Characteristic cytokine profile of the aqueous humor in eyes with congenital cataract and pre-existing posterior capsule dysfunction

ObjectivesTo investigate the characteristic cytokine profile of the aqueous humor in eyes with congenital cataract and pre-existing posterior capsule dysfunction (PCD).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the enrolled eyes with congenital cataract and PCD were included in the PCD group, while those with an intact posterior capsule were included in the control group. Demographic data and biometric parameters were recorded. The levels of 17 inflammatory factors in the aqueous humor collected from the enrolled eyes were detected using Luminex xMAP technology, and intergroup differences in the collected data were analyzed.ResultsThe PCD group comprised 41 eyes from 31 patients with congenital cataract and PCD, whereas the control group comprised 42 eyes from 27 patients with congenital cataract and an intact posterior capsule. Lens thickness was significantly thinner in the PCD group than in the control group. However, the levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly higher in the PCD group than in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that lens thickness and TGF-β2 level were independent risk factors for PCD.ConclusionA thinner lens thickness in eyes with congenital cataract and PCD could serve as a biometric feature of these eyes. The higher levels of MCP-1, TGF-β2, and VEGF in eyes with PCD indicated a change in their intraocular inflammatory microenvironment, which possibly led to cataract progression. Lens thickness and TGF-β2 level are independent risk factors for PCD

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Purpose. To investigate meibomian gland and tear film function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods. This prospective study compared changes in meibomian gland and tear film function in type 2 diabetic patients with nondiabetic patients. Meibomian gland function was evaluated by measuring lipid layer thickness (LLT), grading of meibomian gland loss, lid margin abnormalities, and expression of meibum. Tear film function was assessed by measuring tear breakup time (TBUT), the Schirmer I test, noninvasive breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and corneal fluorescein staining. Results. Meibography scores were significantly higher in the diabetic group compared with the nondiabetic group (p=0.004). The number of expressible glands was significantly lower in the diabetic group in temporal, central, and nasal third of the lower eyelid (nasal: p=0.002; central: p=0.040; and temporal: p=0.039). The lid margin abnormality score was significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the nondiabetic group (p=0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in the tear film function parameters between the two groups. Conclusions. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in type 2 diabetic patients is more severe compared with nondiabetic patients. Overall, most of the diabetic patients manifest as having asymptomatic MGD

Increasing Area and Decreasing Depth: Climate Change Influence on Snow Variations in the Qilian Mountains

The Qilian Mountains serve as a critical water source for the Yellow River and various inland rivers, playing a pivotal role in regulating the regional climate. Given their significance as one of the foremost water resources in the area, the spatial and temporal dynamics of the snow are crucial for understanding potential impacts on regional hydrology and ecology. This study examines the characteristics of spatial and temporal variations in snow-covered extent (SCE), snow depth (SD), snow-covered days (SCD), snow onset date (SOD), and snow end date (SED) within the Qilian Mountains region. We investigate the hydrological and ecological implications utilizing snow area and phenology data, alongside SD data. The findings indicate that: (1) the distribution of snow across the Qilian Mountains mainly splits between the central and western areas, with the central region showing deeper snow than both the eastern and western parts; (2) the area covered by snow in the Qilian Mountains is growing, but the depth of the snow is on a decline, especially in the central area; (3) in terms of snow phenology, most of the region is witnessing an earlier start of SOD, a longer SCD, and an earlier SED. An overall increase in precipitation is identified as the key factor behind the expanded SCE in the Qilian Mountains, while rising temperatures are pinpointed as the primary cause for the reduction in SD. As global climate change intensifies, the observed alterations in the snow of the Qilian Mountains present emerging challenges for regional water security and ecological equilibrium

Clinical Study Evaluation of Monocular Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction with an Automated Thermodynamic System in Elderly Chinese Patients: A Contralateral Eye Study

. Purpose. To investigate the safety and efficacy of monocular treatment for elderly Chinese patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) with an automated thermodynamic system. Methods. This study was a prospective, examiner-masked, contralateral eye clinical trial. The eye perceived by the patient to be worse (test eye) received a 12-minute LipiFlow treatment, while the other eye served as control. All patients were examined before treatment and one week, one month, and three months after treatment. Clinical parameters included dry eye symptoms, lipid layer thickness (LLT), partial blink (PB) ratio, invasive tear breakup time (ITBUT) and cornea staining, Schirmer I test, meibomian glands yielding liquid secretion (MGYLS), and meibomian gland dropout. Results. A total of 29 patients were examined during the three-month follow-up. At each posttreatment visit, they had a significant reduction in dry eye symptoms accompanied by an increase of ITBUT and MGYLS and a reduction in corneal staining compared with the baseline parameters. There was a significant improvement in MGYLS and ITBUT in the test eye compared with the control eye. Other clinical parameters were not statistically significant. Conclusion. LipiFlow is an effective treatment for patients with MGD. Monocular treatment with LipiFlow may be a cost-effective treatment option to those afflicted with MGD in the developing world

Effect of the Microstructure and Distribution of the Second Phase on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of Biomedical Mg-Zn-Zr-xSr Alloys

