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Visible-light-driven WO3and#183;0.33H2O/Ag2MoO4 composites have been prepared by using an in-situ growth of Ag2MoO4 nanoparticles on the surfaces of WO3and#183;0.33H2O. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were studied by degradation of rhodamine B and levofloxacin dilute solution. The synergistic photocatalytic mechanism was also analyzed. Experimental results reveal that the as-developed hybrids have higher photocatalytic activity than pure samples. When the theoretical molar ratio of WO3and#183;0.33H2O to Na2MoO4and#183;2H2O is 1:0.15, the as-developed hybrids have the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 99.0% for rhodamine B in 45 min and 40.9% for levofloxacin in 120 min. Furthermore, there are chemical bonds between WO3and#183;0.33H2O and Ag2MoO4. In addition, the super oxide radicals play the leading role during the photocatalytic degradation process of the samples. This work will provide reference for treatment of organic dyes and antibiotics pollution in water with using solar energy.

To examine the density and morphology of Langerhans cells (LCs) in the cornea of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).Forty patients with TAO and 20 healthy volunteers were studied. All subjects underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination of both eyes. The ocular surface status was assessed by Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) symptom questionnaires, tear break-up time (BUT), fluorescein staining and the Schirmer test. Laser scanning in vivo confocal microscopy was applied to evaluate the LC density and morphology in both central and peripheral cornea. The correlations between confocal microscopy data and clinical data were also analyzed.The OSDI and fluorescein staining values were significantly higher, while BUT and Schirmer test scores were lower in both active and inactive TAO patients compared to the controls. Central LC densities of patients with active TAO (76.38 ± 67.77 cell/mm(2)) and inactive TAO (47.49 ± 38.58 cell/mm(2)) were both significantly higher than those of the controls (21.46 ± 21.74 cell/mm(2)). The number of LCs in the peripheral cornea was also significantly increased in the active TAO group (131.53 ± 74.18 cell/mm(2)) compared to the control group (70.21 ± 37.76 cell/mm(2)). Central LC morphology (LCM) values were significantly higher in both active (1.77 ± 0.63) and inactive (1.51 ± 0.63) TAO groups compared to the control group (1.01 ± 0.80), whereas peripheral LCM scores of the two TAO groups were increased without statistical significance. There were significant correlations between both central LC density and central LCM scores and clinical data, including clinical activity score, OSDI and Schirmer test scores, and between peripheral LC density and OSDI and Schirmer test scores. No significant correlations were found between peripheral LCM scores and clinical data.The increase of corneal LCs in density and maturation in patients with TAO reflects an activated state of the local immune system, which indicates an inflammatory process in the cornea of TAO.

The aim of this study was to detect the effect of the CD40 ligand (CD40L) on the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and E-Selectin in orbital fibroblasts (OFs) from patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO), as well as the signaling pathways involved in this effect. OFs were isolated from orbital tissues obtained from patients with severe GO who were undergoing orbital decompression surgery. VCAM-1 and E-selectin RNA and protein expression levels were quantified in OFs stimulated with soluble CD40L (sCD40L). RNA and protein quantification was performed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis. Cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions were isolated in order to detect the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Signaling pathway inhibitors were applied to determine the pathways involved. Compared to unstimulated OFs, the mRNA and protein levels of VCAM-1 and E-selectin in OFs incubated with sCD40L were significantly increased. This was observed in dose- and time-course experiments, and the inductive effects of sCD40L were much weaker in OFs from healthy donors. At the same time, we observed that CD40L induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB, also in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The up-regulation of VCAM-1 and E-selectin, as well as the NF-κB nuclear translocation induced by CD40L, was significantly attenuated by inhibitors targeting mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and NF-κB. CD40L demonstrated the ability to up-regulate the expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin at the pre-translational level in OFs from patients with GO. The MAPK and PI3K pathways and NF-κB may play important roles in CD40L-induced VCAM-1 and E-selectin expression.

