A direct interaction between RhoGDIα/Tau alleviates hyperphosphorylation of Tau in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia

RhoGDIα is an inhibitor of RhoGDP dissociation that involves in Aβ metabolism and NFTs production in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by regulating of RhoGTP enzyme activity. Our previous research revealed that RhoGDIα, as the target of Polygala saponin (Sen), might alleviate apoptosis of the nerve cells caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). To further clarify the role of RhoGDIα in the generation of NFTs, we explored the relationship between RhoGDIα and Tau. We found out that RhoGDIα and Tau can bind with each other and interact by using coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and GST pulldown methods in vitro. This RhoGDIα-Tau partnership was further verified by using immunofluorescence colocalization and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approaches in PC12 cells. Using the RNA interference (RNAi) technique, we found that the RhoGDIα may be involved in an upstream signaling pathway for Tau. Subsequently, in Aβ25-35- and H/R-induced PC12 cells, forced expression of RhoGDIα via cDNA plasmid transfection was found to reduce the hyperphosphorylation of Tau, augment the expression of bcl-2 protein, and inhibit the expression of Bax protein (reducing the Bax/bcl-2 ratio) and the activity of caspase-3. In mouse AD and VaD models, forced expression of RhoGDIα via injection of a viral vector (pAAV-EGFP-RhoGDIα) into the lateral ventricle of the brain alleviated the pathological symptoms of AD and VaD. Finally, GST pulldown confirmed that the binding sites on RhoGDIα for Tau were located in the range of the ΔC33 fragment (aa 1-33). These results indicate that RhoGDIα is involved in the phosphorylation of Tau and apoptosis in AD and VaD. Overexpression of RhoGDIα can inhibit the generation of NFTs and delay the progress of these two types of dementia.

Coexistence of MRCS syndrome, extremely long axis and exfoliation syndrome: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

The coexistence of MRCS (microcornea, retinal dystrophy, cataract, and posterior staphyloma) syndrome and extremely long axis is rare since microcornea frequently accompanies with diminution of entire anterior segment and occasionally the whole globe. In the case presented here, combination of these two elements were identified, together with XFS (exfoliation syndrome).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 66-year-old Han Chinese woman presented for consultation due to impaired vision which accompanied throughout her entire life span and worsened during the last 2 years. Combination of MRCS syndrome and extremely long axial length was evidently diagnosed in both eyes, with XFS confirmed in her right eye, but mutation screening failed to identify disease-causing sequence variants in some specific genes reported previously, including BEST1 and ARL2. However, likely pathogenic mutations in FBN2 gene were identified. Bilateral cataract phacoemulsification without intraocular lens implantation was performed using scleral tunnel incision and under general anesthesia. At 3-month follow-up, ocular recovery of the patient was satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

The case presented here exhibited rare coexistence of MRCS syndrome, extremely long axis and XFS. The complexity of her ocular abnormalities brought challenges to surgical management, in which multidisciplinary collaboration is often required. Furthermore, the genetic analysis in this case yielded a possible novel candidate gene for MRCS syndrome and provided evidence in support of genetic heterogeneity in this phenotype.

Prognostic effect of preoperative Controlling Nutritional Status score in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: A two-center, retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the prognosis relevant to the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in locally advanced rectal cancer patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy before radical surgery.

METHODS

From a retrospective database of 568 patients undergoing radical surgery for rectal cancer at two Chinese institutions between 2012 and 2022, data for 300 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were identified. The optimal cutoff value for the CONUT score in predicting overall survival (OS) was determined using X-tile software. The associations of the CONUT score with the recurrent metastasis and clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed. The CONUT score's ability to predict OS was also compared with other prognostic markers. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis for OS was performed. Subgroup analysis was conducted to evaluate further the CONUT score's predicting value.

RESULTS

The optimal CONUT score cutoff value was determined as 5 according to X-tile. Patients were divided into CONUT-high (CONUT score ≥ 5) and CONUT-low (CONUT score < 5) groups. CONUT score is significantly correlated with hemoglobin, globulin, and platelets. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic of the CONUT score predicting OS outperformed all common prognostic markers. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified CONUT score as an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio = 5.701; 95% CI, 2.336-13.914; P < 0.001). In the subgroups of age, sex, carcinoembryonic antigen, ypTNM, and tumor response status, significant statistical differences can be observed between CONUT-high and -low.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study finds that the preoperative CONUT score may be a useful prognostic indicator in clinical scenarios.

Endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting combined with 3D laparoscopic pancreatic tumor resection: Three case reports

RATIONALE

This study explored the safety and feasibility of 3D laparoscopy and intraoperative ultrasound techniques, which made minimally invasive pancreatic surgery more precise and detailed.

PATIENT CONCERN

Case 1 was a 51-year-old man with a primary complaint of pancreatic tumor. Case 2 was a 60-year-old woman with complaints of tinnitus for 1 week. Case 3 was a 21-year-old woman with complaints of epigastric pain and abdominal distension for 1 day.

DIAGNOSIS

Case 1 and Case 2 were diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and Case 3 was diagnosed with an infected solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas.

INTERVENTIONS

All 3 patients underwent laparoscopic pancreatic surgery in our hospital.

OUTCOMES

All cases received the same perioperative management and no localized stenosis or dilatation of the pancreatic duct was found during follow-up.

LESSONS

With the development of minimally invasive surgery and the application of 3D laparoscopy and intraoperative ultrasound technology, pancreatic tumors that are tightly adhered to the main pancreatic duct can successfully be removed using 3D laparoscopic operation.

Influence of hypobaric hypoxic conditions on ocular structure and biological function at high attitudes: a narrative review

Background

With the development of science and technology, high-altitude environments, involving aviation, aerospace, and mountainous regions, have become the main areas for human exploration, while such complex environments can lead to rapid decreases in air and oxygen pressure. Although modern aircrafts have pressurized cabins and support equipment that allow passengers and crew to breathe normally, flight crew still face repeated exposure to hypobaric and hypoxic conditions. The eye is a sensory organ of the visual system that responds to light and oxygen plays a key role in the maintenance of normal visual function. Acute hypoxia changes ocular structure and function, such as the blood flow rate, and can cause retinal ischemia.

Methods

We reviewed researches, and summarized them briefly in a review.

Results

The acute hypobaric hypoxia affects corneal, anterior chamber angle and depth, pupils, crystal lens, vitreous body, and retina in structure; moreover, the acute hypoxia does obvious effect on visual function; for example, vision, intraocular pressure, oculometric features and dynamic visual performance, visual field, contrast sensitivity, and color perception.

Conclusion

We summarized the changes in the physiological structure and function of the eye in hypoxic conditions and to provide a biological basis for the response of the human eye at high-altitude.

Intramolecular Heterocyclization/Fluoromethylthiolation of Alkynes Enabled by a Multicomponent Reagent System

The BnSR_f (R_f = CF₂H or CF₃)/mCPBA/Tf₂O system was found to be an effective multicomponent reagent system for the one-pot synthesis of di/trifluoromethylthiolated heterocycles from alkynes. The reaction was postulated to proceed via a cascade sequence involving the oxidation of BnSR_f by mCPBA, activation of the in situ-generated sulfoxide by Tf₂O, and intramolecular cyclization/fluoromethylthiolation of the alkyne substrates enabled by the formed electrophilic sulfonium salt to give di/trifluoromethylthiolated heterocycles.

A deep learning model established for evaluating lid margin signs with colour anterior segment photography

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility of applying a deep learning model to identify lid margin signs from colour anterior segment photography.

METHODS

We collected a total of 832 colour anterior segment photographs from 428 dry eye patients. Eight lid margin signs were labelled by human ophthalmologists. Eight deep learning models were constructed based on VGGNet-13 and trained to identify lid margin signs. Sensitivity, specificity, receiver operative characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were applied to evaluate the models.

RESULTS

The AUC for rounding of posterior lid margin was 0.979 and was 0.977 and 0.980 for lid margin irregularity and vascularization. For hyperkeratinization, the AUC was 0.964. The AUCs for meibomian gland orifice (MGO) retroplacement and plugging were 0.963 and 0.968. For the mucocutaneous junction (MCJ) anteroplacement and retroplacement model, the AUCs were 0.950 and 0.978. The sensitivity and specificity for rounding of posterior lid margin were 0.974 and 0.921. For irregularity, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.930 and 0.938, and those for vascularization were 0.923 and 0.961. The hyperkeratinization model achieved a sensitivity and specificity of 0.889 and 0.948. The model identifying MGO plugging and retroplacement achieved a sensitivity of 0.979 and 0.909 with a specificity of 0.867 and 0.967. The sensitivity of MCJ anteroplacement and retroplacement were 0.875/0.969, with a specificity of 0.966/0.888.

