Search

This document summarizes a study on endogenous Staphylococcus aureus endophthalmitis (ESaE), a rare but serious complication that can lead to vision loss. The study focused on cases in Taiwan and examined the source of infection, risk factors, treatments, and visual outcomes. The most common predisposing factor for ESaE was diabetes mellitus, and septic arthritis was the most frequently identified source of infection. Poor initial visual acuity and retinal detachment were predictors for worse visual outcomes. All MRSA and MSSA strains were susceptible to vancomycin. The study did not find a statistically significant difference in visual acuity outcomes between the MRSA and MSSA groups. [Extracted from the article]

Low-melting-point Ga–xSn eutectic composites and natural silicate mineral powders were used as the electrode and solid-state electrolyte, respectively, in all-solid-state batteries for green energy storage systems. The influences of the Sn content in the Ga–xSn composite electrode on the electrochemical performance of the batteries were evaluated, and liquid composites with a Sn concentration of up to 30 wt.% demonstrated suitability for electrode fabrication through dip coating. Sodium-enriched silicate was synthesized to serve as the solid-state electrolyte membrane because of the abundance of water molecules in its interlayer structure, enabling ion exchange. The battery capacity increased with the Sn content of the Ga–xSn anode. The formation of intermetallic compounds and oxides (CuGa2, Ga2O3, Cu6Sn5, and SnO2) resulted in a high charge–discharge capacity and stability. The Ga–Sn composite electrode for all-solid-state batteries exhibits a satisfiable capacity and stability and shows potential for jet-printed electrode applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducts low-vacuum sulfidation to form a sulfidation layer on the serpentinite-derived magnesium iron silicate, thereby enhancing its electrochemical properties. Results show (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 calcined at 900 °C has the best crystallinity, and the cubic FeS2 is synthesized on the surface of the orthorhombic magnesium iron silicate (MFS). Two distinct charge plateaus can be distinguished during the first charge process, and the discharge capacities increased significantly. This study confirms that the surface FeS2 layer provides extra ion pathways, allowing more lithium/magnesium ions to be extracted and inserted in the serpentinite-derived magnesium iron silicate. Accordingly, the serpentinite electrode boasts straightforward exploitation with low-cost advantages and potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to assess the protective effect of pioglitazone (PGZ) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. Adult C57BL/6 mice with induced diabetes were divided into three groups: group 1: oral PGZ (20 mg/kg) in 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 4 weeks; group 2: oral PGZ (10 mg/kg) in 0.1% DMSO for 4 weeks; and group 3: oral DMSO only for 4 weeks (control group). Two weeks after treatment, AION was induced through photochemical thrombosis. For non-diabetic mice, adult C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups after AION was induced: group 1: oral DMSO for 4 weeks; group 2: oral PGZ (20 mg/kg) in 0.1% DMSO for 4 weeks; group 3: oral PGZ (20 mg/kg) in 0.1% DMSO + peritoneal injection of GW9662 (one kind of PPAR-γ inhibitor) (1 mg/kg) for 4 weeks; group 4: peritoneal injection of GW9662 (1 mg/kg) for 4 weeks; One week after the induction of AION in diabetic mice, apoptosis in RGCs was much lower in group 1 (8.0 ± 4.9 cells/field) than in group 2 (24.0 ± 11.5 cells/field) and 3 (25.0 ± 7.7 cells/field). Furthermore, microglial cell infiltration in the retina (group 1: 2.0 ± 2.6 cells/field; group 2: 15.6 ± 3.5 cells/field; and group 3: 14.8 ± 7.5 cells/field) and retinal thinning (group 1: 6.7 ± 5.7 μm; group 2: 12.8 ± 6.1 μm; and group 3: 15.8 ± 5.8 μm) were also lower in group 1 than in the other two groups. In non-diabetic mice, preserved Brn3A+ cells were significantly greater in group 2 (2382 ± 140 Brn3A+ cells/mm2, n = 7) than in group 1 (1920 ± 228 Brn3A+ cells/mm2; p = 0.03, n = 4), group 3 (1938 ± 213 Brn3A+ cells/mm2; p = 0.002, n = 4), and group 4 (2138 ± 126 Brn3A+ cells/mm2; p = 0.03, n = 4), respectively; PGZ confers protection to RGCs from damage caused by ischemic optic neuropathy in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IVDU is a common source of ophthalmic morbidity, accounting for 9% of all cases of endophthalmitis at one academic referral centre.5 IVDU-related endogenous endophthalmitis typically arises from I C. albicans i and I Staphylococcus aureus i .2-5 However, increasing incidence of endogenous I Klebsiella i endophthalmitis has been reported worldwide in recent decades. Patients with IVDU-related endogenous fungal endophthalmitis are typically young and have minimal systemic complaints.3,5 In our study group, one patient (patient 5) with I Candida i endophthalmitis had obvious systemic complaints that were associated with infective endocarditis. IVDU can cause vision-threatening endogenous fungal and bacterial endophthalmitis that involves the hematogenous dissemination of pathogens to the eye.2-5 Although the prevalence of IVDU has increased throughout East Asia, reports of IVDU-related endophthalmitis are rare. [Extracted from the article]

Endogenous fungal endophthalmitis (EFE) is a vision-threatening intraocular infection and a rare complication of fungemia. Early diagnosis and prompt aggressive treatment are crucial to avoid vision loss. