Xanthan gum is a microbial, natural high molecular weight polysaccharide produced by a the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. Due to its exceptional rheological properties, its numerous areas of application cover a broad range. This review focuses on various aspects of xanthan production, properties, degradation, and application.

Background Researches determined that the alteration of A69S locus of age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 ( ARMS2 ) gene is closely associated with the pathogenesis and progression of age-related maculopathy ( AM D ).However,the location of ARMS2 protein in normal eye tissue is still in controversy,therefore,its function is below understanding up to now.Objective The goal of this laboratory work was to investigate the distribution,expression and location of ARMS2 protein in normal adult retina and choroid as well as in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and lay a basis for exploring further its function in the protein level.Methods Ten donor eyeballs of normal adult male with the age from 28-42 years were collected in eye bank of Qingdao Eye Hospital.The frozen sections of the retina and choroid were prepared for the detection and location of ARMS2 in 3 eyes by immunofluorescence under the confocal laser microscope.The retina was isolated for the primary culture of RPE cells using explant culture method.The cells were then identified by CK32 antibody by immunofluorescence.The distribution and expression of the ARMS2 protein in retina,ehoroid and RPE cells were determined by immunofluorescence technique.Results ARMS2 protein was strongly expressed in retinal vessel,RPE cell layer,Bruch membrane and choroidal vessel,but weak expression was in retinal ganglion cell layer,inner nuclear layer,outer plexiform layer,outer nuclear layer and inner plexiform layer in the normal eyes.The primarily cultured cells appeared the polygon shape with the abundant pigment in cytoplasm.The immunofluorescence of the cells showed the positive response for CK32,exhibiting the green fluorescence granules in the cytoplasm.The positive expression of ARMS2 protein also was seen in the cytoplasm of RPE cells,appearing the red fluorescence.Conclusions ARMS2 protein mainly distribute and locate retinal and choroidal vessels,RPE cells and Bruch membrane in normal eye.

AIM:To compare the higher-order aberrations between implantations of AcrySof and AcrySof ReStor multifocal aspherical intraocular lens(IOL) with various pupil diameters.METHODS:Fifty-four patients(62 eyes)with bilateral senile cataracts were retrospectively selected.Patients were operated with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation.They were divided into two groups based on the IOL implantation of AcrySof IQ and AcrySof ReStor.Wave front aberration:spherical aberration(C12)and the root mean square of the total higher-order aberration(RMSh)were observed 3 months after surgery.RESULTS:The larger the pupil was, the higher the C12 and RMSh were in the eyes (P<0.01).There were no statistical differences in C12 or RMSh between two groups at 5, 6 or 7mm pupil diameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSION:There are no differences between AcrySof IQ group and AcrySof ReStor group at 5, 6 or 7mm pupil diameters.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy of autologous semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafting with anchor repair for the treatment of chronic achilles tendon rupture and severe scarring.

METHODSFrom April 2010 to October 2012,26 patients with chronic achilles tendon rupture(with Myerson type III ) and severe scarring were treated with autologous semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafting with anchor repair. There were 19 males and 7 females,with an average age of 32 years old (ranged, 22 to 47 years). The time from injury to surgery was from 3 to 12 months (7 months on average). The plantar flexion strength of all injuried feet attenuated and single heel rise test were positive in 26 cases before operation. Plaster immobilization and routine rehabilitation therapy were performed after operation. Clinical effects were evaluated by Arner-lindholm criterion and complications were observed after operation.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up from 12 to 24 months with a mean of 16 months. No complications such as achilles tendon re-rupture, wound infection, etc were found during follow-up period. According to the Arner-Lindholm standard, 15 cases got excellent results and 11 good.

CONCLUSIONUsing autologous semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafts with anchor repair to treat chronic achilles tendon rupture and severe scarring is a perfect surgical procedure.

Achilles Tendon ; injuries ; surgery ; Adult ; Chronic Disease ; Cicatrix ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rupture ; Young Adult

