Depression symptom outcomes and re-engagement among VA patients who discontinue care while symptomatic

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate outcomes of Veterans who discontinued treatment with at least moderate ongoing depressive symptoms.

METHOD

Veterans with elevated depression symptoms from 29 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities completed baseline surveys and follow-up assessments for one year. Analyses examined rates and predictors of treatment discontinuation, treatment re-engagement, and subsequent symptoms among patients who remained out of care.

RESULTS

A total of 242 (17.8%; n = 1359) participants discontinued treatment while symptomatic, with Black participants, participants with less severe depression, and participants receiving only psychotherapy (versus combined psychotherapy and antidepressant medications) discontinuing at higher rates. Among all participants who discontinued treatment (n = 445), 45.8% re-engaged within the following six months with participants receiving combined treatment re-engaging at higher rates. Of participants who discontinued while symptomatic within the first 6 months of the study and did not return to care (n = 112), 68.8% remained symptomatic at 12 months. Lower baseline treatment expectancy and greater depression symptom severity were associated with remaining symptomatic while untreated.

CONCLUSIONS

Black race, lower symptom severity, and treatment modality may help identify patients at higher risk for discontinuing care while symptomatic, whereas patients with lower treatment expectations may be at greater risk for remaining out of care despite continuing symptoms.

Efficacy and safety of 1% and 2% rebamipide clear solution in dry eye disease: a multicenter randomized trial

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the efficacy of 1% and 2% rebamipide clear solution in the treatment of dry eye disease (DED).

METHODS

Two hundred twenty patients with DED were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the 1% rebamipide, 2% rebamipide, or placebo (eye drops containing the same ingredients, except for the active components). Each eye drop was instilled four times daily for 12 weeks. Changes in tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining score, Schirmer 1 test, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) from baseline to 12-week visit between the study groups were compared for efficacy assessment.

RESULTS

The mean age of study patients was 43.8±14.2 years. The 1% and 2% rebamipide groups showed greater improvement in TBUT (1.99±1.87 and 2.02±2.21 s) at 12 weeks from baseline than the placebo group (1.25±2.93 s). The 2% rebamipide group showed greater improvement in the corneal staining score (- 3.15±2.00) at 12 weeks from baseline than the placebo group (- 2.85±1.80). The 1% and 2% rebamipide groups showed improvement in Schirmer 1 test (1.27±3.86 and 1.50±4.14 mm) at 12 weeks of treatment, but not the placebo group (0.55±2.99 mm). Both the rebamipide groups and the placebo group showed significantly improved OSDI after treatment for 12 weeks; however, there was no significant difference among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

1% and 2% rebamipide clear solutions are an effective therapeutic option for improving TBUT and tear volume, and stabilizing the corneal staining score in DED.

Search for the Pair Production of Dark Particles X with K_{L}^{0}→XX, X→γγ

We present the first search for the pair production of dark particles X via K_{L}^{0}→XX with X decaying into two photons using the data collected by the KOTO experiment. No signal was observed in the mass range of 40-110  MeV/c^{2} and 210-240  MeV/c^{2}. This sets upper limits on the branching fractions as B(K_{L}^{0}→XX)<(1-4)×10^{-7} and B(K_{L}^{0}→XX)<(1-2)×10^{-6} at the 90% confidence level for the two mass regions, respectively.

Clinical Outcomes of Intrascleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens Compared to Ciliary Sulcus Implantation and Transscleral Fixation

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes of intrascleral fixation of the three-piece intraocular lenses (IOLs) 2.5 mm posterior to the limbus with ciliary sulcus implantation and transscleral fixation 2.5 mm posterior to the limbus.

Methods

Sixty-five eyes of 65 patients who underwent ciliary sulcus implantation or transscleral or intrascleral fixation of the Sensar AR40e (AMO, Santa Ana, California, USA) IOL were retrospectively reviewed. The postoperative refractive prediction error, back-calculated effective lens position (ELP), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and postoperative residual cylinder were compared.

Results

There were significant differences in the median (first quartile: third quartile) postoperative refractive prediction error among the three groups (-0.89 [-1.21:-0.56] D for ciliary sulcus implantation, 33 eyes; -0.40 [-0.78:-0.22] D for transscleral fixation, 10 eyes; and 0.01 [-0.28:0.34] D for intrascleral fixation; 22 eyes, p < 0.001). Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed in the median back-calculated ELP: 4.35 [3.95:4.55] mm, 4.51 [4.34:4.76] mm, and 4.90 [4.56:5.35] mm for ciliary sulcus implantation, transscleral fixation, and intrascleral fixation, respectively. There were no differences in the median postoperative CDVA (0.00, 0.10, and 0.00 logMAR, respectively, p = 0.083) and the residual cylinder (-0.75, -1.50, and -0.63 D, respectively, p = 0.074) among three groups.

Conclusion

Intrascleral fixation showed no myopic shift and the most posterior lens position, while ciliary sulcus implantation induced the greatest myopic shift and the most anterior lens position. However, there was no significant difference in the postoperative CDVA or astigmatism among the eyes with different IOL insertion methods, demonstrating good IOL stability and vision outcomes.

Effect of surgical microscope and illuminated chopper on anterior chamber temperature

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effect of the light intensity of the surgical microscope and illuminated chopper on the anterior chamber temperature.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study.

METHODS

A model eye (Kitaro WetLab System; FCI Ophthalmics, Pembroke, MA, USA) was used in this experimental study. The illuminance of a surgical microscope (Leica M300; Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany) and illuminated chopper (iChopper NAM-25 GB; Oculight, Korea) with a light source (iVision; Oculight) was measured using an illuminometer. In addition, the temperature in the anterior chamber of the model eye filled with balanced salt solution when using the surgical microscope with a light intensity from level 1 to level 6 and the illuminated chopper at 99% light intensity was measured for 10 min.

RESULTS

The anterior chamber temperature was increased by 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.4 ℃ when using the surgical microscope at level 3 (10050 lux), 4 (16490 lux), 5 (24900 lux), and 6 (32500 lux), respectively, for 10 min. The illuminated chopper at 99% light intensity (14893 lux) positioned in the anterior chamber increased the anterior chamber temperature by 0.2° C after 10 min, which was equal to the increase in the temperature caused by the surgical microscope at level 3.

