Macular Choroidal Thickness and Choriocapillaris Vessel Density Alterations in Type 2 Diabetics with High Myopia.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in macular choroidal thickness and choriocapillaris vessel density in type 2 diabetic (T2D) with high myopia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 182 patients (182 eyes) in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University between January 2018 and December 2021, including myopia + diabetes patients (40 eyes), T2D patients without myopia patients (47 eyes), myopia patients (45 eyes), and healthy volunteers (50 eyes). The choroidal thickness and choriocapillaris vessel density of macular were measured in all subjects by optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography. RESULTS: The choroidal thicknesses in myopic, diabetes, myopia + diabetes groups were statistically significantly lower than those in control group (p < 0.001). Further pairwise comparisons showed that the choroidal thicknesses in myopia + diabetes group were statistically significantly lower than those in diabetes group (p < 0.001). The choriocapillaris vessel densities in diabetes, myopia + diabetes groups were statistically significantly lower than those in control group (p < 0.001). Interestingly, there were no significant differences in choriocapillaris vessel density between myopia group and control group (p > 0.05). Further pairwise comparisons showed that the choriocapillaris thicknesses in myopia + diabetes group were statistically significantly lower than those in myopia group (p < 0.001), while no statistically significant differences were found between diabetes group and myopia + diabetes group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The choroidal thickness of the patients with high myopia and diabetes (without diabetic retinopathy [DR]) was significantly lower than that of normal people and diabetic patients, but the choriocapillaris vessel density was not significantly different from that of normal people, which may be one of the protective mechanisms of high myopia against DR.

Clinical Observation of Macular Vessel Density in Type 2 Diabetics with High Myopia.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the macular retinal vessel density(VD) of diabetics with high myopia, diabetics without high myopia and healthy controls. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited type 2 diabetic (T2D) people with no history of ocular treatment in our hospital. Thirty T2D people with high myopia (30 eyes) were included in group A, while 30 T2D people (30 eyes) without myopia were included in group B. Another healthy volunteers (30 eyes) were included in group C. The superficial and deep capillary plexuses VD of macular were measured in all subjects by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In T2D people with high myopia, the correlation between VD in macular regions and baseline data was investigated. RESULTS: ① Overall comparison of the 3 groups: No statistically significant differences in macular central superficial vessel density (SVD) were found in the three groups（P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the temporal, superior, nasal, inferior SVD between the 3 groups (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in macular central, temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior deep vessel density (DVD) between the three groups (P < 0.05). ② Comparison of B (no myopia, T2D group) and C (healthy control group): Inferior SVD in group B was lower than that in group C (P < 0.05). Temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior DVD in group B were lower than those in group C (P < 0.05). ③ A (high myopia group, T2D) compared with B (no myopia, T2D group), A group compared with C (healthy control group): Temporal, superior, nasal, inferior SVD and DVD in group A were all lower than those in group B and C (P < 0.05), DVD in group B were lower than those in group C (P < 0.05). ④ The mean SVD and DVD were not correlated with age, IOP , anterior chamber depth, corneal curvature but they were negatively correlated with axial length and duration of diabetes in the T2D people with high myopia. CONCLUSION: Myopia and diabetes are two important factors affecting macular retinal vessel density. Comparing with the eyes of T2D people without high myopia, the VD in macular regions shows a higher decline in the eyes of T2D people with high myopia.

