AIM: To investigate the topography of the anterior surface of the human crystalline lens. ·METHODS: A Non-contact three-coodinate measuring system was utilized to scan the anterior surfaces of 8 human eye lenses in vitro. Acquired data were processed and computer models of the anterior lens surfaces were made using the program (Surfacer v 10.0). The to-pography of the anterior lens surfaces were established. Radii of curvature were measured at preset spots over the lens surfaces and two way analysis of variance was performed. The data were analysed to determine whether the radius of curvature varied systematically with the position on the lens surface from which the measurement was made. Lens surface asymmetric index (LSAI) was defined and calculated. The vertical and horizontal meridians of the modeled lens were calculated, and the best curve fit to any conic section was determined. ·RESULTS: The topography of the anterior lens surface indicated that the central zone (the central radius of curvature is (9.09±0.80)mm was steeper than that of the peripheral zone(17.05±2.20)mm. Two way analysis of variance of the radii of curvature at preset spots over the lens surfaces showed that the differences were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05). Curve regression of radii of curvature at preset spots and their distances to the surface center revealed that the correlation of them was the third power function. LSAI increased steadily from the lens surface center(0.013±0.005) to the periphery(0.184± 0.065). The dots on the horizontal and vertical meridians were fit to four kinds of curves, and the determinate coefficient of hyperbola fit were the largest (0.9989-0.9999). ·CONCLUSION: The anterior lens surface is imperfectly rotational symmetric. Moreover, the nearer to the center, the more rotational symmetric it is. Radii of curvature increase nonlinearly from the surface center to the periphery. Anterior lens surface is typically hyperbolic.

Background Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) following cataract extracapsular extraction is a major cause of the reduction of visual acuity.Topical administration of eye drops is a research hotspot for the prevention of PCO.Objective This study was to evaluate the release of cyclosporine A-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CyA-CS-NP) by ionic gelation in vitro and its feasibility of modification of the surface of polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens (PMMA IOL) with CyA-CS-NP.Methods The CS-NP and CyA-CS-NP were prepared by ionic gelation of CS with sodium tripolyphosphate.The characteristics of CS-NP,such as the appearance and mean size,and drug entrapment efficient (EE),loading capacity (LC),and the drug release were studied ; the CyA content on the IOL surface was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).The IOL surface modified with CyA-CS-NP was observed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique (XPS),the changes of elements and chemical bond types between simple plasma processed IOL and CyA-CS-NP modified IOL were analyzed.The transmittance at the wavelength of 360-490 nm and refraction of IOL were detected using back focal length method and spectrophotometer,and the effective resolution of IOL was evaluated according to the instruction of ISO/CD 11979-2.Loops anti fatigue test of IOL referred to the criteria of ISO/CD 11979-3.Results The CS-NP and CyA-CS-NP showed monodisperse,uniform appearance similar to spherical shape with a mean size of (158±18) nm and (219±29) nm,respectively.The CyA-CS-NP had high CyA association efficiency and loading capacity (64.2％ and 7.6％).In vitro release study revealed a fast release on the first day followed by a increased drug release during an 11-day following up.The sustained release was approximately 46.6％ at day 1 and 77.7％ at day 12,respectively.The surface of IOLs with cling film was smooth without CS-NP;while the edge of IOLs appeared a layer of CyA-CS-NP after modification.XPS analysis displayed some elements such as phosphonium,CNH2 and O =CN that appeared on the modified surface,indicating that CyA-CS-NP existed on the surface of IOLs edge.The mean quality of CyA on three IOLs surface after modification was 171.88 μg.The diopter,distinguishing ability and transmittance of modified IOL were (16.64±0.23) D,(90.28 ± 0.25) ％ and (73.57 ±0.62) ％,and those of unmodified IOL were (16.62±0.29) D,(90.28±0.21) ％,(73.61±0.60)％,without significant differences between them (t =0.381,0.078,2.291,all at P ＞ 0.05).The antifatigue ability of loops complied with the criteria of ISO/CD 11979-3.Conclusions The optical property and antifatigue ability of loops of the edge-modified IOLs by CyA-CS-NP reach the normal standard and meet the requirement of clinic application.The edge-modified IOLs by CyA-CS-NP can be a delivery system for intraocular drug release.

Abdomen ; Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Vertigo ; therapy

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) among people aged 50 years and above in Funing county,Jiangsu province.METHODS:Survey research.Random cluster sampling was used in selecting individuals aged ≥ 50 years in 30 clusters in Funing county.Proportions were compared by using the x2 test and the means compared by using the ttest.Logistic regression was used to detect possible factors of ARMD such as age and gender.RESULTS:A total of 6145 persons aged 50 years were enumerated and 5947 (96.78％) participants were received visual acuity test and eye examination.The prevalence of ARMD was 7.53％,with a total of 448 individuals (633 eyes).The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment for presenting visual acuity were 4.13％ and 11.96％,respectively.The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment for presenting visual acuity were 4.45％ and 7.79％,respectively.Older were significant risk factors of ARMD (OR=1.01,P=0.04).CONCLUSION:The prevalence of ARMD was higher among people aged 50 years and above in Funing county,Jiangsu province.ARMD is one of the leading cause of visual impairment.

