Surface Tear Research Articles

Immediate Impact on Tear Osmolarity Following the Application of Different Ocular Lubricants in Patients Experiencing Moderate Dry Eye Symptoms.

This study addresses the growing concern of Dry Eye Disease (DED), which has become increasingly prevalent due to modern lifestyles characterized by prolonged screen usage, global warming, polypharmacy, and extended life expectancy. Grounded in the Dry Eye Workshop II (DEWSII) diagnosis framework, the study focuses on DED as a multifactorial condition affecting the ocular surface's tear film homeostasis. The study evaluates the short-term impact of 5 commercially available ocular lubricants on disrupting the hyperosmolar environment and determine whether these lubricants can offer potential treatment benefits for DED. Conducted on 300 eyes (from 150 patients) with 5 preservative-free lubricants compared to a control group, the study reveals that all lubricants effectively reduced tear film osmolarity within 15 minutes of application. Notably, the control group exhibited an increase in average osmolarity (+0.98 mOsm/L) without lubricant use. Siccafluid demonstrated the most substantial osmolarity reduction after 15 minutes, with an average decrease of 11.54 mOsm/L. Statistical significance was observed for Siccafluid, Optive Fusion unique dose (UD), and Systane Ultra UD, while Hyabak and Freegen preservative free (PF) showed lower significance. Emphasizing the importance of disrupting the hyperosmolar environment to break the cycle of inflammation, the study concludes that ocular lubricants, at least as an immediate post-application effect, can interrupt this cycle and improve the hyperosmolar environment of the ocular surface.

Neuropathic ocular pain: What is it and what to do about it?

Ocular surface pain (OSP) is a nonspecific symptom that can have a tremendous impact on quality of life. Individuals use various descriptors to characterize OSP including “dryness”, “burning”, “grittiness”,” shooting”, “discomfort”, “tenderness” and/or “aching”, to name a few. As feeling your eyes is “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience”, these descriptors fit under the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) definition of pain.” Oftentimes, OSP is chronic in nature, lasting >3 months, although the intensity of pain can wax and wane over time. Furthermore, OSP can occur spontaneously or be triggered by stimuli such as light, wind or temperature change. In the past, OSP was placed under the umbrella term “dry eye”, as tear film abnormalities are one cause of OSP. However, it is now understood that factors beyond tear and ocular surface abnormalities may drive OSP and it is necessary to identify and address all potential contributors to pain. In general, contributors can be split across two broad categories: nociceptive contributors, defined as pain that arises directly from tissue damage at the level of the ocular surface and neuropathic contributors, defined as pain caused by a lesion or disease within peripheral or central nerves that connect the ocular surface to the brain. Or, as is the case in many individuals, pain contributors can arise from a combination of these two entities. Given the multiple potential contributors to OSP, a standardized examination and multimodal approach is necessary. In this presentation, we discuss advances in the diagnosis and management of OSP, with a focus on the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic ocular surface pain (NOP).

The Impact of Noncontact Tonometry and Icare Rebound Tonometry on Tear Stability and Dry Eye Clinical Practice.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of the noncontact air puff tonometry (NCT) and Icare rebound tonometry (ICT) on the tear film stability by using the tear stability analysis system (TSAS) and dry eye parameters. Fifteen eyes from fifteen normal healthy subjects were investigated in this study. All subjects underwent TSAS surface regularity index (SRI) examinations, TBUT, and IOP measurements. The mean IOP results measured with NCT were 13.3 ± 1.86 mm Hg, and the mean IOP results measured with ICT were 15.88 ± 3.09 mm Hg (p > 0.05). The mean values of baseline, 5 min, and 10 min of the NCT-SRI and ICR-SRI were tested. There were statistically significant differences between NCT-Baseline SRI, NCT-5 min SRI, and NCT-10 min SRI values (p < 0.05). SRI values significantly increased after NCT. The mean values of the baseline, 5 min, and 10 min of the ICT-SRI were also assessed. There were no statistically significant differences between ICT-Baseline SRI, ICT-5 min SRI, and ICT-10 min SRI values (p > 0.05). The mean TBUT values exhibited a significant decrease at 1 min, 5 min, and 10 min compared with baseline values for the NCT and ICT (p < 0.01). NCT-TBUT and ICT-TBUT values were also compared with each other in the same time period. There were no statistically significant differences between NCT-Baseline and ICT-Baseline TBUT values (p > 0.05). In conclusion, intraocular pressure measurements in routine ophthalmology clinical practices by either NCT or ICT cause deterioration in the tear film stability which might affect tear stability testing when performed soon after IOP measurements. It is best to wait at least for 20–30 min after the IOP measurement before evaluating the tear film and the corneal surface or perform tonometry after the tear film-ocular surface evaluation tests.