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 37 patients (49 eyes) with EFE who were treated at a tertiary referral hospital from January 2000 to April 2019. The most common risk factor was diabetes (24 patients; 65%), followed by recent hospitalization, urinary tract disease, liver disease, and immunosuppressive therapy. Two or more risk factors were detected in 24 patients (65%), and yeasts (29 patients; 78%) were more commonly detected than mold (8 patients; 22%). The most common fungal isolates were Candida spp. (78%), especially Candida albicans (70%). Moreover, 24 eyes in 21 patients underwent vitrectomy, and 2 eyes underwent evisceration. Retinal detachment (RD) occurred in 17 eyes (35%) in 14 patients, and eyes without RD exhibited significantly superior visual outcomes (p = 0.001). A comparison of the initial VA between the better (20/200 or better) and worse groups (worse than 20/200) revealed that better initial VA was related to a superior visual outcome (p = 0.003). Therefore, to achieve superior visual outcomes, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are necessary for patients with EFE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the clinical settings and features, management, and visual outcomes of exogenous bacterial endophthalmitis with retinal vasculitis and posterior pole preretinal exudates. Retrospectively reviewed records for 40 eyes of 40 patients. Retinal vasculitis was identified with focal type in eight eyes and diffuse type in 32 eyes. Posterior pole preretinal exudates were identified with discrete type in 23 eyes and condensed type in 17 eyes. Final VA was 20/200 or better in 23 of 40 eyes (57.5%). Multivariate linear regression revealed that condensed posterior pole preretinal exudates (P =.005) and ocular hypertension (P =.012) were the significant independent factors for poor visual outcomes. Condensed posterior pole preretinal exudates and ocular hypertension are critical prognostic factors for poor visual outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective study aimed at determine whether eye irrigation removes ocular foreign bodies (FBs) and whether ocular pain predicts FBs. Emergency department patients complaining of ocular FBs were enrolled. In the irrigation group (n = 52), pain was evaluated with a visual analog scale before and after irrigation, and the presence of FBs was determined under a slit-lamp. In the nonirrigation group (n = 27), the evaluations were performed upon arrival. The corneal FB retention rate was found significantly lower in the irrigation (13/52, 25%) than in the nonirrigation groups (13/27, 48%; P = 0.04). After irrigation, those without FBs had more patients experiencing pain reduction (67%) compared to those with retained FBs (46%; P = 0.14) and had a greater magnitude of change in pain score (mean ± SD, − 2.6 ± 2.7 vs. − 0.7 ± 1.4; P = 0.02). An improvement in ocular pain score ≥ 5 points after irrigation predicted the absence of FBs with a negative predictive value of 100%. Eye irrigation significantly lowered corneal FB retention; if ocular pain decreased considerably, the probability of retained FBs was low, making irrigation-associated pain score reduction a feasible diagnostic method to exclude FB retention without needing specialized ophthalmic examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the US obtained control of the seas in maritime East Asia after the dissolution of the Japanese empire in 1945, the Truman administration did not link its international security with maritime space in the immediate post-war period. The outbreak of the Korean War and the First Taiwan Strait Crisis drove the US to rethink the significance of international waters and gradually adopt a sea-oriented strategic command. This development altered the defence structure in Cold War East Asia and such perimeters of maritime defence remained in place until the US ended official relations with Taiwan in 1979. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial endophthalmitis is a rare intraocular infection, and prompt administration of intravitreal antibiotics is crucial for preventing severe vision loss. The retrospective study is to investigate the in vitro susceptibility to the antibiotics vancomycin, amikacin, and ceftazidime of bacterial endophthalmitis isolates in specimens at a tertiary referral center from January 1996 to April 2019 in Taiwan. Overall, 450 (49.9%) isolates were Gram positive, 447 (49.6%) were Gram negative, and 4 (0.4%) were Gram variable. In Gram-positive isolates, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most commonly cultured bacteria (158, 35.1%), followed by Streptococci (100, 22.2%), Enterococci (75, 16.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (70, 15.6%). In Gram-negative isolates, they were Klebsiella pneumoniae (166, 37.1%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (131, 29.3%). All Gram-positive organisms were susceptible to vancomycin, with the exception of one Enterococcus faecium isolate (1/450, 0.2%). Of the Gram-negative isolates, 96.9% and 93.7% were susceptible to ceftazidime and amikacin, respectively. Nine isolates (9/447, 2.0%) were multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, comprising K. pneumoniae (4/164, 2.4%), Acinetobacter baumannii (2/3, 67%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (3/18, 17%). In conclusion, in vitro susceptibility testing revealed that vancomycin remains the suitable antibiotic treatment for Gram-positive endophthalmitis. Ceftazidime and amikacin provide approximately the same degree of Gram-negative coverage. Multidrug-resistant bacterial endophthalmitis was uncommon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus pneumoniae endophthalmitis is clinically more severe, more difficult to treat, and carry a higher risk of vision loss, evisceration, or enucleation. This study is to investigate the clinical settings, antibiotic susceptibility, and visual outcomes of S. pneumoniae endophthalmitis at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan. S. pneumoniae endophthalmitis was diagnosed in 38 eyes of 38 patients. The main clinical features were postcataract endophthalmitis (n = 13, 34%) and endophthalmitis associated with corneal ulcer (n = 12, 32%), trauma (n = 6, 16%), endogenous etiology (n = 4, 11%), trabeculectomy (n = 2, 5%), and pterygium excision-related scleral ulcer (n = 1, 3%). Presenting visual acuity ranged from counting fingers to no light perception. Pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics was performed in 17 eyes (39%) in primary or secondary treatments. S. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (38/38, 100%), penicillin (37/38, 97%), ceftriaxone (37/38, 97%), cefuroxime (12/15, 80%), levofloxacin (13/15 ,87%), and moxifloxacin (15/17, 88%). Final visual acuity was better than 20/400 in 3 of 38 eyes (8%), 5/200 to hand motions in 3 eyes (8%), and light perception to no light perception in 32 eyes (84%). Ten eyes (26%) underwent evisceration or enucleation. Although S. