A new DGT technique based on nano-sized Mg2Al layered double hydroxides with DTPA for sampling of eight anionic and cationic metals.

In this work, a new resin gel incorporated with layered double hydroxide nanoparticles modified with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid is developed for application in diffusive gradients in thin-film devices (abbreviated as LDHs DGT) to monitor eight anions and cations (such as Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, and As) in natural waters and soils. The accumulated anions and cations were quantitatively recovered by one-step elution using 0.5 mol·L-1 HNO3 with an optimized elution time of 30 min. The performance of the LDHs DGT was independent of solution pH (5-8) and ionic strengths (5-100 mmol·L-1). The capacities of the LDHs DGT for Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), As(V), Cd(II), and Pb(II) individually are determined to be 202.9, 363.6, 246.9, 88.8, 99.5, 75.3, 159.8, and 671.7 µg·cm-2. During the field deployments in a nature river, LDHs DGT measured concentrations of cations and anions were almost like those measured by the traditional sampling method (except Fe(II), Cd(II), and Co(II)). In addition, bioavailable Cd measured by LDHs DGT correlated well with Cd in rice grains (R2 = 0.55), indicating that LDHs DGT is a reliable tool for assessing the risk of Cd.

Surgery-related characteristics, efficacy, safety and surgical team satisfaction of three-dimensional heads-up system versus traditional microscopic equipment for various vitreoretinal diseases.

PURPOSE: To compare the three-dimensional (3D) heads-up surgery with the traditional microscopic (TM) surgery for various vitreoretinal diseases. METHODS: A medical record review of patients that underwent 3D heads-up or TM vitreoretinal surgeries was performed from May 2020 to October 2021 in this retrospective case-control study. Main outcome measures included surgery-related characteristics, efficacy, safety, and satisfaction feedback from the surgical team. RESULTS: A total of 220 (47.6%) and 242 (52.4%) eyes were included in the 3D and TM groups, respectively. The 3D heads-up system significantly benefits delicate surgical steps, like the epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling for ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular holes (P < 0.05). The 3D heads-up system could facilitate a significantly better visual outcome for pathologic myopic foveoschisis (P = 0.049), while no difference by TM surgery (P = 0.45). For the satisfaction feedback, the 3D heads-up system was rated significantly higher in most subscales and the overall score (P < 0.05). The surgeons' ratings on operating accuracy and the first assistants' rating on operating accuracy and operation cooperation were significantly higher in the TM group than in the 3D group (P < 0.05). Besides that, the 3D heads-up surgery was comparable with TM surgery in the surgery-related characteristics, choice of tamponades, postoperative VA, primary anatomic success, and perioperative complications (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of the 3D heads-up surgery were generally comparable to the TM surgery. The 3D heads-up system could significantly benefit delicate surgical steps and achieve better surgical team satisfaction.

Apnea caused by retrobulbar anesthesia: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Apnea caused by retrobulbar anesthesia is a very rare but severe complication during ophthalmic surgery. CASE SUMMARY: We report a rare case of apnea caused by retrobulbar anesthesia, and emergency resuscitation was used. A 74-year-old female patient was diagnosed with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in the right eye and planned to undergo vitrectomy under retrobulbar anesthesia. After the retrobulbar anesthesia in her right eye, she became unconscious and apneic. It was suggested that she had developed brainstem anesthesia. Assisted ventilation was initiated. Atropine 0.5 mg, epinephrine 1 mg, ephedrine 30 mg, and lipid emulsion were given. Five minutes later, her consciousness and breathing gradually returned, but with uncertain light perception in her right eye. Alprostadil 20 µg was given, and after 2 h her visual acuity resumed to the preoperative level. CONCLUSION: Brainstem anesthesia is a serious complication secondary to retrobulbar anesthesia. Medical staff should pay attention to the identification of brainstem anesthesia and be familiar with the emergency treatment for this complication.

