Compliance with rigid gas-permeable contact lens use in children younger than 6 years in China: a 6-year retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To explore the abandonment rate and factors influencing the use of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGPCL) among children aged < 6 years. METHODS: This retrospective case series study included 70 children aged < 6 years who were fitted with RGPCL for visual rehabilitation between January 2016 and December 2021. We collected data on indications, discontinuation rates, and reasons for discontinuation from medical records and via telephone calls and investigated the factors influencing contact lens abandonment. RESULTS: The median age of the 70 participants was 5.0 (interquartile range: 4.0-5.9) years. Further, 36 (51.4%) children stopped wearing contact lenses; among them, 17 (47.2%) stopped within 3 months, and the median duration of lens wearing was 4.0 (interquartile range: 1.0-11.5) months. Additionally, there was a correlation between the duration of lens wearing and lens abandonment (r = -0.698, P < 0.001). A high parental education level (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.425; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.198, 0.913; P = 0.028) was a protective factor against lens abandonment, while parental assessment indicating harder than expected practicality (HR = 4.062; 95% CI 1.204, 13.707; P = 0.024) was a risk factor for abandonment. CONCLUSION: Children aged < 6 years are susceptible to early discontinuation of RGPCL use. Since parents perform daily lens manipulation, they are crucial to the continuity of lens use in these children. To improve RGPCL use continuity, communication and supervision should be strengthened before and after RGPCL fittings.

The SNTB1 and ZFHX1B gene have susceptibility in northern Han Chinese populations with high myopia.

The aim of this study was to explore the association between SNTB1 and ZFHX1B polymorphisms and high myopia (HM) in a Northern Han Chinese population. This case-control study included 457 HM and 860 healthy subjects from the Northern Han Chinese population. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs7839488, rs4395927, rs4455882, and rs6469937) in SNTB1 and one SNP in ZFHX1B (rs13382811)were selected based on two previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) studies. The allele and genotype distributions of SNPs in SNTB1 and ZFHX1B were compared between the two groups using the chi-square test. The allele results were adjusted for age and sex using Plink software (Plink 1.9). Pairwise linkage disequilibrium (LD) and haplotype analyses were performed using SHEsis software. For HM subjects, the mean age was 44.80 ± 17.11 years, and for the control subjects, it was 44.41 ± 14.26 years. For rs7839488 of the SNTB1 gene, the A allele is a risk allele and the G allele is a wild allele. The A allele had no statistical significance with the HM cases and controls (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.74-1.09, aP = 0.273, Pc = NS). There was a LD in SNTB1 (rs7839488, rs4395927, rs4455882, and rs6469937). The G-C-A-G haplotype frequency was higher in HM subjects than that of the controls (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.07-1.60, P = 0.008). Meanwhile, the A-T-G-A haplotype frequency was slightly lower in the HM group (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.66-0.99, P = 0.048). In the ZFHX1B gene, the frequency of the minor T allele of rs13382811 was significant higher in the HM group than in the control group (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.11-1.61, aP = 0.001, Pc = 0.009). Furthermore, compared to the CC genotype, there were significant differences in the CT genotype (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.23-2.00, aP < 0.001, Pc = 0.002). In conclusion, G-C-A-G is a risk haplotype from the SNTB1 gene in high myopia patients. The minor T-allele of ZFHX1B rs13382811 is a risk factor for high myopia. SNTB1 and ZFHX1B are both risk genes associated with increased susceptibility to high myopia in the Northern Han Chinese population.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of Small Gauge Vitrectomy with or without Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents Pretreatment for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a common visual threatening ocular disease, patients with nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage (VH), tractional retinal detachment (RD), or extensive fibrovascular proliferation are always in need for surgical treatment. Although several studies reported better surgical outcome in patients underwent surgery after anti-VEGF injection, the effect of anti-VEGF pretreatment for small gauge vitrectomy in PDR patients remains to be elucidated. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the benefits of preoperative anti-VEGF treatment in small gauge vitrectomy for PDR patients. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify relevant studies. Meta-analyses were performed for intraoperative (including intraoperative bleeding, endodiathermy, iatrogenic retinal breaks, surgical time, etc.) and postoperative outcome parameters (including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative VH, postoperative RD, etc.). RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials were identified and used for comparing small gauge vitrectomy alone (344 eyes, control group) and small gauge vitrectomy with preoperative anti-VEGF injection (355 eyes). The intraoperative findings showed that the surgical time, the incidence of clinically significant intraoperative bleeding, iatrogenic retinal breaks, silicone oil tamponade, and the frequency of endodiathermy were significantly less in the anti-VEGF pre-treated group than in the vitrectomy alone group (p < 0.01). The postoperative findings showed that the incidences of early postoperative VH, postoperative RD were significantly less in the anti-VEGF pre-treated group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The pooled result of postoperative rubeosis iridis/neovascular glaucoma was borderline (p = 0.072) between cases and controls, while no statistically significant differences in BCVA at last follow-up and incidences of late postoperative VH were found between these two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-VEGF injection prior to small gauge vitrectomy in PDR patients might facilitate easier surgical procedure and reduce intra- and postoperative complications. Further studies are needed to verify our findings and evaluate the optimal interval and dosage for preoperative anti-VEGF injection.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Related Skin Injury in Patients with a Chest Tumor: Characteristics and Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of skin injury in patients with chest tumors who have peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). METHODS: This study included a total of 252 patients with chest tumors with PICC placement who were treated from March 2018 to December 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Investigators used univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression to identify the risk factors. RESULTS: Among the included patients, 40.8% had skin injuries (n = 103). Skin injury occurred between 2 and 361 days after PICC placement, with a median time of 56.0 days (interquartile range, 20.75-99.25 days). Skin injury may occur during catheter retention and be concentrated in the first 3 months after PICC placement; the occurrence trajectory of skin injury exhibits a downward trend. Logistic regression analysis shows that skin injury is more likely to occur if the patient has a history of smoking, allergy history, use of recombinant human endostatin, or an excessive duration of catheter retention. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PICC-related skin injury in patients with chest tumors remains high. Medical practitioners should be aware of its characteristics and risk factors and adopt effective solutions early to mitigate the occurrence of skin injury and improve patients' safety.