CONCLUSIONS

The deep learning model could identify lid margin signs with high sensitivity and specificity. The study provided the potentiality of applying artificial intelligence in lid margin evaluation to assist dry eye decision-making.

[Analysis of the efficacy of endoscopic transnasal surgery for sinonasal and skull base adenoid cystic carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic transnasal surgery for sinonasal and skull base adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and to analyze the prognostic factors. Methods: Data of 82 patients (43 females and 39 males, at a median age of 49 years old) with sinonasal and skull base ACC who were admitted to XuanWu Hospital, Capital Medical University between June 2007 and June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were staged according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition. The disease overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. Results: There were 4 patients with stage Ⅱ, 14 patients with stage Ⅲ, and 64 patients with stage Ⅳ. The treatment strategies included purely endoscopic surgery (n=42), endoscopic surgery plus radiotherapy (n=32) and endoscopic surgery plus radiochemotherapy (n=8). Followed up for 8 to 177 months, the 5-year OS and DFS rates was 63.0% and 51.6%, respectively. The 10-year OS and DFS rates was 51.2% and 31.8%, respectively. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that late T stage and internal carotid artery (ICA) involvement were the independent prognostic factors for survival in sinonasal and skull base ACC (all P<0.05). The OS of patients who received surgery or surgery plus radiotherapy was significantly higher than that of patients who received surgery plus radiochemotherapy (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Endoscopic transonasal surgery or combing with radiotherapy is an effective procedure for the treatment of sinonasal and skull base ACC. Late T stage and ICA involvement indicate poor prognosis.

[Analysis of the burden of disease attributable to high temperature exposure in China and globally from 1990 to 2019]

Objective: To analyze the burden of disease attributable to high temperature exposure in China and globally from 1990 to 2019, and to study the current burden of disease in relevant populations. Methods: In October 2021, based on data from the global burden of disease 2019 (GBD 2019) study, population attributable fraction (PAF), number of deaths, mortality, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) and DALY rate of Chinese and global populations with different ages and genders in 1990 and 2019 were extracted and analyzed. The rate of change was calculated, the mortality rate was normalized by the age structure of the world standard population, and the causes of disease burden caused by high temperature exposure of Chinese residents were analyzed. Results: In 2019, compared with 1990, the PAF of Chinese and global population decreased by 43.98% and 12.41% respectively, the number of deaths increased by 29.55% and 49.40% respectively, the crude mortality rate increased by 7.81% and 3.30% respectively, the DALY decreased by 48.12% and 14.41% respectively, and the DALY rate decreased by 56.82% and 40.82% respectively. The mortality rate of the ≥70 age group was higher than that of other groups. The disease burden indicators such as PAF, standardized mortality and DALY attributable to high temperature exposure in men were higher than those in women. In 2019, the main cause of DALY affected by high temperature exposure in Chinese population was ischemic heart disease (84400 person-years), and the main cause of death was ischemic heart disease (4900 cases). Conclusion: The burden of diseases attributable to high temperature exposure is still serious in China and the world at large. Targeted interventions should be formulated for men, the elderly and people with occupational exposure, and a sound surveillance system should be established to reduce the burden of diseases caused by high temperature exposure.

Effect of Solution pH on the Biomechanics of Intact Cornea From Inflation Tests

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of different pH phosphate buffer solution (PBS) drops on intact corneal biomechanics.

METHODS

Intact rabbit cornea with a 3 mm scleral skirt was sampled and immediately applied in inflation tests within 5 min. After preconditioning, a stable loading cycle from 0.3 to 6 kPa was performed followed by a 10 min interval. During the interval, the samples were randomized into four groups, with one control group receiving no drops and three groups with PBS drops of pH 6.9, 7.4 or 7.9 administration on the surface once per minute. The pressure and displacement were collected at the baseline and 10, 20 and 30 min following the administration.

RESULTS

Continuous corneal thickness increase was manifested following the administration of PBS but not in the control group. There was significant swelling-independent corneal modulus reduction after PBS administration, which occurred mainly in the first 10 min. PBS of pH 6.9 achieved significantly smaller modulus reduction than that with pH 7.4 PBS adjusted for thickness changes (p < 0.05). Pressure-modulus curve linear fitting demonstrated that the curve coefficient significantly reduced following PBS administration, and the coefficient decline was smallest with pH 6.9 PBS among three PBS administration groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that the PBS drops of various pH administration could decrease the corneal stiffness independent of corneal swelling. Following the PBS administration, the stiffness changes were more prominent as the posterior pressure increased, and the minimal effect was achieved with slightly acidic PBS. The research provides the essence for stabilizing the corneal biomechanical properties by regulating the pH value of tear film and intraocular pressure.