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) properties of the bi-directional forged (BDF) Mg-4Zn-0.6Zr-xSr (ZK40-xSr, x = 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 wt %) alloys were studied by the slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) testing in modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF). The average grain size of the BDF alloys were approximately two orders of magnitude smaller than those of the as-cast alloys. However, grain refinement increased the hydrogen embrittlement effect, leading to a higher SCC susceptibility in the BDF ZK40-0/0.4Sr alloys. Apart from the grain refinements effect, the forging process also changed the distribution of second phase from the net-like shape along the grain boundary to a uniformly isolated island shape in the BDF alloys. The SCC susceptibility of the BDF ZK40-1.2/1.6Sr alloys were lower than those of the as-cast alloys. The change of distribution of the second phase suppressed the adverse effect of Sr on the SCC susceptibility in high Sr–containing magnesium alloys. The results indicated the stress corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys was related to the average grain size of matrix and the distribution and shape of the second phase

Evaluation of Monocular Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction with an Automated Thermodynamic System in Elderly Chinese Patients: A Contralateral Eye Study

Purpose. To investigate the safety and efficacy of monocular treatment for elderly Chinese patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) with an automated thermodynamic system. Methods. This study was a prospective, examiner-masked, contralateral eye clinical trial. The eye perceived by the patient to be worse (test eye) received a 12-minute LipiFlow treatment, while the other eye served as control. All patients were examined before treatment and one week, one month, and three months after treatment. Clinical parameters included dry eye symptoms, lipid layer thickness (LLT), partial blink (PB) ratio, invasive tear breakup time (ITBUT) and cornea staining, Schirmer I test, meibomian glands yielding liquid secretion (MGYLS), and meibomian gland dropout. Results. A total of 29 patients were examined during the three-month follow-up. At each posttreatment visit, they had a significant reduction in dry eye symptoms accompanied by an increase of ITBUT and MGYLS and a reduction in corneal staining compared with the baseline parameters. There was a significant improvement in MGYLS and ITBUT in the test eye compared with the control eye. Other clinical parameters were not statistically significant. Conclusion. LipiFlow is an effective treatment for patients with MGD. Monocular treatment with LipiFlow may be a cost-effective treatment option to those afflicted with MGD in the developing world

The Effect of Anterior Capsule Polishing on Capsular Contraction and Lens Stability in Cataract Patients with High Myopia

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of anterior capsule polishing in patients with high myopia after cataract surgery. Setting. The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China. Design. Prospective study. Methods. High myopic patients with a bilateral cataract who underwent phacoemulsification with 360° anterior capsular polishing in one eye and without polishing in the contralateral eye were recruited. The following parameters were recorded at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, including the area and diameter of the anterior capsule opening (area and D), IOL tilt and decentration, refraction, and postoperative aqueous depth (PAD). Results. Paired samples of 38 eyes of 19 patients were enrolled. The area decreased significantly in both the polished group and unpolished group, whereas the diameter reduced more in the unpolished group. The IOL tilt and decentration at 3-month and 6-month follow-up showed significant differences between two groups. In the unpolished group, the IOL decentration firstly appeared between one-month to three-month visit, while the refraction error, PAD, and IOL tilt were significantly different between the three-month and six-month visits. Conclusion. 360° anterior capsule polishing can effectively reduce the extent of the anterior capsule contraction and increase the stability of IOL. The study was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, and the clinical trial accession number is NCT 03142269

Mixed Fermentation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bacillus licheniformis Changed the Chemical Composition, Bacterial Community, and Rumen Degradation Rate of Tea Residue

Tea residue, as a byproduct in tea processing, is highly nutritious and can be used as a good raw material for ruminant feed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) mixed fermentation of tea residue mixture (tea residue:wheat bran, 7:3) on chemical composition, bacterial community, and rumen degradation rate. Changes in chemical composition and bacterial community were evaluated after 0 (F0), 1 (F1), 3 (F3), and 5 (F5) days of fermentation. The rumen degradation rate was studied by the in situ nylon bag method. Compared with group F0, acid soluble protein in other groups increased while pH and neutral detergent fiber decreased (p < 0.05). The group F5 was the best. The diversity of bacterial communities in group F0 was significantly lower than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes and the genus Lactobacillus increased with increasing fermentation time. The rumen degradation rates of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were increased after fermentation. In conclusion, mixed fermentation of tea residue by L. plantarum and B. licheniformis can ameliorate chemical composition, reduce bacterial community diversity, and improve the rumen degradation rate

Mixed Fermentation of <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> and <i>Bacillus licheniformis</i> Changed the Chemical Composition, Bacterial Community, and Rumen Degradation Rate of Tea Residue

Tea residue, as a byproduct in tea processing, is highly nutritious and can be used as a good raw material for ruminant feed. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) and Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) mixed fermentation of tea residue mixture (tea residue:wheat bran, 7:3) on chemical composition, bacterial community, and rumen degradation rate. Changes in chemical composition and bacterial community were evaluated after 0 (F0), 1 (F1), 3 (F3), and 5 (F5) days of fermentation. The rumen degradation rate was studied by the in situ nylon bag method. Compared with group F0, acid soluble protein in other groups increased while pH and neutral detergent fiber decreased (p 0.05). The group F5 was the best. The diversity of bacterial communities in group F0 was significantly lower than those in the other groups (p 0.05). The relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes and the genus Lactobacillus increased with increasing fermentation time. The rumen degradation rates of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were increased after fermentation. In conclusion, mixed fermentation of tea residue by L. plantarum and B. licheniformis can ameliorate chemical composition, reduce bacterial community diversity, and improve the rumen degradation rate