miR-151a-5p predicts severity of diabetic retinopathy and protects from retinal cell injury by inactivating MAPK signaling via DKK3.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is always accompanied by various complications, where diabetic retinopathy was a serious microvascular complications threatening the visual function of patients. This study evaluated the significance of miR-151a-5p and its effect on DR progression aiming to explore a novel biomarker for disease screening and monitoring. Study enrolled 137 patients with DM and 103 diabetes patients with DR.

Endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy for severe ocular penetrating trauma with corneal opacity.

Aim: To assess the utility and efficiency of endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy (EAV) for the treatment of corneal opacity in severe ocular trauma.

Methods: Patients who underwent fundus examination using a preoperative slit lamp and intraoperative endoscopy, followed by EAV and additional surgery were retrospectively recruited. Silicone oil removal and penetrating keratoplasty were used in selected eyes at postoperative follow-ups.

Gender-specific lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network to reveal potential genes for primary open-angle glaucoma.

Background: Investigation of biomarkers may facilitate understanding the mechanisms of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and developing therapeutic targets. This study aimed to identify potential genes based on competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network for POAG.

Methods: Based on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we identified differential expressed lncRNAs (DELs), differential expressed miRNAs (DEMis) and differential expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and then constructed a ceRNA network.

Preparation of amidated pectins through enzymatic method: Structures, hydrogel properties and its application potential in fat substitutes.

In this paper, α-alanine and β-alanine were used as modifiers to prepare α-alanine amidated pectin (α-AP) and β-alanine amidated pectin (β-AP) through enzymatic method. The effects of alanine and its isomer on the amidation degree and physicochemical properties of pectin were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectrum, proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectrum and elemental analysis indicated that the amino groups from α-C and β-C could be aminated with the carboxyl group of pectin to form the corresponding aminated pectin.

Fabrication of phenylalanine amidated pectin using ultra-low temperature enzymatic method and its hydrogel properties in drug sustained release application.

In this study, pectin was modified with phenylalanine by ultra-low temperature enzymatic method to improve its gel properties. The grafting ratio of phenylalanine amidated pectin was studied under different reaction conditions. The highest value (29.

Utilization of the antagonistic yeast, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, combined with UV-C to manage postharvest rot of potato tubers caused by Alternaria tenuissima.

Postharvest rot of potato tubers caused by fungal pathogens is the main cause of significant economic losses, while also raising potential food safety issues. Integrated disease management, utilizing bio-safe and eco-friendly methods, represents a sustainable strategy for reducing postharvest losses in crops, including potato. In the current study, the application of the antagonistic yeast, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, combined with a UV-C treatment was evaluated for the management of postharvest Alternaria rot of potato tubers, caused by Alternaria tenuissima.

Associations of Urinary Phytoestrogen Concentrations with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among Adults.

Phytoestrogens can alleviate some pathological processes related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there are limited and contradictory studies on the relationships between phytoestrogens (especially single phytoestrogen) and NAFLD. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between urinary phytoestrogen concentrations and NAFLD in American adults.

Pre- and postharvest measures used to control decay and mycotoxigenic fungi in potato ( L.) during storage.

Potato ( L.), a worldwide, staple food crop, is susceptible to postharvest rots caused by a variety of fungal pathogens, including spp., spp.

Protective effects of lipoic acid-niacin dimers against blue light-induced oxidative damage to retinal pigment epithelium cells.

Aim: To evaluate the protective effects of lipoic acid-niacin (N2L) dimers against blue light (BL)-induced oxidative damage to human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells

Methods: hRPE cells were divided into a control group (CG), a BL group, an N2L plus BL irradiation group, an α-lipoic acid (ALA) plus BL group, an ALA-only group, and an N2L-only group. hRPE cellular viability was detected by performing 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) bromide assays, and apoptosis was evaluated by annexin-V-PE/7-AAD staining followed by flow cytometry. Ultrastructural changes in subcellular organelles were observed by transmission electron microscopy.

Protection of tight junction between RPE cells with tissue factor targeting peptide.

Aim: To investigate the effect of tissue factor targeting peptide (TF-TP) on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells tight junctions.

Methods: Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to measure the proliferation of ARPE-19 cells. Expression of tight junction, ZO-1 in ARPE-19 cells was measured by Western blot and immunofluorescent staining.

Endoscopy-assisted vitrectomy in the anterior vitreous.

Endoscopy-assisted ocular surgery is a relatively old technique that is increasingly being recognized for its application in cases of vitreoretinal disease. This technique is especially useful when both the vitreous and retina are difficult to access because of media opacity, a small pupil, or a microcornea. In this context, the anterior vitreous is often difficult to dissect because of its complex pathological changes.

[Association between hepatocyte growth factor in tears and corneal haze in rabbits early after epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis].