[Effects of screen exposure on language skills in children]

Objective: To investigate the association between screen exposure and language skills in children aged 2-5 years. Methods: There were 299 children aged 2-5 years, recruited by convenience sampling from those who visited the Center of Children's Healthcare, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics for routine physical examination from November 2020 to November 2021. Their development status were evaluated by the children neuropsychological and behavioral scale (revision 2016). A self-designed questionnaire for parents was conducted to collect demographic and socioeconomic information and screen exposure characteristics (time and quality). One-way ANOVA and independent sample t test were applied to compare the differences in language development quotient of children with different screen exposure time and quality. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between screen exposure time and quality with language developmental quotient. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk of language underdevelopment in children with different screen exposure time and quality. Results: Among 299 children, 184 (61.5%) were boys and 115 (38.5%) were girls, with the age of (3.9±1.1) years. The number of children with daily screen time <60, 60-120 and>120 min was 163 children (54.5%), 86 children (28.8%) and 50 children (16.7%), respectively, with the language development quotients of 94±13, 90±13, 84±14, respectively, demonstrating a statistically significant difference (F=8.92, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that screen exposure time of 60-120 and >120 min per day were both risk factors for children's language developmental quotients (OR=2.28, 95%CI 1.00-5.17, P=0.043; OR=3.96, 95%CI 1.86-9.17, P<0.001), and co-viewing and exposure to educational programs were both protective factors for children's language developmental quotients (OR=0.48, 95%CI 0.25-0.91, P=0.024, OR=0.36, 95%CI 0.19-0.70, P=0.003). Conclusions: Excessive exposure screen time and inappropriate screen exposure habits are associated with children's poorer language development. Screen exposure time should be limited and screen use should be rational to promote children's language skills.

Binocular dynamic visual acuity in dry eye disease patients

Purpose

To investigate binocular dynamic visual acuity (DVA) for patients with dry eye disease (DED).

Methods

The prospective study included DED patients. The binocular DVA at 40 and 80 degrees per second (dps), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), tear film break-up time first (TBUTF), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), eyelid margin abnormalities and meibomian gland (MG) abnormalities morphology and function were evaluated. A deep learning model was applied to quantify the MG area proportion. The correlation between DVA and DED parameters was analyzed.

Results

A total of 73 DED patients were enrolled. The age, OSDI, CFS, MG expressibility, secretion quality, and eyelid margin abnormalities were significantly positively correlated with the DVA for 40 and 80 dps (all P &lt; 0.05). The MG area proportion in the upper eyelid was negatively correlated with DVA at 40 dps (R = −0.293, P &lt; 0.001) and at 80 dps (R = −0.304, P &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis by MG grade demonstrated that the DVA of patients with severe MG dropout (&lt;25% of the total area) was significantly worse than other mild and moderate groups, both in 40 and 80 dps (all P &lt; 0.05). The patients with CFS showed worse 40 (P &lt; 0.001) and 80 dps (P &lt; 0.001) DVA than the patients without CFS.

Conclusion

Binocular DVA is significantly associated with DED symptoms and signs. The DED patients with CFS and severe MG dropout and dysfunction have worse DVA.

Effects of visual restoration on gait performance and kinematics of lower extremities in patients with age-related cataract

BACKGROUND

Visual inputs are critical for locomotor navigation and sensorimotor integration in the elderly; however, the mechanism needs to be explored intensively. The present study assessed the gait pattern after cataract surgery to investigate the effects of visual restoration on locomotion.

METHODS

The prospective study recruited 32 patients (70.1 ± 5.2 years) with bilateral age-related cataracts in the Department of Ophthalmology at Peking University Third Hospital from October 2016 to December 2019. The temporal-spatial gait parameters and kinematic parameters were measured by the Footscan system and inertial measurement units. Paired t -test was employed to compare data normally distributed and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for non-normally distributed.

