Search

Background: Refill Drinking Water (AMIU) is one of the alternatives used by the Indonesian people in meeting their drinking water needs. However, there are still AMIUs that do not meet the total coliform standard. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between DAMIU operators' knowledge and hygiene measures on the bacteriological quality of AMIU in Banyuwangi Sub-district, Banyuwangi, East Java Province, Indonesia. Methods: This was an observational study with a cross-sectional approach. Water samples from 33 DAMIUs in Banyuwangi sub-district were tested for total coliforms. DAMIU operators were interviewed using a structured questionnaire regarding knowledge and hygiene. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: Twelve out of 33 (36.4%) AMIUs did not meet the total coliform standard. Thirty-one (93.9%) DAMIU operators had excellent knowledge, and 23 (69.7%) had good personal hygiene. There was a significant association between operator hygiene and total coliform quality of AMIU (p=0.016; OR=8.4). Conclusion: Operator hygiene is an important factor in meeting the bacteriological quality standards of AMIU. It is recommended to make efforts to raise awareness of DAMIU operators to always apply hygiene while working.

Introduction: Helminthiasis becomes one of the infectious diseases included in neglected diseases that receive less attention and mostly occurred in tropical countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 stated that helminthiasis spread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, America, China, and East Asia where 60% suffered by children. STH infections may result from poor hygiene in many school aged-children, especially in primary school. This article was written to analyze the personal hygiene of primary school children that may affect the incidence of helminthiasis. Discussion: An integrative literature review was conducted using databases, from Google Scholar, Pubmed, Research Gate, and Science Direct databases. It was 24 articles consisting of 20 articles published by international journals and 4 articles in Indonesian journals. Most of the infectious agents in Asia were Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura, while Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworms, and Trichuris trichiura dominate in Africa. Poor personal hygiene may a risk of infection. For example, children in Asia do not cut their nails or wash their hands. While children in Africa do not wash their hands, walked barefoot, and conducted open defecation. Conclusion: Personal hygiene of primary school children has a positive effect on the incidence of helminthiasis in Asia and Africa with different prevalences. To prevent and control helminthiasis in school children, schools should provide education about personal hygiene, improve sanitary facilities, and routinely give anthelmintics every six months.

