Positive correlation between hypertensive retinopathy and albuminuria in hypertensive adults.

PURPOSE: We investigated the association between albuminuria and hypertensive retinopathy (HR) in hypertensive adults. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional subgroup analysis of data from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial. We enrolled 2,964 hypertensive adults in this study. Keith-Wagener-Barker stages was used to assess HR. The urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) was calculated to evaluate albuminuria. RESULTS: HR was found in 76.6% (n = 2, 271) of the participants, albuminuria was found in 11.1% (n = 330). The UACR levels were significantly higher in subjects with HR than in those without HR (grade 1, ß = 1.42, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: -0.12, 2.95, p = 0.070; grade 2, ß = 2.62, 95% CI: 0.56, 4.67, p = 0.013; grade 3, ß = 5.17, 95% CI: 1.13, 9.20, p = 0.012). In the subgroup analyses, the association between HR and UACR was stronger in current smokers (p for interaction = 0.014). The correlation between HR grades 1 and 2 and UACR was stronger in subjects with higher triglyceride levels (≥ 1.7 mmol/L), but for grade 3 HR, this correlation was stronger in subjects with lower triglycerides levels (< 1.7 mmol/L, p for interaction = 0.023). The odds of albuminuria were significantly higher in subjects with HR than in those without HR (grade 1, odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.29, p = 0.019; grade 2, OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.28, 3.18, p = 0.002; grade 3, OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 0.99, 4.55, p = 0.053). In the subgroup analyses, the association between HR grades 1 and 2 and albuminuria was stronger in subjects with higher triglycerides levels (≥ 1.7 mmol/L), but for grade 3 HR, this correlation was stronger in subjects with lower triglyceride levels (< 1.7 mmol/L, p for interaction = 0.014). CONCLUSION: HR was positively correlated with albuminuria in hypertensive Chinese adults. This correlation was more remarkable when the population was stratified by triglycerides levels and smoking status. HR can be used as an indicator of early renal injury.

Self-Supporting Electrocatalyst Film Based on Self-Assembly of Heterogeneous Bottlebrush and Polyoxometalate for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Developing efficient electrocatalysts to promote the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is essential for a green and sustainable future energy supply. For practical applications, it is a challenge to achieve the self-assembly of electrocatalyst from microscopic to macroscopic scales. Herein, a facile strategy is proposed to fabricate a self-supporting electrocatalyst film (CNT-g-PSSCo/PW12 ) for HER by electrostatic interaction-induced self-assembly of cobalt polystyrene sulfonate-grafted carbon nanotube heterogeneous bottlebrush (CNT-g-PSSCo) and polyoxometalate (PW12 ). Co2+ ions of CNT-g-PSSCo can function as junctions for interconnecting neighboring bottlebrushes to form the 3D nanonetwork structure and enable electrostatic capture of negatively charged PW12 nanodots. Moreover, CNT backbones can provide highly conductive pathways to CNT-g-PSSCo/PW12 . Such a self-assembled CNT-g-PSSCo/PW12 displays a low overpotential of 31 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a small Tafel slope of 25 mV dec-1 , showing high efficiency toward HER. Furthermore, CNT-g-PSSCo/PW12 with a stable self-supporting film morphology exhibits long-term electrocatalytic stability over 1000 CV cycles without noticeable overpotential change in acidic media. The findings may provide a new avenue for constructing self-assembled functional nanonetwork materials with well-orchestrated structural hierarchy for many applications in energy, environment, catalysis, medicine, and others.

Evaluation of macular microvasculature and foveal avascular zone in patients with retinal vein occlusion using optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSES: To quantitatively evaluate the vessel density of macular microvasculature, choriocapillary, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in both eyes of patients with unilateral retinal vein occlusion (RVO) using the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) compared with the normal controls. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 72 patients with unilateral RVO (72 eyes with RVO and 72 RVO fellow eyes) and 72 healthy individuals (72 normal control eyes). The 3 × 3 mm macular angiogram was acquired using the OCTA. The vessel densities of the retinal superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillary plexus (CCP) were measured, and FAZ was quantified. RESULTS: The RVO eyes compared to their fellow eyes, and the fellow eyes compared to the normal controls, showed a significantly lower vessel density in both the SCP and DCP in the whole image and parafovea (P < 0.05) and the CCP (P < 0.05), except for the foveal region (P > 0.05). No significant differences between the RVO eyes and the fellow eyes in the FAZ area and perimeter (P > 0.05) were observed, while the acircularity index in the RVO eyes was significantly higher than the fellow eyes (P < 0.05). Additionally, the FD-300 in the RVO eyes was significantly lower than their fellow eyes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The OCTA reveals that the macular microvasculature of the RVO fellow eyes can be impaired in both the superficial and deep retinal layer as well as the choriocapillary, suggesting the influence of systemic factors in the development of RVO.