Hypoxia promotes the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ), which is related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). CD147 is considered as an additional subunit of γ-secretase regulated by hypoxia, and has been identified in exosomes. Aβ is also found in exosomes that participate in the intercellular communication and amyloids propagation. This study was to investigate the role of CD147 in hypoxia-induced accumulation of Aβ in exosomes. Our results showed that hypoxia increased the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in exosomes and enhanced the interaction between CD147 and Hook1 in SH-SY5YAPP695 cells. Moreover, hypoxia increased the interaction between amyloid precursor protein (APP) and CD147 as well as the expression of CD147 in isolated membrane. After we interfered the interaction between CD147 and Hook1 by decreasing Rab22a expression, the hypoxia induced Aβ accumulation in exosomes was significantly suppressed. In addition, the increased interaction between CD147 and Hook1 was further confirmed in hypoxia exposed C57BL/6 mice. Our findings reveal that hypoxia may increase exosome Aβ level by enhancing the interaction between CD147 and Hook1.

Summary Background This study was conducted to detect microbial pathogens in conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma specimens in an attempt to determine possible associations between conjunctival MALT lymphoma and microbial infections. Material/Methods Using PCR technique, freshly obtained tumor specimens from 16 cases of conjunctival MALT lymphoma, as confirmed by postoperative pathology, were analyzed for DNA of Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Synthetic C. psittaci, C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae and H. pylori DNA were used as positive control, and blank plasmid DNA as negative control. Results Electrophoresis showed that no bands corresponding to the positive control were observed in the specimens, indicating that no DNA of the 4 microorganisms was detected in the specimens of the 16 cases of conjunctival MALT lymphoma. Conclusions The PCR technique was able to detect the positive control quickly and accurately, but the results of PCR in analyzing the 16 specimens were negative, indicating that there is no association between conjunctival MALT lymphoma and the 4 microorganisms in Chinese patients.

Aberrant microRNA expression is implicated in cancer initiation and progression. We sought to identify dysregulated miRNAs in conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and investigated their biological significance. The profiles of miRNAs in conjunctival MALT lymphoma and normal adjacent tissues were investigated by microRNA microarray of four pairs of surgically removed conjunctival MALT lymphoma tissues and matched controls. The results of microarray were further confirmed in 14 paired conjunctival MALT lymphoma samples (including the former four pairs) using quantitative RT-PCR. The functional effect of miR-200 was examined further. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the predicted target. The microarray results revealed upregulated miR-150/155, and downregulated miR-184, miR-200a, b, c, and miR-205. These findings were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR. Targetscan analysis suggested cyclin E2 as potential target of miR-200a, b, c. Luciferase reporter assay using vectors containing the 3’UTR of cyclin E2 showed that miR-200a, b, c could suppress luciferase activities. RT-PCR and immunoblotting studies revealed that overexpression of miR-200a, b, c reduced the mRNA and protein levels of cyclin E2 respectively. We demonstrated that miRNAs were dysregulated in conjunctival MALT lymphoma, and dysregulation of the miR-200 family could be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease.

