ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1572-8339
Current Organisation
The University of Auckland
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Publisher: Medknow
Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-01-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S40291-018-0379-Z
Abstract: Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a common disease resulting from corneal endothelial cell dysfunction. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion with incomplete penetrance, and with a female bias. Approximately half of cases occur sporadically, and the remainder are familial. Early and late-onset forms of the disease exist. A review of the literature has revealed more than 15 genes harbouring mutations and/or single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with FECD. The proteins encoded by these genes cover a wide range of endothelial function, including transcription regulation, DNA repair, mitochondrial DNA mutations, targeting of proteins to the cell membrane, deglutamylation of proteins, extracellular matrix secretion, formation of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix junctions, water pump, and apoptosis. These genetic variations will form the platform for the further understanding of the pathological basis of the disease, and the development of targeted treatments. This review aims to summarise known genetic variations associated with FECD, discuss any known molecular effects of the variations, how these provide opportunities for targeted therapies, and what therapies are currently in development.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 19-08-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00300-023-03188-8
Abstract: It has been postulated that ultraviolet reflectance is important in mate choice in King Penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus , although not in other penguin species that do not have body parts that reflect UV light. However, this theory has been challenged. Here we aimed to determine the transmission of the ocular media in the large King Penguin as well as the smallest penguin, the Little Penguin Eudyptula minor , and a medium-sized penguin, the Gentoo Penguin Pygoscelis papua , to determine if the penguin eye is capable of seeing ultraviolet light. In all species the cornea absorbed the most damaging rays at 300 nm or below but it was the lens that predominantly determined the transmission of light between 300 and 400 nm. The lenses of a young King Penguin absorbed almost all light less than 370 nm and had 50% transmission at 406 nm, thus ultraviolet perception in the King Penguin is very limited. In contrast, 50% lenticular transmission was 329 nm in the Little Penguin and 367 nm in the Gentoo. Therefore, we suspect that ultraviolet light may be more important in the behaviour of smaller penguins than in the King Penguin, where it is unlikely to play a significant role.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-01-2023
Abstract: Corneal confocal microscopy has not previously been performed in penguins, despite recognition of its unusually flat shape. To identify features that the penguin shares with other birds and or mammals and those specific to penguins, we undertook confocal microscopic examination of two little (Eudyptula minor), four gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and five king (Aptenodytes patagonicus) penguin corneas. Transmission electron microscopy was performed on one gentoo and one king penguin, for finer details. Features shared with other higher vertebrates included a five-layered cornea and a similar limbus. Typically avian were a lower density of stromal cells, a more regular arrangement of collagen bands and an absent basal nerve plexus. Features unique to penguins included a flattened superficial epithelium (king penguin), stromal myofibroblasts (all) and an irregular endothelium (little penguin). Other features uniquely identified by confocal microscopy in birds include epithelial and stromal nerves, guttata and stromal imprints on Descemet’s membrane. Transmission electron microscopy identified a lack of wing cells (king penguin), greater posterior collagen lamellae thickness (gentoo penguin) and significantly less interlacing of collagen lamellae in the central cornea (king and gentoo). Most of these unique features are yet to be explained, but some could be adaptations to ing.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 11-2019
DOI: 10.1097/APO.0000000000000265
