Improving knowledge and decreasing depressive symptoms in caregivers of children with asthma through the asthma academy: A randomized controlled trial.

Caregivers of children with asthma demonstrate higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms when compared to caregivers of healthy children. The objectives of this study were to: 1) Evaluate feasibility and acceptability of two nurse-led, remotely offered interventions for caregivers of children with asthma; 2) Compare effectiveness of two interventions (a virtual education session and a virtual education session supplemented with a telehealth visit) in relation to caregiver outcomes, and 3) Assess the preliminary effect of the interventions on caregivers' knowledge of asthma, sleep, anxiety and depressive symptoms. A mixed methods approach was used inclusive of a qualitative, descriptive design and randomized controlled trial design.

Novel Identity and Functional Markers for Human Corneal Endothelial Cells.

Purpose: Human corneal endothelial cell (HCEC) density decreases with age, surgical complications, or disease, leading to vision impairment. Such endothelial dysfunction is an indication for corneal transplantation, although there is a worldwide shortage of transplant-grade tissue. To overcome the current poor donor availability, here we isolate, expand, and characterize HCECs in vitro as a step toward cell therapy.

Magnetic field-guided cell delivery with nanoparticle-loaded human corneal endothelial cells.

To improve the delivery and integration of cell therapy using magnetic cell guidance for replacement of corneal endothelium, here we assess magnetic nanoparticles' (MNPs') effects on human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) in vitro. Biocompatible, 50 nm superparamagnetic nanoparticles endocytosed by cultured HCECs induced no short- or long-term change in viability or identity. Assessment of guidance of the magnetic HCECs in the presence of different magnet shapes and field strengths showed a 2.

Clinical and Electrophysiologic Characteristics of a Large Kindred with X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa Associated with the RPGR Locus.

Purpose: To phenotypically and genotypically characterize a large Puerto Rican kindred with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa associated with a novel RP GTPase regulator (RPGR) genotype.

Methods: A total of 100 family members of a single kindred with X-linked RP were evaluated with ophthalmic examinations and blood DNA analysis. Visual fields, OCT, and full-field ERG were obtained on all affected males and carriers.

Gamma-synuclein as a marker of retinal ganglion cells.

Purpose: Previous studies have described gamma-synuclein as a protein highly expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and a loss of RGCs correlates with a downregulation of gamma-synuclein gene expression in glaucoma. Here we asked whether gamma-synuclein expression in the retina can be considered a specific marker of RGCs.

Methods: gamma-Synuclein expression was examined with immunohistochemistry in retinal sections from normal and glaucomatous human eyes.