Osteoporotic Bone Regeneration via Plenished Biomimetic PLGA Scaffold with Sequential Release System.

Achieving satisfactory bone tissue regeneration in osteoporotic patients with ordinary biomaterials is challenging because of the decreased bone mineral density and aberrant bone microenvironment. In addressing this issue, a biomimetic scaffold (PMEH/SP), incorporating 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR), and substance P (SP) into the poly(lactic-go-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold with magnesium hydroxide (M) and extracellular matrix (E) is introduced, enabling the consecutive release of bioactive agents. 4HR and SP induced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), thereby upregulating VEGF expression level. The migration and tube-forming ability of endothelial cells can be promoted by the scaffold, which accelerates the formation and maturation of the bone. Moreover, 4HR played a crucial role in the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by interrupting the IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway and exhibiting SP, thereby enhancing the migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Based on such a synergistic effect, osteoporosis can be suppressed, and bone regeneration can be achieved by inhibiting the RANKL pathway in vitro and in vivo, which is a commonly known mechanism of bone physiology. Therefore, the study presents a promising approach for developing a multifunctional regenerative material for sophisticated osteoporotic bone regeneration.

Microstructure of the corneal endothelial transition zone in different laboratory animals.

Purpose: To compare the microstructure of the corneal endothelial transition zone in different laboratory animals. Methods: Flat-mount corneas of rabbits, rats, and mice were stained with Alizarin Red S (ARS) and observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The progenitor cell markers p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), and proliferation marker Ki-67 were examined in the flat-mounted corneas of three laboratory animals using immunofluorescence microscopy. Results: On flat mounts, proximity to the trabecular meshwork correlated with weaker ARS staining and greater polymorphism of endothelial cells in the transition zone in all animals. On SEM, distinct and smooth structures of the transition zone were negligibly detected in all animals. The endothelial cells in the transition zone had irregular shapes, with less dense, less wavy intercellular junctions, especially in murine corneas, exhibiting unique intercellular cystic spaces. In the transition zone of the rabbit cornea, progenitor cell markers p75NTR, SOX9, Lgr5, TERT, and proliferation marker Ki-67 were expressed, in contrast to those in other murine corneas. Conclusions: Although the transition zone was not identified clearly, irregular cell morphology and loss of cell-cell contact were observed in all animal corneal endothelial cells. The proliferative capacity and the presence of progenitor cells were confirmed in the transition zone, especially in the rabbit cornea.

Evaluation of the Antiviral Efficacy of Subcutaneous Nafamostat Formulated with Glycyrrhizic Acid against SARS-CoV-2 in a Murine Model.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for effective antiviral agents and vaccines. Drug repositioning, which involves modifying existing drugs, offers a promising approach for expediting the development of novel therapeutics. In this study, we developed a new drug, MDB-MDB-601a-NM, by modifying the existing drug nafamostat (NM) with the incorporation of glycyrrhizic acid (GA). We assessed the pharmacokinetic profiles of MDB-601a-NM and nafamostat in Sprague-Dawley rats, revealing rapid clearance of nafamostat and sustained drug concentration of MDB-601a-NM after subcutaneous administration. Single-dose toxicity studies showed potential toxicity and persistent swelling at the injection site with high-dose administration of MDB-601a-NM. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of MDB-601a-NM in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection using the K18 hACE-2 transgenic mouse model. Mice treated with 60 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of MDB-601a-NM exhibited improved protectivity in terms of weight loss and survival rates compared to the nafamostat-treated group. Histopathological analysis revealed dose-dependent improvements in histopathological changes and enhanced inhibitory efficacy in MDB-601a-NM-treated groups. Notably, no viral replication was detected in the brain tissue when mice were treated with 60 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of MDB-601a-NM. Our developed MDB-601a-NM, a modified Nafamostat with glycyrrhizic acid, shows improved protectivity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Its sustained drug concentration after subcutaneous administration and dose-dependent improvements makes it a promising therapeutic option.

