AIM: To compare the accuracy of intraocular lens(IOL)power calculations by using five formulas(Haigis, SRK-T, Hoffer Q, Holladay-1, SRK-Ⅱ)in eyes with long axial lengths in order to improve the accuracy of predicating IOL powers.METHODS: Fifty-one eyes of 51 cases of age-related cataract and with mild long axial(24.5mm27mm) were collected who`s optical biometry were performed by the Zeiss IOL Master500 before operation.They underwent regular phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation.The actual postoperative refraction was measured with the methods of phoropter and subjective optometry 3mo after surgery.Then we compared the differences of the predicted and actual postoperative refraction of the five formulas in each group.RESULTS: In the mild axial lengths cases, the differences between SRK Ⅱ formula and the other four formulas were statistically significant (P<0.05), and the difference between Hoffer Q and SRK-T formula was statistically significant (P<0.05);there was no difference among the other formulas (P>0.05).In the moderate and severe long axial lengths cases, the differences between SRK Ⅱ formula and the other four formulas were statistically significant (P<0.05), and the difference between Hoffer Q and SRK-T formula, Hoffer Q and Haigis formula were statistically significant (P<0.05);there was no difference among the other formulas (P>0.05).The differences of all the five formulas between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: In the mild axial lengths cases, Haigis, SRK-T, Hoffer Q, Holladay-1 performed well.In the moderate and severe long axial lengths cases, Haigis, SRK-T and Holladay-1 performed better than other formulas.The accuracy of all the five formulas decreases as the axial length getting longer.

Objective To evaluate the histologic changes in the dermis and the changes of the rate of type Ⅲ and type Ⅰ collagen by the radiofrequency device. Methods The effects of radiofrequency current on the dermis were observed. Ten rabbits were treated by radiofrequency, and the histologic change in the dermis were observed by H-E staining and Sirius red staining. Results After RF treatment, the fibers in the dermis appeared more compact and the quantity of the type Ⅲ (red) and type Ⅰ (green) collagen were both increased. The fibers in the dermis appeared more compact and the rate of type Ⅲ and type Ⅰ collagen was increased. It was also found that a significant proliferation of dermal collagen was observed in 8 days after treatment. As time went by, the proliferation of dermal collagen was more pronounced, and the rate of type Ⅲ was increased. Conclusion The radiofrequency current can increase the quantity of collagen in the dermis and increase the rate of type Ⅲ and type Ⅰ collagen, which may be one of the key mechanisms of facial rejuvenation by RF.

Objective To observe the effect of intensive scapular control training on pain, upper limb motor function and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with post-stroke shoulder pain. Methods 58 patients with hemiplegia after stroke were randomly assigned into routine exercise group (group A, n=27) and intensive scapular control training group (group B, n=31). They were assessed with visual analogue scale for pain, simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment and modified Bathel Index before and 8 weeks after treatment. Results All the assessment appeared better in group B than in group A after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Intensive scapular control training can promote the recovery of motor function and ADL, relieve the pain in patients with post-stroke shoulder pain.

PURPOSE: To analyze the correlation of polymorphisms of toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) (rs179009) and toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) (rs187084) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the Han population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The genotypes of TLR7IVS2-151 in HCV infection were detected by Sanger sequencing using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism to determine the TLR9 T-1486C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for all enrolled patients. RESULTS: We found no significant difference between males with spontaneous clearance of HCV versus those chronically infected [chi2=2.71, p=0.10, odd ratios (OR)=0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-1.11]. However, significant differences were found for the distribution of TLR7 (rs179009) in females (chi2=9.46, p=0.01). In females, a significant difference was also found between chronic hepatitis C and those with spontaneous clearance of HCV in terms of TLR7 IVS2-151G/A allele frequencies (chi2=9.50, p=0.00, OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.75). In HCV-infected patients, no significant association was found between the frequency of TLR9 genotypes and alleles. CONCLUSION: The site of TLR7 IVS2-151 (rs179009) G/A may be a factor for susceptibility of chronic HCV in the female Han population. TLR9T-1486C (rs18084) SNP may not play a major role in HCV infection. However, individual risk profiles for HCV infection did vary by sex and this relationship should be further investigated.
Alleles ; China* ; Confidence Intervals ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Hepacivirus* ; Hepatitis C* ; Hepatitis C, Chronic ; Hepatitis* ; Humans ; Male ; Methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide* ; Toll-Like Receptor 7* ; Toll-Like Receptor 9* ; Toll-Like Receptors*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the risk factors for the prognosis in patients with gastric cancer undergoing surgery.

