Modelos de distribución de especies y estado de conservación de murciélagos amenazados en la región tumbesina de Ecuador y Perú / Species distribution models and conservation status of threatened bats in the Tumbesian region of Ecuador and Perú

Resumen Introducción: La biodiversidad se está perdiendo a un ritmo acelerado como resultado del cambio global. Herramientas como los modelos de distribución de especies (MDEs) han sido ampliamente usados para mejorar el conocimiento sobre el estado de conservación de las especies y ayudar a desarrollar estrategias de gestión para mitigar la pérdida de biodiversidad. Objetivo: Determinar cómo la distribución potencial predicha por los MDEs para ocho especies de murciélagos amenazados difiere de los mapas de distribución reportados por la UICN. También, inferir el área de distribución y estado de endemismo de cada especie, y evaluar la importancia de la región tumbesina para su conservación. Métodos: Basados en registros de presencia del rango global de las especies, usamos MDEs para evaluar el estado de conservación de estas ocho especies en la región tumbesina de Ecuador y Perú. Resultados: Las áreas estimadas por los MDEs eran 35-78 % más pequeñas para cuatro especies (Eptesicus innoxius, Lophostoma occidentale, Platalina genovensium y Lonchophylla hesperia) y 26-1 600 % más grandes para tres especies (Amorphochilus schnablii, Promops davisoni y Rhogeessa velilla) que aquellas reportadas por la UICN. Para Tomopeas ravus, el área estimada por el MDE y la UICN fue similar, pero difirió en la distribución espacial. Los MDEs coincidieron con áreas de endemismo informadas por autores previos para E. innoxius, R. velilla y T. ravus, pero fueron diferentes para A. schnablii, P. genovensium, P. davisoni y L. hesperia, debido en parte a las distribuciones proyectadas para estas últimas especies en valles secos interandinos según los MDEs. Conclusiones: La región tumbesina representa una porción significativa (40-96 %) de la distribución predicha de siete de las ocho especies estudiadas, subrayando la importancia de esta región para la conservación de murciélagos. Nuestros resultados muestran las probables distribuciones para estas especies y proporcionan una base importante para identificar vacíos de investigación y desarrollar medidas de conservación para murciélagos amenazados en el punto caliente de biodiversidad de Tumbes.

Abstract Introduction: Biodiversity is being lost at an accelerating rate because of global change. Tools such as species distribution models (SDMs) have been widely used to improve knowledge about species' conservation status and help develop management strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss. SDMs are especially important for species with restricted distributions, such as endemic species. Objective: To determine how potential distribution predicted by SDMs for eight threatened bat species differed from the distribution maps reported by the IUCN. Also, to infer the area of distribution and state of endemism of each specie, and to evaluate the importance of the Tumbesian region for their conservation. Methods: Based on presence records across the species' entire ranges, we used SDMs to assess the conservation status of these eight species in the Tumbesian region of Ecuador and Peru. Results: The areas estimated by SDMs were 35-78 % smaller for four species (Eptesicus innoxius, Lophostoma occidentale, Platalina genovensium and Lonchophylla hesperia) and 26-1 600 % larger for three species (Amorphochilus schnablii, Promops davisoni and Rhogeessa velilla) than those reported by the IUCN. For Tomopeas ravus, the area estimated by the SDM and IUCN was similar but differed in spatial distribution. SDMs coincided with areas of endemism reported by previous authors for E. innoxius, R. velilla, and T. ravus, but were different for A. schnablii, P. genovensium, P. davisoni, and L. hesperia, due in part to projected distributions for these latter species in dry inter-Andean valleys according to the SDMs. Conclusions: The Tumbesian region represents a significant portion (40-96 %) of the predicted distribution of seven of the eight species studied, underscoring the importance of this region for bat conservation. Our results show likely distributions for these species and provide an important basis for identifying research gaps and developing conservation measures for threatened bats in the Tumbes biodiversity hotspot.

Assessment by the Scheimpflug imaging system of corneal clarity and anterior segment properties in rosacea patients

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of rosacea on ocular surface changes such as alterations in dry eye parameters, corneal densitometry, and aberrations, in comparison with healthy controls. Methods A total of 88 eyes of 44 patients diagnosed with rosacea and 88 eyes of 44 healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent a comprehensive dermatologic and ophthalmic examination and Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer-1 tests were performed. The rosacea subtype and Demodex count and OSDI scores of all participants were recorded. Corneal topographic, densitometric, and aberrometric measurements were obtained using the Scheimpflug imaging system. Results The mean age of the 44 patients was 41.2 ± 11.0 years of whom 31 (70.5%) were female. The mean TBUT and Schirmer-1 test values were significantly decreased and OSDI scores were significantly increased in the rosacea group compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01 for all). The most common subtype of rosacea was erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (70.4%). The severity grading of rosacea revealed that 18 (40.9%) patients had moderate erythema. The median (min-max) Demodex count was 14.0 (0-120) and the disease duration was 24.0 (5-360) months. The comparison of the corneal densitometry values revealed that the densitometry measurements in all concentric zones, especially in central and posterior zones were higher in rosacea patients. Corneal aberrometric values in the posterior surface were also lower in the rosacea group compared to healthy controls. The topographic anterior chamber values were significantly lower in the rosacea group. Study limitations Relatively small sample size, variable time interval to hospital admission, and lack of follow-up data are among the limitations of the study. Future studies with larger sample sizes may also enlighten the mechanisms of controversial anterior segment findings by evaluating rosacea patients who have uveitis and those who do not. Conclusion Given the fact that ocular signs may precede cutaneous disease, rosacea is frequently underrecognized by ophthalmologists. Therefore, a comprehensive examination of the ocular surface and assessment of the anterior segment is essential. The main priority of the ophthalmologist is to treat meibomian gland dysfunction and Demodex infection to prevent undesired ocular outcomes.