Zaluzanin C Alleviates Inflammation and Lipid Accumulation in Kupffer Cells and Hepatocytes by Regulating Mitochondrial ROS.

Zaluzanin C (ZC), a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Laurus nobilis L., has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the mechanistic role of ZC in its protective effects in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the efficacy and mechanism of action of ZC in Kupffer cells and hepatocytes. ZC inhibited LPS-induced mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production and subsequent mtROS-mediated NF-κB activity in Kupffer cells (KCs). ZC reduced mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il1b and Tnfa) and chemokines (Ccl2, Ccl3, Ccl4, Cxcl2 and Cxcl9). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced hepatocyte mtROS production was inhibited by ZC. ZC was effective in alleviating mtROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. ZC enhanced mitophagy and increased mRNA levels of fatty acid oxidation genes (Pparα, Cpt1, Acadm and Hadha) and mitochondrial biosynthetic factors (Pgc1α, Tfam, Nrf1 and Nrf2) in hepatocytes. ZC has proven its anti-lipid effect by improving lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by enhancing mitochondrial function to facilitate lipid metabolism. Therefore, our study suggests that ZC may be an effective compound for hepatoprotection by suppressing inflammation and lipid accumulation through regulating mtROS.

Risk factors of loss of reduction after acromioclavicular joint dislocation treated with a hook plate.

BACKGROUND: Acromioclavicular joint fixation using a hook plate is effective for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. However, several studies have reported some complications including loss of reduction after surgery for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the loss of reduction after acromioclavicular joint dislocation surgery using a hook plate. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that assessed 118 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation, who were diagnosed between March 2013 and January 2019 and underwent surgical treatment using the hook plate (reduction loss group: n = 38; maintenance group: n = 80). The mean follow-up period was 29.9 months (range, 24-40 months). We assessed the range of motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), visual analog scale score for pain, and a subjective shoulder value. Radiological assessment of coracoid clavicular distance was performed. The risk factors of reduction loss were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Age (p = 0.049), sex (female, p = 0.03, odds ratio OR = 4.81), Rockwood type V (p = 0.049, OR = 2.20), and time from injury to surgery > 7 days (p = 0.018, OR = 2.59) were statistically significant factors in the reduction loss group. There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes for range of motion, ASES, subjective shoulder value, and visual analog scale scores between the two groups. In the radiological results, preoperative coracoid clavicular distance (p = 0.039) and ratio (p = 0.001), and over-reduction (p = 0.023, OR = 0.40) were significantly different between the two groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the female sex (p = 0.037, OR = 5.88), a time from injury to surgery > 7 days (p = 0.019, OR = 3.36), and the preoperative coracoid clavicular displacement ratio of the injured shoulder (p < 0.001, OR = 1.03) as risk factors associated with reduction loss following surgery using a hook plate for acromioclavicular dislocation. CONCLUSION: A delayed timing of surgery > 7 days, preoperative coracoid clavicular displacement ratio of the injured shoulder, and female sex were identified as risk factors for loss of reduction after surgery using a hook plate for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; retrospective comparison; treatment study.

Investigation of Ordering on Oxygen-Deficient LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4-δ Thin Films for Boosting Electrochemical Performance in All-Solid-State Thin-Film Batteries.

All-solid-state thin-film batteries (ASSTFBs) are promising next-generation battery systems, but critical challenges such as low-energy-density remain. The low-energy-density might persist with low-voltage cathode material; hence, high-voltage cathode material development is required. While LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 (LNM) has been considered a promising high-voltage cathode material. This study investigates the electrochemical properties of LNM thin films based on the correlation between the ordering of cations (Ni and Mn) and oxygen vacancies (VO ). The authors find that the cations' order changes from a disordered structure to an ordered structure with an increased oxygen flow rate during deposition. The optimized LNM fabricated using a 60:40 ratio of Ar to O2 exhibits the highest rate capability (321.4 mAh cm-3 @ 20 C) and most prolonged cycle performance for 500 cycles. The role of VO within the LNM structure and the lower activation energy of ordered LNM compared to disordered LNM through first-principles density functional theory calculations is elucidated. The superior electrochemical performance (276.9 mAh cm-3 @ 0.5 C) and high cyclic performance (at 93.9%, 500 cycles) are corroborated by demonstrating flexible ASSTFB cells using LiPON solid-state electrolyte and thin-film Li anode. This work paves the way for future research on the fabrication of high-performance flexible ASSTFBs.