RESULTS

After visual restoration, the walking speed increased by 9.3% (1.19 ± 0.40 m/s vs. 1.09 ± 0.34 m/s, P =0.008) and exhibited an efficient gait pattern with significant decrease in gait cycle (1.02 ± 0.08 s vs. 1.04 ± 0.07 s, P =0.012), stance time (0.66 ± 0.06 s vs. 0.68 ± 0.06 s, P =0.045), and single support time (0.36 ± 0.03 s vs. 0.37 ± 0.02 s, P =0.011). High amplitude of joint motion was detected in the sagittal plane in the left hip (37.6° ± 5.3° vs. 35.5° ± 6.2°, P =0.014), left thigh (38.0° ± 5.2° vs. 36.4° ± 5.8°, P =0.026), left shank (71.9° ± 5.7° vs. 70.1° ± 5.6°, P =0.031), and right knee (59.1° ± 4.8° vs. 56.4° ± 4.8°, P =0.001). The motor symmetry of thigh improved from 8.35 ± 5.30% to 6.30 ± 4.73% ( P =0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

The accelerated gait in response to visual restoration is characterized by decreased stance time and increased range of joint motion. Training programs for improving muscle strength of lower extremities might be helpful to facilitate the adaptation to these changes in gait.

Dynamic Visual Acuity After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction for Myopia Patients

In the present study we compared dynamic visual acuity (DVA) of 84 eyes (for 42 adults with myopia; M age = 28.4, SD = 6.6 years; males = 38.1%, females = 61.9%) at 40 and 80 degree per second (dps) before surgery with eyeglass corrections and after a surgical procedure - a small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Participants underwent binocular SMILE surgery with plano refraction targets. Their eyeglass-corrected binocular DVA at 40 and 80 dps was evaluated preoperatively, and their uncorrected binocular DVA was assessed post-operatively at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. The mean logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA and CDVA) were -0.09 and -0.11 respectively, 3 months postoperatively. The mean preoperative eyeglass-corrected DVAs at 40 and 80 dps were 0.141 and 0.184, respectively, and significant improvements were observed for 40 dps and 80 dps DVAs 3 months postoperatively. Pearson's correlations were statistically significant between the postoperative DVAs at 3 months and for both the preoperative DVA and postoperative UDVA at both 40 dps and 80 dps. The change in the DVAs at 3 months were significantly associated with the preoperative DVAs at 40 dps and 80 dps. In conclusion, myopic patients' DVAs significantly improved following SMILE in comparison to corrected preoperative visual acuity when wearing eyeglasses. The post-SMILE DVA was associated with both the preoperative DVA and the postoperative UDVA.

Comparison of dynamic defocus curve on cataract patients implanting extended depth of focus and monofocal intraocular lens

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare the dynamic defocus curve on patients post-implantation of the extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) and monofocal intraocular lens (IOL).

METHODS

A total of 62 age-related cataract patients receiving phacoemulsification with implantation of TECNIS Symfony (ZXR00) or monofocal IOLs were enrolled. The binocular static and dynamic defocus curves with corrected distance visual acuity were evaluated at one month postoperatively.

RESULTS

The ZXR00 group achieved significantly better intermediate (P = 0.044) and near (P = 0.017) visual acuity (VA) than the monofocal group. Two groups had similar uncorrected and corrected distance VA (P > 0.05, respectively). The dynamic defocus curve revealed a smoother decline from 0.0 D to - 2.0 D in the ZXR00 group. Defocused dynamic VA in the ZXR00 group was significantly better (P < 0.05) except at 0.0 D (P = 0.724) and - 0.5 D (P = 0.176). The area under the curve (P = 0.002) and corrected dynamic vision accommodation (P = 0.001) derived from the dynamic defocus curves were better in the ZXR00 group. A positive correlation was observed between defocused dynamic and static VA in both groups (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that defocused static VA and corrected dynamic vision accommodation were significant influential factors for the defocused dynamic VA from - 1.0 D to - 3.0 D (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The EDOF IOL provided similar distance vision, better intermediate and near vision, and a better overall dynamic defocus curve than the monofocal IOL. The dynamic defocus curve may be comprehensively applied to evaluate the all-distance dynamic visual performance post-cataract surgery.

The preoperative geriatric nutritional risk index predicts long-term prognosis in elderly locally advanced rectal cancer patients: a two-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The objective is to explore the value of preoperative geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in evaluating long-term prognosis in elderly locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who accepted neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) and to compare GNRI with established nutritional markers, including prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score.