Optimization of prescription process of lifitegrast eye drops and evaluation of its efficacy for dry eye disease / 中国药科大学学报

@#In order to develop a more effective drug for dry eye disease, the preparation of lifitegrast eye drops was carried out, and the safety and efficacy of lifitegrast eye drops in vitro and in vivo were investigated. First the method for the determination of lifitegrast content was established, and then the composition and preparation process of the preparation were determined by literature review and single factor experiment. Finally, the safety of lifitegrast eye drops was evaluated by Draize eye irritation test and HE staining, and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by Schirmer test and ELISA test. The results showed that the final prescription of lifitegrast eye drops consisted of 5% lifitegrast, 0.4% sodium chloride, 0.3%−0.4% anhydrous disodium hydrogen phosphate, 0.3% sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and 0.3% sodium hydroxide. The appearance of lifitegrast eye drops was transparent and slightly brownish yellow solution, the pH was7.75±0.05, the osmotic pressure was in the range of 200−330 mOsmol/kg and it had good stability at 60℃ for 3 months. There was no significant difference in irritation study compared with normal saline. Schirmer test showed that tear secretion was increased and the expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in tears were significantly decreased after treatment with lifitegrast eye drops and compared to the commercially available emulsion cyclosporine eye drops, it takes effect faster. The above results indicate that lifitegrast eye drops are simple to prepare and stable, which is a better choice for the rapid treatment of dry eye disease.

Effects of clearing blockage of meibomian gland ducts prior to cataract surgery on dry eye and gland function / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the effects of clearing meibomian gland ducts prior to cataract surgery on the gland dysfunction and dry eye induced by surgery.Methods A prospective,randomized controlled trial was conducted on 110 patients(110 eyes)undergoing elective cataract surgery for senile cataract in our department from June 1,to December 31,2021.The participants were randomly allocated into treatment(n=56)and control(n=54)groups.The patients from the treatment group were given eyelid compresses and cleaning to remove an obstructed meibum in 1 week prior to cataract surgery,while those from the control group received no such treatment.Ocular surface disease index(OSDI),indicators related to meibomian gland function,including tear film lipid layer thickness(LLT),meibomian glands yielding liquid secretion(MGYLS),meibomian glands yielding secretion score(MGYSS),and tear film break-up time(TBUT)before,and 1 and 3 months after surgery were employed to evaluate the efficacy of clearing meibomian gland ducts.Results The control group exhibited significantly decreased MGYLS(P＜0.05),increased MGYSS(P＜0.01),thinner LLT(P＜0.01),shorter TBUT,worsened dry eye symptoms,and elevated OSDI score(P＜0.05)in 1 month after surgery.Conversely,the treatment group showed significantly improved MGYLS(P＜0.01),decreased MGYSS(P＜0.01),thicker LLT,extended TBUT,and improved subjective outcomes reported on OSDI.Conclusion Our preoperative meibomian gland treatment prior to cataract surgery may be a safe and effective intervention for relieving dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction induced by surgery.