Intelligent Evaluation of Global Spinal Alignment by a Decentralized Convolutional Neural Network.

Degenerative changes of the spine can cause spinal misalignment, with part of the spine arching beyond normal limits or moving in an incorrect direction, potentially resulting in back pain and significantly limiting a person's mobility. The most important parameters related to spinal misalignment include pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, and cervical lordosis. As a general rule, alignment of the spine for diagnosis and surgical treatment is estimated based on geometrical parameters measured manually by experienced doctors. However, these measurements consume the time and effort of experts to perform repetitive tasks that could be automated, especially with the powerful support of current artificial intelligence techniques. This paper focuses on creation of a decentralized convolutional neural network to precisely measure 12 spinal alignment parameters. Specifically, this method is based on detecting regions of interest with its dimensions that decrease by three orders of magnitude to focus on the necessary region to provide the output as key points. Using these key points, parameters representing spinal alignment are calculated. The quality of the method's performance, which is the consistency of the measurement results with manual measurement, is validated by 30 test cases and shows 10 of 12 parameters with a correlation coefficient > 0.8, with pelvic tilt having the smallest absolute deviation of 1.156°.

Black Tungsten Oxide Nanofiber as a Robust Support for Metal Catalysts: High Catalyst Loading for Electrochemical Oxygen Reduction.

Black valve metal oxides with low oxygen vacancies are identified to be promising for various industrial applications, such as in gas sensing, photocatalysis, and rechargeable batteries, owing to their high reducibility and stability, as well as considerable fractions of low-valent metal species and oxygen vacancies in their lattices. Herein, the nanofiber (NF) of black oxygen-deficient tungsten trioxide (WO3- x ) is presented as a versatile and robust support for the direct growth of a platinum catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The nonstoichiometric, poorly crystallized black WO3- x NFs are prepared by electrospinning the W precursor into NFs followed by their low-temperature (650 °C) reductive calcination. The black WO3- x NFs have adequate electrical conductivity owing to their decreased bandgap and amorphous structure. Remarkably, the oxygen-deficient surface (surface O/W = 2.44) facilitates the growth of small Pt nanoparticles, which resist aggregation, as confirmed by structural characterization and computational analysis. The Pt-loaded black WO3- x NFs outperform the Pt-loaded crystalline white WO3- x NFs in both the electrochemical ORR activity and the accelerated durability test. This study can inspire the use of oxygen-deficient metal oxides as supports for other electrocatalysts, and can further increase the versatility of oxygen-deficient metal oxides.

Factors associated with ocular surface epithelial damage in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic parameters, laboratory findings, oral parameters, and other ocular surface parameters on ocular surface epithelial damage in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS: A total of 82 dry eye disease (DED) patients with pSS were enrolled in this study. Ocular surface epithelial damage was measured by ocular staining score (OSS). Systemic parameters, laboratory findings including serologic markers, oral parameters, and other ocular surface parameters were collected. Other ocular surface parameter assessments such as the Schirmer's test, fluorescein tear breakup time, meibomian gland examinations, noninvasive keratographic tear film break-up time measurements using the Keratograph® 5 M were performed, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index was determined. RESULTS: In a multivariate analysis, decreased age and increased duration of pSS were significantly related to increased logarithm-transformed OSS (ß = -0.011, P = 0.043 and ß = 0.003, P = 0.008). Among the ocular surface parameters, decreased fluorescein tear breakup time and increased MGD grade were significantly associated with increased logarithm-transformed OSS (ß = -0.183, P < 0.001 and ß = 0.192, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular surface epithelial damage in patients with pSS was associated with young age, long duration of disease, unstable tear film, and decreased meibomian gland function.