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, S. pneumoniae endophthalmitis had a very poor visual prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of oil reserves under the seabed of the East China Sea created competition between Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to claim ownership of these natural resources. The dispute marked the start of international cooperation in maritime East Asia and introduced the United States into this power game due to its exploration techniques and financial power. While Taibei, Tokyo, and Seoul put sovereignty-related disputes aside in an attempt to explore resources jointly, the change in international politics in East Asia and Washington's perception of the western Pacific rim led to the failure of cooperation. This article argues that this international power game over natural resources management epitomized the dynamic politics between the United States and its East Asian allies. The roles of sovereignty, local interests, and U.S. international security created a dynamic scenario revealing how oil reserves were never the issue, but instead the embodiment of the actual concerns of these players behind their diplomatic language. Situating the 1970s oil exploration in the context of the Cold War, this article provides a historical lens to understand the contours of the shifting geopolitical structure in maritime East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate stereopsis in term-born, preterm, and preterm children with and without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its treatment. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 322 children between 3 and 11 years of age born term or preterm, with or without ROP, and with or without treatment for ROP. The ROP treatments were laser therapy, intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor, or their combination. Stereoacuity was measured using the Titmus Stereo Test, and the results among various age groups were analyzed. Results: Stereopsis was found to improve with increasing age at testing (P < 0.001) across the entire study population. The term group exhibited significantly better stereoacuity than the preterm group (P < 0.001). At 3–5 years and 6–8 years, the preterm children without ROP exhibited significantly better stereoacuity than did those with ROP (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively); however, at 9–11 years, both groups exhibited similar stereoacuity (P = 0.34). The stereoacuity in the children with untreated ROP was similar to that of the children with treated ROP in all age groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences in stereopsis were identified between children with ROP treated with laser versus with IVI (P > 0.05). From multivariate analysis, younger age at testing (P = 0.001) and younger gestational age (P < 0.001) were associated with poorer stereopsis. Conclusions: Stereopsis development gradually improved with age in all groups. The children born preterm exhibited poorer stereoacuity than those born term. Children with ROP treated with laser photocoagulation versus IVI may exhibit similar levels of stereoacuity. Younger age at testing and gestational age were independent risk factors for poorer stereoacuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-temperature N[sub 2]O and NH[sub 3] plasma nitridations on Si surfaces are conducted to prevent the thermodynamic instability at the Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5]/Si interface. The surface and interface of the Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5]/Si systems, without or with nitridation, were examined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. Capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements were carried out to investigate the electric/defect characteristics of the Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5]/Si systems. For the non-nitrided Si substrate XPS detects no surface oxide formed prior to Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5] deposition. In contrast, NH[sub 3] plasma nitridation forms a nitrogen-rich SiO[sub x]N[sub y] layer, while N[sub 2]O plasma nitridation produces an oxygen-rich SiO[sub x]N[sub y] layer on Si. C-V measurement reveals high densities of fixed charges, trapping sites, and interface states in the Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5]/non-nitrided Si sample, indicative that a defective interlayer was formed during Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5] deposition. Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5] on both nitrided systems exhibits a reduced amount of fixed charges and trapping sites. Nevertheless, NH[sub 3] plasma nitridation is not as effective as N[sub 2]O plasma nitridation in diminishing the density of interface states. The different electric/defect characters between the NH[sub 3] and N[sub 2]O nitrided systems are attributed to the further oxidation of the nitrogen-rich SiO[sub x]N[sub y] layer produced by NH[sub 3] plasma nitridation, which induces defects at the dielectric/Si interface. Effectiveness of the nitridation process, therefore, depends on the stability of the nitrided layer during deposition of Ta[sub 2]O[sub 5]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the mainstream real business cycle (RBC) model, labor can be viewed as temporary employment since the firm's demand for labor behaves directly in response to stochastic productivity shocks in each period. This paper provides a tractable way of analyzing fluctuations in permanent and temporary employment over the business cycle, as well as the underlying driving forces. This inclusion of heterogeneity helps reconcile the RBC model with the U.S. data given that temporary employees in general only account for a small proportion of total private‐sector employment (about 2%–3%). We draw an explicit division between permanent and temporary employment and resort to this separation to account for stylized facts that characterize a two‐tier labor market. In particular, with regard to the U.S. labor market, our benchmark model can well explain the motivating facts: (1) temporary employment is much more volatile than permanent employment, (2) the share of temporary employment (the ratio of temporary to aggregate employment) exhibits strong pro‐cyclicality, (3) permanent employment lags by two quarters on average, and (4) the correlation between temporary employment and output is stronger than that involving the permanent counterpart. The quantitative analysis suggests that our proposed channels explain the main facts well and the model further provides plausible reasoning for a firm's