Study on the Distribution Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Dry Eye and Its Correlation with Gender and Age / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To explore the etiology and pathogenesis of dry eye by studying the distribution pattern of gender,age and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome type in dry eye patients and by analyzing their correlation.Methods A total of 244 patients with dry eye who met the inclusion criteria were selected.The distribution of gender,age and TCM syndrome types was statistically analyzed,and then the correlation of TCM syndrome types with gender and age of dry eye patients was explored.Results(1)Of the 244 dry eye patients,96(39.34%)were male and 148(60.66%)were female,the incidence of the female being higher than that of the male.There were 124(50.82%)patients younger than 45 years old,81(33.20%)patients aged 45-60 years old,and 39(15.98%)patients older than 60 years old.The proportion of the patients younger than 45 years old was higher than that of other age groups.(2)Among the 244 patients with dry eyes,89 cases(36.47%)were differentiated as liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,75 cases(30.74%)were differentiated as qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome,69 cases(28.28%)were differentiated as spleen and kidney deficiency,and 11 cases(4.51%)were differentiated as yin deficiency and damp-heat syndrome.And the occurrence frequency of the above four syndrome types was in descending order.(3)In the dry eye patients of various age groups,patients aged＜45 years old predominantly suffered from qistagnation and blood stasis syndrome,accounting for 41.94%(52/124);patients aged 45-60 years old and those aged＞60 years old predominantly suffered from liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,accounting for 46.91%(38/81)and 53.85%(21/39),respectively.The distribution of TCM syndrome types varied in the patients with different age groups,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 22.128,P＜0.01).(4)In male dry eye patients,qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome was predominant,accounting for 39.58%(38/96);among female dry eye patients,liver and kidney deficiency syndrome and spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome were prevalent,accounting for 41.89%(62/148)and 31.08%(46/148),respectively.The distribution of TCM syndrome types varied in the patients with different genders,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2 = 82.610,P＜0.01).Conclusion The TCM syndromes of patients with dry eyes are frequently differentiated as liver and kidney deficiency syndrome,followed by the qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome.The prevalence of dry eyes is related to the gender and age,and gender and age are correlated with the TCM syndrome types to certain extent.

Clinical Study on Therapy of Soothing Liver and Strengthening Spleen in the Treatment of Active Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy Complicated with Dry Eye / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the efficacy of the therapy of soothing liver and strengthening spleen(shortened as Shugan Jianpi therapy)in the treatment of active thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)complicated with dry eye,and to provide a reference basis for clinical treatment.Methods A total of 108 patients with active TAO complicated with dry eye of liver depression and qi stagnation type were randomly divided into observation group and control group,54 patients in each group.Both groups were given conventional treatment for intervention of Graves'disease,and additionally the control group was given hormone shock therapy by intravenous injection of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate,and the observation group was treated with Chinese medicine prescription for soothing liver and strengthening spleen orally and intravenous injection of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate.The treatment period lasted for 12 weeks,and then the patients were followed up till to the 6th month.The changes of clinical activity score(CAS),proptosis,ocular surface disease index(OSDI),corneal fluorescein staining(FL),Schirmer I test(SIT)and tear film break-up time(BUT)in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.Results(1)After 6 months of treatment,the total effective rate in the observation group was 94.44%(51/54)and that in the control group was 74.07%(40/54),and the intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the CAS,OSDI score and proptosis of the patients in the two groups were all lower than those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the reduction in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the indicators of tear secretion function such as SIT,FL score and BUT of patients in the two groups were improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the differences being all statistically significant(P＜0.01).Conclusion Shugan Jianpi therapy exerts certain clinical efficacy in treating patients with active TAO complicated with dry eye of liver depression and qi stagnation type,which can effectively relieve the proptosis,prolong the tear film break-up time,promote the secretion of tears and the repair of corneal epithelium,improve the visual function,and enhance the quality of life of the patients.

Changes of the meibomian gland in a mouse model of aqueous deficient dry eye / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In recent years,increasing studies have focused on the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of acinous cells in the meibomian gland,suggesting that this process is closely related to the occurrence and development of dry eye.Structural and functional abnormalities such as blockage of the lumen of the meibomian gland and atrophy of the glands can cause or exacerbate dry eye.Therefore,the study of changes in the meibomian glands in dry eyes is important for understanding the pathogenesis of dry eyes in depth and finding new targets for the treatment and prevention of dry eyes. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the changes of the meibomian gland in a mouse model of aqueous deficient dry eyes. METHODS:Thirty-two female C57/B6 mice at 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into experimental and control groups with 16 mice in each group.The mice in the experimental group were constructed by removing both the extra-orbital and intra-orbital lacrimal glands,while those in the control group were not treated.After 2 weeks of normal feeding,the corneal changes of both groups were observed under a slit lamp,and the tear secretion of both groups was measured.The meibomian glands of the two groups of mice were removed after decapitation.The changes in the gross morphology of the meibomian glands were observed and the meibomian glands were made into frozen sections.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the structure of the meibomian glands,oil red staining was used to evaluate the function of the meibomian glands,and immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR were used to observe the expression of cytokeratin 14,Ki67 and abnormally differentiated small proline-rich protein 1B in the meibomian glands of mice. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Two weeks after modeling,lamellar defects were seen in the corneas of the experimental mice,and neovascularization of the limbal corneal was generated and invaded the central cornea.(2)Tear secretion volume was significantly reduced in the experimental group compared with the control group(P<0.05).Microscopic findings showed that the ducts of the meibomian glands in the experimental group were interrupted and atrophied,and their arrangement was disorganized.Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed a significant increase in lipid vacuoles in the meibomian glands of the experimental mice compared with the control group.Lipid deposition was seen in oil red staining in the experimental group.Immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR results showed a significant increase in the expression of cytokeratin 14,Ki67 and small proline-rich protein 1B in the meibomian glands of mice in the experimental group compared with the control group(P<0.05).To conclude,aqueous deficient dry eye can lead to compensatory hypertrophy,increased proliferation,and abnormal lipid metabolism in the meibomian gland,as well as abnormal differentiation of the meibomian gland.