Effects of Wearable Powered Exoskeletal Training on Functional Mobility, Physiological Health and Quality of Life in Non-ambulatory Spinal Cord Injury Patients.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious clinical condition that impacts a patient's physical, psychological, and socio-economic status. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of training with a newly developed powered wearable exoskeleton (Hyundai Medical Exoskeleton [H-MEX]) on functional mobility, physiological health, and quality of life in non-ambulatory SCI patients. METHODS: Participants received 60 minutes of walking training with a powered exoskeleton 3 times per week for 10 weeks (total 30 sessions). The 6-minute walking test (6MWT) and timed-up-and-go test (TUGT) were performed to assess ambulatory function. The physiological outcomes of interest after exoskeleton-assisted walking training were spasticity, pulmonary function, bone mineral density, colon transit time, and serum inflammatory markers. Effects of walking training on subjective outcomes were estimated by the Korean version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 2. RESULTS: Ten participants finished 30 sessions of training and could ambulate independently. No severe adverse events were reported during the study. After training, the mean distance walked in the 6MWT (49.13 m) was significantly enhanced compared with baseline (20.65 m). The results of the TUGT also indicated a statistically significant improvement in the times required to stand up, walk 3 m and sit down. Although not statistically significant, clinically meaningful changes in some secondary physiological outcomes and/or quality of life were reported in some participants. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the newly developed wearable exoskeleton, H-MEX is safe and feasible for non-ambulatory SCI patients, and may have potential to improve quality of life of patients by assisting bipedal ambulation. These results suggest that the H-MEX can be considered a beneficial device for chronic non-ambulatory SCI patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04055610.

Comparison between normal and reverse orientation of graft in functional and histomorphological outcomes after autologous nerve grafting: An experimental study in the mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Autologous nerve grafting has been considered the gold standard for the treatment of irreparable nerve gaps. However, the choice of effective proximodistal orientation of autografts (normal or reversed) is controversial. Therefore, we compared functional and histological outcomes between normal and reversed orientations of autografts in a mouse sciatic nerve model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6J mice weighing 20-25 g were assigned to the donor, normally oriented autograft, and reverse-oriented autograft groups (n = 10 per group). A 10-mm section of the sciatic nerve was harvested from a donor mouse. Half the harvested nerve was grafted onto an irreparable gap in a recipient mouse using either a normal or reversed orientation. The sciatic functional index (SFI) was measured biweekly for up to 12 weeks postoperatively. Morphological analysis was performed using immunofluorescence staining for neurofilament (NF) and myelin protein zero (P0) in cross-sectional and whole-mount nerve preparations in 12 weeks postoperatively. Additionally, morphological analysis of the tibialis anterior muscle was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. NF or P0-expressing axons were counted and cross-sectional area (CSA) and minimum Feret's diameter of myofibers were measured. RESULTS: The SFI recovered gradually up to 12 weeks after autografting, but there were no significant differences in the SFI between the normal and reversed orientations. The number of NF-expressing axons in center of graft was significantly higher in the normal orientation than in the reversed orientation (P < .05). However, there were no significant differences in the number and mean intensity of P0-expressing axons between the orientations. The CSA of myofibers was significantly larger in the normal orientation than in the reversed orientation (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Normally oriented autografts promote axonal regrowth and prevent neurogenic muscular atrophy compared with reverse-oriented autografts. However, despite these positive histomorphometric effects, the proximodistal orientation of the autograft does not affect functional outcomes.

Refractory dry eye disease associated with Meige's syndrome induced by long-term use of an atypical antipsychotic.

