A novel role for CRIM1 in the corneal response to UV and pterygium development.

Pterygium is a pathological proliferative condition of the ocular surface, characterised by formation of a highly vascularised, fibrous tissue arising from the limbus that invades the central cornea leading to visual disturbance and, if untreated, blindness. Whilst chronic ultraviolet (UV) light exposure plays a major role in its pathogenesis, higher susceptibility to pterygium is observed in some families, suggesting a genetic component. In this study, a Northern Irish family affected by pterygium but reporting little direct exposure to UV was identified carrying a missense variant in CRIM1 NM_016441.

Staphylococcus aureus activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in human and rat conjunctival goblet cells.

The conjunctiva is a moist mucosal membrane that is constantly exposed to an array of potential pathogens and triggers of inflammation. The NACHT, leucine rich repeat (LRR), and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) is a Nod-like receptor that can sense pathogens or other triggers, and is highly expressed in wet mucosal membranes. NLRP3 is a member of the multi-protein complex termed the NLRP3 inflammasome that activates the caspase 1 pathway, inducing the secretion of biologically active IL-1β, a major initiator and promoter of inflammation.

Development of allele-specific therapeutic siRNA for keratin 5 mutations in epidermolysis bullosa simplex.

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) is an incurable, inherited skin-blistering disorder predominantly caused by dominant-negative mutations in the genes encoding keratins K5 or K14. RNA interference, particularly in the form of small interfering RNA (siRNA), offers a potential therapy route for EBS and related keratin disorders by selectively silencing the mutant allele. Here, using a systemic screening system based on a luciferase reporter gene assay, we have developed mutant-specific siRNAs for two independent EBS-causing missense mutations in the K5 gene (p.

Effect of tear hyperosmolarity and signs of clinical ocular surface pathology upon conjunctival goblet cell function in the human ocular surface.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of tear hyperosmolarity and signs of clinical ocular surface pathology on conjunctival goblet cell population.

Methods: 111 participants were assessed using tear osmolarity (TO) measurements and a comprehensive selection of clinical ophthalmic tests. The resultant clinical database was assessed for evidence of patterns of composite increasing pathology.

Spherical aberration and higher order aberrations with Balafilcon A (PureVision) and Comfilcon A (Biofinity).

Background: Advances in the optical design of soft contact lenses have seen certain manufacturers incorporate aspheric optics into soft lenses in an attempt to reduce spherical aberration, to provide superior visual performance. The aim of this study is to determine the on-eye differences in spherical aberration and higher order aberrations (HOA) between the Bausch and Lomb PureVision (Balafilcon A) and the CooperVision Biofinity (Comfilcon A).

Methods: Twenty subjects were recruited in a prospective, randomized, unilateral study.

Femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis versus conductive keratoplasty to obtain monovision in patients with emmetropic presbyopia.

Purpose: To compare visual outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction after femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and conductive keratoplasty (CK).

Setting: Private laser clinics, Reading and Southampton, United Kingdom.

Methods: In this retrospective consecutive single-surgeon comparative study, presbyopic emmetropia was treated with femtosecond LASIK or CK to achieve monovision by targeting -1.

Phacoemulsification after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

Purpose: To evaluate the results of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

Methods: Retrospective, consecutive, noncomparative, single-surgeon series.

Results: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients were included (mean age: 51 years).

Assessment of toric intraocular lens alignment by a refractive power/corneal analyzer system and slitlamp observation.

Purpose: To assess the validity of an internal optical path difference map of a refractive power/corneal analyzer system in determining the alignment of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Settings: Private practices, Spring Hill, Brisbane, and Chermside, Australia.

Methods: This retrospective study comprised patients with more than 1.

Attitudes towards diagnostic tests and therapies for dry eye disease.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to survey the attitudes of optometrists and ophthalmologists, located in a number of different countries, towards diagnostic tests and therapies for dry eye disease.

Methods: A web-based questionnaire was used to survey attitudes using forced-choice questions and Likert scales.

Results: Sixty-one respondents (23 ophthalmologists and 38 optometrists) reported a wide range of patient dry eye symptoms.

Difficulties imaging herpes simplex keratitis with fluorescein isothiocynate-labeled anti-HSV-1 antibodies in an ex vivo model.

Aim: The aim of this study was to attempt to visualize herpes simplex keratitis in an ex vivo model using currently available ophthalmological equipment and anti-herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) fluorescein isothiocynate-labeled antibody.

Methods: Sixteen donor human corneas were included in this study. Eight corneas were infected with HSV-1, whereas 8 remained uninfected.

Hypothesis about mechanisms through which nicotine might exert its effect on the interdependence of inflammation and gut barrier function in ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by impairment of the epithelial barrier and the formation of ulcer-type lesions, which result in local leaks and generalized alterations of mucosal tight junctions. Ultimately, this results in increased basal permeability. Although disruption of the epithelial barrier in the gut is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal infections, it remains unclear whether barrier breakdown is an initiating event of UC or rather a consequence of an underlying inflammation, evidenced by increased production of proinflammatory cytokines.