Effects of dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of varying consistencies and volumes on the hyoid muscles in healthy adults / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Modification of food consistency and volume is a commonly used method of swallowing compensation in clinical practice.Dry swallowing is a commonly used method of evaluation.The hyoid muscles are very important in swallowing.The effects of dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of different consistencies and volumes on hyoid muscle activation levels are still unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of simple dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of different consistencies and volumes on the hyoid muscles in healthy adults. METHODS:A total of 44 healthy adults were included from April to August 2019,including 19 males and 25 females,with an average age of(21.7±2.8)years.They randomly performed dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of different consistencies(the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative(IDDSI)frame levels 0-4)and volumes(5,10,20 mL),and the surface electromyogram signals of the hyoid muscles during each swallowing task were recorded.After processing the raw surface electromyogram signals,the activation levels of the hyoid muscles were compared between dry swallowing and swallowing tasks of different consistency and volume. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mean amplitude values of the suprahyoid muscles corresponding to swallowing tasks of 20 mL for levels 0-4,10 mL for level 3,and 5 mL for level 4 were higher than those of dry swallowing(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the suprahyoid muscles corresponding to the 20-mL swallowing tasks of different consistencies were higher than those of the 5-mL swallowing tasks of the corresponding consistencies,except for level 3(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the suprahyoid muscles corresponding to the 20-mL swallowing tasks of different consistencies were higher than those of the 10-mL swallowing tasks of the corresponding consistencies,except for levels 2 and 3(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the infrahyoid muscles corresponding to all swallowing tasks were higher than that of dry swallowing(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the infrahyoid muscles corresponding to the 20-mL swallowing tasks of different consistencies were higher than that of the 5-and 10-mL swallowing tasks of the corresponding consistencies(P＜0.05).The mean amplitude values of the infrahyoid muscles corresponding to the 10-mL swallowing tasks of different consistencies were higher than those of the 5-mL swallowing tasks of the corresponding consistencies,except for level 3(P＜0.05).To conclude,in healthy adults performing swallowing tasks of different volumes and consistencies,the level of activation of the hyoid muscles is less susceptible to IDDSI frame levels 0-4 consistency and more susceptible to volume.The higher volume indicates the higher activation level of the hyoid muscles.

Research and evaluation on dynamic accumulation of dry matter and quality of Isatis indigotica in Longdong area / 中成药

AIM To explore the laws in accumulation of dry matter and medicinal ingredients of Isatis indigotica Fort.in Longdong area,and determine the best harvest time to obtain the high-quality and high-yield medicinal plant.METHODS The I.indigotica had its agronomic traits investigated regularly;the accumulation laws of its uridine,guanosine,(R,S)-geichan and adenosine measured by HPLC;and its comprehensive utilization value in different periods evaluated by grey correlation method.RESULTS There existed significant variations among the plant height,plant width,leaf length,leaf width,number of leaves,leaf weight,root length,root diameter,root weight,and the yields of uridine,guanosine,(R,S)-goitrin and adenosine at different growth stages,whose peak values appeared in different period.Additionally,there were also obvious differences in the aforementioned indexes levels among different strains.The highest weighted correlation degree of the comprehensive utilization value of Longde and 2008-6-2 on October 9,and of 2008-11 and 2016-2 on October 24.On the whole,the 2008-6-2 and 2016-2 were superior to 2008-11 and Longde.CONCLUSION It is suggested that the best harvest time of I.indigotica in Longdong area is in mid to late October.

Analysis of factors influencing the complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation and construction of nomogram predictive model / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the influencing factors of postoperative dry eye complication after corneal transplantation and to build a nomogram prediction model.METHODS: Clinical data were collected on 117 patients who underwent corneal transplantation at our hospital from March 2021 to February 2023. They were divided into dry eye group(n=96)and non-dry eye group(n=21)according to whether there was a postoperative dry eye. The risk factors of postoperative complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation were analyzed, the nomogram prediction model for predicting postoperative complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation was constructed, and the internal validation of the model and the prediction efficacy were assessed by calibration curves and decision curves, respectively.RESULTS: Comorbid diabetes mellitus, comorbid sleep disorders, comorbid meibomian gland dysfunction, chronic eye drop abuse, chronic corneal contact lens wear, interleukin-6(IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were the risk factors for the complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation(P&#x003C;0.05). The nomogram model predicted a C-index of 0.890(95% CI 0.877-0.903). The nomogram model had a threshold &#x003E;0.07, and the nomogram model provided higher net clinical benefit than the single index in all cases.CONCLUSION: The nomogram model built in this study based on the factors affecting the complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation has a good predictive value for the complication of dry eye after corneal transplantation.