Different perception of dry eye symptoms between patients with and without primary Sjogren\u2019s syndrome

Here, we investigated the different perception of dry eye symptoms between in patients with and without primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS). In this study, 221 patients with dry eye disease (DED) without pSS (non-SS DED group) and 55 patients with DED with pSS (SS DED group) were included. The ocular discomfort was evaluated using ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire and patients were further divided into 3 severity subgroups according to OSDI scores. The OSDI score was higher in the non-SS DED group even after matching corneal erosion scores despite the ocular surface erosions and tear deficiency was worse in the SS DED group. The corneal sensitivity was nearly normal in both groups without inter-group difference (Non-SS DED group: 5.82 ± 0.54 cm, SS DED group: 5.90 ± 0.29 cm, p = 0.217). Moreover, all clinical parameters were not significantly correlated with OSDI scores in both non-SS DED group and SS DED group. In the mild and severe OSDI subgroups, the ocular surface erosions and tear deficiency were worse in the SS DED group whereas the OSDI scores were not different between groups. In conclusion, clinicians should be aware that pSS patients may complain less of their discomfort unlike their actual severe status of DED.

Comparison of the Strain in the Deep Layer of the Supraspinatus Tendon between Surface Tear Specimens and Non-Tear Specimens: A Cadaveric Study

Comparison of the Strain in the Deep Layer of the Supraspinatus Tendon between Surface Tear Specimens and Non-Tear Specimens: A Cadaveric Study

Dry Eye Symptoms and Signs in US Veterans With Gulf War Illness

To examine dry eye (DE) symptoms and signs in individuals with vs without Gulf War illness (GWI). Prospective cross-sectional study. We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study of South Florida veterans who were active duty during the Gulf War era (GWE; 1990-1991) and seen at an eye clinic between October 1, 2020, and March 13, 2021. Veterans were split into 2 groups: those who met Kansas criteria for GWI (cases, n=30) and those who did not (controls, n=41). DE symptoms were assessed via standardized questionnaires whereas DE signs were assessed using a series of ocular surface parameters. Differences between groups were assessed via Mann-Whitney U test. Linear regression analyses were used to examine which GWI symptoms most closely aligned with DE symptoms. Veterans with GWI had higher DE symptoms scores compared to controls (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] scores: mean 41.20±22.92 vs 27.99±24.03, P=.01). In addition, veterans with GWI had higher eye pain scores compared with controls (average eye pain over past week: 2.63±2.72 vs 1.22±1.50, P=.03), including on neuropathic ocular pain questionnaires (Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye [NPSI-E]: 17.33±17.20 vs 9.63±12.64, P=.03). DE signs were mostly similar between the groups. GWI symptoms "nausea or upset stomach" (β=14.58, SE=3.02, P < .001) and "headache" (β=7.90, SE=2.91, P=.011) correlated with higher OSDI scores. Individuals with GWI have more severe DE symptoms and ocular pain scores but similar tear and ocular surface parameters compared to controls without GWI. This finding suggests that mechanisms beyond tear dysfunction drive eye symptoms in GWI.

Computational Fluid Dynamic Technique for Assessment of How Changing Character of Blood Flow and Different Value of Hct Influence Blood Hemodynamic in Dissected Aorta.

Using computer tomography angiography (CTA) and computational structural analysis, we present a non-invasive method of mass flow rate/velocity and wall stress analysis in type B aortic dissection. Three-dimensional (3D) computer models of the aorta were calculated using pre-operative (baseline) and post-operative CT data from 12 male patients (aged from 51 to 64 years) who were treated for acute type B dissection. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique was used to quantify the displacement forces acting on the aortic wall in the areas of endografts placement. The mass flow rate and wall stress were measured and quantified using the CFD technique. The CFD model indicated the places with a lower value of blood velocity and shear rate, which corelated with higher blood viscosity and a probability of thrombus appearance. Moreover, with the increase in Hct, blood viscosity also increased, while the intensity of blood flow provoked changing viscosity values in these areas. Furthermore, the velocity gradient near the tear surface caused high wall WSS; this could lead to a decreased resistance in the aorta’s wall with further implications to a patient.

