Quantum dots: a tool for the detection of explosives/nitro derivatives.

Nitro derivatives are considered as major environmental pollutants and issues of health concern. In current times, a variety of methods and techniques have been utilized for the sensing of these nitro derivatives. In view of this, the remarkable fluorescence properties of quantum dots (QDs) provide a great opportunity to detect these nitro derivatives. This review highlighted the recent reports of QDs as the sensing material for these nitro derivative explosives. Different modifications in QDs using physical and chemical approaches can be used to improve their sensing output. Various interaction mechanisms have been discussed between QDs and nitro derivatives to change their fluorescence properties. Finally, the current challenges and the perspective for the forthcoming future are provided in the concluding section. We hope this review will be beneficial in guiding the utilization of QDs in sensing applications.

Different GCMs yet similar outcome: predicting the habitat distribution of Shorea robusta C.F. Gaertn. in the Indian Himalayas using CMIP5 and CMIP6 climate models.

Climate change impact on the habitat distribution of umbrella species presents a critical threat to the entire regional ecosystem. This is further perilous if the species is economically important. Sal (Shorea robusta C.F. Gaertn.), a climax forest forming Central Himalayan tree species, is one of the most valuable timber species and provides several ecological services. Sal forests are under threat due to over-exploitation, habitat destruction, and climate change. Sal's poor natural regeneration and its unimodal density-diameter distribution in the region illustrate the peril to its habitat. We, modelled the current as well as future distribution of suitable sal habitats under different climate scenarios using 179 sal occurrence points and 8 bioclimatic environmental variables (non-collinear). The CMIP5-based RCP4.5 and CMIP6-based SSP245 climate models under 2041-2060 and 2061-2080 periods were used to predict the impact of climate change on sal's future potential distribution area. The niche model results predict the mean annual temperature and precipitation seasonality as the most influential sal habitat governing variables in the region. The current high suitability region for sal was 4.36% of the total geographic area, which shows a drastic decline to 1.31% and 0.07% under SSP245 for 2041-60 and 2061-80, respectively. The RCP-based models predicted more severe impact than SSP; however, both RCP and SSP models showed complete loss of high suitability regions and overall shift of species northwards in the Uttarakhand state. We could identify the current and future suitable habitats for conserving sal population through assisted regeneration and management of other regional issues.

Development of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Questionnaire for age-related macular degeneration patients.

AIM: To develop and validate a questionnaire to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who have undergone intravitreal injection treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted among patients diagnosed with AMD in Kuala Lumpur. The generation of the instrument included four phases which included item and domains development, content, face validity and exploratory factor analysis. Content validity and modified Kappa was used for validation of knowledge domain. Exploratory factor analysis was used for validation of both attitude and practice domains. Face validity was conducted in 12 patients, content validity was ascertained in 120 patients and test-retest reliability was determined in 39 patients with AMD. RESULTS: Content validity index (CVI) and modified kappa showed excellent values for most items in the knowledge domain with CVI for item (I-CVI) values between 0.78-1.0 and Kappa values of >0.74. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) sampling adequacy showed acceptable scores of 0.70 and 0.75 for both attitude and practice domains respectively and Bartlett's Test of sphericity were significant (χ2 =0.00, P<0.001). Factor analysis resulted in five factors with thirty items for attitude domain and four factors with twenty items for practice domain. The Cronbach's alpha showed acceptable values for all items in knowledge, attitude and practice domain with values >0.70 and good test-retest reliability. The final version of the questionnaire consisted of 93 items from four sections consisting of demographic details, knowledge, attitude and practice. CONCLUSION: The findings of this validation and reliability study show that the developed questionnaire has a satisfactory psychometric property for measuring KAP of patients diagnosed with AMD undergoing intravitreal injection treatment.

Predicting the potential suitable habitats of genus Nymphaea in India using MaxEnt modeling.