The Protective Effects of KAT5 Inhibition on Ocular Inflammation by Mediating the PI3K/AKT Pathway in a Murine Model of Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Purpose: We aimed to explore the effect of lysine acetyltransferase KAT5 on allergic conjunctivitis (AC). Methods: The effect of KAT5 on inflammatory response during AC progression was analyzed in the experimental allergic conjunctivitis (EAC) mouse model. Results: The clinical score, permeability, total IgE, ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE, and IgG1/IgG2a were induced in the EAC mice, in which the overexpression of KAT5 could further enhance but KAT5 inhibitor NU9056 reduce the phenotypes. The eosinophilic infiltration was induced in EAC mice, in which the overexpression of KAT5 was able to further promote but NU9056 attenuate the phenotype. The expression of Eotaxin and RANTES and the inflammatory factors were upregulated in EAC mice and KAT5 overexpression increased, but NU9056 decreased the expression in the model. Significantly, the CD11c+ dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells infiltration in the conjunctiva was enhanced in EAC mice, whereas KAT5 overexpression induced but NU9056 suppressed the effect in the model. Mechanically, the phosphorylation of PI3K and Akt and the levels of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) were enhanced in EAC mice, whereas the overexpression of KAT5 promoted and NU9056 repressed the phenotype in the mice. The enrichment of KAT5 and H3K27ac on PI3K promoter was increased in EAC mice, and the overexpression of KAT5 further enhanced the enrichment in the mice. Significantly, we observed similar results in the KAT5 knockout mice as well. Moreover, PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitor LY294002 reversed KAT5 overexpression-mediated phenotypes and inflammatory response after induction AC in vivo. Conclusions: Therefore we concluded that KAT5 inhibition protected against ocular inflammation by mediating the PI3K/AKT pathway in EAC mouse model.

Rotation of a KH2PO4 crystal and its effect on the second-harmonic generation of a high-average-power laser beam.

The rotation of a K H 2 P O 4 (KDP) crystal in an optomechanical system and its effect on the second-harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of a high-average-power laser beam are studied. A method is proposed to study the rotation of the KDP crystal caused by the gravity-induced distortion of the optomechanical system and its effect on the SHG efficiency, as well as the formation mechanism of the rotation and the effects of structural parameters of the optomechanical system. The results indicate that the rotation of the KDP crystal causes a decrease in the SHG efficiency, and appropriate structural parameters of the optomechanical system are beneficial to decrease the rotation and increase the SHG efficiency.

[The influence of age on the score of reflux symptom index scale and reflux finding score scale in the diagnosis of pharyngeal and laryngeal reflux].

Objective:The aim of this study is to determine the accuracy of RSI and RFS in the diagnosis of hypopharyngeal reflux （LPR）, the scores of RSI and RFS were compared in different age groups. To explore the RSI and RFS scoring thresholds for diagnosis of LPR in different age groups. Method:From January 2017 to March 2019, 258 patients with suspected LPR in our hospital outpatient clinic completed the RSI and RFS scales. According to their age, 258 patients with RSI>13 and RFS>7 were selected. They were divided into group A （18-<40 years, n=86）, group B （40-<60 years, n=107） and group C （≥60 years, n=65）. The diagnosis was confirmed by 24 h pH-metry. The diagnostic rate, RSI and RFS scores were compared among the three groups. ROC curve was used to analyze the optimal thresholds for the diagnosis of LPR by RSI and RFS scores. Result:Among the three groups, group C had the highest diagnostic rate（93.85%）. There was no significant difference in RFS score among the three groups （P>0.05）, RSI score was significantly different （P<0.05）, RSI score of group A and group B was higher than that of group C （P<0.05）. According to ROC analysis, the best RSI cutoffs for diagnosing LPR in group C was 11, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.866. Conclusion:The RSI score is a good criterion for the diagnosis of LPR. The diagnostic threshold of RSI in elderly patients is different from that in young patients. For elderly patients, the diagnostic threshold for the recommended RSI score is 11.

Radiation force of a high-energy laser and its effects on second-harmonic generation.

The radiation force of a high-energy laser caused by reflection at the input surface of a mounted KH2PO4 (KDP) crystal is studied, along with its effects on the second-harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of the laser beam. A comprehensive model incorporating principles of momentum transfer, mechanics, and optics is proposed, taking advantage of which, the mechanical stress within the KDP crystal that is caused by the radiation force, and the SHG efficiency that is affected by the stress are successively studied. Moreover, the effects of the intensity of the laser beam on the radiation force, the stress, and the SHG efficiency are determined, respectively. It demonstrates that a high-energy laser beam causes macroscopic radiation force and further contributes negative effects to SHG efficiency.