Tear Resistance and Morphology Study of Tree Pruning Waste Papers: Effect of Soda Pulping Concentration

With the aim to explore the use of tree pruning waste as replacement material in papermaking, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of soda pulping concentration on the tear resistance and surface morphology of the fabricated papers. By varying the sodium hydroxide concentration from 5% to 25%, tree pruning waste papers with different tear resistance and surface morphology were fabricated. The tree pruning waste papers with the optimum tear resistance (73049.68 mN) was produced when the pulping medium was prepared at 20% sodium hydroxide concentration. As confirmed by the morphology study, the pulp fibres with improved interlocking surface morphology was produced at 20% sodium hydroxide concentration. Beyond that, fibre fibrillation had took place and exerted negative impact on the tear resistance of the papers. The present study confirms the use of tree pruning waste as an alternative in papermaking. Nonetheless, the soda pulping concentration must be properly regulated in order to maximize the performance of the fabricated paper products.

Tear Lipocalin and Lipocalin-Interacting Membrane Receptor.

Tear lipocalin is a primate protein that was recognized as a lipocalin from the homology of the primary sequence. The protein is most concentrated in tears and produced by lacrimal glands. Tear lipocalin is also produced in the tongue, pituitary, prostate, and the tracheobronchial tree. Tear lipocalin has been assigned a multitude of functions. The functions of tear lipocalin are inexorably linked to structural characteristics that are often shared by the lipocalin family. These characteristics result in the binding and or transport of a wide range of small hydrophobic molecules. The cavity of tear lipocalin is formed by eight strands (A–H) that are arranged in a β-barrel and are joined by loops between the β-strands. Recently, studies of the solution structure of tear lipocalin have unveiled new structural features such as cation-π interactions, which are extant throughout the lipocalin family. Lipocalin has many unique features that affect ligand specificity. These include a capacious and a flexible cavity with mobile and short overhanging loops. Specific features that confer promiscuity for ligand binding in tear lipocalin will be analyzed. The functions of tear lipocalin include the following: antimicrobial activities, scavenger of toxic and tear disruptive compounds, endonuclease activity, and inhibition of cysteine proteases. In addition, tear lipocalin binds and may modulate lipids in the tears. Such actions support roles as an acceptor for phospholipid transfer protein, heteropolymer formation to alter viscosity, and tear surface interactions. The promiscuous lipid-binding properties of tear lipocalin have created opportunities for its use as a drug carrier. Mutant analogs have been created to bind other molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor for medicinal use. Tear lipocalin has been touted as a useful biomarker for several diseases including breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetic retinopathy, and keratoconus. The functional possibilities of tear lipocalin dramatically expanded when a putative receptor, lipocalin-interacting membrane receptor was identified. However, opposing studies claim that lipocalin-interacting membrane receptor is not specific for lipocalin. A recent study even suggests a different function for the membrane protein. This controversy will be reviewed in light of gene expression data, which suggest that tear lipocalin has a different tissue distribution than the putative receptor. But the data show lipocalin-interacting membrane receptor is expressed on ocular surface epithelium and that a receptor function here would be rational.

VALUE OF CONVENTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN DIAGNOSIS OF ROTATOR CUFF TEAR

Objective: To study on the value of conventional magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tear in comparison with surgery.Subjects and research methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study on 69 patients with rotator cuff lesions undergoing magnetic resonance imaging at Hanoi Medical University Hospital Departmentof Diagnostic Imaging, all patients have surgery after that.Results: Among the number of patients operated, the highest proportion was the complete tendon rupture group (accounting for 60.9%), followed by the full-thickness tear group (14.5%) and thearticular-surface tear group (14.5%). , the groups of synovial-surface tear, intrasubstance tear, simple tendinopathy accounted for the least percentage. Regarding post-operative comparison: For completetendon tear, the sensitivity of magnetic resonance is 100%, specificity is 95.7%; in full-thickness tear, the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance were 100% and 98.7%. The sensitivityof conventional magnetic resonance in the diagnosis of partial tear such as articular-surface tears, synovial-surface tear is 50-60% and specificity is 74.9-98.7%.Conclusion: Routine magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable method in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. The sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance are high in the diagnosis of major tendon tears (complete and full-thickness tears) than in cases of partial tear (articular or synovial surface tear).

Effect of Returnable Material in Batch on Hot Tearing Tendency of AlSi9Cu3 Alloy.