Introduction: Recently, tuberculosis (TB) has reemerged and raised the possibility of increasing prevalence of ocular tuberculosis. Tuberculosis with ocular manifestation may involve various segments of the eye and cause severe visual loss if not treated properly. Ocular tuberculosis is mostly secondary from the systemic sources and rarely acts as the portal of entry. Objectives: To report the clinical presentations of presumed ocular tuberculosis and the results of anti tuberculosis treatment in immunocompetent patients. Methodology: An observational case series were conducted involving immunocompetent patients who were confirmed, presumed or probable case of ocular tuberculosis seen in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) from January 2000 to December 2004. Their demographic data, clinical features, investigations to confirm the diagnosis as well as their visual outcome were documented. Results: Eight cases of ocular tuberculosis were included (involving 12 eyes). All were immunocompetent patients. The most common complaint was reduced vision (92%), followed by eye pain (41.7%) and eye redness (33.3%). Four eyes presented with good visual acuity (6/6 - 6/12). Granulomatous anterior uveitis (75%) is the most common ocular findings, followed by posterior uveitis (58%), papilitis (8%), choroidal tubercle (8%), panophtalmitis (8%) and masquerade syndrome mimicking ocular tumor (8%) are also noted in these patients. Three patients presented with systemic symptoms and only 2 patients had history of contact with tuberculosis patient. Tuberculin skin test was positive in 7 patients. Based on the clinical findings and investigation results, 6 cases were defined as presumed ocular tuberculosis and the remaining 2 patients as probable cases. Six eyes have improvement of vision post treatment with anti-tuberculosis regime, visual acuity in 3 eyes remains the same and another 3 eyes had worsening of vision. Conclusion: Ocular tuberculosis is still a challenge to an ophthalmologist due to its diversified manifestation, difficulties in diagnosing and dilemma in treatment. However, high index of suspicion and early intervention will be able to provide a better visual outcome in most of our patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report a case series of intravitreal ganciclovir injections for cytomegalovirus retinitis in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).Materials and Method: Case report.Results: Four case series of successful treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) who were treated with HAART in Hospital Kota Bharu. All patients were given an induction of intravenous ganciclovir for two weeks and followed by intravitreal ganciclovir 2.0 mg/0.1 ml every alternate week until the CMVR resolved or CD4 count achieved at least 100 cells x10[6] cells /L . All patients showed improvement of CMVR and increasing trend of CD4 count throughout the treatment. No sign of recurrence or complication related to intravitreal injection were noted in all four cases.Conclusion: CMVR can be effectively and safely treated with intravitreal ganciclovir together with HAART in order to preserve vision and to prevent potential blinding complications in AIDS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the incidence, clinical features and outcome of contact lens related corneal ulcer.Design: Retrospective cross sectional study, conducted in Hospital Unversiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).Methods: A five-year review of contact lens related Microbial keratitis admitted to a tertiary government referral centre at the north-eastern part of Malaysia.Results: 132 cases of corneal ulcer were reviewed from 1 January 2000 to 30 April 2005, from which 20 patients (14.9%) were diagnosed with contact lens related microbial keratitis. Eleven were females and 9 males, with mean age of 25 +/- 6.81 years. All of them were soft contact lens wearers. Most patients presented with eye pain (75%), conjunctival congestion (65%) and blurred vision (60%). Majority of cases (55%) presented with hypopyon and one corneal perforation. In 65% corneal scraping culture isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In 30%, cleaning and storage solutions also isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eleven cases (55%) showed microbial resistance to chloramphenicol.Conclusion: Contact lens wear remains a major risk factor for ocular morbidity due to microbial keratitis, especially involving the young population, even in the present advances in technology. Stricter contact lens prescription guideline and emphasis on compliance to hygienic regime are mandatory to prevent this complication. The routine use of chloramphenicol as topical use of choice is not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite growing number of intraocular lens power calculation formulas, there is no evidence that these formulas have good predictive accuracy in pediatric, whose eyes are still undergoing rapid growth and refractive changes. This study is intended to compare the prediction error and the accuracy of predictability of intraocular lens power calculation in pediatric patients at 3 month post cataract surgery with primary implantation of an intraocular lens using SRK II versus Pediatric IOL Calculator for pediatric intraocular lens calculation. Pediatric IOL Calculator is a modification of SRK II using Holladay algorithm. This program attempts to predict the refraction of a pseudophakic child as he grows, using a Holladay algorithm model. This model is based on refraction measurements of pediatric aphakic eyes. Pediatric IOL Calculator uses computer software for intraocular lens calculation. Methods This comparative study consists of 31 eyes (24 patients) that successfully underwent cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantations. All patients were 12 years old and below (range: 4 months to 12 years old). Patients were randomized into 2 groups; SRK II group and Pediatric IOL Calculator group using envelope technique sampling procedure. Intraocular lens power calculations were made using either SRK II or Pediatric IOL Calculator for pediatric intraocular lens calculation based on the printed technique selected for every patient. Thirteen patients were assigned for SRK II group and another 11 patients for Pediatric IOL Calculator group. For SRK II group, the predicted postoperative refraction is based on the patient's axial length and is aimed for emmetropic at the time of surgery. However for Pediatric IOL Calculator group, the predicted postoperative refraction is aimed for emmetropic spherical equivalent at age 2 years old. The postoperative refractive outcome was taken as the spherical equivalent of the refraction at 3 month postoperative follow-up. The data were analysed to compare the mean prediction error and the accuracy of predictability of intraocular lens power calculation between SRK II and Pediatric IOL Calculator. Results There were 16 eyes in SRK II group and 15 eyes in Pediatric IOL Calculator group. The mean prediction error in the SRK II group was 1.03 D (SD, 0.69 D) while in Pediatric IOL Calculator group was 1.14 D (SD, 1.19 D). The SRK II group showed lower prediction error of 0.11 D compared to Pediatric IOL Calculator group, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.74). There were 3 eyes (18.75%) in SRK II group achieved acccurate predictability where the refraction postoperatively was within ± 0.5 D from predicted refraction compared to 7 eyes (46.67%) in the Pediatric IOL Calculator group. However the difference of the accuracy of predictability of postoperative refraction between the two formulas was also not statistically significant (p = 0.097). Conclusions The prediction error and the accuracy of predictability of postoperative refraction in pediatric cataract surgery are comparable between SRK II and Pediatric IOL Calculator. The existence of the Pediatric IOL Calculator provides an alternative to the ophthalmologist for intraocular lens calculation in pediatric patients. Relatively small sample size and unequal distribution of patients especially the younger children (less than 3 years) with a short time follow-up (3 months), considering spherical equivalent only.

