The effects of saline water consumption on sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, hormonal and antioxidants concentrations in Barki Rams

The study aimed to assess the effects of water salinity on the sperm parameters, levels of cortisol, LH, FSH, testosterone and antioxidants as well as the testes' histopathology in Barki rams. Fifteen healthy Barki rams (1-1.5 years) were divided into three equal depending on the type of drinking water for nine months. The rams in the tap water group (TW, water that contained 350 ppm of total dissolved salts (TDS). Males in the high saline water group (HSW) were permitted to consume high saline water with 8,934 ppm TDS, whereas those in the second group were permitted to have moderately saline water (MSW, 4,557 ppm TDS). High salt concentration in drinking water had adverse effect on sperm viability, morphology and sperm cell concertation. Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde concentrations in blood were significantly higher in the MSW and HSW groups than in TW. There was a significant decrease in glutathione concentration as well as superoxide dismutase activity in TDS and HSW. Cortisol was most highly concentrated in the HSW, next in the MSW, and least in TW. The testosterone, LH, and FSH concentrations in the HSW and MSW groups were significantly lower than in TW. As the salt concentration in drinking water increases, damage to testicular tissue. The MSW group demonstrating vacuolation of lining epithelial cells with pyknotic nuclei in the epididymis and necrosis and desquamation of spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubules while HSW group displaying desquamated necrotic cells and giant cell formation in the epididymis, as well as damage to some of the seminiferous tubules and showed congestion, vacuolation of spermatogenic epithelium of seminiferous tubules, and desquamated necrotic spermatogenic epithelium. In conclusion, the salinity of the water has detrimental impacts on the sperm morphology, viability and concentration, hormones and antioxidant levels in Barki rams.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-induced Sicca Syndrome

The development of sicca in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is undoubtedly an underestimated complication, but one whose functional consequences and impact on quality of life are significant for patients. This update aims to review the frequency of this complication and different clinical pictures. The authors also propose a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to guide clinicians in daily practice.

Prevalence of dry eye disease in the low vision population at the University of Colorado

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence of diagnosed dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, and blepharitis amongst the low vision population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients seen in the University of Colorado Low Vision Rehabilitation Service between the dates of 12/1/2017 and 12/1/2022. 74 ICD-10 codes were used to identify patients as having dry eye syndrome or not having dry eye syndrome. Data was further analyzed to determine the prevalence of blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction using 29 blepharitis and 9 meibomian gland dysfunction ICD-10 codes. Data were also analyzed to determine the age and sex of the patients with diagnosed dry eye syndrome.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients with a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome by an eyecare provider was 38.02 %. The prevalence of dry eye syndrome by age group was 3.57 % for 0-19 years, 14.35 % for 20-39 years, 29.07 % for 40-59 years, 43.79 % for 60-79 years, and 46.21 % for 80 and above. The prevalence of meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis was 11.90 % and 9.1 % respectively. Dry eye syndrome prevalence amongst males was 31.59 % and 42.47 % for females.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that dry eye syndrome in the low vision population is a significant co-morbidity occurring in over a third of patients in the University of Colorado Low Vision Rehabilitation Service. These findings are meaningful as ocular comfort should not be overlooked while managing complex visual needs.

Colorimetric sensor array combined with chemometric methods for the assessment of aroma produced during the drying of tencha

The aroma produced during drying is an important indicator of tencha and needs to be monitored. This study constructed an olfactory visualization system for assessing tencha aroma using colorimetric sensor array (CSA) combined with chemometric methods. The 16 chemically responsive dyes were selected to obtain aroma information of tencha samples and extracted image data of aroma information by machine vision algorithms. Subsequently, k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, classification and regression tree, and random forest (RF), four qualitative models were applied to build the mathematical models. The RF model with nine principal components was preferred, with recognition rate of 100.00% and 91.07% for the training and prediction sets, respectively. The experimental results showed that CSA combined with the RF model can be effectively applied to assess tencha aroma. This study provided a scientific and novel method to maintain the stability of tencha quality in the production process.

