Background/Aims: Retinal toxicity is one of the most commonly discussed and concerning adverse effects of vigabatrin (VGB). The present study explored the relationship between the VGB elicited retinal toxicity, photopic exposure, and taurine deficiency, aiming at screening for risk factors to minimize the adverse effects of VGB. Methods: The effects of VGB on function and morphology of mouse retinas were examined via a series of in vivo tests, including electroretinography (ERG), Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and optokinetic testing. Moreover, VGB-treated mice were in addition treated with taurine to verify possible protective effects against retinal toxicity. Results: A close relationship between VGB induced retinal toxicity and light exposure was observed. The VGB-treated mice which were reared in darkness preserved better visual function and retinal architectures as verified by the optokinetic tests, OCT and ERG examinations. The retinal taurine level of the VBG-treated mice which were exposed to light were significantly lower than that of the VBG mice reared in darkness. Furthermore, several in vivo evidence provided by our research confirmed that the VGB induced morphological and functional impairments could be partially alleviated by taurine treatment. The present study showed the retinal toxicity of VGB by in vivo measurements. Conclusion: The VGB induced retinal toxicity is closely associated with photopic exposure and taurine deficiency. Patients who are taking VGB might benefit from minimization of light exposure and dietetic taurine supplements.
To operate the distribution network properly is a great challenge when numerous intermittent distributed generators are involved. A novel approach for solving this issue is proposed in this paper, which is based on the three-terminal flexible multi-state switch. The three-terminal flexible multi-state switches, which are controllable, are adopted to replace the traditional tie switch and to increase the flexibility of distribution network operation and control. The timing characteristics of distribution network operation are considered, and the controllable load and the three-port flexible multi-state switch are introduced into this methodology. A multi-objective operation optimization model for an active distribution network is developed, i.e., the objective functions are designed to minimize the operating cost of the distribution network and to minimize the voltage deviation in multiple periods with consideration of demand response according to the characteristics of the active distribution network. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated based on the IEEE 33-node test feeder by the combined Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. The results show that the coordinated optimization of the flexible multi-state switch and the demand response improve the distribution network voltage levels significantly, which will not only bring the economic efficiency but also improve the safety and reliability of the system.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.