OBJECTIVETo study the hydrodynamic ultrasonic energy extraction technique for Chinese Medicine.

METHODThe content of baicalin in Radix Scutellariae extracts and total flavones in Folium Ginkgo extracts were as indexes respectively and measured by high performance liquid chromatography. We investigated the hydrodynamic ultrasonic energy extraction process for the extraction of Radix Scutellariae and Folium Ginkgo respectively, and compared with refluxing method, decoction and ultrasonic extraction. With the content of the extracts as indexes, Compound prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine were extracted by the hydrodynamic ultrasonic extraction and decoction extraction.

RESULTThe content of baicalin of hydrodynamic ultrasonic energy extracts was significant higher than other extracts. The content of Ginkgo leaves flavones in hydrodynamic ultrasonic energy extracts and ultrasonic extracts had no significant difference. Compared with decocting extracts, hydrodynamic ultrasonic energy extracts of TCM compound prescriptions content was higher greatly.

CONCLUSIONThe hydrodynamic ultrasonic energy extraction process showed higher extraction rate of baicalin of radix scutellariae than traditional extraction methods. And it was beneficial to the dissolution of water-soluble constituents in compound prescriptions of TCM. The content of Ginkgo leaves flavones in the hydrodynamic ultrasonic energy extracts and ultrasonic extracts had no obvious difference.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; Flavones ; analysis ; chemistry ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Reference Standards ; Scutellaria ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Ultrasonics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of the growth arrest specific 6 (GAS6) gene and severe preeclampsia in a South West Han Chinese population.

METHODSBlood samples from 167 patients with severe preeclampsia and 312 normal pregnant women as controls from Han Chinese in Chengdu area were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

RESULTSC and T allele frequencies for +1332C/T site were 85.63% and 14.37% in the patient group, respectively, and 78.04% and 21.96% in control group, respectively. The TT genotype and variant T allelic frequencies of the +1332C/T polymorphism were significantly lower in patients with severe preeclampsia than in the control group (both P<0.05), and the odds ratio for the risk of severe preeclampsia was 0.602 (95%CI: 0.401-0.904) in carriers for the variant T allele (χ=6.045, P=0.014). G and A allele frequencies for 834+7G/A site were 72.75% and 27.25% in case group, respectively, and 74.36% and 25.64% in control group, respectively. The genotype and allele frequencies of the 834+7G/A polymorphism in patients with severe preeclampsia and controls showed no significant differences (both P>0.05). In addition, there was no significant association between the polymorphisms and blood pressure levels in the patient or control groups.

CONCLUSIONThe variant GAS6+1332 T allele is associated with a decreased risk for severe preeclampsia in a South West Han Chinese population. On the other hand, the 834+7G/A polymorphism has no effect on the severe preeclampsia.

Adult ; Alleles ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; ethnology ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pre-Eclampsia ; ethnology ; genetics ; pathology ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors ; Severity of Illness Index ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathology of palatopharyngeal muscle obtained from patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

METHODSThe samples from both groups were studied under HE, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-tetrazolium reductase (NADH- TR), modified Gomori trichrome (MGT) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) staining. There were 36 cases of OSAHS who received uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the experimental group (including 6 mild, 6 moderate and 24 severe cases). There were 6 patients with chronic tonsillitis but without OSAHS as matched control group. Both groups were diagnosed by PSG.

RESULTSCentralized located nuclei and obvious variability of the size of fiber types were observed in both groups. The occurrence rate of the former were 1/6 in control group and 52.8% (19/36) in OSAHS, while the rate of the latter were 4/6 and 58.3% (21/36)respectively. A large number of fibers in both groups (control group 5/6, OSAHS group 28/36) presented an irregularly distributed staining for oxidative activity reaction in NADH stain.Endomysium connective tissue proliferation, a lobular or motheaten appearance, target-like fibers, ragged red fiber (RRF) and muscle necrosis were only observed in OSAHS group.While it was more common in serious OSAHS patients. Dominance of type 1 fibers were observed in matched control group in ATPase stain. Clusters of type 2 fibers or clusters of both type fibers were observed in OSAHS, especially more common in serious OSAHS. There was a predominance of the type 2 fibers in some OSAHS patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe observation of HE and special muscular stain identified that palatopharyngeal muscle of OSAHS patients had pathological lesion. The pathological changes included muscular lesion and abnormal distribution of different fiber types, the rate of type 1 fiber which maintained the opening of upper air way decreased.