METHODS

Preoperative GNRI was retrospectively assessed in 172 LARC patients aged ≥ 60 years who underwent radical resection after NCRT at two centers. Optimal cutoff value of GNRI was determined by X-tile program. The association of GNRI with clinicopathological parameters and nutritional markers was analyzed. The survival ability of markers was evaluated using time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Finally, survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

GNRI was highly correlated with nutritional markers. An optimal cutoff value for the GNRI was 96. In the time-dependent ROC curve, GNRI demonstrated a stable predictive ability for both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis showed that GNRI was the only nutritional marker that independently predicted DFS (HR 2.457, 95% CI 1.066-5.665, P = 0.035) and OS (HR 9.002, 95% CI 3.100-26.146, P < 0.001). As an additional benefit, GNRI was able to stratify survival in subgroups of ypTNM and tumor response.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative GNRI is a promising predictor of long-term survival for elderly LARC patients undergoing NCRT, superior to the established nutritional markers.

Effectiveness of Intranasal Tear Neurostimulation for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: A Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

To assess the effectiveness and safety of intranasal tear neurostimulation in the treatment of dry eye disease.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of four databases from their inception to October 2022 without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this review and were quality appraised. The risk of bias was evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. The random-effect model or fixed-effect model was adopted to estimate the pooled effect sizes.

RESULTS

Fifteen published studies consisting of 17 clinical trials with a total of 901 patients were analyzed. Schirmer II test scores were significantly higher after intranasal tear neurostimulation in patients with dry eye disease (mean difference = 14.12 mm, 95% confidence intervals (8.93, 19.31), P < 0.001). Intranasal tear neurostimulation increased the meibomian gland areas (mean difference = - 251.79 μm², 95% confidence intervals (- 348.34, - 155.23), P < 0.001), but no significant difference was found in meibomian gland perimeters before and after stimulation (mean difference = 3.72 mm, 95% confidence intervals (- 22.14, 29.59), P = 0.78). All adverse events were mild or moderate, and no serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provides promising evidence for the controversial effectiveness of intranasal tear neurostimulation in the treatment of dry eye disease, along with useful information for guiding intranasal tear neurostimulation in future clinical trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This meta-analysis was registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42021284214).

Choroidal morphologic and vascular features in patients with unilateral idiopathic epiretinal membranes: An optical coherence tomography analysis integrated with assessment of retinal layers

Introduction

Integrated analysis of retinal and choroidal morphologic and vascular features is urgently needed to examine whether and how these two elements interact with each other, thus contributing to visual impairment in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs).

Methods

An observational retrospective study consisting of 181 patients diagnosed with unilateral iERM between August 2019 and July 2022 was carried out at Peking University Third Hospital. All patients underwent a standardized set of ophthalmologic examinations, including EDI-OCT and OCTA scanning, and were subsequently categorized into four stages according to current classification schemes based on their OCT findings. Altogether, 15 qualitative and quantitative parameters of both the retina (full-layer, inner and outer layers) and choroid were identified.

Results

The results revealed variations in the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) among different stages of iERMs (p < 0.001) for the first time. Distributions of retinal parameters across four stages of iERMs were validated. Correlation analysis between choroidal and retinal parameters showed that the CVI was associated with both inner and outer retinal morphologic biomarkers. Functional damage to retinal integrity was determined to be a strong contributor to visual acuity reduction in iERMs.

Discussion

This study complemented our present understanding of posterior segment structural and vascular alterations in iERMs.

The impact of COVID-19 home confinement on axial length in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Understanding the impact of home confinement on axial length in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology (OK) treatment facilitates the management of myopia control during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown.

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the corresponding home confinement measures have brought a considerable challenge to myopia control. The study aimed to investigate the influence of home quarantine on axial length in myopic children with OK treatment.

METHODS

Axial length measurements during and before COVID-19 home confinement were retrospectively collected from the myopic children treated with OK, and the children were prospectively followed up after finishing the quarantine. The monthly axial length growth before, during and after confinement was calculated and compared in the full dataset and subgroups stratified by age. Influencing factors for monthly axial length growth during confinement were analysed.