[Sjögren syndrome]

In 1933, the Swedish ophthalmologist Hendrik Sjögren was the first to suggest that behind the dryness that several of his patients presented, there could be a systemic disease related to an abnormal immune response. Since then, the term Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) has been used and it has been considered a minor and infrequent disorder compared to other systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD) and, consequently, with little progress both in clinical and therapeutic research. The emergence of new technologies at the end of the 20th century rapidly promoted the development of international projects of great impact and diffusion, which have completely changed this scenario, and in the last 20 years significant progress has been made in understanding the main epidemiological determinants and pathogenic mechanisms to increase the diagnostic accuracy and to design specific and individualized therapeutic strategies. Currently, SjS should be considered one of the most frequent SADs with an undoubtedly systemic phenotype beyond dryness, in which the identification of prognostic factors can allow personalized follow-up and, therefore, early therapeutic interventions that avoid severe, irreversible outcomes.

The influence of trophic status and seasonal environmental variability on morpho-functional traits in tropical man-made shallow lakes

In the tropics, seasons are delimitated by the extent of rainfall resulting in seasonal differences in water parameters shaping phytoplankton community dynamics. Dry periods can intensify eutrophication and often result in seasonal or even perennial cyanobacterial dominance. This study was developed to evaluate phytoplankton response to trophic state and seasonal differences of environmental filters (dry and rainy periods) using the morphology-based functional groups (MBFG) approach. We also aimed at identifying environmental thresholds of each MBFG dominance in six man-made lakes located in the tropical semiarid region of Brazil. Our results showed clear MBFG association with lakes' trophic states. The dominant groups in mesotrophic conditions were members of MBFGs V (unicellular flagellates) and VI (non-flagellated with a siliceous exoskeleton), and in meso-eutrophic MBFG IV (medium size without specialized traits) dominated. Conversely, MBFG VII (with mucilage and aerotopes) and VIII (nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria) dominated mostly under eutrophic conditions, though linked to shallower euphotic zones. Light and phosphorous were the most important environmental thresholds associated with MBFG's dominance. Overall, most of the lakes displayed seasonal differences in environmental filters. In contrast to what was expected, the rainy season was associated with higher nutrients, suspended solids, and reduced euphotic depth compared to the dry season. Our results, overall, show that the effects of seasonality varied across lakes and highlight eutrophication as the main environmental factor for MBFG selection suggesting reduced seasonality effects during dry years in the tropics.

Evaluation of daily disposable senofilcon A contact lenses in a symptomatic population

PURPOSE

To evaluate the comfort performance of ACUVUE OASYS® 1-Day with HydraLuxe™ Technology among symptomatic contact lens wearers by using Contact Lens User Experience (CLUE) comfort scores and Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire 8 (CLDEQ-8) discomfort and dryness scores.

METHODS

Three clinical trials evaluated comfort and dryness when refitting symptomatic contact lens wearers to ACUVUE OASYS® 1-Day with HydraLuxe™ lenses. This analysis combined the CLUE comfort and CLDEQ-8 scores obtained at baseline and 2-week follow-up and compared average scores between visits. Subjects were grouped by habitual lens modality (daily disposable or daily wear reusable) and habitual lens material (silicone hydrogel or hydrogel). The analysis included data from 107 subjects.

RESULTS

Significant increases in mean CLUE comfort scores between baseline and 2-week follow-up occurred in all subject groups across habitual lens modality and material, indicating an improvement in overall comfort. CLUE comfort score improved clinically (≥5-point increase) among 75.7% of subjects (81/107). Similarly, significant decrease in mean CLDEQ-8 scores between baseline and 2-week follow-up occurred in all subject groups, indicating a decrease in the prevalence of dryness and discomfort symptoms. CLDEQ-8 score improved clinically (≥3-point reduction) among 82.2% of subjects (88/107). A majority of subjects (57.0%) became asymptomatic (CLDEQ-8 score ≤ 11 points) after 2 weeks of bilateral wear.

CONCLUSION

Refitting symptomatic contact lens patients to ACUVUE OASYS® 1-Day with HydraLuxe™ can improve overall comfort and reduce symptoms of dryness and discomfort, irrespective of the previous lens modality or habitual lens material.

