AIM: To observe the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration( AMD) .
METHODS:Retrospective analysis. A total of 20 patients involving 22 eyes were diagnosed of wet AMD and confirmed by routine ophthalmic examination, fundus fluorescein angiography ( FFA ) and optical coherence tomography. All these affected eyes received intravitreal injection of 10 mg/ml of 0. 5mg Conbercept, once monthly, for 3 successive times during the initial treatment. The need for repeated treatment was determined according to patients'disease conditions. The patients were followed up once monthly for ≥6mo. The changes in best corrected visual acuity ( BCVA ) , central retinal thickness ( CRT ) and choroidal neovascularization ( CNV) lesion leakage of the affected eyes before and after treatment were compared and analyzed.
RESULTS:Within 1, 3 and 6mo after treatment, the mean BCVA ( logMAR ) of the affected eyes increased when compared with before treatment;the difference was statistically significant(P<0. 01). In 1, 3 and 6mo after treatment, the mean CRT of the affected eyes decreased when compared with before treatment;the difference was statistically significant(P<0. 01). During the last follow-up, FFA showed that macular CNV lesion leakage disappeared in 20 eyes(90%) while leakage mitigated in 2 eyes ( 9%) . During the follow - up, there were no treatment - related serious ocular complications and systemic serious adverse reactions.
CONCLUSION: Clinically, intravitreal injection of Conbercept for the treatment of wet AMD can increase visual acuity of the affected eyes. It also can decrease CRT of the affected eyes, and inhibit neovascular leakage. There are no treatment-related adverse reactions.

Objective To study the effects of fluorine and aluminum on index of hematologic tests of rats. Methods According to body mass,56 Wistar rats of 130-200 g were randomly divided into control,low-fluorine (F),middle-F,high-F,low-F + aluminum(Al),middle-F + Al,high-F + Al group,8 rats in each group were given a series of doses of fluoride and aluminum,which were (0 + 0),(100 + 0),(200 + 0),(300 + 0),(100 + 10),(200 + 10),(300 + 10)mg/L After 90-day intragastrie administration,blood samples were collected on eyes of rats to undergo blood routine test,including red blood cell (RBC),lymphocyte (LYM),platelet (PLT),hemoglobin (HGB),white blood cell (WBC),hematocrit (HCT),mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH),mean corpuscular-hemoglobin concentration(MCHC),mean corpuscular volume(MCV),and at the same time some blood biochemistry indicators related to functio ns of liver and kidney were determined such as aspartic acid aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),Crea(Cr) and Urea. Organ coefficient of liver and kidney were calculated. Results The difference of RBC,HCT,MCV among all groups of rats was statistically significant(F = 3.202,3.316,2.915,P < 0.05). The RBC,HCT of the low-F group[(7.59± 2.40)×10~(12)/L,0.51±0.11],the middle-F group[(8.60±1.16)×10~(12)/L,0.55±0.05],the high-F group[(9.23± 0.60)×10~(12)/L,0.54±0.03],the low-F + Al group[(9.25±0.79)×10~(12)/L,0.53±0.04],the middle-F + Al group[(7.98±2.14)×10~(12)/L,0.49±0.08]and the high-F + Al group[(7.61±3.17)×10~(12)/L,0.49±0.16]were significantly higher than that in the control group[(4.46±3.10)×10~(12)/L,0.31±0.16,P< 0.05 or < 0.01)]. The MCV of the middle-F group[(64.06±6.51)fl],high-F group[(58.67±1.13)fl],low-F + Al group[(57.78± 1.57)fl]and the middle-F + Al group[(63.04±10.64)fl]were significantly higher than the control group[(78.54± 15.57)fl,P < 0.05 or < 0.01]. The difference of AST and Urea among all the groups of mrs serum was statistically significant(F= 2.847,5.549,P < 0.05 or < 0.01). The serum AST of low-F group[(399.00±54.99)U/L],the middle-Fgroup[(465.60±76.99)U/L],the high-F group[(465.80±75.41)U/L],the low-F + Al group[(346.00±69.26) U/L],the middle-F + Al group[(437.40±68.31)U/L]and the high-F + Al group[(403.00±30.61)U/L]were all significantly higher than that in the control group[(336.67±94.34)U/L,P < 0.05],and the high-F group significantly higher than the high-F + Al group(P < 0.05). The serum Urea of the middle-F group[(7.70±0.52)mmol/L],the high-F group[(8.44±1.30)mmol/L],the low-F + Al group[(7.83±0.62)mmol/L],the middle-F + Al group [(7.73±0.47)mmol/L],and the high fluoride + aluminum group[(7.70±0.21)mmol/L]were all significantly higher than that in the control group[(6.55±0.50)mmol/L,P< 0.05 or < 0.01],and the low-F group was significantly lower than the low-F + Al group(P < 0.01),however the high-F group was significantly higher than that in the high-F + Al group(P< 0.05). The liver organ coefficient of the low-F group(2.94±0.36) was higher than the low-F + Al group (2.60±0.15,P < 0.05). Conclusions Fluorine and combination of aluminum and fluorine have toxicity on rats to a certain extent,including the proliferation of crythrocytes of rat,while the cell size gets smaller and the cell quality is deteriorated,meanwhile functions of liver and kidney are impaired. Aluminum shows different joint action in different concentrations of fluorine.

