AIM: To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of thickness profile measurement of intra-retinal layers determined by an automated algorithm applied to OCT images from Cirrus optical coherence tomography (OCT) instrument.METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study,retinal thickness images at 6mm×6mm around fovea were obtained from 86 eyes of 43 normal subjects with Cirrus HD-OCT instrument.The retinal images from patients were analysis by Cirrus automated algorithm GCA software,including ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer(GCIPL).During this study,operator A would make 2 times measurements to all patients,after that operator B would make another 2 times measurements by Repeat scan model.All the data,including GCL average thickness,min thickness,12 clock average thickness,2 clock average thickness,4 clock average thickness,6 clock average thickness,8 clock average thickness and 10 clock average thickness were measured by SPSS 15.0 software.Standard deviation (SD),coefficient of variation (CV) and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated from the results of three-times tests by different examiner to evaluate the repeatability and from the results of two different examiners to assess the reproducibility.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to any medical procedure.RESULTS: The average GCIPL thickness of OD was 85.12±3.95μm;the minimum average GCIPL thickness was 83.21±4.41μm;the standard deviation of OD in clock map was from 3.79μm to 4.84μm;CV(95%CI) was between 0.26 and 0.93;ICC was from 0.939 to 0.989.The average GCL+IPL thickness of OS was 84.65±8.73μm;the minimum average GCPL thickness was 81±13.08μm;the standard deviation of OS in clock map was from 8.24μm to 10.56μm;CV(95%CI) was between 0.92 and 4.94;ICC was from 0.264 to 0.968.CONCLUSION: Cirrus HD-OCT GCA software with automated algorithm can offer accurate and repeatable thickness profile of OCT retinal image.GCA is a useful and reliable approach to the measurement of intra-retinal layer thickness,which may improve the diagnosis and monitoring of retinal diseases.

The dynamic expression of cytokines and phenotypes during the differentiation process of dendritic cell precursors (pre-DCs) to mature dendritic cells (DCs) was investigated,and the effects of inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on DCs differentiation were understood.The differentiation of bone marrow cells isolated from Balb/c mice was induced to DCs in an 8-day cell culture system with RPMI-1640 complete culture medium containing 10％ FBS,20 ng/mL recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rmGM-CSF) and 10 ng/mL recombinant mouse interleukin-4 (rmIL-4).On the day 3,6 and 7 after culture,DCs were divided into non-LPS group and LPS group,given 500 ng/mL LPS for 24 h stimulation and no stimulation respectively.The expression levels of CD 1 l c+,MHC-Ⅱ +,CD40+,CD80+ and CD86+ were detected by flow cytometry,and those of IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IL-12 p70 and IFN-γ in the supernatant by ELISA.On the day 3 and 6 after culture,the expression of IL-2,IL-4,IL-10 and IFN-γ in DCs showed no significant differences between non-LPS group and LPS group,whereas the differences were significant at day 7.The expression levels of cytokines (for IL-2,IL-4,IL-10,IFN-γ and IL-12 p70:152.86±6.91,778.33±8.35,44.55±2.54,5.8.26±1.09 and 2423.00±57.21 pg/mL respectively) in LPS group were higher than those in non-LPS group,especially IL-12 p70 increased obviously at day 7.It was concluded that during the differentiation process of pre-DCs to mature DCs,LPS stimulates DCs producing large amounts of IL-12 p70 and Thl-type cytokines as compared with Th2-type cytokines,and day 7 may be a key time-point for DCs polarization.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate therapeutic effects of Rigidfix cross pins combined with Intrafix pins for the reconstruction of anterior or posterior cruciate ligament under arthroscopy.

METHODSFrom January 2009 to June 2010,34 patients with anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injuries were divided into two groups : group A and group B. There were 24 patients in group A, including 19 males and 5 females,with an average age of (31.83±9.57) years old. The patients in group A were treated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under arthroscopy; Rigidfix cross pins and Intrafix pins were used to fix femoral and tibial side respectively. Among the 10 patients in group B, 8 patients were male and 2 patients were female, with an average age of (27.20+7.59) years old. The patients in group B were treated with posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under arthroscope; Intrafix pins and Rigidifix cross pins were used to fix femoral and tibial side sepectively. The drawer test and Lachaman test were used to evaluate postoperative knee stability. All the patients were followed up at least 18 months. Lysholm and Tegner knee scores were used to evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects.

