Objective To report the clinical features and treatment outcomes of 27 patients with fungal endophthalmitis (27 eyes)over a five year period.Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the etiology,direct smear examination,fungal cul-ture and treatments of 27 patients with culture-proven fungal endophthalmitis at the affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qing-dao University from 2007 to 2012.Results Exogenous infection was defined in 21 patients (77.8%),including 20 associated with penetrating wound,and 1 following cataract surgery.Endogenous infection was found in 6 patients (22.2%),including 3 associated with recent use of high-dose steroids,1 after abortion,1 following pelvic fracture,and 1 with long-term use of im-munosuppressive agents.Fungal hyphae were found in 17 smears of 27 samples (63.0%)by direct microscopic examination. The fungal strains cultured from 27 samples belonged to 8 genus and 12 species.The most common isolates were Aspergillus , Fusarium and Candida species.A.flavus (22.2%)and A.fumigatus (18.5%)were the predominant Aspergillus species. F .moniliforme (14.8%)and F .oxysporum (11 .1 %)were the most predominant Fusarium species.Two eyes were eviscer-ated immediately due to the serious condition.Among the other 25 eyes,22 (88.0%)got improvement after at least one of such treatments as intravitreal injection of antifungal agent,vitrectomy or penetrating keratoplasty (PK).Conclusions Exoge-nous fungal endophthalmitis is the most common type of fungal endophthalmitis in this hospital.Penetrating wound is the main cause of such infections.Microscopic examination of hyphae and fungal culture were effective for the diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis.Aspergillus is the predominant pathogens, followed by Fusarium.Intravitreal injection of antifungal a-gent combined with vitrectomy is an effective treatment of fungal endophthalmitis.

Objective To evaluate the effects of different types of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)-improved extravascular lung water and pulmonary vascular permeability in piglets.Methods Twelve healthy piglets,weighing 15-20 kg,were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table:endogenous ARDS (P group) and exogenous ARDS (EXP group).Anesthesia was induced with midazolam and propofol.The tracheal tube was inserted.Anesthesia was maintained with iv infusion of propofol and fentanyl.ARDS was induced with normal saline infused via the tracheal tube in group P.ARDS was induced with oleic acid 0.05 ml/kg injected intravenously over 45-60 min in group EXP.Then 4 h of HFOV was performed.Before ARDS (T0),immediately after ARDS (Ti) and at 1,2,3 and 4 h of HFOV (T2-5),arterial blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis and the variables such as extravascular lung water index (EVLWI),pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI),and extravascular lung water (EVLW)/intra thoracic blood volume (ITBV) were monitored.The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) was calculated.Results Compared with the baseline value at T0,the oxygenation index was decreased at T1,and the oxygenation index was less than 200 mm Hg in the two groups (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the maximum degree of changes in EVLWI,PVPI and EVLW/ITBV between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Endogenous and exogenous ARDS disease factor does not affect HFOV-improved extravascular lung water and pulmonary vascular permeability in piglets.

Objective To evaluate the effect of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) on lung injury in the piglets with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Methods Twelve male piglets,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 14-16 kg,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=6 each) using a random number table:conventional mechanical ventilation with low tidal volume group (CMV group) and HFOV group.ARDS was induced by bilateral pulmonary lavages with isotonic saline (38 ℃),repeated every 10 min until the oxygenation index＜200 mmHg.After successful establishment of the model,CMV group was ventilated using conventional mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes.After successful establishment of the model,HFOV group was ventilated using HFOV,lung recruitment was performed,the airway pressure was set at 25 cmH2O and maintained at this level for 30 s,and the airway pressure was then adjusted 5 cmH2O higher than that after successful establishment of the model,with bias flow 25 L/min,inspiratory time ratio 33％,frequency 8 Hz,amplitude 40-80 cmH2O,and inspiratory oxygen fraction 1.0.In both groups,carbon dioxide partial pressure was maintained between 35 and 50 mmHg.Before establishment of the model (baseline),after successful establishment of the model (T1),and at 0.5,1.0,2.0 and 4.0 h after beginning of mechanical ventilation (T2-5),blood samples were collected from the femoral artery and central vein for blood gas analysis,arterial oxygen partial pressure and carbon dioxide partial pressure were recorded,oxygen delivery index,oxygen consumption index,oxygenation index and intrapulmonary shunt were calculated,and the improvement in pulmonary function (oxygenation index ≥ 200 mmHg) was recorded.At T0,T1 and T5,venous blood samples were collected for determination of the concentrations of serum Clara cell secretory protein 16,soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1,and high-mobility group box 1.Results Compared with CMV group,the arterial oxygen partial pressure at T35 and oxygenation index at T4.5 were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant change was found in the other parameters in HFOV group (P＞0.05).Conclusion Compared with conventional mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes,although HFOV improves lung oxygenation,the degree is small in the piglets with ARDS.