A comparative analysis of ocular surface parameters before and after N95 face mask use among healthcare workers

Objectives@#This study determined whether the use of an N95 face mask was associated with changes in ocular surface parameters and dry eye symptomatology among healthcare workers with no baseline dry eye disease. @*Methodology@#This was a prospective, analytical, quasi-experimental study. The ocular surface and dry eye symptomatology of 33 healthcare workers (n=66 eyes) were evaluated at baseline and 3 hours after use of 3M™ VFlex™ Particulate Respirator 9105 N95 mask (3M, Minnesota, USA). The following parameters were measured: ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear break-up time (TBUT), tear break-up pattern (TBUP), non-invasive TBUT (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), meibography, and bulbar conjunctival redness.@*Results@#Among all the parameters tested, only OSDI and bulbar redness showed significant changes when pre-N95 and post-N95 values were compared. Although each was interpreted as normal, the median OSDI score improved from 7 to 1 (p < 0.001). Median bulbar conjunctival redness score worsened from 0.9 to 1.1 (p < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#Among healthcare workers with no dry eye disease, the use of the 3M™ Vflex™ Particulate Respirator 9105 N95 mask was not associated with changes in TBUT, TBUP, NIKBUT, TMH, and meibogaphy. An improvement of dry eye symptoms was reported after VFlex™ mask use.

Protective effect of Jianpi Bushen Yishi formula on dry age-related macular degeneration in mice and its mechanism / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of Jianpi Bushen Yishi Formula on dry age-related macular degeneration(dARMD)induced by sodium iodate in mice and its mechanism.METHODS: A total of 27 SPF male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank, model and traditional Chinese medicine groups, with 9 in each group, the structure and morphology of the retina were observed by Hematoxylin-Ehong(HE)staining, and the intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the retina were observed by fluorescence staining with dihydroethidium(DHE). In addition, malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)expression levels in mouse retina were detected by biochemical kit, and expression levels of silent information regulator type 1(SIRT1)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α(PGC-1α)protein in mouse retina were detected by Western blot.RESULTS: Retinal structure and morphology of the model group showed a slight or mild decrease in the number of cells in the outer nuclear layer, a localized thinning of the outer nuclear layer, an inconspicuous demarcation between the outer and outer membranes, a slight or mild swelling of retinal pigment epithelial cells, and a slight or mild disturbance in the arrangement of retinal cells; while retinal pigment epithelial cells and photoreceptor layers in the traditional Chinese medicine group were significantly improved. DHE staining fluorescence results showed that the ROS level in the model group was significantly higher than that in the blank group at 14 d after modeling(P&#x003C;0.01); the ROS level in the traditional Chinese medicine group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P&#x003C;0.001). ELISA showed that the SOD level of the model group was significantly lower than that of the blank group at 14 d after modeling(P&#x003C;0.01), and the MDA level was significantly increased(P&#x003C;0.01)in the model group compared with the blank group; the SOD level was significantly higher(P&#x003C;0.01), and the MDA level was significantly lower(P&#x003C;0.01)in the traditional Chinese medicine group compared with the model group. Western blot results showed that the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the model group was significantly lower compared with that in the blank group(P&#x003C;0.01), and the expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in the traditional Chinese medicine group was significantly higher compared with that in the model group at 7 and 14 d after modeling(P&#x003C;0.01).CONCLUSION: The Chinese herbal medicine, which strengthens the spleen, tonifies the kidney and benefits the eyesight, can improve the oxidative stress state of the retina induced by sodium iodate in mice and reduce the damage to the retinal tissues, which may exert the anti-oxidative stress effect through the PGC-1α/SIRT1 signaling pathway.

Mechanism of electroacupuncture on improving corneal inflammation in dia-betic dry eye rats by regulating Toll-like receptor 4-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway / 眼科新进展