labor hoarding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We constructed a confocal fluorescent thermometer to monitor the spatial and temporal temperature evolutions of gold nanorod suspensions upon continuous-wave infrared excitation. Tryptophan served as the fluorophore due to its superior temperature dependent fluorescence intensity, ca. −2% °C −1 . We provided sufficient spatial resolution of 50 μm and temperature sensitivity of 0.3 °C. Coupled with an infrared thermocamera, we were able to obtain simultaneously the temperature evolutions in the bulk solution and on the container surface. Employment of this noncontact and optical approach allows investigation of the thermal distribution in a minute volume, less than 1 mm 3 , without the additional perturbative factors of the mechanical thermometers, e.g. , the thermal conductivity and volume of the sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panophthalmitis is the most extensive ocular involvement in endophthalmitis with inflammation in periocular tissues. Severe inflammation of the anterior and posterior segments is frequently accompanied by corneal opacity, scleral abscess, and perforation or rupture. Enucleation or evisceration was the only remaining viable treatment option when all options to salvage the eye had been exhausted. The purpose of this retrospective study is to examine the outcomes of patients with endogenous bacterial panophthalmitis, no light perception and scleral abscess who were treated with multiple intravitreal and periocular injections of antibiotics and dexamethasone. Evaluation included spreading of infection to contiguous or remote sites, following evisceration or enucleation, and sympathetic ophthalmia. Eighteen patients were diagnosed with EBP, with liver abscesses in eight patients, retroperitoneal infection in four, pneumonia in two, infective endocarditis in one, cellulitis in one, drug abuse in one, and mycotic pseudoaneurysm in one. Culture results were positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae in 12 patients, Streptococcus spp. in three, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in one, Escherichia coli in one, and Staphylococcus aureus in one. The average number of periocular injections was 2.2, and the average number of intravitreal injections was 5.8. No eye required evisceration or enucleation and developed the spreading of infection to contiguous or remote sites during the follow-up. No sympathetic ophthalmia was observed in the fellow eye of all patients. Prevention of evisceration or enucleation in patients with EBP, NLP and scleral abscess can be achieved by multiple intravitreal and periocular injections of antibiotics and dexamethasone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sn– x Zn ( x =9, 25, and 50 wt%) alloy solders were applied in a photovoltaic (PV) ribbon. The effects of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) on series resistance and bond reliability of Sn– x Zn PV modules were investigated. Cu 5 Zn 8 and AgZn 3 IMCs were found at the interfaces (solder/Cu and solder/Ag). The Zn content in the solder dominated the growth behavior of IMCs at the interface. The IMC thickness increased with increasing Zn content in the solder, and thus the bond reliability of the PV module deteriorated. After a bias was applied for a long duration, the interfacial characteristics and solder matrix were affected by the bias-induced thermal diffusion. In addition, the evolution in IMCs due to thermal diffusion during bias changed the original series resistance of the ribbon material and affected the series resistance of the PV module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be associated with ABCA4 variants and is characterized by the accumulation of visual cycle-byproduct lipofuscin. Reducing retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), a retinol transporter protein, may reduce lipofuscin production. This study aims to assess the associations between plasma RBP4, the ABCA4 variation, and AMD severity. Sixty-seven participants were grouped into healthy/mild AMD (n = 32) and severe AMD (n = 35) groups. The latter group was older than the former group and had higher levels of RBP4 (36.8 ± 8.3 vs. 30.4 ± 7.0 μg/mL, p = 0.0012). The ten participants with six ABCA4 linked-variants had higher RBP4 than those without (37.8 ± 7.7 vs. 32.4 ± 7.9 μg/mL; p = 0.026), and eight of them had severe AMD. Univariate analyses showed that severe AMD was related to older age (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.13–1.40; p < 0.0001) and to higher RBP4 levels (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04–1.20; p = 0.003), whereas the linked ABCA4 variants had no associations. After adjustment, however, only age remained significantly associated with severe AMD. This pilot study shows a trend of higher plasma RBP4 levels in severe AMD or the ABCA4-linked variants, and further age-matched studies are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] This study uses SAC105 and SAC305 alloys to estimate the feasible application for PV ribbon. [•] With a greater Ag content gradient between solder and Ag electrode, the consumption rate of Ag electrode is faster. [•] The growth mechanism of IMC is found in each interface, which is related to thermal diffusion behavior. [•] Applying high-Ag-content solders to PV ribbon can avoid the Ag layer to be over-consuming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study presents a bias-crystallization mechanism (BCM) that is based on ZnO/In/ZnO tri-layer film and thermal annealing treatment on ZnO/ITO/ZnO tri-layer films. After biasing (40V, 0.025A), the resistivity of the ZnO/In/ZnO sample was reduced to 1.35×10−2 Ωcm. Bias-induced Joule heat and indium ion diffusion were critical factors with regard to decreasing resistivity. When substituted for the metal indium layer, the ZnO/ITO (13nm)/ZnO thin film demonstrated comparatively better electrical properties and optical transmittance. During thermal annealing, the indium and tin atoms in the ITO structure diffused into the ZnO matrix and improved the conductivity of the tri-layer film. Inter-metallic oxide (IMO) was formed in the interface between the ZnO and the interlayer, and it dominated the crystallization characteristics as well as the optical and electrical properties of the tri-layer films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important human pathogen leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. Using an in vitro cell-based HCV replicon and JFH-1 infection system, we demonstrated that an aqueous extract of the seaweed Gracilaria tenuistipitata (AEGT) concentration-dependently inhibited HCV replication at nontoxic concentrations. AEGT synergistically enhanced interferon-α (IFN-α) anti-HCV activity in a combination treatment. We found that AEGT also significantly suppressed virus-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression at promoter transactivation and protein levels. Notably, addition of exogenous COX-2 expression in AEGT-treated HCV replicon cells gradually abolished AEGT anti-HCV activity, suggesting that COX-2 down-regulation was responsible for AEGT antiviral effects. Furthermore, we highlighted the inhibitory effect of AEGT in HCV-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression such as the expression of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, inducible nitrite oxide synthase and COX-2 in a concentration-dependent manner to evaluate the potential therapeutic supplement in the management of patients with chronic HCV infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) inhibitor, on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and MMP-mediated apoptosis in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following the transection of the optic nerve (ON) in rats. Materials and Methods: The ON of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats was transected. The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and NF-κB was measured by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical analysis following transection. In situ zymography was also performed to localize gelatinolytic activity in the retinas. PDTC was injected intravitreally immediately following transection of the ON to evaluate the effect on the expression of NF-κB and MMP as well as its anti-apoptotic effect and neuroprotective effect on RGCs. Results: Significant up-regulation of MMP-9, and NF-κB was observed 7 days post-transection; however, this was not observed for MMP-2. PDTC at concentrations of 0.5 mM suppressed the up-regulation of MMP-9 and NF-κB, inhibiting gelatinolytic activity in the RGC layer. Meanwhile, far fewer apoptotic RGCs were detected and more surviving RGCs were preserved in PDTC-treated retinas 7 days post-transection compared to retinas in the control group. However, this kind of neuroprotective effect was not significant at 14 days post-transection. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PDTC, mediated in part through the down-regulation of MMP-9, could contribute to delaying the death of RGCs following transection of the ON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), is an attractive target for antiviral agents. The in vitro RNA synthesis system based on radioisotopic readout is commonly used for polymerase inhibitor screening; however, this system generates large amounts of radioactive waste and is not amenable to high-throughput applications. To overcome this limitation, we generated pFLuc-(−)UTRΔC-RLuc, a bicistronic reporter vector, which allows effective and sensitive distinction of RdRp activity by using a cell-free coupled transcription/translation system. This reporter construct comprises the firefly luciferase (FLuc) and the Renilla luciferase (RLuc) genes in reverse orientation flanked by the two negative strands of the HCV 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions in which FLuc and RLuc reporter proteins are regulated by bacteriophage T7 polymerase and NS5B polymerase, respectively. The increase in RLuc activity was proportional to the amount of active RdRp. This cell-free dual reporter system was further validated using specific RdRp inhibitors. Hence, linear dose–response curves between RLuc activity and specific inhibitors were obtained, as was faster drug screening through real-time measurement of chemiluminescence. Moreover, this reporter system is suitable for robust in vitro screening because of a statistically acceptable Z′ factor value of 0.79 under the antiviral screening condition in the 96-well format. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Si field emission arrays (FEAs) were produced using simple optical lithography and plasma dry etching. By optimizing plasma etching conditions, we achieved uniform ultra-sharp emitters with 50 nm radius, 3.6 μm height, 60° cone angle, and 1.38×106tips/cm2 packing density. For the fabricated FEAs, it was found that turn-on voltage was 850 V and the field emission current was 24 μA at 1100 V. It was also found that field enhancement factor γ of the fabricated Si FEAs was approximately 58. Nanomechanical characterization of Si necked tips array was performed by nanoindentation technology. The critical buckling load and critical stress of the Si necked tips array were 570 μN and 1.192 GPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This research reports a sensor array consisting of three types of surface-modified nanoparticles that exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) extinctions at different wavelength regions of a UV–vis spectrum. By simultaneously measuring the ensemble of the LSPR bands of the three nano-materials, response patterns were obtained at different regions of a UV–vis spectrum. Three types of nano-metals used in this study were Ag nanoparticles, Au nanoparticles and Au nano-shells. The center wavelengths of their LSPR bands were 427, 534 and 772nm respectively, after they were each modified with decanethiol, naphthalene thiol and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole to create chemical selectivity. The average absolute difference in the absorbance of each LSPR band was used as the signal for each sensor. Reversible, rapid (∼8s) and wide linear range responses were observed with this sensor array. Nine volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with various functional groups were tested with this sensor array and differentiable groups of response patterns were obtained. The detection limits were as low as 16ppm for anisole. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To investigate the management strategies, susceptibility patterns, and visual outcomes of postcataract Enterococcus faecalis endophthalmitis. Methods: Retrospective chart review study of 26 eyes of 26 patients with culture-proven E. faecalis endophthalmitis. Results: In initial treatments, pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics in 15 eyes (58%). Resistance patterns among the isolates were the following: vancomycin in 0 of 26 eyes (0%), ampicillin in 0 of 26 eyes (0%), teicoplanin in 0 of 18 eyes (0%), and high-level gentamicin (minimum inhibitory concentration > 500 mg/L) in 8 of 12 eyes (67%). Presenting visual acuity ranged from counting fingers to no light perception. Final visual acuity was better than 5/200 in 4 of 26 eyes (15%), 5/200 to hand motions in 4 of 26 eyes (15%), and light perception to no light perception in 18 of 26 eyes (69%). Conclusions: Although all E. faecalis isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, endophthalmitis caused by E. faecalis was usually associated with poor visual prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the management, bacterial strains, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes in patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia and endogenous Klebsiella endophthalmitis. Methods: Data were collected for treatments, antibiotic sensitivity patterns, and final visual outcomes. Results: The study included 10 eyes of 9 patients with a median age of 42 years (range, 0-86 years). Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbid risk factor (n = 5, 56%). Nine eyes (90%) were treated with intravitreal antibiotics, and one with pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal antibiotics. One eye achieved a favorable visual acuity of 20/20; however, 6 eyes developed vision of no light perception, including 2 of evisceration. Two nosocomial K. pneumoniae isolates were extended-spectrum-β -lactamase-producing strains, which demonstrated the resistance to amikacin and ceftazidime. Conclusions: Ophthalmologists and physicians should be aware of Klebsiella pneumonia as a possible cause of endogenous endophthalmitis, and endogenous Klebsiella endophthalmitis usually causes poor visual outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate clinical settings, treatments, antibiotic sensitivities, and visual outcomes associated with endophthalmitis caused by Citrobacter species. Methods: Data were collected for organisms, surgical intervention, antibiotic sensitivity patterns, and final visual acuity. Results: Six eyes of 6 patients with culture-proven C. freundii (n = 4) or C. koseri(n = 2) endophthalmitis were identified. Clinical settings included cataract surgery (1 eye), cataract surgery combined with trabeculectomy (1), trauma (2), penetrating keratoplasty (1), and presumably endogenous source (1). Primary or secondary evisceration was performed in 3 eyes. Initial pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics was performed in 3 eyes. Final visual acuity was no light perception in 5 eyes, and 1 patient with traumatic C. koseri endophthalmitis achieved a final vision of 20/30. Conclusion: Despite treatment with appropriate antibiotics, Citrobacter endophthalmitis can be associated with a poor visual outcome. Early detection and management may improve the final visual outcome and prevent the possibility of evisceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cognitive impairment in Parkinson''s disease (PD) has been determined to be due to the interruption of frontal-subcortical neural circuits. To evaluate which kind of frontal-subcortical dysfunction may be present and the relationship of this dysfunction with P300 in PD patients, non-demented PD patients and controls were rendered for comprehensive Frontal Test Battery and P300 assessments. PD patients manifested significantly with frontal dysfunction and revealed a good correlation between P300 and executive dysfunction. We conclude that PD patients may manifest with cognitive impairment related to frontal dysfunction, and P300 may be an indicator reflecting the evolution of dysexecutive syndrome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

IntroductionTramadol hydrochloride (HCl) is a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic. Psychotic symptoms are relatively rare in reported adverse events. Here, we report a patient who presented with tramadol-related psychotic symptoms.CaseA 59-year-old female had underlying bipolar I disorder and received lithium treatment with stable affective status. 1 month before hospitalisation, she had been taking tramadol HCl/acetaminophen for joint pain. She then developed obvious persecutory delusion. However, her clinical picture did not meet the criteria of any mood episode. After treatment of risperidone in addition to lithium, she was discharged without any psychotic symptom. She remained euthymic without any psychotic symptom on monotherapy of lithium (300 mg) three tablets once daily.ConclusionsTramadol HCl is commonly prescribed in clinical practice and psychotic symptoms related to it are uncommon. We should be careful about the rare but important adverse events while prescribing tramadol HCl. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background Methods Results Conclusions To explore the role of gut microbiota in preterm infants at high risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Preterm infants with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks and/or birth weight (BW) < 1500 g born between 2020 and 2021 were prospectively enrolled. Their faecal samples were collected and analysed at different postnatal ages of life using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the Miseq platform. The main outcome measures were the microbial diversity, taxonomy, relative abundance, bacterial predicted functional analysis, and their associations with different ROP groups. Subgroup analyses were performed by matching their GA and BW across different ROP groups.A total of 268 stool samples were collected from 110 preterm infants, including 13 with type 1 ROP, 44 with type 2 or mild ROP, and 53 without ROP. Type 1 ROP showed no significant difference in microbial diversity up to 8 postnatal weeks (p = 0.057), while type 2 and no ROP groups displayed increased diversity (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.049, respectively). Bifidobacterium genera was notably less abundant in type 1 ROP group at first postnatal week (p = 0.022) and remained low in subsequent weeks. Predicted functional analysis revealed enriched pathways in membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and replication and repair.Reduced gut microbial diversity may be associated with ROP development