Rapid Quantification of Live Cell Receptors Using Bioluminescence in a Flow‐Based Microfluidic Device

The number of receptors expressed by cells plays an important role in controlling cell signaling events, thus determining its behaviour, state and fate. Current methods of quantifying receptors on cells are either laborious or do not maintain the cells in their native form. Here, a method integrating highly sensitive bioluminescence, high precision microfluidics and small footprint of lensfree optics is developed to quantify cell surface receptors. This method is safe to use, less laborious, and faster than the conventional radiolabelling and near field scanning methods. It is also more sensitive than fluorescence based assays and is ideal for high throughput screening. In quantifying β₁ adrenergic receptors expressed on the surface of H9c2 cardiomyocytes, this method yields receptor numbers from 3.12 × 10⁵ to 9.36 × 10⁵ receptors/cell which are comparable with current methods. This can serve as a very good platform for rapid quantification of receptor numbers in ligand/drug binding and receptor characterization studies, which is an important part of pharmaceutical and biological research.     

Development of ocular drug delivery systems using molecularly imprinted soft contact lenses

Recently, significant advances have been made in order to optimize drug delivery to ocular tissues. The main problems in ocular drug delivery are poor bioavailability and uncontrollable drug delivery of conventional ophthalmic preparations (e.g. eye drops). Hydrogels have been investigated since 1965 as new ocular drug delivery systems. Increase of hydrogel loading capacity, optimization of drug residence time on the ocular surface and biocompatibility with the eye tissue has been the main focus of previous studies. Molecular imprinting technology provided the opportunity to fulfill the above-mentioned objectives. Molecularly imprinted soft contact lenses (SCLs) have high potentials as novel drug delivery systems for the treatment of eye disorders. This technique is used for the preparation of polymers with specific binding sites for a template molecule. Previous studies indicated that molecular imprinting technology could be successfully applied for the preparation of SCLs as ocular drug delivery systems. Previous research, particularly in vivo studies, demonstrated that molecular imprinting is a versatile and effective method in optimizing the drug release behavior and enhancing the loading capacity of SCLs as new ocular drug delivery systems. This review highlights various potentials of molecularly imprinted contact lenses in enhancing the drug-loading capacity and controlling the drug release, compared to other ocular drug delivery systems. We have also studied the effects of contributing factors such as the type of comonomer, template/functional monomer molar ratio, crosslinker concentration in drug-loading capacity, and the release properties of molecularly imprinted hydrogels.     

基于新型龙伯球天线的高密度组网方法

龙伯球天线是一种基于“电磁波透镜”原理研制的天线,相比较于传统天线而言,对电磁波有着更好的聚焦和控制效果,利用该技术的移动通信天线可以实现对小区波束的精确控制,提高组网密度,提升网络容量。本文介绍了该基于此类新型天线的工程应用研究成果,验证了高密度组网技术的可行性,并提出了一种可以应用于高业务场景的组网方法。     

红外菲涅尔透镜的注射超声辅助成型优化

为了提升聚合物红外菲涅尔透镜的光学性能,以其表面微沟槽的成型质量为目标,提出了一种高效的注射超声辅助成型方法,并对工艺参数进行了综合质量优化。首先分析了超声振动对聚合物的加热和加压效应,设计了一套一模两腔的对比试验模具;接着以红外菲涅尔透镜的调制传递函数MTF和齿形平均高度h为优化质量目标,设计了四步骤的多目标优化流程,通过试验设计、基于BP神经网络的质量目标与注射工艺参数关系建模、基于NSGA-Ⅱ的多目标优化和试验验证进行工艺参数的综合优化。实验结果表明:该多目标优化流程具有很高的精度,MTF和h的平均预测误差MPE分别为4.16%和3.32%;注射超声辅助成型的菲涅尔透镜微沟槽具有更高的复制质量,其齿沟槽平均高度h增加了15.6%,且h值的波动量随着h值的增大而增大,MTF值受齿高h均匀性的影响大于齿高h对其的影响。     

Experimental and numerical studies of a U-shaped solar energy collector to track the maximum CPV/T system output by varying the flow rate