TRPV4 regulates migration and tube formation of human retinal capillary endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Ca2+ entry plays an important role in modulating endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca2+-permeable channel that is widely expressed in endothelial cells. It has been reported that TRPV4 is expressed in HRCECs and regulates Ca2+ entry. However, the function of TRPV4 in human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HRCECs) remains unknown. METHODS: In this study we used western blot and immunostaining assay to verify TRPV4 expression in HRCECs. And then we pretreated HRCECs with HC067047 and transfected with specific shRNA of TRPV4. The functional presence of TrpV4 was determined by using fluorescence, migration and tube formation assay in TrpV4 knockdown cells or control cells. RESULTS: Using western blot and immunostaining, we confirmed TRPV4 expression in HRCECs. Moreover, inhibition of TRPV4 using the specific inhibitor HC067047 and the knockdown of TRPV4 with shRNA significantly suppressed tube formation and migration by HRCECs. CONCLUSIONS: TRPV4 is essential for HRCEC migration and tube formation, and maybe a potential therapeutic target for retinal vascular diseases.

Cornea Full-field Displacement and Strain Measurement in Vivo Using Three-dimensional Digital Image Correlation.

SIGNIFICANCE: Corneal biomechanics are becoming increasingly important for clinical evaluation and diagnosis, such as in refractive surgery, glaucoma, and keratoconus. We developed and used a new technique to measure the full-field displacement and strain of the cornea under elevated intraocular pressure in vivo. PURPOSE: In this study, we propose a three-dimensional digital image correlation method for the determination of corneal biomechanical properties. METHODS: Corneal deformation change on the rabbit eyeball was investigated under different inflation conditions with intraocular pressure levels of 2.3, 3.3, 5.3, and 6.9 kPa in vivo. RESULTS: The proposed method was able to measure the displacement of the corneal surface and to construct real-time full-field three-dimensional deformation vector fields and strain mapping. The results show that the strain distribution is not uniform on the corneal surface at each intraocular pressure level. Compression strains, rather than extensile strains, are dominant at the corneal apex region. CONCLUSIONS: This technique has the potential to be used as an assistive tool for the determination of corneal biomechanical properties in ophthalmologic investigations.

Prediction accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation methods after laser refractive surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the prediction accuracy of postoperative refractions using partial coherence interferometry (IOL-Master) and applanation ultrasound (AL-3000) assisted with corneal topography (TMS-4) in eyes that had undergone myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Haigis-L formula, Koch-Maloney method using Haigis formula, Shammas clinically derived K-value (simulated keratometric value) correction (Shammas c.d.) using Haigis formula, and Shammas post-LASIK (Shammas-PL) formula were used in eyes with myopic LASIK. Constants were derived from the optimized constants in 133 virgin eyes. Refractive outcomes were determined by streak retinoscopy and subjective manifest refraction. Methods and formulas were evaluated by mean error (ME), standard deviation (SD), range of error, mean absolute error (MAE), median absolute error, 95% confidence interval of MAE, and percentage of eyes within ±0.5 diopter (D), ±1.0 D, and ±1.5 D of prediction. RESULTS: SDs of the Haigis-L, Koch-Maloney method using the Haigis formula, Shammas c.d. using the Haigis formula, and the Shammas-PL formula using IOL-Master were 0.721, 0.695, 0.695, and 0.698; and those using AL-3000 assisted with TMS-4 were 0.782, 0.741, 0.743, and 0.778, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No-history methods that corrected corneal power with measurements using IOL-Master were promising in myopic post-LASIK eyes, but still a gap in prediction accuracy exists between virgin eyes and post-LASIK eyes.

