Paenarthrobacter aromaticivorans sp. nov., a paraoxon-degrading bacterium isolated from red pepper cultivation soil.

A bacterial strain designated MMS21-TAE1-1T, capable of degrading paraoxon, was isolated from red pepper soil (36° 25' 26.0″ N, 126° 25' 47.0″ E) and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterisation. MMS21-TAE1-1T was an aerobic, non-motile and Gram-stain-positive bacterium. MMS21-TAE1-1T showed growth at 10-37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 4-10 (optimum, pH 7) and in the presence of 0-6 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). On the basis of the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, MMS21-TAE1-1T could be assigned to the genus Paenarthrobacter and shared the highest sequence similarities with Paenarthrobacter aurescens NBRC 12136T (99.72 %), then with Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus G2-1T (99.65 %) and Paenarthrobacter ilicis DSM 20138T (99.17 %). However, the results of genome-based comparison using orthologous average nucleotide identity (orthoANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridisation indicated that MMS21-TAE1-1T could be readily distinguished from all species of the genus with validly published names. The predominant menaquinone of MMS21-TAE1-1T was MK-9(H2). The diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol, and unidentified glycolipids were also present. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The chemotaxonomic properties of MMS21-TAE1-1T were generally consistent with those of members of the genus Paenarthrobacter. The genome of MMS21-TAE1-1T contained genes related to degradation of aromatic compounds. It is evident from the results of this study that strain MMS21-TAE1-1T merits recognition as representing a novel species of the genus Paenarthrobacter, for which the name Paenarthrobacter aromaticivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MMS21-TAE1-1T (=KCTC 49652T = LMG 32368T).

Advanced Facial Rejuvenation: Synergistic Effects of Lower Blepharoplasty and Ultrasound Guided Mid-Face Lift Using Polydioxanone (PDO) Threads.

BACKGROUND: Traditional facial aging surgeries have risks and extended recovery times, leading to a demand for minimally invasive alternatives. PDO (polydioxanone) threads, which are absorbable sutures that stimulate collagen production and tissue contraction, offer improved aesthetic outcomes. This paper evaluates the combined use of PDO thread mid-cheek lift and lower blepharoplasty for facial rejuvenation. METHODS: This retrospective study compared outcomes in patients undergoing lower blepharoplasty combined with a mid-face lift using PDO threads versus those undergoing only lower blepharoplasty. Focused on individuals with baggy lower eyelids and pronounced nasolabial folds, outcome measures included the Modified Fitzpatrick wrinkle scale, Allergan® midface volume deficit scale, Width of inter zygomatic distance, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and patient satisfaction questionnaires, assessed at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: The combined procedure demonstrated superior aesthetic outcomes and higher patient satisfaction compared to lower blepharoplasty alone. Improvements were more significant in wrinkle reduction, midface volume, and inter-zygomatic distance in the combined procedure group. Although the combined procedure had a longer mean operation time, scar assessment scores were similar between both groups, with no complications reported. CONCLUSION: The combination of lower blepharoplasty and mid-face lift using PDO threads is a comprehensive and effective approach for facial rejuvenation. It significantly enhances wrinkle reduction, mid-face lifting, and patient satisfaction. Ultrasound-guided thread lifting, a method of assessing and performing mid-face lifting, proves to be safe and efficient. This approach holds promise as a future option in cosmetic anti-aging surgery, presenting a minimally invasive alternative with natural-looking results and reduced downtime. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://link.springer.com/journal/00266 .