Modeling and mapping the distribution of suitable habitats of aquatic plants are critical for assessing the impact of factors like changing climate on species habitat range shifts, declines, and expansions. Nymphaea is an aquatic perennial herb considered valuable because of its ornamental, economic, medicinal, and ecological importance. In India, the geographical distribution of Nymphaea is diverse, and the suitable habitats of individual species are vulnerable to the changing climate and global warming effects. Despite its increased vulnerability, only a few limited conservation efforts in aquatic environments are being made to date. In several places, the distribution of Nymphaea has been impacted by both anthropogenic and climate-related disturbances. A comprehensive strategy will be needed to meet the socio-ecological challenge of Nymphaea conservation. In this study, we employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) method to assess how climate change affects the distribution of Nymphaea suitable habitat. The occurrence records of Nymphaea were collected from primary surveys, Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), and published works. Bioclimatic variables obtained from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) were employed as predictor variables in distribution modeling. The projections were made using three SSPs (stringent mitigation scenarios) for the future period of 2050. Our results showed shifts in the suitability ranges of Nymphaea under different projection scenarios. The study provides information about the distribution of suitable habitats for Nymphaea in India, which may be helpful for ongoing efforts to conserve and manage the aquatic plants, particularly in areas that are losing suitable climate conditions.

Association between Socioeconomic Status and Vision Screening Outcomes among Preschool Children in Klang Valley, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Vision screening programmes' outcomes are routinely used to report the prevalence of vision anomalies in children. However, the association between vision screening outcomes and the children's socioeconomic status remains underexplored. This cross-sectional study determined the association between socioeconomic and birth status with vision screening outcomes in a sample of children in Klang Valley. Methods: Total 411 children (mean age: 5.49 ± 0.47 years old) attending preschools were selected via stratified cluster sampling. Habitual distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, and stereoacuity were measured. The fail criteria were distance visual acuity ≥ 0.3 logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR), near visual acuity ≥ 0.4 logMAR or stereoacuity ≥ 300 arcsec. Socioeconomic and birth history data were obtained using parent-report questionnaires. The association between socioeconomic factors and screening outcomes were determined with binary logistic regression. Results: Sixty-two children (15.1%) failed the screening, with a significantly higher failure rate for Bumiputera children (16.34%) compared to non-Bumiputera children (4.08%) (χ 2 (1, 410) = 5.21; P = 0.024). After adjusting for confounders, Bumiputera children were four times more likely to fail vision screening (OR: 4.54; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.07, 17.76; P = 0.044). Other socioeconomic factors were not significant predictors for failing vision screening. Conclusion: Preschool children's ethnicity is associated with vision screening outcomes. Bumiputera children are more likely to fail vision screening than their non-Bumiputera peers.

Incidence and predictors of postpartum depression among postpartum mothers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A cross-sectional study.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the mental health complications that may arise following childbirth. This cross-sectional study explores the association between socioeconomic factors and PPD literacy with PPD incidence in 350 participants (mean age: 30.58±4.72 years) at one to six months postpartum, who attended the Kuala Lumpur Health Clinic from May to October 2020. PPD incidence and literacy were assessed using the validated Malay versions of the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Postpartum Depression Literacy Scale (PoDLiS), respectively. The participants' socioeconomic characteristics were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square tests were performed to determine the association between these factors and PPD incidence. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine the odds ratios (OR). The incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms was 14.29%. Those with low household income were twice likely to have PPD symptoms (OR:2.58, 95% CI:1.23-5.19; p = 0.01) than those with higher incomes. Unemployment (i.e., participants who were housewives/homemakers) was associated with higher PPD incidence (Χ2(2, 350) = 6.97, p = 0.03), but it was not a significant PPD predictor. In conclusion, PPD incidence in the sample of Kuala Lumpur postpartum mothers is significantly associated with low household income. Other socioeconomic characteristics, including PPD literacy, were not significant predictors of PPD incidence.

Baseline Optical Coherence Tomography Parameters That May Influence 6 Months Treatment Outcome of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Eyes with Combination Therapy: A Short-Term Pilot Study.

Although optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters have assisted in the diagnosis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), its potential to evaluate treatment outcomes has not been established. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate baseline OCT parameters that may influence treatment outcome in PCV eyes with combination therapy. In this single-centered, prospective study, patients were recruited with at least one treatment-naïve PCV eye and treated with combination therapy of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor and photodynamic therapy. Best-corrected distance and near visual acuity (DVA and NVA), and contrast sensitivity (CS) were recorded at baseline and six months after treatment. OCT parameters were determined. Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients aged between 51 to 83 years were evaluated. In eyes that had disrupted external limiting membrane (ELM), photoreceptors inner and outer segment (IS-OS) junction at 1000 micron of fovea at baseline showed low mean visual functions after 6 months of treatment. Eyes with foveal sub-retinal fluid (SRF) and polyp at central 1000 micron of fovea at baseline showed significantly worse DVA and CS after six months. Thus, the presence of foveal SRF, foveal polyp, disrupted ELM, and IS-OS junction at baseline significantly influenced the six months' visual outcome in PCV eyes treated with combination therapy.