Aged ; Coal Mining ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumoconiosis ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; Pulmonary Heart Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; etiology ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

Objective To etiologically diagnose and analyze a patient with suspected cases of brucellosis,and to provide a experimental basis for the confirmation of the first case of human brucellosis in Guizhou province.Methods Conventional and molecular techniques [genus specific Brucella surface protein 31 PCR (BCSP31-PCR)and Brucella suis species-specific PCR (AMOS-PCR)] were used to identify suspicious bacteria strains isolated from the suspected patient of brucellosis.Results The results showed that the Brucella suspicious colonies were identified as Brucella melitensis biotype 3 using conventional tests and were further identified as Brucella spp.by genus specific Brucella surface protein 31 PCR (BCSP31-PCR) and classified as Brucella melitensis with Brucella abortus,Brucella melitensis,Brucella ovis,Brucella suis species-specific PCR(AMOS-PCR).Conclusions Laboratory diagnostic results show that the bacteria strain isolated from the suspected patient of brucellosis is Brucella melitensis biotype 3.It is the first case of human brucellosis in Guizhou province.

Objective To investigate the main components of inner ear antigens inducing autoimmune Meniere's disease(AIMD) in guinea pigs. Methods The guinea pigs were immunized with isologous crude inner ear antigens (ICIEAg). Then, the hearing function was measured with auditory brainstem response (ABR), the vestibular function was measured with electronystagmography (including spontaneous nystagmus and caloric test), and inner ear histopatholoical changes were observed by inner eareelloidin section with haematoxylin-eosin staining and observed under light microscope. According to these results, the AIMD-model animals from non-AIMD-model ones were distinguished. The special antibodies against ICIEAg in sera were measured with ELISA. The antigen-antibody reactions against different components of ICIEAg were detected by Western blotting with sera of AIMD and non-AIMD guinea pig srespectively. Then, we analysed the contrast between them and found the main components of the ICIEAgthat were positive reaction in AIMD guinea pigs and negative reaction in non-AIMD guinea pigs. Results The result of ELISA demonstrated that the sera of both the AIMD and non-AIMD guniea pigs contained thespecial antibodies against ICIEAg after immunized with ICIEAg. The difference of the amount of antibodyagainst ICIEAg between AIMD guinea pig group and non-AIMD guinea pig group was not significant. Western blotting assay showed only the sera of AIMD guinea pig contained the antibodies against the specific antigens with the molecular of 68 000, 58 000, 42 000 and 28 000. Conclusions ICIEAg contain many different components, the AIMD might only happen in the guinea pigs in which the special immunization against themain components that could induce this kind of disorder appeared. The inner ear antigens with molecular of68 000, 58 000, 42 000 and 28 000 might be the main components inducing AIMD in guinea pigs.