Comparison of visual outcomes after two types of mix-and-match implanted trifocal extended-depth-of-focus and trifocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare visual outcomes between two types of mix-and-match implanted trifocal extended-depth-of-focus (EDoF) and trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). METHODS: A total of 212 eyes of 106 subjects with mix-and-match implanted FineVision Triumf and FineVision HP IOLs (Triumf-HP group) and 212 eyes of 106 subjects with mix-and-match implanted Zeiss AT LARA and AT LISA IOLs (AT LARA-LISA group) were enrolled in this retrospective case-control study. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), and binocular distance-corrected defocus curves were measured between 6 and 10 weeks after cataract surgery. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in UDVA among the four IOLs. UNVA was the best in eyes with the FineVision HP IOL (0.04 ± 0.06 logMAR), followed by eyes with the AT LISA IOL (0.07 ± 0.07 logMAR), the FineVision Triumf IOL (0.09 ± 0.09 logMAR), and the AT LARA IOL (0.11 ± 0.08 logMAR), respectively. The AT LARA-LISA group had better visual acuity than the Triumf-HP group between - 1.00 D and - 1.50 D of defocus, and the Triumf-HP group had better visual acuity than the AT LARA-LISA group between - 3.00 D and - 4.00 D of defocus. CONCLUSION: Mix-and-match implantation of trifocal EDoF and trifocal IOLs provided good visual outcomes in far, intermediate, and near distances. The mix-and-match implantation of Triumf-HP IOLs led to better visual outcomes in near vision, while that of the AT LARA-LISA IOLs led to better visual outcomes in intermediate vision.

Streptomyces montanisoli sp. nov., exhibiting antimicrobial activity, isolated from mountain soil around a decaying tree.

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic actinobacterial strain designated MMS17-BM035T isolated from mountain soil around a decaying tree was subjected to taxonomic characterization. The isolate developed extensively branched substrate mycelia and white aerial hyphae on International Streptomyces Project 2 agar. Strain MMS17-BM035T grew at 15-34 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-6 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that MMS17-BM035T fell into a phylogenetic cluster belonging to the genus Streptomyces. MMS17-BM035T shared the highest sequence similarity of 99.45 % with Streptomyces fuscigenes JBL-20T, and no higher than 98.7 % with other species of Streptomyces. Based on the orthologous average nucleotide identity, MMS17-BM035T was again mostly related to S. fuscigenes JBL-20T with 84.14 % identity, and less than 80 % with other species. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization analysis also indicated low levels of relatedness with related species, as the highest value was observed with S. fuscigenes JBL-20T (28.8 %). The major fatty acids of the strain were anteiso-C15 : 0, a summed feature (consisting of C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c), iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and C20 : 0. The major respiratory quinones were MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H6). The diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositolmannoside. The major cell-wall diamino acid was ll-diaminopimelic acid, and the characteristic whole-cell sugars were glucose and ribose. The DNA G+C content was 72.1 mol%. Strain MMS17-BM035T exhibited antimicrobial activity against several Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts. Based on both phenotypic and phylogenetic evidences, strain MMS17-BM035T should be classified as representing a novel species, for which the name Streptomyces montanisoli sp. nov. (type strain=MMS17-BM035T=KCTC 49544T=JCM 34528T) is proposed.

Metabacillus bambusae sp. nov., isolated from bamboo grove soil.

A bacterial strain designated BG109T was isolated from bamboo grove soil, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. BG109T is an aerobic, non-motile, Gram-stain-positive and endospore-forming bacterium. BG109T showed growth at 10-40 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH 4-10 (optimum, 8), and in the presence of 0-7 % NaCl concentration (optimum, 0-1 %). The predominant menaquinone of BG109T was MK-7, and the cell wall peptidoglycan contained major amounts of meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol, and unidentified phospholipids and glycolipids were also present. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and C16 : 0. The chemotaxonomic properties of BG109T were generally consistent with those of members of the genus Metabacillus. BG109T shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with 'Metabacillus elymi' KUDC1714 (99.26 %), Metabacillus sediminilitoris DSL-17T (98.17 %), Metabacillus litoralis SW-211T (98.16 %) and Metabacillus crassostreae JSM 100118T (97.13 %), all of which were well below the suggested cutoff level for species distinction. The genome level relatedness also confirmed the separation of BG109T from other species of the genus Metabacillus. Thus, it is evident that BG109T merits recognition as representing a novel species of the genus Metabacillus, for which the name Metabacillus bambusae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BG109T (=KCTC 43190T=JCM 34515T).

Paenibacillus artemisiicola sp. nov. and Paenibacillus lignilyticus sp. nov., two new endophytic bacterial species isolated from plant roots.