Evaluation of the effect of multipoint intra-mucosal vaginal injection of a specific cross-linked hyaluronic acid for vulvovaginal atrophy: a prospective bi-centric pilot study

Background

Vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA) is one of the common consequences of estrogen deficiency especially after the menopause. Several studies have assessed the effects of Hyaluronic acid (HA) on physical and sexual symptoms associated with VVA with promising results. However, most of these studies have focused on subjective assessment of symptom response to topically administered preparations. Nonetheless, HA is an endogenous molecule and it is logical that its effects are best realized if injected in the superficial epithelial layers. Desirial® is the first crosslinked HA that is administered by injection in the vaginal mucosa. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of multipoint vaginal intra-mucosal injections of specific cross-linked hyaluronic acid (DESIRIAL®, Laboratoires VIVACY) on several clinical and patient reported core outcomes.

Methods

A cohort bi-centric pilot study. The chosen outcomes included change in vaginal mucosa thickness, biological markers for collagen formation, vaginal flora, vaginal pH, vaginal health index, vulvo-vaginal atrophy symptoms and sexual function 8 weeks post Desirial® injection. Patients’ satisfaction was also assessed using the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) scale.

Results

A total of 20 participants were recruited between 19/06/2017 and 05/07/2018. At the end of the study, there was no difference in the median total thickness of the vaginal mucosa or in procollagen I, III or Ki67 fluorescence. However, there was a statistically significant increase in COL1A1 and COL3A1 gene expression (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0010 respectively). There was also a significant reduction in reported dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, vulvar pruritus, vaginal chafing and significant improvement in all female sexual function index dimensions. Based on PGI-I, 19 patients (95%) reported varying degrees of improvement where, 4 (20%) felt slightly better; 7 (35%) better and 8 (40%) much better.

Conclusions

Multi-point vaginal intra-mucosal injections, of Desirial® (a crosslinked HA) was significantly associated with the expression of CoL1A1 and CoL3A1 suggesting stimulation of collagen formation. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in VVA symptomatology and a significant improvement in patient satisfaction and sexual function scores. However, there was no demonstrable change in the total vaginal mucosal thickness.

Study registration ID-RCB: 2016-A00124-47, Protocol code number: LOCAL/2016/PM-001.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-021-01435-w.

Epidemiology of cutaneous involvement in Sjögren syndrome: Data from three French pSS populations (TEARS, ASSESS, diapSS)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and significance of dermatological disorders in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS).

METHODS

We used 2 pSS French cohorts (ASSESS, in which prevalence of skin disorders in 395 patients was evaluated; and diapSS, in which 76 on 139 pSS patients had an examination by a dermatologist) and baseline data of the TEARS randomized trial (110 patients with recent or active pSS treated with rituximab or placebo and evaluated for skin dryness using a visual analogue scale (VAS) out of 100).

RESULTS

Skin manifestations included in the EULAR Sjögren syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) were rare in the ASSESS cohort (n=16/395, 4.1%, mainly purpuras; only 3 had high activity), but they were associated with activity in the other ESSDAI domains (peripheral neurological (P<0.001), muscular (P<0.01), haematological (P<0.05), biological (P<0.05), history of arthritis (P<0.01), splenomegaly (P<0.05) and higher gamma globulin levels (P<0.01)). In the diapSS cohort, compared to pSS patients not receiving a dermatological consultation, the pSS patients who had a dermatological consultation had significantly more dermatological involvement outside the ESSDAI score [38.2% (29/76) versus 15.9% (10/63); P<0.01]. The TEARS study showed a high prevalence of cutaneous dryness (VAS>50; 48.2%) and found that patients with dry skin had higher VAS pain (P<0.01) and drought (P<0.01) scores.

CONCLUSION

ESSDAI skin activity is rare and associated with hypergammaglobulinemia and ESSDAI activity. Systematic dermatological examination is informative for non-specific lesions. The most common skin disorder is skin dryness, which is associated with a higher pain and overall subjective dryness.

Skin Recovery After Discontinuation of Long-Term Moisturizer Application: A Split-Face Comparison Pilot Study

Introduction

Facial moisturizers are commonly used by healthy women and increasingly men of all age groups. This study aimed to investigate the effects of moisturizer discontinuation and the subsequent evolution of symptoms.