Objective To analyze the causes and pathogens of infectious endophthalmitis in ourhospital.Methods The clinical data and laboratory findings of 282 inpatients with infectiousendophthalmitis were retrospectively reviewed.There were 206 males(73.05%)and 76 females(26.95%)with a mean age of(36.0±11.2)years(range from 2 to 79 years).Except 14 patients who lost theireyeballs as of serious conditions.pathogen examinations of vitreous specimen had been performed for allremaining 268 cases.The clinieal and laboratory data were statistically analyzed by Chi-square and Kappaconsistency tests,when P<0.05 the difference should be considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe 4 major causes of infectious endophthalmitis of those 282 patients included ocular trauma(177cases,62.77%),infectious keratitis(61 cases,21.63%),eye surgery(32 cases,11.35%),andendogenous endophthalmitis(12 cases,4.25%).19.21% of the patients in ocular trauma group was 2-13years old,55.74% of the patients in infectious keratitis group was 14-50 years old,and 60.61% of thepatients in eye surgery group was 51-79 years old.The major pathogens were fungus and staphylococcieach accounted for 30.63% of all cases.Most of the pathogenic bacteria were sensitive to ciprofloxaein(81.81%)and gentamicin(77.92%).Conclusions The major reason of infectious endophthalmitis wasocular trauma,and the major pathogens were fungus and staphylococci.Those findings may help us totreat infectious endophthalmitis patients appropriately.

BACKGROUND:Polysulfone membrane holds good anti-biodegradation ability, but how to use it to prepare hol ow fiber dialysis membrane and its blood compatibility have not been ful y understood. OBJECTIVE:To study the preparation, transfer property and biocompatibility of hol ow fiber dialysis membrane. METHODS:With polysulfone as the film material, diethylene glycol as the porogen, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as the modifier, N, N-dimethylacetamide as the solvent, and the hol ow fiber dialysis membrane was prepared using nonsolvent-induced phase separation. The performance was measured using scanning electron microscopy, ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope imaging and porosity test;the transfer parameters including reject rate and water flux were detected by ultrafiltration device;the blood compatibility was determined through hemolysis test, dynamic clotting time test and platelet adhesion test. Type II medical polyurethane material served as negative control. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The section of hol ow fiber dialysis membrane was asymmetric. 17%dialysis membrane showed a porous middle layer, while 19%, 21%and 23%membrane showed a sponge-like middle layer. Under the same membrane area, the density of fiber dialysis membrane was significantly lower than that of the negative control material, and the porosity of fiber dialysis membrane was significantly higher than that of the negative control material (P<0.05). The water volume and water flux of the hol ow fiber dialysis membrane were significantly higher than those of the negative control material (P<0.05). Results from three hemolytic tests showed that the average absorbance values and hemolysis rate of the hol ow fiber dialysis membrane were significantly higher than those of the negative control material (P<0.05). The dynamic clotting time test and the platelet adhesion test revealed that the dynamic clotting time of hol ow fiber dialysis membrane at 20, 40 and 70 minutes was significantly shorter than that of the negative control material (P<0.05). These results suggest that polysiloxane can be used as the membrane material to prepare hol ow fiber dialysis membrane using nonsolvent-induced phase separation, and holds a good biocompatibility, blood compatibility and transfer efficiency.

OBJECTIVE To observe and compare the effects of conjunctival sac rinse of povidone iodine solution with sodium chloride solution.METHODS Eighty patients with senile cataract were randomly divided into 2 groups(group A and group B).Swab samples were taken for bacterial cultures from each patients of both groups before and 24 hours after application of 0.3% ofloxacin eye drops.Povidone iodine solution was used to rinse the conjunctival sac before cataract surgery in group A while 0.9% sodium chloride solution was used in group B,and swab samples were also taken for bacterial cultures.RESULTS Positive rates of the bacterial cultures before and after topical ofloxacin application were 58.8% and 27.5%,respectively.Positive rates of the bacterial cultures after conjunctival sac rinse with povidone iodine and sodium chloride were 5.0% and 20.0%,respectively.CONCLUSIONS Conjunctival sac rinse with povidone iodine solution should be taken as a routine procedure before intraocular surgery to decrease the risk of postoperative infections.