Two Gram-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strains designated MWE-103T and DLE-14T were isolated from plant roots. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain MWE-103T was closely related to Paenibaillus sacheonensis SY01T with a sequence similarity of 97.82 %, and strain DLE-14T to Paenibacillus rhizoryzae IZS3-5T with 99.09 % similarity. The orthologous average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values using whole genome data indicated that strains MWE-103T and DLE-14T could be readily distinguished from the mostly related species. Both strains grew at mesophilic temperature ranges, and grew best at pH 6 and in the absence of NaCl. The major fatty acid in both strains was anteiso-C15 : 0, but their relative proportions differed. The predominant quinone of both strains was menaquinone 7, the cell-wall diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, which were consistent with those of related species. Amylase and cellulase activities were positive for both strains. Strain DLE-14T exhibited the potential for lignin degradation. The DNA G+C contents of strain MWE-103T and DLE-14T were 60.9 and 50.8 mol% respectively. The genomes of the two strains revealed potential plant-growth-promoting characteristics such as nitrogen fixation, siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, strains MWE-103T and DLE-14T should each be recognized as a novel species of Paenibacillus, for which the names Paenibacillus artemisiicola sp. nov. (type strain: MWE-103T=KCTC 43287T=JCM 34503T) and Paenibacillus lignilyticus sp. nov. (type strain: DLE-14T=KCTC 43288T=JCM 34504T) are proposed.

Algorithmic intraocular lens power calculation formula selection by keratometry, anterior chamber depth and axial length.

PURPOSE: To compare the prediction accuracy of algorithmic intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formula selection method using conventional formulas (Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, SRK/T and/or Barrett Universal II) based on keratometry (K), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and axial length (AL). METHODS: A total of 1653 patients (1653 eyes) implanted with Tecnis ZCB00 IOL during cataract surgery were enrolled in this study. Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas with a small absolute value in the sum of the area under the curve measured by K, ACD and AL subgroup were selected to calculate IOL power in the relevant biometry subgroup. The median absolute error (MedAE) calculated by the Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, SRK/T and Barrett Universal II formulas individually was compared to that calculated by the algorithmic selection method using four formulas, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1 and SRK/T, or five formulas when Barrett is included. RESULTS: The MedAE was 0.27 D in the Haigis, 0.30 D in the Hoffer Q, 0.27 D in the Holladay 1, 0.29 D in the SRK/T and 0.26 D in the Barrett Universal II formulas. The MedAEs determined by the algorithmic selection method using four (019 D) and five (0.21 D) formulas were significantly lower than those by the conventional IOL power calculation formulas. CONCLUSIONS: The IOL power calculation formula selection method by biometry subgroup combined with biometric parameters K, ACD and AL may offer a more superior postoperative refractive error prediction in cataract surgery.

Micromonospora humida sp. nov., exhibiting antimicrobial potential, isolated from riverside soil.

An actinobacterial strain designated MMS20-R1-14T was isolated from a riverside soil sample. Colonies on agar plates were orange to strong orange brown in colour, which later became black. The cells grew at 10-40 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 5.0-11.0 (pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-4 % NaCl (1 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain MMS20-R1-14T showed highest similarities to Micromonospora wenchangensis CCTCC AA 2012002T (99.51 %) and Micromonospora rifamycinica AM105T (99.37 %). The orthoANI values between strain MMS20-R1-14T and the two type strains were 95.72 and 90.99 %, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were 63.6 and 40.8 %, respectively, thus confirming the distinction of strain MMS20-R1-14T from its mostly related species. The DNA G+C content of strain MMS20-R1-14T was 72.9 mol%. The strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the major cell-wall amino acid, and the characteristic whole-cell sugars were arabinose, xylose, glucose, ribose and rhamnose. The main cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω9c, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0, the diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, and the predominant menaquinones were MK-10(H4) and MK-10(H6), all of which were consistent with those of Micromonospora. Strain MMS20-R1-14T showed antimicrobial activity against a range of bacterial and yeast species. The genome of the strain was found to contain 33 potential biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites, thus showing a high potential as a producer of bioactive compounds. On the basis of these phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain MMS20-R1-14T merits recognition as representing a novel species of the genus Micromonospora, for which the name Micromonospora humida sp. nov. (type strain=MMS20 R1-14T=KCTC 49541T=JCM 34494T) is proposed.