Leiomyosarcoma is a relatively rare form of cancer most commonly found in the uterus, stomach, small intestine, retroperitoneum, and vascular tissue. Metastasis is common and surgery with a wide margin of resection is generally considered the most effective management. Leiomyosarcomas, metastatic or primary, of the orbit have rarely been reported. Herein, we report the case of a 51-year-old female with metastatic orbital leiomyosarcoma. The diagnosis was based on her history of leipmyosarcoma, orbital ultrasonography, and computed tomography and confirmed by postoperative histochemistry. She was treated with surgical excision and has remained without recurrence 1 year after surgery.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of mitomycin-C (MMC) on corneal endothelial cells after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK). Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China. Methods One hundred seventy-four eyes of 89 patients who did not previously wear contact lenses were treated with LASEK with intraoperative use of topical MMC 0.02% (15 seconds). Noncontact corneal specular microscopy was performed in all eyes preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Preoperative pachymetry and ablation depth were measured in all eyes. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the changes in the endothelial central cell density (CCD), coefficient of variation in cell size (CV), and percentage of hexagram cells (HEX) over time. Linear regression analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between the change in the 3 corneal endothelium indices over time and the ablation depth and residual stroma bed (RSB) thickness. Results Preoperatively, the mean CCD was 2755 cells/mm 2 ± 373 (SD), the mean CV was 31.45 ± 8.26, and the mean HEX was 66.03% ± 25.83%. After LASEK, there were no statistically significant changes in CCD, CV, or HEX ( P >.05). Multiple linear regression did not identify ablation depth or RSB thickness as being predictive of a change in CCD, CV, or HEX ( P >.05). Conclusion The use of intraoperative topical MMC 0.02% for 15 seconds after LASEK did not affect the corneal endothelium.

Cytotoxic-T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) has been shown to play an important role in the development and progression of thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). A number of case-control studies focused on the association between CTLA-4 +49A/G polymorphism and risk for TAO. But the results were not always consistent. So we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the precise association between this polymorphism and risk for TAO.All publications on the association between CTLA-4 +49A/G polymorphism and TAO were searched in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, with the last report up to May 2014. This meta-analysis was assessed by Review Manager 5.1.A total of 14 studies were involved in this meta-analysis, including 1128 cases and 2539 controls. Overall, we found a significant association between CTLA-4 +49A/G polymorphism and TAO (G versus A: OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.40-1.92, p 0.00001; GG versus AG + AA: OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.59-2.57, p 0.00001; GG + AG versus AA: OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.66-2.43, p 0.00001; GG versus AA: OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.83-4.10, p 0.00001; AG versus AA: OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.42-2.15, p 0.00001). The results were not materially altered after the studies which did not fulfill Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were excluded. Significant association was also detected in both Caucasian and Asian populations in subgroup analysis divided by different ethnicity.Our meta-analysis supports the association between the CTLA-4 +49A/G polymorphism and TAO.

Purpose: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is characterizedby the formation of cellular membranes on the detached retina and also in the vitreous. Glial cellscan be found in epiretinal and subretinal membranes from eyes with PVR, proliferative diabeticretinopathy (PDR), idiopathic macular pucker, uveitis and other diseases affecting theretina. Proliferation and contraction of glial cells appears to play a role in the pathogenesisof PVR. This study is designed to inspect the effectiveness of harringtonine, as well as colchicine,daunomycin and fluorouracil, against cellular proliferation of cultured human retinal glial cellsthat might be involved in the retinal and/or vitreous proliferation. Methods: Cultures of human retinal glial cells were preparedusing the enzyme digesting method. Cells that had been in culture for 2–5 passages were usedin this study. Harringtonine (0.063 μg/ml ∼ 2.0 μg/ml), colchicines(0.5 μg/ml ∼ 16.0 μg/ml), daunomycin (0.1 μg/ml ∼ 3.2 μg/ml) and 5-fluorouracil(0.5 μg/ml ∼ 16.0 μg/ml) were added to cultures of human retinal glial cellsand the proliferation rates of the cells were measured by the MTT method. Results: Harringtonine at the dosage of 0.063 μg/mlinduced suppression of cellular growth, but the changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).At a dosage ranging from 0.125 μg/ml to 2.0 μg/ml, harringtonine significantly suppressedcellular growth according to the test (p < 0.01). Likewise, other antiproliferativeagents inhibited cellular growth significantly at a dosage from 1.0 μg/ml to 16.0 μg/ml(colchicine), 0.2 μg/ml to 3.2 μg/ml (daunomycin) and 1.0 μg/ml to 16.0 μg/ml(5-fluorouracil), but not at 0.5 μg/ml (colchicine), 0.1 μg/ml (daunomycin) and0.5 μg/ml (5-fluorouracil). The ID50 were 0.33 μg/ml (harringtonine), 3.11 μg/ml (colchicine), 0.79 μg/ml (daunomycin) and 5.23 μg/ml (5-fluorouracil), respectively.Conclusions: Harringtonine was extremely effective ininhibiting human retinal glial cell proliferation, like other antiproliferative drugs such as colchicine,daunomycin and 5-fluorouracil. Harringtonine, therefore, may be a candidate for further studies regardingthe treatment of experimental PVR.