Incidence and risk factors of symptomatic thrombosis related to peripherally inserted central catheter in patients with lung cancer.

AIMS: To determine the incidence and risk factors associated with peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis (PICC-RT) in patients with lung cancer. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional design. METHODS: Patients with lung cancer receiving PICC insertion during 1 March 2014-31 May 2019 at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China were enrolled (N = 748). Symptomatic PICC-RT was confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography in the presence of clinical symptoms and signs. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of symptomatic PICC-RT. RESULTS: Among the patients (mean age, 60.7 years; males, 67.1%), 55 (7.35%) had symptomatic PICC-RT. Based on the multivariate analysis, history of smoking [OR 2.49 (1.13-5.46), p < .05], use of Carboplatin [OR 2.23 (1.19-4.17), p < .05] or Docetaxel [OR 7.23 (1.65-31.56), p < .05], PICC size [OR 3.52 (1.78-6.99), p < .001], and level of D-dimer [OR 5.32 (2.39-11.83), p < .001] were significant risk factors of PICC-RT. CONCLUSION: Several modifiable factors (e.g., PICC size and level of D-dimer) were related to PICC-RT. In the future, prospective studies are warranted to examine whether those factors could increase the risk of PICC-RT. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals are recommended to perform a comprehensive assessment of the patients receiving PICC insertion. Close attention should be paid to those at risk for PICC-RT. IMPACT: Identification of risk factors associated with PICC-RT is an important step towards individualizing the care plan for patients receiving PICC. Our findings provided evidence for the management of PICC-RT in patients with lung cancer. In clinical practice, nurses could deliver appropriate interventions against modifiable risk factors to reduce the risk of PICC-RT.

Efficacy of Conversion to Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema Previously Refractory to Bevacizumab or Ranibizumab: A Meta-analysis of High-Quality Nonrandomized Studies.

Background: Aflibercept has been widely used in treating diabetic macular edema (DME). However, the effect of aflibercept in treating DME refractory to bevacizumab or ranibizumab has not been well established. Objective: To assess the therapeutic effect of switching from bevacizumab or ranibizumab to aflibercept in the treatment of refractory DME. Methods: Relevant studies were searched from 3 databases: the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science. Data on changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and adverse events within the follow-up period were collected and pooled using weighted mean differences (WMDs) with corresponding 95% CIs in a random effects model. The between-study heterogeneity was tested using the χ2 test and the I2 statistic, and funnel plots were used to evaluate the publication bias. Results: A total of 11 nonrandomized trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Our studies showed significant improvements in the BCVA (WMD = 100.55; 95% CI = 68.46 to 132.63; P < 0.01) and reduction in CMT (WMD = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.14; P < 0.01) after switching to aflibercept. Although a large amount of heterogeneity was detected in the CMT results among these studies, the sensitivity analyses showed the reliability and stability of our results. Conclusion and Relevance: There were significant improvements in both visual and anatomical outcomes after switching from bevacizumab or ranibizumab to aflibercept, without risk of adverse events. Thus, switching therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with refractory DME.