Visual Parameters and Retinal Morphology for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Pre- and Post-Intravitreal Ranibizumab with or without Photodynamic Therapy: A Short-Term Prospective Study.

The objective of this study was to compare visual parameters and retinal layers' morphology pre-treatment (baseline) and 6 months post-treatment in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) eyes. A single centre, longitudinal, prospective study was conducted at a public tertiary hospital of Malaysia. Visual parameters including distance and near visual acuity (DVA and NVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), reading speed (RS), and different qualitative and quantitative optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters were evaluated pre- and 6 months post-treatment. Thirty-three naïve PCV eyes of 32 patients (mean age of 67.62 years) were evaluated pre- and post-treatment of intravitreal ranibizumab with and without photodynamic therapy. After treatment, sub retinal fluid decreased from 27 eyes (84.35%) at baseline to 7 eyes (21.88%) at 6 months while pigment epithelium detachment decreased from 32 eyes (100%) at base line to 15 eyes (46.87%) at 6 months. Mean pre-treatment quantitative morphological OCT retinal parameters including thickness and volume of central sub field, center thickness, center minimum, and maximum thickness reduced significantly. Similarly, all visual parameters including DVA, NVA, CS, and RS showed statistically significant improvement. While 89% of the eyes showed improvement in CS, 78%, 71%, and 65% of the eyes showed improvement in NVA, RS, and DVA, respectively. Thus, CS was the most treatment responsive visual parameter.

Association between reduced visual-motor integration performance and socioeconomic factors among preschool children in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study.

Visual-motor integration (VMI) is related to children's academic performance and school readiness. VMI scores measured using the Beery-Bucktenicka Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (Beery-VMI) can differ due to differences in cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. This study compared the VMI scores of Malaysian preschoolers with the corresponding US norms and determined the association between their VMI scores and socioeconomic factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 preschoolers (mean age: 5.95±0.47 years; age range: 5.08-6.83 years) from randomly selected public and private preschools. VMI scores were measured using Beery-VMI in the preschools' classrooms. Information on the socioeconomic characteristics of the preschoolers was obtained using a parent-report questionnaire. One sample t-test was used to compare their VMI scores with the corresponding US norms. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the influence of socioeconomic factors on the preschoolers' VMI scores. Overall, Malaysian preschoolers' VMI performance was similar to the US standardized norms (p>0.05). Children from low-income families were twice likely to obtain lower than average VMI scores than those from higher-income families (OR = 2.47, 95%CI 1.05, 5.86). Children enrolled at public preschools were more likely to obtain a lower than average VMI score than those who enrolled at private preschools (OR = 2.60, 95%CI 1.12, 6.06). Children who started preschool at the age of six were more likely to obtain lower than average VMI scores than those who started at an earlier age (OR = 4.66, 95%CI 1.97, 11.04). Low maternal education level was also associated with lower than average VMI score (OR = 2.60, 95%CI 1.12, 6.06). Malaysian preschoolers' Beery-VMI performance compared well to their US counterparts. Some socioeconomic factors were associated with reduced VMI scores. Those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to have reduced VMI performance, potentially adversely affecting their school readiness, cognitive performance, and future academic achievements.

Double Eyelid Tape Wear Affects Anterior Ocular Health among Young Adult Women with Single Eyelids.

Many East Asians apply double eyelid tape to create the double eyelid effect temporarily as a means of increasing their beauty. This study evaluated the effects of four-week wear of double eyelid tape on anterior ocular health in young adult women with single eyelids. Twenty-nine participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. The participants' anterior ocular health was examined including blinking characteristics (blink pattern and blink rate), ocular surface health (presence of corneal abrasion, corneal staining, conjunctival staining, corneal curvatures, meibomian gland dysfunction), tear break up time, intraocular pressure, and subjective comfort level. Participants were required to apply the double eyelid tape for at least eight hours a day and five days a week for four weeks. The parameters were re-measured at the end of each week. There was a significant increase in conjunctival staining, corneal staining, and meibomian gland dysfunction, with a significant reduction in tear break-up time and intraocular pressure. By week 3, all participants had incomplete blinks. There was no significant change in symptoms and subjective comfort level reported. Therefore, patients and eye care practitioners should be aware of the potential implications of double eyelid tape wear on ocular health, with no significant change in subjective comfort.