Temperature nonuniformity occurring during the cooling process of a KDP crystal and its effects on second-harmonic generation.

The temperature nonuniformity occurring during the cooling process of a KDP crystal is studied, along with its effects on the second-harmonic generation (SHG) of a high-average-power laser. A comprehensive model is proposed incorporating principles of thermodynamics, mechanics, and optics, and it is applied to investigate the temperature nonuniformity and its effects. The temperature rise caused by linear absorption is calculated, while the temperature nonuniformity occurring during the cooling process is analyzed using the finite-element method (FEM). The stress induced by the nonuniformity is then studied using the FEM, and the trend of its change is determined. Moreover, the changes in refractive index caused by the stress are calculated, the results of which are used to determine the variations in the induced phase mismatch. The SHG efficiency considering the phase mismatch is eventually obtained by solving the coupling wave equations. The results demonstrate that the temperature nonuniformity has negative effects on the SHG efficiency.

Analysis of adjusting effects of mounting force on frequency conversion of mounted nonlinear optics.

Motivated by the need to increase the second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency of nonlinear optics with large apertures, a novel mounting configuration with active adjusting function on the SHG efficiency is proposed and mechanically and optically studied. The adjusting effects of the mounting force on the distortion and stress are analyzed by the finite element methods (FEM), as well as the contribution of the distortion and stress to the change in phase mismatch, and the SHG efficiency are theoretically stated. Further on, the SHG efficiency is calculated as a function of the mounting force. The changing trends of the distortion, stress, and the SHG efficiency with the varying mounting force are obtained, and the optimal ones are figured out. Moreover, the mechanism of the occurrence of the optimal values is studied and the adjusting strategy is put forward. Numerical results show the robust adjustment of the mounting force, as well as the effectiveness of the mounting configuration, in increasing the SHG efficiency.

Urine collected from diapers can be used for 2-D PAGE in infants and young children.

Urinary proteomic profiling has potential to identify candidate biomarkers of renal injury in infants provided an adequate urine sample can be obtained. Although diapers are used to obtain urine for clinical evaluation, their use for proteomic analysis has not been investigated. We therefore performed feasibility studies on the use of diaper-extracted urine for 2-D PAGE. Pediatric waste urine (2-20 mL) was applied to gel-containing, non-gel and cotton-gauze diapers and then mechanically expressed. Urine volume and total protein were measured pre- and post-extraction. Proteins were separated via 2-D PAGE following application of urine (20-40 mL) to each matrix. 2-D PAGE was also performed on clinical specimens collected using each diaper type. Differences in the adsorption and retention of urine volume and protein were noted between matrices. Non-gel and cotton-gauze diapers provided the best protein/volume recovery and the lowest interference with the Bradford assay. 2-D PAGE was also successfully completed using urine samples from both cotton fiber matrices. Conversely, samples from low-gel diapers demonstrated poor protein separation and reproducibility. Diapers containing cotton-fiber matrices appear adequate for 2-D PAGE. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of resolved proteins using replicate, high-resolution gels will be required, however, before diaper-extracted urine can be applied in proteomic profiling.

Alterations in manganese superoxide dismutase expression in the progression from reflux esophagitis to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive understanding of the basic mechanisms in the progression of esophagitis, Barrett esophagus (BE), and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is urgently needed to develop a management strategy for an effective screening of BE and management of EAC. The aim of this study is to provide a detailed insight of the histology and the cellular and molecular events associated with the genesis of BE and EAC under the esophagoduodenal reflux conditions. METHODS: Esophagoduodenal anastomosis (EDA) was performed on rats. Animals were weighed weekly and killed after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 months. The entire esophagi were examined for macroscopic and microscopic changes and for manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression, and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling) assay was performed. RESULTS: Morphological transformation from esophagitis (100% of animals) to BE (66% of animals) to EAC was observed after 3 months. There was marked loss of MnSOD expression in animals with esophagitis and BE at 1 and 2 months, with an increase in expression during the transformation to dysplasia and EAC. Increased proliferation and apoptosis was observed and reached a peak at months 1 and 2. Greatly increased levels of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine was found during the progression to EAC. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological transformation of the esophageal mucosa is an adaptive process, and it is an important foundation for the transdifferentiation of BE and cancer. The significant loss of MnSOD expression to achieve BE and then the adaptive increase in expression to achieve dysplasia and EAC during this transformation may represent a predictive marker in identifying patients who will progress from BE to EAC.