A Novel Underwater Location Beacon Signal Detection Method Based on Mixing and Normalizing Stochastic Resonance.

A flight data recorder (FDR) is an electronic recording device placed in an aircraft for the purpose of facilitating the investigation of aviation accidents. If an aircraft crashes into water, an underwater locator beacon (ULB), which is installed on the FDR, is triggered by water immersion, and emits an ultrasonic 10 ms pulse signal once per second at 37.5 kHz. This pulse signal can be detected by sonar equipment. However, the ULB signal only can be detectable 1-2 kilometers from the surface in normal conditions. Stochastic resonance (SR) is a rising theory in the field of weak signal detection. The classical stochastic resonance limits state that the input must be small-parameter and the sampling frequency must be 50 times higher than the signal frequency. It cannot be applied to the ULB signal detection. To resolve this problem, this paper presents a novel approach named mixing and normalizing stochastic resonance (MNSR). By mixing the ULB signal and normalizing SR system parameters, MNSR provides a new way to detect weak ULB signal. Meanwhile, we propose the parameters adjustment method of MNSR. We prove the effectiveness through numerical simulation. An experiment in a tank is employed to verify the practicability of this method.

Vector Hydrophone Array Design Based on Off-Grid Compressed Sensing.

Array design is the primary consideration for array signal processing, and sparse array design is an important and challenging task. In underwater acoustic environments, the vector hydrophone array contains more information than the scalar hydrophone array, but there are few articles focused on the design of the vector hydrophone array. The difference between the vector hydrophone array and the scalar hydrophone array is that each vector hydrophone has three or four channels. When designing a sparse vector hydrophone array, these channels need to be optimized at the same time to ensure the sparsity of the array elements' number. To solve this problem, this paper introduced the compressed sensing (CS) theory into the vector hydrophone array design, constructed the vector hydrophone array design problem into a globally solvable optimization problem, proposed a CS-based algorithm with the L1 norm suitable for vector hydrophone array, and realized the simultaneous optimization of multiple channels from the same vector hydrophone. At the same time, the off-grid algorithm was added to obtain higher design accuracy. Two design examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The theoretical analysis and simulation results show that compared with the conventional compressed sensing algorithm with the same aperture, the algorithm proposed in this paper used fewer vector hydrophone elements to obtain better fitting of the desired beam pattern.

Salidroside alleviates high-glucose-induced injury in retinal pigment epithelial cell line ARPE-19 by down-regulation of miR-138.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complication of diabetes leading cause of blindness in adults. Salidroside (SAL) is a main ingredient from Rhodiola rosea L., has been reported to have a beneficial protection on vascular function. However, whether SAL is a suitable treatment for DR remains unreported. The study aimed to investigate the effect of SAL on high-glucose (HG)-induced injury in ARPE-19 cells. ARPE-19 cells were managed with diverse concentrations of glucose, and constructed a model of HG-induced ARPE-19 cells injury. Then, SAL was employed to stimulate ARPE-19 cells, and cell viability, apoptosis, apoptosis-associated factors, the pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ROS levels were determined. The correlation between miR-138 and SIRT1 was predicated by bioinformatics software of TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org/) and Dual luciferase reporter assay. MiR-138 mimic, inhibitor and NCs were transfected into ARPE-19 cells, and the impacts of miR-138 on HG-induced cell injury were investigated. PI3K/AKT and AMPK signalling pathways were examined to explore the underlying mechanism. The results disclosed that HG inhibited cell viability, promoted apoptosis, up-regulated IL-6 and TNF-α, as well as increased ROS level in ARPE-19 cells. But, SAL obviously alleviated HG-induced ARPE-19 cells injury. Repressed miR-138 was triggered by SAL, and SIRT1 was predicated as a direct target of miR-138. Overexpressed miR-138 declined the protective effect of SAL on HG-injured ARPE-19 cells. Besides, SAL activated PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathways by adjusting miR-138. In conclusions, SAL flattened HG-induced injury in ARPE-19 cells by repression of miR-138 and activating PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathways.