Heart failure (HF) is still the main cause of mortality worldwide. This study investigated the characteristics of human pericardial fluid-derived cells (hPFCs) and their effects in treating doxorubicin (DOX)-induced HF rats through intrapericardial injection. hPFCs were isolated from patients who underwent heart transplantation ( N = 5). These cells that primarily expressed SCA-1, NANOG, and mesenchymal markers, CD90, CD105, and CD73, were able to form adipocytes, osteoblasts, and cardiomyocytes in vitro. Passage 3 hPFCs (2.5 × 10 5 cells/heart) were injected into the pericardial cavity of the DOX-injured rat hearts, significantly improving cardiac functions after 4 weeks. The tracked and engrafted red fluorescent protein-tagged hPFCs coexpressed cardiac troponin T and connexin 43 after 4 weeks in the host myocardium. This observation was also coupled with a significant reduction in cardiac fibrosis following hPFC treatment (P < 0.0001 vs. untreated). The elevated inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the DOX-treated hearts were found to be significantly reduced ( P < 0.001 vs. untreated), while the regional proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) level was increased in the hPFC-treated group after 4 weeks ( P < 0.05 vs. untreated). hPFCs possess stem cell characteristics and can improve the cardiac functions of DOX-induced HF rats after 4 weeks through pericardial administration. The improvements were attributed to a significant reduction in cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and elevated regional proangiogenesis factor VEGFA, with evidence of cellular engraftment and differentiation in the host myocardium.

Introduction: Blood transfusion warrants written informed consent from the patient. However, patients have poor knowledge regarding blood transfusions as evidenced by nonstandardized information retained by patients from the informed consent discussion. The problem stems from suboptimal patient knowledge on the elements of informed consent. This study describes the development and validation of a new questionnaire to assess the knowledge on informed consent for blood transfusion from the patients' perspective., Subjects and Methods: The development phase consisted of literature review, small group discussion, expert review meeting, content, and face validity. We evaluated the psychometric properties of Informed Consent for Blood Transfusion Questionnaire (ICBTQ) using reliability test and item response theory among a sample of 95 patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia., Results: ICBTQ was formulated to include sociodemographic and knowledge sections. ICBTQ possessed excellent content validity. The face validity index (FVI) of clarity and comprehension were both 0.97. Thus, the universal FVI was 0.96. One item was added following the advice given by one of the content experts. ICBTQ had excellent face validity. For the validation phase, ICBTQ demonstrated an acceptable Cronbach's Alpha value. One item was omitted in view of low corrected item-total correlation. In the item response theory (IRT) analysis, ICBTQ exhibited good difficulty and discriminatory indexes. Assessments of item-fit indicated that all items of the model were well-fitted., Conclusions: Based on the IRT and reliability analysis, the knowledge section of the ICBTQ was psychometrically valid to be used among patients., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Asian Journal of Transfusion Science.)

