A total of 100 participants (49 males and 51 females; mean age ± SD: 25.4 ± 4.1) were enrolled across the five groups, such that each was composed of 20 age/sex matched individuals. Significant differences between the study groups were found for MG expressibility (p < 0.001), number of plugged orifices (p = 0.001), number of expressed orifices (p < 0.001), MG dropout (p = 0.001), Marx line score (p < 0.001), palpebral redness (p = 0.003), and roughness (p = 0.002), non-invasive break-up time (p < 0.001), Phenol red thread (p = 0.005), and tear meniscus area (p = 0.029). For all these variables, the NW group was statistically different from all other groups. Duration of wear was not a significant factor, except for Marx line score which was different in PWs compared to those with longer experience of CL wear (p = 0.03) CONCLUSION: Alterations to MG morphology and function accompany contact lens wear. Although these changes onset during the first 2 years of wear, prolonged CL exposure beyond this point does not appear to be associated with further modification. Cessation of wear for at up to 6 months does not lead to resolution.
Studying the interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with serum proteins is necessary for the rational development of nanocarriers. Optimum surface chemistry is a key consideration to modulate the formation of the serum protein corona (PC) and the resultant immune response. We investigated the constituent of the PC formed by hyaluronic acid-coated chitosan NPs (HA-CS NPs). Non-decorated chitosan NPs (CS NPs) and alginate-coated chitosan NPs (Alg-CS NPs) were utilized as controls. Results show that HA surface modifications significantly reduced protein adsorption relative to controls. Gene Ontology analysis demonstrates that HA-CS NPs were the least immunogenic nanocarriers. Indeed, less inflammatory proteins were adsorbed onto HA-CS NPs as opposed to CS and Alg-CS NPs. Interestingly, HA-CS NPs differentially adsorbed two unique anti-inflammatory proteins (ITIH4 and AGP), which were absent from the PC of both controls. On the other hand, CS and Alg-CS NPs selectively adsorbed a proinflammatory protein (Clusterin) that was not found on the surfaces of HA-CS NPs. While further studies are needed to investigate abilities of the PCs of only ITIH4 and AGP to modulate the interaction of NPs with the host immune system, our results suggest that this proof-of-concept could potentially be utilized to reduce the immunogenicity of a wide range of nanomaterials.
Background: Rhinoplasty is surgery for changing the shape of the nose and it may be motivated by the need to change the appearance of the nose, improve breathing, or both. Rhinoplasty can change the bone, cartilage, skin of the nose, or all three. When planning rhinoplasty, the surgeon will consider other facial features, the skin on the nose, and patient expectations.Aim: To assess the influence of social media on patients who underwent rhinoplasty, and determine if it was the main influence for their decision.Methods: A retrospective record-based descriptive approach was used to review the medical records of all patients who underwent rhinoplasty in Aseer Central Hospital (ACH) between 2015 and 2020. Data were obtained through pre-structured questionnaires and included patients' bio-clinical data, indications, and effects of different social media platforms.Results: Hundred patients who underwent rhinoplasty, had complete medical files, and responded to phone calls were included. All the cases were aged above 18 years and 56% were men. Snapchat was the most used social media platform (57%), followed by WhatsApp (19%). Social media influenced more than 2/3 of the patients to undergo rhinoplasty. Approximately 58% of those influenced were males compared to 52.8% of those who were not. Instagram had the highest influence on male decisions to undergo rhinoplasty; its influence was significantly higher among females. Conclusions:The study revealed that social media platforms were used extensively, and they influenced patients' decisions to undergo rhinoplasty mainly through the provision of news about famous people.
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