Serum uric acid concentration is associated with hypertensive retinopathy in hypertensive chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: This cross sectional investigation included 12,966 subjects with hypertension, a cohort of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT), a randomized, multicenter clinical trial. This study aimed to explore the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) concentration and hypertensive retinopathy in hypertensive adults. METHODS: Diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy was determined by non-mydriatic fundus photography and classified with Keith-Wagener-Barker (KWB) system. The correlation of SUA levels with hypertensive retinopathy prevalence and severity was assessed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: 9848 (75.95%) subjects were diagnosed with hypertensive retinopathy with the following retinopathy grade distribution: grade 1: 58.80%, grade 2: 14.81%, and grade 3-4: 2.34%. SUA levels were significantly associated with hypertensive retinopathy prevalence. Patients with hypertensive retinopathy had higher SUA levels than those without hypertensive retinopathy. Patients in the highest uric acid quartile had an odds ratio for hypertensive retinopathy of 1.21 compared to patients in the lowest uric acid quartile (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.40, P = 0.008). When compared to the non-hyperuricemia group, those in the hyperuricemia group had an odds ratio for hypertensive retinopathy of 1.18(OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05-1.33, P = 0.004). Every 1 mg/dl increase in uric acid concentration was significantly associated with a 6% higher odds of hypertensive retinopathy (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy was high (75.95%) among hypertensives in our patients cohort. In addition, SUA concentration was significantly associated with hypertensive retinopathy.

[Nondestructive applanation technique to measure the elasticity moduli and creep properties of ocular cornea in vivo].

Due to lack of the practical technique to measure the biomechanical properties of the ocular cornea in vivo, clinical ophthalmologists have some difficulties in understanding the deformation mechanism of the cornea under the action of physiological intraocular pressures. Using Young's theory analysis of the corneal deformation during applanation tonometry, the relation between the elasticity moduli of the cornea and the applanated corneal area and the measured and true intraocular pressures can be obtained. A new applanation technique has been developed for measuring the biomechanical properties of the ocular cornea tissue in vivo, which can simultaneously acquire the data of the applanation area and displacement of the corneal deformation as well as the exerted applanation force on the cornea. Experimental results on a rabbit's eyeball demonstrated that the present technique could be used to measure the elasticity moduli and creep properties of the ocular cornea nondestructively in vivo.

An updated meta-analysis: apolipoprotein E genotypes and risk of primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To study the association of apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: After a systematic literature search, all relevant studies evaluating the association between APOE polymorphisms and POAG were included. All statistical tests were calculated with Stata 11.0. RESULTS: Twelve independent studies on the APOE gene (1,971 cases, 1,756 controls) and POAG were included. A significant association between the APOE gene and POAG was found in the genetic model of ε4/ε4 versus ε3/ε3 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-3.88, p = 0.02). However, no association was detected in the models of ε2/ε2 versus ε3/ε3, ε2/ε3 versus ε3/ε3, ε2/ε4 versus ε3/ε3, ε3/ε4 versus ε3/ε3, allele ε2 versus allele ε3, and allele ε4 versus allele ε3. Subgroup analyses showed that a statistically significant association between the APOE gene and the risk of POAG existed in the genetic model of ε4/ε4 versus ε3/ε3 in Asians (OR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.06-11.87, p = 0.04). No association was identified between the APOE gene and the risk of POAG in Caucasians. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis indicated that the ε4/ε4 genotype is associated with increased risk of POAG in Asians.

Has-miR-199a-3p/RELA/SCD inhibits immune checkpoints in AMD and promotes macrophage-mediated inflammation and pathological angiogenesis through lipid metabolism pathway: A computational analysis.