Severe corneal disorders due to infective aetiologies, trauma, chemical injuries, and chronic cicatricial inflammations, are among vision-threatening pathologies leading to permanent corneal scarring. The whole cornea or lamellar corneal transplantation is often used as a last resort to restore vision. However, limited autologous tissue sources and potential adverse post-allotransplantation sequalae urge the need for more robust and strategic alternatives. Contemporary management using cultivated corneal epithelial transplantation has paved the way for utilizing stem cells as a regenerative potential. Humaninduced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can generate ectodermal progenitors and potentially be used for ocular surface regeneration. This review summarizes the process of corneal morphogenesis and the signaling pathways underlying the development of corneal epithelium, which is key to translating the maturation and differentiation process of hiPSCs in vitro. The current state of knowledge and methodology for driving efficient corneal epithelial cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells are highlighted., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Myocardial infarction is the most common cause of heart failure, one of the most fatal non-communicable diseases worldwide. The disease could potentially be treated if the dead, ischemic heart tissues are regenerated and replaced with viable and functional cardiomyocytes. Pluripotent stem cells have proven the ability to derive specific and functional cardiomyocytes in large quantities for therapy. To test the remuscularization hypothesis, the strategy to model the disease in animals must resemble the pathophysiological conditions of myocardial infarction as in humans, to enable thorough testing of the safety and efficacy of the cardiomyocyte therapy before embarking on human trials. Rigorous experiments and in vivo findings using large mammals are increasingly important to simulate clinical reality and increase translatability into clinical practice. Hence, this review focus on large animal models which have been used in cardiac remuscularization studies using cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The commonly used methodologies in developing the myocardial infarction model, the choice of animal species, the pre-operative antiarrhythmics prophylaxis, the choice of perioperative sedative, anaesthesia and analgesia, the immunosuppressive strategies in allowing xenotransplantation, the source of cells, number and delivery method are discussed., Competing Interests: JJT received research funding from ALPS Global Holding and CryoCord Sdn Bhd. SKT is the founder and stockholder of Celestialab Sdn. Bhd and ALPS Global Holding Bhd. Other authors declare the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Yu, Tham, Roslan, Shaharuddin, Yong, Guo and Tan.)

Aim: As a strategy to improve the outcome of ex vivo cultivated corneal epithelial transplantation, the role of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) is investigated in promoting corneal epithelial growth and functions. Materials & methods: Human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial cells were characterized and its functions evaluated by scratch migration assay, cellular senescence, HLA expression and spheres formation with hUC-MSC. Results: Expression of corneal epithelial markers was influenced by the duration and method of co-culture. Indirect co-culture improved cellular migration and delayed senescence when treated after 3 and 5 days. hUC-MSC downregulated expression of HLA Class I and II in IFN-γ-stimulated human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial cells. Conclusion: hUC-MSC promote corneal epithelial growth and functions after treatment with hUC-MSC.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polyesters produced by microorganisms, under unbalanced growth conditions, as a carbon storage compound. PHAs are composed of various monomers such as 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) and 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx). Silk fibroin (SF) derived from Bombyx mori cocoons, is a widely studied protein polymer commonly used for biomaterial applications. In this study, non-woven electrospun films comprising a copolymer of 3HB and 3HHx [P(3HB-co-3HHx)], SF and their blends were prepared by electrospinning technique. The growth and osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were studied using different types of fabricated electrospun films. The differentiation study revealed that electrospun P(3HB-co-3HHx)/SF film supports the differentiation of hUC-MSCs into the osteogenic lineage, confirmed by histological analysis using Alizarin Red staining, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qPCR). Electrospun P(3HB-co-3HHx)/SF film up-regulated the expression of osteogenic marker genes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN), by 1.6-fold and 2.8-fold respectively, after 21 days of osteogenic induction. In conclusion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hUC-MSCs were enhanced through the blending of P(3HB-co-3HHx) and SF. The results from this study suggest that electrospun P(3HB-co-3HHx)/SF film is a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Organ and tissue transplantation are limited by the scarcity of donated organs or tissue sources. The success of transplantation is limited by the risk of disease transmission and immunological- related rejection. There is a need for new strategies and innovative solutions to make transplantation readily available, safer and with less complications to increase the success rates. Accelerating progress in stem cell biology and biomaterials development have pushed tissue and organ engineering to a higher level. Among stem cells repertoire, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) are gaining interest and recognized as a cell population of choice. There is accumulating evidence that MSC growth factors, its soluble and insoluble proteins are involved in several key signaling pathways to promote tissue development, cellular differentiation and regeneration. MSC as multipotent non-hematopoietic cells with paracrine factors is advantageous for regenerative therapies. In this review, we discussed and summarized the important features of MSC including its immunomodulatory properties, mechanism of homing in the direction of tissue injury, licensing of MSC and the role of MSC soluble factors in cell-free therapy. Special consideration is highlighted on the rapidly growing research interest on the roles of MSC in ocular surface regeneration., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Cardiac c-kit cells show promise in regenerating an injured heart. While heart disease commonly affects elderly patients, it is unclear if autologous cardiac c-kit cells are functionally competent and applicable to these patients. This study characterised cardiac c-kit cells (CCs) from aged mice and studied the effects of human Wharton's Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the growth kinetics and cardiac differentiation of aged CCs in vitro. CCs were isolated from 4-week- and 18-month-old C57/BL6N mice and were directly co-cultured with MSCs or separated by transwell insert. Clonogenically expanded aged CCs showed comparable telomere length to young CCs. However, these cells showed lower Gata4 , Nkx2.5 , and Sox2 gene expressions, with changes of 2.4, 3767.0, and 4.9 folds, respectively. Direct co-culture of both cells increased aged CC migration, which repopulated 54.6 ± 4.4% of the gap area as compared to aged CCs with MSCs in transwell (42.9 ± 2.6%) and CCs without MSCs (44.7 ± 2.5%). Both direct and transwell co-culture improved proliferation in aged CCs by 15.0% and 16.4%, respectively, as traced using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) for three days. These data suggest that MSCs can improve the growth kinetics of aged CCs. CCs retaining intact telomere are present in old hearts and could be obtained based on their self-renewing capability. Although these aged CCs with reduced growth kinetics are improved by MSCs via cell-cell contact, the effect is minimal.

