SummaryNew neurons generated by the neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult hippocampus play an important role in emotional regulation and respond to the action of antidepressants. Depression is a common and serious side effect of interferon-α (IFN-α), which limits its use as an antiviral and antitumor drug. However, the mechanism(s) underlying IFN-induced depression are largely unknown. Using a comprehensive battery of behavioral tests, we found that mice subjected to IFN-α treatment exhibited a depression-like phenotype. IFN-α directly suppressed NSC proliferation, resulting in the reduced generation of new neurons. Brain-specific mouse knockout of the IFN-α receptor prevented IFN-α-induced depressive behavioral phenotypes and the inhibition of neurogenesis, suggesting that IFN-α suppresses hippocampal neurogenesis and induces depression via its receptor in the brain. These findings provide insight for understanding the neuropathology underlying IFN-α-induced depression and for developing new strategies for the prevention and treatment of IFN-α-induced depressive effects.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the changes in corneal biomechanical properties following small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) versus Q-value–guided femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Q-FS-LASIK).MethodsIn this prospective comparative study, patients with a sphere plus cylinder measurement of less than −10.00 D and cylinder measurement of less than −5.00 D were included in the study. A total of 160 patients (160 eyes) with myopia and myopic astigmatism were divided into the two groups, with 80 patients (80 eyes) allocated to SMILE and 80 patients (80 eyes) allocated to Q-FS-LASIK. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF) were quantitatively assessed using the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) preoperatively and at 1 day, 2 weeks, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.ResultsBoth types of surgery were associated with statistically significant decreases in CH and the CRF at postoperative day 1 (both P < 0.01). In both groups, the decreases subsequently stabilized with no further deteriorations compared to postoperative day 1 (P > 0.05). Both groups showed similar biomechanical changes at each time point (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsBoth SMILE and Q-FS-LASIK resulted in a decrease in CH and the CRF at postoperative 1 day, with the decreases stabilizing after this point. There were no significant differences between the short term effects of SMILE and Q-FS-LASIK on corneal biomechanical properties.

Background To evaluate a new method of implantable collamer lens (ICL) sizing based on ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) video clips. Methods This observational study included consecutive patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism scheduled for V4c toric ICL (TICL) implantation (STAAR) at Hangzhou MSK Eye Hospital (October 2020 to November 2020). Sulcus-to-sulcus (STS) distance, lens thickness (LT), and clinical refraction were measured preoperatively. The ZZ ICL formula (provides the predicted vault height and refraction based on TICL size, intraocular meridian, power, and eye parameters, including STS distance and LT) was used to select TICL size and predict vault height and residual refraction, which was also compared with the STAAR software recommended. Vault and residual refraction were measured at 3 months postoperatively. Results The analysis included 168 eyes in 84 patients. Postoperative vault size was comparable to that predicted by the ZZ ICL formula (528 ± 193 vs. 545 ± 156 μm, P = 0.227). Vault prediction error (PE) by the ZZ ICL formula was within 100, 300, and 500 μm in 40.48%, 88.10%, and 100% of eyes, respectively. Spherical equivalent (SE) and absolute cylindrical refractive error were 0.36 ± 0.48 and 0.40 ± 0.31 D at 3 months postoperatively. The SE PE, absolute cylindrical PE, and percentages of eyes with an absolute cylindrical PE within ± 0.50 D and ± 1.00 D were lower for the ZZ ICL formula than for the STAAR software (P < 0.01). Conclusions Combining measurements obtained in UBM video clips with the ZZ ICL formula provides an effective method of sizing TICLs and predicting vault height and residual refractive error.