Accelerated versus conventional corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: To systematically compare the effectiveness of conventional corneal collagen cross-linking (CCXL) protocols and accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (ACXL) protocols in cases with progressive keratoconus.

Methods: The Cochrane library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Outcomes were clinical results and changes in corneal properties.

Higher Serum DHA and Slower Cognitive Decline in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: Two-Year Follow-Up.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been associated with slower rates of cognitive decline. We investigated the association between omega-3 PUFAs and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). This was a prospective cohort study using registered data.

Glucose Sensor Using U-Shaped Optical Fiber Probe with Gold Nanoparticles and Glucose Oxidase.

In this study, we proposed a U-shaped optical fiber probe fabricated using a flame heating method. The probe was packaged in glass tube to reduce human factors during experimental testing of the probe as a glucose sensor. The U-shaped fiber probe was found to have high sensitivity in detecting the very small molecule.

Botulinum toxin A for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder.

The standard treatment for overactive bladder starts with patient education and behavior therapies, followed by antimuscarinic agents. For patients with urgency urinary incontinence refractory to antimuscarinic therapy, currently both American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines suggested that intravesical injection of botulinum toxin A should be offered. The mechanism of botulinum toxin A includes inhibition of vesicular release of neurotransmitters and the axonal expression of capsaicin and purinergic receptors in the suburothelium, as well as attenuation of central sensitization.

Inner membrane fusion mediates spatial distribution of axonal mitochondria.

In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria form a dynamic interconnected network to respond to changing needs at different subcellular locations. A fundamental yet unanswered question regarding this network is whether, and if so how, local fusion and fission of individual mitochondria affect their global distribution. To address this question, we developed high-resolution computational image analysis techniques to examine the relations between mitochondrial fusion/fission and spatial distribution within the axon of Drosophila larval neurons.

Fluorescence depletion properties of insulin-gold nanoclusters.

Insulin-gold nanoclusters exhibit outstanding biocompatibility, photostability, and fluorescence quantum efficiency. However, they have never been used in superresolution microscopy, which requires nonlinear switching or saturation of fluorescence. Here we examine the fluorescence and stimulated emission depletion properties of gold nanoclusters.

Multiphoton imaging to identify grana, stroma thylakoid, and starch inside an intact leaf.

Background: Grana and starch are major functional structures for photosynthesis and energy storage of plant, respectively. Both exhibit highly ordered molecular structures and appear as micrometer-sized granules inside chloroplasts. In order to distinguish grana and starch, we used multiphoton microscopy, with simultaneous acquisition of two-photon fluorescence (2PF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) signals.

Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization complicating central serous chorioretinopathy.

We report the favorable anatomic and functional outcome of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in a case of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy complicated with choroidal neovascularization (CNV). This 37-year-old Chinese male with bilateral chronic central serous chorioretinopathy presented with central scotoma, reduced vision and metamorphopsia in his right eye. Fluorescein angiography (FA) disclosed macular hemorrhage, exudate and subfoveal classic CNV.

Intraocular pressure elevation after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in a Chinese population.

Purpose: To study the prevalence and risk factors of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and refractory IOP elevation after a single 4 mg intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection in a Chinese population.

Design: Retrospective, observational case series.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of all the patients who received an IVTA injection at one medical center from January 2003 through June 2005.

Successful management of double penetrating ocular trauma with retinal detachment and traumatic endophthalmitis in a child.

The prognosis of double penetrating ocular trauma in children is usually guarded. We report the good anatomic and functional outcome in a child with double penetrating ocular trauma associated with retinal detachment and traumatic endophthalmitis. A 5-year-old boy presented to the emergency room with pain and tearing in his left eye after a penetrating ocular injury by a rusted steel wire.