TEMPORARY AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE GRAFT PLACEMENT FOR TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY MACULAR HOLES.

Purpose: To report two patient cases demonstrating the management of refractory macular holes through the application of temporary thin amniotic membrane grafts, followed by subsequent graft removal upon achieving hole closure.

Methods: Comprehensive chart and literature review was conducted utilizing the PubMed database.

Results: We describe two patients who underwent repeat pars plana vitrectomy for treatment of refractory macular holes.

Foxp3 regulatory T cells reside within the corneal epithelium and co-localize with limbal stem cells.

In this study we investigated the presence of resident Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the cornea and assessed the role of resident Tregs in corneal epithelial wound healing. Using a mouse model, we showed that in the steady state Foxp3Tregs are either in close proximity or co-localize with ABCG2 limbal stem cells. We also showed that these Tregs reside within the epithelial layer and not the corneal stroma.

The significance of upper glycolytic components in regulating retinal pigment epithelial cellular behavior.

Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and its natural outcome of cell spreading, along with the maintenance of barrier activity, are essential behaviors of epithelial cells, including retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Disruptions in these characteristics can result in severe vision-threatening diseases such as diabetic macular edema and age-related macular degeneration. However, the precise mechanisms underlying how RPE cells regulate their barrier integrity and cell spreading are not fully understood.

Ab Interno Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Plugs In An Eye With Persistent Hypotony.

Purpose: This case report aims to describe a new method for increasing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with acute hypotony resulting from uveitis flare-ups and preexisting glaucoma drainage devices. The temporary glaucoma tube plug method described is effective and safe.

Methods: This case report presents a 47-year-old female patient with a history of chronic panuveitis and secondary glaucoma, who had 2 previously implanted Ahmed glaucoma valves.

Acute macular infarctions in pediatric patients with hemoglobin SS disease.

Purpose: To report two cases of symptomatic posterior pole arterial occlusions in patients with hemoglobin SS disease.

Observations: Two teenage patients with hemoglobin SS disease presented with visual distortions, and on dilated fundus examination and testing, they were found to have arterial occlusions involving the posterior pole. The patients were evaluated for stroke with head imaging and received exchange transfusion by hematology.

Diabetes Exacerbates Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis in Streptozotocin-Induced and db/db Mice via Altering Programmed Cell Death Pathways.

Purpose: Patients with diabetes have a higher incidence of infections, which are often more severe. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hyperglycemia on bacterial keratitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) in two mouse models of diabetes, streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and db/db type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: The susceptibility of corneas to Pa was assessed by determining the inocula required to cause infectious keratitis.

SEDDS Basic Design and Recent Formulation Advancement: A Concurrent Review.

In the present scenario, lipid-based novel drug delivery systems are the area of interest for the formulation scientist in order to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. A selfemulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) upon contact with the gastrointestinal fluid, forms an o/w emulsion. SEDDS has gained popularity as a potential platform for improving the bioavailability of the lipophilic drug by overcoming several challenges.

Advancement and Applications of Platelet-inspired Nanoparticles: A Paradigm for Cancer Targeting.

Platelet-inspired nanoparticles have ignited the possibility of new opportunities for producing similar biological particulates, such as structural cellular and vesicular components, as well as various viral forms, to improve biocompatible features that could improve the nature of biocompatible elements and enhance therapeutic efficacy. The simplicity and more effortless adaptability of such biomimetic techniques uplift the delivery of the carriers laden with cellular structures, which has created varied opportunities and scope of merits like; prolongation in circulation and alleviating immunogenicity improvement of the site-specific active targeting. Platelet-inspired nanoparticles or medicines are the most recent nanotechnology-based drug targeting systems used mainly to treat blood-related disorders, tumors, and cancer.

IL-36α Enhances Host Defense against Keratitis in C57BL/6 Mouse Corneas.

The IL-36 cytokines are known to play various roles in mediating the immune response to infection in a tissue- and pathogen-dependent manner. The present study seeks to investigate the role of IL-36R signaling in C57BL/6 mouse corneas in response to infection. IL-36α, IL-36γ, and IL-36R mice had significantly more severe keratitis than wild-type mice.