Increased Near Vision Spectacle Dependence of Patients With Preoperative Myopia After Mix-and-Match Implantation of Trifocal EDOF and Trifocal IOLs.

PURPOSE: To investigate the factors affecting near vision spectacle dependence after mix-and-match implantation of the trifocal extended depth of focus (EDOF) and trifocal intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: A total of 204 eyes of 102 patients who underwent mix-and-match implantation of one trifocal EDOF and one trifocal IOL were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to spectacle dependence for near vision: reading glasses and no glasses. Clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the odds ratio of factors potentially associated with the need for reading glasses. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (79.4%) did not need reading glasses and 21 (20.6%) did. The mean age of the no glasses group (55.6 ± 5.6 years) was significantly higher than that of the reading glasses group (52.7 ± 4.1 years). Preoperative refractions were more myopic in the reading glasses group than in the no glasses group. The postoperative uncorrected near visual acuities were better and the satisfaction scores were higher in the no glasses group compared to the reading glasses group. Multivariate binary regression analysis revealed that only pre-operative spherical equivalent (odds ratio: 1.397; P = .025) was related to the spectacle independence for near vision. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had preoperative myopia and underwent mix-and-match implantation of trifocal EDOF and tri-focal IOLs tended to need spectacles for near vision. Surgeons should be aware of patients with myopia when considering mix-and-match implantation of trifocal EDOF and trifocal IOLs. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(11):746-753.].

Pseudomonas guryensis sp. nov. and Pseudomonas ullengensis sp. nov., isolated from soil.

Two Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria designated strains SR9T and UL070T, were isolated from soil and subjected to taxonomic characterization. Strain SR9T grew at 10-37 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum pH 8.0) and in the presence of 0-1 % NaCl (optimum 0 %), and UL070T at 4-33 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-2 % NaCl (optimum 0 %), respectively. Strain UL070T was motile with flagella. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains fell into phylogenetic clusters belonging to the genus Pseudomonas. Both strains SR9T and UL070T were mostly related to Pseudomonas campi S1-A32-2T with 99.70 and 99.01% sequence similarities, and the similarity between the two isolates was 98.90 %. The genome-based in silico analyses indicated that each of the strains SR9T and UL070T was clearly separated from other species of Pseudomonas, as the orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were no higher than 93.09 and 50.03% respectively with any related species, which were clearly below the cutoff for species distinction. The fatty acid profiles of the two strains mainly consisting of unsaturated components, the presence of ubiquinone 9 (Q-9) as the major respiratory quinone, and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) as the diagnostic polar lipids were consistent with their classification into Pseudomonas. The DNA G+C contents of strains SR9T and UL070T were 63.2 mol% and 63.6 mol% respectively. On the basis of both phenotypic and phylogenetic evidences, each of the isolated strains should be classified as a novel species, for which the names Pseudomonas guryensis sp. nov. (type strain=SR9T=KCTC 82228T=JCM 34509T) and Pseudomonas ullengensis sp. nov. (type strain=UL070T=KCTC 82229T=JCM 34510T) are proposed.

Design of Chemically Stable Organic Perovskite Quantum Dots for Micropatterned Light-Emitting Diodes through Kinetic Control of a Cross-Linkable Ligand System.

