Sec15, a component of the exocyst, recognizes vesicle-associated Rab GTPases, helps target transport vesicles to the budding sites in yeast and is thought to recruit other exocyst proteins. Here we report the characterization of a 35-kDa fragment that comprises most of the C-terminal half of Drosophila melanogaster Sec15. This C-terminal domain was found to bind a subset of Rab GTPases, especially Rab11, in a GTP-dependent manner. We also provide evidence that in fly photoreceptors Sec15 colocalizes with Rab11 and that loss of Sec15 affects rhabdomere morphology. Determination of the 2.5-A crystal structure of the C-terminal domain revealed a novel fold consisting of ten alpha-helices equally distributed between two subdomains (N and C subdomains). We show that the C subdomain, mainly via a single helix, is sufficient for Rab binding.

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<b><i>Background:</i></b> Dry eye disease (DED) has a higher incidence in old age and is seen predominantly in females worldwide. Neurosensory abnormalities, ocular surface inflammation and damage, film instability, and hyperosmolarity are major and proven pathologies responsible for a poor quality of life. Tear breakup time and Schirmer’s I test are predominantly used for the evaluation of primary outcomes in patients undergoing conventional treatment. A previous meta-analysis of some relevant studies proved that combination of acupoints could be more effective than single acupoint treatment. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The present study aimed to undertake association rule mining and examined the potential kernel acupoint combination in DED treatment constructed from the extracted randomized controlled trials (RCTs) based on a previous meta-analysis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We summarized 32 acupoints as binary data from the 12 eligible RCTs and analyzed them based on the Apriori algorithm. <b><i>Results:</i></b> TE23, BL2, ST2, ST1, EX-HN5, BL1, LI4, ST36, SP6, and KI3 were the 10 most frequently selected acupoints. The major associated rules in combination of acupoints were {TE23, LI4} ≥ {ST1} and {TE23, ST1} ≥ {LI4}, as inferred from 23 association rules. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> For acupuncture treatment of DED, combined TE23, LI4, and ST1 acupoints could be settled as the kernel of acupoint combination.

Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare disorder, especially in Asia. The disease is usually chronic with spontaneous remission and is refractory to treatment. Partial removal of tumor masses is a workable way to improve visual acuity and correct corneal exposure. Before carrying out this procedure, we discussed with the parents of the patient the potential complications that might follow surgery and secured their permission before proceeding further.

The study aims to report the surgical outcome of a retractor redirection procedure for involutional entropion repair for Asians. The study included all cases diagnosed with involutional entropion and significant ocular irritation who presented from 2008 to 2012. Sixty-seven eyelids in 54 patients were included in this study. All cases were operated on by one surgeon and had a minimum of 12-months follow-up. Success was defined as cases showing no recurrence of entropion with forceful eyelid squeezing postoperatively. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess the success rate, recurrences and complications of the procedure. During a mean follow-up period of 26.2 months (range, 12-53 months), 5 patients died during the study period. Two eyelids (3%) of one patient had a recurrence at 34 months postoperatively. One eyelid (1.5%) with a significant horizontal laxity developed postoperative ectropion and required a secondary horizontal shortening procedure. No other postoperative complications or dissatisfaction were reported. The retractor redirection procedure aims to repair the retractors and prevent orbicularis muscle overriding via inserting the retractors to the anterior lamellae. It yields a long-term success rate of 95.5% and is an effective technique for correcting involutional entropion.

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These data support the higher success rates in patients treated with direct canalicular repair compared with pericanalicular repair.

The levator resection provides satisfactory results both in function and cosmesis in patients with unilateral congenital blepharoptosis. Amblyogenic ametropia is the leading cause of amblyopia in the patients with unilateral isolated congenital blepharoptosis. However, patients with unilateral congenital blepharoptosis should have cycloplegic refraction as early as possible, and their visual status monitored until visual maturity.