Background and Objectives: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to play an important role in the development and progress of diabetic retinopathy (DR). A number of case-control studies focused on the association between VEGF -2578C/A and risk for DR. But the results were not always consistent, so we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the precise association between this variant and risk for DR. Methods: All publications on the association between VEGF -2578C/A polymorphism and DR were searched in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, with the last report up to January 2013. This meta-analysis was assessed by Review Manager 5.1. Results: A total of 6 studies were involved in this meta-analysis, including 835 cases and 867 controls. Overall, we found a significant association between this polymorphism and DR (A vs. C: OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.26-1.77, p < 0.00001; AA vs. CA + CC: OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.94-1.68, p = 0.12; AA + CA vs. CC: OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.27-1.91, p < 0.00001; AA vs. CC: OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.20-2.32, p = 0.003; CA vs. CC: OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.21-1.87, p = 0.0002), but we did not find any significant association in Caucasians in subgroup analysis. The results were not materially altered after the studies which did not fulfill the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were excluded. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis supports the association between the VEGF -2578C/A polymorphism and DR, but not in the Caucasian population.

The study aimed to prepare a new type intra ocular lens (IOL), in which 5-Fu, as an antimetabolite drug, could be sustained released to prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO), and evaluate its efficacy and safety in vitro and in vivo.5-fluorouracil chitosan nanoparticles (5-Fu-CSNP) were prepared by template polymerization and selected by a cell counting kit (CCK-8). The 5-Fu-CSNPs that inhibit Human Lens Epithelial Cells (HLECs) proliferation most efficiently were chosen for further analysis. We then investigated cell death type in vitro by flow cytometry and fluorescent probe. IOLs were surface modified by 5-Fu-CSNP after being activated by a low energy fluorine ion beam, and then were implanted into rabbits' eyes after transparent lens enucleation to evaluate the efficacy of preventing PCO and safety in anterior chamber. Transparency and haze of the 5-Fu-CSNP-surface-modified intraocular lens (Nano-5-Fu-IOL) were detected by a haze meter. Drug release of the Nano-5-Fu-IOL was measured by UV spectrophotometry.The CCK results showed that the half inhibition dose (ID50) of the HLECs in 5-Fu-CSNP group and in 5-Fu solution group was 0.2 μg/mL and 1 μg/mL, respectively. The transparency of the 5-Fu-CSNP modified IOL was observed to have no significant difference with the blank control. The IOLs can continuously release 5-Fu in 4 days in vitro. In vivo, 5-Fu-CSNP IOL group had little aqueous flare 3 days after the surgery, and lighter PCO 4 weeks after the surgery than the blank control group. The results of the light microscope and electron microscope further confirmed the above results in vivo.The new IOL modified by 5-Fu-CSNP could be prepared and have a sustained release of 5-Fu to prevent PCO by promoting HLEC apoptosis. The drug-loaded CSNP could reduce the anterior chamber toxicity of 5-Fu markedly, which was probably due to the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress and induction of apoptosis.