More and more evidence shows that abnormal lipid metabolism leads to immune system dysfunction in AMD and promotes the occurrence of AMD by changing the homeostasis of ocular inflammation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of lipid metabolism on the phenotype and function of macrophages is still unclear, and the mechanism of association between AMD and cancer and COVID-19 has not been reported. The purpose of this study is to explore the interaction between lipid metabolism related genes, ferroptosis related genes and immunity in AMD, find out the key genes that affect the ferroptosis of AMD through lipid metabolism pathway and the molecular mechanism that mediates the action of macrophages, and find out the possible mechanism of lipid metabolism and potential co-therapeutic targets between AMD and cancer and COVID-19, so as to improve treatment decision-making and clinical results. For the first time, we have comprehensively analyzed the fatty acid molecule related genes, ferroptosis related genes and immune microenvironment of AMD patients, and determined that mast cells and M1 macrophages are the main causes of AMD inflammation, and found that SCD is the core gene in AMD that inhibits ferroptosis through lipid metabolism pathway, and verified the difference in the expression of SCD in AMD in a separate external data set. Based on the analysis of the mechanism of action of the SCD gene, we found for the first time that Has-miR-199a-3p/RELA/SCD is the core axis of action of lipid metabolism pathway to inhibit the ferroptosis of AMD. By inhibiting the immune checkpoint, we can enhance the immune cell activity of AMD and lead to the transformation of macrophages from M2 to M1, thereby promoting the inflammation and pathological angiogenesis of AMD. At the same time, we found that ACOX2 and PECR, as genes for fatty acid metabolism, may regulate the expression of SCD during the occurrence and development of COVID-19, thus affecting the occurrence and development of AMD. We found that FASD1 may be a key gene for the joint action of AMD and COVID-19, and SCD regulates the immune infiltration of macrophages in glioma and germ line tumors. In conclusion, our results can provide theoretical basis for the pathogenesis of AMD, help guide the treatment of AMD patients and their potentially related diseases and help to design effective drug targets.

Predictive visual field outcomes after optic chiasm decompressive surgery by retinal vessels parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography.

AIM: To evaluate the predictive value of superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP) and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) for visual field recovery after optic cross decompression and compare them with peripapillary nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC). METHODS: This prospective longitudinal observational study included patients with chiasmal compression due to sellar region mass scheduled for decompressive surgery. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare retinal vessel density and retinal layer thickness pre- and post-operatively and with healthy controls. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between preoperative GCC, pRNFL, SRCP, and RPC parameters and visual field recovery after surgery. RESULTS: The study included 43 eyes of 24 patients and 48 eyes of 24 healthy controls. Preoperative RPC and SRCP vessel density and pRNFL and GCC thickness were lower than healthy controls and higher than postoperative values. The best predictive GCC and pRNFL models were based on the superior GCC [area under the curve (AUC)=0.866] and the tempo-inferior pRNFL (AUC=0.824), and the best predictive SRCP and RPC models were based on the nasal SRCP (AUC=0.718) and tempo-inferior RPC (AUC=0.825). There was no statistical difference in the predictive value of the superior GCC, tempo-inferior pRNFL, and tempo-inferior RPC (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Compression of the optic chiasm by tumors in the saddle area can reduce retinal thickness and blood perfusion. This reduction persists despite the recovery of the visual field after decompression surgery. GCC, pRNFL, and RPC can be used as sensitive predictors of visual field recovery after decompression surgery.

Associations between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and hypertensive retinopathy in treated hypertensive adults: Results from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT).

Although the association between persistent hypertension and the compromise of both micro- and macro-circulatory functions is well recognized, a significant gap in quantitative investigations exploring the interplay between microvascular and macrovascular injuries still exists. In this study, the authors looked into the relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and hypertensive retinopathy in treated hypertensive adults. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of treated hypertensive patients with the last follow-up data from the China Stoke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT) in 2013. With the use of PWV/ABI instruments, baPWV was automatically measured. The Keith-Wagener-Barker classification was used to determine the diagnosis of hypertensive retinopathy. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the connection between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy were determined using multivariable logistic regression models. The OR curves were created using a multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline model to investigate any potential non-linear dose-response relationships between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy. A total of 8514 (75.5%) of 11,279 participants were diagnosed with hypertensive retinopathy. The prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy increased from the bottom quartile of baPWV to the top quartile: quartile 1: 70.7%, quartile 2: 76.1%, quartile 3: 76.7%, quartile 4: 78.4%. After adjusting for potential confounders, baPWV was positively associated with hypertensive retinopathy (OR = 1.05, 95% CI, 1.03-1.07, p < .001). Compared to those in the lowest baPWV quartile, those in the highest baPWV quartile had an odds ratio for hypertensive retinopathy of 1.61 (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.37-1.89, p < .001). Two-piece-wise logistic regression model demonstrated a nonlinear relationship between baPWV and hypertensive retinopathy with an inflection point of 17.1 m/s above which the effect was saturated .