Phacoemulsification, Intraocular Lens Implantation, Goniosynechialysis, and Pseudo-Pupilloplasty for Refractory Acute Primary Angle Closure with Atonic Dilated Pupil.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prompt phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, visco-goniosynechialysis, combined with pseudo-pupilloplasty for refractory acute primary angle closure (APAC) with atonic dilated pupil and to describe a feasible method of pupilloplasty. Methods A consecutive series of refractory APAC patients who had atonic dilated pupil and undergone prompt phacoemulsification combined with pseudo-pupilloplasty at our center were retrospectively analyzed. Pseudo-pupilloplasty referred to a method of pupilloplasty which included 4.5-mm capsulorhexis, postoperative opacification of anterior capsule residue, and ultimate pseudo-pupil formation. Preoperative and postoperative measurements included intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and anterior chamber depth (ACD). Intraoperative and postoperative complications were documented. The process of pseudo-pupil formation was also observed. Results A total of 20 eyes of 19 APAC patients were followed up for 19.7 ± 9.8 months. IOP was lowered from preoperative 44.0 ± 9.8 mmHg to 15.5 ± 2.6 mmHg at final visit (t=11.945, P< 0.001). ACD was deepened from preoperative 1.77 ± 0.21 mm to 3.40 ± 0.20 mm at final visit (t=-27.711, P< 0.001). Twelve of 20 eyes had residual angle synechiae, whereas only 3 eyes needed anti-glaucoma medications. No severe complication was observed. All eyes had pseudo-pupil gradually formed within 3 months, accompanied with the gradual improvement of BCVA from preoperative 1.18 ± 0.55 to 0.58 ± 0.22, 0.26 ± 0.09, 0.11 ± 0.09, and 0.11 ± 0.09 at postoperative day 1, month 1, month 3, and last visit. Conclusions Prompt phacoemulsification-goniosynechialysis is effective and safe for refractory APAC with atonic dilated pupil. Pseudo-pupilloplasty is a feasible procedure for pupil reconstruction.

THE INCIDENCE, CHARACTERISTICS, MANAGEMENT, PROGNOSIS, AND CLASSIFICATION OF BREAKTHROUGH VITREOUS HEMORRHAGE SECONDARY TO POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To describe breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: Patients with the diagnosis of PCV from January 2005 to March 2020 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively reviewed, cases with breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage were analyzed. Subgroup analysis was conducted regarding pachychoroid PCV and nonpachychoroid PCV. RESULTS: Among 722 PCV patients (834 eyes), 103 eyes with breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage (12.4%) were included. Pars plana vitrectomy and proper further interventions could significantly improve the best-corrected visual acuity from logMAR 2.15 ± 0.48 (Snellen 20/2825) to 1.65 ± 0.67 (20/893). Hemorrhagic retinal detachment, baseline central macular thickness, and best-corrected visual acuity were factors associated with final best-corrected visual acuity (P < 0.05). In the pachychoroid PCV group, patients were younger, all had hemorrhagic pigment epithelial detachment, with a higher prevalence of choroidal vascular hyperpermeability and hemorrhagic retinal detachment, thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness, and thinner central macular thickness; besides, the initial pars plana vitrectomy were more complicated, more additional surgeries had to be performed. More eyes in the nonpachychoroid PCV group had received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor or photodynamic therapy, mostly fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment, the best-corrected visual acuity and the status of the fellow eye were significantly worse. For the final ocular status, more eyes in nonpachychoroid PCV group were taking anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy, whereas more eyes in pachychoroid PCV group were stable. The choroidal parameters of these two groups were all significantly different. CONCLUSION: Breakthrough vitreous hemorrhage is a troublesome complication of PCV. Pars plana vitrectomy and additional interventions are required for better prognosis. Vitreous hemorrhage secondary to pachychoroid PCV or nonpachychoroid PCV have different characteristics and prognosis.

Remedial dosing recommendations for delayed or missed doses of valproic acid in patients with epilepsy based on Monte Carlo simulations.

OBJECTIVE: Delayed or missed doses are unavoidable in the pharmacotherapy of epilepsy and significantly compromise the efficacy of antiepileptic drug treatment. An inappropriate remedial regimen can cause seizure relapse or serious adverse events. This study investigated the effect of delayed or missed doses on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of valproic acid (VPA) in patients with epilepsy and established remedial dosing recommendations for nonadherent patients. METHODS: Monte Carlo simulations are based on all previous population pharmacokinetic models for pediatric, adult and elderly patients with epilepsy. The following four remedial strategies were investigated for each delayed dose: A) A partial dose or a regular dose is taken immediately; a regular dose is taken at the next scheduled time. B) The delayed dose was administered immediately, followed by a partial dose at the next scheduled time. C) The delayed dose and a partial dose are taken; the next scheduled time is skipped, and the regular regimen is resumed. D) Double doses are taken when missed one dose or two doses, and the regular regimen at the subsequent scheduled time is resumed. RESULTS: The recommended remedial dose was related to the delay duration and daily dose. Remedial dosing strategies A and B were almost equivalent, whereas Strategy C was recommended when the delayed dose was close to the next scheduled dose. Strategy D was only suggested for delayed two doses. CONCLUSION: Simulations provide quantitative insight into the remedial regimens for nonadherent patients, and clinicians should select the optimal regimen for each patient based on the individual's status.