The main reason for the use of returnable material, or recycled alloys, is a cost reduction while maintaining the final properties of the casting. The casting resulting quality is directly related to the correct ratio of commercial grade alloy and alloy made by remelting the returnable material in the batch. The casting quality is also affected by the purity of the secondary raw materials used, the shape complexity and the use of the casting itself. The presented article focuses on the effect of increasing the returnable material content in the batch on the hot tearing susceptibility of AlSi9Cu3 alloy. Hot tears are a complex phenomenon that combines metallurgical and thermo-mechanical interactions of the cast metal. Hot tearing susceptibility was evaluated on the basis of quantitative (HTS—hot tearing susceptibility index) and qualitative evaluation. The negative effect of returnable material in the batch was already manifested at a 20% content in the batch. The critical proportion of the returnable alloy in the batch can be stated as 50%. The alloy with a 50% returnable material content manifested insufficient results of the HTS index and qualitative evaluation, which means increased sensitivity to tearing. The negative effect of returnable material and the increased sensitivity were also confirmed in the evaluation of the fracture surface and hot tear profile. The microstructure of alloys with 50% and higher proportion of returnable material was characterized by a higher amount of iron phases (mainly Al5FeSi), whose sharp ends acted as critical regions of hot tearing and subsequent hot tear propagation, which had a major impact on the increase in hot tearing susceptibility.

Ocular surface characteristics in acne vulgaris

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance: Since acne vulgaris is a disease of the sebaceous glands, it may have potential effects on the ocular surface and tear homoeostasis, which are essential for good vision. Optometrists should be aware of ocular surface pathologies when prescribing glasses or contact lenses for the visual rehabilitation of these young patients. Background: To evaluate the ocular surface features, meibomian glands, and tear parameters of patients with acne vulgaris. Methods: The right eyes of 70 individuals (34 patients with acne vulgaris, 36 healthy volunteers) were evaluated. The tear break-up time of participants was measured, and the Schirmer test was performed. Then, to determine ocular surface characteristics, samples were taken from the conjunctiva for impression cytology. Finally, the loss rates of the upper and lower eyelid meibomian glands were determined by taking meibography (Sirius, CSO, Florence, Italy). Results: Tear break-up time was significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in respect of Nelson grade in the conjunctival impression cytology (p = 0.141). Grade 3 cytological changes were not observed in either group. The median value of the loss rate in the meibomian glands in the upper eyelid of patients with acne vulgaris was 19.10% (IQR: 18%), while it was 8.75% (IQR: 9.53%) in the control group (p = 0.001). The median value of the loss rate in the meibomian glands in the lower eyelid was 15.70% (IQR: 15.13%) and 7.70% (IQR: 6.53%) in the acne vulgaris and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows that patients with acne vulgaris may have a predisposition to meibomian gland damage and tear instability. Therefore, we consider that a more detailed ophthalmologic examination should be performed in patients with acne vulgaris.

Evaluation of the tear strength, compressive resistance, and surface hardness of three commercially available bite registration materials: an in vitro study

Background: For making a successful prosthesis, it is essential to achieve harmony between the maxillomandibular relationship. The precision and occlusal quality of the prosthesis partly depends on interocclusal bite registration material. Interocclusal bite registration material plays an important role in recording and transferring of existing patient’s occlusal records. The procedure used to record and transfer interocclusal relation should be performed with the utmost care and understanding to prevent clinical error. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the tear strength, compressive resistance and surface hardness of three commercially available bite registration materials. Material and Methods: Three types of commercially available bite registration materials, Bis-acrylate (BA), Polyvinylsiloxane (PVS), and Polyether (PE), were made in Dumbbell and cylindrical shaped samples to evaluate the tear strength and compressive resistance, respectively and were analysed using the universal testing machine. The surface hardness was assessed using a microhardness tester. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 16.0 version (Chicago, Inc., USA). ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare study parameters among the groups. Tukey’s posthoc test was used for inter-group comparisons. Results: Bis-Acrylate exhibited the greatest tear strength, followed by Polyvinylsiloxane and Polyether showed the least tear strength. More compressive resistance was observed in Polyether followed by Bis-Acrylate and lowest in Polyvinylsiloxane. A similar pattern was seen in the surface hardness among the three materials. Conclusion: Bis-acrylate showed greater tear strength and surface hardness, and it can be considered a better bite registration material.