Objective: Myocardial infarction remains the number one killer disease worldwide. Cellular therapy using cardiac c-kit cells (CCs) are capable of regenerating injured heart. Previous studies showed mesenchymal stem cell-derived (MSC) extracellular matrices can provide structural support and are capable of regulating stem cell functions and differentiation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of human MSC-derived matrices for CC growth and differentiation., Methods: Human Wharton's Jelly-derived MSCs were cultured in ascorbic acid supplemented medium for 14 days prior to decellularisation using two methods. 1% SDS/Triton X-100 (ST) or 20 mM ammonia/Triton X-100 (AT). CCs isolated from 4-week-old C57/BL6N mice were cultured on the decellularised MSC matrices, and induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes in cardiogenic medium for 21 days. Cardiac differentiation was assessed by immunocytochemistry and qPCR. All data were analysed using ANOVA., Results: In vitro decellularisation using ST method caused matrix delamination from the wells. In contrast, decellularisation using AT improved the matrix retention up to 30% (p < 0.05). This effect was further enhanced when MSCs were cultured in cardiogenic medium, with a matrix retention rate up to 90%. CCs cultured on cardiogenic MSC matrix (ECM cardio ), however, did not significantly improve its proliferation after 3 days (p < 0.05), but the viability of CCs was augmented to 67.2 ± 0.7% after 24-h exposure to H 2 O 2 stress as compared to 42.9 ± 0.5% in control CCs ( p  < 0.05). Furthermore, CCs cultured on cardiogenic MSC matrices showed 1.7-fold up-regulation in cardiac troponin I (cTnI) gene expression after 21 days (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Highest matrix retention can be obtained by decellularization using Ammonia/Triton-100 in 2-D culture. ECM cardio could rescue CCs from exogenous hydrogen peroxide and further upregulated the cardiac gene expressions, offering an alternate in vitro priming strategy to precondition CCs which could potentially enhance its survival and function after in vivo transplantation.

Limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency is a visually debilitating condition caused by abnormal maintenance of LSCs. It is treated by transplantation of donor-derived limbal epithelial cells (LECs), the success of which depends on the presence and quality of LSCs within the transplant. Understanding the immunobiological responses of these cells within the transplants could improve cell engraftment and survival. However, human corneal rings used as a source of LSCs are not always readily available for research purposes. As an alternative, we hypothesized that a human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial cell (HTCEC) line could be used as a model for studying LSC immunobiology. HTCEC constitutively expressed human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I but not class II molecules. However, when stimulated by interferon-γ, HTCECs then expressed HLA class II antigens. Some HTCECs were also migratory in response to CXCL12 and expressed stem cell markers, Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2. In addition because both HTCECs and LECs contain side population (SP) cells, which are an enriched LSC population, we used these SP cells to show that some HTCEC SP cells coexpressed ABCG2 and ABCB5. HTCEC SP and non-side population (NSP) cells also expressed CXCR4, but the SP cells expressed higher levels. Both were capable of colony formation, but the NSP colonies were smaller and contained fewer cells. In addition, HTCECs expressed ΔNp63α. These results suggest the HTCEC line is a useful model for further understanding LSC biology by using an in vitro approach without reliance on a supply of human tissue. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:761-766., (© 2016 The Authors Stem Cells Translational Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of AlphaMed Press.)

