Identification of Boseongicola sediminum sp. nov., a Novel Decabromodiphenyl Ether (BDE-209)-tolerant Strain Isolated from Coastal Sediment in Xiamen,China

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of aromatic organic bromine compounds, which have been used in a broad array of polymeric materials (plastics, foams, resins, and adhesives) as brominated flame retardants. They are used in commercial and household products, including textiles, electronic equipment, airplanes, and automobiles, especially in China and the USA, because they are inexpensive with excellent flame-retardant effects[1]. During the past decade, over 14,000 tonnes of PBDEs have entered the market, and have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants[2].     

Hydrogen sulfide serves as a biomarker in the anterior segment of patients with diabetic retinopathy

International Ophthalmology - The present study aims to determine hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations of the aqueous humor from patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) to compare its levels in...     

Association between cannabis and the eyelids: A comprehensive review

Cannabis is the most consumed illicit drug worldwide. As more countries consider bills that would legalize adult use of cannabis, health care providers, including eye care professionals (ophthalmologists, optometrists), will need to recognize ocular effects of cannabis consumption in patients. There are only 20 studies on the eyelid effects of cannabis usage as a medical treatment or a recreational drug. These include ptosis induction, an “eyelid tremor” appearance and blepharospasm attenuation. Six articles describe how adequately dosed cannabis regimens could be promising medical treatments for blepharospasm induced by psychogenic factors. Fourteen articles report eyelid tremors in intoxicated drivers and ptosis as a secondary effect in cannabinoid animal experimental models. The exact mechanism of cannabinoids connecting cannabis to the eyelids is unclear. Further studies should be conducted to better understand the cannabinoid system in relation to the eyelid and eventually develop new, effective and safe therapeutic targets derived from cannabis.     

Acrylamide exposure impairs blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier function

Previous studies show that chronic acrylamide exposure leads to central and peripheral neu- ropathy. However, the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. In this study, we examined the permeability of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, and its ability to secrete transthyretin and transport leptin of rats exposed to acrylamide for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. Transthyretin levels in cerebrospinal fluid began to decline on day 7 after acrylamide exposure. The sodium fluorescein level in cerebrospinal fluid was increased on day 14 after exposure. Evans blue concentration in cerebrospinal fluid was increased and the cerebrospinal fluid/serum leptin ratio was decreased on days 21 and 28 after exposure. In comparison, the cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin ratio was increased on day 28 after exposure. Our findings show that acrylamide exposure damages the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and impairs secretory and transport functions. These changes may underlie acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity.     

术中 X-线定位在神经内镜切除甲介型蝶窦垂体瘤手术中的应用简

目的探讨术中x-线定位在经神经内镜下甲介型蝶窦垂体瘤手术的应用。方法回顾性分析6例甲介型蝶窦垂体瘤病人的临床资料,均采用神经内镜下垂体瘤切除结合术中X-线定位方法。结果术中X-线定位准确4例;2例发生纵向偏差,均纠正。肿瘤全切除5例,次全切除1例。术后激素水平正常,视力视野改善。出现暂时性尿崩1例,治疗后痊愈。无脑脊液鼻漏、垂体功能低下、蝶窦炎发生,无死亡病例。6例病人随访3年,均无复发。结论神经内镜技术结合术中X-线定位是一种治疗甲介型蝶窦垂体瘤的安全、有效方法。     

Subconjunctival Injection of Regulatory T Cells Potentiates Corneal Healing Via Orchestrating Inflammation and Tissue Repair After Acute Alkali Burn

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of locally delivered regulatory T cells (Tregs) on acute corneal wound healing after alkali burn.MethodsAfter corneal alkali burn, the mice were injected subconjunctivally with regulatory T cells (Tregs) isolated from syngeneic mice. The wound healing process was monitored by clinical manifestation, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As amphiregulin (Areg) was significantly upregulated, its reparative function in injured corneas was suggested. The hypothesis was further verified via loss- and gain-of-function experiments by administrating the antibody of Areg (anti-Areg) and recombinant Areg (rmAreg).ResultsSubconjunctivally injected Tregs rapidly migrated to injured corneas. The mice treated with Tregs showed prominently reduced corneal opacity, alleviated edema, and faster re-epithelialization compared with the control group. Mechanistically, Treg treatment led to suppressed infiltration of inflammatory cells, along with improved proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of corneal epithelial cells. Tregs expressed upregulated functional markers, including Areg. Expectantly, the levels of Areg in corneas were dramatically higher in the Treg injection group, in line with better corneal restoration. Additional experiments showed that the administration of anti-Areg blunted the reparative effect of Tregs, while exogenous Areg enhanced it. Treg-treated corneas also exhibited less neovascularization and fibrosis at a later reconstruction stage of corneal repair.ConclusionsThe findings showed that the subconjunctival injection of Tregs effectively promoted corneal wound healing by inhibiting excessive inflammation and enhancing epithelial regeneration, with an indispensable reparative role of Areg. Subsequent complications of corneal vascularization and fibrosis were therefore reduced.     

Treatment of intracerebral glioblastomas with G422 tumour cell vaccine in a mouse model

The aim of this study was to develop a tumour vaccine with the ability to induce and expand higher affinity cytotoxic T lymphocytes and stimulate an effective antitumour immune response. The hypothesis tested was that G422 glioblastoma cells modified with B7-1 and interferon (IFN)-gamma genes could serve as a tumour vaccine. It was found that therapeutic subcutaneous immunizations with this tumour vaccine significantly induced a cytotoxic T-cell response and prolonged the survival of female Kuming mice with intracerebral G422 tumour isografts. The data collectively suggested that G422 glioblastoma cells genetically modified with B7-1 and IFN-gamma genes could serve as a tumour vaccine.