Association Between IL-10 Gene Polymorphism and Diabetic Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Genetic and environmental factors both play important roles in the occurrence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). IL-10 592 gene polymorphism is associated with diabetes pathogenesis. This study analyzed the relationship between IL-10 gene promoter-592 loci polymorphism (SNP) in a diabetic model rats with DR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ) was injected through the tail vein to establish a diabetic rat model. The rats were randomly divided into 2 groups for 3 months' feeding, including 100 rats in the diabetes-positive control group and 100 rats only injected with citric acid buffer as the blank control group. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) was used to observe retinal vascular changes. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment polymorphisms assay (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect IL-10 gene promoter-592 loci polymorphism in DNA samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to test serum IL-10 concentration. RESULTS: Serum IL-10 level in DR rats was 33.18±5.0 pg/mL and in the control rats it was 53.33±4.16 pg/mL in (P<0.01). Diabetes susceptibility with IL-10-592 genotype frequency and gene frequency analysis showed that IL-10-592 genotype frequency and allele frequency were significantly different in the DR group compared with the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: IL-10 592 polymorphism was associated with DR susceptibility, suggesting that the gene polymorphism might be a risk factor for DR.

[Puncture Point Hemostatic Effect Observation of Different Materials with Modified Seldinger Technique in PICC Catheter].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the improvement the dingle technology through the PICC catheter puncture point elbow hemostatic effect. Selection. METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2013, chest hospital affiliated to Shanghai jiaotong university under the guidance of ultrasound improved the Ding Gehang PICC catheter patients of 997 cases were randomly divided into three groups A, B, C, respectively, using gauze pad, calcium alginate wound dressings, calcium alginate wound dressings with hemostatic gauze pad three methods to puncture point, compare the three groups within 48 h after puncture biopsy in patients with some local bleeding, treatment times and catheter after 1 week of the maintenance costs of the catheter. RESULTS: Compared with A, B two groups, patients of group C tube after 48 hours the puncture point local oppression hemostasis effect is better than that of group A and B, the difference was statistically significant (all P < 0.05); Catheter maintenance: group C within 1 week after catheter tube after local lowest maintenance cost. CONCLUSION: PICC for surgery after the puncture point of oppression hemostasis method choice, the effect of calcium alginate dressings hemostatic gauze pad is better than that of gauze pads and calcium alginate dressings, calcium alginate dressings and gauze pad is more effective and economic, in clinical use.

Identification of biomarkers associated with ferroptosis in diabetic retinopathy based on WGCNA and machine learning.

Objective: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic progressive eye disease that affects millions of diabetic patients worldwide, and ferroptosis may contribute to the underlying mechanisms of DR. The main objective of this work is to explore key genes associated with ferroptosis in DR and to determine their feasibility as diagnostic markers. Methods: WGCNA identify the most relevant signature modules in DR. Machine learning methods were used to de-screen the feature genes. ssGSEA calculated the scoring of immune cells in the DR versus control samples and compared the associations with the core genes by Spearman correlation. Results: We identified 2,897 differential genes in DR versus normal samples. WGCNA found tan module to have the highest correlation with DR patients. Finally, 20 intersecting genes were obtained from differential genes, tan module and iron death genes, which were screened by LASSO and SVM-RFE method, and together identified 6 genes as potential diagnostic markers. qPCR verified the expression and ROC curves confirmed the diagnostic accuracy of the 6 genes. In addition, our ssGSEA scoring identified these 6 core genes as closely associated with immune infiltrating cells. Conclusion: In conclusion, we analyzed for the first time the potential link of iron death in the pathogenesis of DR. This has important implications for future studies of iron death-mediated pro-inflammatory immune mechanisms.

Self-expanding cellulose sponge with enhanced hemostatic ability by tannic acid/metal ion composite coating for highly effective hemostasis of difficult-to-control bleeding wounds.

Refractory bleeding presents a critical, life-threatening challenge, and the goal of medical professionals and researchers has always been to achieve safe and effective hemostasis for bleeding wounds. In this study, we utilized the benefits of a self-expanding cellulose sponge to control incompressible bleeding, which is achieved this by creating a tannic acid/metal ion coating on the surface and within the pores of the sponge to improve its hemostatic effectiveness. The effects of various types and concentrations of metal ions (calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc) on hemostatic efficiency and biosafety is systematically investigated. The results from bacteriostasis and in vitro coagulation experiments identified 0.3 wt% Fe3+ as the optimal metal ion coating. Scanning electron microscope energy spectrum analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of Fe3+ within the cellulose sponge. Furthermore, the in vivo and in vitro results demonstrated that the prepared tannic acid/Fe3+ coated composite hemostatic sponge exhibits excellent coagulation ability and biocompatibility. Both the bleeding time and theblood loss in two bleeding models are significantly reduced, showing promising potential for treating extensive surface bleeding and deep penetrating wounds. Furthermore, the straightforward preparation method for this composite hemostatic sponge facilitates additional research towards market application.