Adult ; Humans ; Muscle Fibers, Skeletal ; Palate ; Pharyngeal Muscles ; Pharynx ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive

OBJECTIVETo investigate effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms on serum lipid and apopoprotein levels in healthy normolipidemic and endogenous hypertriglyceridemic subjects.

METHODSTwo hundred and thirty-seven healthy normolipidemic and 102 endogenous hypertriglyceridemic subjects from a population of Chinese Han nationality in Chengdu area were studied using the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum lipids were measured by enzymatic kits and apolipoproteins AⅠ, AⅡ, B100, CⅡ, CⅢ and E were measured by the RID kits.

RESULTSThe non-null and null genotype frequencies for GSTM1 site were 39.2% and 60.8% in the control group, respectively, and 47.6% and 52.4% in the HTG group, respectively. The non-null and null genotype frequencies for GSTT1 site were 51.5% and 48.5% in the control group, respectively, and 57.3% and 42.7% in the HTG group, respectively. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype frequencies in HTG subjects were not different from those in the controls, respectively (P>0.05). However, in control group subjects with both null genotypes (GSTT1- and GSTM1-) showed the lowest plasma HDL-C levels (1.29±0.30 mmol/L), whereas those with each of the other three genotype combinations showed relatively higher HDL-C levels. There was significant difference of HDL-C levels between subjects with GSTT1-/GSTM1-and those with GSTT1+/GSTM1-(P<0.05). Similar result was not observed in HTG group. No significant changes of lipid and lipoprotein levels were observed in either GSTM1 or GSTT1 polymorphism alone in control or HTG group.

CONCLUSIONThe present study provides an evidence that the presence of double deletion genotypes is associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels in normal Chinese subjects. However, these polymorphisms are not associated with lipid levels in endogenous hypertriglyceridemia in Chinese population of Chengdu area.

OBJECTIVETo describe the epidemiological characteristics and related factors of SARS in Shanxi in order to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

METHODSData on clinically-diagnosed SARS cases reported to Shanxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention through SARS reporting system of Shanxi province and epidemiological reports were collected from early March to 20 May, 2003. The characteristics of SARS distribution in time, place and population in Shanxi were described. The epidemiological characteristics and related influential factors were analyzed with EPI info 6.0 software.

RESULTSSince the first imported SARS case was diagnosed clinically on 7 March and till 20 May in Shanxi province, the number of cumulative clinically-diagnosed SARS cases were 445 with an attack rate of 1.34/10,000. 20 deaths occurred in that period with the mortality rate 4.49%. The number of cases increased from 28 March and formed the first peak. However, the number continued to increase until 18 April to have formed the second peak. Since then, the number of cases has gradually decreased gradually. Since 19 May, there has been no clinically-diagnosed cases being reported. SARS cases were mostly seen in urban areas of the city (83.82% of the total SARS cases) with sporadic cases found in rural areas. Students and medical staff and people from 20 - 59 years of age occupied the large part of the cases. Age specific mortality rate increased with age and the male/female ratio was 1:0.87.

CONCLUSIONIn Shanxi province, the SARS epidemic seemed to have had the following stages: importation of the first case, gradual increase of the number of cases to reach the peak and decreasing. Case identification at early stage as well as taking measures to decrease the chance of transmission were strategically crucial for controlling the spread of SARS virus in the community.

China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Occupations ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; mortality

It is well established that increased excitability of the presympathetic neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) during hypertension leads to heightened sympathetic outflow and hypertension. However, the mechanism underlying the overactivation of PVN presympathetic neurons remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of endogenous corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on the excitability of presympathetic neurons in PVN using Western blot, arterial blood pressure (ABP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) recording, CRISPR/Cas9 technique and patch-clamp technique. The results showed that CRF protein expression in PVN was significantly upregulated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Besides, PVN administration of exogenous CRF significantly increased RSNA, heart rate and ABP in WKY rats. In contrast, knockdown of upregulated CRF in PVN of SHRs inhibited CRF expression, led to membrane potential hyperpolarization, and decreased the frequency of current-evoked firings of PVN presympathetic neurons, which were reversed by incubation of exogenous CRF. Perfusion of rat brain slices with artificial cerebrospinal fluid containing CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) blocker, NBI-35965, or CRF receptor 2 (CRFR2) blocker, Antisauvagine-30, showed that blocking CRFR1, but not CRFR2, hyperpolarized the membrane potential and inhibited the current-evoked firing of PVN presympathetic neurons in SHRs. However, blocking CRFR1 or CRFR2 did not affect the membrane potential and current-evoked firing of presympathetic neurons in WKY rats. Overall, these findings indicate that increased endogenous CRF release from PVN CRF neurons enhances the excitability of presympathetic neurons via activation of CRFR1 in SHRs.
Rats ; Animals ; Rats, Inbred SHR ; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus/physiology* ; Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism* ; Rats, Inbred WKY ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism* ; Neurons/physiology* ; Hypertension ; Sympathetic Nervous System