BACKGROUND: We report a case of Meige's syndrome induced by an atypical antipsychotic (blonanserin) that presented with refractory dry eye disease. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old woman with a 6-month history of foreign body sensation in the eyes and difficulty in opening her eyes was treated at a local clinic for dry eye disease. Despite this treatment, her symptoms did not improve and she was transferred to our attention. Our assessment revealed involuntary movements of her eyelids accompanied by repetitive pursing of her lips. She had been undergoing treatment with blonanserin for 5 years for schizophrenia. She was diagnosed with drug-induced Meige's syndrome after a psychiatric and neurological consultation. After a 2-month gradual dose reduction and discontinuing blonanserin, involuntary movements of the eyelids with oromandibular dystonia were resolved. Three months after discontinuing blonanserin, there was no recurrence of symptoms, and she had no exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with refractory dry eye disease, especially those with involuntary movements of the eyelids with oromandibular dystonia, it is important to ask about their psychotropic medications and to consider the possibility of drug-induced Meige's syndrome and discontinuation of medications, if possible.

The influence of spinopelvic morphologies on sagittal spinal alignment: an analysis of incidence angle of inflection points.

PURPOSE: To elucidate whether specific spinopelvic morphologies affect the subsequent spinal sagittal alignments and determine the alignment patterns. METHODS: Whole-spine standing radiographs of 244 patients were analyzed. Sagittal alignment parameters were compared according to the three types of pelvic version: anteverted pelvis (AP), neutral pelvis, and retroverted pelvis (RP), grouped per the amount of pelvic tilt (PT) and the ratio of sacral slope to pelvic incidence (PI). Incidence angles of inflection points (IAIPs) were defined as the angle between a line from the center of the femoral heads through the midpoint of the sacral superior endplate and a line perpendicular to each L1, T1 superior endplate, C2 inferior endplate, and the C1 ring, respectively. RESULTS: C1 incidence equaled to the geometrical sum from the pelvis to the C1 vertebra; it also equaled the sum of the C1 slope and PT (p < 0.001). Moving from the AP group to the RP group, there were progressive increases in PT, PI, and IAIPs and decreases in LL, and SS/PI (p < 0.001). Negative correlation was observed between the pelvic anteversion and the IAIPs, and a significant positive correlation was observed between the pelvic retroversion and the IAIPs. CONCLUSION: IAIPs are novel PI-relevant radiographic parameters reflecting the relationship between the pelvis and the spinal alignment. An anteverted pelvis requires more lumbar lordosis than pelvic incidence and aligns with low IAIPs, and a retroverted pelvis requires less lumbar lordosis than pelvic incidence and aligns with high IAIPs. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Acetabular cup migration after primary cementless total hip arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis and its influencing factors: a comparative study with osteoarthritic hip.

PURPOSE: To compare the radiographic migration profiles of primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and those with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: A total of 197 patients (215 hips) who underwent cementless THA for RA or OA between January 2001 and January 2013 and followed up for a minimum of 5.5 years were included. Ninety-four RA patients (109 hips) were compared with 103 OA patients (106 hips). Radiological evaluation was performed for acetabular cup loosening, and cup migration was measured using Einzel-Bild-Röntgen-Analyse (EBRA) software. Multiple variables were assessed to identify influencing factors for cup migration. RESULTS: Early cup migration was observed in 13 hips (11.9%) in the RA group and four hips (3.8%) in the OA group, showing a significant difference (p = 0.041). Acetabular cup loosening occurred in three cups (2.8%) in the RA group and in one cup (0.9%) in the OA group, showing no significant difference (p = 0.321). Total cup migration was higher in the RA group (2.62 mm) than in the OA group (1.44 mm, p = 0.005). Total cup migration was significantly higher in patients aged < 50 years than in those aged > 50 years (p = 0.005). Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody influenced total cup migration. Patients with seropositive RA showed significantly higher total cup migration and early cup migration incidence than those with seronegative RA (p = 0.005, p = 0.038, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Acetabular cups in primary cementless THAs of RA patients were less stable in terms of cup migration compared with that of OA patients.