Objective To detect the changes of number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in gld.apoE-/-C57BL/6 mice,and to investigate whether premature atherosclerosis of gld.apoE-/-C57BL/6 mice was mediated by the dysfunction of these EPCs.Methods EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood and bone marrow of four types of C57BL/6 female mice:gld+/+apoE+/+,gld,apoE-/-and gld.apoE-/-.The percentage of EPCs was analyzed by FACS as CD11b-Sca-1+CD309+ cells.The attached cells were stained with DiI labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiI-ac-LDL) and FITC-labeled Ulex Europaeus agglutinin 1 (FITC-UEA-1) double staining to determine their phagocytic function.The adherent function of EPCs was determined by calculating the number of re-cultured EPCs.The capacity of EPCs to form the cavity structure was detected by calculating the number of the formed vascular-like structure.Results The percentage of circulating EPCs was significantly decreased in the gld.apoE-/-group (0.012±0.002)％ compared to the gld+/+ apoE+/+ group [(0.039±0.005)％,P＜0.01],the gld group [(0.025±0.001)％,P＜0.05],and the apoE-/-group [(0.028±0.002)％,P＜0.01].The percentage of bone marrow derived EPCs was decreased in the gld.apoE-/-group (0.12±0.01)％ compared to the gld+/+apoE+/+ group [(0.42±0.05)％,P＜0.05].The percentage of DiI-acLDL and FITC-UEA-1 double positive cells was decreased in the gld.apoE-/-group [(59.2±2.1)％] compared to the gld+/+apoE+/+ group [(87.5±3.0)％,P＜0.01],and the gld group [(84.2±6.0)％,P＜0.01] ; the adherent function of EPCs was impaired in the gld.apoE-/-group [(50.0±5.3)％] compared to the gld+/+ apoE+/+ group [(86.0±7.3)％,P＜0.01],the gld group [(73.0±1.0)％,P＜0.01],and the apoE-/-group [(65.0±4.0)％,P＜0.05] respectively.The capacity of EPCs to form the cavity structure was decreased in the gld.apoE-/-group (4.0±0.3) compared to the gld+/+apoE+/+ group (12.0±1.4,P＜0.01).Conclusion The number of EPCs is decreased in the gld apoE-/-C57BL/6 mice,the adhesion,phagocytosis and angiogenic function of EPCs in the bone marrow are impaired,which may be one of the causes of lupus with atherosclerosis.

Adult ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; pathology ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; blood ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Objective To observe the effects of Eldepryl on expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in substantia nigra and striatum in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to explore the protective mechanism of Eldepryl on dopaminergic neuron . Methods Healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (n=72) were randomly divided into control group, model group and Eldepryl group (n=24 in each group). Each group was divided random?ly into 2 subgroups as 4 day treatment group and 8 day treatment group (n=12 in each subgrop). Pakinson’s disease model was established by injecting rotenone subcutaneously back the neck, rats in the control group were injected with an equal vol?ume of sunflower oil subcutaneously at the same location. Rats in the Eldepryl group were then given Eldepryl 0.5 mg·kg-1 in?tragastrically every day for 4 or 8 consecutive days and rats in model group and control group were given an equal volume of saline instead. The expression of TH and GDNF in substantia nigra and striatum were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed that strong expression of TH positive cells with little expression of GDNF positive cells were seen in substantia nigra and striatum in rats of control group, and there was no significant difference between subgroup of 8 day treatment and 4 day treatment within control group. The expression of TH cells and GDNF were both significantly reduced in model group compared with those in control group (both P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between subgroup of 8 day treatment and 4 day treatment within each group. The ex?pression of TH positive cells were significantly reduced in Eldepryl group compared with those in control group, and were sig?nificantly increased compared with those in model group. The expression of GDNF positive cells were significantly increased in Eldepryl group compared with those in control group and model group (all P<0.05). And there were significantly more ex?pression of TH positive cells and GDNF positive cells at subgroup of 8 day treatment compared with those at subgroup of 4 day treatment within Eldepryl group with (all P<0.05). Conclusion These data suggest that Eldepryl can protect the dam?age of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and striatum of PD rats. And its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with increased expression of GDNF.

ObjectiveTo study the effects of tanshinoneⅡA on proliferation of cervical squamous cancer Siha cells; To discuss its possible molecular mechanism.Methods Cervical squamous cancer Siha cells were treated with different doses of tanshinoneⅡA. The effects of tanshinoneⅡA on proliferation of Siha cells were measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The effects of tanshinoneⅡA on expression levels of phospho-extracellular regulate kinase (p-ERK) and Cyclin D in Siha cells were measured by Western blot.Results 1×10-5, 5×10-6, 1×10-6, 5×10-7 mol/L tanshinoneⅡA significantly inhibited Siha cell proliferation and such effect could be enhanced by ERα antagonist MPP and attenuated by ERβ antagonist PHTPP. 1×10-5, 5×10-6, 1×10-6 tanshinoneⅡA could significantly decrease the proliferation index of Siha cells. 1×10-5, 5×10-6, 1×10-6, 5×10-7 mol/L tanshinoneⅡA could significantly reduce the protein expression levels of p-ERK and Cyclin D of Siha cells.ConclusionTanshinoneⅡA can inhibit cervical squamous cancer Siha cell proliferation and such effect is realized via estrogen receptor pathway. TanshinoneⅡA plays anti-proliferation roles by reducing the expression levels of p-ERK and Cyclin D.