Although previously published meta-analyses have compared the surgical effects between the methods of Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) removal with or without ILM peeling, they did not reach an ...agreement.
We aimed to provide more evidence for the treatment of iERM and whether additional ILM peeling was better or not by analyzing more updated studies and randomized control trials (RCTs).
The search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Open Grey without language limitation and the studies included were from inception to December 2019. All studies of iERM with or without ILM peeling showed at least one of outcomes, such as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and recurrence of ERM. The pooled results between above groups were showed by the mean differences (MDs) and risk ratios (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
In total, 1645 eyes of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and fifteen retrospective studies were included. The short-term (<12 months) BCVA improvement in both groups showed no significant difference (MD = -0.01; 95% CI = -0.02 to 0.01; P = 0.36). However, the BCVA improvement was significantly better in ILM peeling eyes than in those without ILM peeling when considering the risk bias (MD = -0.04; 95% CI = -0.07 to -0.01; P = 0.008). The short-term (<12 months) CMT had a higher reduction in non ILM peeling group (MD = -9.02; 95% CI = -12.51 to -5.54; P < 0.00001) and the recurrence of ERM in ILM peeling group was lower (P < 0.00001). The long-term (≥12months) BCVA improvement ((MD = -0.00; 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.03; P = 0.97) and reduction of long-term (≥12months) CMT (MD = -1.14; 95% CI = -7.14 to -4.86; P = 0.71) were similar in both groups.
By considering the risk of bias, we should determine whether ILM peeling is beneficial for short-term changes in BCVA in patients with iERM. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm this. iERM removal without ILM peeling can improve the short-term decrease in CMT and ILM peeling decreases the recurrence of ERM, but the long-term changes in BCVA and CMT are similar with or without ILM peeling. There is a need for a true large scale randomized trial that will also include microperimetry and other functional measures.
We propose a new method to calculate proptosis by using the simple Heron's formula and analyze its feasibility. It was a none-inferiority trial. The registration number was ChiCTR1900026490. The ...absolute value of proptosis in 120 eyes, 60 patients without eye injury or diseases, was measured by computed tomography (CT) and simple Heron's formula. We did regression analysis and analyzed the differences between the two methods with Medcalc software version 19.0.4. The result was showed by Passing-Bablok regression analysis diagram and Bland and Altman plot. The Passing-Bablok showed that the result of proptosis measured by CT and simple Heron's formula showed good positive correlation. A 95% limit of agreement in proptosis between CT and Heron's formula method was -0.46 to 0.54 mm in right eye and -0.45 to 0.46 mm in left eye. 1.66% (1/60) point was outside 95% LoA in both eyes. Moreover, a 95% limit of agreement between CT and Heron's formula method was -0.42 to 0.56 mm in difference of both eyes. 3.33% (2/60) points were outside 95% LoA. The points in all Bland and Altman plots were lower than 5%. It means that the results of comparison between the two methods had a good consistency in the measurement of proptosis. Heron's formula could be applied to calculate proptosis and has a good consistency compared with computed tomography (CT). This method is practical in proptosis assessment because of its accuracy, reliability and simplicity.
Climate change has significantly influenced the growth and distribution of plant species, particularly those with a narrow ecological niche. Understanding climate change impacts on the distribution ...and spatial pattern of endangered species can improve conservation strategies. The MaxEnt model is widely applied to predict species distribution and environmental tolerance based on occurrence data. This study investigated the suitable habitats of the endangered Ormosia microphylla in China and evaluated the importance of bioclimatic factors in shaping its distribution. Occurrence data and environmental variables were gleaned to construct the MaxEnt model, and the resulting suitable habitat maps were evaluated for accuracy. The results showed that the MaxEnt model had an excellent simulation quality (AUC = 0.962). The major environmental factors predicting the current distribution of O. microphylla were the mean diurnal range (bio2) and precipitation of the driest month (bio14). The current core potential distribution areas were concentrated in Guangxi, Fujian, Guizhou, Guangdong, and Hunan provinces in south China, demonstrating significant differences in their distribution areas. Our findings contribute to developing effective conservation and management measures for O. microphylla, addressing the critical need for reliable prediction of unfavorable impacts on the potential suitable habitats of the endangered species.
Autophagy dysfunction is one of the common causes of tumor formation and plays an important role in uveal melanoma (UM). However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms of autophagy in UM. ...Here, we show that PTK6 can promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of UM cells by inhibiting autophagy. SOCS3 can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of UM cells. Overexpression of SOCS3 can partially rescue the PTK6-induced promotion of UM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, PTK6 can bind to SOCS3, and SOCS3 can downregulate the expression of PTK6. Furthermore, PTK6 can upregulate the phosphorylation of mTOR to inhibit autophagy. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the functions of PTK6 and SOCS3 in UM cells and targeting the SOCS3-PTK6 signaling axis might be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for patients with UM.