Weight gain following smoking cessation increases cardiovascular risk, but its effects on prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between weight gain post smoking cessation and one-year clinical outcome in patients who underwent PCI with drug-eluting stent (DES).A total of 895 consecutive male smoking patients were divided into quitters (n = 437) and continuers (n = 458) according to their smoking status after PCI. Weight gain, major adverse cardiac events (MACE, including cardiac deaths, myocardial infarction and revascularization), and recurrent angina were recorded during follow-up for one year.Average weight gain in quitters was more than that in continuers (1.5 kg vs. -0.03 kg, P0.001). Weight was unchanged or increased by more than 1.5 kg in 78.17% of continuers, while 50.57% of quitters had a weight gain of less than 1.5 kg. Compared with continuers, MACE in quitters was significantly reduced after PCI (6.12% vs. 4.81%, P = 0.049), especially recurrent angina (13.97% in continuers vs. 9.84% in quitters, P = 0.027). After adjusting for weight gain and other factors, smoking cessation was independently associated with a lower risk of MACE and recurrent angina (OR = 0.73, P = 0.035). However, weight gain1.5 kg (OR = 1.55, P = 0.026) could curtail the benefits from smoking cessation.Weight gain may reduce the benefits of smoking cessation after PCI with DES implantation. Thus, although smoking cessation is recommended after PCI, weight control should also be highly encouraged for these patients.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Participants Six clinic studies, all of which were random controlled trials. Methods Pertinent studies were selected through extensive searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and meeting abstracts. Efficacy measures were weighted by mean differences for intraocular pressure (IOP), as well as change of number of glaucoma medications and relative risks (RRs) for therapeutic IOP responses. Tolerability measures were RRs for adverse events. Pooled estimates were carried out in RevMan software 5.1. Results SLT was associated with a numerically larger reduction compared with ALT, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of 0.60 (95% CI, 0.06–1.14). There was no significant difference in therapeutic IOP responses between SLT and ALT, with a pooled RR of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.51–1.38). Patients who received SLT took fewer glaucoma medications after operations than those who received ALT, with a WMD of 0.29 (95% CI, 0.01–0.56). When compared in patients with previous failed laser treatment (ALT or SLT), SLT was more effective in IOP reduction than ALT with a WMD of 1.48 (95% CI, 0.75–2.21). The frequencies of anterior chamber flare and IOP peak after operation were similar comparing SLT and ALT, with pooled RRs of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.74–1.11) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.45–1.82), respectively. Conclusions SLT was associated with relatively higher efficacy of IOP lowering compared with ALT. SLT results in a larger reduction of number of glaucoma medications versus ALT, and it appeared to be more effective for patients who did not respond adequately to previous laser treatment. The difference in tolerability of the 2 lasers was not significant.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of primary glaucoma in mainland China and to quantify its association with age, sex, and region. Methods: Population-based studies that reported the prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or/and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) among adult populations in mainland China were identified through systematic searches. Fourteen articles providing 12 population-based studies were included. The overall pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. A logistic metaregression was used to model the associations between the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval of primary glaucoma and age, sex, and region. Results: The overall pooled prevalence of POAG was 0.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.2), and PACG was found in 1.4% (1.0%, 1.7%). The OR per decade increase in age was 1.68 (1.12, 2.52) for POAG, and 2.11 (1.72, 2.60) for PACG. The OR of POAG prevalence was 0.65 (0.26, 1.62) between men and women. Chinese women were 1.75 (1.20, 2.56) times more likely than men to have PACG. The OR between western China and east China were 0.37 (0.10, 1.35) for POAG, and 1.06 (0.63, 1.76) for PACG. The OR between urban China and rural China were 3.92 (1.55, 9.92) for POAG, and 1.07 (0.55, 2.10) for PACG. Conclusions: The prevalence of PACG was approximately double that of POAG in adult Chinese. The rate of change of PACG prevalence with age increased more rapidly than that of POAG. The prevalence of POAG in urban was higher than that in rural. PACG was more common in women than in men.

