Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 85 in total

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  1. Lu B, Liu L, Wang J, Chen Y, Li Z, Gopinath SCB, et al.
    Nanoscale Res Lett, 2020 May 11;15(1):105.
    PMID: 32394009 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-020-03331-y
    Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) refers to the enlargement of the lower artery of the abdominal aorta, and identification of an early detection tool is urgently needed for diagnosis. In the current study, an interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensing surface was used to identify miRNA-335-5p, which reflects the formation of AAAs. The uniformity of the silica material was observed by 3D profilometry, and the chemically modified highly conductive surface improved the detection via the I-V mode. The targeted miRNA-335-5p was detected in a dose-dependent manner and based on linear regression and 3σ analyses, the sensitivity was determined to be 1 fM with a biotinylated probe. The high specificity was shown by discriminating the target sequence from noncomplementary and single- and triple-mismatched sequences. These outputs demonstrated the high-performance detection of miRNA-335-5p with good reproducibility for determination of the severity of AAA.
  2. Liu L, Saeed MA, Abdelrasheed NSG, Shakibaei G, Khafaga AF
    Front Psychol, 2022;13:996736.
    PMID: 36337558 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.996736
    The Omani socio-cultural context, the mono-gender educational system in schools, and the learning environment at the higher educational institutions significantly affect learners' self-efficacy and academic achievement in the mixed-gender EFL classroom. Different studies have revealed both positive and negative implications of mixed-gender classrooms, especially for those who came from a mono-gender learning environment. The adjustment phase for the tertiary learners from school to the university is not only crucial but also significant for the continuation of higher education. The effects of socio-cultural factors on self-efficacy and academic achievement have not been studied in depth, particularly in eastern countries. So, the current study aimed at investigating the role of gender, learning background, socio-cultural circumstances, and the effect of the learning environment on EFL learners' self-efficacy and their academic achievement within the scenario of the prevailing culture and traditions in the Dhofar Region. To conduct this study, mixed research methods (qualitative and quantitative) have been adopted to investigate the perceptions of both teachers and learners. The sample of the study consists of 117 EFL learners ranging between 18-22 years of age and 25 EFL teachers ranging between 35-60 years of age. We used separate surveys for students and the teachers and interviewed students and teachers on a random basis. The results demonstrate that both genders were comfortable in segregated classes. The results also reveal that female learners were active learners and better performers than male learners in the school learning environment. The students reported that social restrictions discouraged them from mixing with the opposite gender in classroom activities and oral discussions. Most teachers believe that, compared to male learners, female learners performed better and were more engaged and responsive to different learning situations. The study found that there were statistically significant differences between both genders in terms of the effects of socio-cultural environment, self-efficacy, and the learning environment. Female learners were better than male learners in mono-gender schools, and they have higher self-efficacy than male students at the university. In conclusion, EFL teachers should consider the socio-cultural context, learners' learning background, and other challenges of learners to bring out positive outcomes in a mixed-gender classroom.
  3. Liu L, Mi J, Wang Y, Zou Y, Ma B, Liao X, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2018 Apr 01;619-620:1673-1681.
    PMID: 29056384 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.133
    Antibiotic residues in swine manure when entered the soil would most likely affect the complex composition and functions of the soil microbiome, which is also responsible for degrading these antibiotics. Three different methods of adding ciprofloxacin (CIP), a common antibiotic used in the swine industry, to the soil were used to investigate the effects of CIP on the soil microbiome and the degradation of CIP. Results of the study showed that the microbiome could promote the degradation of CIP in the soil when CIP was incorporated into the soil together with manure. However, the CIP degradation time was prolonged when adding the manure of swine fed with diet containing CIP in the soil. All treatments did not affect the copy number of the resistance genes, except for aac(6')-Ib-cr, as compared with the initial numbers of each treatment. MiSeq Illumina sequencing and Biolog-ECO microplates results showed that CIP had a significant effect on the abundance, structure, and function of the soil microbiome, but different addition methods resulted in distinct effects. Results of the present study demonstrated that the microbiome and fate of CIP responded differently to the different methods of adding CIP to the soil.
  4. Li X, Xu A, Sheng H, Ting TH, Mao X, Huang X, et al.
    Pediatr Diabetes, 2018 03;19(2):251-258.
    PMID: 28791793 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.12560
    BACKGROUND: Sulfonylurea therapy can improve glycemic control and ameliorate neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients suffering from neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) with KCNJ11 or ABCC8 mutations. As genetic testing results are often delayed, it remains controversial whether sulfonylurea treatment should be attempted immediately at diagnosis or doctors should await genetic confirmation.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of sulfonylurea therapy in Chinese NDM patients during infancy before genetic testing results were available.