Perovskite quantum dot (QD) light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are ideal for next-generation display applications because of their excellent color purity, high efficiency, and cost-effective fabrication. However, developing a technology for high-resolution multicolor patterning of perovskite QDs remains challenging, owing to the chemical instability of these materials. To overcome these issues, in this work, the generation of surface defects is prevented by controlling the ligand-binding kinetics using a stable ligand system (Stable LS). The crystalline reconstruction of perovskite QDs after addition of the Stable LS results in an ≈18% increase in their photoluminescence quantum yield in solution and it also improves the ambient stability of the perovskite QD solution. Moreover, the perovskite QDs with Stable LS can undergo cross-linking under UV irradiation. The tightly bridged perovskite QDs effectively prevent moisture-assisted ligand dissociation in film state due to the increased hydrophobicity and restricted movement of the cross-linked surface ligands. Thus, the cross-linked perovskite QD film shows improved chemical/environmental stability without substantial deterioration in optoelectrical properties. As a result, a white electroluminescent device with high resolution (≈1 µm) is successfully fabricated by inkjet printing using green and red perovskite QDs.

Spermidine Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis via Blocking Ca2+ Overload in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Independently of ROS.

Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells occupy the outer layer of the retina and perform various biological functions. Oxidative damage to RPE cells is a major risk factor for retinal degeneration that ultimately leads to vision loss. In this study, we investigated the role of spermidine in a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress model using human RPE cells. Our findings showed that 300 µM H2O2 increased cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, whereas these effects were markedly suppressed by 10 µM spermidine. Furthermore, spermidine significantly reduced H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunction including mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial activity. Although spermidine displays antioxidant properties, the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon H2O2 insult was not regulated by spermidine. Spermidine did suppress the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ levels resulting from endoplasmic reticulum stress in H2O2-stimulated human RPE cells. Treatment with a cytosolic Ca2+ chelator markedly reversed H2O2-induced cellular dysfunction. Overall, spermidine protected against H2O2-induced cellular damage by blocking the increase of intracellular Ca2+ independently of ROS. These results suggest that spermidine protects RPE cells from oxidative stress, which could be a useful treatment for retinal diseases.

Urban Aerosol Particulate Matter Promotes Necrosis and Autophagy via Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Cellular Disorders that are Accompanied by Cell Cycle Arrest in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.

Urban particulate matter (UPM) is recognized as a grave public health problem worldwide. Although a few studies have linked UPM to ocular surface diseases, few studies have reported on retinal dysfunction. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of UPM on the retina and identify the main mechanism of UPM toxicity. In this study, we found that UPM significantly induced cytotoxicity with morphological changes in ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and increased necrosis and autophagy but not apoptosis. Furthermore, UPM significantly increased G2/M arrest and simultaneously induced alterations in cell cycle regulators. In addition, DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction were remarkably enhanced by UPM. However, the pretreatment with the potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) effectively suppressed UPM-mediated cytotoxicity, necrosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, NAC markedly restored UPM-induced DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Meanwhile, UPM increased the expression of mitophagy-regulated proteins, but NAC had no effect on mitophagy. Taken together, although further studies are needed to identify the role of mitophagy in UPM-induced RPE injury, the present study provides the first evidence that ROS-mediated cellular damage through necrosis and autophagy is one of the mechanisms of UPM-induced retinal disorders.

Comparison of Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy Rates Between Refractive Segmented Multifocal and Multifocal Toric Intraocular Lenses.

PURPOSE: To investigate the early incidence of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy according to intraocular lens (IOL) type (nontoric vs toric) and surgical techniques (femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery vs conventional phacoemulsification) in eyes with refractive multifocal IOLs. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Nine hundred thirteen eyes from 483 patients implanted with Lentis Mplus LS-313 MF20 (767 eyes) or Lentis Mplus Toric LU-313 MF20T (146 eyes) IOLs (Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) were enrolled. We compared the incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy between the nontoric and toric groups. In addition, the incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was also evaluated according to the surgical technique used. RESULTS: The overall incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was 10.2% (93/913 eyes). The Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rate was significantly higher in the toric group (24/146; 16.4%) than in the nontoric group (69/767; 9.0%; P = .007). Of the 913 enrolled eyes, 448 eyes (49.1%) underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and 465 eyes (50.9%) underwent conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery. There was no significant difference in the incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy between eyes with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and eyes with conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients with refractive multifocal toric IOLs had higher early incidence rates of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy when compared to those with refractive multifocal nontoric IOLs. Furthermore, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery could not reduce the early incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in this study.