Methods

Two prospective observational split-face comparison pilot studies were performed in Switzerland and enrolled (I) 20 healthy women aged 17–25 years in winter and (II) 36 female subjects 15–20 and 40–55 years of age in summer. Moisturizers were stopped on the investigational half of the face. On the control side, the usual skin care regimen was continued. Daily subjective (I/II) and objective (I) skin assessments for the occurrence of typical symptoms of dry skin (dryness, itching, scales, redness, wrinkles) were collected.

Results

In the winter study (cohort I) in both the subjective and objective assessment, all skin changes increased significantly within 1 day after discontinuation. On day 7, dryness (p < 0.001), itching (p < 0.025), redness (p < 0.001) and scales (p < 0.049) were significantly different in the subjective assessment and redness (p < 0.004) and scales (p < 0.001) in the objective assessment. Skin dryness reverted to baseline levels after 6 days in the objective assessment and 10 days in the subjective assessment. The control side’s condition was reached after 6 days. In the summer study (II), only among the 15–20-year-olds was dryness significantly higher on the intervention side from day 1 (p < 0.028) to day 14 (p < 0.009). Their recovery time was 11 days until dryness intensity scores comparable to baseline were reached, and 21 days until the control side’s values were matched. Over a 7-day period, the overall mean dryness score was significantly different between the interventional and control sides for both young and old participants.

Conclusions

Both healthy young and aging female subjects react with typical symptoms of temporary dryness to a sudden stop of a previous long-term moisturizer treatment but regain normal levels quickly without continuation of moisturizers. The skin recovery time for skin dehydration is 1–3 weeks in young female subjects with varying intensities depending on the season.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s13555-020-00453-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Sensory variability associated with anthocyanic and tannic fractions isolated from red wines

Tannins and anthocyanins are important modulators of the intrinsic quality of red wines, playing a major role in consumer preference and appreciation. Tannins are chiefly responsible for the astringency in wines although their role in eliciting different astringent subqualities is still relatively unknown. On the other hand, the sensory contribution of anthocyanic fractions is even less clear. The main aim of the present study was to assess whether anthocyanic fractions from red wine elicit specific mouthfeel and taste attributes that differ from their tannin counterparts, and to evaluate the contribution of anthocyanic and tannic fractions to taste and mouthfeel of red wines. Isolation of tannin (F_tannin) and anthocyanin (F_antho) fractions from 20 wines involved reversed-phase semipreparative liquid chromatography followed by solid phase extraction. The 40 derived fractions subsequently underwent sensory characterisation using a labelled sorting task and a rate-K attributes method. Bitterness and dryness were the salient attributes differing among the sensory spaces of both F_antho and F_tannin. Likewise, other independent and non-correlated mouthfeel dimensions differed for both F_antho ("grainy" and mouthcoating") and F_tannin ("gummy"). A significant linear model predicting wine dryness from the "dry" intensity of F_antho and F_tannin was obtained, with tannic fractions presenting a higher contribution than anthocyanic fractions. These results not only confirmed that tannins have a major implication in red wine dryness but also unequivocally demonstrated a relevant implication of certain anthocyanins in this attribute. In contrast, bitterness of the original wines could not be directly related to the bitterness perceived in any of the two groups of fractions. The addition of an extremely bitter anthocyanic fraction to wines only increased bitterness in certain wines, suggesting that bitterness in wines may result from perceptual interactions and that some wines contain strong bitterness suppressors.

An Investigation of the Skin Barrier Restoring Effects of a Cream and Lotion Containing Ceramides in a Multi-vesicular Emulsion in People with Dry, Eczema-Prone, Skin: The RESTORE Study Phase 1

Introduction

The replenishment of skin lipids depleted in the dry skin state is a desirable therapeutic target to restore skin moisturization; however, there is limited evidence demonstrating the success of this approach through the use of topical emollients. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of the benefits of a cream and equivalent lotion containing skin lipids in a multi-vesicular emulsion for the management of dry skin. The hypothesis was that the test cream and test lotion could sustain skin moisturization for longer than traditional emollients by sustainably delivering skin lipids.

Methods

A double-blind intra-subject vehicle-controlled single open-application test on the lower legs in people with dry, atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema)-prone, skin was conducted. There were six treatment sites, three per lower leg in each participant, which were treated with the test cream, the test lotion, three reference creams commonly prescribed in the UK and no treatment as a control. After baseline measurements of skin hydration, 100 μl of the test/reference creams was applied to each of the relevant treatment sites (random site allocation). Following treatment, measurements of skin hydration and scoring of visual dryness was conducted at timed intervals (3, 6, 12 and 24 h post-product application).