Aim: To isolate and characterize limbal mesenchymal stem cells (LMSCs) from human corneoscleral rings., Materials & Methods: Cells were isolated from corneoscleral rings and cultured in a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-selective media and examined for differentiation, phenotyping and characterization., Results: LMSCs were capable of trilineage differentiation, adhered to tissue culture plastic, expressed HLA class I and cell surface antigens associated with human MSC while having no/low expression of HLA class II and negative hematopoietic lineage markers. They were capable for CXCL12-mediated cellular migration. LMSCs adhered, proliferated on amniotic membrane and expressed the common putative limbal stem cell markers., Conclusion: Limbal-derived MSC exhibited plasticity, could maintain limbal markers expression and demonstrated viable growth on amniotic membrane.

Stem cells with enhanced resistance to oxidative stress after in vitro expansion have been shown to have improved engraftment and regenerative capacities. Such cells can be generated by preconditioning them with exposure to an antioxidant. In this study we evaluated the effects of Tualang honey (TH), an antioxidant-containing honey, on human corneal epithelial progenitor (HCEP) cells in culture. Cytotoxicity, gene expression, migration, and cellular resistance to oxidative stress were evaluated. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that HCEP cells were holoclonal and expressed epithelial stem cell marker p63 without corneal cytokeratin 3. Cell viability remained unchanged after cells were cultured with 0.004, 0.04, and 0.4% TH in the medium, but it was significantly reduced when the concentration was increased to 3.33%. Cell migration, tested using scratch migration assay, was significantly enhanced when cells were cultured with TH at 0.04% and 0.4%. We also found that TH has hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging ability, although a trace level of H2O2 was detected in the honey in its native form. Preconditioning HCEP cells with 0.4% TH for 48 h showed better survival following H2O2-induced oxidative stress at 50 µM than untreated group, with a significantly lower number of dead cells (15.3 ± 0.4%) were observed compared to the untreated population (20.5 ± 0.9%, p<0.01). Both TH and ascorbic acid improved HCEP viability following induction of 100 µM H2O2, but the benefit was greater with TH treatment than with ascorbic acid. However, no significant advantage was demonstrated using 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde, a compound that was found abundant in TH using GC/MS analysis. This suggests that the cellular anti-oxidative capacity in HCEP cells was augmented by native TH and was attributed to its antioxidant properties. In conclusion, TH possesses antioxidant properties and can improve cell migration and cellular resistance to oxidative stress in HCEP cells in vitro.

The challenges in limbal stem cell biology largely remain in the process of identification, isolation and expansion of these adult corneal epithelial stem cells of the eye. Due to the absence of specific limbal stem cell markers, identification and isolation of putative limbal stem cells is a complicated task. The side population assay is an isolation method that utilises the ability of stem cells to efflux the DNA-binding dye Hoechst 33342 (or other vital dyes) combined with dual wavelength flow cytometry and is a valuable strategy to enrich for limbal stem cells. This assay has been used to successfully identify stem/ progenitor cell populations in a variety of tissues and cell lines. Here we optimise this assay to identify SP cell populations in both primary human limbal epithelial cultures and in an established human corneal epithelial cell line. The limbal SP fraction showed higher expression of ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2), ΔNp63--a common limbal stem cell marker and the stem cell marker Sox2 compared to non-SP cells (NSP).

