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PurposeTo investigate the changes in dry eye symptoms and clinical signs and corneal sensitivity after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond LASIK (femto-LASIK).DesignProspective, non-randomized comparative study.MethodsThe study included a total of 71 eyes of 71 patients; the SMILE group comprised 38 eyes of 38 patients, and the femto-LASIK group comprised 33 eyes of 33 patients. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Tear film breakup time (TBUT), the Schirmer test without anesthesia (S1T), corneal fluorescein staining, and central corneal sensation were evaluated before surgery and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.ResultsOSDI scores in both groups were increased immediately and returned to preoperative level at 1 month after surgeries. The TBUT values in both groups were reduced after surgeries relative to their preoperative scores. Patients in SMILE group were less likely to have corneal staining compared with those in the femto-LASIK group ([odds ratio] OR = 0.50, 95% [confidence interval] CI 0.28 to 0.93, P = 0.03). Central corneal sensitivity was decreased at all postoperative time points in both groups. However, the central corneal sensation scores in the SMILE group were greater than that in the femto-LASIK group at all of the postoperative time points (all P<0.05).ConclusionsSMILE surgeries resulted in a short-term increase in dry eye symptoms, tear film instability, and loss of corneal sensitivity. Furthermore, SMILE surgeries have superiority over femto-LASIK in lower risk of postoperative corneal staining and less reduction of corneal sensation.

Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis for the occurrence of most cardiovascular diseases, the leading global health threat, and a great burden for society. It has been well established that atherosclerosis is not only a metabolic disorder but also a chronic, sterile, and maladaptive inflammatory process encompassing both innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophages, the major immune cell population in atherosclerotic lesions, have been shown to play critical roles in all stages of atherosclerosis, including the initiation and progression of advanced atherosclerosis. Macrophages have emerged as a novel potential target for antiatherosclerosis therapy. In addition, the macrophage phenotype is greatly influenced by microenvironmental stimuli in the plaques and presents complex heterogeneity. This article reviews the functions of macrophages in different stages of atherosclerosis, as well as the phenotypes and functions of macrophage subsets. New treatment strategies based on macrophage-related inflammation are also discussed.

For all 102 cases of ankle joint fracture involving the posterior malleolus, the treatment effect was satisfactory. Restoration of an even articular surface, especially when fragment size ≥ 25 %, should be attempted during treatment.

At present, repair methods for peripheral nerve injury often fail to get satisfactory result. Although various strategies have been adopted to investigate the microenvironment after peripheral nerve injury, the underlying molecular mechanisms of neurite outgrowth remain unclear. In this study, we evaluate the effects of exosomes from gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) combined with biodegradable chitin conduits on peripheral nerve regeneration. GMSCs were isolated from human gingival tissue and characterized by surface antigen analysis and in vitro multipotent differentiation. The cell supernatant was collected to isolate the exosomes. The exosomes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, and size distribution analysis. The effects of exosomes on peripheral nerve regeneration in vitro were evaluated by coculture with Schwann cells and DRGs. The chitin conduit was prepared and combined with the exosomes to repair rat sciatic nerve defect. Histology, electrophysiology, and gait analysis were used to test the effects of exosomes on sciatic nerve function recovery in vivo. We have successfully cultured GMSCs and isolated exosomes. The exosomes from GMSCs could significantly promote Schwann cell proliferation and DRG axon growth. The in vivo studies showed that chitin conduit combined with exosomes from GMSCs could significantly increase the number and diameter of nerve fibers and promote myelin formation. In addition, muscle function, nerve conduction function, and motor function were also obviously recovered. In summary, this study suggests that GMSC-derived exosomes combined with biodegradable chitin conduits are a useful and novel therapeutic intervention in peripheral nerve repair.

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ΔIVC shows limited ability for predicting fluid responsiveness in distinct ventilator settings. In patients with TV ≥8 mL/kg and PEEP ≤5 cm H2O, ΔIVC was an accurate predictor of fluid responsiveness, while in patients with TV <8 mL/kg or PEEP >5 cm H2O, ΔIVC was a poor predictor. Thus, intensivists must be cautious when using ΔIVC.

Background Ischemic diabetic foot ulcer is one of the terminal complications of diabetes. The high amputation rate, recurrence rate, and treatment cost have caused a huge burden on patients and society. This study designed the modified tibial transverse transport (mTTT) technology to treat diabetic ischemic diabetic foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes and investigated the effectiveness and safety of this technique. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes and ischemic diabetic foot ulcers at two hospitals during January 2016–October 2019. These patients underwent mTTT surgery combined with wound debridement and vacuum sealing drainage negative pressure drainage treatment. In-hospital follow-up was performed at 1 month after the operation, while outpatient follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. The ulcer healing time, recurrence rate, major amputation rate, and complications were analysed. Results A total of 201 patients were enrolled in this study, including 107 males and 94 females (mean age: 68.3 ​± ​7.1 years). The wounds of all patients healed completely (mean healing time: 4.6 ​± ​1.6 months). There was no occurrence of major amputation, recurrence, and treatment-related complications in the patients. Conclusion mTTT can effectively and safely treat ischemic diabetic foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes. This technology is an important part of the ischemic diabetic foot ulcer treatment system and warrants further research. The Translational Potential of this Article This study introduced a new method to treat the ischemic diabetic foot ulcer which was called modified tibial transverse transport. The promising outcomes of patients indicated that this surgical method had great potential for clinical application and was worthy of further clinical research with high evidence level.