Differential regulation of nucleus accumbens glutamate and GABA in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant rats.

Obesity is one of the leading health concerns in the United States. Studies from human and rodent models suggest that inherent differences in the function of brain motivation centers, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc), contribute to overeating and thus obesity. For example, there are basal enhancements in the excitability of NAc GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSN) and reductions in basal expression of AMPA-type glutamate receptors in obesity-prone vs obesity-resistant rats.

Assessing the efficacy of 3D-printed ear protectors on mask adherence at an academic ophthalmology center.

Purpose: In the ophthalmology setting, given the close proximity required for the clinical exam, appropriate mask usage and fit is essential. This study aims to assess how a simple, cost-effective 3D-printed face mask ear protectors (EP) attachment may decrease discomfort, increase compliance, and improve fit in an academic institution's Ophthalmology department.

Methods: Face mask EPs were distributed to patients and providers in the Ophthalmology department.

Netarsudil-associated epithelial keratopathy.

Purpose: To report 2 cases with a novel finding of bullous epithelial keratopathy associated with netarsudil use.

Observations: A 72-year-old man with history of primary open angle glaucoma was started on netarsudil daily in both eyes for uncontrolled intraocular pressures despite treatment with latanoprost, brimonidine, and dorzolamide-timolol. One month later he presented with bilateral conjunctival hyperemia, predominantly inferior corneal epithelial bullae, and keratic precipitates without hypopyon.

Mitochondrial haplogroup L1c2 is associated with increased disease severity in African American patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role mitochondrial inheritance plays in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) characteristics in African Americans.

Methods: POAG cases from the L1c2 and L1b mitochondrial haplogroups were compared in a retrospective case-case study. Twenty-six pairs of self-identified African American POAG cases from L1c2 and L1b mitochondrial haplogroups matched on age (mean [SD] = 71.

Latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution 0.024% in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma: design, development, and place in therapy.

Latanoprostene bunod (LBN) 0.024%, a modified prostaglandin analog, was approved on November 2, 2017, for the reduction of IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). LBN works by combining the IOP-lowering effects of the prostaglandin analogs (through the uveoscleral pathway) with nitric oxide-induced relaxation of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal.

Comparative Effectiveness of Generic Latanoprost Versus Branded Prostaglandin Analogs for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine the comparative effectiveness of generic latanoprost (GL) to its branded (BL) counterpart and other brand-name prostaglandin analogs (bPGAs) in preventing the need for additional therapy in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods: Retrospective cohort study using US commercial medical claims data. All new POAG patients from 2000 to 2015 who initiated treatment with either GL or BL were included.

Acute visual changes in the elderly.

Changes in vision are common complaints among the geriatric population. Causes range from cataracts and glaucoma to cerebral strokes or other systemic diseases. Loss of vision may be the turning point from independence to dependence in an elderly person's life.

Intron Evolution and Information processing in the DNA polymerase alpha gene in spirotrichous ciliates: a hypothesis for interconversion between DNA and RNA deletion.

Background: The somatic DNA molecules of spirotrichous ciliates are present as linear chromosomes containing mostly single-gene coding sequences with short 5' and 3' flanking regions. Only a few conserved motifs have been found in the flanking DNA. Motifs that may play roles in promoting and/or regulating transcription have not been consistently detected.

A micronuclear locus containing three protein-coding genes remains linked during macronuclear development in the spirotrichous ciliate Holosticha.

We have discovered a three-gene macronuclear chromosome in a spirotrichous ciliate of the genus Holosticha. From 5' to 3', this chromosome contains genes encoding a member of the small G-protein family, an NAD kinase domain-containing protein, and the large subunit of DNA polymerase alpha. These three genes are separated by 16 and 38 nucleotides, respectively, and are oriented in the same direction in both the macronuclear and the micronuclear genomes.