Cornea transplantation has been considered to be different from other solid organ transplantation because of the assumed immune-privileged state of the anterior chamber of the eye. Three major lines of thought regarding the molecular mechanisms of immune privilege in the eye are as follows: (a) anatomical, cellular, and molecular barriers in the eye; (b) anterior chamber-associated immune deviation; and (c) immunosuppressive microenvironment in the eye. However, cornea transplants suffer allograft rejection when breached by vascularization. In recent developments, cellular corneal transplantation from cultivated limbal epithelial cells has shown impressive advances as a future therapy. The limbal stem cell niche contains stem cells that promote proliferation and migration and have immunosuppressive mechanisms to protect them from immunological reactions. Limbal stem cells are also noted to display an enhanced expression of genes for the antiapoptotic proteins, a property that is imperative for the survival of transplanted tissues. Further investigation of the molecular mechanisms regulating the immune regulation of limbal stem cells is relevant in the clinical setting to promote the survival of whole corneal and limbal stem cell transplantation.

Corneal blindness carries a morbidity that affects quality of life and is often associated with an increased economic burden. In this review, we focus on the severe and painful condition of limbal stem cell deficiency, an important cause of corneal blindness. Conventional corneal transplantation usually results in graft failure and is contraindicated in this condition. Ex vivo-expanded limbal epithelial transplantation has been used as a cellular-based therapy to regenerate and reconstruct the ocular surface as a mode of treatment. Enrichment methods for stem cells are a strategy to improve the outcome of limbal stem cell transplantation. Here we discuss the side population assay as a functional assay to enrich for stem cells as an important source of limbal stem cells. The challenges in ex vivo-expanded limbal stem cell transplantation are wide and varied and will be addressed in this review with regard to improving the clinical outcomes of cultivated limbal stem cell transplantation.

Purpose: A normally restored orbital structure after reconstructive surgery would accelerate the return of orbital function. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of 2 orbital implants: autogenous grafts and porous polyethylene (Medpor)., Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted of all patients who had undergone orbital floor reconstruction using an autogenous graft or Medpor. The study participants were divided into 2 groups, and the postoperative outcomes were assessed clinically., Results: Of the 26 patients, 14 (53.0%) had undergone surgery with an autogenous graft and 12 (46.2%) with Medpor. Postoperatively, no diplopia in the primary gaze was noted in any patient. However, down gaze and peripheral diplopia was found in 11.5% and 26.9% in the autogenous group and in 3.8% and 26.9% in the Medpor group, respectively (P = 1.24). Enophthalmos was present in 11.4% of the autogenous graft group and 15.3% of the Medpor group (P = .465). The Hess chart findings were abnormal in 11.4% of both groups (P = .062). Restriction of movement was observed in 1 patient (3.8%) from the autogenous group and 7.7% of the Medpor group (P = .574)., Conclusions: Orbital floor reconstruction using an autogenous graft or Medpor showed comparable results., (Copyright © 2011 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study aims to assess the optic disc characteristics in healthy adult Malays and to correlate them with age, gender and refractive errors., Design: Cross-sectional study., Participants: A total of 200 voluntary participants (106 women and 94 men) among Malay students aged 20 to 37 years at Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia., Methods: The relationship between Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph parameters with age, gender and refractive error were analysed with correlation tests and multiple linear regression analyses., Main Outcome Measures:   Twelve parameters, that is, disc area, rim area, cup area, cup to disc area, cup volume, rim volume, height variation contour, cup shape measure, mean cup depth, maximum cup depth, mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and retinal nerve fibre layer cross-sectional area., Results:   Disc area, rim area and cup : disc area ratio averaged 2.24 ± 0.52 (mean ± standard deviation), 1.64 ± 0.32 and 0.25 ± 0.12 mm(2) , respectively. Five parameters (disc area, cup area, cup volume, cup : disc area ratio and mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness) showed statistically significant difference between men and women. Age was negatively and significantly correlated with rim area with coefficient r = -0.21, P = 0.003. All optic disc parameters were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with disc area, except cup shape measure., Conclusions:   One or more of optic disc parameters were affected significantly by age, gender and disc area in healthy adult Malays' eyes. These factors need to be considered during the evaluation of optic disc., (© 2010 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology © 2010 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.)

The authors describe recurrent lens dislocation into the anterior chamber in a young girl with homocystinuria. The patient's 12-year-old sister died after a cerebrovascular accident caused by the same disease. This report highlights the importance of early dietary restrictions and treatment., (Copyright (c) 2010, SLACK Incorporated.)