Loss of manganese superoxide dismutase expression and activity in rat esophagus with external esophageal perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the primary antioxidant enzyme that scavenges superoxide radicals found in the mitochondria, has been shown to protect oxygen-utilizing cells from the toxicity of the reactive oxygen species (ROS). Current studies in the animal esophageal reflux model are limited, and the reports on the relevance of protein expression level and enzymatic antioxidative activity of MnSOD in esophageal mucosal defense are controversial. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the role of MnSOD expression and activity in rats with esophageal perfusion injury. METHODS: We have established a novel external esophageal perfusion (EEP) animal model that allows for esophageal reflux injury. We used the model with 0.5% bovine bile as the perfusion agent in one group of rats and used saline in another group to serve as controls. The esophageal mucosal was isolated for MnSOD expression and activity analysis. RESULTS: Severe esophagitis was observed in the mucosa at 1, 2, and 4 week(s) after bile perfusion. A significant decrease in MnSOD expression with bile perfusion was demonstrated by Western blotting and immunohistochemical evaluation. Similarly, a reduction in MnSOD enzyme activity was observed in bile-perfused rats compared with the saline-perfused controls; no decrease in copper/zinc SOD enzyme activity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: MnSOD expression and activity is decreased in bile-induced esophagitis. This decrease in MnSOD expression and activity is associated with esophagitis and cell death. This study suggests that the loss of MnSOD protein contributes to the reduced level of its enzymatic activity and plays a key role in the induction of esophagitis.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and epithelial growth factor receptor up-regulation during progression of Barrett's esophagus to adenocarcinoma.

AIM: To investigate the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) throughout the progression of Barretts esophagus (BE). METHODS: COX-2 and EGFR protein expressions were detected by using immunohistochemical method. A detailed cytomorphological changes were determined. Areas of COX-2 and EGFR expression were quantified by using computer Imaging System. RESULTS: The expressions of both COX-2 and EGFR increased along with the progression from BE to esophagus adenocarcinoma (EAC). A positive correlation was found between COX-2 expression and EGFR expression. CONCLUSION: COX-2 and EGFR may be cooperative in the stepwise progression from BE to EAC, thereby leading to carcinogenesis.

Esophageal injury with external esophageal perfusion.

BACKGROUND: External esophageal perfusion (EEP) with the idea that esophageal perfusion can be controlled with a single ingredient at a constant rate and concentration, might be used to dissect the injurious role of gastro-duodenal secretions for the progression from esophagitis to Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). This study is to evaluate the EEP rat model for esophagitis induced by using a micro-osmotic pump with bile perfusion. METHODS: Eighteen adult rats underwent the EEP procedure. Bile (0.5% bovine bile, pH 7.4) was used as perfusion agent and three types of perfusions were performed: 1 week perfusion, 2 weeks perfusion, and 4 weeks perfusion compared to saline perfusion and sham operation. Histological changes, cell proliferation, apoptosis, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) and Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were observed after perfusion and compared. RESULTS: The bile perfusion for 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks induced mucosa infiltration of inflammatory cells, basal cell hyperproliferation, and papillae hypertrophy in all animals. Histopathology and cellular changes consistent with the findings associated with reflux esophagitis. The apoptotic index, the proliferating index, and expression of 8-OH-dG were significantly increased in the esophageal mucosa compared to controls. MnSOD expression was decreased with bile perfusion compared to saline controls. CONCLUSIONS: The external esophageal perfusion model enabled precise control of the injurious agent. It induced the typical histological injury and cellular changes seen in severe reflux esophagitis. The cellular changes in apoptosis, proliferation and anti-oxidant defense make this model unique for reflux esophagitis studies. Further studies are needed to induce Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.