AIM:To investigate the value of pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) and flash electroretinogram (FERG) in early diagnosis and prevention of diabetic retinopathy (DR), analyzing the correlation of early stage DR with PVEP and FERG.
METHODS: Sixty patients, 30 males and 30 females, participated in observation group. Their average age was 19. 42 ± 7. 78years. The duration of DM was < 5a. Best corrected visual acuity was 5. 0. Fasting blood glucose was 7. 8± 3. 6mmol/ L. There were 60 subjects, 30 males and 30 females, in control group. Their average age was 17. 2 ± 6. 52years. Best corrected visual acuity was 5. 0. Every participator was tested with PVEP and FERG according to ISCVE standard. The amplitude of PVEP and P100 latency were recorded. And the b-wave latency, b-wave amplitude, a - wave latency, a - wave amplitude were showed down.
RESULTS: In observation group, P100 amplitude decreased and P100 latency increased, compared to those of control group ( P< 0. 01); b - wave latency, b -wave amplitude, a - wave latency, a - wave amplitude were different from those in control group(P<0. 01); the fasting blood glucose kept stable; P100 amplitude, b -wave amplitude and a-wave amplitude were not related to the DM duration; P100 latency, a-wave latency and b-wave latency were related to the DM duration.
CONCLUSION: PVEP are sensitive to optic neuron damage; FERG is desirable to detect the lesion of Müller cells and bipolar cells. P100 amplitude by PVEP, b-wave amplitude by FERG may be the most sensitive parameter for DR at early stage.

The overexpression of doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is closely related to the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors. Discovery of novel anti-tumor agents targeting DCLK1 represents a hot spot in this field. So far, several DCLK1 small molecule inhibitors with excellent anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo have been designed and synthesized, which is expected to provide a new strategy for tumor therapy. This article reviews the research progress in the discovery, structure type, structural optimization, biological activity and mechanism of action of DCLK1 small molecule inhibitors, and provides research basis for the development of new anti-tumor small molecule inhibitors targeting DCLK1.

To comparatively evaluate the efficacy and post-operative complications of the Madigan's prostatectomy (MPC) and suprapubic prostatectomy (SPPC). Methods: A total of 43 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were divided into two groups: 21 underwent MPC and 22, SPPC. In all the patients, the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and urinary pressure-flow studies were assessed before and 6 months after operation. The International Continence Society (ICS) nomogram, Abrams-Griffiths (AG) number and linear passive urethral resistance relation analysis (L-PURR) were used to diagnose and grade bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The IPSS and the urodynamic parameters before and after operation, as well as the advantages and post-operative complications were recorded and compared. Results: Patients of both the MPC and SPPC groups had a significant improvement in IPSS and urodynamic parameters. Obstruction was relieved in 81.0% of MPC and 86.4 % of SPPC patients. MPC has the advantages of the absence of postoperative hematuria and post-catheter stricture, a shorter period of hospitalization, and lower incidence of retrograde ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: Both MPC and SPPC can effectively relieve BOO. MPC has certain advantages and a lower incidence of complications as compared with SPPC.

Objective To investigate the three-dimensional structure of normal male canine prostat- ic duct and acinus system,and to study the mechanism of intraprostatic urinary reflux(IPUR)resulting from high pressure of the posterior urethra by experiment.Methods Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)and corrosion casting methods,high pressure of the prostatic urethra was produced based upon IPUR in normal male canines.Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene(ABS)casting solution was injected into 8 Beagle canines'normal prostates to induce intraprostatie resin solution reflux.Results Six casting molds of nor- real canine prostate specimens were obtained,and the casting failed in 2.By corrosion and casting treatment, the prostate appeared to consist of several glandular lobes.The columnar apophyses of glandular surface were observed.The most glandular ducts pointed outward from urethral peristome.Each glandular duct system was made up of many bifurcated branches from the bough as a duct tree.More than 90% of the bifurcations were Y-shaped,and 6 bifurcated branches were rarely seen.The tip of the duct was vesicular.The diameter and length of the bough were(0.37?0.14)mm and(1.14?0.04)mm,respectively.The intersectional angle of urethra and peripheral glandular duct was the biggest.Peripheral glandular duct was perpendicular or con- verse to urinary flow.Peripheral glandular aeinus appeared elliptic and velvet.The mesh-like and crater-like depressions were shown on the surface of central glandular aeinus.Ejaculatory ducts independently and branchlessly entered the urethra.Conclusions The resin corrosion casting methods combined with SEM can clearly show the three-dimensional structure of normal male canine prostatic duct and acinus system. IPUR may easily occur in the peripheral glands from the morphological view.It is suggested that prostatitis occurs more commonly in peripheral glands,confirming a fact that high pressure of the posterior urethra can induce IPUR.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of the bioactive artificial vertebrae of a nano- hydroapatite crystals and polyamide 66 composite(n-HA/PA66)to restore the height and architecture of thoracolumbar burst fracture.Methods From December 2003 to February 2006,38 patients(29 males and 9 females)with a mean age of 35.6 years(17-63 years)were treated surgically through anterior ap- proach for decompression and implanted with the bioactive artificial vertebrae of n-HA/PA66 composite to reconstruct the structure of the thoracolumbar burst fractured vertebra.Results All the patients were successfuly followed-up for an average of 8 months,ranging from 6 to 21 months.The bioaetive artificial vertebrac of n-HA/PA66 composite were fused with the receptor bone 3-4 months after operation.The neu- rological function of the patients was restored partially or completely.The thoracolumbar spine was stable during physical examination and the height of thoraeolumbar burst fractured vertebrae that had been restored did not changa during the follow-up.Conclusions Our results show the bioaetive artificial vertebrae of n-HA/PA66 can restore the height and structure of thoracolumbar burst fractured vertebrae and reconstruct the structure of the tboraeolumbar vertebrae effectively,indicating that the bioaetive artificial vertebrae of n- HA/PA66 can be used extensively in clinical spinal surgery.

