The packaging of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA is restricted by overexpression of an RNA helicase DHX30.

RNA helicases are a large family of proteins that are able to unwind RNA duplex and remodel the structure of RNA-protein (RNP) complexes using energy derived from hydrolysis of nucleotide triphosphates (NTPs). Every step of cellular RNA metabolism involves the activity of RNA helicases. Not surprisingly, more and more RNA helicases are reported to participate in the replication of viruses including the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Here, we provide evidence that overexpression of an RNA helicase named DHX30 enhances HIV-1 gene expression, but leads to the generation of viruses that package significantly low levels of viral RNA and exhibit severely decreased infectivity. These data reveal the complex roles of DHX30 in HIV-1 replication and implicate an inhibitory activity of DHX30 in HIV-1 RNA packaging.

Long-Term Endothelial Cell Changes after Angle-Supported Anterior Chamber Lens Implantation in Phakic Eyes

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term endothelial cell changes in phakic eyes that underwent implantation of an angle-supported anterior chamber lens to correct myopia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in 110 eyes of 55 patients who underwent implantation of angle-supported anterior chamber lenses with a follow-up period longer than 5 years. Comparisons were made between preoperative and postoperative endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation, and percentage of hexagonal cells. RESULTS: Mean preoperative corneal endothelial cell density was 2951 +/- 336 cells/mm2 and the percentage of cell loss was 3.8% at year 1, 12.6% at year 3, 13.4% at year 5, 22.5% at year 7, and 22.2% at year 9. Explantation was required in 13 eyes (11.8%) due to the decrease of endothelial cell count to 936 +/- 458 cells/mm2 over 9 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous endothelial cell loss was observed after implantation of angle-supported anterior chamber lens in the long-term follow-up. A constant decline in the endothelial cell density necessitates periodic ophthalmologic evaluation including specular microscopy.

Efficacy of the Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Patch for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Disorders

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the sutureless amniotic membrane (AM) patch for the treatment of ocular surface disorders. METHODS: A sutureless AM patch using a silicone ring was utilized to treat neurotrophic ulcer, persistent epithelial defect (PED), Shield ulcer, chemical injury and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Primary outcome was the time to complete corneal and conjunctival epithelialization. Secondary outcome was the number of repeated insertions and complications of the inserted ring. RESULTS: Neurotrophic ulcer was observed in 4 eyes, PED in 2 eyes, Shield ulcer in 1 eye, chemical injury in 4 eyes and Stevens-Johnson syndrome in 4 eyes. The mean (SD) time to complete epithelialization was 13 (7.2) days (6-20 days) in neurotrophic ulcer, 17.5 (7.7) days (12-23) in PED, 5 days in Shield ulcer, 10.6 (6.6) days (3-15) in chemical injury and 13.5 (0.7) days (13-14) in Stevens-Johnson syndrome. There were no protrusion or mechanical trauma of the inserted ring. In 1 case of neurotrophic ulcer and 1 refractory case of chemical injury, repeated insertion was performed due to incomplete healing after dissolution of the AM. In 2 eyes with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, repeated insertion was necessary with heavy accumulation of inflammatory debris on the AM. No symblepharon or fornix contracture was found in chemical injury or Stevens-Johnson syndrome patients. CONCLUSIONS: The sutureless AM patch using a silicone ring was shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of ocular surface disorders. The patch can help surgeons avoid suture-related trauma to the ocular surface during the acute inflammatory period.