In the last decade, no comprehensive numerical and experimental analyses have been performed to find the maximum possible power generation from a concentrated photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) system by varying the flow rate of the fluid. This paper describes numerical and experimental studies of a U-shaped solar energy collector model of a CPV/T system, with the goal of determining the maximal thermal and electrical power outputs against a specific volumetric flow rate also called an optimum flow rate. The CPV/T system was based on the union of 8 triple junction solar cells, 8 SOG Fresnel lenses, effective dual-axis tracking, and a forced cooling system. Analyses were performed by changing the flow rate of the working fluid at a considered solar irradiation and ambient temperature. The thermal and electrical power outputs also varied with changes in the ambient temperature and available solar radiation. The relatively high value of CPV/T power was observed against the optimum flow rate at a given irradiation and ambient temperature. Analysis of the energy of the U- shaped solar energy collector system was evaluated experimentally. The numerical results and experimental measurements of the U-shaped solar energy collector model showed great harmony, with minimal deviations of <7% between them.     

Identification of virulence factors in contact lens associated bacteria: A physiological approach

PurposeWearing contact lens requires awareness about possible contaminants, the causative agents of multiple complications. The present study focused on identification of potential pathogens and presence of virulence associated markers in contact lens associated bacteria.MethodsBacterial contaminants were isolated from contact lenses or cleaning solutions collected from University students. Isolates were identified using conventional methods followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and screened for the presence of virulence factors which included capsular presence, adhesion, serum resistance, iron chelation, haemagglutination and hemolysis. Moreover, antibiotic resistance profile was also monitored.ResultsContamination was observed in 79% (45 of 57) of lenses. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing Bacillus sp. was found to be most abundant (26%). The presence of at least three pathogenic characteristics was recorded in 75.8% isolates. Among the pathogenic characteristics, capsule presence was found to be the most prevalent character (73%) followed by hemolysin production (65%), serum resistance (61%), haemagglutination (56%), iron chelation (50%) and polystyrene adherence (42%). Multiple antibiotic resistance was recorded in 66.13% isolates. Cluster analysis on the basis of virulence markers separated all isolates in two groups. Potential pathogens and non-pathogens were found to be equally frequent among contaminants of contact lens cases.ConclusionThe present work provides evidence that pathogenic bacteria can adhere and survive in contact lens or lens solution. It highlights the need for the development of new methods to protect contact lenses and lens care accessories. Drugs targeting capsule formation may offer a good option for treatment or use in cleaning solution.     

Eye care professionals’ perceptions of the benefits of daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses

PurposeTo gain a better understanding of eye care professionals’ (ECPs) perceptions regarding the benefits of silicone hydrogel (SiH) daily disposable contact lenses (DDCL), particularly with respect to health, comfort and patient satisfaction.MethodsA survey was conducted with 300 ECPs in the United States, United Kingdom and Japan during November 2017. The survey comprised 34 statements relating to SiH DDCLs, to which the ECPs provided their level of agreement using a 6 point Likert scale. A minimum of 70% agreement was set to define majority agreement. Categories of statements included Health, Comfort, Patient Experience, and Standard of Care.ResultsECPs rated the highest levels of agreement to perceptions within the Patient Experiences and Health categories. The six statements receiving the highest ratings were “Silicone hydrogel 1 day lenses satisfy today’s patients’ demanding lifestyles” (93% agreement); “Silicone hydrogel 1 day lenses are the best choice to safeguard my patients’ eye health related to contact lens wear” (92%); “Silicone hydrogel 1 day lenses provide the best benefits to my patients” (92%); “Silicone hydrogel 1 day lenses provide better long term eye health for my patients than hydrogel 1 day lenses” (91%); “Silicone hydrogel is the healthiest lens material for my daily disposable patients” (90%); and “Silicone hydrogel 1 day lenses provide a better wearing experience for my patients than hydrogel 1 day lenses” (90%).ConclusionECPs perceive that SiH DDCLs offer long-term eye health and comfort for the patient and although the ECPs surveyed would not necessarily prescribe SiH DDCLs to all their patients, they would prescribe them to most of their patients. The results support the premise that while ECPs consider SiH 1 day contact lenses as the current “standard of care”; the principal barrier continues to be the perceived higher cost of these lenses.     