A major QTL and candidate genes for capsaicinoid biosynthesis in the pericarp of Capsicum chinense revealed using QTL-seq and RNA-seq.

KEY MESSAGE: A major QTL and candidate genes controlling capsaicinoid content in the pericarp were identified by QTL-seq and RNA-seq in Capsicum chinense. Capsaicinoid biosynthesis was previously thought to be restricted to the placental tissue; however, the recent discovery of their biosynthesis in the pericarp provides new opportunities to increase the capsaicinoid content in pepper fruits. Currently, the genetic mechanisms regulating capsaicinoid biosynthesis in the pericarp remain unknown. Here, we performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to reveal the genes controlling capsaicinoid biosynthesis in the pericarp. A whole-genome sequencing-based QTL-seq strategy was employed, identifying a major QTL on chromosome 6. To validate the QTL on chromosome 6, we performed traditional QTL mapping using the same population in QTL-seq with an additional biparental population. A total of 15 QTLs for capsaicinoid content distributed on chromosomes 3, 6, and 11 were newly identified. Among these QTLs, the genetic loci on the lower arm of chromosome 6 were commonly detected in the two mapping populations, corresponding to the location of the major QTL detected using whole-genome sequencing-based QTL-seq. Our RNA-seq analysis identified candidate genes within the common QTL that were differentially expressed in the pungent and non-pungent pericarp tissues. Our results are expected to contribute to the elucidation of the regulation of capsaicinoid biosynthesis. We also demonstrated that a combination of QTL mapping and RNA-seq is helpful for refining the candidate genes of a complicated trait of interest.

Formation of a Surficial Bifunctional Nanolayer on Nb2 O5 for Ultrastable Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Battery.

Safe and long cycle life electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries are significantly important to meet the increasing demands of rechargeable batteries. Niobium pentoxide (Nb2 O5 ) is one of the highly promising candidates for stable electrodes due to its safety and minimal volume expansion. Nevertheless, pulverization and low conductivity of Nb2 O5 have remained as inherent challenges for its practical use as viable electrodes. A highly facile method is proposed to improve the overall cycle retention of Nb2 O5 microparticles by ammonia (NH3 ) gas-driven nitridation. After nitridation, an ultrathin surficial layer (2 nm) is formed on the Nb2 O5 , acting as a bifunctional nanolayer that allows facile lithium (Li)-ion transport (10-100 times higher Li diffusivity compared with pristine Nb2 O5 microparticles) and further prevents the pulverization of Nb2 O5 . With the subsequent decoration of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs), the low electric conductivity of nitridated Nb2 O5 is also significantly improved. Cycle retention is greatly improved for nitridated Nb2 O5 (96.7%) compared with Nb2 O5 (64.7%) for 500 cycles. Ag-decorated, nitridated Nb2 O5 microparticles and nitridated Nb2 O5 microparticles exhibit ultrastable cycling for 3000 cycles at high current density (3000 mA g-1 ), which highlights the importance of the surficial nanolayer in improving overall electrochemical performances, in addition to conductive NPs.

Assessment of meibomian glands and tear film in post-refractive surgery patients.

IMPORTANCE: Corneal refractive surgery may impact meibomian gland and tear film in post-refractive surgery patients. BACKGROUND: To compare ocular surface parameters between post-refractive surgery patients and normal controls. DESIGN: Cross-sectional single centre study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 120 eyes of 120 subjects were divided into three groups: (i) 60 controls and 60 patients underwent corneal refractive surgery at least 12 months ago; (ii) 30 post-laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) patients and (iii) 30 post-laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK)/photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) patients. METHODS: Tear meniscus height, non-invasive keratographic tear film break-up time and meibography were measured using the Keratograph® 5M. Fluorescein break-up time, ocular surface staining, examination of lid margins and meibomian glands, Schirmer's test and Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ordinary logistic regression was performed to evaluate the impact of clinical variables including refractive surgery on the meiboscores. RESULTS: In post-LASIK patients, ocular surface parameters including Ocular Surface Disease Index scores, fluorescein break-up time and staining scores, except Schirmer's scores, were significantly worse than those in controls (P < 0.050). Ocular surface staining scores in post-LASEK/PRK patients was higher than that in the controls (P = 0.001). In post-refractive surgery patients, grade of meibomian gland parameters and meiboscores were worse than those of controls (all P < 0.050). Histories of refractive surgery were associated with high meiboscore (ß = 1.100, P = 0.043 for LASIK and ß = 1.039, P = 0.042 for LASEK/PRK). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Corneal refractive surgery may adversely affect the ocular surface, and a reduction of functional meibomian glands can contribute to chronic tear film dysfunction after corneal refractive surgery.