Abstract: The cornea is the major focusing structure of the human eye and the corneal endothelium maintains the relatively dehydrated state of the cornea required for clarity. The endothelial cells respond to disease or injury by migration and cellular enlargement. Our current understanding is that there is a very limited degree of proliferative or regenerative capacity in the human corneal endothelium. Thus, corneal endothelial diseases may result in corneal edema, significantly impact vision and quality of life. Contemporary surgical transplantation options for treating moderate to advanced endothelial dysfunction include penetrating keratoplasty (PK), Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Advances in surgical techniques aim to bring faster visual recovery and improve visual outcomes however, there is still a significant donor cornea shortage worldwide and alternative methods for treatment for corneal endothelial disease are rapidly evolving. Indeed, we are at a pivotal point in corneal transplantation for endothelial disease and novel surgical strategies include using 1 donor for multiple recipients, a minimally attached endothelial graft, and Descemet membrane stripping only. Crucially, forthcoming approaches include the use of Rho-Kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, endothelial cell therapy, tissue engineered grafts, and consideration of stem cell techniques. Ultimately, the choice of technique will be dependent on recipient factors such as age, type of endothelial disease, extent of the disease, and associated ocular disorders. The safety and efficacy of these rapidly developing treatments warrant further investigations. In time, some or all of these alternatives for corneal transplantation will alleviate the reliance on limited corneal donor tissue.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-04-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CEO.13756
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-03-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41433-022-02017-2
Abstract: Iris melanoma, a rare intraocular malignancy, represents the smallest subgroup of uveal melanoma. This first, comprehensive study of iris melanocytic lesions in the high ultraviolet environment in New Zealand/ Aotearoa (NZ) examines diagnosis, management and outcomes. Retrospective study of iris melanocytic tumours referred to tertiary referral centres in Auckland, NZ, over 20 years (1999-2018). Data analysed include demographics, tumour characteristics, histology, genetic analyses, treatment modalities, recurrence, metastasis, 5-year and overall survival. Cohort (N = 51) was predominantly NZ European (98.0%) with no indigenous Māori, or Pasifika. Median age at presentation was 58 years. Tumours involved a median of two clock hours of iris. The posterior tumour margin extended to the anterior chamber angle in 22 patients (45.8%). Management included initial observation 54.9%, iridectomy/excision biopsy 29.4%, irido-cyclectomy 7.8%, plaque radiotherapy 7.8%, proton beam radiotherapy 7.8%, and ultimately enucleation 17.6%. Histology was performed in 19 cases (37%) with 16 confirmed melanomas (84%). Mean follow-up 4.2 years with median visual acuity of 6/7.5 two years post intervention. Melanoma-related metastasis and mortality occurred in two cases with five-year melanoma-related mortality of 2.0%. In a climate with high ultraviolet exposure iris melanocytic tumours occurred almost exclusively in NZ Europeans, however, the majority of cases were category T1, possibly reflecting early diagnosis in the NZ health system. Nonetheless, % underwent surgery or radiotherapy, often utilising more than one modality. A high index of suspicion and early referral of iris melanocytic lesions should be considered in regions with high UV exposure.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-12-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CEO.13685
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-09-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CEO.13620
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CEO.13655
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/CEO.13512
Abstract: In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) allows non-invasive imaging of the living human cornea, specifically enabling the detection of immune cells in the healthy and diseased ocular anterior segment. Studies using IVCM have provided insight into the effects of contact lens wear on corneal Langerhans cell density and morphology, and the effects of eye drops on conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue. IVCM has also been shown to be a useful adjunctive diagnostic tool in distinguishing infective and non-infective uveitis and in diagnosing atypical infective keratitis. In the research setting, this technology has enhanced our understanding of the role of inflammatory cells in corneal neuropathy and angiogenesis. In vivo-ex vivo correlation using animal models has helped overcome some of the difficulties in identifying cell type on IVCM images. As highlighted in this review, currently there are multiple established, and emerging, clinical and research applications for IVCM in the inflamed anterior segment.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-04-2022
DOI: 10.1002/JMOR.21476