Videokeratoscopic assessment of silicone hydrogel contact lens wettability using a new in-vitro method

PurposeThe aim of the study was to assess the surface wettability of new-generation silicone hydrogel (SiH) contact lenses (CLs) videokeratoscopically using a new in-vitro method under office conditions.MethodVideokeratoscopic methodology was used to compare time-dependent CL wettability on an in-vitro cornea model. The model cornea was a polished chrome surface coating a Teflon form. It was prepared with a base curve of 8.7 mm and a diameter of 15 mm. Laboratory temperature and humidity were controlled. Before and after placing CLs on the on the model cornea, Bausch + Lomb Biotrue® multi-purpose solution (MPS) was dropped to simulate the pre-lens and post-lens film layer. Fanfilcon A, Senofilcon A, Samfilcon A, and Lotrafilcon B CLs with -3.00D were used, and images were taken with the videokeratoscopic method for testing. In the control group, the same procedure was performed without placing CLs. The images of CLs at 0, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 s were taken. Distortions and gaps seen in rings were recorded. The areas in rings were calculated in pixels using İmageJ.ResultsWhen CLs were examined, statistical differences were found among average pixel values (p < 0,001). The average pixel value was 131877.4 in the Samfilcon group, 116125.5 in the Senofilcon group, 137893.2 in the Fanfilcon group, 125578.3 in the Lotrafilcon group, and 124984.6 in the control group. No difference was found between the average values of the Lotrafilcon group and the control group. Differences were found between the average values of all other groups.DiscussionThe results obtained showed that videokeratoscopy was an effective method for in-vitro testing of CL wettability. It was found that SiH lenses displayed different performance under office conditions depending on materials and technologies used for wetting the lens surface. It was shown that lens surface wettability could be measured with a repeatable and new method when the factors affecting surface wetness and image quality were ruled out.     

Impact of meibomian gland width on successful contact lens use

PurposeTo evaluate meibomian gland (MG) width and determine its impact on successful contact lens (CL) use and ocular health.MethodsA five-site study was conducted by recruiting 18- to 45-year-old subjects who had dropped out of CLs because of discomfort. CL dropouts were compared to age- and sex-matched successful CL wearers. Right eyes were evaluated for tear break-up time, tear meniscus height, MG expressibility, meibum quality, and meibography. Central MG widths were evaluated with a custom MATLAB program.ResultsCL dropouts (n = 56) and successful CL (n = 56) wearers had similar grades for upper (p = 1.0) and lower (p = 0.22) MG atrophy, upper (p = 0.07) and lower (p = 0.89) MG tortuosity, and upper (p = 0.92) and lower (p = 0.97) MG widths. Upper eyelid MG widths were narrower than lower eyelid MG widths (p = 0.03). Upper and lower MG tortuosity (p < 0.001) and widths (p = 0.03) were associated, but not atrophy (p = 0.42). Lower eyelid MG widths were associated with MG expressibility (p = 0.01), but MG widths were not with any other factors.ConclusionsSuccessful CL wear does not appear to be clinically influenced by MG width or other measures of MG structural integrity. Lower eyelid MGs were wider than upper eyelid MGs and narrower lower eyelid MGs were associated with worse MG expressibility, suggesting that narrower MGs may produce abnormal meibum. Data also suggests that MG factors of both eyelids should be evaluated in practice.     

Press molding of a Si–HDPE hybrid lens substrate and evaluation of its infrared optical properties

A hybrid structure of single-crystal silicon (Si) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was developed as a new substrate for infrared lenses by using precision press molding. A thin HDPE film was used to laminate a silicon wafer and their interface was directly bonded by the silane cross-link. The HDPE film is easy to be hot-embossed to form three-dimensional surface microstructures and the silicon wafer provides a high stiffness for the hybrid substrate. The infrared (IR) optical properties of the hybrid substrate were examined by two kinds of measurements, transmittance and image sharpness. Interestingly, the transmittance measurement result shows that the IR transmittance of the hybrid substrate is higher than that of Si itself in some region of wavelength. The imaging test result shows that the hybrid substrate is capable to produce similar image quality as Si itself. These results strongly demonstrate that the developed Si–HDPE hybrid substrate is a promising alternative substrate material for IR lens.