To investigate the relationship between smoking and insulin resistance in non-obese male patients with CAD.414 consecutive non-obese male patients with angiographically-documented CAD (luminal diameter narrowing50%) were recruited, including 113 nonsmokers and 301 smokers. With 99 mild smokers (400 packs/year), 95 medium smokers (400 - 799 packs/year) and 107 heavy smokers (≥ 800 packs/year). Insulin resistance index (IRI) was expressed by homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculated by the formula of [fasting serum glucose (mmol/L) × fasting plasma insulin (mU/L)]/22.5. IRI ≥ 2.69 was defined as insulin resistance, while IRI2.69 was insulin sensitive. Fasting glucose, fasting insulin and IRI were recorded and odds ratio for the incidence of insulin resistance was calculated.Fasting glucose was higher in heavy smokers (5.86 mmol/L) than that in nonsmokers (5.51 mmol/L, P = 0.037) and mild smokers (5.33 mmol/L, P = 0.014). Fasting insulin and IRI were also significantly higher in heavy smokers (10.25 mU/L) than those in non-smokers (8.72 mU/L, P = 0.0231, respectively) and mild smokers (8.67 mU/L, P = 0.0231). Compared with nonsmokers, the odds ratio for the incidence of insulin resistance was 1.53 (95%CI 0.55 - 2.94; P = 0.027) in medium smokers and 1.89 (95%CI 0.49 - 3.14; P = 0.018) in heavy smokers.The relationship between smoking and insulin resistance is highly dose dependent in non-obese male patients with CAD.

Insulin resistance (IR) is significantly associated with coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events in patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of IR on long-term outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) implantation.A total of 467 consecutive patients undergoing SES-based PCI were divided into IR group (n = 104) and non-IR group (n = 363). The patients were followed up for one year. The rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) including death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and recurrent angina pectoris was compared by the log-rank test, and the independent risk factors were identified by the Cox regression analysis.MACEs occurred more frequently, and cumulative survival rate was lower in the IR group than in the non-IR group during the follow-up (all P0.05). IR was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of cardiac death and non-fatal myocardial infarction (OR = 2.76, 95%CI = 1.35 - 5.47, P = 0.034). Old age, diabetes, and multi-vessel disease were determinants for recurrent angina pectoris after PCI (P0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that IR (OR = 3.35, 95%CI = 1.07 - 13.59, P = 0.013) and multi-vessel disease (OR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.01 - 5.14, P = 0.044) were independent risk predictors for recurrent angina pectoris in patients with diabetes after PCI.IR is associated with reduced MACE-free survival and remains an independent predictor for recurrent angina pectoris after PCI with SES implantation.

Purpose To examine possible differences in clinical outcomes between laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Participants Patients from previously reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies of LASEK and PRK with clinical outcomes. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration methodology to identify RCTs and comparative studies comparing LASEK and PRK for myopia. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome parameters included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better, manifest refractive spherical equivalent (SE) within ±0.50 diopters (D), final refractive SE, and final UCVA of 20/40 or worse. Secondary outcome parameters included healing time of corneal epithelium, postoperative pain, and corneal haze. Results Twelve studies were identified and used for comparing PRK (499 eyes) with LASEK (512 eyes) for myopia. There were no significant differences in odds ratio (OR), weighted mean difference (WMD), and standardized mean difference (SMD) in the primary and secondary outcome measures. The final mean refractive SE (WMD, 0.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.08 to 0.07; P = 0.95), manifest refractive SE within ±0.50 D of the target (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.63–1.29; P = 0.56), patients achieving UCVA of 20/20 or better (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.61–1.20; P = 0.37), final UCVA of 20/40 or worse (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.63–2.51; P = 0.52), re-epithelialization time (WMD, 0.08; 95% CI, −0.44 to 0.59; P = 0.77), and postoperative pain (SMD, 0.26; 95% CI, −0.20 to 0.72; P = 0.27) were analyzed. However, LASEK-treated eyes showed less corneal haze at 1 month after surgery (WMD, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10–0.39; P = 0.0007) and 3 months after surgery (WMD, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.01–0.26; P = 0.03) compared with PRK. No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups at 6 months after surgery (WMD, 0.14; 95% CI, −0.02 to 0.30; P = 0.08). Conclusions In this meta-analysis, LASEK-treated eyes had no significant benefits over PRK-treated ones with regard to clinical outcomes. Less corneal haze was observed in LASEK-treated eyes at 1 to 3 months after surgery. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