Bet hedging and cold-temperature termination of diapause in the life history of the Atlantic salmon ectoparasite Argulus canadensis.

Argulus canadensis is a crustacean ectoparasite observed increasingly on wild migrating adult Atlantic salmon. We investigated temperature and salinity tolerance regarding development, survival and hatch of A. canadensis eggs to help understand spatiotemporal features of transmission. Argulus canadensis eggs differentiate to pharate embryos by 35 days buttheir hatch is protracted to ~7 months. Cold treatment ⩾75 days mimics overwintering and terminates egg diapause, with 84.6% (72.1-100%) metanauplius hatch induced ⩾13 °C and synchronized to 3-4 weeks. Inter- and intra-clutch variability and protracted hatch in the absence of cold-temperature termination of diapause is compatible with bet hedging. Whereas diapause likely promotes phenological synchrony for host colocalization, bet hedging could afford temporal plasticity to promote host encounter during environmental change. Our egg storage and hatch induction/synchronization methodologies can be exploited for empirical investigations. Salinity tolerance reveals both significantly higher embryonic development (94.4 ± 3.5% vs 61.7 ± 24.6%) and metanauplius hatch (53.3 ± 7.5% vs 10.1 ± 8.2%) for eggs in freshwater than at 17 ppt. Unhatched embryos were alive in freshwater by the end of the trial (213 days) but were dead/dying at 17 ppt. Eggs did not develop at 34 ppt. Salinity tolerance of A. canadensis eggs supports riverine transmission to adult Atlantic salmon during return to freshwater for mating each year.

Factors for good near and distance visual outcomes of multifocal intraocular lens with inferior segmental near add.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate factors related to postoperative good near and distance visual outcomes in the Lentis Mplus LS-313 MF20 (Oculentis Gmbh, Berlin, Germany) intraocular lens (IOL)-implanted eye. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed a total of 198 eyes of 198 patients. Patients with 20/20-or-more uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, 5 m) and J2-or-more uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA, 40 cm) were distributed into the good visual outcome (GVO) group (n = 96), and the remaining patients were distributed into the moderate visual outcome (MVO) group (n = 102). Differences between the two groups were compared for patient age, preoperative measurements (kappa distance, kappa angle, and pupil size), and postoperative measurements (residual sphere, cylinder, and spherical equivalent) to explore factors related to good visual outcomes after IOL implantation. RESULTS: The average age of the GVO group (56.2 years) was significantly lower than that of the MVO group (58.6 years), and the average kappa distance of the former was significantly smaller than that of the latter. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in kappa angle and pupil size. Notably, multivariate binary regression analysis revealed that multiple factors including age, residual cylinder, and spherical equivalent were associated with good visual outcomes. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, cutoff values regarded as good visual outcome following cataract surgery were calculated to be - 0.38 CD in residual cylinder and - 0.32 D in residual spherical equivalent. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with implanted Lentis Mplus LS-313 MF20 IOL who are young, had small kappa distance, and had low levels of postoperative residual cylinder and spherical equivalent tended to exhibit good vision at both near and distance. These results imply that surgeons should minimize postoperative residual cylinder and spherical equivalent to provide good visual outcomes to patients with implanted Lentis Mplus LS-313 MF20 IOL.

Application of Silver Nanofluids on Kinetics of Sulfur Hexafluoride Gas Hydrate Formation.

Gas hydrates are nonstoichiometric nano-structured crystalline compounds which are stabilized by gas molecules incorporated in the cages made of hydrogen bonding of water molecules at suitable thermodynamic conditions. The gas hydrate as a technology has been successful for several potential applications in various engineering fields, such as, gas separation, carbon dioxide sequestration, gas storage and transportation, desalination of salt water and wastewater treatment. Recently, metal-based nanofluids are considered as interesting kinetic promoter candidates for accelerating formation of gas hydrates. Although organic-based kinetic promoters are widely studied for the rapid formation of gas hydrates, research of a new material system is still a challenge. In this study, Silver (Ag) nanofluids as kinetic promoter of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) hydrate were prepared by electrical explosion of pure metal wire in deionized water. The kinetics of SF6 gas hydrates were evaluated with different concentration of Ag nanofluids at condition of 276 K and 0.7 MPa, respectively. The Ag nanofluids, as kinetic nano-prompter, showed excellent effect on the formation of SF6 hydrates.