RESULTSAll the 34 patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 18 to 26 months,with an average of (20.79±2.39) months. All the patients obtained good pain relief and knee stability. In group A,Lysholm scores significantly increased from 43.04±7.57 preoperatively to 85.41±4.68, 92.50±3.05, and 93.45±2.57 at 6,12, and 18 months postoperatively; Tegner scores significantly increased from 2.62±0.92 preoperatively to 7.45±1.14, 8.58±0.77, and 8.95±0.55 at 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively. In group B,Lysholm scores significantly increased from 46.20±8.27 preoperatively to 86.40±5.14,90.40±2.67,and 92.00±3.85 at 6,12,and 18 months postoperatively ;Tegner scores significantly increased from 2.00±0.66 preoperatively to 7.10±0.99, 8.60±0.84, and 8.80±0.42 at 6,12, and 18 months postoperatively. There were no differences in Lysholm and Tegner scores between group A and B at different times during follow-up. Lysholm scores of all patients significantly increased from 43.97±7.79 preoperatively to 85.70±4.76,91.88±3.06,and 93.02±3.01 at 6,12,and 18 months postoperatively. Tegner scores of all patients significantly increased from 2.44±0.89 preoperatively to 7.35±1.09, 8.58±0.78, and 8.91±0.51 at 6,12,and 18 months postoperatively. During the follow-up period,there were no serious immunological rejection and complications.

CONCLUSIONReconstruction of anterior or posterior cruciate ligament under arthroscopy with Rigidfix cross pins and Intrafix pins fixation is feasible therapy for anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injuries, and the fixation is rigid. The therapy restores knee stability and provides a satisfactory short-term results.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; surgery ; Arthroscopy ; methods ; Bone Nails ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; instrumentation ; methods

Aim To study the effect of Baoxinbao film on endothelin(ET) and nitric oxide(NO) secretion in patients with stable angina pectoris(SAP).Methods 76 patients with SAP were randomly divided into two groups, with 40 cases in the baoxinbao group plastered with baoxinbao film and 36 cases in the isosorbide dinitrate group receiving isosorbide dinitrate. The levels of plasma ET and NO before and after treatment were observed. Results The concentrations of plasma ET were increased and plasma NO reduced significantly in the SAP patients respectively, as compared with those in the control group(all P

OBJECTIVETo study the therapeutic mechanism of Zhizhu Pill (ZP) for treating functional dyspepsia (FD) rats.

METHODSTotally 30 ten-day-old male rats were randomly divided into the normal control group (n =10) and the model group (n = 20). The FD rat model was induced using gastric administration of 0.1% iodoacetamide (IA) combined tail clamping. The model was evaluated when rats were 8-week old. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group (n = 10) and the ZP group (n = 10). Rats in the normal group and the model group were administered with normal saline by gastrogavage, while those in the ZP group were administered with ZP Decoction (2 mL/100 g) by gastrogavage. All medication lasted for 7 successive days. The contractile activity in in vitro longitudinal gastric muscle was recorded using Power Lab biological signal collecting system. The expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in stomach of FD rats was detected using Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTSCompared with the normal group, average frequencies of gastric contraction and changing rates of amplitude obviously decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). Results of Western blot and IHC showed that the expression of GHSR decreased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, average frequencies of gastric contraction and changing rates of amplitude obviously increased in the ZP group (P < 0.05). Results of Western blot and IHC showed that the expression of GHSR increased in the ZP group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONZP could promote the gastric motility in FD rats induced by gastric administration of IA combined tail clamping, and its mechanism might be related to up-regulating GHSR protein level.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Dyspepsia ; drug therapy ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; Male ; Muscle Contraction ; drug effects ; Muscle, Smooth ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Receptors, Ghrelin ; metabolism

Objective To develop the hypothesis ‘saturated or non-saturated cytotoxicity model' and explain the various phenomena of antibody mediated immunoresponses in recipients,including rejection and accommodation.Methods The imitating complement dependent cytotoxicity.The threshold set to identify as saturated or non-saturated cytotoxicity depends on antigen-antibody complex(R)whether or not above lethal number(D)in effective time.Feasibility of the hypothesis was examined through explaining various phenomena mediated by anti-donor antibodies,especially some contradictory phenomena.Results Hyperacute rejection,accelerated rejection and acute rejection could be well explained by saturated cytotoxicity.Accommodation of ABO imcompatible transplantion,de novo antibody induced injury,change of protein profile,and C4d deposition in graft could be well elucidated by the hypothesis.Conclusion The hypothesis saturated or nonsaturated cytotoxicity model' help to interpret and interconnect various phenomena of antibodies mediated immune response,such as rejection and accommodation.