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on corneal Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway in diabetic dry eye rats and to explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in the treat-ment of diabetic dry eye.Methods A type 2 diabetic rat model was established in 32 healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(30 mg·kg-1)for 12 weeks after feeding with high-sugar and high-fat di-et for 4 weeks.Twenty-five successfully modeled diabetic dry eye rats were randomly divided into the model group(non-in-tervention),electroacupuncture group(the"Jingming","Cuanzhu","Sizhukong","Taiyang"and"Tongziliao"acupoints were treated with acupuncture,and then"Cuanzhu"and"Tongzilao"acupoints were treated with electroacupuncture,15 min for each time,once a day),sham acupuncture group(blunt-tip needle pricking was performed at the same acupoints as the electroacupuncture group),and fluorometholone group(1 g·L-1fluorometholone eye drops were used in both eyes at 8 o'clock,13 o'clock,and 18 o'clock,1 drop each time),with 6 rats in each group,lasting for 2 weeks.Another 6 healthy male SD rats were selected as a blank group.Random blood glucose,tear film breakup time(BUT),tear secre-tion,corneal fluorescein staining(FL)score,and corneal touch threshold(CTT)of rats in each group were detected be-fore modeling,after modeling,and after the intervention.Hematoxylin and Eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe the corneal morphologic changes in each group.Immunofluorescence histochemical staining was adopted to detect the cor-neal TLR4-positive expression in each group.The TLR4,phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa P65(P-NF-KB P65),inter-leukin(IL)-1β,and IL-18 expression levels in the cornea were detected by Western blot.Results After modeling,com-pared with the blank group,BUT,tear secretion and CTT decreased and FL increased in all experimental groups,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.01).After the intervention,compared with the model group,FL de-creased,and BUT,tear secretion and CTT increased in the electroacupuncture group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Corneal HE staining showed that after the intervention,the corneal surface of rats in the model group and sham acupuncture group was not smooth,and the corneal epithelial cells were thickened and disorganized;the corneal surface of rats in the electroacupuncture group and fluorometholone group was smooth,and the corneal epithelial cells were arranged neatly.After the intervention,compared with the blank group,the corneal TLR4 expression of rats in all other groups was elevated,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);compared with the model group,the corneal TLR4 expression of rats in the electroacupuncture group and fluorometholone group was reduced(both P＜0.01).Compared with the blank group,corneal TLR4,P-NF-κBP65,IL-1β and IL-18 protein expressions increased in the model group and sham acupuncture group(all P＜0.05);compared with the model group,these expressions decreased in the electroacupuncture group and the fluorometholone group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can im-prove the ocular surface signs and inhibit the expressions of TLR4,P-NF-κB P65,IL-1 β,and IL-18 in the cornea of type 2 diabetic dry eye rats,and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway,which inhibits ocular surface inflammation in diabetic dry eye rats.

Specification for diagnosis and treatment of inflammation in dry eye:inter-pretation of the European Expert Consensus 2023 / 眼科新进展

Dry eye(DE)is a multifactorial chronic ocular surface disease.Patients often report pain,with inflamma-tion being one of the primary causes of ocular surface pain in DE.Anti-inflammation is the most critical tool in the treat-ment of DE.The latest inflammatory diagnosis and treatment specifications for DE are detailed in the Diagnosis,Manage-ment and Treatment of Inflammation in Dry Eye:Recommendations of the European Expert Working Group on the Man-agement of Infllammation in Dry Eye.This article provides a comprehensive interpretation of the consensus,aiming to im-prove the diagnosis and treatment levels of DE among medical practitioners and better serve ophthalmic patients.

Tear film stability and tarsal gland morphological characteristics in myopic children / 眼科新进展

Objective To assess the tear film stability and morphological characteristics of the tarsal gland in myopic children.Methods In this prospective descriptive study,myopic children who performed refractive examinations in the Pediatric Ophthalmology & Refraction Clinic,Jinan Mingshui Eye Hospital from November 2021 to November 2022 were in-cluded.An Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)questionnaire survey was carried out;tear meniscus height(TMH),non-invasive first breakup time(NIf-BUT)and images of the tarsal glands were obtained by OCULUS Keratograph 5M compre-hensive ocular surface analyzer.In addition,the atrophy and tortuosity of tarsal glands were scored to analyze the tear film stability and clinical characteristics of tarsal glands in myopic children.Results A total of 48 myopic children(91 eyes)aged from 7 to 16(10.25±2.23)years were recruited,including 27 males(56.25％)and 21 females(43.75％).The aver-age TMH was(0.19±0.04)mm(95％CI:0.18-0.19)and the average NIf-BUT was(5.40±2.62)s(95％CI:4.90-5.94);the TMH was positively correlated with NIf-BUT(r=0.223,P=0.034).The tarsal gland atrophy score was 1(0,1).The tortuosity score of the upper and lower tarsal gland was 0(0,1)and 0(0,0),respectively,with a statistically significant difference(Z=3.692,P＜0.001).In all subjects,49 eyes(53.85％)had tarsal gland atrophy,and 37 eyes(40.66％)had tarsal gland tortuosity.There were significant differences in TMH and NIf-BUT between children aged＜12 years and children aged ≥12 years(both P＜0.05).There was a significant difference in TMH between children with an OSDI score＜13 and children with an OSDI score ≥ 13(t=2.305,P=0.026).There was a significant difference in NIf-BUT between mild and moderate myopia children(t=2.300,P=0.024);the spherical equivalent was positively correlated with NIf-BUT(r=0.283,P=0.023).Conclusion Children with mild to moderate myopia show low tear film stability and a certain proportion of abnormal morphology in tarsal glands.In addition to the refractive status of children,attention should also be paid to ocular surface health in the refraction clinic.