One-Dimensional RuO2/Mn2O3 Hollow Architectures as Efficient Bifunctional Catalysts for Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.

Rational design and massive production of bifunctional catalysts with fast oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics are critical to the realization of highly efficient lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries. Here, we first exploit two types of double-walled RuO2 and Mn2O3 composite fibers, i.e., (i) phase separated RuO2/Mn2O3 fiber-in-tube (RM-FIT) and (ii) multicomposite RuO2/Mn2O3 tube-in-tube (RM-TIT), by controlling ramping rate during electrospinning process. Both RM-FIT and RM-TIT exhibited excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activities in alkaline media. The air electrodes using RM-FIT and RM-TIT showed enhanced overpotential characteristics and stable cyclability over 100 cycles in the Li-O2 cells, demonstrating high potential as efficient OER and ORR catalysts.

Does the nature of residual immune function explain the differential risk of non-melanoma skin cancer development in immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients?

Patients receiving immunosuppression to prevent organ transplant rejection are at a greatly increased risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer. In recent years a correlation has been identified between the class of immunosuppressant that these patients receive and their subsequent cancer risk; in particular, patients switched from calcineurin inhibitors to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors not only displayed a dramatic reduction in new tumor formation but also in some cases a regression of their existing lesions. Studies of cancer models in mice and cell lines in the laboratory have attributed these discrepancies in cancer risk to the ability of immunosuppressants such as mTOR inhibitors to elicit direct anticancer effects, including suppressing angiogenesis and increasing autophagy-mediated DNA repair. Recent evidence from the immunological literature however, suggests a significant alternative contribution of mTOR inhibitors; namely the promotion of memory T-cell function. Recent advances in understanding memory T-cell establishment and the demonstration of their critical role in long-term immunity make it timely to review the available evidence as to whether the improved nonmelanoma skin cancer outcome shown by patients switched to mTOR inhibitor treatment regimens may be associated with the retainment of memory T-cell function.

Effects of Pigment Location in Tinted Contact Lenses on the Ocular Surface.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the location of pigments in decorative tinted soft contact lenses on the ocular surface. METHODS: Thirty test subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects wore the following types of contact lenses, classified according to the location of the pigment layer, in one eye in three different testing sessions: conventional clear lenses, tinted lenses with a pigment layer embedded in the lens matrix, and tinted lenses with an exposed pigment layer on the surface. Tear samples were collected, the ocular surface status was evaluated, and subjective symptoms were surveyed after lens wear for 8 hours. RESULTS: The tinted lenses with surface pigments resulted in a greater increase in epidermal growth factor and interleukin-8 levels compared with the clear lenses and tinted lenses with embedded pigments (p < 0.050). Ocular surface parameters and subjective symptom scores were significantly different among three lens types (p < 0.050), with the clear lenses showing superior results compared with the two tinted lenses (p < 0.050). The tinted lenses with exposed pigments resulted in a greater degree of conjunctival redness and ocular surface staining and poorer symptom scores compared with the tinted lens with embedded pigments (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the presence of surface pigments in tinted contact lenses increases ocular inflammation and results in a poorer ocular surface status and greater discomfort compared with clear lenses and tinted lenses with an embedded pigment layer.