    METHODS: The medical records of NDM patients with their follow-up details were reviewed and molecular genetic analysis was performed. Sulfonylurea transfer regimens were applied in patients diagnosed after May 2010, and glycemic status and side effects were evaluated in each patient.

    RESULTS: There were 23 NDM patients from 22 unrelated families, 10 had KCNJ11 mutations, 3 harbored ABCC8 mutations, 1 had INS mutations, 4 had chromosome 6q24 abnormalities, 1 had a deletion at chromosome 1p36.23p36.12, and 4 had no genetic abnormality identified. Sixteen NDM infants were treated with glyburide at an average age of 49 days (range 14-120 days) before genetic confirmation. A total of 11 of 16 (69%) were able to successfully switch to glyburide with a more stable glucose profile. The responsive glyburide dose was 0.51 ± 0.16 mg/kg/d (0.3-0.8 mg/kg/d), while the maintenance dose was 0.30 ± 0.07 mg/kg/d (0.2-0.4 mg/kg/d). No serious adverse events were reported.

    CONCLUSIONS: Molecular genetic diagnosis is recommended in all patients with NDM. However, if genetic testing results are delayed, sulfonylurea therapy should be considered before such results are received, even in infants with newly diagnosed NDM.

  5. Liu C, Liu L, Huang Y, Shi R, Wu Y, Hakimah Binti Ismail I
    Int Immunopharmacol, 2023 Jan;114:109493.
    PMID: 36527879 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109493
    Minimal change disease (MCD) is a common type of nephrotic syndrome with high recurrence rate. This study aims to explore the impacts of interleukin (IL)-33 in MCD and to discuss its potential mechanism. In adriamycin (ADM) and puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced MCD rat model, IL-33 was used for treatment. H&E staining was applied for detecting histological changes. Critical proteins were examined by western blot. Corresponding commercial kits tested oxidative stress- and inflammation-related factors. Cell apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay. ADM-induced podocyte injury model was establish to mimic MCD in vitro. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assays. Finally, podocyte was stimulated by innate lymphoid type-2 cells-secreted Th2 cytokines (ILC2s: IL-13 and IL-5 respectively), with or without incubation with M1 macrophage medium to further explore the immune-regulation of ILC2s behind the inflammatory environment of MCD. It was found that PAN-induced kidney jury, inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis were severer than ADM, and IL-33 treatment significantly alleviated the above injuries in PAN and ADM-induced MCD rat model. Moreover, IL-33 reversed the reduced viability and increased oxidative stress and apoptosis in ADM-induced podocyte injury model. Further, the capacities of IL-13 alone in inducing M1/M2 macrophage polarization, apoptosis, inflammation, kidney injury and reducing cell viability are stronger than IL-5. However, IL-13 reversed reduced cell viability and stimulated apoptosis, inflammation, kidney injury mediated by co-incubation with M1-conditioned medium. Collectively, IL-33 might protect against immunologic injury in MCD via mediating ILC2s-secreted IL-13.
  6. Pahlevan Sharif S, She L, Liu L, Naghavi N, Lola GK, Sharif Nia H, et al.
    Nurs Open, 2023 Jan;10(1):123-134.
    PMID: 35906871 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1286
    AIM: There has been growing concern about the nurses' turnover intention as well as life satisfaction during COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. The past research has provided evidence on the effect of organizational support on nurses' job satisfaction and turnover intention. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism behind these associations.

    DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken.

    METHODS: An online survey was conducted in Iran from May to June 2020 through Google Docs Forms. In total, 305 nurses were participated and completed the online survey. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling through (AMOS). This study was checked with the STROBE checklist.

    RESULT: The results showed that nurses' perception of organizational support was positively related to their job satisfaction which in turn decreases the turnover intention. Likewise, the job satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between organizational support and nurses' life satisfaction.

  7. Dong L, Zhang Y, Li Y, Liu Y, Chen Q, Liu L, et al.
    Food Funct, 2023 Nov 13;14(22):10221-10231.
    PMID: 37916290 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo02474a
    Heat sterilization of dairy products can promote the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), protein oxidation products (POPs) and α-dicarbonyl compounds, which have a significant influence on health due to the close association of these products with diabetes complications. In this study, eight oat phenolic acids were first analyzed for their inhibitory effect against AGEs formation. Due to their strong inhibitory effects and structural differences, caffeic acid (CA) and gallic acid (GA) were further selected to assess their anti-glycosylation mechanisms using spectroscopy, chromatography and molecular docking. CA/GA reduced the production of total AGEs and POPs in various bovine milk simulation models and protected whey proteins from structural modifications, oxidation, and cross-linking. Comparative analyses showed a structure-effect relationship between CA/GA and AGEs inhibition. Oat phenolic acids against AGEs and POPs might be related to the unique bonding of key amino acid residues in whey proteins, the inhibitory role of early fructosamine and the trapping of reactive α-dicarbonyl groups to form adducts. In conclusion, oat phenolic acids might present a promising dietary strategy to alleviate AGEs production and glycation of proteins in dairy products upon storage.
  8. Li Y, Dong L, Liu Y, Chen Q, Wu Z, Liu L, et al.
    Food Chem, 2024 Mar 01;435:137572.
    PMID: 37778268 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137572
    The effects of covalent binding of protocatechuic acid (PA) and gallic acid (GA) to lactoferrin (LF) on the structure, functional, and antioxidant properties of the protein conjugate were investigated. These protein-phenolic conjugates were produced by laccase cross-linking and ultrasound-assisted free radical grafting, which were characterized using turbidity, particle size, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analyses. Structural changes in conjugates were monitored by endogenous fluorescence spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and circular dichroism (CD). The antioxidant capacities and pH stability were determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and potentiometric analysis. The enzymatic cross-linking and free radical grafting yielded LF-PA/GA conjugates with altered hydrodynamic diameter and zeta-potential. Spectroscopic and chromatographic analyses revealed that binding to PA/GA altered the molecular structure of LF, with a decrease in LF isoelectric point post binding to PA/GA, without affecting antioxidant activities. In conclusion, LF-PA/GA conjugates present potential applications in the food industry.
  9. Liu B, Lu Y, Deng H, Huang H, Wei N, Jiang Y, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2023 Sep 01;889:164173.
    PMID: 37201824 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164173
    Microplastic (MP) pollution is a serious global environmental problem, particularly in marine ecosystems. However, the pollution patterns of MPs in the ocean and atmosphere, particularly the sea-air interrelationship, remain unclear. Therefore, the abundance, distribution patterns, and sources of MPs in the seawater and atmosphere of the South China Sea (SCS) were comparatively investigated. The results showed that MPs were prevalent in the SCS with an average abundance of 103.4 ± 98.3 items/m3 in the seawater and 4.62 ± 3.60 items/100 m3 in the atmosphere. The spatial analysis indicated that the pollution patterns of seawater MPs were mainly determined by land-based discharge and sea surface currents, whereas atmospheric MPs were predominantly determined by air parcel trajectory and wind conditions. The highest MP abundance of 490 items/m3 in seawater was found at a station near Vietnam with current vortices. However, the highest MP abundance of 14.6 items/100 m3 in the atmosphere was found in air parcels with low-speed southerly winds from Malaysia. Similar MP compositions (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and polyethylene) were observed in the two environmental compartments. Furthermore, similar MP characteristics (e.g., shape, color, and size) in the seawater and atmosphere of the same region suggested a close relationship between the MPs in the two compartments. For this purpose, cluster analysis and calculation of the MP diversity integrated index were performed. The results showed an obvious dispersion between the two compartment clusters and a higher diversity integrated index of MPs in seawater than in the atmosphere, thus implying higher compositional diversity and more complex sources of MPs in seawater relative to the atmosphere. These findings deepen our understanding of MP fate and patterns in the semi-enclosed marginal sea environment and highlight the potential interrelationship of MPs in the air-sea system.
  10. Jiali L, Wu Z, Liu L, Yang J, Wang L, Li Z, et al.
    PMID: 37409451 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2230287
    Resistant starch, also known as anti-digestion enzymatic starch, which cannot be digested or absorbed in the human small intestine. It can be fermented in the large intestine into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and metabolites, which are advantageous to the human body. Starches can classify as rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), and resistant starch (RS), which possess high thermal stability, low water holding capacity, and emulsification characteristics. Resistant starch has excellent physiological functions such as stabilizing postprandial blood glucose levels, preventing type II diabetes, preventing intestinal inflammation, and regulating gut microbiota phenotype. It is extensively utilized in food processing, delivery system construction, and Pickering emulsion due to its processing properties. The resistant starches, with their higher resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, support their suitability as a potential drug carrier. Therefore, this review focuses on resistant starch with structural features, modification characteristics, immunomodulatory functions, and delivery system applications. The objective was to provide theoretical guidance for applying of resistant starch to food health related industries.
  11. Jia J, Ma Y, Xu S, Zheng J, Ma X, Zhang Y, et al.
    Psychol Res Behav Manag, 2023;16:2417-2424.
    PMID: 37426390 DOI: 10.2147/PRBM.S413382
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of academic self-efficacy on test anxiety among higher vocational students, as well as the role of sense of life meaning, fear of failure, and gender difference in mediating this relationship.