Patient-Perceived Benefit of Treatment in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: A Pilot Study.

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, requires repeated treatment. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate and compare vision-targeted quality of life (QOL) at baseline and after 6 months of treatment in patients with PCV. Naive PCV patients were recruited. Visual functions assessed were distance visual acuity (DVA), near visual acuity (NVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), reading speed (RS), and QOL at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Thirty patients (average age of 67.62 ± 8.05 years) revealed mean DVA and NVA improvements of 0.24 logMAR and 0.30 logMAR, respectively. Mean CS and RS improved by 0.39 log contrast and 25.58 words per minute, respectively. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25) composite score significantly increased from a baseline of 66.73 ± 13.74 to 73.54 ± 14.26. Twenty-eight of the patients showed overall improvement in QOL score by 5 units or more or remained stable. Subscales of NEI-VFQ-25 significantly improved, with general vision, mental health, and role difficulties improving by 10 or more units. The present pilot study reports a significant improvement of QOL in PCV patients after 6 months of treatment, with mental health, role difficulties, social functioning, and distance vision activities being the most improved subscales.

Correlation between Visual Functions and Retinal Morphology in Eyes with Early and Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

In early and intermediate age related macular degeneration (ARMD), visual acuity alone has failed to explain the complete variation of vision. The aim of the present study was to determine correlation between different visual functions and retinal morphology in eyes with early and intermediate ARMD. In this single center cross sectional study, patients diagnosed as early or intermediate ARMD in at least one eye were recruited. Visual functions measured were best- corrected distance visual acuity (DVA), near vision acuity (NVA), reading speed (RS), and contrast sensitivity (CS). Parameters such as thickness (RT) and volume (RV) of the retina, outer retinal layer thickness (ORLT) and volume (ORLV), outer nuclear layer thickness (ONLT) and volume (ONLV), retinal pigment epithelium layer-Bruch's membrane complex thickness (RPET) and volume (RPEV) were assessed employing semi-auto segmentation method of Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT). Twenty-six eyes were evaluated. DVA, CS, and RS showed significantly good correlation with RPET, ONLT, and ONLV, whereas NVA showed good correlation with ONLV and RPET. The present study concluded that RS, CS, NVA, and DVA represent the morphological alteration in early stages and should be tested in clinical settings. ONLT, ONLV, and RPET morphological parameters can be employed as important biomarkers in diagnosis of early to intermediate ARMD.

Synergistic Effects of Carbon Dots and Palladium Nanoparticles Enhance the Sonocatalytic Performance for Rhodamine B Degradation in the Absence of Light.

Carbon dot (CD) and palladium nanoparticle (Pd NP) composites are semiconducting materials having tremendous applications in catalysis with suitable band gaps. However, their combination with a suitable polymer matrix in sonophotocatalysis has not been explored. Herein, we have synthesized and characterized a new nanohybrid catalyst from a polyamide cross-linked CD-polymer and subsequent deposition of Pd NPs. A sonocatalytic activity of 99% rhodamine B dye degradation was achieved in mere 5 min in the dark. A model catalyst replacing CDs with benzene and other control studies revealed that the synergistic effects of CDs and Pd NPs enhance the sonocatalytic activity of the nanohybrid catalyst. Interestingly, visible light did not influence the activity significantly. Mechanistic investigations suggest that generation of reactive oxygen species on the surface of the CD-polymer initiated by ultrasound, which is further facilitated by Pd NPs, is the key for remarkable catalytic activity (a rate constant of 0.99 min-1). Recyclable heterogeneous catalysts under ambient conditions are promising for exploring sono-assisted dark catalysis for several avenues.

The Correlation between Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and Hyperreflective Dots (HRD) in Diabetic Patients.

