduction modification of GO was necessary to optimize its electrochemical performance. The rGO has a great electrochemical performance with a good repair ability, better oxygen-containing functional group removal effect, lower structural defects, larger average size of the in-plane sp2 region and great specific capacitance.

Evaluation of the Safety and Long-term Scleral Biomechanical Stability of UVA Cross-linking on Scleral Collagen in Rhesus Monkeys.

PURPOSE: To investigate the changes of retinal and choroidal parameters, scleral biomechanical strength, and ocular histopathology after scleral ultraviolet-A (UVA) cross-linking (CXL) in rhesus monkeys eyes, and to evaluate the safety and long-term biomechanical stability of scleral CXL for preventing myopia from progressing further in clinic. METHODS: Six 3-year-old male rhesus monkeys (12 eyes) were randomized to receive UVA-CXL procedures applied on the superotemporal equatorial sclera. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were used for examination before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after CXL. The stress-strain behaviors of equatorial scleral strips were analyzed 12 months postoperatively by a biomaterial tester. Hematoxylin-eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: For central retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, and flow density of central retinal superficial vascular networks, no statistical difference was noted between CXL eyes and control eyes at 12 months postoperatively (P > .05). The biomechanical stability of sclera was increased. The scleral stress and Young modulus at 8% strain corresponded to 184% and 183%, respectively, of the control values at 12 months (each P < .001). No retinal damage was detected on histology in scleral CXL eyes. There was no obvious difference between scleral CXL eyes and control eyes by hematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Scleral CXL with riboflavin/UVA in rhesus monkey eyes could strengthen the biomechanical properties of scleral tissues and maintain the stability for 12 months postoperatively. The UVA-CXL on the sclera of rhesus monkey eyes seems to be effective and safe. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(10):696-702.].

Recyclable Superhydrophobic, Antimoisture-Activated Carbon Pellets for Air and Water Purification.

Activated carbon (AC) is a low-cost, highly porous material with large internal surface areas. It is highly efficient in absorbing moisture and a variety of chemical pollutants. Therefore, it has been widely used in air and water purification. However, the strong affinity to moisture often dominates, thus limiting AC's adsorption capacity of other pollutants in a humid environment and reducing its overall lifetime. In the study, superhydrophobic and anti-moisture AC (SA-AC) pellets are fabricated through one-step modification of commercially available AC with a solution consisting of superhydrophobic silica nanoparticles. The SA-AC pellets exhibit excellent water repellency with a static water contact angle reaching 160.3°. More importantly, they are moisture-resistant and air-permeable. Therefore, they preferably adsorb organic gases at humid conditions. The absorbed organic vapor can be released when they are transferred back to the dry atmosphere, for example, releasing approximately 35% of absorbed ethanol. The recoverability significantly reduces energy requirement compared to calcination or conventional extraction. Great adsorption capacity of organic dyes such as methylene blue, removal of oil-in-water microemulsions, and recyclability of SA-AC pellets are demonstrated. The morphology of the microporous structures of the SA-AC pellets is characterized against processing conditions, surface functional groups, and hierarchical structures tailored by the deposition of low-surface energy silica nanoparticles. The resulting micro-/sub-micropores on the pellet surface promote droplet condensation, thus displaying greater damp-proof performance than those treated by traditional modification. The study here presents a promising alternative for the efficient purification on large-scale air/water treatment.

SIRT3 Transfection of Aged Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves Cell Therapy-Mediated Myocardial Repair.

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a deacetylase important for antioxidant protection, cell longevity, and aging. We hypothesized that SIRT3 improve oxidative resistance of aged cells and improve cell therapy in aged patients. In vitro, the proliferation and oxidative resistance of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) significantly declined with age. The expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), increased after transfection of SIRT3 in hMSCs from older donors (O-hMSCs). The protein level of Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) in nucleus increased after SIRT3 overexpression. The antioxidant capacity of O-hMSCs increased after SIRT3 overexpression. 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT, CAT inhibitor) or diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC, SOD inhibitor) that was used to inhibit CAT or SOD activity significantly blocked the antioxidant function of SIRT3. When two inhibitors were used together, the antioxidant function of SIRT3 almost disappeared. Following myocardial infarction and intramyocardial injections of O-hMSCs in rats in vivo, the survival rate of O-hMSCs increased by SIRT3 transfection. The cardiac function of rats was improved after SIRT3-overexpressed O-hMSC transplantation. The infarct size, collagen content, and expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 decreased. Besides, the protein level of vascular endothelial growth factor A and vascular density increased after cell transplantation with SIRT3-modified O-hMSCs. These results indicate that damage resistance of hMSCs decline with age and SIRT3 might protect O-hMSCs against oxidative damage by activating CAT and MnSOD through transferring FOXO3a into nucleus. Meanwhile, the therapeutic effect of aged hMSC transplantation can be improved by SIRT3 overexpression.

