Ocular stem cell transplantation derived from either autologous or allogeneic donor corneoscleral junction is a functional cell therapy to manage extensive and/or severe limbal stem cell deficiencies that lead to corneal epithelial failure. Mesenchymal stem cells have been properly tested in animal models of this ophthalmic pathology, but never in human eyes despite their potential advantages. We conducted a 6-to 12month proof-of-concept, randomized, double-masked pilot trial to test whether allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT, n=17) was as safe and as equally efficient as allogeneic cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation (CLET, n=11) to improve corneal epithelial damage due to limbal stem cell deficiency. Primary endpoints demanded combination of symptoms, signs, and the objective improvement of the epithelial phenotype in central cornea by in-vivo confocal microscopy. This proof-of-concept trial showed that MSCT was as safe and efficacious as CLET. Global success at 6-12 months was 72.7%-77.8% for CLET cases and 76.5%-85.7% for MSCT cases (not significant differences). Central corneal epithelial phenotype improved in 71.4% and 66.7% of MSCT and CLET cases, respectively at 12 months (p=1.000). There were no adverse events related to cell products. This trial suggests first evidence that MSCT facilitated improvement of a diseased corneal epithelium due to lack of its stem cells as efficiently as CLET. Consequently, not only CLET but also MSCT deserves more preclinical investigational resources before the favorable results of this proof-of-concept trial could be transformed into the larger numbers of the multicenter trials that would provide stronger evidence. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01562002.) 5 of 44 Key words: clinical trial, corneal blindness, corneal epithelial stem cells, human proof-of-concept, in vivo confocal microscopy, limbal stem cell deficiency, mesenchymal stem cell, stem cell transplantation of 44
Automated refraction is highly repeatable and can be used to monitor postsurgical refractive changes. Whereas corneal swelling becomes stable 2 weeks after cataract surgery, automated refraction becomes stable after 1 week and can be used to accurately prescribe corrective lenses at that time.
Mean suburban CO(2) concentrations are 4.5 ppm higher than rural levels. Frequencies of suburban concentrations from 400 to 450 ppm were around twice the rural frequencies. The suburban daily evolution presented two maxima in the predawn hours and at 1900-2000 GMT, mainly associated to anthropogenic emissions which also affected maximum concentrations recorded in autumn-winter and minimum levels in summer. The rural variation with minimum values during the day and high levels at night is mainly related to vegetation activity which also impacts the highest CO(2) concentrations obtained in spring, coinciding with maximum vegetation growth. Boundary layer processes also affected variability of concentrations recorded at both sites. Air quality at the rural site was also influenced by air mass transport from the urban plume (S, SSE, and ESE), which had a mean CO(2) value of 402 ppm. By contrast, concentrations were low when SW-W and NW winds prevailed and brought cleaner air. The relationship between rural CO(2) concentrations and wind speed using a mathematical fit provides a valuable estimation of the background level at the site, 384.8 ppm.
Air trajectory calculations are commonly found in a variety of atmospheric analyses. However, most of reported research usually focuses upon the transport of pollutants via trajectory routes and not on the trajectory itself. This paper explores the major areas of research in which air trajectory analyses are applied with an effort to gain deeper insights into the key points which highlight the necessity of such analyses. Ranging from meteorological applications to their links with living beings, air trajectory calculations become important tool especially when alternative procedures do not seem possible. This review covers the reports published during last few years illustrating the geographical distribution of trajectory applications and highlighting the regions where trajectory application research proves most active and useful. As a result, relatively unexplored areas such as microorganism transport are also included, suggesting the possible ways in which successful use of air trajectory research should be extended.
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