CONCLUSION

The photothermal effect of the illuminated chopper directly positioned in the anterior chamber appeared to be similar to that of a microscope with similar illuminance. Therefore, the illuminated chopper is safe in terms of anterior chamber temperature changes in cataract surgery.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind Evaluation of the Efficacy of TJO-087 Versus 0.05% Cyclosporine A in Moderate to Severe Dry Eye

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and ocular tolerability of a 0.08% nanoemulsion cyclosporine A (CsA) (TJO-087) once daily versus a conventional 0.05% emulsion CsA twice daily in dry eye disease. Methods: 178 patients with dry eye disease were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the TJO-087 or CsA0.05% group. Changes in the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TBUT), corneal and conjunctival staining scores, and Schirmer test scores from baseline to the 32-week visit were compared between both groups. To evaluate ocular tolerability of the study formulations, 7 symptoms (stinging/burning, itching, blurred vision, sandiness/grittiness, dryness, light sensitivity, and pain or soreness) were evaluated (the higher the score, the lower the tolerability) at each follow-up visit. Results: A total of 155 eyes of 155 patients were enrolled. The TJO-087 and CsA0.05% groups showed significant improvement in OSDI, TBUT, ocular surface staining, and Schirmer test scores at 32 weeks from baseline. There was no difference in the extent of improvement in all efficacy parameters. There were no differences in the ocular tolerability scores between the 2 groups at all visits, except that the itching score was higher in the TJO-087 group than in the CsA0.05% group at week 8. Conclusions: Using topical 0.08% CsA once daily is an effective therapeutic option for improving the symptoms and signs in dry eye disease, with a tolerability comparable with that of conventional 0.05% CsA. This trial was registered at the US National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrial.gov) as NCT05245604 (registration date: 19/06/2020).

Effectiveness of Topical Cyclosporin A 0.1%, Diquafosol Tetrasodium 3%, and Their Combination, in Dry Eye Disease

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of the topical use of cyclosporin A (CsA) 0.1%, diquafosol (DQS) tetrasodium 3% ophthalmic solution, and their combination in treating dry eye disease in a general health care setting. Methods: This prospective, nonrandomized, observational study analyzed 279 patients. Patients instilled topical CsA 0.1% (Ikervis^®; Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Japan) once daily and/or DQS tetrasodium 3% (Diquas-S^®; Santen) six times a day for 12 weeks. Objective signs [tear break-up time (TBUT), National Eye Institute (NEI) corneal and conjunctival staining scores] and symptoms [Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) and Dry Eye-related Quality-of-Life Score (DEQS) questionnaires] were evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 12. Results: Patients (n = 279) were mainly female (85.0%) with a mean (SD) age of 50.1 (14.8) years, and received CsA (n = 93), DQS (n = 99), or CsA/DQS (n = 87). Both monotherapies and CsA/DQS combination therapy significantly improved TBUT, NEI corneal and conjunctival staining scores, and SANDE and DEQS scores from baseline to week 12 (all P < 0.0001). The mean change in TBUT between baseline and week 12 was significantly higher in CsA/DQS combination therapy (2.13 ± 2.41 s) than in CsA monotherapy (1.07 ± 1.71 s; P = 0.0011). Conclusions: Monotherapy with CsA or DQS and CsA/DQS combination therapy all significantly improved the objective signs and symptoms of dry eyes during 12 weeks of treatment. CsA/DQS combination therapy provides an additional benefit in terms of TBUT compared with CsA alone; however, a randomized controlled trial still needs to be performed to confirm this result.

Cable tie technique for securing scleral fixation suture to intraocular lens

Purpose

To report a new flanged intrascleral fixation technique for subluxated or dislocated intraocular lens (IOL) with c-loop or double c-loop haptics (cable tie fixation method).

Observations

We introduced a cable tie fixation method using 6–0 polypropylene for subluxated multifocal IOL with C-loop or double C-loop haptics. After passing the 6–0 polypropylene monofilament under the optic-haptic junction, the other end of the strand was taken out of the eye after passing it above the optic-haptic junction. A knot was made at one end, and the opposite strand was passed through the knot to form a loop. Both ends of the monofilament were tugged to make the loop fixed to the optic-haptic junction smaller. Both ends of the monofilament were externalized 2.5 mm posterior to the limbus using a 30 G needle. Another 6–0 polypropylene monofilament was tied to the opposite optic-haptic junction and scleral fixation was performed. While checking the IOL centration, the four ends of the 6–0 polypropylene monofilaments were heated with a cautery to form flanges.

Conclusions and Importance

A four-flanged intrascleral fixation technique involving a cable tie-shaped loop using 6–0 polypropylene could provide stable IOL fixation without damage for subluxated or dislocated IOLs with C-loop or double C-loop haptics.

SIRT1 Protects Against Particulate Matter-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Corneal and Conjunctival Epithelial Cells

Purpose

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) as a hot therapeutic target for oxidative stress–associated diseases that has been extensively studied. This study aimed to determine the changes in SIRT1 expression in particulate matter (PM)–induced corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell damage and explore potential drugs to reduce PM-associated ocular surface injury.

Methods

Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjECs) were exposed to an ambient PM sample. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by water-soluble tetrazolium salt–8 assay. SIRT1 expression was measured by Western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and cell senescence were assessed by using 2ʹ,7ʹ-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay, annexin V apoptosis assay, tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester assay, and senescence β-galactosidase staining, respectively.

Results

PM-induced cytotoxicity of HCECs and HCjECs occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Increased ROS production, as well as decreased SIRT1 expression, were observed in HCECs and HCjECs after 200 µg/mL PM exposure. In addition, PM induced oxidative stress-mediated cellular damage, including cell apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, and cell senescence. Interestingly, SRT1720, a SIRT1 activator, increased SIRT1 expression and decreased ROS production and attenuated PM-induced cell damage in HCECs and HCjECs.

Conclusions

This study determined that SIRT1 was involved in PM-induced oxidative stress in HCECs and HCjECs and found that ROS overproduction may a key factor in PM-induced SIRT1 downregulation. The SIRT1 activator, SRT1720, can effectively upregulate SIRT1 expression and inhibit ROS production, thereby reversing PM-induced cell damage. This study provides a new potential target for clinical treatment of PM-associated ocular surface diseases.