Objective To compare the complete ablation rate of radiofrequency (RF) ablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of uterine ifbroids with different blood supply. Methods One hundred and ten patients with 146 uterine ifbroids in Xijing Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University from January 2009 to December were randomly divided into two groups and treated with HIFU or RF respectively. Each group had 55 patients. All patients were examined by color Doppler lfow imaging before the treatment. The blood supply of ifbroids were semi-quantitatively classiifed into three grades including G1, G2 and G3. The HIFU group had 15 patients with 20 ifbroids in which blood supply was G1, had 32 patients with 38 ifbroids in which blood supply was G2, and had 8 patients with 10 ifbroids in which blood supply was G3. The RF group had 14 patients with 18 ifbroids in which blood supply was G1, had 31 patients with 42 ifbroids in which blood supply was G2, and had 10 patients with 18 ifbroids in which blood supply was G3. The complete ablation rates of the two treatments were evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound one week before and after treatments. Fibroids which had no contrast agent perfusion and smooth boundary were completely ablated. Statistical analyses were used to compare the complete ablation rates and postoperative complications rates of these two methods. Results When ifbroid′s blood supply was G1, the complete ablation rate was 80.0%(16/20) and 88.9%(16/18) in HIFU and RF group, respectively. The difference was not statistically signiifcant (χ2=0.563, P>0.05). When ifbroid′s blood supply was G2 and G3, the complete ablation rate in HIFU and RF group was 90.5%(38/42) vs 55.3%(21/38) and 72.2% (13/18) vs 20.0% (2/10), respectively. There was statistically difference between these two groups (χ2 =12.778, P < 0.05;χ2=7.049, P < 0.05, respectively). Postoperative complications included fever, abdominal pain, pelvic effusion and vaginal discharge and unilateral lower limb numbness. The incidence of complications was lower in HIFU group than that in RF group, which was 9.1%(5/55) and 27.3%(15/55) respectively, This difference was statistically signiifcant (χ2=6.111, P<0.05). Conclusions HIFU and RF are both effective in treating uterine ifbroids with few blood supply. However, RF can be more effective than HIFU in treating hypervascular ifbroids. Therefore, RF might be able to apply to majority of the ifbroids. As a non-invasive therapy, HIFU is more suitable for hypovascular ifbroids and could be the ifrst therapy in clinic.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Pinggan Qianyang Recipe (PQR) on inhibiting angiotensin II (Ang II) induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and changes of DNA methylation.

METHODSVSMCs were cultured using tissue explant method, and PQR containing serum was prepared. Primarily cultured VSMCs were divided into four groups, the normal group, the model group, the folate group (folic acid intervention) , and the PQR group. The proliferation and migration of VSMCs was duplicated by Ang II. After 24-h Ang II induced culture, 40 microg/mL folic acid was added to the folate group for 48 h, while 5% PQR containing serum was added to the PQR group for 48 h. The cell growth curve of VSMCs was drawn by using Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8). The proliferative activity of VSMC was determined by MTT assay. The migration of VSMCs was measured by Millicell chamber. The general level of cytosine methylation in cell nucleus was detected via 5-mC antibodies immunofluorescence, and mRNA expression levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) were measured by Real-time q-polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR).

RESULTSVSMCs were promoted by Ang II at 10(-6) mol/L for 24 h. Compared with the normal group, the proliferative activity and migration quantity of VSMCs obviously increased, and DNA methylation level obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the cell growth, proliferative activity and migration quantity of VSMCs obviously decreased and the general DNA methylation level increased in the folate group and the PQR group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the normal group, the mRNA expression of DNMT1 decreased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, mRNA expression of DNMT1 in Ang II induced VSMCs was obviously enhanced in the folate group and the PQR group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSPQR could inhibit Ang II induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs, and cause high genomic DNA methylation level. Changes of DNA methylation might be associated with DNMT1 expression.

Angiotensin II ; pharmacology ; Cell Movement ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; cytology ; drug effects

Through study on the correlation between Atractylodis macrocephala lactones ingredient content and topographic factors, we researched regionalization from topography of five main producing provinces of the country, in order to provide a scientific basis for A. macrocephala reasonable cultivation. By sampling from 40 origins of five main producing provinces of the country, the variation of A. macrocephala lactones ingredient content in different conditions of topographic factors and the effect of altitude, slope and aspect was analyzed by SPSS. Then according to the relationship between A. macrocephala lactones ingredient content and topographic factors, the ecological suitability regionalization was conducted by using ArcGIS based on topographic factors. It is suitable for growth of A. macrocephala in the hilly and mountainous areas of southern whose A. macrocephala lactones ingredient content is in high levels. It is unsuitable for growth of A. macrocephala in Northern plain areas, but we can cultivate A. macrocephala in the hilly and mountainous areas of Northern. The most suitable topographic condition for cultivation of A. macrocephala : altitude 200 meters above, slope 3.00-4.99 degrees.
Altitude ; Atractylodes ; chemistry ; growth & development ; China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Ecosystem