    METHODS: A total of 2231 higher vocational students from Shandong Province were surveyed by means of Academic Self-efficacy Questionnaire, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and Test Anxiety Scale.

    RESULTS: There were significant negative correlations among academic self-efficacy, sense of life meaning, and test anxiety. Fear of failure was positively correlated with test anxiety. Sense of life meaning and fear of failure played a mediating role in the relationship between academic self-efficacy and test anxiety. The chain mediating effect was significant only in the female group, not in the male group. In contrast, academic self-efficacy indirectly predicted test anxiety by the independent mediating effect of sense of life meaning or fear of failure in the male group.

    CONCLUSION: Academic self-efficacy may influence test anxiety through the independent mediating effect of sense of life meaning, fear of failure, and the chain mediating effect, and there is a gender difference in these effects.

  12. Liu L, Bashir S, Ling GZ, Hoe LK, Liew J, Kasi R, et al.
    ChemSusChem, 2024 Jan 22;17(2):e202300876.
    PMID: 37695539 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300876
    Carbon-based materials have emerged as promising anodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to the merits of cost-effectiveness and renewability. However, the unsatisfactory performance has hindered the commercialization of SIBs. During the past decades, tremendous attention has been put into enhancing the electrochemical performance of carbon-based anodes from the perspective of improving the compatibility of electrolytes and electrodes. Hence, a systematic summary of strategies for optimizing electrolytes between hard carbon, graphite, and other structural carbon anodes of SIBs is provided. The formulations and properties of electrolytes with solvents, salts, and additives added are comprehensively presented, which are closely related to the formation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and crucial to the sodium ion storage performance. Cost analysis of commonly used electrolytes has been provided as well. This review is anticipated to provide guidance in future rational tailoring of electrolytes with carbon-based anodes for sodium-ion batteries.
  13. Shi B, Guo X, Liu H, Jiang K, Liu L, Yan N, et al.
    Food Chem, 2024 Apr 16;438:137994.
    PMID: 37984001 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137994
    Foods rich in carbohydrates or fats undergo the Maillard reaction during frying, which promotes the color, flavor and sensory characteristics formation. In the meanwhile, Maillard reaction intermediates and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have a negative impact on food sensory quality and gut homeostasis. This negative effect can be influenced by food composition and other processing factors. Whole grain products are rich in polyphenols, which can capture carbonyl compounds in Maillard reaction, and reduce the production of AGEs during frying. This review summarizes the Maillard reaction production intermediates and AGEs formation mechanism in fried food and analyzes the factors affecting the sensory formation of food. In the meanwhile, the effects of Maillard reaction intermediates and AGEs on gut homeostasis were summarized. Overall, the innovative processing methods about the Maillard reaction are summarized to optimize the sensory properties of fried foods while minimizing the formation of AGEs.
  14. Chen Q, Dong L, Li Y, Liu Y, Xia Q, Sang S, et al.
    PMID: 36803106 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2179969