Morphometric Measurement of Pterygium with Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography and Relationship with Astigmatism

Purpose: We used anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to measure the pterygial subepithelial invasion length and thickness before and after surgery, and to evaluate the corneal epithelium and the extent of astigmatism.Methods: This was a retrospective study. Ten eyes that underwent pterygial excision surgery were analyzed. We used corneal topographic data to assess astigmatism before surgery and employed AS-OCT to measure corneal epithelial thickness and the length of subepithelial invasion. We measured the relative pterygial length, width, and area on anterior segment photographs. Corneal topographic assessment and AS-OCT were repeated 1 month after surgery. Multiple regression and Pearson correlation analyses were used to analyze the relationships between normalization of astigmatism and the size and thickness of the excised pterygium.Results: The mean With-the-Rule proportion of preoperative astigmatism was 2.9 ± 2.3 D and the mean corneal epithelial thickness 269.60 ± 84.17 µm. The mean thickness of the excised pterygia was 210.73 ± 80.36 µm. Pterygial thickness was significantly associated with the extent of preoperative With-the-Rule astigmatism and the normalized With-the-Rule astigmatism after pterygial excision. These correlations were stronger than those of the relative pterygial length, width, and area. The mean subepithelial invasion length was 595.00 ± 310.32 µm.Conclusions: An increase in pterygial epithelial thickness influenced the extent of With-the-Rule astigmatism to a much greater extent than did the relative pterygial length, width, and area. AS-OCT measurement of the subepithelial invasion length identifies the required excisional area prior to surgery.

Comparison of visual outcomes after two types of mix-and-match implanted trifocal extended-depth-of-focus and trifocal intraocular lenses

PURPOSE

To compare visual outcomes between two types of mix-and-match implanted trifocal extended-depth-of-focus (EDoF) and trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

METHODS

A total of 212 eyes of 106 subjects with mix-and-match implanted FineVision Triumf and FineVision HP IOLs (Triumf-HP group) and 212 eyes of 106 subjects with mix-and-match implanted Zeiss AT LARA and AT LISA IOLs (AT LARA-LISA group) were enrolled in this retrospective case-control study. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), and binocular distance-corrected defocus curves were measured between 6 and 10 weeks after cataract surgery.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in UDVA among the four IOLs. UNVA was the best in eyes with the FineVision HP IOL (0.04 ± 0.06 logMAR), followed by eyes with the AT LISA IOL (0.07 ± 0.07 logMAR), the FineVision Triumf IOL (0.09 ± 0.09 logMAR), and the AT LARA IOL (0.11 ± 0.08 logMAR), respectively. The AT LARA-LISA group had better visual acuity than the Triumf-HP group between - 1.00 D and - 1.50 D of defocus, and the Triumf-HP group had better visual acuity than the AT LARA-LISA group between - 3.00 D and - 4.00 D of defocus.

CONCLUSION

Mix-and-match implantation of trifocal EDoF and trifocal IOLs provided good visual outcomes in far, intermediate, and near distances. The mix-and-match implantation of Triumf-HP IOLs led to better visual outcomes in near vision, while that of the AT LARA-LISA IOLs led to better visual outcomes in intermediate vision.

Algorithmic intraocular lens power calculation formula selection by keratometry, anterior chamber depth and axial length

PURPOSE

To compare the prediction accuracy of algorithmic intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formula selection method using conventional formulas (Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, SRK/T and/or Barrett Universal II) based on keratometry (K), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and axial length (AL).

METHODS

A total of 1653 patients (1653 eyes) implanted with Tecnis ZCB00 IOL during cataract surgery were enrolled in this study. Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas with a small absolute value in the sum of the area under the curve measured by K, ACD and AL subgroup were selected to calculate IOL power in the relevant biometry subgroup. The median absolute error (MedAE) calculated by the Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, SRK/T and Barrett Universal II formulas individually was compared to that calculated by the algorithmic selection method using four formulas, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1 and SRK/T, or five formulas when Barrett is included.

RESULTS

The MedAE was 0.27 D in the Haigis, 0.30 D in the Hoffer Q, 0.27 D in the Holladay 1, 0.29 D in the SRK/T and 0.26 D in the Barrett Universal II formulas. The MedAEs determined by the algorithmic selection method using four (019 D) and five (0.21 D) formulas were significantly lower than those by the conventional IOL power calculation formulas.

CONCLUSIONS

The IOL power calculation formula selection method by biometry subgroup combined with biometric parameters K, ACD and AL may offer a more superior postoperative refractive error prediction in cataract surgery.

Comparison of cytotoxicity effects induced by four different types of nanoparticles in human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells

The impact of particulate matter (PM) on ocular surface health has attracted increased attention in recent years. Previous studies have reported that differences in the chemical composition of PM can affect the toxicological response. However, available information on the toxic effects of chemical components of PM on the ocular surface is insufficient. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the toxicity effects of chemical components of PM on the ocular surface, focusing on the effects of four different types of nanoparticles (NPs) in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjECs), which include titanium dioxide (TiO2), carbon black (CB), zinc dioxide (ZnO), and silicon dioxide (SiO2). We found that the in vitro cytotoxic effects of CB, ZnO, and SiO2 NPs are dependent on particle properties and cell type as well as the exposure concentration and time. Here, the order of increasing toxicity was SiO2 → CB → ZnO, while TiO2 demonstrated no toxicity. Moreover, toxic effects appearing more severe in HCECs than HCjECs. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress plays a key role in the toxicity of these three NPs in HCECs and HCjECs, leading to apoptosis and mitochondrial damage, which are also important contributors to aging. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) as an NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase that seems to play a potential protective role in this process. These findings implied that ROS and/or SIRT1 may become a potential target of clinical treatment of PM- or NP-related ocular surface diseases.

Increased Near Vision Spectacle Dependence of Patients With Preoperative Myopia After Mix-and-Match Implantation of Trifocal EDOF and Trifocal IOLs

PURPOSE

To investigate the factors affecting near vision spectacle dependence after mix-and-match implantation of the trifocal extended depth of focus (EDOF) and trifocal intraocular lens (IOL).