Abstract Background The pathogenesis of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) remains incompletely understand. The interaction between immunocytes and orbital fibroblasts (OFs) play a critical role in ...orbital inflammatory and fibrosis. Accumulating reports indicate that a significant portion of plasma exosomes (Pla-Exos) are derived from immune cells; however, their impact upon OFs function is unclear. Methods OFs were primary cultured from inactive TAO patients. Exosomes isolated from plasma samples of patients with active TAO and healthy controls (HCs) were utilized for functional and RNA cargo analysis. Functional analysis in thymocyte differentiation antigen-1 + (Thy-1 + ) OFs measured expression of inflammatory and fibrotic markers (mRNAs and proteins) and cell activity in response to Pla-Exos. RNA cargo analysis was performed by RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR. Thy-1 + OFs were transfected with miR-144-3p mimics/inhibitors to evaluate its regulation of inflammation, fibrosis, and proliferation. Results Pla-Exos derived from active TAO patients (Pla-Exos TAO−A ) induced stronger production of inflammatory cytokines and hyaluronic acid (HA) in Thy-1 + OFs while inhibiting their proliferation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) suggested that the difference in mRNA expression levels between Pla-Exos TAO−A and Pla-Exos HC was closely related to immune cells. Differential expression analysis revealed that 62 upregulated and 45 downregulated miRNAs in Pla-Exos TAO−A , with the elevation of miR-144-3p in both Pla-Exos and PBMCs in active TAO group. KEGG analysis revealed that the target genes of differentially expressed miRNA and miR-144-3p enriched in immune-related signaling pathways. Overexpression of the miR-144-3p mimic significantly upregulated the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and HA in Thy-1 + OFs while inhibiting their proliferation. Conclusion Pla-Exos derived from patients with active TAO were immune-active, which may be a long-term stimulus casual for inflammatory and fibrotic progression of TAO. Our finding suggests that Pla-Exos could be used as biomarkers or treatment targets in TAO patients.
To report a case of conjunctival sac fistula after cosmetic lateral canthoplasty which is rare.
A young women who underwent bilateral canthoplasty appeared with lacrimation of the right eye. We found ...there was a skin fistula with transparent tears at 2 mm lateral to the right canthus ligament and the liquid containing fluorescein was seen to overflow at the fistula after using fluorescein sodium eye drops. The number 7 lacrimal duct probe was visible under the temporal conjunctiva when exploring the fistula, and the fistula was about 4 mm. The patient was diagnosed with conjunctival sac fistula and fistula excision was performed. The patient did not tear abnormally after observation 3 months later and the incision healed well.
The case report illustrates an uncommon post-lateral canthoplasty complication. We suggested that surgeons who perform this kind of surgery should ask about epiphora and look for conjunctival sac fistula at follow-up assessment.
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), which is known as a severe complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, can cause varying degrees of damage to visual acuity. The pathogenesis of DR is multifactorial and not ...fully understood. Many previous research studies have revealed that an aberrant level of some long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may accelerate the development of DR. These lncRNAs are regulatory factors and research related to them is always underway. In this review, we will update several types of lncRNAs based on the previous studies which are related to the development of DR and discuss its potential mechanisms of action and connections. Generally, the review will help us know more about lncRNAs and provide directions for future research related to DR.
CO2 methanation has drawn tremendous attentions since it can alleviate the environmental issues caused by the rapid increase of CO2 and realize the carbon cycle. To effectively activate the stable ...CO2 molecule and facilitate the complicated 8 electron-involved process, it is necessary to develop highly efficient and robust catalysts, aiming at large-scale applications in CO2 methanation. In this review, three major modification strategies for improving the catalysts are discussed, including active sites, surface basicity and oxygen defects. A smaller size and higher dispersion of metallic sites enhance the adsorption of H2 and CO2, thus leading to a higher yield of CH4. Also, basic sites with medium strength promote the crucial intermediate formation while acidic sites or strong basic sites might adversely affect the CH4 production. Furthermore, oxygen defects increase the CO2 adsorption and oxygen mobility, gasifying the cokes and prolonging the lifespan. In addition to the structure-performance relationship, reaction and deactivation mechanisms are introduced at the beginning while conclusive remarks and future works are proposed in the end.
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•Overview on the reaction mechanisms of CO2 methanation.•Categorized discussion on the modification strategies of heterogeneous catalysts.•Critical and in-depth analysis of the structure-performance relationships.
Renal cell carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. STAT proteins play a significant role in cell biological behavior and immune response associated with ...cancer progression. In our study, the datasets analyzed for the expression and potential functions can be found in several bioinformatics analysis tools. We found that STAT1/2/4/6 were upregulated in RCC while STAT3/5B were downregulated. The expression of STAT2/4/5B were significantly associated with the pathological stage of RCC patients. RCC patients with high expression of STAT2/4 and low/medium expression of STAT5B had a poor overall survival. The function of STATs and the neighboring genes mainly enriched in JAK-STAT signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Several transcription factor, kinase, and miRNA targets were identified. Close correlations were obtained between immune cell infiltration and STATs in RCC. Our results have provided novel insights for the selection of immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers.
•STAT1/2/4/6 were upregulated in RCC while STAT3/5B were downregulated•RCC patients with high expression of STAT2/4 and low/medium expression of STAT5B had a poor overall survival.•The function of STATs and the neighboring genes mainly enriched in JAK-STAT - and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway.•Close correlations were obtained between immune cell infiltration and STATs in RCC.
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