    Ovalbumin (OVA) is the most abundant protein in egg white, with excellent functional properties (e.g., gelling, foaming, emulsifying properties). Nevertheless, OVA has strong allergenicity, which is usually mediated by specific IgE thus results in gut microbiota dysbiosis and causes atopic dermatitis, asthma, and other inflammation actions. Processing technologies and the interactions with other active ingredients can influence the functional properties and allergic epitopes of OVA. This review focuses on the non-thermal processing technologies effects on the functional properties and allergenicity of OVA. Moreover, the research advance about immunomodulatory mechanisms of OVA-mediated food allergy and the role of gut microbiota in OVA allergy was summarized. Finally, the interactions between OVA and active ingredients (such as polyphenols and polysaccharides) and OVA-based delivery systems construction are summarized. Compared with traditional thermal processing technologies, novel non-thermal processing techniques have less damage to OVA nutritional value, which also improve OVA properties. OVA can interact with various active ingredients by covalent and non-covalent interactions during processing, which can alter the structure or allergic epitopes to affect OVA/active components properties. The interactions can promote OVA-based delivery systems construction, such as emulsions, hydrogels, microencapsulation, nanoparticles to encapsulate bioactive components and monitor freshness for improving foods quality and safety.
  15. Cai L, Xi Z, Amorim AM, Sugumaran M, Rest JS, Liu L, et al.
    New Phytol, 2019 Jan;221(1):565-576.
    PMID: 30030969 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15357
    Whole-genome duplications (WGDs) are widespread and prevalent in vascular plants and frequently coincide with major episodes of global and climatic upheaval, including the mass extinction at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary (c. 65 Ma) and during more recent periods of global aridification in the Miocene (c. 10-5 Ma). Here, we explore WGDs in the diverse flowering plant clade Malpighiales. Using transcriptomes and complete genomes from 42 species, we applied a multipronged phylogenomic pipeline to identify, locate, and determine the age of WGDs in Malpighiales using three means of inference: distributions of synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (Ks ) among paralogs, phylogenomic (gene tree) reconciliation, and a likelihood-based gene-count method. We conservatively identify 22 ancient WGDs, widely distributed across Malpighiales subclades. Importantly, these events are clustered around the Eocene-Paleocene transition (c. 54 Ma), during which time the planet was warmer and wetter than any period in the Cenozoic. These results establish that the Eocene Climatic Optimum likely represents a previously unrecognized period of prolific WGDs in plants, and lends further support to the hypothesis that polyploidization promotes adaptation and enhances plant survival during episodes of global change, especially for tropical organisms like Malpighiales, which have tight thermal tolerances.
  16. Law ZK, Meretoja A, Engelter ST, Christensen H, Muresan EM, Glad SB, et al.
    Eur Stroke J, 2017 Mar;2(1):13-22.
    PMID: 31008298 DOI: 10.1177/2396987316676610
    Purpose: Haematoma expansion is a devastating complication of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) with no established treatment. Tranexamic acid had been an effective haemostatic agent in reducing post-operative and traumatic bleeding. We review current evidence examining the efficacy of tranexamic acid in improving clinical outcome after ICH.