Hyperreflective dots (HRD) are activated retinal microglial cells induced by retinal inflammation in diabetic patients. This study was conducted to compare the HRD count of normal and diabetic subjects; to determine the correlation between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and HRD count; to determine HbA1c cut-off levels for the appearance of HRD in diabetic patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted among normal and diabetic patients. Fundus photos, SD-OCT images and HbA1c levels were taken. A total of 25 normal subjects, 32 diabetics without retinopathy and 26 mild-to-moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) diabetics were recruited. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean count of HRD among the normal group, the diabetic without retinopathy group and the mild-to-moderate NPRD group. The mean HRD count in the inner retina layer was significantly higher compared to the outer retina layer. There was a significant linear relationship between the HbA1c levels and HRD count. Using the receiver operating curve, the HbA1c level of 5.4% was chosen as the cut-off point for the appearance of HRD. The positive linear correlation between the HbA1c levels and the appearance of HRD may indicate that hyperglycemia could activate retina microglial cells in diabetic patients.

Tuning of cross-Glaser products mediated by substrate-catalyst polymeric backbone interactions.

Tuning of cross-Glaser products using different polymeric backbones supported by copper oxide nano-catalysts has been demonstrated by tweaking the substrate-catalyst interactions under greener conditions. Further, highly reactive magnetically separable and recyclable catalyst with scalability is demonstrated.

Inverting peripheral hyperopic defocus into myopic defocus among myopic schoolchildren using addition power of multifocal contact lens.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to determine the minimum near-addition power needed using Proclear® multifocal D-Design contact lens (adds: +1.50 D, +2.50 D, +3.00 D, and +3.50 D) to invert the pattern of relative hyperopic defocus in the peripheral retina into relative myopic defocus among the eyes of myopic schoolchildren. METHODS: Twenty-seven right eyes (24 females and 3 males) of 27 myopic schoolchildren aged between 13 and 15 years were included in this study. The measurements of central refraction, peripheral refraction (between 35° temporal and 35° nasal visual field in 5° steps), and lag of accommodation were conducted using the Grand-Seiko WR-5100K open-field autorefractometer initially without correction (WC), followed by with correction using four different addition powers of Proclear® multifocal D-Design contact lens in random sequence. Axial length was measured using a handheld probe ultrasound A-scan (Tomey AL-2000). RESULTS: The relative peripheral refractive error showed high hyperopic defocus of +1.08 ± 1.24 D at 35° nasal and +1.06 ± 1.06 D at 35° temporal visual field WC. All Proclear multifocal contact lenses (MFCLs) decreased the peripheral hyperopic defocus with increasing addition powers (F [2.938, 47.001] = 13.317, P < 0.001). However, only +3.00 D addition and +3.50 D addition (P = 0.001) could invert the peripheral hyperopic defocus into peripheral myopic defocus. Apart from that, the +3.00 D addition lens showed the lowest lag of accommodation (+1.10 ± 0.83 D) among the other MFCL adds (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: A +3.00 D addition Proclear MFCL is the optimal addition power that can invert the pattern of peripheral hyperopic defocus into myopic defocus.

Distribution of Refractive Errors among Healthy Infants and Young Children between the Age of 6 to 36 Months in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-A Pilot Study.

Uncorrected refractive error, especially myopia, in young children can cause permanent visual impairment in later life. However, data on the normative development of refractive error in this age group is limited, especially in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of refractive error in a sample of infants and young children between the ages of 6 to 36 months in a prospective, cross-sectional study. Cycloplegic retinoscopy was conducted on both eyes of 151 children of mean age 18.09 ± 7.95 months. Mean spherical equivalent refractive error for the right and left eyes was +0.85 ± 0.97D and +0.86 ± 0.98D, respectively. The highest prevalence of refractive error was astigmatism (26%), followed by hyperopia (12.7%), myopia (1.3%) and anisometropia (0.7%). There was a reduction of hyperopic refractive error with increasing age. Myopia was seen to emerge at age 24 months. In conclusion, the prevalence of astigmatism and hyperopia in infants and young children was high, but that of myopia and anisometropia was low. There was a significant reduction in hyperopic refractive error towards emmetropia with increasing age. It is recommended that vision screening be conducted early to correct significant refractive error that may cause disruption to clear vision.

