Purpose:The purpose of this study was to compare the cytotoxicity and antiinflammatory effect of preserved and unpreserved 0.1% fluorometholone (FML).Methods:Drug-induced morphological changes and cytotoxicity were examined in human corneal epithelial cells. Dry eye was induced in mice by treatment with 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) for the first 2 weeks, and then, the eyes (4 groups; Normal saline, BAC, preserved FML, and unpreserved FML) were treated thrice daily with each formulation for the next 2 weeks. Corneal tissues were embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological examination. Immunofluorescence staining was performed for tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and human leukocyte antigen–DR. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay was performed to evaluate drug-induced cytotoxicity.Results:BAC and preserved FML caused cell shrinkage and detachment from the plate in a dose-dependent manner, and cell viability decreased significantly. However, cytotoxicity was reduced on treatment with unpreserved FML. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed surface desquamation, irregular surface, loss of cell borders, and stromal shrinkage in the group treated with BAC. On BAC exposure, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and human leukocyte antigen–DR were strongly detected, and cytotoxicity was markedly increased, as evidenced by a positive result in the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Ocular surface damage and inflammation were slightly reduced on treatment with preserved FML. In comparison, unpreserved FML did not induce morphological changes; moreover, decreased cell cytotoxicity and ocular surface inflammation were observed.Conclusions:The cytotoxicity of antiinflammatory eye drops evaluated in this study was induced by the preservative BAC. Accordingly, unpreserved FML is more effective than preserved eye drops in decreasing ocular inflammation.

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-This study was conducted to investigate spoilage bacteria on organic and conventional fresh produce in Korea. Three samples (perilla leaf, cabbage, and romaine lettuce) of organic and conventional fresh produce were stored at 4 o C for 14 days and examined for spoilage bacteria on TSA. Isolated bacteria from organic and conventional fresh produces were identified using 16S rRNA sequencing method. Population of total aerobic bacteria on conventional perilla leaf, cabbage, and romaine lettuce were 7.59, 7.01, and 5.84 log 10 CFU/g, and populations of total aerobic bacteria were 6.72, 6.15, and 5.85 log 10 CFU/g for organic perilla leaf, cabbage, and romaine lettuce, respectively. Major spoilage bacteria of organic and conventional fresh produces were similar however their levels were little different. For example, a major spoilage bacterium resulting the highest level on conventional perilla leaf was Stenotrophomonas maltophilia whereas that was Microbacterium sp. for organic produce. From these results, microflora or spoilage microorganism could be different depending on their cultivation types as conventional or organic produces and this information might be used for developing effective preservation method for different types of fresh produce.

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