Circular RNA circ_0074027 indicates a poor prognosis for NSCLC patients and modulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion via miR-185-3p mediated BRD4/MADD activation.

Circular RNAs play an imperative role in cancer development and metastasis by regulating oncogenic and tumor-suppressive pathways. However, the role and mechanism of circ_0074027 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have not been elucidated. The expression levels of circ_0074027 were detected by qRT-PCR. The link between circ_0074027 expression and clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed by Fisher's exact test. The prognostic role of circ_0074027 was investigated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometric assays were utilized to evaluate NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. Wound scratch and Transwell tests were applied to detect cell migratory and invasive capacities. The interaction potential of circ_0074027 and miR-185-3p was analyzed by the circBank database, and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The downstream gene of miR-185-3p was also investigated. Circ_0074027 was elevated in NSCLC specimens and cell lines. Overexpressed circ_0074027 was related to more advanced TNM stages, poorer differentiation grade, and worse overall survival. Upregulated circ_0074027 increased the proliferation of H1299 cells by inhibiting cell apoptosis. Cell migration and invasion were enhanced after circ_0074027 overexpression. Silenced circ_0074027 caused the opposite effects in the A549 cell line. For mechanism investigation, circ_0074027 directly sponges miR-185-3p to enhance bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and MAPK-activating death domain-containing protein (MADD) expression levels at the posttranscriptional level. Furthermore, we found the oncogenic function of circ_0074027 is attributed to its modulation of BRD4 and MADD. Collectively, upregulated circ_0074027 in NSCLC accelerates cell progression via miR-185-3p/BRD4/MADD pathway as a competing endogenous RNA.

Ocular safety evaluation of blue light scleral cross-linking in vivo in rhesus macaques.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety of blue light scleral cross-linking (SXL) by evaluating changes in biological parameters in the retina and choroid in the eyes of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). METHODS: Fifteen 3-year-old macaques (30 eyes) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5). SXL was performed via riboflavin (0.5%) and blue light (460 nm) at the location of the equatorial sclera. Right eyes served as experimental eyes, and left eyes as control eyes. One quadrant of each right eye was irradiated in group A, two quadrants of each right eye and one quadrant of each left eye were irradiated in group B, and two quadrants of each right eye were irradiated in group C. Optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and flash electroretinography (f-ERG) examinations were performed at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after SXL. Additionally, retinal tissue alterations were detected via transmission electron microscopy at 1 week postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between experimental eyes and control eyes in retinal thickness, vessel density of retinal superficial capillary plexus, and choroid thickness in any of the groups at any of the time points investigated (p > 0.05). Significant reductions in f-ERG parameters were detected 1 week postoperatively in the experimental eyes of groups A and C (p < 0.05), but they gradually recovered, and there was no significant difference 1 month postoperatively (p > 0.05). Ultrastructural changes were evident in the retinal layers of SXL eyes. In group B, there were no significant differences between the right and left eyes at any of the follow-up time points investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Blue light SXL can cause transient retina damage. The f-ERG parameters reductions and retinal ultrastructural changes were found at early stage, even though there were not significant changes in retinal thickness, vessel density of retinal superficial capillary plexus, and choroid thickness after blue light SXL. The long-term intraocular safety of the blue light SXL technique should be investigated further.

Case Report: Focal Choroidal Excavation Underlying Combined Hamartoma of the Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium.

SIGNIFICANCE: There are few reports of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) in combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE). This report documents a case of this rare condition and suggests that there might be a relationship between FCE and CHRRPE. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe a case of FCE underlying CHRRPE. CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old Chinese boy presented with a 2-month history of decreased vision in his left eye. Fundus examination of the left eye showed an elevated fibrotic mass in the macular area with pigment disturbance. Optical coherence tomography revealed a cup-shaped FCE in the macula with thickening and disorganization of multiple retinal layers and overlying epiretinal proliferation in the left eye. A diagnosis of FCE within CHRRPE was made, and periodic review was recommended. CONCLUSIONS: There may be an association or a causal relationship between CHRRPE and FCE. It is plausible that FCE in the setting of CHRRPE is a developmental abnormality that occurs after birth because of a weakening of the retinal pigment epithelium and thinning of the choroid beneath the tumor. Continued monitoring for FCE progression and potential choroidal neovascularization is indicated.