A Blink-Assisted, Cornea-Sparing Wearable Eyelid Device for the EffectivePenetration of Therapeutic Thermal Energy into the Meibomian Glandsfor the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of Dry Eye Disease (DED). In MGD, obstructed meibomian glands result in reduced meibum secretion and a compromised tear lipid layer that causes tear film instability and an accelerated evaporation of tears. This accelerated and excessive tear evaporation in turn leads to the signs and symptoms of DED. Research has demonstrated that an elevated and sustained therapeutic temperature of at least 41°C at the tarsal conjunctiva located at inner surface of the eyelid can liquefy hardened or thickened meibum and help clear gland obstructions in MGD. By clearing the obstructions, restored meibomian glands can resume the production of meibum that can flow naturally out of the glands and onto the tear surface thereby restoring a stable and healthy tear film lipid layer. Fortifying the lipid layer by enhancing natural meibum production is an effective treatment for evaporative dry eye disease. In recent years, several devices have been developed that utilize thermal energy to treat DED and MGD that require heating from inside the eyelids. The medical community has debated the ability to achieve therapeutic level of temperatures at the tarsal conjunctiva via a non-invasive external approach. This article discusses a new device, TearCare, that has achieved and maintained the requisite 41°C therapeutically-effective, meibum-melting temperature at the tarsal conjunctiva non-invasively through a combination of novel features including: wearability, total tarsal conformance, blink assistance, and software sensor-controlled thermal maximization and optimization.

Evidence for Phospholipids on the Surface of Human Tears.

PurposeThe structure of tears has been theoretically considered three tiers with lipids at the air interface, aqueous and proteins in the subphase, and anchored mucins on the corneal epithelial surface. While many lipid and protein species have been identified in tears by mass spectrometry, the localization of the major components within the tear film structure remains speculative. The most controversial components are phospholipids. Although surface active, phospholipids have been presumed to be bound entirely to protein in the aqueous portion of tears or reside at the aqueous-lipid interface. Herein, the possibility that phospholipids are adsorbed at the air-surface interface of tears is interrogated.MethodsPolarization-modulated Fourier transform infrared reflective absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) was used to study the presence of phosphate signals at the tear surface. In order to constrain the depth of signal detection to the surface, an extreme grazing angle of incident radiation was employed. Nulling ellipsometry was used to confirm the presence of monolayers and surface thicknesses when surface active reagents were added to solutions.ResultsSurface selection of PM-IRRAS was demonstrated by suppression of water and phosphate signals in buffers with monolayers of oleic acid. Phosphate signals were shown to reflect relative concentrations. Absorption peaks attributable to phospholipids were detected by PM-IRRAS on the human tear film surface and were augmented by the addition of phospholipid.ConclusionsThe data provide strong evidence that phospholipids are present at the surface of tears.

Punctate fluorescein staining scores in dogs with or without aqueous tear deficiency.

To compare the superficial punctate fluorescein staining in dogs with and without aqueous tear deficiency. An eye from each client-owned dogs presented to Triangle Animal Eye Clinic between January and December 2018 underwent tear and ocular surface tests, which included the Schirmer tear test (STT), phenol red thread test (PRT), and strip meniscometry tube tear test (SMT). Punctate fluorescein staining of the cornea (PFS-C) and the upper palpebral conjunctiva (PFS-UPC) were also performed. Fifty-seven dogs with STT results of <15mm/min had aqueous tear deficiency (AD); 31 dogs had <10mm/min and 26 dogs had ≥10mm/min. The 162 dogs with STT results of ≥15mm/min did not have AD. The test results of the groups were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Steel-Dwass multiple comparison tests. Two hundred and nineteen eyes from 219 dogs were enrolled in this study. The PRT and SMT results, presented as mean±SD, were significantly lower in the AD group than in the non-AD group (PRT: 29.5±8.1 vs 36.9±5.6mm/15s; SMT: 6.2±3.8 vs 10.8±2.8mm/5s). The PFS scores were significantly higher in the AD group than in the non-AD group (PFS-C: 4.4±0.7 and 3.7±0.8; PFS-UPC: 2.3±0.5 and 1.7±0.5). These results suggest that aqueous tear deficiency is not only reflected by PRT and SMT but also PFS-C and PFS-UPC.