THE OCCURRENCE, CHARACTERISTICS, MANAGEMENT, AND PROGNOSIS OF RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM TEARS IN PATIENTS WITH POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY: A Retrospective Study of 397 Patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. METHOD: A retrospective review of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy cases with confirmed RPE tears was conducted. Patients' comprehensive clinical data were collected and analyzed. The treatment strategy was a loading dose of one intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection, combined with additional injections if exudative activities or visual deterioration were detected. RESULTS: Among 397 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy patients, 33 patients with RPE tears (8.3%) were included. 42.4% of them happened spontaneously. Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) occurred more frequently in RPE tear patients and most of them had serous vascularized or hemorrhagic PED. The height and greatest linear diameter of PED, and the subfoveal choroidal thickness of these cases were significantly larger, whereas the central foveal thickness was significantly smaller. Most of the RPE tears occurred at the edge of the PED. After our treatment strategy, patients' best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 2.13 ± 1.24 (median 20/52) to 1.32 ± 1.31 (median 20/166). Large subretinal hemorrhage may increase the risk of the formation of subretinal fibrosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Retinal pigment epithelium tears in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy are associated with high subRPE hydrostatic pressure, produced by a large PED or hemorrhage. After our intervention strategy, this condition may not necessarily result in poor prognosis.

Remedial dosing recommendations for delayed or missed doses of lamotrigine in pediatric patients with epilepsy using Monte Carlo simulations.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effect of delayed or missed doses on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of lamotrigine (LTG) in children with epilepsy and established remedial dosing recommendations for nonadherent patients. METHODS: The Monte Carlo simulation based on a published LTG population PK model was used to assess the effect of different scenarios of nonadherence and the subsequently administered remedial regimens. The following three remedial approaches were investigated for each delayed dose: A) A partial dose was administered immediately, and the regular dose was administered at the next scheduled time. B) The delayed dose was administered immediately, followed by a partial dose at the next scheduled time. C) The delayed and partial doses were coadministered immediately, the next scheduled dose was skipped, and the regular dosing was resumed at the subsequent scheduled time. The most appropriate remedial regimen was that with the shortest deviation time from the individual therapeutic window. RESULTS: The effect of nonadherence on PK was dependent on the delay duration and daily dose, and the recommended remedial dose was related to the delay duration and concomitant antiepileptic drugs. Remedial dosing strategies A and B were almost equivalent, whereas C showed a larger PK deviation time. If one dose was missed, double doses were not recommended for the next scheduled time. CONCLUSIONS: Simulations provide quantitative insight into the remedial regimens for nonadherent patients, and clinicians should select the optimal regimen based on the status of patients.

Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetics of imatinib in Chinese patients with chronic myeloid leukemia.

AIM: This study aimed to establish a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model in Chinese patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, and to quantify the effects of pharmacogenetics on pharmacokinetic parameters of imatinib. METHODS: A total of 229 plasma concentrations from 170 patients were analyzed. Nonlinear mixed effect model was used to establish the PPK model. RESULTS: A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and first-order elimination adequately describes imatinib pharmacokinetics. Actual bodyweight shows slight effect on the estimated apparent clearance (CL/F) of imatinib in this study population. The final PPK model is: Ka (1/h) = 0.329; CL/F (l/h) = 9.25 × (actual bodyweight/70)0.228; V/F(l) = 222. CONCLUSION: Actual bodyweight has a slight effect on CL/F. Demographics, physiopathology and pharmacogenetics covariates have no significant effects on imatinib pharmacokinetics.

