NRPS-like Gene Contributed to the Biosynthesis of Cyclo(Pro-Val) in a Multistress-Tolerant Aromatic Probiotic, GXDK6.

Cyclo(Pro-Val) is a diketopiperazine (DKP) found widespread in marine microbes and resulting food products. With new bioactivities of cyclo(Pro-Val) being continually discovered, its potential applications in agriculture and food are becoming more evident, highlighting the need for efficient and practical methods to produce these compounds. However, the biosynthesis mechanisms of cyclo(Pro-Val), particularly in probiotics, remain unclear, and the functional identification of nonribosomal peptide synthases (NRPS) is still limited.

NADPH and NAC synergistically inhibits chronic ocular hypertension-induced neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation through regulating p38/MAPK pathway and peroxidation.

Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is characterized by neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation with retinal NAD/NADP and GSH decline. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)/NAD phosphate (NADP) and glutathione (GSH) are two redox reducers in neuronal and glial metabolism. However, therapeutic strategies targeting NAD/NADP or GSH do not exert ideal effects, and the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood.

Characteristics and adsorption behavior of typical microplastics in long-term accelerated weathering simulation.

Microplastics can function as carriers in the environment, absorbing various toxins and spreading to diverse ecosystems. Toxins accumulated in microplastics have the potential to be re-released, posing a threat. In this study, two typical plastics, namely polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS), along with the degradable plastic poly(butylene adipate--terephthalate) (PBAT), were subjected to a long-term ultraviolet alternating weathering experiment.

Development and material characteristics of glaucoma surgical implants.

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The reduction of intraocular pressure has proved to be the only factor which can be modified in the treatment, and surgical management is one of the important methods for the treatment of glaucoma patients.

Main Text: In order to increase aqueous humor outflow and further reduce intraocular pressure, various drainage implants have been designed and applied in clinical practice.

Keratin8 Deficiency Aggravates Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage Under Acute Ocular Hypertension.

Purpose: Keratin 8/18 (KRT8/18), paired members of the intermediate filament family, have shown vital functions in regulating physiological activities more than supporting the mechanic strength for cells and organelles. However, the KRT8/18 presence in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and functions on neuroprotection in a mouse model of acute ocular hypertension (AOH) are unknown and worthy of exploration.

Methods: We identified the existence of KRT8/18 in normal human and mouse retinas and primary RGCs.

Analysis of macular microvasculature with optical coherence tomography angiography for migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the features of macular microvasculature with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) among migraine patients.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies that evaluated the macular microvasculature of migraine patients. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), foveal superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel density (VD), parafoveal SCP VD, foveal deep capillary plexus (DCP) VD, and parafoveal DCP VD with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) among migraine with aura (MA) group, migraine without aura (MO) group, and healthy controls (HC) group were analyzed using a random-effect model.

SHIP-1 affects herpetic simplex keratitis prognosis by mediating CD4 T lymphocytes migration through PI3K signaling and transcription factor KLF2 in the cornea.

Herpetic simplex keratitis (HSK) mainly represents an immune cell-mediated, and more specifically, CD4 T cell-orchestrated inflammatory response to virus invasion. The virus in infected corneas could be easily inhibited or hidden in the trigeminal ganglion using antiviral drugs, but the immune-related inflammation will last for a long time and lead to significant complications. In the present study, we found that the subconjunctival injection of SHIP-1 activator AQX1125 in mouse HSK model alleviated the corneal inflammatory and angiogenic responses, as well as promoted quicker recovery of the cornea, with significantly fewer infiltration of CD4 T lymphocytes.

Degradation and adsorption behavior of biodegradable plastic PLA under conventional weathering conditions.

With the increasing pollution of plastics and the widespread use of polylactic acid (PLA), its weathering process in the natural environment needs to be studied. Hence, we investigated the characteristics of PLA under conventional weathering conditions and the adsorption behavior between PLA and tetracycline (TC). The results showed cracks and holes in the weathered PLA surface, an increase in oxygen-containing functional groups, and a 77.

Inhibiting multiple forms of cell death optimizes ganglion cells survival after retinal ischemia reperfusion injury.