Objective: To study the dynamic changes of levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in tears and their association with corneal haze in rabbits early after epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK).

Methods: Twenty-four New Zealand rabbits received Epi-LASIK with an ablation depth of 100 µm in one eye and of 150 µm in the other eye. Before and at 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after the surgery, the level of HGF in tears collected from the rabbits was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and corneal haze was graded after surgery.

Serum concentrations of cytokines in infants with retinopathy of prematurity.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the leading cause of blindness in preterm infants. In this study, we investigated the cytokine levels in cord blood of normal preterm neonates and preterm infants developed ROP. Serum levels of 10 cytokines in umbilical cord blood were measured by multiplex protein arrays from 62 healthy preterm neonates and 30 preterm neonate cases who developed ROP at later stage.

Effect of soluble inducible costimulator level and its polymorphisms on age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly population. Evidence has shown that the human immune system may play critical roles in this disease. Inducible costimulator (ICOS) promotes T-cell activation, differentiation, and T:B-cell interactions.

Transforming growth factor-β1 level in tears and corneal haze formation following flap-on or flap-off epi-LASIK.

Objective: To observe the influence of flap-on or flap-off Epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis (epi-LASIK) on the release of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in tear fluid and corneal haze formation.

Methods: Thirty patients (60 eyes) with myopia underwent epi-LASIK surgery with epithelial flap repositioning (flap-on) in the right eyes and epithelial flap removal (flap-off) in the left eyes. The level of TGF-β1 in tears was measured preoperatively and on days 1, 3, and 7 postoperatively.

Endoscope-assisted goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation to manage primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Aim: To describe and evaluate a new ophthalmic endoscope surgical technique combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation to treat goniosynechialysis and manage primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

Methods: Endoscope-assisted goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was performed in 32 eyes of 29 patients with PACG. Regular follow-up was performed 1 week and 1 month, 3, and 6 months after surgery to assess complications, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth, visual acuity, and anterior chamber angle.

Effects of lysyl oxidase genetic variants on the susceptibility to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), the most common cause of failure of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) surgery, is an anomalous scarring process related to ocular inflammation. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper-dependent amine oxidase that may play important roles in ocular tissue integrity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the LOX gene were associated with susceptibility to RD and PVR.

[Endoscope-assisted goniosynechialysis with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma].

Objective: To evaluate the early therapeutic effect of endoscope-assisted goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation for management of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Methods: Endoscope-assisted goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation was performed in 31 patients (31 eyes) with primary angle-closure glaucoma, including 17 eyes with acute angle closure glaucoma and 14 eyes with chronic angle closure glaucoma. The patients were regularly followed up to observe the postoperative complications and changes in the intraocular pressure, visual acuity, anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle.

Long-Term in vitro expansion of retinal progenitor cells by culturing intact neurospheres in monolayer.

This study developed a modified monolayer culture technique for expansion of retinal progenitor cells in vitro. Using this method, spheres collected by low centrifugation from free floating cultures were re-seeded onto poly-D-lysine pre-coated flasks, and cultured in the retinal progenitor cells medium (including fibrous growth factor, epidermal growth factor and leukemia inhibitor factor) plus 5% FBS for the first 24 h, then FBS was removed. These cultured cells were proliferative, and in addition to expressing the neuroectodermal marker nestin they were multipotential.

Topical anesthesia in transconjunctival sutureless 25-gauge vitrectomy for macular-based disorders.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of topical anesthesia in vitrectomy using the transconjunctival sutureless 25-gauge system (TSV 25G).

Methods: TSV 25G vitrectomy was performed prospectively in 46 eyes of 46 patients with macular-based disorders, including macular holes (n = 31), idiopathic epiretinal membranes (n = 11), and vitreoretinal traction syndrome (n = 4). Topical anesthesia was administered in each patient by instilling 2% Alcaine at 5 min intervals, three times before surgery.

[The adjustable, folding and multi-function mount].

An adjustable folding mount is presented in this paper. It is a multi-functional device for one or more patient's infusions, continuous traction and functional training, and life nursing etc.

[The preliminary study of photolysis for cataract surgery].

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficiency of Dodick-ARC photolysis machine (a kind of Nd:YAG laser system) in the using of cataract surgery.

Methods: 52 eyes of cataract (fifty-two patients) were undergone photolysis with Dodick-ARC laser system and foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) implantation. The hardness of nuclei was graded as N(1.

[A clinical observation of low and negative power intraocular lens implantation].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of the low power and negative power acrylic foldable intraocular lens (Acrysof IOL) implantation.

Methods: Forty patients (56 eyes) received phacoemulsification and above mentioned Acrysof IOL implantation. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, visual acuity and refractive error were observed.