Results

The test cream and lotion both significantly increased skin hydration and reduced skin dryness for at least 24 h following a single application compared to a no treatment control site. Compared to three reference emollient creams the test cream and test lotion were the only products capable of sustaining clinically meaningful improvements in skin moisturization for 24 h.

Conclusion

The sustained moisturization imparted by the test products reduces the need for frequent emollient application, often requiring 3–4 applications per day for traditional emollients, and should reduce the high burden of managing dry skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

Comparative drought resistance of temperate grassland species: testing performance trade-offs and the relation to distribution

To improve projections of consequences of increasing intensity and frequency of drought events for grasslands, we need a thorough understanding of species performance responses to drought, of performance trade-offs and how drought resistance is related to species distributions. However, comparative and quantitative assessments of whole-plant drought resistance that allow to rigorously address these aspects are lacking for temperate grassland species. We conducted a common garden experiment with 40 common temperate grassland species to compare species survival and growth under intense drought and well-irrigated conditions. Overall, survival and growth were significantly reduced under drought, with the effect varying across species. Species ranking of drought damage and survival remained consistent with progressing drought. No performance trade-offs emerged between optimal growth and drought resistance of survival (‘growth–stress tolerance’ trade-off hypothesis), or between growth under well-watered and dry conditions (‘growth rates’ trade-off hypothesis). Species local- and large-scale association with moisture (Ellenberg F value and rainfall niche) was not related to their drought resistance. Overall, our results imply that trade-offs and differences of species fundamental drought resistance are not the main drivers of hydrological niche differentiation, species coexistence and their distribution across moisture gradients. The comparative experimental assessment of species whole-plant drought responses we present provides a basis to increase our understanding of current grassland responses to variation of moisture regimes and for projecting consequences of future changes.

Study of the pharmacokinetics of eriodictyol-6-C-β-d-glucoside, a flavonoid of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract, after its oral administration in mice

Systemic dry syndrome affects quality of life, and various effective methods are being developed for its treatment. We recently found that rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) extract activates muscarinic M₃ receptor and improves dryness in mice and humans. We identified eriodictyol-6-C-β-_D-glucoside (E6CG) as the active component affecting the secretory functions of exocrine glands; however, the pharmacokinetics and distribution of E6CG in exocrine glands have not been elucidated in mice receiving rooibos extract. We have developed a quantification method using LC-MS/MS to detect E6CG without an internal standard. Experiments on C57BL/6 mice administered rooibos extract showed that E6CG was transferred into blood plasma, with its concentration levels peaking 19.3 min after treatment. Substantial levels of E6CG were detected in the submandibular, sublingual, parotid, and lacrimal glands and in the sweat glands in palm skin. This study reports that rooibos extracts containing E6CG can be used as functional foods for improving systemic dryness.

Comparison of microbiome isolated from the conjunctiva, contact lens and lens storage case of symptomatic and asymptomatic contact lens users

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Contact lenses (CLs) are increasingly being used for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes. Lack of compliance and poor hygiene towards lens care is strongly associated with microbial contamination and has been proved to result in eye infections. The present study was done to compare the microbial flora between symptomatic and asymptomatic contact lens users. The study also attempts to analyze the contact lens hygiene practices of CL users.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six samples each were collected from both the eyes, CLs and lens cases of 40 CL users (n=240) divided into two groups based on symptoms present asasymptomatic CL users and symptomatic CL users. Organisms were identified using standard microbiological techniques.

RESULTS

The proportion GNB obtained in symptomatic CL users was significantly higher when compared to asymptomatic CL users (p-value= <0.003). In 56.2% eyes, the microbial flora of conjunctiva was similar to either the contact lens isolate/storage case. Enterococcal microbial keratitis was seen in one case.

CONCLUSION

There was significant microbial contamination present in CL users despite compliance to contact lens hygiene practices. There were a significant number of bacteria (p-value <0.001) present which were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and cefotaxime in both the groups.