OBJECTIVEWhile the technology of the molecular sieve oxygen generation system(MSOGS) onboard was used, pilots could not breathe pure oxygen to eliminate nitrogen during a high altitude flight. There is no report whether it is a threat to altitude decompression sickness(ADS) or not in that condition. This experiment was intended to observe the effects of breathing different oxygen-rich gases of MSOGS on denitrogenation, so that we could make the medical physiological requirements for MSOGS on-board and provide experimental basis for aeromedical supply.

METHODEight healthy males were breathed oxygen-rich gases (60%,70%,80%,90%and 99.6%) in turn for 60 min, and the concentration of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and argon at the end of expiration interval in the oxygen mask were continuously measured by a flight mass spectrometer through the oxygen mask. According to the variety of the denitrogenation rate by breathing different oxygen-rich gases, its change law was analyzed.

RESULTSThere were significant differences (P < 0.05) about denitrogenation rate in different oxygen-rich gases due to different oxygen concentration and breathing time. The denitrogenation rate of pure oxygen was higher than that of the others. It was indicated that the concentration of nitrogen in lung would decrease along with the increase in oxygen concentration of oxygen-rich gases, and the nitrogen concentration in the lung almost decreased by 50% or even more if people were breathed 60%-90% oxygen-rich gas longer than 60 s.

CONCLUSIONThe man-made respiration environment of low nitrogen can be provided by breathing oxygen-rich gases, although the denitrogenation velocity of breathing oxygen-rich gases is lower than that of breathing pure oxygen. So it can be used as a measure to eliminate and lower the nitrogen in the body to prevent from ADS.

Altitude ; Altitude Sickness ; prevention & control ; Carbon Dioxide ; Decompression Sickness ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Male ; Nitrogen ; Oxygen ; therapeutic use ; Respiration

BACKGROUNDThe proliferative activity and penetration into the hypothalamic structures in children craniopharyngiomas (CP) often make radical resection difficult. Therefore, complete resection of CP often results in permanent multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD). This study aimed to elucidate the postoperative pituitary hormonal disturbances, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) time and dosage in children with CP.

METHODSTwenty patients with growth retardation and CP after resection, comprising 14 boys and 6 girls, with a mean age of (10.63 +/- 3.18) years (Group A) and 10 male patients of group A aged > 10 years (Group B) were entolled. Thirty age-, sex- and Tanner stage-matched normal children (control Group A), and 44 male older children > 10 years (control Group B) served as controls. The serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), growth hormone (GH), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticortropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (COR), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured in the CP patients after resection and in controls. The appropriate time and dosage of HRT were investigated. Linear correlation analysis was made between levothyroxine (L-T4) dosage and primary FT4 in CP patients after resection.

RESULTSAll cases had MPHD. The serum peak GH, IGF-1, FT4 and COR levels of Group A were significantly lower than that of the control Group A. The serum IGF-1 concentration increased to the normal level after 3 months of rhGH therapy; the serum FSH, LH, and T levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001); however, E2 and PRL were significantly increased (P < 0.001) in Group B compared with the control Group B; 18 cases were found to have central diabetes insipidus (DI) by water deprivation test and MRI. There was a significant negative linear regression (r = -0.8, P < 0.001) between L-T4 and primary FT4 in Group A patients with CP after resection, giving a regression equation of L-T4 dosage (microg.kg(-1).d(-1)) = 3.5-0.2 x FT4 (microg.kg(-1).d(-1)). The time and corresponding dosage of HRT for CP after resection were: rhGH started 1 year after resection and no recurrence of CP on MRI, when IGF-1 reached the normal range, the rhGH dosage was (0.13 +/- 0.04) U.kg(-1).d(-1); hydrocortisone (H-C) was started as soon as possible, and was kept in the lower normal range, at a dosage of (12.6 +/- 4.8) mg/m2; levothyroxine started after H-C or at the same time to maintain FT4 in the higher normal range, at a dosage of (1.65 +/- 0.70) microg.kg(-1).d(-1); Minirin (DDAVP) was started as soon as possible, elicited no symptoms, and maintained normal electrolyte levels; the dosage was (0.16 +/- 0.04) mg/m2.

