Activation of Dendritic Cells in Dry Eye Mouse Model.

Purpose: The immune system plays a major role in the pathogenesis of dry eye diseases (DED), and dendritic cells (DCs) are known to be important initiators of acquired immunity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of DCs to the development of DED.

Methods: Mouse dry eye model was induced by subcutaneous injections of scopolamine and was euthanized at the baseline, and 2, 4, and 7 days postinjection.

Case of progressive hyperopia due to flattening of cornea.

Purpose: To report a case that had a progressive decrease in the visual acuity caused by a progressive increase in the hyperopia due to a flattening of the cornea.

Observations: A 50-year-old woman complained of decreased vision in both eyes. Her decimal best-corrected visual acuity was 1.

The effect of blue-blocking intraocular lenses on circadian biological rhythm: protocol for a randomised controlled trial (CLOCK-IOL colour study).

Introduction: Blue light information plays an important role in synchronising internal biological rhythm within the external environment. Circadian misalignment is associated with the increased risk of sleep disturbance, obesity, diabetes mellitus, depression, ischaemic heart disease, stroke and cancer. Meanwhile, blue light causes photochemical damage to the retina, and may be associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Short-term influence of cataract surgery on circadian biological rhythm and related health outcomes (CLOCK-IOL trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Light information is the most important cue of circadian rhythm which synchronizes biological rhythm with external environment. Circadian misalignment of biological rhythm and external environment is associated with increased risk of depression, insomnia, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Increased light transmission by cataract surgery may improve circadian misalignment and related health outcomes.

Synthesis of phosphorothioate oligonucleotide-peptide conjugates by solid phase fragment condensation.

Phosphorothioate oligonucleotide-peptide conjugates were synthesized by solid phase fragment condensation (SPFC). Arginine rich peptides could be successfully conjugated in 2.8-13.

Biocompatibility of polyvinylalcohol gel as a vitreous substitute.

Polyvinylalcohol (PVA) hydrogel cross-linked by gamma irradiation was assessed as a possible vitreous substitute. From a series of experiments, rise of intraocular pressure and inflammatory changes in the vitreous cavity after operation were observed in some cases. Crab-eating macaques were used for this experiment.

[Objective evaluation of the visual field defects in a patient with cerebral infarction using multifocal VEPs].

Purpose: We investigated whether visual field defects can be objectively evaluated using multifocal visual evoked potentials (mVEP) in a patient with cerebral infarction in whom it is difficult to measure the visual field.

Methods: To determine normal waves in mVEP recording was performed using a VERIS Junior Science (Mayo, Aichi, Japan) in 20 healthy subjects (20 eyes), peak latency and amplitude were used for assessment. In a patient with cerebral infarction, mVEP were recorded, and compared with the lesion observed by computed tomography.

Photoreceptor cells from mouse ES cells by co-culture with chick embryonic retina.

Degeneration of photoreceptors is a consistent and common endpoint in retinal diseases. Herein, we report the efficient induction of photoreceptor-like cells from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells using chick embryonic retina tissue. Undifferentiated mouse ES cells were initially cultured in a preferential condition into a neural lineage, and ES cells were then co-cultured with chick embryonic day 6 (E6) retina tissues.

Corneal epithelial barrier function in diabetic patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the corneal epithelial barrier function in diabetic patients.

Methods: In 29 eyes of 29 diabetic patients and 55 eyes of 55 nondiabetic controls, corneal epithelial permeability to fluorescein was measured using an anterior fluorophotometer. The average fluorescein concentration in the central cornea was compared between diabetic patients and controls.

Corneal endothelial cell protection during phacoemulsification: low- versus high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of low- and high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate in protecting corneal endothelial cells during phacoemulsification.

Setting: Miyata Eye Hospital, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki, Japan.

Methods: One hundred forty-nine eyes of 136 cataract patients were randomly assigned to have cataract surgery using sodium hyaluronate 1% with a low molecular weight (0.

Efficacy and safety of the soft-shell technique in cases with a hard lens nucleus.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the soft-shell technique in reducing corneal endothelial cell damage during cataract surgery in patients with a hard lens nucleus.

Setting: Miyata Eye Hospital, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki, Japan.

Methods: Sixty eyes of 57 cataract patients with a hard lens nucleus (Emery-Little classification grade 3 or higher) had phacoemulsification using the soft-shell technique with Healon((R)) (sodium hyaluronate 1%) and Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3.