PURPOSE: To compare the surgically induced posterior astigmatism of microcoaxial cataract surgery using a 2.2 mm incision and conventional cataract surgery using a 2.85 mm incision. METHODS: This study included 56 eyes that underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens insertion. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: 26 eyes receiving a microcoaxial cataract surgery using a 2.2 mm incision (MCCS group) and 30 eyes receiving a conventional cataract surgery using a 2.85 mm incision (CCS group). Anterior, posterior and total corneal astigmatism was measured. The surgically induced anterior astigmatism, surgically induced posterior astigmatism and surgically induced total astigmatism were compared between MCCS and CCS groups. Corneal astigmatism was measured using a Pentacam(R) device (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany), uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity and corneal aberrations of front and rear side was measured preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 month and 2 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no difference in surgically induced posterior astigmatism between CCS and MCCS groups, however, surgically induced anterior astigmatism and surgically induced total astigmatism were significantly lower in the MCCS group than in the CCS group (p = 0.005 and, p = 0.036, respectively). There was a significant positive linear correlation between surgically induced posterior astigmatism and surgically induced total astigmatism in the CCS group (p = 0.01, r = 0.563). There was also a significant positive linear correlation between surgically induced anterior astigmatism and surgically induced total astigmatism in both CCS and MCCS groups (CCS group: p = 0.00, r = 0.855; MCCS group: p = 0.039, r = 0.407). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the surgically induced posterior astigmatism between the MCCS and CCS groups. However, surgically induced posterior astigmatism significantly affected surgically induced total astigmatism in the CCS group but not in the MCCS group. Considering both anterior and posterior astigmatism of the cornea, microcoaxial cataract surgery using a 2.2 mm incision affects surgically induced total astigmatism less than conventional cataract surgery.
Astigmatism* ; Cataract* ; Cornea ; Lenses, Intraocular ; Phacoemulsification ; Visual Acuity

In published article by Li et al., an author's name was misspelled.

PURPOSE: The chemical structure of tubulosine has been known since the mid-1960s. However, little is known about its biological and pharmacological functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the novel functions of tubulosine in cancer treatment, specifically in breast cancer. METHODS: An Unpaired (Upd)-induced Drosophila cell line and interleukin (IL)-6-stimulated human breast cancer cell lines were used to investigate the biological and pharmacological activities of tubulosine in vitro. To investigate the activities of tubulosine, we performed molecular and cellular experiments such as Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses, immunoprecipitation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assays, and immunofluorescence staining using breast cancer cell lines. RESULTS: Tubulosine exhibited anticancer activity in IL-6-stimulated human breast cancer cells. Moreover, tubulosine reduced the tyrosine phosphorylation level and transcriptional activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) protein at 92E in Upd-induced Drosophila cells. Additionally, tubulosine suppressed IL-6-induced Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 signaling, resulting in decreased viability and induction of apoptotic cell death in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, inhibition of IL-6-induced JAK2/STAT3 signaling by tubulosine was associated with the blocking of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) and glycoprotein 130 (gp130) binding. CONCLUSION: Tubulosine exhibits anticancer activity through functional inhibition of IL-6-induced JAK2/STAT3 signaling by targeting IL-6Rα/gp130 binding in breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that tubulosine may hold promise for the treatment of inflammation-associated cancers, including breast cancer.
Blotting, Western ; Breast Neoplasms ; Cell Death ; Cell Line ; DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase ; Drosophila ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Glycoproteins ; Humans ; Immunoprecipitation ; In Vitro Techniques ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; Janus Kinase 2 ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptors, Interleukin-6 ; Reverse Transcription ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; Transducers ; Tyrosine

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anterior chamber depth (ACD), extent of intraocular lens (IOL) tilt, and decentration and refractive error after transscleral fixation of IOL. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 17 cases with transscleral fixation of IOL (6 with aphakia, 5 with IOL dislocation, and 6 with lens subluxation). The acrylic IOL (MN60AC(R)) was fixated in 12 eyes and the polymethylmethacrylate IOL (CZ70BD(R)) was fixated in 5 eyes at 1.0 mm posterior from the limbus. We analyzed the ACD, extent of IOL tilt and decentration, manifest refraction, refractive error, higher order aberration, and corneal endothelium at 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean ACD was 3.36 +/- 0.11 mm, 3.30 +/- 0.12 mm, and 3.27 +/- 0.13 mm, the mean extent of IOL tilt was 4.61 +/- 0.12degrees, 4.65 +/- 0.14degrees, and 4.60 +/- 0.12degrees and the mean extent of IOL decentration was 0.43 +/- 0.01 mm, 0.45 +/- 0.01 mm, and 0.45 +/- 0.01 mm at 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months postoperatively, respectively in eyes with transscleral fixation of IOL. The ACD was shallower and the extent of IOL tilt and decentration was greater than with IOL in-the-bag insertion patients. The mean refractive errors were -0.55 +/- 0.27 D, -0.63 +/- 0.24 D, and -0.69 +/- 0.19 D at the same period, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although postoperative refractive error is influenced by surgeon factors such as incision size, distance of fixation suture from limbus, and tightness of suture material, according to our results, an IOL 0.75 D more hyperopic than predicted should be selected in transscleral fixation of IOL at 1.0 mm posterior from the limbus. Additionally, each surgeon should assess their specific results and modify the lens calculations accordingly.
Anterior Chamber ; Aphakia ; Dislocations ; Endothelium, Corneal ; Humans ; Lenses, Intraocular* ; Medical Records ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; Refractive Errors ; Retrospective Studies ; Sutures