CONCLUSIONPatients with CP after resection often displayed MPHD, and needed total HRT at appropriate time and dosage to improve the quality of life and normal growth.

Adolescent ; Child ; Craniopharyngioma ; blood ; surgery ; Female ; Hormone Replacement Therapy ; Human Growth Hormone ; blood ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System ; physiopathology ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; analysis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Pituitary Hormones ; blood ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; blood ; surgery ; Thyrotropin ; blood ; Thyroxine ; blood

Animals ; Cell Cycle ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; Hypoxia ; enzymology ; genetics ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; enzymology ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Telomerase ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether Ca2+ contribute to cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) through PI3-kinase pathway.

METHODSThe protein content was assayed with Lowry's method. The cardiomyocytes volumes were measured by computer photograph analysis system. The protein synthesis was assayed with [3H]-leucine incorporation method. [Ca2+]i transient was measured by Till image system by cell-loading Fura-2/AM.

RESULTS(1) TNF-alpha significantly induced the increase of protein content, [3H]-leucine incorporation and cell size. These responses were significantly suppressed by LY294002, a selective PI3-kinase inhibitor. Verapamil, L-type calcium channels antagonist, slightly attenuated TNF-alpha-induced these responses. (2) TNF-alpha increased the amplitude of the spontaneous Ca2+ transients in cultured ventricular myocytes from the neonatal rat; PI3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 could suppress the elevation induced by TNF-alpha, but calcium antagonist verapamil took the minor effects of TNF-alpha on [Ca2+]i metabolism.

CONCLUSIONIncreasing the intercellular free Ca2+ level may play an essential role in TNF-alpha-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through PI3-kinase pathway in rats, while L-type calcium channel takes the minor effects on it.

Animals ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Calcium Channels, L-Type ; metabolism ; Chromones ; pharmacology ; Female ; Hypertrophy ; Male ; Morpholines ; pharmacology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical effect and safety of the Chinese medicine Longbishu Capsule combined with mesylate doxazosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of the kidney deficiency and blood stagnation type.

METHODSThis was a randomized, double-blind, double-simulation control study. We equally assigned 60 men diagnosed with BPH of the kidney deficiency and blood stagnation type to an experimental and a control group, the former treated with mesylate doxazosin plus Longbishu Capsule and the latter with mesylate doxazosin plus placebo. We compared the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), Chinese symptom score (CSS), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), and prostate volume between the two groups of patients before and after 6 months of medication.

RESULTSAfter treatment, there were 5 cured cases, 13 markedly effective cases, 9 effective cases, 1 ineffective case, and 2 eliminated cases in the experimental group, as compared with 2 cured cases, 8 markedly effective cases, 10 effective cases, 7 ineffective cases, and 3 eliminated cases in the control group. The total effectiveness rate was obviously higher in the former (96.4%) than in the latter (74.1%). IPSS, Qmax, and CSS were improved in both of the groups after medication, even more significantly in the experimental than in the control group (IPSS: 15.22 ± 2.98 vs 18.15 ± 5.88, P <0.05; Qmax: [13.56 ± 2.26] ml/s vs [11.78 ± 2.97] ml/s, P <0.05; CSS: 6.18 ± 2.13 vs 9.52 ± 3.15, P <0.05). Because of the difference in the QOL score between the two groups at the baseline (P = 0.038 <0.05), no more comparison was made in this aspect after treatment.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of Longbishu Capsule with mesylate doxazosin is safe and effective for the treatment of BPH.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Capsules ; Double-Blind Method ; Doxazosin ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Quality of Life ; Treatment Outcome ; Urination