Comparison of face-down posturing with nonsupine posturing after macular hole surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated face-down posturing (FDP) with the far less physically challenging nonsupine posturing (NSP) in the treatment of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (MHs). The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative posturing on the anatomical and functional outcomes of MH surgery. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from their earliest entries through December 2016 to identify the studies that had evaluated the effects of postoperative posturing with FDP or NSP for patients with MH surgery. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The relevant data were analyzed using StataSE 12.0 software. The weighted mean difference (WMD), relative risk (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association. RESULTS: Our search yielded 181 records from which 11 studies comprising 726 cases that had examined the effects of postoperative posturing with FDP for patients compared with NSP after MH surgery were included for review and analysis. Our meta-analyses showed that postoperative FDP could generally improve the overall MH closure rate compared to NSP (OR = 1.828, 95% CI: 1.063~3.143, P = 0.029). Subgroup analysis of the size of MH suggested a significant benefit of FDP for large MHs (≥400 µm) (OR = 4.361, 95% CI: 1.429~13.305, P = 0.010) while there was no difference in the MH closure rate for small MHs (< 400 µm) (OR = 1.731, 95% CI: 0.412~7.270, P = 0.453). Moreover, ILM peeling for large MHs could significantly increase the MH closure rate of the FDP group (OR = 2.489, 95% CI: 1.021~6.069, P = 0.045), while no difference existed for small MHs (OR = 3.572, 95% CI: 0.547~23.331, P = 0.184). Combined cataract surgery might not influence the MH closure rate under any circumstance (OR = 0.513, 95% CI: 0.089~2.944, P = 0.454). CONCLUSION: Based on all the available evidence, our study found that FDP after MH surgery could generally improve the overall MH closure rate compared to NSP. For MHs larger than 400 µm, ILM peeling combined with FDP could significantly increase the MH closure rate. Combined cataract surgery might not influence the MH closure rate.

EFFICACY OF INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF BEVACIZUMAB IN VITRECTOMY FOR PATIENTS WITH PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY RETINAL DETACHMENT: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in vitrectomy for patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)-related retinal detachment. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their earliest entries through October, 2016, to identify the studies that had evaluated the effects of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in vitrectomy for eyes with PVR-related retinal detachment. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The relevant data were analyzed using Stata 12.0 software. The weighted mean difference, relative risk, and their 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of the association. RESULTS: The authors' search yielded 133 records from which 3 studies that have examined the effects of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (120 eyes with PVR-related retinal detachment) were included for review and analysis. Their meta-analyses showed that neither the best-corrected visual acuity nor retinal redetachment rate showed any clinically or statistically important difference between the nonbevacizumab and bevacizumab groups (P > 0.05). In addition, bevacizumab did not influence the interval between vitrectomy and retinal redetachment (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in vitrectomy for patients with PVR-related retinal detachment did not decrease retinal redetachment rate or improve visual acuity. Better-designed studies with larger simple sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to reach valid conclusions regarding benefits and harms. Moreover, evaluation of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on surgical outcomes in eyes with milder subtypes of PVR or no PVR, but deemed at high risk of PVR, may be worthy of future consideration.

[Efficacy evaluation of photodynamic therapy and intravitreal anti-VEGF injection for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: systematic review].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy alone, and the combination of the two therapies for polypoid choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHODS: Systematic review. A computerized search was conducted in Pubmed,Biosis Preview, Cochrane Library, and Embase.Studies comparing any two of the above three treatment strategies were enrolled in the study. Meta-analysis of pairwise comparisons of the three approaches was conducted. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with complete regression of polyps.Other endpoints included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), number of treatments. RESULTS: A total of 13 comparative studies were obtained, including 1 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 12 retrospective comparative study (RCS).Four studies compared anti-VEGF monotherapy with PDT monotherapy.Seven studies compared PDT monotherapy with combination therapy.Four studies compared anti-VEGF monotherapy with combination therapy. Considering the RCT and RCS results: PDT was superior to anti-VEGF in achieving complete regression of polyps at month 6 (P = 0.004) , although BCVA and CRT showed no significant difference at 12-month follow-up. There was no significant difference in BCVA, CRT, and the proportion of patients with complete regression of polyps between PDT and combination group at 12 months follow-up.However, combination therapy showed more promising result in improving visual acuity at 24 months (P = 0.05), with fewer PDT needed than in PDT monotherapy. Combination therapy was superior to anti-VEGF in achieving complete regression of polyps and the number of injections needed tended to be fewer. BCVA improvement and CRT reduction showed no significant difference at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: PDT with or without anti-VEGF therapy is superior to anti-VEGF monotherapy in achieving complete polyp regression, and combination therapy appeared to result in better visual outcome than PDT monotherapy in the long term (2 years).

Diphenylamine end-capped 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole (DPP) derivatives with large two-photon absorption cross-sections and strong two-photon excitation red fluorescence.

Novel donor-pi-bridge-acceptor-pi-bridge-donor (D-pi-A-pi-D)-type 1,4-diketo-3,6-diphenylpyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole (DPP) derivatives with end-capping diphenylamine groups have been synthesized and shown to exhibit large two-photon absorption cross-sections over a wide range of wavelengths with strong two-photon excitation red fluorescence.