OBJECTIVETo observe the changes in the myocardial ultrastructure of diabetic rats and the effect of enalapril treatment.

METHODSMale Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups, namely the control group, diabetic group and enalapril intervention group. Diabetes was induced with peritoneal injection of streptozotocin in the latter 2 groups, and in enalapril group, the rats were treated with enalapril at the daily oral dose of 2 mg/kg for 1, 3 and 5 months after streptozotocin injection. Histological analysis of the left ventricular tissue was performed with transmission electron microscope 1, 3, and 5 months after establishment of diabetes.

RESULTSOnset of myocardial damages was observed 1 month after the development of diabetes in the rats with gradual time-dependent exacerbation. Enalapril treatment could partially reverse the myocardial destruction in the diabetic rats.

CONCLUSIONEnalapril intervention may improve the ultrastructural pathology of the myocardium in diabetic rats, which is suggestive of the action mechanisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in myocardium preservation.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Enalapril ; pharmacology ; Male ; Myocardium ; ultrastructure ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Streptozocin

OBJECTIVETo construct one lentiviral vector containing mouse SRY-related high mobility group-box gene 9 (SOX9) and transfect the murine bone mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) in vitro and observe the expression of target gene.

METHODSRNA from the vectors containing mouse SOX9 gene were extracted and SOX9 genes were amplified by reverse transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The SOX9 genes were connected into lentiviral vectors pGC-FU. Then pGC-FU-SOX9 transduced into 293T cells to produce recombinant lentivirus called as Lenti-SOX9-EGFP. mBMSCs were transfected. The expression of target gene was detected by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western Blot.

RESULTSLenti-SOX9-EGFP was recombined successfully and transduced efficiently into mBMSCs. The expression of SOX9 gene was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western Blot.

CONCLUSIONLentiviral vector of mouse SOX9 gene can transfect successfully into mBMSCs. Meanwhile, SOX9 gene may be expressed in mBMSCs. This will provide the target cells for the following study about SOX9 gene repairing cartilage injury.

Animals ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; Mice ; Osteoarthritis ; therapy ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; SOX9 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; Transduction, Genetic ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene polymorphisms and coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODSThis study involved 121 patients with T2DM and 94 with diabetic macroangiopathy. The polymorphisms of G8790A in ACE2 gene was analyzed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis in these patients, and the clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic data were also analyzed.

RESULTSNo obvious difference was found in the genotyping data between the two groups. Among the male patients with diabetic macroangiopathy, the interventricular septal end-diastolic thickness (IVSTd) were significantly greater in patients of GG genotypes of ACE2 gene G8790A than in those of AA genotypes (P<0.01), and the left ventricular mass (LVMI) and urine protein were also significantly higher in GG genotypes (P<0.05). No similar results were found the uncomplicated diabetic group or the female diabetic patients with CAD.

CONCLUSIONThe ACE2 gene G8790A polymorphism plays a role in the pathogenesis of CAD in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that ACE2 genotyping is helpful to screen the susceptible patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Alleles ; Base Sequence ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Disease ; complications ; genetics ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; complications ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

OBJECTIVETo investigate the biomechanical changes with different directions distraction at midface.

METHODSAn anteriorly directed 500 g force was applied to the floor of apertura piriforms in different directions to the occlusal plane. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was used to evaluate the biomechanical change of craniofacial complex.

RESULTSAs the force direction was moved downward, the sagittal distraction length of the craniofacial complex decreased and vertical movement changed from upward to downward. The craniofacial complex was moved anteriorly when the downward force was applied about 20-30 degrees to the occlusal plane. The forces could generate the uniform stress distribution in the craniofacial sutures and avoid counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla.

CONCLUSIONSThe craniofacial complex can be effectively distracted anteriorly when the downward force is applied to the floor of aperture piriforms in direction of 20-30 degrees to the occlusal plane.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Computer-Aided Design ; Cranial Sutures ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Mandible ; physiology ; surgery

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical changes of midface skeleton protraction at its medium position in the craniofacial complex, using the three-dimensional finite element method (FEM).

METHODSA three-dimensional FEM model was developed from the CT scan images by the technologies of three-dimensional reconstruction, image processing and meshing. The protraction forces were applied to the following locations: the first molar, full maxillary arch, and the floor of aperture piriforms. Biomechanical changes from different position protraction were investigated by means of finite element analyses.

RESULTSProtraction forces at the level of the floor of aperture piriforms produced a more forward movement of the upper maxilla in sagittal direction. Vertical and lateral displacements were less than those in loading with teeth or denture. Compressive stress on the radix nasi decreased obviously in midface skeleton protraction at its medium position.

CONCLUSIONSCompared with traditional orthopedic protraction, midface skeleton protraction at its medium position could advance maxilla en bloc, decrease the counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla, and reduce the constriction of the anterior part of the palate.

Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Maxilla ; surgery ; Skull ; surgery ; Stress, Mechanical