Objective To study the three-dimensional topography of the hepatic vein(HV),the inferior vena cava(IVC)and the inferior right hepatic vein(IRHV)in the retrohepatic and pre-IVC tunnel in human beings,and to provide an anatomic reference for liver surgery.Methods One hundred and ten volunteers underwent CT scanning at 60 to 75 s after injection of contrast medium,and their HV,IVC and IRHV were reconstructed into MPR and 3D-MIP images.The hepatic veins were grouped according to the way by which the hepatic vein enters IVC.The angle between the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein or the trunk of hepatic vein was measured,and the width from right hepatic vein to middle hepatic vein or to the trunk of hepatic vein on IVC was recorded.The frequency of IRHV was observed,and the length of the tunnel was measured.Results Among the 110 volunteers,there were 6 cases(5.45%)with three hepatic veins respectively entering IVC,98 cases(89.10%)with right hepatic vein and a common trunk of the middle hepatic vein and the left hepatic vein entering IVC,and 6 cases(5.45%)with left hepatic vein and a common trunk of the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein entering IVC.The mean value of the angles between the right hepatic vein and the middle hepatic vein or the trunk of hepatic vein was(55? 18)?.The width from the fight hepatic vein to the middle hepatic vein or to the trunk of hepatic vein was (21?7)mm.The IRHV was observed in 30 cases(27.27%).The mean value of the tunnel length was (53?11)mm.Conclusion The parameters of the retrohepatic and pre-IVC tunnel in human beings can be measured accurately by the imaging of MPR,which can provide an anatomic reference for the liver surgery.

OBJECTIVETo study the genetic association of apolipoprotein (apo) E and apoCI gene polymorphisms with coronary heart disease (CHD) in China.

METHODSapoE genotypes were identified by multiplex amplification refractory mutation system (multi-ARMS) and the apoCI promoter polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 186 cases with CHD (age: 65.0 +/- 10.5 years) and 350 controls (age: 63.6 +/- 8.3 years). The haplotype frequencies were estimated.

RESULTSThe frequencies of apoE E4/3 genotype (26.9%) and epsilon4 (14.5%) in CHD group were significantly higher than that in the control group (12.6%, 7.0%), P <0.05. The significant difference was also found for the apoCI locus and the CHD group showed higher rate of both for the H2 allele and genotypes, carrying this allele. Estimation of the haplotype frequencies indicated that the association between the apoE-CI haplotype and CHD was significantly strong. The apoE-epsilon4/apoCI-H2 was estimated to be responsible for 9.86% of CHD.

CONCLUSIONWhen the subjects carrying both epsilon4 and H2 alleles, they would have higher risk of suffering from CHD than controls.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Alleles ; Apolipoproteins C ; genetics ; Apolipoproteins E ; genetics ; China ; epidemiology ; Coronary Disease ; blood ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Risk Factors

Objective To observe the effect of immediate topical application of chitosan on preventing anterior giottic stenosis (AGS) after microsurgical resection of both vocal fold with CO<,2> laser , including the anterior commissure, in a canine model. Methods Sixteen canine larynges were injured by microresecting procedure of both vocal folds with CO<,2> laser. The dogs were randomly divided into two groups, chitosan group and control group. The chitosan and isotonic sodium chloride solution(control) were used for 5 minutes immediately after surgery. One week after the initial surgery, three dogs in each group were randomly selected , ultrastructure of fibroblast were examined with transmission electronic microscope and expression of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) and traansforming growth factor betal (TGF-β1) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Three weeks after surgery, the rest dogs' glottic web were lysed and repeatedly treated with chitosan and isotonic sodium chloride solution respectively. The glottic wound healing and AGS formation were examined every week, and all larynges were harvested and examined histologically six weeks after the initial surgery. Results Transmission electronic microscope examination of the ultrasmcture of fibroblast indicated that chitosan inhibited the proliferation of fibroblast. Chitosan increased the expression of bFGF and TGF-β1, and bFGF and TGF-β1 in chitosan group, which was significantly higher than that in control group (z = -2.887 and -2.005, P =0.002 and 0.041). Chitosan decreased the extent of AGS formation. Three weeks after the surgery, the AGS lesion in the control group affected mean 49% of the length of the vocal folds from the anterior commissure to the vocal process, while chitosan group affected mean 7%, which was significantly less than the extent of web formation in the control group, (z = - 2. 619, P = 0. 008). The grade of collagen content in chitosan group was significantly lower than that in control group (P = 0. 003). Conclusion Chitosan is effective in preventing AGS after CO<,2> laser cordectomy.