METHODSClinical data of 1031 cases who underwent gastric cancer resection from January 2003 to December 2007 were studied using univariable analysis and multivariable regression analysis.

RESULTSIn 1031 cases,95 (9.2%) cases were early-stage gastric cancer. The other 936 (90.8%) cases were advanced gastric cancer. The tumor was resectable in 980 (95.1%) cases, of which 874 (84.8%) were curative resection,106 (10.3%) were palliative, and 51 (4.9%) were bypass procedures or laparotomy alone. The stage-specific 5-year survival rates were 93.2% (stage IA), 65.1%(stage IB), 52.3% (stage II), 41.4% (stage IIIA), 16.6% (stage IIIB) and 10.6% (stage IV), respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 80.2%, 58.0% and 48.2%, respectively. The independent risk factors associated with the prognosis of these patients were tumor size, serum albumin, curative resection, TNM staging and multidisciplinary treatment in both univariable and multivariable analyses.

CONCLUSIONSEarly curative resection is the most important treatment for the patients with gastric cancer. Individualized surgical procedure combined with multidisciplinary treatment can improve the outcome. Tumor size, serum albumin level and TNM staging are important predictors of survival in patients with gastric cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Causality ; Female ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; mortality ; surgery ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the feasibility of osteogenic phenotype expression by human skin fibroblasts induced in polyglycolic acid (PGA) foams and the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptors.

METHODSThe fibroblasts were isolated, purified from human skin. (1) Fibroblasts were seeded onto PGA foams. The cell-PGA complexes were cultured in RCCS for 6 weeks, in the media of TNF-alpha (50 U/ml) and BMP-2 (0.1 microg/ml). 1 d, 3 and 6 weeks later, cells and extracellular matrix were investigated by electron microscopic and histochemistry observation respectively. Secretion of osteogenic markers were analyzed by biochemical methods. (2) Fibroblasts were seeded on the glass fragments or culture flasks and treated with TNF-alpha (50 U/ml) in different usage (one-time, all-time). The RT-PCR method and the immunohistochemistry fluorescence staining were used to examine the influence of TNF-alpha on the mRNA expression and the protein expression of the type I BMP receptors at 2, 4, 6, 8 d after treatment.

RESULTSFibroblasts seeded on the PGA foams formed 3-dimensional matrix 3 weeks after seeding, which was demonstrated as osteo-tissue by tetracycline labeling and ARS staining. Cells secreted much more bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-AKP) and osteocalcin (OCN) into supernatant than the cells that were cultured in the media without TNF-a and BMP2. Eight days after all-time usage, the TNF-alpha (50 U/ml) increased the expression of the mRNA and protein of the type IB BMP receptor.

CONCLUSIONSFibroblasts on 3-D cell-foam structures can express osteoblastic phenotype under certain inducing conditions. The numerous fibroblasts in body would be a promising resource for cell seeds candidate of tissue- engineered bone. TNF-alpha provides the essential condition for BMP2's target effect on fibroblasts, and combined use of TNF-alpha and BMP2 is one of the regulating factors.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type I ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type II ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; pharmacology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; methods ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Drug Synergism ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Phenotype ; Polyglycolic Acid ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; pharmacology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of dense endoscopic variceal ligation (DEVL) for bleeding esophageal varices.

METHODSPatients with acute or with a history of esophageal variceal bleeding underwent regular DEVLs with a 2-3 week interval between 2 sessions until their varices disappeared at the lower 5-6 cm part of the esophagus. Follow-up study and gastroscopy were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months after the final DEVL in all patients. The results at 3 months were classified as short-term effects and those after 6 months as long-term ones.