Covalent bonding coating of quantum-sized TiO2 with polydopamine on catheter surface for synergistically enhanced antimicrobial and anticoagulant performances.

The catheters coating can be effective in reducing bloodstream infection and thrombosis, which are the major complications in blood contact catheters. However, the surface functional coating is difficult to be implemented due to the high surface stretching force from the minor-caliber. In this work, we propose a covalent bonding coating of polydopamine/titanium dioxide quantum dots (PDA/TiO2 QDs) on polyurethane (PU) catheters, which can fulfill a dual-function of antibacterial and antithrombosis. The PDA/TiO2 QDs layer was prepared by dip-coating, where the intermediate transition layer of PDA was reacted with the internal hydroxyls of PU surface by pre-oxidation and bonds with the external TiO2 QDs coating. The surface microstructures are analyzed by SEM, TEM and XPS methods, and the antimicrobial and anticoagulant performances are investigated by bacterial plate count and platelet adhesion tests. The oxidizing and hydrophilic effect of the top layer of TiO2 QDs were enhanced by the QD-sized particles. The antibacterial activities of the PDA/TiO2 QDs coating on PU catheters against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), especially to S. aureus, are evidenced by bacterial plate count test, reaching good bactericidal rates of 49.9 % against E. coli and 83.7 % against S. aureus, respectively. Platelet adhesion test and whole blood dynamic circulation modeling demonstrate that the PDA/TiO2 QDs coating effectively inhibits platelet adhesion due to an excellent hydrophilicity of TiO2 QDs surface, and thereafter reduce thrombus formation.

Association Between Vision-Related Functional Burden and Sleep Disorders in Adults Aged 20 and Over in the United States.

Purpose: The impact of functional vision, rather than visual acuity, on sleep disorders is not well understood. This study estimated the relationship between vision-related functional burden and sleep disorders among a nationally representative sample in the United States. Methods: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008 were analyzed, which included a total of 10,914 US adults 20 years and older. Sleep disorders and vision-related functional burden were measured by the NHANES questionnaire sleep disorders section and vision section, respectively. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between vision-related functional burden and sleep disorders. Results: A total of 9384 NHANES participants had complete functional vision and sleep disorders data. The mean age at baseline was 47.8 years, and the weighted prevalence of sleep disorders among adults with vision-related functional burden was 20.3%. After controlling for age, gender, race, smoking status, drinking frequency, general health condition, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and depression, vision-related functional burden remained significantly associated with sleep disorders (adjusted odds ratio, 1.502; 95% confidence interval, 1.210-1.864; P < 0.001), whereas the association between presenting visual acuity and sleep disorders was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Vision-related functional burden rather than impairment of visual acuity was related to the increased prevalence of sleep disorders in adults 20 years and older in the United States. Translational Relevance: Our study provides insight into the relationship between functional vision and sleep disorders. It should be noted that individuals who report vision-related functional burden might be at risk of sleep disorders.

Prolong the flushing and locking interval of TIVAD is feasible in COVID-19: An overview of systematic reviews.

The aim of the overview was to synthesize existing systematic reviews (SRs) of flushing interval for patients who inserted totally implanted venous catheter devices (TIVAD). Regular flushing is indispensable for catheter patency, the recommended flushing interval of TIVAD is 4 weeks, however, there is an argument for prolonging the maintenance interval, which has been proved by many SRs. However, the flushing interval range from 4-week to 3-month. The discrepancy in maintenance period could puzzle health professionals and hinder best practice into the clinic. So, we performed the overview by following the PRISMA statement. The PubMed, Ovid, Wan Fang database, Web of Science, CINAHL, CNKI, EMBASE, Cochrane Library were searched from inception to November 2021. The AMSTAR-2, the PRISMA statement, and ROBIS tool were used to assess SRs' method, report quality, and risk of bias, respectively. Then all results were synthesized, the quality of SRs' results was evaluated with GRADE. Finally, five SRs were included. However, non-randomized and small sample size of original studies result in the limitation of SRs. The evidence grade of conclusions is low, bias of mixed factors in included studies, further large sample sizes, RCTs need to be conducted in the future. Prolonged flushing interval was feasible based on the recent evidence, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic because the overwhelming healthcare system and inconvenience of transportation made maintenance not as easy as it used to be. There is no difference of complication between prolonged flushing interval (⩾4-week) and 4-week period, and it can also reduce healthcare cost with no harm to patients.