METHODS

A total of 204 eyes of 102 patients who underwent mix-and-match implantation of one trifocal EDOF and one trifocal IOL were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to spectacle dependence for near vision: reading glasses and no glasses. Clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratio of factors potentially associated with the need for reading glasses.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients (79.4%) did not need reading glasses and 21 (20.6%) did. The mean age of the no glasses group (55.6 ± 5.6 years) was significantly higher than that of the reading glasses group (52.7 ± 4.1 years). Preoperative refractions were more myopic in the reading glasses group than in the no glasses group. The postoperative uncorrected near visual acuities were better and the satisfaction scores were higher in the no glasses group compared to the reading glasses group. Multivariate binary regression analysis revealed that only pre-operative spherical equivalent (odds ratio: 1.397; P = .025) was related to the spectacle independence for near vision.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who had preoperative myopia and underwent mix-and-match implantation of trifocal EDOF and tri-focal IOLs tended to need spectacles for near vision. Surgeons should be aware of patients with myopia when considering mix-and-match implantation of trifocal EDOF and trifocal IOLs. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(11):746-753.].

Clinical effectiveness of diquafosol ophthalmic solution 3% in Korean patients with dry eye disease: a multicenter prospective observational study

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of diquafosol ophthalmic solution 3% administered in Korean patients with dry eye disease in real-world clinical settings.

METHODS

Diquafosol was administered for 8wk to 3 patient groups who received diquafosol as add-on therapy to existing medication (Add group, n=150); received diquafosol only (Monotherapy group, n=196); or discontinued part of their existing medication in favor of diquafosol (Switch group, n=11). Tear break-up time (TBUT), cornea and conjunctival staining based on National Eye Institute/Industry scoring scheme, subjective symptoms using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and meibum quality and expressibility were evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 8.

RESULTS

The mean TBUT increased (from 3.46, 3.92, and 5.84s, respectively, to 5.15, 5.53, and 8.59s, respectively) and corneal staining score decreased (from 2.23, 2.24, and 3.09, respectively, to 0.85, 0.97, and 1.64, respectively) in a time-dependent manner from baseline to week 8 in all three groups. Conjunctival staining score, OSDI questionnaire, and meibum quality and expressibility improved over time from baseline to week 8 in the Add and Monotherapy groups, but differences were not statistically significant in the Switch group.

CONCLUSION

Diquafosol improves subjective symptoms and objective signs in patients treated with existing medicines combined with diquafosol and treated solely with diquafosol. Diquafosol can be used as an effective therapeutic agent for dry eye disease or additionally applied in patients who have insufficient response to existing medicines.

A comparison of clinical outcomes and optical performance between monofocal and new monofocal with enhanced intermediate function intraocular lenses: a case-control study

Background

To compare clinical outcomes and optical performance of a new monofocal with enhanced intermediate function intraocular lenses (IOLs) with that of conventional monofocal IOLs.

Methods

Sixty eyes of 30 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with bilateral implantation of the ICB00 (15 patients) or ZCB00 (15 patients) IOLs were enrolled. Binocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), distance corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), and distance corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA) were measured at 4 weeks after surgery. Patient satisfaction for overall, near, intermediate, and distance vision were assessed. The binocular defocus curves were measured. The root mean square of modulation transfer function (MTF_RMS) was measured in the optical bench study.

Results

The mean binocular DCIVA was significantly better in the ICB00 group (0.01 logMAR) compared to the ZCB00 group (0.13 logMAR), but CDVA and DCNVA were not. The patient satisfaction for near and intermediate vision was significantly higher in the ICB00 group compared to the ZCB00. However, there was no difference in patient satisfaction for overall and distance vision between two groups. The defocus curves showed that mean visual acuity of the ICB00 group was significantly better than that of the ZCB00 group at between − 1.00 D to − 3.00 D of defocus. The ICB00 IOL had higher MTF_RMS values at between − 0.50 D to − 2.00 D of defocus compared to the ZCB00 IOL.

Conclusions

The ICB00 IOL provides better binocular intermediate vision and higher satisfaction for near and intermediate vision than the ZCB00 IOL while maintaining excellent distance vision.

Development of an experimental model for ocular toxicity screening in Zebrafish

BACKGROUND

To investigate the efficacy of a novel experimental model for exploring visual function using a contrast-optomotor response (C-OMR) assay made by applying the contrast sensitivity test to the OMR assay in zebrafish.

METHODS

Zebrafish larvae were treated with 0 (control), 5, 10, or 15 μM gentamicin and digoxin for 24 h at four days post-fertilization (dpf). Zebrafish larvae were assessed using the C-OMR assay with graded contrast gray-white stripes at 5 dpf, and the results were expressed as the percentage of larvae that finished swimming for 30 s (n = 20 per each group). The same C-OMR assay was repeated four times using different larvae.

RESULTS

The percentage of larvae that finished swimming within 30 s was significantly reduced in larvae treated with 5, 10, and 15 μM gentamicin and 10 and 15 μM digoxin as compared to the Control groups. The C-OMR assay could distinguish that the decrease in visual function was different depending on the concentration of gentamicin and digoxin (5, 10, and 15 μM), whereas the OMR test with one contrast gray-white stripe could not.

CONCLUSIONS

The method of analyzing zebrafish OMR using graded contrast gray-white stripes is more sensitive than the OMR assay alone and may be more useful for assessing the drug toxicity and eye-related diseases to improve the understanding of drug-induced ocular side effects in the clinic.

Study of the K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] Decay at the J-PARC KOTO Experiment

The rare decay K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] was studied with the dataset taken at the J-PARC KOTO experiment in 2016, 2017, and 2018. With a single event sensitivity of (7.20±0.05_{stat}±0.66_{syst})×10^{-10}, three candidate events were observed in the signal region. After unveiling them, contaminations from K^{±} and scattered K_{L} decays were studied, and the total number of background events was estimated to be 1.22±0.26. We conclude that the number of observed events is statistically consistent with the background expectation. For this dataset, we set an upper limit of 4.9×10^{-9} on the branching fraction of K_{L}→π^{0}νν[over ¯] at the 90% confidence level.