    Method: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and clinical trial registers for studies using search strategies incorporating the terms 'intracerebral haemorrhage', 'tranexamic acid' and 'antifibrinolytic'. Authors of ongoing clinical trials were contacted for further details.

    Findings: We screened 268 publications and retrieved 17 articles after screening. Unpublished information from three ongoing clinical trials was obtained. We found five completed studies. Of these, two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing intravenous tranexamic acid to placebo (n = 54) reported no significant difference in death or dependency. Three observational studies (n = 281) suggested less haematoma growth with rapid tranexamic acid infusion. There are six ongoing RCTs (n = 3089) with different clinical exclusions, imaging selection criteria (spot sign and haematoma volume), time window for recruitment and dosing of tranexamic acid.

    Discussion: Despite their heterogeneity, the ongoing trials will provide key evidence on the effects of tranexamic acid on ICH. There are uncertainties of whether patients with negative spot sign, large haematoma, intraventricular haemorrhage, or poor Glasgow Coma Scale should be recruited. The time window for optimal effect of haemostatic therapy in ICH is yet to be established.

    Conclusion: Tranexamic acid is a promising haemostatic agent for ICH. We await the results of the trials before definite conclusions can be drawn.

  17. Zhao J, Chang W, Liu L, Xing X, Zhang C, Meng H, et al.
    J Immunol Methods, 2021 02;489:112942.
    PMID: 33333060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2020.112942
    Highly sensitive and easy detection method for Alzheimer's disease (AD) with a suitable biomarker is mandatory for preventing the factors resulting from AD. This research reports a modified ELISA with graphene for the detection of AD biomarker amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomer. Gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugated aptamer was used as the capture probe and attached on ELISA-graphene oxide surface through the amine linker. Antibody was used as the detection molecule to reach the maximum detection of Aβ oligomer. Suitable level of APTMS (2%), size of AuNP (30 nm) and aptamer concentration (2 μM) were optimized. This sandwich pattern of aptamer-Aβ oligomer-antibody helps to reach the detection at 50 pM on the optimized ELISA surface and the control experiments in the absence of Aβ oligomer or anti-Aβ oligomer antibody did not show the significant optical detection at 492 nm, indicting the specific detection. Further, Aβ oligomer spiked artificial cerebrospinal fluid did not interfere the detection of Aβ oligomer, confirming the selective detection. This new and modified ELISA surface helps to reach the lower detection of Aβ oligomer and diagnose AD.
  18. Xu A, Lin Y, Sheng H, Cheng J, Mei H, Ting TH, et al.
    Pediatr Diabetes, 2020 05;21(3):431-440.
    PMID: 31957151 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.12985
    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular basis of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) by whole-exome sequencing (WES) and estimate the frequency and describe the clinical characteristics of MODY in southern China.

    METHODS: Genetic analysis was performed in 42 patients with MODY aged 1 month to 18 years among a cohort of 759 patients with diabetes, identified with the following four clinical criteria: age of diagnosis ≤18 years; negative pancreatic autoantibodies; family history of diabetes; or persistently detectable C-peptide; or diabetes associated with extrapancreatic features. GCK gene mutations were first screened by Sanger sequencing. GCK mutation-negative patients were further analyzed by WES.

    RESULTS: Mutations were identified in 24 patients: 20 mutations in GCK, 1 in HNF4A, 1 in INS, 1 in ABCC8, and a 17q12 microdeletion. Four previously unpublished novel GCK mutations: c.1108G>C in exon 9, and c.1339C>T, c.1288_1290delCTG, and c.1340_1343delGGGGinsCTGGTCT in exon 10 were detected. WES identified a novel missense mutation c.311A>G in exon 3 in the INS gene, and copy number variation analysis detected a 1.4 Mb microdeletion in the long arm of the chromosome 17q12 region. Compared with mutation-negative subjects, the mutation-positive subjects had lower hemoglobin A1c and initial blood glucose levels.