8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide are two kinds of effective component of Ajuga decumbens extract. A sensitive LC-MS/MS method has been established for pharmacokinetics of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide in beagle dog after oral administration of from A. decumbens extract. Female beagle dogs received orally 12.9, 25.7 mg x kg(-1) p. o. Concentrations of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide in plasma were determined by LC-MS/MS method at different time points and all pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartment analysis. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and acetonitrile (B), which was run at a flow rate of 0.3 mL x min(-1). Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent ZORBAX XDB-C18 column (2.1 mm x 50 mm, 3.5 microm) using a gradient elution of 5% B at 0-2 min, 95% B at 2. 1-5 min and 5% B at 5. 1-10 min. All analytes, including the IS, were monitored under positive ionization conditions and quantified in MRM mode with transitions of m/z 429.2-369.2 for 8-O-acetylharpagide, m/z 387.2-207.2 for harpagide, and m/z 149.2-103.1 for IS. High purity nitrogen was employed as both the nebulizing and drying gas. Other parameters of the mass spectrometer were optimized as follows: drying gas flow 10.0 L x min(-1); drying gas temperature 300 degrees C; capillary voltage 4 000 V. Results showed that 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide showed a dose-dependence profile. T(max) of 8-O-acetylharpagide is 1.7 h, and T(max) of harpagide is 1.57 h, which was higher than T(max) of 8-O-acetylharpagide and harpagide after oral administration of from A. decumbens extract in rats. The different pharmacokinetic parameters may be due to the species differences of rat and beagle dog.
Administration, Oral ; Ajuga ; Animals ; Dogs ; Female ; Iridoid Glycosides ; pharmacokinetics ; Plant Extracts ; metabolism ; Pyrans ; pharmacokinetics ; Rats ; Species Specificity

PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between ocular surface disease index and tear film lipid layer thickness (LLT) using a LipiView II® (LipiView® Ocular Surface Interferometer, TearScience®, Morrisville, NC, USA) interferometer. METHODS: Forty-nine patients diagnosed with dry eye syndrome were recruited for this prospective study. Patients completed ocular surface disease index questionnaires. We performed slit lamp examination, Schirmer test, corneal and conjunctival fluorescein staining, measured tear film break-up time, and graded meibomian gland dysfunction. Tear LLT, blinking time, and dynamic meibomian imaging were analyzed using a LipiView II® ocular interferometer. To control for missing data, we analyzed four sets of imputated data via the multiple imputation method and performed Pearson correlation analysis. Patients were assigned to one of two LLT categories (LLT < 60 or LLT ≥ 60) and Chi-square test was performed. RESULTS: Among ocular surface disease parameters, tear film break-up time (tBUT) had a statistically significant correlation with average and maximum LLT (average LLT; p = 0.008, 0.035, 0.006, 0.049, maximum LLT; p = 0.006, 0.042, 0.020, 0.049, Pearson correlation analysis with multiple imputation) but there was no significant correlation with minimum LLT (minimum LLT; p = 0.048, 0.090, 0.079, 0.039). Of the patients with a relatively thick average LLT or maximum LLT (LLT ≥ 60 nm), 80% and 88% had a tBUT < 10, respectively. Conversely, 39% and 47% of patients with relatively thin average LLT (LLT < 60 nm) had a tBUT < 10 (average LLT; p = 0.013, maximum LLT; p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Average LLT and maximum LLT were significantly correlated with tBUT. Patients with a relatively thin average or maximum LLT tended to have a shorter tBUT. Based on these results, measuring tear film LLT using a LipiView II® interferometer may be useful in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with evaporative dry eye.
Blinking ; Diagnosis ; Dry Eye Syndromes ; Fluorescein ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Interferometry ; Meibomian Glands ; Methods ; Prospective Studies ; Slit Lamp ; Tears*

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common diseases among aging men. Although previous studies have shown that type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5-Is) are very effective for the treatment of ED, many researchers are currently attempting to identify therapeutic agents from natural sources with comparable or better effects than PDE5-Is. Herbal medicine is thought to be advantageous because it is natural; moreover, it not only treats isolated symptoms, but also maintains general well-being. Furthermore, since newly created chemical compound libraries have limited structural diversity with regard to pharmaceutical agents, more attention has recently been paid to the ability of oriental herbs to enhance physical health, including sexual function. Herein, we review the current status of Korean preclinical or clinical studies of the application of oriental herbs to sexual medicine.
Aging ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Herbal Medicine ; Humans ; Korea* ; Male ; Medicine, East Asian Traditional ; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ; Reproductive Health