Comparison of Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy Rates Between Refractive Segmented Multifocal and Multifocal Toric Intraocular Lenses

PURPOSE

To investigate the early incidence of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy according to intraocular lens (IOL) type (nontoric vs toric) and surgical techniques (femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery vs conventional phacoemulsification) in eyes with refractive multifocal IOLs.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

Nine hundred thirteen eyes from 483 patients implanted with Lentis Mplus LS-313 MF20 (767 eyes) or Lentis Mplus Toric LU-313 MF20T (146 eyes) IOLs (Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) were enrolled. We compared the incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy between the nontoric and toric groups. In addition, the incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was also evaluated according to the surgical technique used.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was 10.2% (93/913 eyes). The Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rate was significantly higher in the toric group (24/146; 16.4%) than in the nontoric group (69/767; 9.0%; P = .007). Of the 913 enrolled eyes, 448 eyes (49.1%) underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and 465 eyes (50.9%) underwent conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery. There was no significant difference in the incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy between eyes with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and eyes with conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients with refractive multifocal toric IOLs had higher early incidence rates of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy when compared to those with refractive multifocal nontoric IOLs. Furthermore, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery could not reduce the early incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in this study.

Defining Dry Eye from a Clinical Perspective

Over the past decades, the number of patients with dry eye disease (DED) has increased dramatically. The incidence of DED is higher in Asia than in Europe and North America, suggesting the involvement of cultural or racial factors in DED etiology. Although many definitions of DED have been used, discrepancies exist between the various definitions of dry eye disease (DED) used across the globe. This article presents a clinical consensus on the definition of DED, as formulated in four meetings with global DED experts. The proposed new definition is as follows: “Dry eye is a multifactorial disease characterized by a persistently unstable and/or deficient tear film (TF) causing discomfort and/or visual impairment, accompanied by variable degrees of ocular surface epitheliopathy, inflammation and neurosensory abnormalities.” The key criteria for the diagnosis of DED are unstable TF, inflammation, ocular discomfort and visual impairment. This definition also recommends the assessment of ocular surface epitheliopathy and neurosensory abnormalities in each patient with suspected DED. It is easily applicable in clinical practice and should help practitioners diagnose DED consistently. This consensus definition of DED should also help to guide research and clinical trials that, to date, have been hampered by the lack of an established surrogate endpoint.

Effect of natural extract eye drops in dry eye disease rats

AIM

To investigate the therapeutic effect of natural extract eye drops containing bee venom, musk, and deer antlers in dry eye disease (DED) animal models.

METHODS

Scopolamine-injected DED rats and lacrimal gland-excised rats were allocated into control, saline, and natural extract groups respectively and a normal group (lacrimal gland excision was not performed) in lacrimal gland-excised rats. After eye drop instillation 4 times a day for 5d, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) scores, tear MUC5AC levels, and tear lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured.

RESULTS

In scopolamine-injected rats, the natural extract-treated group had significantly lower CFS scores (1.7±0.5, 4.7±1.4, 3.8±1.9, P=0.006) and tear LDH levels (0.10±0.01, 0.19±0.01, 0.16±0.08 OD, P=0.014) but higher tear MUC5AC levels (12.9±3.7, 7.9±2.0, 9.7±3.6 ng/mL, P=0.041) compared with the control and saline-treated groups. There were no significant differences between the control and saline-treated groups. In lacrimal gland-excised rats, the natural extract-treated group also had lower CFS scores (4.3±1.2, 11.5±2.3, 9.0±1.9, P<0.001, P=0.001) and tear LDH levels (0.30±0.08, 0.48±0.12, 0.39±0.05 OD, P<0.05) but higher tear volume (4.3±0.9, 1.9±0.7, 2.8±1.1 mm, P=0.005, P=0.124) and tear MUC5AC levels (8.2±2.0, 2.9±1.2, 5.4±2.2 ng/mL, P<0.001, P=0.047) compared with the control and saline-treated groups. There were no significant differences in the CFS scores, tear MUC5AC level, and tear LDH level between the normal and natural extract-treated groups.

CONCLUSION

The natural extract consisting of bee venom, musk, and deer antlers may have effectiveness in DED treatment by restoring the damaged ocular surface, increasing tear volume, and recovering the tear mucin layer in DED rats.

Rainbow halos occur less following implantation of extended range of vision one-piece intraocular lenses vs diffractive bifocal intraocular lenses

AIM

To evaluate clinical outcomes following implantation of an extended range of vision intraocular lens (IOL), the ZXR00, and a diffractive multifocal IOL with +2.75 diopters (D) add power, the ZKB00.

METHODS

Totally 30 patients who underwent either bilateral implantation of the ZXR00 IOL with intended emmetropia (ZXR00 emmetropia group: 20 eyes) and intended micromonovision (ZXR00 monovision group: 20 eyes), or bilateral implantation of the ZKB00 IOL with intended emmetropia (ZKB00 group: 20 eyes) were included in this study. Visual acuity at 4 m, 80, and 40 cm; and the types of halos (misty, fine, and rainbow) were analyzed at one and three months after surgery.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in distance visual acuity among the three groups. The mean uncorrected intermediate visual acuity was better in the ZXR00 emmetropia and monovision groups (0.02 logMAR and 0.02 logMAR, respectively) than in the ZKB00 group (0.14 logMAR). The mean uncorrected near visual acuity was worse in the ZXR00 emmetropia group (0.26 logMAR) than in the ZXR00 monovision and ZKB00 groups (0.12 logMAR and 0.10 logMAR, respectively). There was an increased incidence of rainbow halos in the ZKB00 group vs in either ZXR00 group (P=0.033).

CONCLUSION

Implantation of the ZXR00 IOL with intended micromonovision provide superior visual acuity than implantation of the ZXR00 IOL with intended emmetropia. The ZXR00 IOLs tend to show a lower incidence of rainbow halos than did the ZKB00 IOL.