To construct a chronic intraorbital optic nerve compression damage model in rabbits and investigate pathologic changes of the retina and optic nerve.A balloon was implanted into the orbit of rabbits, in which contrast medium was filled at designated time points to simulate chronic tumor compression on the intraorbital optic nerve. Funduscopy, visual electrophysiology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, apoptosis and gene assays were used to examine the changes of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and neuroglial cells, as well as the expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) in each phase of the chronic intraorbital optic nerve damage (2, 4 and 8 weeks after modeling).Funduscopic examination showed that there was no significant change in the optic disk in non-compression group; the optic disk was congested and edematous in 2 w-compression group, but with no significant change in color; in 4 w-compression group, edema was lessened but color became lighter; in 8 w-compression group, no edema was found but the color was pale. Flash visual evoked potential (FVEP) suggested that the change of FVEP wave forms was more obvious as the compression extended, especially the low, flat, wide and irregular wave forms; the latent period of P(1), N(1) and P(2) was prolonged and the amplitude became lower. Compared with the wave form in non-compression group, there was no significant difference in 2 w-compression group (P0.05), but the differences were prominent in 4 w- and 8 w-compression groups (P0.01). Histopathology checks indicated no changes in the retina and optic nerve in non-compression group; in 2 w-compression group, there were also no significant changes, but the cell number of optic nerve decreased, the fibers were deranged, and the bundle membrane was damaged; in 4 w-compression group, nuclei in the RGC layer became sparse, the cell number of optic nerve increased significantly, the optic nerve bundles were deranged; in 8 w-compression group, nuclei in the RGC layer remained sparse and disordered, in the optic nerve there were a large number of disordered and deranged cells, the structure of fiber bundles was not clear, the bundle membrane was incomplete. Immunohistochemistry results showed there was no obvious change in the content of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the optic nerve in non-compression group; its expression began increasing in 2 w-compression group and remained high level in 8 w-compression group. With the compression extending, the number of apoptotic cells in RGCs layer increased gradually, and it was positive correlation with the compression time. CNTF and GAP-43 expressions were low in blank control and non-compression groups, and were up-regulated in 2 w-compression group (P0.01); with the compression extending, the expressions of two genes increased gradually (P0.01).A chronic intraorbital optic nerve compression damage model was constructed successfully, and in that way we found that with the compression extending, more RGCs were lost; the structure of optic nerve fibers was damaged; the number of neuroglial cells tended to decreased at the beginning and then increased; and the CNTF and GAP-43 expressions increased gradually 2 weeks after damage.

Non-penetrating trabecular surgery is a new filtrating surgery without opening in ternal trabecular structures. This study was to estimate the overall efficacy of non-penetrating trabecular surgery for open angle glaucoma.The published articles selected for this study were obtained by a computerised Medline and China Biological Medicine Disk search of the literature and a manual search of the bibliographies of relevant articles. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed systematically, and the reported data were aggregated using the statistical techniques of meta-analysis.A total of 37 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled complete success rates of non-penetrating trabecular surgery with different techniques were: deep sclerectomy single, 69.7% (95% CI: 58.5% - 81.0%); deep sclerectomy with collagen implant, 59.4% (95% CI: 47.0% - 71.8%); deep sclerectomy with reticulated hyaluronic acid implant, 71.1% (95% CI: 56.8% - 85.3%); and viscocanalostomy, 72.0% (95% CI: 57.6% - 86.4%). The overall weighted complete success rate of non-penetrating trabecular surgery was 67.8% (95% CI: 61.4% - 74.3%).Non-penetrating trabecular surgery is the best available therapy method for medically uncontrolled open angle glaucoma with a complete success rate of over 60%. But the different techniques cannot belie the complete success rate of non-penetrating trabecular surgery.