Study of retina and choroid biological parameters of rhesus monkeys eyes on scleral collagen cross-linking by riboflavin and ultraviolet A.

To evaluate ocular fundus biological changes after scleral collagen cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin/ ultraviolet A (UVA) on rhesus monkeys in vivo by analyzing retina and choroid biological parameters. Six 3-year-old male rhesus monkeys (12 eyes) were observed in this study, with scleral CXL procedures applied on superior temporal equatorial sclera on random eyes of all rhesus. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) examination were performed before and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after CXL. The thickness of retina and choroid and the flow density of retinal superficial vascular networks were analyzed respectively in different regions after CXL. As for retina thickness and flow density of retinal superficial vascular networks, no statistical difference was noted between CXL eyes and control eyes at 1 day, 1week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months (P>0.05). Among choroid parameters, the choroidal thickness in 1500µm temporal to the fovea center of CXL eyes revealed a significant reduction in 1 week postoperatively (P<0.05), but it subsequently increased from 1 month postoperatively, and no statistical difference was found between two groups in the following periods (P>0.05). The choroidal thickness nearby crosslinked region may change temporarily following scleral CXL, and it might recover gradually after 1 month postoperatively. The vascular flow density and thickness of retina were not affected by scleral CXL. Further study should be performed to evaluate the potential adverse effects at the direct vicinity of the application site and the long-term effect of scleral CXL in clinical application.

Evaluation of hyperreflective foci as a prognostic factor of visual outcome in retinal vein occlusion.

AIM: To evaluate the potential role of hyperreflective foci (HF) as a prognostic indicator of visual outcome in patients with macular edema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 50 eyes of 50 patients with ME due to ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), non-ischemic CRVO and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) who were treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) at Beijing Tongren Eye Center from January 2013 to July 2016. All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at baseline and follow-up. Such factors were evaluated and compared among three groups as baseline and final BCVA, central retinal thickness (CRT), external limiting membrane (ELM) status and the numbers of HF in different position. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between baseline HF and final BCVA. Changes of HF before and after treatment were evaluated too. RESULTS: Among three groups, HF could be located in each retinal layers, as well as in vitreous cavity. The mean HF in outer retinal layer (ORL) at baseline was 5.29±8.48 in ischemic CRVO with intact ELM, 1.93±2.76 in non-ischemic CRVO, and 1.75±2.05 in BRVO. With disrupted ELM, the mean HF in ORL increased. There was statistically difference of HF in ORL between intact and disrupted ELM. The numbers of HF in ORL were associated with poor visual outcome among three groups. However, HF in inner retinal layer (IRL) and vitreous cavity were not associated with poor visual outcome. Meanwhile, the baseline HF in ORL and vitreous cavity reduced significantly in non-ischemic CRVO and BRVO after anti-VEGF treatment. CONCLUSION: The numbers of HF in ORL are prognostic factors associated with the final BCVA in patients with ME due to RVO after anti-VEGF treatment.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF INTRAVITREAL CONBERCEPT INJECTIONS IN MACULAR EDEMA SECONDARY TO RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of intravitreal conbercept injections in patients with macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: A prospective, Phase II clinical trial was performed on 60 patients with macular edema secondary to RVO. Thirty patients had branch RVO (BRVO) and 30 had central RVO (CRVO). Each patient received intravitreal injections of conbercept monthly up to 3 months, followed by monthly evaluation and injection pro re nata to Month 9. RESULTS: The average change of best-corrected visual acuity from baseline to Month 9 was 17.83 ± 10.89 letters in BRVO and 14.23 ± 11.74 letters in CRVO. The change in best-corrected visual acuity was not statistically different between the groups (P = 0.216). The mean reduction of central retina thickness from baseline to Month 9 was 289.97 ± 165.42 µm and 420.47 ± 235.89 µm in BRVO and CRVO, respectively. The mean numbers of injections was 7.14 ± 1.90 in BRVO and 7.59 ± 1.39 in CRVO from baseline to Month 9 (P = 0.4705). There were 7 serious adverse events (SAEs) in 5 patients (8.33%, 2 BRVO and 3 CRVO). All the SAEs were nonocular and were not related to the drug or the injection procedure. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injections of conbercept demonstrated a generally favorable safety and tolerability profile as well as efficacy in the treatment of macular edema due to RVO.