Exploring the Role of ROCK Inhibition in Corneal Edema Through Crosstalk Between Epithelial and Endothelial Cells.

The maintenance of corneal transparency and normal vision is dependent on preservation of epithelial and endothelial cell layer homeostases. Different types of corneal injury can induce swelling and losses in transparency. Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is one type of injury that is commonly treated with rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors.

Characterizing the Robustness of Distinct Clinical Assessments in Identifying Dry Eye Condition of Animal Models.

Purpose: The study aims to characterize the robustness of distinct clinical assessments in identifying the underlying conditions of dry eye disease (DED), with a specific emphasis on the involvement of conjunctival goblet cells.

Methods: Seven rabbits receiving surgical removal of the lacrimal and Harderian glands were divided into two groups, one with ablation of conjunctival goblet cells by topical soaking of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to the bulbar conjunctiva ( = 3) and one without ( = 4), and the conditions of DED were assessed weekly using Schirmer test, tear breakup time (TBUT), tear osmolarity, and National Eye Institute (NEI) fluorescein staining grading. After 8 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the eyes were enucleated for histopathological examination.

A modified SELEX approach to identify DNA aptamers with binding specificity to the major histocompatibility complex presenting ovalbumin model antigen.

Aptamers have sparked significant interest in cell recognition because of their superior binding specificity and biocompatibility. Cell recognition can be mediated by targeting the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that presents short peptides derived from intracellular antigens. Although numerous antibodies have demonstrated a specific affinity for the peptide-MHC complex, the number of aptamers that exhibit comparable characteristics is limited.

Chest X-ray and CT findings of early H7N9 avian influenza cases.

Background: The H7N9 strain of bird flu is a new type of avian flu that was identified at the end of March 2013. The disease is concerning because most patients have become severely ill.

Purpose: To study the X-ray and computed tomography (CT) findings of early H7N9 avian influenza cases.

Pulmonary CT findings in relapsing polychondritis.

Background: Relapsing polychondritis (RPC) is a rare rheumatic disease characterized by recurrent inflammation of cartilaginous structures, with airway involvement a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate airway and lung abnormalities in RPC with computed tomography (CT).

Material And Methods: From January 2004 to May 2009, 21 patients with RPC (12 men, 9 women; 13-65 years old) underwent chest CT examinations.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: quantitative assessment of liver fat content by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of imaging technology in the quantitative assessment of fatty liver with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton MR spectroscopy.

Methods: Overall 36 patients with diffuse fatty liver who had undertaken the computed tomography (CT) scan, MRI and proton MR spectroscopy (1H MRS) were analyzed. Their body mass index (BMI) was measured and their liver to spleen CT ratio (L/S) calculated on the plain CT scan.