Energy transfer from adipocytes to cancer cells in breast cancer

Limitations of the current therapeutic approach have raised the need for a novel therapeutic agent in breast cancer. Recently, interest in drugs targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) had drawn attention in the treatment of breast cancer. Furthermore, recent studies have suggested the role of adipocytes, which are part of the TME, in tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the metabolic interaction between adipocytes and breast cancer cells and its potential as a new therapeutic target in breast cancer. Breast cancer cell lines and human breast cancer tissue samples were evaluated. Compared to cancer cells cultured alone, or the control group, those co-cultured with adipocytes showed lipid transfer from adipocytes to cancer cells and it was different according to the molecular subtype of breast cancer. Breast cancer cells affected the lipolysis of adipocytes and adipocytes affected the β-oxidation of breast cancer cells. The key molecule of the process was fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), which is combined with free fatty acid (FFA) and supports its migration to cancer cells. When FABP4 was suppressed, lipid transfer between adipocytes and cancer cells, lipolysis of adipocytes, and β-oxidation of breast cancer cells were reduced. Furthermore, the expression of lipid metabolism-related proteins and lipolysis-related proteins in breast cancer with adipose stroma showed significantly different expression according to the region of breast cancer tissue. Taken together, we demonstrated the metabolic interaction between adipocytes and breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells increase the lipolysis in adipocytes and produce a fatty acid, and fatty acid enters into cancer cells. Also, adipocytes contribute to the survival and growth of cancer cells through increased mitochondrial β-oxidation by using fatty acid from adipocytes. The key molecule of the process is FABP4 and when FABP4 is suppressed, the metabolic interaction is reduced, suggesting its role as a potential therapeutic target.

P1603 Changes of cardiac function in cirrhotic patients after liver transplantation

Funding Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the grant of CJ healthcare 2016 research fund.

Background

Liver cirrhosis (LC) has been known to affect cardiovascular performance. Limited study have evaluated the alteration of myocardial function in patients with LC after liver transplantation (LT).

Purpose

The aim of study was to evaluate changes of cardiac function in patients with cirrhosis following LT using conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of cardiac magnetic resonance (MR).

Methods

Thirty-five patients with cirrhosis (mean age, 57.1 ± 9.0; male, 75%) who were listed for LT were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent conventional, speckle-tracking echocardiography, and cardiac MR imaging with LGE. Echocardiography and cardiac MR were performed at pre and 1 year after LT. Cirrhotic patients were compared with normal control (n = 20, mean age, 65.0 ± 14.8; men, 11(55%)) and echocardiographic and cardiac MR data were compared pre and post LT.

Results

Conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography and Cardiac MR imaging demonstrated hyperdynamic left ventricular (LV) function in patients with cirrhosis (LV ejection fraction (EF) with cardiac MR 67.8 ± 7.0% in LC vs. 63.4 ± 6.4% in control, P = 0.028; global longitudinal strain (GLS) -24.3 ± 2.6% in LC vs. -18.6 ± 2.2% in control, P &lt; 0.001). There were no LGE in patients with cirrhosis and no significant differences in LV size, LV wall thickness, LV mass index, and diastolic function between cirrhotic patients and control group (all P &gt; 0.1). Corrected QT interval (QTc) in electrocardiogram was prolonged in LC patients (P &lt; 0.001). One-year after LT, LV end-diastolic diameter and LV end-diastolic volume significantly decreased (P = 0.016 and 0.022, respectively). Although LVEF showed no significant changes 1 year post-LT (P = 0.362), LV-GLS (from -24.7 ± 1.8% to -20.8 ± 3.4%, P &lt; 0.001) significantly decreased. QTc interval also decreased 1 year after LT (from 470.4 ± 29.6msec to 428.2 ± 31.6msec, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that cirrhotic patients showed hyperdynamic circulation and prolonged QTc interval compared with normal controls. After 1 year LT, LV size reduced and augmented LV function was normalized. Given that no LGE in cardiac MR and normalized GLS and QTc after LT, cardiac dysfunction in LC patients could be reversed by LT.

The Protective Effect of a Topical Mucin Secretagogue on Ocular Surface Damage Induced by Airborne Carbon Black Exposure

Purpose

Exposure to airborne particulate matter can induce ocular surface damage and inflammation. We evaluated the effects of a topical mucin secretagogue on the mitigation of ocular surface damage induced by exposure to airborne carbon black (CB).

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ambient CB for 2 hours twice daily for 5 days. Corneal staining score and tear lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were measured to evaluate ocular surface damage. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgE levels and the sizes of cervical lymph nodes were also measured. The expressions of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, and interferon (IFN)-γ were measured by Western blot analysis. Diquafosol tetrasodium was instilled six times a day for 5 days, and the extent of ocular surface damage was evaluated.

Results

After exposure to airborne CB, the median corneal staining score and LDH activity were significantly increased. Serum IgG and IgE levels and the sizes of cervical lymph nodes were also significantly increased. Additionally, the expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ was elevated in the anterior segment of the eyeball. Furthermore, the expression of IL-4, IL-17, and IFN-γ was elevated in the cervical lymph nodes. When exposed to airborne black carbon, topical diquafosol tetrasodium significantly increased tear MUC5AC concentration and decreased tear LDH activity.

Conclusions

Exposure to airborne CB induced ocular surface damage and increased proinflammatory cytokines in the eyes and cervical lymph nodes. Topical mucin secretagogues seem to have a protective effect on the ocular surface against exposure to airborne particulate matters.

Effects of Topical Mucolytic Agents on the Tears and Ocular Surface: A Plausible Animal Model of Mucin-Deficient Dry Eye

Purpose

A topical mucolytic agent, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), has been used to create an animal model without the intestinal mucus layer. In this study, we investigated the effects of topical NAC on the tears and ocular surface.

Methods

NAC-treated models were established by topically administering 10% NAC four times daily for 5 days in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Clinical parameters and the expression of mucin proteins and genes were evaluated. Alterations in the conjunctival epithelium and goblet cells were observed.

Results

The NAC group showed significant decreases in tear secretion, corneal wetting ability, tear MUC5AC concentration, and conjunctival goblet cell numbers as compared with the control group (all P < 0.01). In addition, significant increases in corneal fluorescein score and rose bengal scores were observed in the NAC group versus in the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and scanning electron microscopy clearly showed damage in the epithelial cell layer and microvilli of the NAC group. Although there was no significant difference in MUC16 gene expression, the MUC16 concentration of the tear film and ocular surface tissue was significantly increased in the NAC group versus in the control group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Five-day treatment with 3% diquafosol had minimal therapeutic effect in NAC-treated rat eyes.

Conclusions

Topical administration of 10% NAC induced ocular surface damage and tear film instability by prompting MUC16 disruption and release from the ocular surface. This animal model could be used to study dry eye disease, especially the mucin-deficiency subtype.

Use of the Posterior/Anterior Corneal Curvature Radii Ratio to Improve the Accuracy of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation: Eom's Adjustment Method

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of IOL power calculation using adjusted corneal power according to the posterior/anterior corneal curvature radii ratio.