HbA1c and retinal sensitivity in diabetics using microperimetry / HbA1c y sensibilidad de la retina medida mediante microperimetría en pacientes diabéticos

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between HbA1c values and retinal sensitivity at central 10° using the MP-1 microperimeter. Methods: A prospective study was carried out on 32 healthy subjects (control group) and 60 diabetic patients. The diabetic patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 comprised of 30 patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR) and group 2 had 30 patients with mild non-proliferative DR. A full-threshold microperimetry of the central 10° of retina (the macula) was performed on all subjects, utilizing 32 points with the MP-1. The relationship between light sensitivity and HbA1c value was calculated using linear regression analysis. Results: Total mean sensitivity at 10° for group 1 without DR, group 2 with mild NPDR and control group were 18.67±0.83, 17.98±1.42 and 19.45±0.34 (dB), respectively. There was a significant difference in total mean retinal sensitivity at 10° between the 3 groups (F(2,89)=18.14, p=0.001). A simple linear regression was calculated to predict HbA1c based on retinal sensitivity. A significant regression equation was found (F(1,90)=107.61, p=0.0001, with an R2 of 0.545). The linear regression analysis revealed that there was a 0.64dB decline in mean retinal sensitivity within the central 10° diameter with an increase of 1mmHg of HbA1c. Conclusion: Retinal sensitivity at the central 10° of the macula is affected by changes in HbA1c values

Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre los valores de HbA1c y la sensibilidad de la retina en los 10 grados centrales de la misma utilizando el microperímetro MP-1. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo en 32 sujetos sanos (grupo control) y 60 pacientes diabéticos. Los pacientes diabéticos se dividieron en dos grupos: el grupo 1 se compuso de 30 pacientes sin retinopatía diabética (RD), y el grupo 2 incluyó a 30 pacientes con RD no proliferativa leve. Se realizó una microperimetría umbral total de los 10° centrales de la retina (la mácula) a todos los sujetos, utilizando 32 puntos con el MP-1. Se calculó la relación entre la sensibilidad retiniana y el valor de HbA1c utilizando un análisis de regresión lineal. Resultados: La sensibilidad media total a los 10° para el grupo 1 sin RD, el grupo 2 con NPDR leve y el grupo control fue de 18,67 ± 0,83, 17,98 ± 1,42 y 19,45 ± 0,34 (dB), respectivamente. Se observó una diferencia significativa en cuanto a sensibilidad media total de la retina a 10° entre los tres grupos (F(2,89) = 18,14, p = 0,001). Se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal simple para predecir HbA1c en base a la sensibilidad de la retina. Se encontró una ecuación de regresión significativa (F(1,9) = 107,61, p = 0,0001, con R2 de 0,545). El análisis de regresión lineal reveló que existe un descenso de 0,64dB de la sensibilidad media de la retina dentro del diámetro de 10° centrales con un incremento de 1 mmHg de HbA1c. Conclusión: La sensibilidad de la retina en los 10 grados centrales de la mácula se ve afectada por los cambios de los valores de HbA1c

Nanocarrier Composed of Magnetite Core Coated with Three Polymeric Shells Mediates LCS-1 Delivery for Synthetic Lethal Therapy of BLM-Defective Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Synthetic lethality is a molecular-targeted therapy for selective killing of cancer cells. We exploited a lethal interaction between superoxide dismutase 1 inhibition and Bloom syndrome gene product (BLM) defect for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HCT 116) with a customized lung cancer screen-1-loaded nanocarrier (LCS-1-NC). The drug LCS-1 has poor aqueous solubility. To overcome its limitations, a customized NC, composed of a magnetite core coated with three polymeric shells, namely, aminocellulose (AC), branched poly(amidoamine), and paraben-PEG, was developed for encapsulating LCS-1. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were found to be 74% and 8.2%, respectively. LCS-1-NC exhibited sustained release, with ∼85% of drug release in 24 h. Blank NC (0.5 mg/mL) exhibited cytocompatibility toward normal cells, mainly due to the AC layer. LCS-1-NC demonstrated high killing selectivity (104 times) toward BLM-deficient HCT 116 cells over BLM-proficient HCT 116 cells. Due to enhanced efficacy of the drug using NC, the sensitivity difference for BLM-deficient cells increased to 1.7 times in comparison to that with free LCS-1. LCS-1-NC induced persistent DNA damage and apoptosis, which demonstrates that LCS-1-NC effectively and preferentially killed BLM-deficient CRC cells. This is the first report on the development of a potential drug carrier to improve the therapeutic efficacy of LCS-1 for specific killing of CRC cells having BLM defects.