[Correlation between white-to-white diameter and ciliary sulcus diameter of high myopia eyes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ciliary sulcus diameters in horizontal and vertical axes and to analyze the correlation between white-to-white diameter and horizontal ciliary sulcus diameter for high myopia eyes at different anterior chamber depths. METHODS: IOL-Master was used to measure white-to-white diameters and anterior chamber depths of 108 high myopia eyes and verified by digital caliper. Based on the depth of central anterior chamber not including corneal thickness, the testing eyes were divided into three groups: shallow AC group (3.0 mm < ACD ≤ 3.2 mm), medium AC group (3.2 mm < ACD ≤ 3.4 mm), and deep AC group (ACD > 3.4 mm). Furthermore, the horizontal and vertical ciliary sulcus diameters were checked by full-scale 50-Hz ultrasound biomicroscopy. The data of three AC groups were analyzed separately. The paired sample t-test was used to compare: white-to-white diameters and horizontal sulcus diameters, horizontal and vertical suclus diameters. The correlations between white-to-white diameters and horizontal sulcus diameters were assessed using linear regression analysis. The difference in the three groups of white-to-white diameters and ciliary sulcus diameters were compared by Student Newman Keuls test. RESULTS: The mean diameters and standard deviations of WTW diameters and horizontal ciliary sulcus diameters in the shallow AC group was, respectively, (11.46 ± 0.38) and (11.57 ± 0.32) mm(t = -2.849, P = 0.007). Linear regression analysis found a statistically significant correlation between white-to-white diameters and horizontal sulcus diameters with a coefficient of determinant of 0.797 (P = 0.000). The mean vertical suclus diameters was (12.27 ± 0.48) mm. The difference between horizontal and vertical suclus diameters was statistically significant (t = -15.522, P = 0.000) . The mean diameters and standard deviations of WTW diameters and horizontal ciliary sulcus diameters in the medium AC group was, respectively, (11.58 ± 0.31) and (11.77 ± 0.26) mm. (t = -4.523, P = 0.000). Linear regression analysis found a statistically significant correlation between white-to-white diameters and horizontal sulcus diameters with a coefficient of determinant of 0.639 (P = 0.000). The mean vertical suclus diameters was (12.52 ± 0.37) mm. The difference between horizontal and vertical suclus diameters was statistically significant (t = -13.987, P = 0.001) . The mean diameters and standard deviations of WTW diameters and horizontal ciliary sulcus diameters in the medium AC group was, respectively, (11.68 ± 0.22) and (11.91 ± 0.23) mm (t = -5.157, P = 0.000). Linear regression did not reveal horizontal sulcus diameters were a significant predictor of white-to-white diameters with a coefficient of determinant of 0.253 (P = 0.126). The mean vertical suclus diameters was (12.69 ± 0.36) mm. The difference between horizontal and vertical suclus diameters was statistically significant (t = -18.433, P = 0.000) . CONCLUSIONS: The white-to-white diameter measuring technique is not identical to the horizontal diameter of the ciliary sulcus and the potential difference between them is increased with deepening anterior chamber depth. Our preliminary study illustrated that the ciliary sculus is not circular and a vertical diameter is longer than horizontal one.

New Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy in a Chinese Family.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation of atypical endothelial corneal dystrophy (ECD) and to identify possible associated genetic variants in a Chinese family. METHODS: Six affected members, 4 unaffected first-degree relatives, and 3 spouses who were enrolled in this study underwent ophthalmic examinations. Genetic linkage analysis was performed for 4 affected and 2 unaffected members, and whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for 2 patients to identify disease-causing variants. Candidate causal variants were verified using Sanger sequencing in family members and 200 healthy controls. RESULTS: The mean age at disease onset was 16.5 years. The early phenotype of this atypical ECD was characterized by multiple small white translucent spots located in Descemet membrane of the peripheral cornea. These spots coalesced to form opacities with variable shapes, and eventually merged along the limbus. Subsequently, translucent spots appeared in central Descemet membrane and accumulated, causing diffuse polymorphous opacities over time. Finally, significant endothelial decompensation led to diffuse corneal edema. A heterozygous missense variant in the KIAA1522 gene (c.1331G>A; p.R444Q) was identified by WES, which was present in all 6 patients but was absent in the unaffected members and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical features of atypical ECD are unique compared with those of known corneal dystrophies. Moreover, genetic analysis identified the c.1331G>A variant in KIAA1522 , which may be responsible for the pathogenesis of this atypical ECD. Thus, we propose this is a new form of ECD based on our clinical findings.

The correlation of retinal neurodegeneration and brain degeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease using optical coherence tomography angiography and MRI.

Introduction: Pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease can cause retina and optic nerve degeneration. The retinal changes are correlated with cognitive function. This study aimed to explore the relationship of retinal differences with neuroimaging in patients with Alzheimer's disease, analyze the association of cognitive function with retinal structure and vascular density, and identify potential additional biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Method: We performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and neuropsychological assessments in 28 patients with mild Alzheimer's disease and 28 healthy controls. Retinal structure and vascular density were evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between neuroimaging and OCTA parameters in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease with adjustment for age, gender, years of education, and hypertension. Results: In patients with mild Alzheimer's disease, OCTA-detected retinal parameters were not significantly correlated with MRI-detected neuroimaging parameters after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Under multivariable analysis controlled for age, gender, years of education, and hypertension, the S-Hemi (0-3) sector of macular thickness was significantly associated with Mini-cog (ß = 0.583, P = 0.002) with Bonferroni-corrected threshold at P < 0.003. Conclusion: Our findings suggested decreased macular thickness might be associated with cognitive function in mild AD patients. However, the differences in retinal parameters didn't correspond to MRI-detected parameters in this study. Whether OCTA can be used as a new detection method mirroring MRI for evaluating the effect of neuronal degeneration in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease still needs to be investigated by more rigorous and larger studies in the future.

Analysis of Ocular Surface Characteristics and Incidence of Dry Eye Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Without Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome.

Objective: To investigate the differences in ocular surface characteristics, tear film quality, and the incidence of dry eye disease (DED) between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients and healthy populations. Methods: This age and gender-matched cross-sectional study included 96 SLE patients without secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and 72 healthy subjects. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear film breakup time (NIKBUT), meibography, and tear film lipid layer grade were assessed. A receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the predictive value of risk factors. Results: Compared with the control subjects, a significantly greater proportion of SLE patients met the TFOS DEWS II DED diagnostic criteria (34.3 vs. 18.1%, P = 0.019). SLE patients without SS had higher OSDI scores [10.0 (4.5,18.0) vs. 5.0 (2.5,11.9), P < 0.001], and shorter NIKBUT [9.6 (6.6,15.0) vs. 12.3 (8.4, 15.8), P = 0.035]. Furthermore, TMH, Tear film lipid layer grade, and Meibomian gland (MG) dropout in SLE patients were worse than those in control subjects (all P < 0.05). For ROC analysis, the area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of prediction were 0.915, 75.8 and 92.1% for the combination of SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), age and NIKBUT. Conclusions: SLE patients without SS exhibited a higher risk for DED than healthy subjects, and the poorer Meibomian gland function in SLE patients may potentially contribute to the development of DED. The combined parameters of SLEDAI, age and NIKBUT showed a high efficiency for the diagnosis of DED in SLE patients, with practical clinical applications.