Progressive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) death that triggered by retinal ischemia reperfusion (IR), leads to irreversible visual impairment and blindness, but our knowledge of post-IR neuronal death and related mechanisms is limited. In this study, we first demonstrated that apart from necroptosis, which occurs before apoptosis, ferroptosis, which is characterized by iron deposition and lipid peroxidation, is involved in the whole course of retinal IR in mice. Correspondingly, all three types of RGCs death were found in retina samples from human glaucoma donors.

Corneal Confocal Microscopy for Assessment of Non-Neurological Autoimmune Diseases: A Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the features of corneal nerve with confocal microscopy (IVCM) among patients with non-neurological autoimmune (NNAI) diseases.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published until May 2021. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) of corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), tortuosity, reflectivity, and beadings per 100 μm with a 95% CI between NNAI and control group were analyzed using a random-effects model.

Risk factors and severity of keratoconus on the East Coast of China.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the characteristics, potential risk factors and associated severity of keratoconus on the east coast of China.

Methods: In this case-control study, patients diagnosed with keratoconus were invited to fill in the online electronic questionnaire designed with the help of the App named WenJuanXing. Several questions like, sex, age of diagnosis and eye care habits were administered to each subject through this e-questionnaire.

Clinical efficacy comparison of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation and Nd:YAG laser in treating recurrent acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation (coblation) and Nd:YAG laser in treating recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction. A prospective study was performed on patients who agreed to be treated with coblation or Nd:YAG laser for recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction after failed lacrimal Nd:YAG laser combined with silicone intubation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain grade was assessed at baseline, immediately, and 3 and 7 days after surgery.

Clinical Analysis: Aqueous-Deficient and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Patients With Primary Sjogren's Syndrome.

To examine the time course of aqueous-deficient and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in patients with primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS). This prospective study was conducted on pSS female patients in the Department of Rheumatism of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. The age-matched MGD female patients without pSS (non-SS-MGD) were recruited as MGD controls from the Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University.

Clinical results of Intraductal Meibomian gland probing combined with intense pulsed light in treating patients with refractory obstructive Meibomian gland dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: This study aims to optimize the therapeutic regimen for refractory obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (o-MGD) patients by combining intraductal meibomian gland probing (MGP) and intense pulsed light (IPL) to enhance their positive effects and reduce their limitations.

Methods: This randomized, assessor blind study includes 45 patients (90 eyes) with refractory o-MGD who were divided into 3 groups via allocation concealment: IPL (group I, received an IPL treatment course: 3 times at 3-week intervals), MGP (group II, received MGP one time), and combined MGP-IPL (group III, MGP first followed by an IPL treatment course). Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness score (SPEED), tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), meibum grade, and lid margin finding results were assessed at baseline, 3 weeks after final treatment for groups I and III, 3 and 12 weeks after MGP for group II.

Short-term results of acellular porcine corneal stroma keratoplasty for herpes simplex keratitis.

Background: Corneal transplantation is a common surgical intervention for restoring vision loss due to corneal damages. However, for cultural reasons, there is a huge shortage of donor corneas in China. Acellular porcine corneal stromas (APCSs) can be used as corneal substitutes in lamellar keratoplasty for corneal ulcers.

Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic bile duct exploration versus endoscopic sphincterotomy for concomitant gallstones and common bile duct stones: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) plus laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) stones exploration (LCBDE) with LC plus endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in the treatment of patients with gallstones and CBD stones.

Methods: The authors searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to identify relevant studies. Risk ratios (RRs) were pooled to compare stone clear, retained stone, conversion to other procedures, and complications.

[Alteration of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin levels in rats with obstructive jaundice and the effect of salviae miltiorrhizae on them].

Objective: To observe the alteration of plasma levels of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) as well as changes of microcirculation in renal cortex of obstructive jaundice model rats, and to study the effect of Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (SM) on them.

Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: the sham operation group (A), the common bile duct ligation model group (B), and the SM treated model group (C). Their blood plasma TXA2/PGI2 ratio (T/P), blood levels of urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were determined respectively in batches (8 rats from each group) on the 3 rd, 7th and 10th day, their capillary caliber (CC) in renal cortex was measured at the same time points using WX-9 type microcirculation microscope.