Methods

Nine hundred twenty-eight eyes from 928 reference subjects and 158 eyes from 158 cataract patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery were enrolled. Adjusted corneal power of cataract patients was calculated using the fictitious refractive index that was obtained from the geometric mean posterior/anterior corneal curvature radii ratio of reference subjects and adjusted anterior and predicted posterior corneal curvature radii from conventional keratometry (K) using the posterior/anterior corneal curvature radii ratio. The median absolute error (MedAE) based on the adjusted corneal power was compared with that based on conventional K in the Haigis and SRK/T formulae.

Results

The geometric mean posterior/anterior corneal curvature radii ratio was 0.808, and the fictitious refractive index of the cornea for a single Scheimpflug camera was 1.3275. The mean difference between adjusted corneal power and conventional K was 0.05 diopter (D). The MedAE based on adjusted corneal power (0.31 D in the Haigis formula and 0.32 D in the SRK/T formula) was significantly smaller than that based on conventional K (0.41 D and 0.40 D, respectively; P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The percentage of eyes with refractive prediction error within ± 0.50 D calculated using adjusted corneal power (74.7%) was significantly greater than that obtained using conventional K (62.7%) in the Haigis formula (P = 0.029).

Conclusions

IOL power calculation using adjusted corneal power according to the posterior/anterior corneal curvature radii ratio provided more accurate refractive outcomes than calculation using conventional K.

Comparative evaluation of refractive outcomes after implantation of two types of intraocular lenses with different diopter intervals (0.25 diopter versus 0.50 diopter)

Background

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) with different diopter (D) intervals may have different tolerance, and may provide different accuracy of refractive outcome after cataract surgery. The aim of the study is to compare the accuracy of refractive outcome after implantation of IOLs with different D intervals after cataract surgery.

Methods

A total of 80 eyes from 40 patients who underwent phacoemulsification with implantation of a 0.50 D interval Akreos AO IOL in one eye and a 0.25 D interval Softec HD™ IOL in the other eye were enrolled. The percentages of eyes with refractive prediction error within ±0.50 D at one month after surgery were compared. To evaluate the effect of the dioptric errors of the IOL itself on refractive prediction error, the percentage of eyes with refractive prediction error within ±0.25 D of the IOL with a standard deviation (SD) of ±0.40 D was compared with that of the IOL with a SD of ±0.11 D through Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

In this clinical study, the percentage of eyes with refractive prediction error within ±0.50 D by the Haigis formula in the Softec HD™ group (85.0%) was significantly greater than that in the Akreos AO group (57.5%; P = 0.027). In Monte Carlo simulations, all percentages of eyes with refractive prediction error within ±0.25 D by the Haigis and SRK/T formulas in the Softec HD™ group were significantly greater than those in the Akreos AO group.

Conclusions

The IOL with a 0.25 D interval was more accurate than the IOL with a 0.50 D interval in predicting refractive outcome after cataract surgery.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials KCT0002192, Retrospectively registered (Date of registration: 6 January 2017).

Effect of Cataract Grade according to Wide-Field Fundus Images on Measurement of Macular Thickness in Cataract Patients

Purpose

To investigate the effects of cataract grade based on wide-field fundus imaging on macular thickness measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Methods

Two hundred cataract patients (200 eyes) with preoperative measurements by wide-field fundus imaging and macular SD-OCT were enrolled. Cataract severity was graded from 1 to 4 according to the degree of macular obscuring by cataract artifact in fundus photo images. Cataract grade based on wide-field fundus image, the Lens Opacity Classification System III, macular thickness, and SD-OCT SNR were compared. All SD-OCT B-scan images were evaluated to detect errors in retinal layer segmentation.

Results

Cataract grade based on wide-field fundus imaging was positively correlated with grade of posterior subcapsular cataracts (rho = 0.486, p < 0.001), but not with nuclear opalescence or cortical cataract using the Lens Opacity Classification System III. Cataract grade was negatively correlated with total macular thickness (rho = −0.509, p < 0.001) and SD-OCT SNR (rho = −0.568, p < 0.001). SD-OCT SNR was positively correlated with total macular thickness (rho = 0.571, p < 0.001). Of 200 eyes, 97 (48.5%) had segmentation errors on SD-OCT. As cataract grade increased and SD-OCT SNR decreased, the percentage of eyes with segmentation errors on SD-OCT increased. All measurements of macular thickness in eyes without segmentation errors were significantly greater than those of eyes with segmentation errors.

Conclusions

Posterior subcapsular cataracts had profound effects on cataract grade based on wide-field fundus imaging. As cataract grade based on wide-field fundus image increased, macular thickness tended to be underestimated due to segmentation errors in SD-OCT images. Segmentation errors in SD-OCT should be considered when evaluating macular thickness in eyes with cataracts.

Comparison of Anterior, Posterior, and Total Corneal Astigmatism Measured Using a Single Scheimpflug Camera in Healthy and Keratoconus Eyes

Purpose

To compare the effect of posterior corneal astigmatism on the estimation of total corneal astigmatism using anterior corneal measurements (simulated keratometry [K]) between eyes with keratoconus and healthy eyes.

Methods

Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients with keratoconus of grade I or II and 33 eyes of 33 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled. Anterior, posterior, and total corneal cylinder powers and flat meridians measured by a single Scheimpflug camera were analyzed. The difference in corneal astigmatism between the simulated K and total cornea was evaluated.

Results

The mean anterior, posterior, and total corneal cylinder powers of the keratoconus group (4.37 ± 1.73, 0.95 ± 0.39, and 4.36 ± 1.74 cylinder diopters [CD], respectively) were significantly greater than those of the control group (1.10 ± 0.68, 0.39 ± 0.18, and 0.97 ± 0.63 CD, respectively). The cylinder power difference between the simulated K and total cornea was positively correlated with the posterior corneal cylinder power and negatively correlated with the absolute flat meridian difference between the simulated K and total cornea in both groups. The mean magnitude of the vector difference between the astigmatism of the simulated K and total cornea of the keratoconus group (0.67 ± 0.67 CD) was significantly larger than that of the control group (0.28 ± 0.12 CD).

Conclusions

Eyes with keratoconus had greater estimation errors of total corneal astigmatism based on anterior corneal measurement than did healthy eyes. Posterior corneal surface measurement should be more emphasized to determine the total corneal astigmatism in eyes with keratoconus.