Role of IL-36γ/IL-36R Signaling in Corneal Innate Defense Against Candida albicans Keratitis.

Purpose: Interleukin (IL)-36 cytokines have been shown to play either beneficial or detrimental roles in the infection of mucosal tissues in a pathogen-dependent manner, but their involvement in fungal keratitis remains elusive. We herein investigated their expression and function in mediating corneal innate immunity against Candida albicans infection.

Methods: Gene expression in mouse corneas with or without C.

ISG15 Acts as a Mediator of Innate Immune Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in C57BL/6J Mouse Corneas.

Purpose: IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) 15 is a type 1 IFN-induced protein and known to modify target proteins in a manner similar to ubiquitylation (protein conjugation by ISG15 is termed ISGylation). We sought to determine the role of ISG15 and its underlying mechanisms in corneal innate immune defense against Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis.

Methods: ISG15 expression in cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and mouse corneas was determined by PCR and Western blot analysis.

Role of VIP and Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathways in Mediating Epithelial Wound Healing, Sensory Nerve Regeneration, and Their Defects in Diabetic Corneas.

Diabetic keratopathy, a sight-threatening corneal disease, comprises several symptomatic conditions including delayed epithelial wound healing, recurrent erosions, and sensory nerve (SN) neuropathy. We investigated the role of neuropeptides in mediating corneal wound healing, including epithelial wound closure and SN regeneration. Denervation by resiniferatoxin severely impaired corneal wound healing and markedly upregulated proinflammatory gene expression.

Mucoadhesive Multiparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: An Extensive Review of Patents.

Innovations in pharmaceutical research are striving for designing newer drug therapies to eradicate deadly diseases. Strategies for such inventions always flourish with keys and objectives of minimal adverse effects and effective treatment. Recent trends in pharmaceutical technology specify that mucoadhesive drug delivery system is particularly appropriate than oral control release, for getting local systematic delivery of drugs in GIT for an extended interval of time at a predetermined rate.

IL-17 Promotes Keratitis in C57BL/6 Mouse Corneas.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression and functions of IL-17 in C57BL/6 mouse corneas in response to infection. We found that infection induced and increased signaling of IL-23/23R/17/17R in mouse corneas. Targeting IL-17A or the IL-17A-specific receptor IL-17RA/IL-17RC with neutralizing Abs resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of keratitis, including a decrease in bacterial burden and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration.

Quality by Design Enabled Development of Oral Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of a Novel Calcimimetic Cinacalcet HCl Using a Porous Carrier: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterisation.

In this present research, work quality by design-enabled development of cinacalcet HCl (CH)-loaded solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) was conducted using a porous carrier in order to achieve immediate drug release and better oral bioavailability. Capmul MCM (CAP), Tween 20 (TW 20) and Transcutol P (TRP) were selected as excipients. Cumulative % drug release at 30 min (Q30), emulsification times (ET), mean globule size (GS) and polydispersity index (PDI) were identified as critical quality attributes (CQAs).

Substance P inhibits high urea-induced apoptosis through the AKT/GSK-3β pathway in human corneal epithelial cells.

To investigate the effect of substance P (SP) on human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) that have been stressed by a high urea environment and to determine the relationship between SP and the protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) signaling pathway. An in vitro model of chronic renal failure (CRF)-related dry eye was used to study HCECs that were treated with high urea concentrations. Cell proliferation was assayed using a cell counting kit-8 test.

Opposing Effects of Neuropilin-1 and -2 on Sensory Nerve Regeneration in Wounded Corneas: Role of Sema3C in Ameliorating Diabetic Neurotrophic Keratopathy.

The diabetic cornea exhibits pathological alterations, such as delayed epithelial wound healing and nerve regeneration. We investigated the role of semaphorin (SEMA) 3C in corneal wound healing and reinnervation in normal and diabetic B6 mice. Wounding induced the expression of SEMA3A, SEMA3C, and their receptor neuropilin-2 (NRP2), but not NRP1, in normal corneal epithelial cells; this upregulation was suppressed for SEMA3C and NRP2 in diabetic corneas.