Influence of End Mill Geometry on Milling Force and Surface Integrity While Machining Low Rigidity Parts

High precision and superior surface finish are of prime importance in thin-wall components used in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this paper, end milling experiments on aluminum alloy 2024-T351 were carried out to study the influence of end mill geometry on milling force and surface integrity of the machined parts. Machining using a 16-mm-diameter tool having a helix angle of 35° produced high force value and also generated chatter marks on the machined work surface. Furthermore, an inspection of the cutting tool indicated built-up-edge formation while machining with a 35° helix tool. Besides, surface damage in the form of surface tear was observed. Evaluation of microhardness revealed an increased value near to the machined surface in the case of two fluted 35° helix tool due to strain hardening. The results showed that lower milling force and surface roughness were obtained while machining used a four fluted end mill having a diameter of 8 mm and a helix angle of 55°.

Effects of environmentally friendly degumming methods on some surface properties, physical performances and dyeing behaviour of silk fabrics

In this paper, the effect of degumming processes on the physical performance, surface properties and colour coordinates of silk fabrics at high temperature and enzymatically, which was developed as an alternative to conventional method, has been investigated. Degummed silk fabrics were compared in terms of weight loss, bending length, tear and breaking strength, surface roughness and friction coefficient. After these tests, acid dyeing was performed to observe different degumming methods effect on dyeing behaviour of degummed silk fabric. The colour coordinates were evaluated by L*, a*, b*, C*, h0, K/S, and ∆E* values. The results revealed that despite insignificant differences between conventional and alternative methods in terms of physical performance and surface properties, the conventional method gave slightly better results than the others. There were no significant differences in colour depth between the two processes. These reasons showed that the alternative method could be used instead of the traditional method and a more sustainable process has been designed

Investigation on Tribological and mechanical behaviour of AA6082—Graphene based composites with Ti particles

In the recent years, high strength and low weight materials are being preferred in automobile sectors for fabricating high-speed rotating shafts and machineries. For satisfying dynamic requirements, Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites can be used. In this paper, an attempt has been made to fabricate AA 6082—graphene based Aluminium Matrix Composites reinforced with Titanium (Ti) particles. The effect of increase weight percentage of Graphene and Ti reinforcement on the mechanical characteristics was evaluated. Using tensile tests and surface micro hardness measurements, the fluctuations in mechanical aspects were measured. Tribological characteristics of the Aluminium Matrix Composites were found using pin on disc tribo wear meter, using Silver (Ag) nanoparticles incorporated Jatropha oil as bio-lubricant. Microstructural variations were evaluated by using FESEM which indicated surface tear offs, surface ploughing, demarcations, micro pits, grooves, demarcations, micro cuts and micro tears on the surfaces. The effect of Ag Nano particle addition on Jatropha oil was observed with the fluctuations in Coefficient of friction, specific wear rate and wear mass loss. On increase in reinforcement percentage of G and Ti, specific wear rate was found to decrease and coefficient of friction decreased till 3% by weight reinforcement and beyond 3%, it increased. The surface chemistry modifications were identified using XRD. It was observed that AA6082 Aluminium Matrix Composites reinforced with 3% G and 3% Ti exhibited better mechanical and tribological properties when used with 1% Ag Nanoparticles incorporated Jatropha oil as lubricant.

Analysis of tear inflammatory molecules and clinical correlations in evaporative dry eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction

PurposeTo compare the levels of inflammatory molecules in tear samples between patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)-related evaporative dry eye (EDE) and healthy subjects and to analyze the correlations between the levels of tear inflammatory molecules and ocular surface parameters.MethodsA total of 30 MGD-related EDE patients (48 eyes) and ten healthy volunteers (15 eyes) were enrolled. Dry eye-related examinations and questionnaires were obtained from all participants. The levels of nine inflammatory molecules were determined through multiplex bead analysis.ResultsInflammatory molecules including ICAM-1, IFN-γ, CXCL8/IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-12p70 were detected in 100% of the patients, while IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-10 were detected in 56.25%, 13.60% and 45.83% of the patients, respectively. Moreover, ICAM-1, IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12p70 and IFN-γ were detected in 86.67–100% of the healthy subjects, and the detection rates of IL-10, IL-1α and IL-1β were below 50%. The levels of IL-8, IL-6, IFN-γ and ICAM-1 were significantly higher in the patient group compared with the control group. In addition, IL-8 and IL-6 were negatively correlated with Schirmer I test. Besides, IFN-γ was negatively correlated with tear film breakup time. Furthermore, ICAM-1 and IL-6 were positively correlated with meibography score.ConclusionsCollectively, patients with MGD-related EDE had higher levels of inflammatory molecules in their tears, and some molecules were correlated with ocular surface parameters. These findings suggested that inflammation played an important role in MGD-related EDE, and several inflammatory molecules could be used in the diagnosis and the treatment of MGD-related EDE.