Abstract: The illustration is an important tool to aid in the description and understanding of anatomy, and penguins (Aves: Sphenisciformes: Spheniscidae) are an important clade in environmental monitoring, paleontology, and other research fields. Traditionally, anatomic illustration has been informed by dissection. More recently, micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) has proven to be a powerful tool for three‐dimensional anatomic imaging, although larger specimens are more challenging to image due to increased X‐ray attenuation. Here, we used traditional dissection and micro‐CT to illustrate the skulls of Aptenodytes patagonicus , Eudyptula minor , and Pygoscelis papua , and the extracranial soft tissue of E. minor . Micro‐CT prevented the loss of orientation, disarticulation, and distortion of bones that might result from cleaning and drying skulls, while immobilization was achieved by freezing the specimens before imaging. All bony elements in the head were accurately depicted. Fixing, dehydrating, and diffusion staining with iodine (diceCT) enabled the identification of muscles and other large nonmineralized structures, but specimen preparation precluded the ability to show smaller nerves and vessels. The results presented here provide a guide for anatomic studies of penguins and our summary of s le preparation and imaging techniques are applicable for studies of other similarly sized biological specimens.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-05-2021
DOI: 10.1002/JMOR.21354
Abstract: Scleral ossicles and other bony elements are present in the eyes of many vertebrates, including birds. In this study, the skeletal elements present in the penguin eye and orbit were imaged using macro photographs and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT), to help elucidate their function and significance. A total of 36 scleral rings and three whole skulls were imaged. King ( Aptenodytes patagonicus ), Fiordland crested ( Eudyptes pachyrhynchus ), Snares crested ( Eudyptes robustus ), royal ( Eudyptes schlegeli ) and yellow‐eyed ( Megadyptes antipodes ) penguins had between 12 and 14 elements in their scleral ring while the gentoo ( Pygoscelis papua ) had 14 and 17 little penguins ( Eudyptula sp.) consistently had between 10 and 12 elements. All had at least two elements that overlapped, usually totally, each neighbour, and two that were overlapped by each neighbour. The interior structure of all ossicles revealed a lattice‐like arrangement of struts typical of cancellous bone, the whole being surrounded by thick cortical bone. The scleral ring of a 10 week gentoo chick was not completely ossified but rather had multiple small holes within it on micro‐CT. A large os opticus was present in one king penguin but in another bird of the same age and gender there was no such bone. Much smaller accessory bones were found in the posterior pole of one Snares crested and one little penguin. We conclude that the penguin scleral ring not only maintains the shape of the eye but also provides protection and a site of insertion for rectus muscles. However, the extreme variability in the os opticus suggests that it is not essential to normal function.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 02-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.SURVOPHTHAL.2017.02.002
Abstract: Stem cells are capable of giving rise to progenies with specific functional and morphological traits and, in recent years, extraordinary scientific advances have initiated an era of hope for clinical regenerative strategies and tissue engineering applications. We appraise the potential benefits of human umbilical cord-derived stem cell therapy and consider current approaches to utilize these stem cells in corneal epithelial, stromal, and endothelial disorders.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-01-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CEO.13825
Publisher: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
Date: 24-03-2020
DOI: 10.1167/TVST.9.4.24
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/CEO.13958
Abstract: Megalocornea and anterior megalophthalmos (megalocornea spectrum) disorders are typically defined by corneal diameter 12.5 mm in the absence of elevated intraocular pressure. Clinical features overlap with keratoglobus but are distinct from buphthalmos and severe (globus) keratoconus. Megalocornea spectrum disorders and keratoglobus are primarily congenital disorders, often with syndromic associations both can present with large and thin corneas, creating difficulty in diagnosis, however, only keratoglobus is typically progressive. Molecular genetics provide significant insight into underlying aetiologies. Nonetheless, careful clinical assessment remains intrinsic to diagnosis. Surgical management can be challenging due to the enlarged ciliary ring and weakened zonules in megalocornea spectrum disorders and the extreme corneal thinning of keratoglobus. In this review, the established literature on measurement of corneal diameter, diagnosis of megalocornea, anterior megalophthalmos and keratoglobus, differentiation from severe keratoconus, recent molecular genetics research and key surgical modalities in the management of these rare disorders are outlined and discussed.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/CEO.13738
No related grants have been discovered for Jie Zhang.