To investigate the expression of thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) in the extraocular muscles (EOM) of the eyes of patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).EOM specimens were obtained from 12 patients with severe TAO and 10 healthy subjects within 1 hour after accidental death and the paraffin-embedded sections were observed by streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemical methods.The expression of TSHR was observed in the perimysium, cytomembrane and cytoplasm in 10 of the 12 TAO specimens, accounting for a TSHR expression rate of 83.3% in the EOM of TAO patients. No TSHR protein was found in the healthy subjects.High TSHR expression in the EOM of TAO patients indicates that as a common antigen between the orbit and thyroid, TSHR play a key role in the pathogenesis of TAO.

Purpose To evaluate the prophylactic effect of krypton yellow laser for the treatment of macular holes in high myopic eyes in order to reduce the risk of retinal detachment. Methods Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients with high myopia and macular holes were randomly assigned to two groups. Fifteen patients (group A, 15 eyes) were subject to laser photocoagulation around the hole margin along with an oral placebo (vitamin B1), while 12 patients (group B, 12 eyes) were only given the oral placebo (vitamin B1). The incident rate of retinal detachment due to macular hole and the mean best-corrected visual acuity of the two groups before and after treatment were measured. The data were statistically tested by X2 test and Student’s t test. Results The incident rates of retina1 detachment in group A and group B were 20%(3/15) and 58.3%(7/12), respectively (X2=4.201, P0.05). The mean BCVA of group B on the initial examination was 24/200, while the mean BCVA at the final follow-up was 30/200 (P>0.05). No significant difference in initial visual acuity (P>0.05) or final visual acuity (P>0.05) was found between the two groups. Conclusion Krypton yellow laser photocoagulation could reduce the incidence of retinal detachment due to a macular hole in high myopia with acceptable functional results in this study.

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of different intraocular lens (IOL) materials and optic edge designs in preventing posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Pertinent studies were selected through an electronic search of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase. The randomized controlled trials meeting the predefined criteria were reviewed systematically by meta-analysis. The treatment effects were measured as risk difference, and the pooled estimates were computed according to a random effect model. Results In total, 23 randomized controlled trials were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled risk differences of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates were −24% (95% confidence interval [CI], −29% to −20%) comparing acrylic with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) lenses; −9% (95% CI, −17% to −1%) comparing silicone with PMMA lenses; 14% (95% CI, −8% to 36%) comparing hydrogel with PMMA lenses; 4% (95% CI, −2% to 10%) comparing silicone with acrylic lenses; 19% (95% CI, 8% to 30%) comparing hydrogel with acrylic lenses; and 28% (95% CI, 10% to 46%) comparing hydrogel with silicone lenses. The pooled risk differences of PCO rates were −39% (95% CI, −47% to −31%) comparing acrylic with PMMA lenses; −14% (95% CI, −29% to 0%) comparing silicone with acrylic lenses; 56% (95% CI, 36% to 75%) comparing hydrogel with acrylic lenses; and 48% (95% CI, 31% to 64%) comparing hydrogel with silicone lenses. When comparing sharp with rounded-edge designs, pooled risk differences of capsulotomy rates were −47% (95% CI, −77% to −17%) in PMMA lenses, −22% (95% CI, −47% to 2%) in acrylic lenses, and −9% (95% CI, −17% to 0%) in silicone lenses; pooled risk differences of PCO rates were −28% (95% CI, −50% to −7%) in acrylic lenses and −37% (95% CI, −46% to −27%) in silicone lenses. Conclusions The rates of PCO and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy may be influenced by different IOL biomaterials and optic edge designs. The lenses made by acrylic and silicone and those with sharp optic edges are superior in lowering the rates of PCO and laser capsulotomy.