TSLP Protects Corneas From Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection by Regulating Dendritic Cells and IL-23-IL-17 Pathway.

Purpose: We sought to determine the role of epithelium-produced thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and its underlying mechanisms in corneal innate immune defense against Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa keratitis.

Methods: The expression of TSLP and TSLPR in cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and mouse corneas was determined by PCR, Western, and/or ELISA.

Opposing Effects of IL-1Ra and IL-36Ra on Innate Immune Response to Infection in C57BL/6 Mouse Corneas.

keratitis is characterized by severe corneal ulceration and may lead to blindness if not treated properly in a timely manner. Although the roles of the IL-1 subfamily of cytokines are well established, as a newly discovered subfamily, IL-36 cytokine regulation, immunological relevance, and relation with IL-1 cytokines in host defense remain largely unknown. In this study, we showed that infection induces the expression of IL-36α and IL-36γ, as well as IL-1β and secreted IL-1Ra (sIL-1Ra), but not IL-36Ra.

Crosslinking Enzyme Lysyl Oxidase Modulates Scleral Remodeling in Form-Deprivation Myopia.

Purpose: Scleral remodeling causes the excessive ocular elongation that underlies myopia. Lysyl oxidase (LOX), a copper-containing amine oxidase, can catalyze collagen and elastin crosslinking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of LOX in scleral remodeling in form-deprivation myopia (FDM).

Interaction between Corneal and Internal Ocular Aberrations Induced by Orthokeratology and Its Influential Factors.

Purpose: To investigate the interaction between corneal, internal, and total wavefront aberrations (WAs) and their influential factors during orthokeratology (OK) treatment in Chinese adolescents.

Methods: Thirty teenagers ( = 30 eyes) were enrolled in the study; spherical equivalent refraction (SE), corneal curvature radius (CCR), central corneal thickness (CCT), WAs, and the difference in limbal transverse diameter and OK lens diameter (ΔLLD) were detected before and after one-month OK treatment. Every component of WAs was measured simultaneously by iTrace aberrometer.

Effects of Tear Film Lipid Layer Thickness and Blinking Pattern on Tear Film Instability After Corneal Refractive Surgery.

Purpose: To investigate associations between changes in tear film instability and the lipid layer thickness (LLT) and blink pattern after corneal refractive surgery (CRS).

Methods: Forty patients were enrolled in this study. The LLT and blink pattern were evaluated 1 week before and 30 days after CRS using a novel interferometer and an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, and other tear film stability markers were also evaluated.

Expression of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway and Its Regulatory Role in Type I Collagen with TGF-β1 in Scleral Fibroblasts from an Experimentally Induced Myopia Guinea Pig Model.

Background. To investigate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway expression and its regulation of type I collagen by TGF-β1 in scleral fibroblasts from form-deprivation myopia (FDM) guinea pig model. Methods.

Formulation Design, Optimization and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Sustained Release Mucoadhesive Microcapsules of Venlafaxine HCl.

The objective of present research work was to design and characterize the venlafaxine HCl-loaded sodium alginate-based mucoadhesive microcapsules by ionic gelation technique using HPMC K100M as mucoadhesive polymer. The Placket-Burman Design was applied for preliminary screening of the formulations and systematic optimization by using Box-Behnken Design. The prepared microcapsules were characterized for drug content, entrapment efficiency, micromeritic properties, particle size, swelling index, mucoadhesive strength, in vitro drug release and in vivo antidepressant activity.

Design and characterization of cefuroxime axetil biphasic floating minitablets.

Biphasic floating minitablets of cefuroxime axetil were prepared by melt granulation technique using two different grades of gelucire namely 50/13 and 43/01 to maintain constant plasma drug concentration. Loading dose of cefuroxime axetil was formulated as immediate release (IR) minitablets by using hydrophilic grade of gelucire 50/13. Maintenance dose was formulated as floating sustained release (SR) minitablets by using hydrophobic grade of gelucire 43/01.