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the OptiVis(TM) Multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) and compare the clinical outcome between OptiVis(TM) and AcrySof(R) ReSTOR(R) D1. METHODS: We reviewed 20 eyes of 11 patients implanted with OptiVis(TM) and 20 eyes of 10 patients implanted with AcrySof(R) ReSTOR(R) D1. The clinical outcomes of the 2 IOLs were evaluated 1 and 2 months postoperatively and consisted of distant, intermediate, and near visual acuity, depth of focus, contrast sensitivity, wavefront aberration, patient satisfaction, decentration and IOL tilt. RESULTS: Intermediate vision was better in the OptiVis(TM) group. There were no statistical differences between the 2 groups with respect to distant vision, near vision and wavefront aberration, contrast sensitivity, decentration and IOL tilt. Depth of focus was deeper in the OptiVis(TM) group at the intermediate visual acuity zone. There were no statistically significant result differences between postoperative 1 and 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: The OptiVis(TM) multifocal IOL provided satisfactory visual acuity at distance, near, and intermediate with no apparent reduction in contrast sensitivity. The IOL can be effective for improving patient satisfaction after cataract surgery as well as correcting presbyopia.
Cataract ; Contrast Sensitivity ; Eye ; Humans ; Lenses, Intraocular ; Patient Satisfaction ; Presbyopia ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Acuity

Theileria (T.) buffeli (formerly T. sergenti/T. orientalis) is the major hemo-protozoan distributed in the Far East Asian countries such as Korea, China and Japan. It is responsible for the clinical symptoms of anorexia, ateliosis, anemia, fever and icterus. It also causes abortion and sudden death under severe cases, resulting in economic losses for many livestock farms. The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of the major surface protein (Msp) gene in T. buffeli in Holstein in Korea, and we characterized the association of the diversification of the Msp gene and its relationship with the pathogenicity of Theileria. For this, complete blood counts and Theileria PCR sequence analysis were performed from 57 Holstein in Jeju Island. A total of 26 PCR positive Holstein (16 anemic and 10 non-anemic) were then randomly selected based on 18s rRNA sequence typing of the Theileria Msp gene. The DNA sequence of the T. buffeli Msp gene in Holstein showed 99.0%, 99.2%, 99.9%, 99.5%, 98.7%, 98.4% and 98.4% homology with T. sergenti, Theileria spp., T. sergenti, Theileria spp., Theileria spp., Theileria spp. and Theileria spp., respectively. The result showed a genetic variation of 57.7% (type I), 3.8% (type II), 15.4% (type III), 7.7% (type IV), 13.5% (type V) and 1.9% (type VI). Type I is the most frequent type in both anemic and non-anemic Holstein while type II was found in only non-anemic Holstein. This results of our study help confirm the diversity of Msp gene types and demonstrate that the gene type distribution of Msp genes varies among Theileria-infected Holstein in Jeju Island.
Anemia ; Anorexia ; Antigenic Variation ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Base Sequence ; Blood Cell Count ; China ; Death, Sudden ; Far East ; Fever ; Genetic Variation ; Humans ; Japan ; Jaundice ; Korea ; Livestock ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis ; Theileria

PURPOSE: To assess the changes in anterior, posterior, and total corneal astigmatism after cataract surgery with on-axis clear corneal incision cataract surgery. METHODS: This study included 48 eyes (24 eyes with 'with-the-rule [WTR]' and 24 eyes with 'against-the-rule [ATR]') that underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens insertion through on-axis clear corneal incision. The ATR group with vertically steep axis of posterior corneal astigmatism was divided into subgroups 1 and 2 for the opposite axis. Autorefraction, uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuities were measured. Corneal astigmatism (anterior, posterior and total) was measured using Pentacam(R) preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Multivariate linear regression analysis of preoperative data showed positive correlations among anterior, posterior and total astigmatism. Anterior corneal astigmatism showed a significant decrease in both WTR and ATR groups in all measured points (all p < 0.05). Posterior corneal astigmatism showed no statistical difference in the WTR group and ATR subgroup 2 (p > 0.05) and significant decrease in the ATR subgroup 1 (p < 0.05) at 2 months postoperatively. Total corneal astigmatism showed significant decrease 2 months after surgery in the WTR group and ATR subgroup 1 (all p < 0.05), but not in the ATR subgroup 2 (p > 0.05). According to correlation analysis based on trend line equations, 1.7 diopters of anterior astigmatism could expect 0.3 diopters of posterior astigmatism and 0.5 diopters of total astigmatism for the WTR group and 0.4 diopters of anterior astigmatism could expect 0.2 diopters of posterior astigmatism and 0.4 diopters of total astigmatism for the ATR group. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the majority of cataract patients have vertically steep posterior corneal astigmatism, temporal incision for ATR patients is generally effective. Moreover, for patients with WTR astigmatism of more than 1.7 diopters or ATR astigmatism greater than 0.8 diopters, additional preoperative correction based on posterior astigmatism is needed for more precise prediction of postoperative total corneal astigmatism.
Astigmatism* ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Cataract* ; Humans ; Lenses, Intraocular ; Linear Models ; Phacoemulsification ; Visual Acuity