Preparation and Characterization of Poly Methyl Methacrylate/Clay Nanocomposite Powders by Microwave-Assisted In-Situ Suspension Polymerization.

The PMMA (poly methyl methacrylate)/clay nanocomposite powders were synthesized by In-Situ suspension polymerizations using microwave heating. The PMMA/clay nanocomposites were also sampled using injection moulding to make specimens for material characterization. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated the formation of a highly intercalated clay layer in the nanocomposites. It was found that the microstructure of PMMA/clay nanocomposites was strongly dependent of content of clay. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated an improvement in the thermal stability of nanocomposites compared to that of the pure PMMA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the nanocomposites had a higher glass transition (Tg) temperature than the PMMA. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated an interaction between the carbonyl group of PMMA and hydroxyl group of the clay. Therefore, a possible reason in enhanced material properties of nanocomposites is that the chemical interaction and nanostructure of PMMA polymer and intercalated inorganic silicate layer has increased the thermal stability of the PMMA/clay nanocomposites.

Protective effect of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol against oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Purpose: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to the onset and progression of disease pathogenesis in a variety of organs, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), a phlorotannin compound, is one of the major components of the brown alga Ishige okamurae Yendo, and has been shown to have strong antioxidant capacity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of DPHC against oxidative stress (hydrogen peroxide, H2O2)-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in cultured ARPE19 retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. Materials and methods: Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Intracellular ROS generation was measured by flow cytometer using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate. The magnitude of apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry using the annexin V/propidium iodide double staining. DNA damage was evaluated by DNA fragmentation assay, comet assay and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) analysis. To observe the mitochondrial membrane potential, 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide staining was performed. In order to identify the underling mechanism of DPHC against H2O2-induced cellular alteration, we performed immune blotting. Results: The results of this study showed that the decreased survival rate brought about by H2O2 could be attributed to the induction of DNA damage and apoptosis accompanied by the increased production of ROS, which was remarkably reversed by DPHC. In addition, the loss of H2O2-induced mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly attenuated in the presence of DPHC. The inhibitory effect of DPHC on H2O2-induced apoptosis was associated with a reduced Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, the protection of the activation of caspase-9 and -3 and the inhibition of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, which was associated with the blockage of cytochrome c release to the cytoplasm. Conclusions: Our data proved that DPHC protects ARPE19 cells against H2O2-induced DNA damage and apoptosis by scavenging ROS and thus suppressing the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway. Therefore, this study suggests that DPHC has the therapeutic potential to prevent AMD by inhibiting oxidative stress-induced injury in RPE cells.

Mechanism of Action of Magnesium Lithospermate B against Aging and Obesity-Induced ER Stress, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammsome Formation in the Liver.

Magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) is the biologically active compound of the water-soluble fraction of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Magnesium lithospermate B exhibits various biological functions, including antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects. However, its beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and related signaling pathways in the liver need to be elucidated. Our previous study reported that MLB is a PPARß/δ agonist in fibroblasts. Because insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory effects of PPARß/δ has been reported in the liver, we investigated whether MLB has a beneficial effect on insulin-, ER stress- and inflammasome-related signaling in the livers of aging and obese animal models. Western blotting and protein-ligand docking simulation showed that MLB activated PPARß/δ and improved glucose tolerance in the livers of aging and obese animal models. MLB supplementation ameliorated aging or obesity-induced disruption of insulin signaling in the liver. Consistently, aging and obesity-induced increase in the protein levels of a gluconeogenic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was decreased by MLB. When molecular signaling pathways related to insulin signaling were examined in the liver, MLB supplementation suppressed ER stress- and inflammasome-related signaling molecules induced by aging and obesity. These results suggest that MLB may improve insulin resistance in the liver at least partially by suppressing ER stress and inflammasome formation in aging and obese animal models.