Changes of Peripapillary Region Perfusion in Patients with Chiasmal Compression Caused by Sellar Region Mass.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the peripapillary vessel density (pVD) and the peripapillary nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness in patients with chiasmal compression caused by sellar region mass using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional study of 31 patients (31 eyes) with chiasmal compression caused by sellar region mass and 34 healthy controls (34 eyes). Automated perimetry and OCTA were performed. The pVD and pRNFL thickness were compared between the two groups. The impact of tumor diameter, duration of symptoms, and cavernous sinus (CS) invasion on visual dysfunction, pVD, and pRNFL thickness was also analyzed. Furthermore, we divided the patients into two subgroups according to whether there was an absolute defect in the central visual field and evaluated their pVD and pRNFL thickness, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy control group, there was a statistically significant decrease in pVD and pRNFL thickness in patients with chiasmal compression (p < 0.05), especially in patients with substantial absolute defects in the central visual field. Tumor diameter, duration of symptoms, and CS invasion did not appear to be associated with pVD and pRNFL thickness. There was a significant positive correlation between the pVD and pRNFL thickness in patients with chiasmal compression (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: pVD and pRNFL thickness are significantly decreased in patients with chiasmal compression revealed by OCTA, especially in patients with more severe visual field defects. A significant correlation between pVD and pRNFL thickness was demonstrated, which provides a clue for the study of the mechanism of changes in retinal perfusion in compressive optic neuropathy. It requires considerable attention that OCTA may play an important role in disease monitoring of sellar region mass. Hence, further studies are needed to verify whether OCTA is helpful to predict the prognosis of visual function after decompression surgery.

Analysis of Foveal Microvascular Abnormalities in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Purpose: To analyze the abnormalities of foveal microvasculature in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods: A cross-sectional study of 41 eyes of patients diagnosed with SLE and 40 eyes of healthy controls. Sections measuring 6 mm×6 mm centered on the fovea were obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Results: The area and perimeter of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in SLE patients were greater than those in controls (both p < .05). The parafoveal vessel densities in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) of SLE patients were significantly decreased than those in controls (p < .001). There was a negative correlation between SLE disease activity index and parafoveal vessel density in DCP (p < .05).Conclusion: Enlargement of the FAZ and decline of the parafoveal vessel density of DCP were revealed by OCTA in patients with SLE. Moreover, a negative correlation between parafoveal vessel density in DCP and disease activity index was detected in SLE patients.

CoS2 Nanoparticles Embedded in Covalent Organic Polymers as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction with Ultralow Overpotential.

Cobalt disulfide (CoS2 ) has been explored as attractive electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, bulk CoS2 sheets have limited catalytic activity due to low exposure of active sites. Herein, through an in-situ vulcanization approach, CoS2 nanoparticles are embedded into bipyridine-containing covalent organic polymer (BP-COP). The as-prepared nanocomposite CoS2 @BP-COP exhibits high catalytic activity toward OER with an ultra-low overpotential of 270 mV (vs. RHE) at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 , a small Tafel slope of 36 mV dec-1 , and an excellent durability for 24 h without decay. The surface of CoS2 is partially converted into CoOOH to form CoS2 /CoOOH as active sites under OER conditions. CoS2 @BP-COP displays superior OER catalytic activity to CoS2 nanosheets and commercially available RuO2 under the same conditions. The outstanding OER performance activity of CoS2 @BP-COP could be attributed to the uniform and small particle sizes of CoS2 /CoOOH distributed in BP-COP.

The Retinal Vessel Density Can Reflect Cognitive Function in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence from Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients may present decreased cerebral blood perfusion before pathological brain changes. Using the retina as a window to the brain, we can study disorders of the central nervous system through the eyes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate differences in retinal structure and vessel density (VD) between patients with mild AD and healthy controls (HCs). Furthermore, we explored the relationship between retinal VD and cognitive function. METHODS: We enrolled 37 patients with AD and 29 age-matched HCs who underwent standard ophthalmic optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) for evaluation of the retinal layer thickness and VD parameters. Cognitive function was evaluated using a battery of neuropsychological assessments. Finally, the correlations among retinal layer thickness, VD parameters, and cognitive function were evaluated. RESULTS: The retinal fiber layer thickness and retinal VD of patients with AD were significantly reduced compared with HCs. The retinal VD was significantly correlated with overall cognition, memory, executive, and visual-spatial perception functions. However, there was no significant between-group difference in the macular thickness. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a positive correlation between retinal VD and some, but not all, cognitive function domains. Most importantly, we demonstrated the role of OCTA in detecting early capillary changes, which could be a noninvasive biomarker for early AD.