Protective effect of ethyl ferulate against hypoxic injury in retinal cells and retinal neovascularization in an oxygen-induced retinopathy model.

BACKGROUND: Pathological neovascularization is a major cause of visual impairment in hypoxia-induced retinopathy. Ethyl ferulate (EF), the natural ester derivative of ferulic acid commonly found in Ferula and Angelica Sinensis, has been shown to exert antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether EF exerts a protective effect on retinal neovascularization and the underlying mechanisms are not well known. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of EF on retinal neovascularization and explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. STUDY-DESIGN/METHODS: We constructed hypoxia models induced by cobalt chloride (CoCl2) in ARPE-19 cells and Rhesus choroid-retinal vascular endothelial (RF/6A) cells in vitro, as well as a retinal neovascularization model in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice in vivo. RESULTS: In this work, we demonstrated that EF treatment inhibited hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression in ARPE-19 cells and abrogated hypoxia-induced tube formation in RF/6A cells. As expected, intravitreal injection of EF significantly suppressed retinal neovascularization in a dose-dependent manner in OIR retinas. We also found that hypoxia increased VEGFA expression by blocking autophagic flux, whereas EF treatment enhanced autophagic flux, thereby reducing VEGFA expression. Furthermore, EF activated the sequestosome 1 (p62) / nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) pathway via upregulating oxidative stress-induced growth inhibitor 1 (OSGIN1) expression, thus alleviating oxidative stress and reducing VEGFA expression. CONCLUSION: As a result of our findings, EF has an inhibitory effect on retinal neovascularization, implying a potential therapeutic strategy for hypoxia-induced retinopathy.

Retraction Notice to: Schizandrin A Protects Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line ARPE-19 against HG-Induced Cell Injury by Regulation of miR-145.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.026.].

4-Hydroxyisoleucine inhibits tumor growth by triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy.

4-Hydroxyisoleucine（4-HIL）is a non-protein amino acid that is able to reduce obesity and improve insulin sensitivity in mice, and recently emerged as a drug candidate against hypoglycemia. For the first time, we found that 4-HIL exhibits a potent anti-tumor activity in various cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, 4-HIL has no cytotoxic effect on normal or non-malignant cells. Proteomic data analysis revealed changes in endoplasmic reticulum stress（ERS）related protein and autophagy related protein. Western blot revealed that molecular components of the ERS pathway were activated, including phosphorylation of perk and EIF2a increased, while levels of GRP78 reduced, the cellular process of ERS potentially contributed to the activation of autophagy, Transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of autophagic vesicles under 4-HIL treatment, and LC3B was increased. Meanwhile, activation of ERS inhibits intracellular protein synthesis rate, our results suggest that 4-HIL exhibits anti-tumor activity in various cancer cell lines by increasing ERS and triggering autophagy responses without causing damage to normal cells.

TRPM4 and TRPV2 are two novel prognostic biomarkers and promising targeted therapy in UVM.

Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy tumor in adults. Almost 50% of UVM patients develop metastatic disease, and is usually fatal within 1 year. However, the mechanism of etiology remains unclear. The lack of prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers is a main limitation for clinical diagnosis and treatment. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels play important roles in the occurrence and development of tumors, which may have the potential as a therapeutic target for UVM. This current study aimed to identify the potential effect and function of the TRPs that could provide survival prediction and new insight into therapy for UVM. Based on the transcriptome data and potential key genes of UVM were screened using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, Gene expression analysis showed the expression of TRPM4, TRPV2 and other TRPs was high levels in UVM. Using survival analysis, we screened out that the high expression of TRPM4 and TRPV2 was negatively correlated with the prognosis of UVM patients. Cox regression analysis and functional enrichment analysis further indicated that TRPM4 and TRPV2 were the most convincing therapeutic targets of UVM, and the majority of genes involved in ferroptosis pathways in UVM showed positively correlated with the expression levels of TRPM4 and TRPV2. In conclusion, TRPM4 and TRPV2 were considered as two novel prognostic biomarkers and a promising targeted therapy in UVM.