Effect of acupuncture on corneal morphology and nuclear factor κB signaling pathway of dry eye rabbits / 眼科新进展

Objective To investigate the effect of acupuncture on the morphology of the dry eye rabbit's cornea and the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway of the corneal tissue to analyze the mechanism of acupuncture on dry eyes.Methods Twenty-four healthy New Zealand rabbits,without restriction on sex,were randomly divided into four groups,including a blank group,a model group,an acupuncture group,and a sham acupuncture group,with 6 in each group.Rabbits in the blank group were not treated;rabbits in the other three groups were treated with scopolamine hydro-bromide 2.0 mg·kg-1 by subcutaneous injection at 8:00,11:00,14:00 and 18:00 each day for 35 consecutive days un-til the end of the experiment.Rabbits in the sham acupuncture group were treated with sham acupuncture on the 22nd day after successful modeling by quickly pricking acupoints(Jingming BL1,Cuanzhu BL2,Sizhukong SJ23,Taiyang EX-HN5 and Tongziliao GB1)with a blunt acupuncture needle,once a day,for a total of 14 days.Rabbits in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at the same acupoints as the sham acupuncture group after successful modeling.The corneal fluorescence staining was conducted on Days 0,21,28 and 35 after modeling.On Day 35,corneal confocal microscope ex-aminations were conducted.Then,the rabbits were sacrificed,the corneal morphological changes were observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope,and the expression of corneal NF-κB protein was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the model group,the score of rabbit corneal fluorescein staining in the acupuncture group and blank group decreased on the 28th and 35th days after modeling,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).The results of the confocal microscope examination on Day 35 after modeling showed that,compared with other groups,there were a large number of globular immune cells and activated stromal cells with unclear boundaries and irregu-lar sizes in the stromal layer and inflammation in the area with irregular intercellular space in the model group and the sham acupuncture group.In the acupuncture group,the morphology of stromal layer cells improved,the cells were slightly acti-vated,and there were no obvious abnormalities in the corneal nerve morphology.On the 35th day after modeling,the re-sults of the light microscope showed that,the surface of the corneal tissue in the model group and the sham acupuncture group showed hyperkeratinized flat epithelial cells,lymphocyte infiltration,increased number of focal epithelial cell layers,and epithelial cell detachment.In the acupuncture group,there were 4-6 layers of epithelial cells in the corneal epitheli-um,and epithelial shedding decreased.In addition,the lymphocyte infiltration decreased compared with the model group.On the 35th day after modeling,the results of the transmission electron microscope showed that abnormal microvilli oc-curred and epithelial cells were absent in the corneal epithelial cells of rabbits in the model group and the sham acupuncture group,the cell space was widened,the rough endoplasmic reticulum was severely expanded,and desmosomes were dis-banded with mitochondrial swelling.In the acupuncture group,the microvilli structure of epithelial cells was sparse and short,local deletion was still observed,the rough endoplasmic reticulum was slightly expanded,and no obvious swelling of mitochondria was observed.On the 35th day after modeling,the Western blot examination results showed that,compared with the blank group,the expression of p-NF-κB p65 was up-regulated in both the model group and sham acupuncture group(both P＜0.05);compared with the model group and sham acupuncture group,the expression of p-NF-κB p65 in the acupuncture group was down-regulated(both P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture can inhibit the NF-κB signaling path-way to play an anti-inflammatory role and relieve corneal inflammation and injury of dry eye rabbit models.

Research progress on oxidative stress and effects of antioxidants from natural foods on dry eyes / 眼科新进展

Dry eye is an age-related disease characterized by tear film instability and ocular discomfort.Its onset is closely related to various factors such as age and environment.Studies have shown that oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of dry eyes.This review mainly describes the mechanism of oxidative stress by activating autophagy,in-flammation and aging to induce dry eyes,and the application progress of the antioxidants from natural foods in relieving the oxidative stress state of the ocular surface and treating dry eyes.

Observation of the mechanism of electroacupuncture in relieving ocular sur-face sensory abnormalities in rats with type 2 diabetes and dry eyes based on triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2-mediated inflammatory sig-naling pathway / 眼科新进展