in high‐risk preterm infants. Further research is needed to comprehend how early‐life Bifidobacterium reduction affects metabolism and how targeting microbiome may help for ROP prevention and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study investigates the effects of the electrical fatigue test on the microstructures, electrical properties and elemental distribution of gold (Au)-coated Ag-4Pd (ACA4P) alloy wire. The electrical fatigue test is an important method for estimating the reliability of electronic devices to cyclic thermal stress caused by bias-induced Joule heat. In the bias test, the thermal diffusion behavior of Au atoms on the wire surface was more intense with increasing current density. The Au atoms diffused along the grain boundary of the wire and finally distributed throughout the wire matrix. In the bias fatigue test, the electrical resistances of the wire and ball bond decreased, and then increased as the bias cycle increased to 6000 cycles. An increase in grain size of the wire and ball bonded wires by bias-induced thermal energy caused their electrical resistances to decrease. Poisson's effect caused the diameter of the wire to decrease, and thus increased the resistance of the wire. The growth of Ag 2 Al intermetallic compounds (IMCs) at the bonding interface was responsible for the increase in the resistance of the ball bonded wire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postvitrectomy endophthalmitis is a rare and serious complication following vitreoretinal surgeries. Morganella morganii, an emerging gram-negative, facultative anaerobic rod, is related to severe nosocomial infections in various organs and thus has gained importance in recent decades. Morganella morganii infection following intraocular surgery is rarely reported. Case presentation: We report an immunocompetent patient with Morganella morganii-related endophthalmitis after vitrectomy for retinal detachment who presented with hand motion visual acuity, hypopyon and a unique retrolental exudative membrane. Initially, the patient was unresponsive to empirical intravitreal ceftazidime and vancomycin but recovered with vision preservation (20/63) after surgical removal of the membrane and silicone oil tamponade. Conclusions: Morganella morganii intraocular infection is often devastating, likely due to its high multidrug-resistance rate via intrinsic ß-lactamase production, multiple acquired traits related to additional genetic mechanisms, and fimbrial adhesion, urease production, and type III secretion system-associated biofilm formation. The above characteristics of M. morganii may lead to an inadequate response to empirical intravitreal antibiotics, and early surgical intervention should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To compare the annual axial length (AL) changes in myopic children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and those without diabetes. Methods: There are two groups of myopic children in this retrospective cohort study. Group 1 consisted of myopic children with T1DM (44 eyes of 22 patients). Group 2 comprised age-matched myopic children without diabetes (44 eyes of 22 children). These two groups were compared with regard to their baseline clinical characteristics. A generalized estimating equations (GEE) model was also used to determine the most likely factor that contributed to the results. Results: The average ages of group 1 and group 2 were 14.8 and 14.6 years, respectively. Children in group 1 had significantly slower annual AL changes (0.051 mm/year vs 0.103 mm/year; 50.5% slower, P = 0.011) and shorter baseline AL (23.97 vs 25.19 mm, P < 0.001) than those in group 2. GEE also showed that serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (B = −0.023, P = 0.039) was the most important factor in reducing AL elongation in group 1 myopic children. Conclusions: Long-term higher HbA1c level may reduce AL elongation. A strict blood sugar control strategy in clinical practice is warranted to axial myopia progression in T1DM children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corneal endothelial decompensation is a serious condition that frequently requires treatment via corneal transplantation which contributes to a global shortage in donor corneas. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of aqueous humor total antioxidant capacity (TAC) on corneal endothelial health. There is an urgent need for discovering protective factors to combat corneal endothelial cell (CEC) loss. For methods, we developed a cupric ion‐based TAC (CuTAC) assay to analyze TAC level in a small volume of aqueous humor, that is, 10 μL per test, and examined the influences of ascorbic acid (AA) and antioxidant proteins on aqueous humor TAC. To broaden the investigation, we conducted a case–control study with patients classified into two groups, an insufficient endothelial cell density (ECD < 2100 cells/mm2) group, and a control group. These groups were formed based on baseline ECD values and were used to evaluate the influence of aqueous humor TAC and AA on overall corneal endothelial health. A CuTAC assay was used to accurately measure aqueous humor TAC without the need for sample dilution. After analyzing a total of 164 human aqueous humor samples, we found that AA was the major contributor to aqueous humor TAC (73.2%). In addition, TAC and AA levels in the IECD and control groups were both found to be significantly different (1.168 vs. 1.592 mM, p = 0.009 and 0.856 vs. 1.178 mM, p = 0.016). TAC and AA were considered independent protective factors against IECD with adjusted odds ratios of 0.02 (p = 0.017) and 0.023 (p = 0.033), respectively. In conclusion, aqueous humor TAC and AA contribute to the maintenance of sufficient corneal ECD, and our CuTAC assay can be a useful tool for analyzing TAC using only a small aqueous humor sample volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study applied Cu∙Zn/Al ribbon in place of a traditional Cu ribbon to a photovoltaic (PV) ribbon. A hot-dipped and an electroplated Sn PV ribbon reflowed onto an Ag electrode on a Si solar cell and estimated the feasibility of the tested module (Ag/Solder/Cu∙Zn/Al). After bias-aging, a bias-induced thermal diffusion and an electromigration promoted the growth of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) (Cu6Sn5, Ag3Sn). To simulate a photo-generated current in the series connection of solar cells, an electron with Ag-direction (electron flows from Ag to Al) and Al-direction (electron flows from Al to Ag) was passed through the Al/Zn∙Cu/Solder/Ag structure to clarify the growth mechanism of IMCs. An increase in resistance of the Ag-direction-biased module was higher than that of the Al-direction biased one due to the intense growth of Cu6Sn5 and Ag3Sn IMCs. The coated solder of the electroplated PV ribbon was less than that of the hot-dipped one, and thus decreased the growth reaction of IMCs and the cost of PV ribbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a commonly used technique for treating lumbar degenerative diseases. In this study, we developed a fully computer-supported pipeline to predict both the cage height and the degree of lumbar lordosis subtraction from the pelvic incidence (PI-LL) after TLIF surgery, utilizing preoperative X-ray images. The automated pipeline comprised two primary stages. First, the pretrained BiLuNet deep learning model was employed to extract essential features from X-ray images. Subsequently, five machine learning algorithms were trained using a five-fold cross-validation technique on a dataset of 311 patients to identify the optimal models to predict interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL. LASSO regression and support vector regression demonstrated superior performance in predicting interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL, respectively. For cage height prediction, the root mean square error (RMSE) was calculated as 1.01, and the model achieved the highest accuracy at a height of 12 mm, with exact prediction achieved in 54.43% (43/79) of cases. In most of the remaining cases, the prediction error of the model was within 1 mm. Additionally, the model demonstrated satisfactory performance in predicting PI-LL, with an RMSE of 5.19 and an accuracy of 0.81 for PI-LL stratification. In conclusion, our results indicate that machine learning models can reliably predict interbody cage height and postoperative PI-LL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Müller cells play a critical role in the closure of macular holes, and their proliferation and migration are facilitated by the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Despite the importance of this process, the underlying molecular mechanism remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of ILM components on the microRNA (miRNA) profile of Müller cells. Rat Müller cells (rMC-1) were cultured with a culture insert and varying concentrations of ILM component coatings, namely, collagen IV, laminin, and fibronectin, and cell migration was assessed by measuring cell-free areas in successive photographs following insert removal. MiRNAs were then extracted from these cells and analyzed. Mimics and inhibitors of miRNA candidates were transfected into Müller cells, and a cell migration assay and additional cell viability assays were performed. The results revealed that the ILM components promoted Müller cell migration (p < 0.01). Among the miRNA candidates, miR-194-3p was upregulated, whereas miR-125b-1-3p, miR-132-3p, miR-146b-5p, miR-152-3p, miR-196a-5p, miR-542-5p, miR-871-3p, miR-1839-5p, and miR-3573-3p were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05; fold change > 1.5). Moreover, miR-152-3p and miR-196a-5p reduced cell migration (p < 0.05) and proliferation (p < 0.001), and their suppressive effects were reversed by their respective inhibitors. In conclusion, miRNAs were regulated in ILM component-activated Müller cells, with miR-152-3p and miR-196a-5p regulating Müller cell migration and proliferation. These results serve as a basis for understanding the molecular healing process of macular holes and identifying potential new target genes in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)–associated uveitis (JIA-U) in Taiwan. Retrospective, multicenter database. Totally, 44 (6.1%) of the 722 JIA patients had uveitis. The mean ages of JIA and JIA-U diagnosis were 10.7 and 11.1 years, respectively. JIA-U patients had more antinuclear antibody presence. Among JIA-U patients, 25 (56.8%) were male, 11 (25.0%) experienced any ocular complication, and 8 (18.2%) received ocular surgery. Inactivity lasting ≥6 months was achieved in 17 (38.6%) patients; however, 11 (25.0%) of those experienced reactivation with a mean of 624.7 days after achieving inactivity. Female had more ocular complications and surgeries. Late age at JIA-U diagnosis and male predominance were distinctive in Taiwan. For patients with inactivity lasting ≥ 6 months was achieved, they still required close follow-up due to the high reactivation rate within 2 years. Female had poorer ocular outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the treatment outcomes and predictors of response to photodynamic therapy (PDT) in patients with symptomatic circumscribed hemangioma (CCH). Methods: This retrospective case series examined 20 patients with symptomatic CCH (10 submacular CCHs and10 juxtapapillary CCHs) who underwent standard PDT (wavelength: 662 nm; light dose: 50J/cm2; exposure time: 83 sec) with verteporfin (6mg/m2), either as monotherapy (n = 9) or in association with other treatments (n = 11), of which 7 received intravitreal injections (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). A post-PDT improvement of at least two lines in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was the primary outcome measure. Predictors of response were investigated with binary logistic regression analysis. Results: Seventeen (85%) patients received one PDT session, and three patients (15%) underwent PDT at least twice. Ten patients (50%) achieved the primary outcome of a post-PDT BCVA improvement of at least two lines. Macular atrophy and recalcitrant cystoid macular edema in 2 patients. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age (< 50 years) (P = 0.033), pre-PDT BCVA of ≧20/200 (P = 0.013), exudative retinal detachment resolved within one month after PDT (P = 0.007), and a thinner post-PDT tumor thickness (P = 0.015) were associated with the achievement of a post-PDT BCVA improvement. Additional treatments to PDT including IVI anti-VEGF did not appear to improve visual and anatomical outcomes. Conclusions: Symptomatic CCHs respond generally well to PDT. Patients with younger age (< 50 years), pretreatment BCVA≥ 20/200, and thinner foveal edema are most likely to benefit from this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]