CX3CL1 expression in the conjunctiva is involved in immune cell trafficking during toxic ocular surface inflammation.

Inappropriate expression of the chemokine CX3CL1 is reportedly known to act on inflammatory conditions in extraocular immune diseases. We studied the expression and effects of CX3CL1 in human patients, cultured human conjunctival cells, and transgenic mice exposed to benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a commonly used preservative in ophthalmic medications despite its proinflammatory properties, to determine whether CX3CL1 is involved in conjunctival inflammation. We report that CX3CL1 expression is increased in the conjunctiva of patients receiving BAC-containing medication, and correlates with clinical inflammation.

CXCR3 antagonism of SDF-1(5-67) restores trabecular function and prevents retinal neurodegeneration in a rat model of ocular hypertension.

Glaucoma, the most common cause of irreversible blindness, is a neuropathy commonly initiated by pathological ocular hypertension due to unknown mechanisms of trabecular meshwork degeneration. Current antiglaucoma therapy does not target the causal trabecular pathology, which may explain why treatment failure is often observed. Here we show that the chemokine CXCL12, its truncated form SDF-1(5-67), and the receptors CXCR4 and CXCR3 are expressed in human glaucomatous trabecular tissue and a human trabecular cell line.

Plasma membranes modified by plasma treatment or deposition as solid electrolytes for potential application in solid alkaline fuel cells.

In the highly competitive market of fuel cells, solid alkaline fuel cells using liquid fuel (such as cheap, non-toxic and non-valorized glycerol) and not requiring noble metal as catalyst seem quite promising. One of the main hurdles for emergence of such a technology is the development of a hydroxide-conducting membrane characterized by both high conductivity and low fuel permeability. Plasma treatments can enable to positively tune the main fuel cell membrane requirements.

[Reflex algodystrophy of the lower limbs during pregnancy].

Four cases of neurotrophic rheumatism during the course of pregnancy are reported. Observations in 9 cases from the literature allowed the isolation of the principal features of this sort of algodystrophy. It occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy, attacking usually and almost exclusively the lower limbs, especially the left hip.