Understanding and addressing dryness during wound healing

Timely wound healing supports positive outcomes for both the patient and the clinician. The cause of a non-healing wound needs both identifying and addressing. A dry wound bed will result in a lengthy healing process, impacting both the patient and the clinician, physically and financially. It is imperative to correctly identify the cause of a non-healing wound and address the causative factors using evidence-based best practice. A non-healing wound may be attributed to various factors, such as inappropriate dressing, lack of hydration, medication or underlying medical disease. Identification of the cause will support the most appropriate management choice. In order to explain the issues of a dry wound, it is imperative that the clinician first has an understanding of the concept of moist wound healing.

Analysis of Acinetobacter baumannii survival in liquid media and on solid matrices as well as effect of disinfectants

BACKGROUND

Acinetobacter baumannii is a cause of healthcare-associated infections and has considerable potential to survive on inanimate hospital surfaces under hostile conditions (e.g. disinfection or desiccation).

AIM

To learn more about its survival strategy and capacity to persist in liquid media and on surfaces mimicking hospital environments.

METHODS

The effect of temperature, nutrient deprivation, permanence on inanimate surfaces, and exposure to disinfectants on the survival of four A. baumannii strains (ATCC 19606^T and three clinical isolates) was studied by monitoring the number of total and viable cells using fluorescent microscopy and of culturable cells by standard cultures.

FINDINGS

Bacterial survival was differentially affected by temperature (cells maintained at 20°C remained culturable at least within 30 days) and physical environment (desiccation favoured cell resistance to stress at 37°C). Moreover, persistence was associated with two adaptation patterns: one linked to entry into the viable but non-culturable state, whereas the other apparently followed a bust-and-boom model. During a study on the effect of disinfectant (commercial bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds), it was found that treatment with these antibacterial compounds did not eliminate A. baumannii populations and provoked the reduction of culturable populations, although a fraction of cells remained culturable.

CONCLUSION

The ability to persist for long periods on different surfaces, mimicking those usually found in hospitals, along with A. baumannii's capacity to survive after a disinfection process may account for the recurrent outbreaks in intensive care units.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by focal lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands causing dry eyes and dry mouth. Similar glandular features can also occur as a late complication in patients with other rheumatic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma ('secondary' Sjögren's syndrome).¹ Anti-Ro and/or anti-La (ENA) antibodies are found in approximately 70% of pSS patients, generally with ANA positivity. Hypergammaglobulinaemia is also common. Systemic features also occur in some patients with pSS. A positive rheumatoid factor (RF) is often seen and so if patients present with arthritis, dryness and a positive RF a diagnosis of pSS should be considered as a possible alternative to RA. Anti-CCP antibodies are more specific for RA.

New Ringer's lactate gel formulation on nasal comfort and humidification

Introduction

The use of saline irrigation for nasal washes is a well established procedure in the treatment of sinonasal inflammation and infection. In addition to saline solutions, Ringer's lactate is also an efficient option for nasal washes and humidification.

Objective

To assess the comfort, humidification and tolerance regarding stinging sensation, provided by sodium chloride nasal gel at the concentrations of 4.5 mg/g and 6.0 mg/g through questionnaires answered by the patients.

Methods

A total of 60 patients, 56 females, aged between 22 and 66 years old (mean age of 47) and 4 males, aged between 36 and 66 years (mean age of 49), were included in the study for a period of 17 days (±2 days) treatment. The patients were monitored by a general practitioner throughout the study period. They were instructed to apply each product in both nostrils twice a day during a 7-day period (±2 days). The patients were evaluated prior to the use of the first product at visit 0 (V0), after 7 days of treatment (±2 days) at visit 1 (V1), after 3 days of product discontinuation at visit 2 (V2) and after 7 days (±2 days) of treatment with the second product, in visit 3 (V3).

Results

A significant difference (5% significance) was observed regarding comfort and stinging sensation between the two different concentrations; comfort was higher and stinging was lower with the 6.0 mg/g concentration gel. No difference in humidification was observed between the two treatments.

Conclusion

Ringer's lactate at the concentration of 6.0 mg/g was superior to that at 4.5 mg/g for parameters comfort and stinging sensation. No statistical difference was observed between the two products regarding nasal humidification.