RESULTS

Ninety-two myopic children with OK treatment were enrolled in this study. In the full dataset, covariates adjusted (gender, time interval, baseline axial length and age) monthly axial length growth during confinement was not significantly different from that before (P = 0.213) or after the home confinement (P = 1.000). Multiple linear regression showed that the monthly axial length growth during confinement was negatively correlated with age (P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis based on age demonstrated that the adjusted monthly axial length growth was not significantly different among three periods (P > 0.05) for younger children. For children older than 12-year-old, the adjusted monthly axial length growth during home confinement was significantly slower than before the confinement (P = 0.011), but not the monthly axial length growth after the confinement (P = 1.000).

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 home confinement does not increase the myopic axial length elongation in children with OK treatment.

Multimodal Imaging of Choroidal Structural in Torpedo Maculopathy

Objective

To report a case of torpedo maculopathy with multimodal fundus imaging methods, and apply the choroid vascularity index to quantitatively describe the choroidal structural changes in torpedo maculopathy.

Case presentation

An asymptomatic 41-year-old Chinese woman with an incidentally found yellowish-white macular lesion in her left eye was referred to our hospital. She was unaware of any prior medical conditions. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 OD and 20/25 OS, respectively. Fundus exam of her left eye revealed a well-circumscribed torpedo-like hypopigmented lesion in the macula region, and the tapered edge directed toward the fovea. Pigment deposition could be seen in the inferotemporal portion of the torpedo lesion. Fluorescein angiography showed the corresponding window defect without leakage and fundus autofluorescence demonstrated low signal throughout the lesion. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography revealed outer retinal attenuation, subretinal cavitation, subtle inner choroidal excavation and thinning of outer nuclear layer. The diagnosis of torpedo maculopathy was clinically made. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were applied to display changes of choroidal structure. The results implied that both subfoveal CVI and SFCT of the affected eye seemed relatively lower when compared with the fellow eye. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed reduced density of the choriocapillaris in the temporal area of the lesion and increased capillary density in the nasal area. Functional examinations, including microperimetry, multifocal electroretinogram and static perimetry also revealed reduced retinal sensitivity, decreased stimulated amplitude and suspected scotoma in the lesion area. After 12 months of follow-up, the patient's visual acuity and the clinical appearance of the lesion were unchanged.

Conclusion

The torpedo maculopathy may be identified by abnormal appearance with multimodal imaging. Decreased choroidal vascularity in the lesion area measured quantitatively by choroid vascularity index may play a role in pathogenesis of torpedo maculopathy.

The impact of different corneal refractive surgeries on binocular dynamic visual acuity

Purpose

To investigate the influence of different corneal refractive surgeries on dynamic visual acuity (DVA), and explore its potential influence factors.

Methods

This was a prospective non-randomized study. Adult myopic patients undergoing bilateral laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), or small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with Plano refraction target were enrolled. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA/CDVA), manifest refraction and binocular optotype-moving DVA of 40 and 80 degrees per second (dps) were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively up to 3 months.

Results

The study included 264 eyes of 132 subjects, with an average age of 27.0 ± 6.7 years, and females accounted for 59% of the participants. Significant improvement was observed at the 3-month visit for 40 dps (SMILE, P = 0.001; LASEK, P = 0.006; FS-LASIK, P = 0.010) and 80 dps (SMILE, P = 0.011; LASEK, P = 0.025; FS-LASIK, P = 0.012) DVA. Adjusting for pre-operative DVA, there was no significant difference in DVA among groups at 3 months post-operatively (P > 0.05 for multiple comparisons). Overall, multiple linear models demonstrated that post-operative DVA at 3 months was correlated with pre-operative DVA (40 dps, β = 0.349, P = 0.001; 80 dps, β = 0.447, P < 0.001), pre-operative spherical equivalent (40 dps, β = 0.311, P = 0.003; 80 dps, β = 0.261, P = 0.009) and post-operative UDVA (40 dps, β = -0.224, P = 0.024; 80 dps, β = -0.188, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Dynamic visual acuity at 3 months post-operatively of the three corneal refractive surgeries was better than that before the surgery in adult myopic patients, and there was no significant difference among different surgical techniques. Post-operative DVA at 3 months was found correlated with pre-operative DVA, pre-operative SE, and post-operative UDVA. With further improvement, DVA could be a promising functional visual indicator for myopic patients undergoing refractive surgeries.

The Application of NH4SCN as Nontoxic Cyanide Source for Divergent Strecker Synthesis of Aminonitriles and Iminonitriles

The reaction of arylaldehydes and arylamines with NH4SCN in the presence of TBHP led to a divergent Strecker synthesis of aminonitriles and iminonitriles. The striking feature of this modified Strecker...