Reliability and validity of the Atopic Dermatitis Symptom Score (ADSS)

BACKGROUND

We have developed the Atopic Dermatitis Symptom Score (ADSS) by which patients or parents can easily assess and record AD symptoms on a daily basis in a smartphone application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the ADSS.

METHODS

We enrolled 307 children and adolescents with AD. Parents or caregivers were asked to record daily symptoms of the patients (itching, sleep disturbance, erythema, dryness, oozing, and edema) using a scale of 0-4. Statistical analyses consisted of the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), responsiveness, floor or ceiling effects, and screening accuracy. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses were conducted to evaluate the ADSS cutoff point for predicting severe AD (SCORing AD [SCORAD] ≥40).

RESULTS

Test-retest reliability between daytime and night-time ADSS was good (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.82 [95% CI: 0.70-0.90]). An increase in ADSS was significantly associated with an increase in SCORAD (r = 0.64, P < .0001) (concurrent validity). The MCID was 4.1 points for the ADSS. There was a significant association between changes in ADSS and SCORAD (r = 0.56, P < .0001), indicating good responsiveness. At the optimal ADSS cutoff value of 7.0, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 88.4%, 78.6%, 21.1%, and 99.1%, respectively (screening accuracy).

CONCLUSIONS

The ADSS can be a useful tool for self-assessment of skin symptoms in children with AD.

The clinical usefulness of initial serum procalcitonin as an aggravation predictor in a hepatobiliary tract infection at emergency department

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The ability to predict future clinical deterioration early in patients who present to an emergency care center with a hepatobiliary tract infection is difficult. We studied the clinical usefulness of the initial serum levels of procalcitonin in a hepatobiliary tract infection as an indicator for predicting aggravation in the early stages.

METHODS

Of the patients who presented with the clinical symptoms of a hepatobiliary tract infection, 99 were diagnosed with a hepatobiliary tract infection by imaging studies and subsequently enrolled in the study. Laboratory tests were obtained in the early stage of disease after presentation to an emergency care center. We assessed and compared the serum levels of many early inflammatory markers (white blood cell [WBC] counts, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin) between patients whose symptoms were initially stable upon arrival to an emergency care center but then deteriorated to, those whose symptoms remained consistently stable. Thus, we examined if the above serum markers are useful in predicting the possibility of future symptom aggravation.

RESULTS

Of a total of 99 patients, 27 were assigned to the symptom aggravation group. The serum levels of WBC counts and C-reactive protein in the aggravation group were elevated. However, the median value (interquartile range) of procalcitonin was relatively increased at 2.28 (0.41-7.84 ng/ml), demonstrating a significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, initial serum levels of procalcitonin might be used as an indicator for aggravation in patients with hepatobiliary tract infection at the emergency department, even though there is hemodynamic stability.

A Preclinical Cadaver Fitting Study of Implantable Biventricular Assist Device - AnyHeart™

A multifunctional, Korean-made artificial heart (AnyHeart™) was developed, and prior to its clinical application, a cadaver-fitting study was performed. The study proposed to determine the optimal cannulation approach, implantation technique and route of the cannula to minimize the organ compression of AnyHeart™. The anatomical feasibility and a variety of surgical techniques were evaluated using ten preserved, human cadavers. Implanting AnyHeart™ with ease is possible using various approaches, including a median sternotomy, and a right or left lateral thoracotomy. The lateral thoracotomy approach is shown to be safe and reproducible, especially in patients who have already undergone an operation that used a median sternotomy. The results of this study will guide improvements in the designs of cannulae and AnyHeart™ for future clinical applications.

Influence of corneal power on intraocular lens power of the second eye in the SRK/T formula in bilateral cataract surgery

Background

To evaluate the effect of different adjustments of the refractive outcome of the first eye according to corneal power (K) in order to improve the intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation of the second eye in the SRK/T formula.

Methods

One hundred thirty-four patients who underwent uncomplicated bilateral, sequential phacoemulsification with AcrySof IQ implantation were enrolled. The optimal partial adjustment of the refractive outcome of the first eye according to K was retrospectively analyzed using a regression formula.

Results

In all patients, the optimal partial adjustment of the refractive outcome of the first eye was calculated as 56%. For K values between 42.8 D and 44.6 D, the optimal partial adjustment was calculated as 30%; however, this adjustment of the first eye did not significantly improve the refractive outcome in the second eye of the subgroup with K values between 42.8 D and 44.6 D. For K values greater than 44.6 D or less than 42.8 D, the optimal partial adjustments were calculated as 69% and 81%, respectively. According to these results, the adjustment of the first eye significantly improved the refractive outcome in the second eye from 0.36 to 0.26 D (P < 0.001) in the entire data set. This result was significantly lower than that using a single partial adjustment (56%) (0.28 D; P = 0.027).

Conclusions

For K values greater than 44.6 D or less than 42.8 D, an approximately 70–80% adjustment of the first eye error should be considered. In contrast, for K values between 42.8 D and 44.6 D, a 30% or less adjustment should be considered in the SRK/T formula.

iNKT cells prevent obesity-induced hepatic steatosis in mice in a C-C chemokine receptor 7-dependent manner

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are characterized by an increase in hepatic triglyceride content with infiltration of immune cells, which can cause steatohepatitis and hepatic insulin resistance. C-C chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) is primarily expressed in immune cells, and CCR7 deficiency leads to the development of multi-organ autoimmunity, chronic renal disease and autoimmune diabetes. Here, we investigated the effect of CCR7 on hepatic steatosis in a mouse model and its underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrated that body and liver weights were higher in the CCR7^−/− mice than in the wild-type (WT) mice when they were fed a high-fat diet. Further, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were markedly diminished in CCR7^−/− mice. The number of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells was reduced in the livers of the CCR7^−/− mice. Moreover, liver inflammation was detected in obese CCR7^−/− mice, which was ameliorated by the adoptive transfer of hepatic mononuclear cells from WT mice, but not through the transfer of hepatic mononuclear cells from CD1d^−/− or interleukin-10-deficient (IL-10^−/−) mice. Overall, these results suggest that CCR7⁺ mononuclear cells in the liver could regulate obesity-induced hepatic steatosis via induction of IL-10-expressing iNKT cells.