Assessment of visual function and Vision-related Quality of Life in female contact lens wearers with Dry Eye Syndrome

Purpose

To assess visual function and Vision-related Quality of Life (VRQOL) in female contact lens wearers with Dry Eye Syndrome in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a cross sectional study. Saudi Females subjects with and without DES (contact lens wearer [CLW] and Non-contact lens wearers [NCLW]) aged between 16 and 35 years were included in this study. Subjects were recruited from female campus at King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, KSA. Measurements include corneal topography, visual acuity (VA), autorefraction, contrast sensitivity (CS), Schirmer's test and Tear breakup test (TBUT) were performed on all subjects. In addition, corneal thickness was measured using Pentacam HR to compare between the total corneal thickness (TCT) in DES and Non-DES groups. Contact Lens Impact on Quality of Life (CLIQ) Questionnaire was used to assess VRQOL. Visual functions and VRQOL were compared between groups (contact lens (CL) and NCLW) using SPSS program version 23 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA).

Results

A total of 100 subjects with DES (n = 44 including 25 CLW and 19 NCLW), and non-DES (n = 56 including 17 CLW and 39 NCLW) were included in this study. The mean age of participants with DES was 21.39 years and was 20.96 years of participants Non-DES. There were no significant different in VA, CS, and TCT between subjects DES and Non-DES (P > 0.05), which indicates that dryness have no effect on the visual function and TCT. Contact lens wearers had higher score on convince, economic and psychological items than NCLW. Within CL group, subjects with DES had higher score on convince and psychological items. Similarly, within DES group, subjects who wore CL had higher score on convince and psychological items.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that dryness may has no effect on visual function in both CLW and NCLW. Psychological and convenience domains of VRQOL were negatively affect in Saudi female patients with DES specially who wear CL.

Microablative fractional CO2 laser for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: power of 30 or 40 W?

This retrospective case-control study aimed to compare 30 versus 40 W power of CO₂ laser for the therapy of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Postmenopausal women with severe intensity of dyspareunia and dryness were eligible to be included in this study. Primary outcomes were dyspareunia and dryness. Secondary outcomes were itching/burning, dysuria, frequency and urgency, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), vaginal maturation value (VMV), and Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS). One laser therapy was applied every month for 3 months. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 1 month following the 3rd therapy. Fifty (25 per group) women were included in this study. In the 30-W group, mean improvement of dyspareunia, dryness, itching/burning, FSFI, VMV, and VHIS was 6.1 ± 1.7, 6.0 ± 1.9, 5.9 ± 2.0, 16.6 ± 6.7, 29.9 ± 13.0, and 11.0 ± 2.9, respectively (within group comparisons all p < 0.001). In the 40-W group, mean improvement of dyspareunia, dryness, itching/burning, FSFI, VMV, and VHIS was 6.1 ± 1.7, 6.5 ± 2.0, 5.2 ± 2.5, 14.8 ± 7.1, 25.0 ± 13.4, and 10.5 ± 4.1, respectively (within-group comparisons, all p ≤ 0.001). Comparison between 30 and 40 W revealed that mean improvement or presence of all GSM symptoms and clinical signs was not statistically significant different. CO₂ laser therapy may improve GSM symptoms and clinical signs. This improvement did not seem to associate to power of 30 or 40 W.

The ginseng's fireness is associated with the lowering activity of liver Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginseng is an herbal medicine used worldwide that possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities. However, its side effects are rarely discussed. The experience of Chinese medicine has revealed that taking ginseng at a high dose chronically can cause fireness, i.e., the ginseng-abuse syndrome. Here, we explored the mechanism of ginseng's fireness by comparing the energy metabolism of mice affected by red ginseng (RG), ginseng (GS), ginseng leaves (GL) and American ginseng (AG), which exhibit different drug properties according to the theory of TCM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

KM mice were randomly divided into five groups (n≥30 per group) and administered distilled water or drugs, respectively. Mice receiving RG, GS, or GL received 4.5g/(kgday), while the mice receiving AG received 3g/(kgday). Control mice received distilled water. The duration of exposure for all groups was 31 days. The mice's physical characteristics, such as eye condition, rectal temperature, saliva secretion, urine, stool weight, blood coagulation time and swimming time, were measured at different times after administration. Energy metabolism indexes were measured via TSE phenoMaster/LabMaster animal monitoring system, including the mice' 24h oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heat production (H) and energy expenditure (EE). Biochemical indices were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometer and microplate reader, including pyruvic acid content in serum and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and the content of glycogen in the liver tissue.