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophil (Eos) percentage,levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) in induced sputum in elderly patients with late onset asthma (LOA) during the remission period. Methods Fifty-eight elderly patients with LOA during the remission period were selected.Bronchial challenge test was performed and the percentage of Eos and levels of ECP and IL-5 in induced sputum were measured by Wrights' stain,immuno-CAP system and ELISA,respectively.Twenty-five elderly patients with LOA during their exacerbation period and 15 healthy elderly subjects were selected as control.Results In fifty-eight LOA patients during their remission period,49 cases (84.5%) showed positive bronchial challenge test and 9cases(15.5%) negative.The percentage of Eos,levels of ECP and IL-5[(9.3?3.1)%],[(144.2?68.1)?g/L]and [(20.3?6.3)?g/L],in induced sputum in patients with LOA during their remission period were lower than those[(21.1?9.8)%, (399.3?172.5)?g/L and[(50.6?10.7)?g/L,respectively]in LOA group during the exacerbation period,and higher than those[(1.3?0.7)%,(48.7?21.9)?g/L and (10.3?3.2)?g/L]in healthy group(all P

Metabolic abnormalities were identified and carotid intima-media-thickness(IMT)was measured in 221 individuals at risk for metabolic syndrome(MS).The results indicated that IMT was significantly thicker in MS individuals than that in non-MS individuals(P＜0.01).And there was a tendency of progressive increase in IMT with increasing components of metabolic syndrome.

Objective To investigate the development trend of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in Jiangsu Province,and to provide the basis for further prevention and treatment of the disease.Methods In 2009,eight major counties were chosen,and in each county all diseased villages were classified into light,moderate and severe disease types according to water fluorine content based on historical data,and one village was chosen from each type.In monitoring villages with improved water,one source water and three tap water samples were collected,respectively.Five water samples were collected in water unimproved monitoring villages according to water well locations of the east,the west,the south,the north and the center.The fluorine content in water was determined according to the Standard Testing Methods for Drinking Water (GB/T 5750-2006).Children aged 8 to 12 were examined for dental fluorosis by Dean method.Residents over the age of 16 were examined for clinical osteofluorosis,and two monitoring counties were chosen,then one village was respectively chosen in each county,and clinically diagnosed patients with skeletal fluorosis were examined again by X-ray.Both clinical and X-ray diagnosis were on the basis of Diagnostic Criteria of Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis (WS 192-2008).Urine samples of 30 children aged 8 to 12 and of 20 adults over the age of 16 were randomly collected and urinary fluoride was determined by F-ion selective electrode method(WS/T 89-1996).Results Of all the 24 villages of 8 counties,20 villages were water improved,and water-improvedprojects ran normally in 18 villages,while scrapped in the rest 2 villages.One hundred and two samples were tested,and the mean of water fluoride in water-improved villages was 1.10 mg/L,while in water unimproved villages and villages with water improved projects scrapped was 1.90 mg/L.The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 42.51％(854/2009).The prevalence of clinical skeletal fluorosis was 23.23％ (2024/8713) and the X-ray detection rate was 32.00％ (24/75).Six hundred and sixty-four urine samples of children were determined,and geometric mean of urinary fluorine was 1.59 mg/L,while 370 adult urine samples were determined,and geometric mean of urinary fluorine was 2.20 mg/L.Conclusions Endemic fluorosis in Jiangsu Province has not been fully controlled and there are signs of recovery.We must pay attention to water improvement measures to reduce fluoride and the management and maintenance of water improvement projects,and further strengthen the prevention and control of endemic fluorosis.

Objective To evaluate the effect of health education on endemic fluorosis in Jiangsu province,and to provide reference data for further prevention and control of the disease.Methods In 2011,according to history prevalence of endemic fluorosis in Jiangsu province,a total of 10 countries were selected,and 3 townships were chosen in each county.Health educational activities were carried out in the classes of grade 4 - 6 in thecentral primary school.In the meantime,3 villages were chosen in each selected township where the health educational activities in the community were carried out.Before and after the health education activities,questionnaire surveys on knowledge of endemic fluorosis were conducted in each county.Thirty students in one classof the fifth grade in the central primary school were randomly selected,and 15 housewives near the central primaryschool were also randomly selected.Results After the health educational activities,the rates of knowledgeawareness in the students and the housewives were 95.90％ (2946/3072) and 92.85％ ( 1752/1887 ),respectively,and increased significantly compared with those before the intervention[71.53％(2015/2817),77.40％( 1384/1788 ) ],and the difference was statistically significant(x2 =657.337,174.894,all P ＜ 0.01 ).Before the health educational activities,the rates of knowledge awareness in the students were lower than those in the housewives,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =6.120,P ＜ 0.05 ).After the health educational activities,the rates of knowledge awareness in the students were higher than those in the housewives,and the difference was statistically significant(x2 =21.847,P ＜ 0.01 ).ConclusionsThe rates of knowledge awareness in the students and the housewives are increased significantly after the health educational activities.The consciousness and activity of the target people to take part in preventing and controlling of the endemic fluorosis have been enhanced greatly.The good behaviors in the target people are gradually formed,the desired effect is achieved.