    CONCLUSIONS: Most MODY cases in this study were due to GCK mutations, which is in contrast to previous reports in Chinese patients. Diabetes associated with extrapancreatic features should be a clinical criterion for MODY genetic analysis. Mutational analysis by WES provided a precise diagnosis of MODY subtypes. Moreover, WES can be useful for detecting large deletions in coding regions in addition to point mutations.

  19. Chen KJ, Chong YJ, Sun MH, Chen HC, Liu L, Chen YP, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2021 03 18;11(1):6195.
    PMID: 33737573 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85456-3
    Streptococcus pneumoniae endophthalmitis is clinically more severe, more difficult to treat, and carry a higher risk of vision loss, evisceration, or enucleation. This study is to investigate the clinical settings, antibiotic susceptibility, and visual outcomes of S. pneumoniae endophthalmitis at a tertiary referral center in Taiwan. S. pneumoniae endophthalmitis was diagnosed in 38 eyes of 38 patients. The main clinical features were postcataract endophthalmitis (n = 13, 34%) and endophthalmitis associated with corneal ulcer (n = 12, 32%), trauma (n = 6, 16%), endogenous etiology (n = 4, 11%), trabeculectomy (n = 2, 5%), and pterygium excision-related scleral ulcer (n = 1, 3%). Presenting visual acuity ranged from counting fingers to no light perception. Pars plana vitrectomy with intravitreal antibiotics was performed in 17 eyes (39%) in primary or secondary treatments. S. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (38/38, 100%), penicillin (37/38, 97%), ceftriaxone (37/38, 97%), cefuroxime (12/15, 80%), levofloxacin (13/15 ,87%), and moxifloxacin (15/17, 88%). Final visual acuity was better than 20/400 in 3 of 38 eyes (8%), 5/200 to hand motions in 3 eyes (8%), and light perception to no light perception in 32 eyes (84%). Ten eyes (26%) underwent evisceration or enucleation. Although S. pneumoniae isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, S. pneumoniae endophthalmitis had a very poor visual prognosis.
  20. Lai CC, Wu AL, Chou HD, Teh WM, Chen KJ, Chen YP, et al.
    BMC Ophthalmol, 2020 Mar 21;20(1):116.
    PMID: 32199465 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-020-01393-1
    BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility of a surgical technique using a sub-perfluoro-n-octane (PFO) injection of ocular viscoelastic device (OVD) to stabilize inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap for the treatment of macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD).

    METHODS: This study was a retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series. Patients who underwent MHRD surgery with sub-PFO injection of OVD to stabilize inverted ILM flap onto the macular hole (MH) were reviewed. The color fundus and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were collected and evaluated. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after surgery were compared as the functional outcome.

    RESULTS: The study included 8 eyes of 8 consecutive patients (mean age: 61.8 ± 7.1 years; mean follow-up period: 9.0 ± 2.5 months). All eyes (100%) achieved successful MH closure; 7 eyes (87.5%) demonstrated complete retinal reattachment, and 1 eye (12.5%) had minimal residual subretinal fluid parafoveally. Of the 8 patients, 7 patients (87.5%) had achieved improvement in BCVA after the primary surgery, whereas 1 eye remained stable. The average BCVA before and after the surgery at the last visit improved from 20/843 (1.63 ± 0.48 logMAR) to 20/200 (1.00 ± 0.39 logMAR) (P = 0.016). Anatomically, near-normal foveal contour was noted in five (62.5%) eyes at the final follow-up.

    CONCLUSIONS: The use of sub-PFO injection of OVD in MHRD surgery could stabilize inverted ILM flaps, achieve good anatomical results and improve postoperative BCVA.

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