RESULTS126 patients underwent DEVLs with 403 sessions and 3641 ligations; each patient was ligated with a mean of 3.2 sessions and at 28.9 points. The cure rate of acute variceal bleeding was 100.0%; short-term rate of variceal eradication was 94.4% and variceal rebleeding occurred in 3.9% patients. After a mean of 22.3 months follow-up period, the recurrence of esophageal varices was observed in 11.9% patients, but the variceal rebleeding rate was only 3.2% and no patients died from it.

CONCLUSIONDEVL was very useful and effective in both short-term and long-term variceal eradication and prevention of variceal rebleeding.

Adult ; Aged ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices ; etiology ; surgery ; Esophagoscopy ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; surgery ; Humans ; Ligation ; methods ; Liver Cirrhosis ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in patients with different grades of liver function.

METHODSMELD scores were determined for 156 patients before their EVL operations. After the EVL these patients were followed-up and their survival rates were analyzed.

RESULTSFifty percent of the patients whose MELDs were less than or equal to 7 survived longer than 45 months after the EVL; in those with MELDs between 7 and 9, 50% of the patients survived 47.34 months; however, the figure for those whose MELD were more than 9 survived only 24.89 months. In the first two groups, 50% of the patient' survival duration was significantly longer than that of the third group. The difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONEVL becomes an effective clinical way to treat hemorrhage of esophagus varicose veins. The survival rate for this procedure is directly correlated with the liver function of the patient before the EVL.

Adult ; Aged ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Liver Diseases ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of "one-stitch anastomosis through the skin" repair of canalicular laceration.METHODS:The data of 32 cases (32 eyes) of canalicular laceration who underwent repair of lacerated canaliculi with one-stitch anastomosis through the skin were retrospectively reviewed, inferior canalicular laceration in 29 patients,superior canalicular laceration in 1 patient, 2 cases involving both the inferior and superior canalicular laceration. All the operations were performed under surgical microscope, 5-0 silk sutures were used and silicone tube of 0.8mm diameter was employed in intubation. The stents were left in place for 3 months postoperatively and then removed. The follow-up period was 1 to 36 months.RESULTS: In 32 patients, 28 (88%)patients were cured entirely, 3 (9%)patients were meliorated, and 1 (3%)patient had no effects. A total of 29 patients complied with scheduled follow up 1-36 months (average 12 months) after stent removal, and 3 patients were lost in follow-up. All the patients had got good recovery of eyelid laceration with no traumatic deformity in eyelid and canthus.CONCLUSION: In "one-stitch anastomosis through the skin"repair of canalicular laceration, the cut ends could be anastomosed directly,for there was no suture remained in the wound permanently, so there was no suture-related granuloma which might cause obstruction or stenosis of canaliculi. It was simple, economical ,effective and safe.

OBJECTIVETo study the changes in plasma substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels in children with acute asthma before and after gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) treatment.

METHODSSeventy-five children with asthma were randomly assigned to GABA treatment (n=36) and control groups (n=39). Both groups were given conventional treatment for asthma. Besides the conventional treatment, the treatment group was administered with oral GABA (25-30 mg/kg•d). Plasma content of SP and CGRP was measured using ELISA before treatment and after remission.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in plasma content of SP and CGRP between the GABA treatment and control groups (P＞0.05) before treatment. Plasma content of SP and CGRP in the GABA treatment group was significantly lower than the control group (SP: 57±15 pg/mL vs 127±12 pg/mL; CGRP: 23±10 pg/mL vs 42±8 pg/mL) after remission (P<0.01). Plasma content of SP and CGRP after remission was significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.01) in both groups. There was a significantly positive correlation between plasma SP and CGRP content in asthmatic children (r=0.792, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSGABA can significantly decrease plasma levels of SP and CGRP in children suffering from acute asthma.

Asthma ; blood ; drug therapy ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; blood ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Substance P ; blood ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use