RESULTS

After 31 days of drug administration, mice in the RG and GS groups exhibited obviously more eye secretions, less saliva secretion and less urine. Compared with the control group, the swimming times of mice in the GS, AG and GL groups were significantly prolonged; the clotting time of mice in the GL was extended significantly; VCO2, H and EE of mice in the GS group were obviously increased; Pyruvate content of mice in the RG group showed an initial decrease followed by an increase; SDH activity of mice in the AG and GL groups was significantly inhibited; LDH activity of the mice showed no significant difference among different groups; Na(+)-K(+)-ATP enzyme activity of the RG and GS groups showed up-regulation initially and then down-regulation; the content of hepatic glycogen of mice in the GS and GL groups increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated that RG and GS with their warm drug nature could enhance the body's energy metabolism to produce their dryness to the body. The liver Na(+)-K(+)-ATP enzyme activity may be the primary index for indicating the fireness of ginseng. In addition, our results demonstrated that ginseng, especially red ginseng, is not suitable for long time application with a higher dose.

The use of daily disposable lenses in problematic reusable contact lens wearers

PURPOSE

Replacing soft contact lenses (CLs) on a daily basis brings a number of advantages, most notably, reduced exposure to deposits, disinfectants, allergens, and other contaminants. This retrospective study estimated the prevalence of problems in current wearers of reusable soft CLs and tested the effect of refitting "problem" patients with daily disposable (DD) hydrogel lenses.

METHODS

Prevalence was estimated from 398 current reusable CL wearers for: frequent/constant discomfort or dryness, ≥2 h of uncomfortable wear, ≥grade 2 conjunctival hyperaemia (0-4), or ≥grade 3 corneal staining (0-15). In the second part of the study, 217 reusable CL wearers classified as problem patients were randomly refitted with DD lenses manufactured from one of two materials: etafilcon A (n=96) or nelfilcon A (n=121) and reassessed 1 week later.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine percent (154/398) had some qualifying criterion: reduced comfortable wearing time (CWT), 20%; dryness, 20%; irritation, 5%; corneal staining, 8%; and hyperaemia, 7%. After refitting with DDs, the prevalence of reduced CWT was decreased from 65% to 51% (P=0.0039), dryness from 60% to 41% (P < 0.0001) and corneal staining from 28% to 21% (P=0.04). There was no significant change in the prevalence of irritation, or hyperaemia. Some differences were noted between the two lens materials.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of reusable soft lens wearers encounter clinically relevant signs or symptoms with their current CLs. This study provides evidence that refitting with DD lenses is a useful strategy for alleviating some of the common problems of CL wear.

Ethnic differences in dry eye symptoms: effects of corneal staining and length of contact lens wear

PURPOSE

To explore the relationships among length of contact lens (CL) wear, degree of corneal staining and severity of dryness symptoms, and to determine whether these relationships differ between Asians and non-Asians.

METHODS

Adapted soft CL wearers (n=395; 180 Asian, 215 non-Asian) were required to discontinue CL wear for at least 24h and report to the University of California, Berkeley Clinical Research Center (UCB-CRC). Fluorescein corneal staining was graded according to Brien Holden Vision Institute scales. Length of CL wear was reported by subjects and subjective dryness ratings were collected using the UCB-CRC Dry Eye Flow Chart (DEFC).

RESULTS

More Asian CL wearers exhibited corneal staining compared to non-Asians, and Asian CL wearers had a higher mean grade of corneal staining (p<0.001), as well as a higher mean DEFC classification (p<0.001). The difference between Asians and non-Asians in grades of corneal staining extent and depth were significant (p<0.001). Among non-Asian CL wearers, dryness symptoms decreased with more years of CL wear and increased in the presence of corneal staining, which was not the case for Asian CL wearers.

CONCLUSIONS

Asian soft CL wearers reported more severe dryness symptoms and demonstrated more severe corneal staining overall compared to non-Asians. Among non-Asians, dryness symptoms were less severe on average with increased years of CL wear and more severe in the presence of corneal staining. Dryness severity does not appear to be related to years of CL wear or corneal staining among Asians.