Objective To reveal the potential mechanism of electroacupuncture regulating the neuroinflammatory signaling pathway mediated by triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2(TREM2)in trigeminal ganglion(TG)and caudate nucleus of spinal trigeminal nucleus(SpVc)of rats with type 2 diabetes and dry eyes and alleviating ocular surface sensory abnormalities.Methods Healthy male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of 10 g·L-1 streptozotocin to establish a type 2 diabetes dry eye rat model after 4 weeks of high-glucose and high-fat diets.In the 12th week of the experiment,successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,electroacupunc-ture group,sham-acupuncture group and fluorometholone group,and healthy male SD rats fed with normal diets were se-lected as the blank group.Rats in all groups were intervened for 2 weeks.The corneal fluorescein sodium staining(FL),tear secretion[detected by phenol red thread(PRT)test],tear film break-up time(BUT),and corneal touch threshold(CTT)in each group were measured before,after modeling,and after the intervention.The changes in tissue morphology of TG and SpVc and TREM2 positive expression sites in each group were observed.The messenger ribonucleic acid(mR-NA)expression of TREM2,interleukin-18(IL-18)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)of TG and Sp Vc in each group were detec-ted.Results After modeling,compared with the blank group,the FL scores of rats significantly increased and PRT,BUT and CTT significantly decreased in other groups(all P＜0.01).After the intervention,compared with the model group,the electroacupuncture group and fluorometholone group showed significant reductions in FL scores and significant increases in PRT,BUT and CTT(all P＜0.01);there was no statistically significant difference in these indicators in the sham-acupuncture group(all P＞0.05).Compared with the electroacupuncture group,the PRT and CTT of rats in the flu-orometholone group and sham-acupuncture group were significantly reduced,the FL score significantly increased and BUT significantly decreased in the sham-acupuncture group(all P＜0.01),and there was no statistically significant difference in FL score and BUT of rats in the fluorometholone group(both P＞0.05).Compared with the sham-acupuncture group,the fluorometholone group showed a decrease in FL score and an increase in PRT,BUT and CTT in rats,with statistically dif-ferent significances(all P＜0.05).The immunofluorescence double-labeling assay showed a positive expression of TREM2 in activated microglia of TG and SpVc in the model group.The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of TG and SpVc showed that compared with the blank group,the TREM2 mRNA expression in the TG and SpVc of the model group,electroacupuncture group,fluorometholone group and sham-acupuncture group decreased,the IL-18 and IL-1β mRNA in TG and SpVc of the model group,IL-18 and IL-1β mRNA in TG and IL-1β mRNA in SpVc of the sham-acupuncture group increased(all P＜0.05);compared with the model group,the TREM2 mRNA expression increased and IL-18 and IL-1β mR-NA expression decreased in the TG and SpVc of the electroacupuncture group and fluorometholone group(all P＜0.05).Compared with the electroacupuncture group,the TREM2 mRNA expression decreased and IL-18,IL-1β mRNA expression increased in TG and SpVc of the sham-acupuncture group(all P＜0.05),and no significant difference was found in TREM2,IL-18 and IL-1β mRNA expression in TG and SpVc of the fluorometholone group(all P＞0.05).Compared with the sham-acupuncture group,the TREM2 mRNA expression in TG and SpVc increased in the fluorometholone group,while the IL-18 mRNA expression in SpVc decreased(all P＜0.05);the IL-1β mRNA in TG and SpVc and the IL-18 mRNA in TG of the fluorometholone group showed no statistically significant difference(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Electroacupunc-ture can effectively alleviate the ocular surface sensory abnormalities of rats with type 2 diabetes and dry eyes by regulating the inflammatory signaling pathway mediated by TREM2 in TG and SpVc.

Application of transcriptomics in dry eye research / 眼科新进展

Dry eye is a common chronic ocular surface disease in ophthalmology.Its pathogenesis is still not fully clar-ified,and there has been no effective prevention and treatment strategy.In recent years,with the booming development of molecular biology technologies such as gene chip technology and transcriptome sequencing technology,transcriptomic re-search on the dry eye has made some progress.In this article,we review the application of transcriptomics in dry eye re-search and explore the pathogenesis of dry eye with a view to providing new ideas for the clinical treatment of dry eye and potential targets for the development of new drugs for dry eye.

Bibliometric analysis of scleral lens research trends based on Web of Science / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To analyze the research status of scleral lenses by bibliometric method based on the relevant collection of scleral lenses in the Web of Science database.Methods:Using the scleral lens-related literature collected in the Web of Science Core Collection database in the past 10 years (January 2013 to December 2022) as the object of analysis, bibliometric method and CiteSpace tools were used to conduct visual analysis of the literature.A comprehensive analysis of the volume of literature published, the distribution of countries and institutions, the information of core authors, the distribution of journals, and keyword clustering was performed.Results:A total of 340 articles were retrieved, which were published in 54 journals, with an average of 6.3 articles per journal, involving 301 authors.Research in this area covered 35 countries or regions, and 256 research institutions were involved.Discipline development was mainly in the United States, India, Spain and Australia.The main focus was on scleral lens (scleral contact lens), ocular surface disease, corneal edema, miniature scleral lens, etc.In the past 10 years, the trend of research hot topics in scleral lenses had shifted from the initial study of combining scleral contact lenses with ocular surface diseases to the subsequent study of prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem, and the exploration of corneal clearance and shape.From 2013 to 2021, the main focuses were ocular surface diseases, scleral contact lenses, and corneal edema.After 2021, research on ocular surface diseases and keratoplasty declined.From January 2013 to December 2022, emergent keywords related to scleral lens mainly included scleral contact lens, transplantation, anti-host disease, prosthetic device in the first stage, artificial replacement of ocular surface ecosystem and irregular cornea in the second stage, and the research on corneal gap and characteristic shape in the third stage.Optical coherence tomography and corneal topography were commonly used examinations for scleral lens research and fitting.Conclusions:At present, the scleral lens is mainly used for dry eye, corneal diseases, corneal ectasia, keratitis, and corneal transplantation, especially after penetrating keratoplasty and refractive errors.Prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem, and the exploration of corneal clearance and shape are the research hotspots in scleral lenses.