AIM: To observe the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness ( SFCT ) after intravitreal injections of ranibizumab ( IVR ) for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion ( RVO) .
METHODS:Thirty-six eyes of 36 patients with macular edema secondary to RVO) were treated with 0. 5mg IVR monthly for 3mo and received additional IVR as needed over the following 1a period. SFCT of the all eyes ( the affected eyes with RVO and unaffected fellow eyes ) was measured by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography images before and after the IVR.
RESULTS: The mean SFCT of the affected eyes with RVO decreased from 246. 7±115. 0μm at baseline to 220. 5±102.0μm at 1mo (P<0.05), 198.3± 114.0μm at 6mo (P<0.01), 212. 6± 96. 0μm at 12mo (P<0. 01). Whereas the fellow eyes changed from 229. 4±108. 0μm at baseline to 226. 3±107. 0μm at 1mo (P>0. 05), 228. 6±127. 0μm at 6mo (P>0.05), 223.6±101.0μm at 12mo(P>0.05). There were statistically significant difference between affected eyes with RVO and unaffected fellow eyes.
CONCLUSION: The SFCT is decreased after IVR for macular edema secondary to RVO. IVR seems to affect the hemorheology of the choroid.

AIMTo investigate the properties of cationic nanoparticles composed of poly (ethyleneimine)-g-poly (methyl methacrylate) (PEI-PMMA) as gene delivery carriers and explore the mechanism of PEI-PMMA nanoparticles mediated gene transfer.

METHODSPEI-PMMA nanoparticles were synthesized by free radical polymerization. The morphology of nanoparticles was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The particle size and zeta potential were measured by zeta sizer. The complex between pGL3 plasmid and nanoparticles was analyzed by gel electrophoresis; and PEI-PMMA nanoparticles mediated gene transfer into HeLa cells was observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

RESULTSPEI-PMMA nanoparticles are spherical shape and monodispersity. The particle size and zeta potential are 172 nm and +50.3 mV, respectively. When pGL3 plasmid complexed with nanoparticles at N/P ratio of 5: 1 and 20: 1, the particle size of pGL3/nanoparticle complex are 133 and 139 nm and zeta potential is + 21.4 and + 33.7 mV, respectively. pGL3 plasmid complexed with nanoparticles completely at N/P ratio of 5: 1. PEI-PMMA nanoparticles can deliver pGL3 plasmid into HeLa cells by endocytosis and release pGL3 into the cytosol.

CONCLUSIONPEI-PMMA nanoparticles effectively transferred DNA to target cells and it is a promising non-viral carrier for gene delivery.

DNA ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Endocytosis ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; HeLa Cells ; cytology ; Humans ; Imines ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Nanoparticles ; Particle Size ; Plasmids ; Polyethylenes ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Transfection

Content of osteocyte in bone tissue is the most abundant, the most widely distributed, and embedding the cells in the mineralized bone matrix, the life can be close to the life of the body. Osteocyte formed by the cytoplasm dendritic communication network system between osteocyte and bone surface, is of great significance to maintaining the normal physiological function of bone tissue. Bone cells as the direct receptor of bone mechanical stress, through the release of bioactive factors such as PEG2, NO, ATP and classic Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway mechanical stress signal can be converted to bone formation and bone resorption of biochemical signals, and the biochemical signals were transfer to the other type cells of the tissue to regulate its function activities and cause bone reconstruction function. The microcracks surrounding osteocyte can disrupt the microtubule network system,cause surrounding osteocyte autophagy. In addition, osteocyte is very important for regulation of the body mineral balance, fat metabolism, and hematopoietic function.
Animals ; Autophagy ; Hematopoiesis ; Humans ; Minerals ; metabolism ; Osteocytes ; physiology ; Signal Transduction ; Stress, Mechanical

Objective To study the normal values of blood pressure in healthy full-term infants in the first 7 days of life,and to determine the critical hypertension and hypotension in newborn infants.Methods Omni-Trak~(TM)NVS monitor with DINAMAP was used to measure the blood pressure.Systolic,diastolic and mean blood pressure were measured every day by DLNAMAP in a cohort of 50 healthy full-term infants in the first 7 days of life.Results 1.Systolic,diastolic and mean blood pressure of healthy full-term infants were significantly influenced with the age of birth.2.Stepwise linear multiple regressions was used to examine the multiple correlations among days of life,birth weight and gestational age.3.Optimal regression equations were built respectively.SBP=32.4+0.7X_1+(3.7X_2+)(0.6)X_3(mm Hg).DBP=13.1+ 0.6X_1+2.9X_2+0.6X_3(mm Hg).MAP=17.3+0.4X_1+2.4X_2+0.8X_3(mm Hg).(3.MAP=)(DBP+)(0.45)(SBP-DBP)(mm Hg).4.The critical hypertension and hypotension in newborn infants were obtained.Conclusions (Du)ring the first 7 days of life,there is a progressive rise in blood pressure of healthy full-term infants.There are linear reliance correlations between systolic,diastolic,mean blood pressure and day of life,birth weight gestational age.The critical hypertension and hypotension in newborn infants is important for clinic diagnosis.

Objective To investigate the phenotypes and genotypes of a hereditary protein C(PC) deficiency pedigree.Methods Imrnunoassay(ELISA)was used for PC antigen and PS antigen; Immunoturbidimetry assay was used for measuring AT antigen;Chromogenic substrate assay was used for measuring the activity of PC,PS and AT in Sysmex 1500 automatic Blood Coagulation Analyzer.Polymerase chain reaction(PCR)for amplification of the fragment of each exon and side sequences of PC gene in 10 members of the 3 generations;Direct DNA sequencing was used to examine the mutation site.Results Among 10 members of the 3 generation pedigree,8 of them had a PC:Ag level of 1.06-1.92 mg/L(normal references 3.00-6.00 rag/L),the activity of PC was between 41% and 67%(normal references 70%- 140%),which was significantly lower than the normal references while the levels of PS:Ag,PS:A,AT:Ag and AT:A were all within normal range.DNA sequencing analysis showed that there was a G to T mutation in exon IX of the PC gene at 12 918 position in 8 members.This mutation resulted in the substitution of terminator TGA for TGG which encoding tryptophan at 372 amino acid.There was a polymorphism in 2 405C/ T,2 418A/G,2 583A/T in the promotor area.Conclusions This pedigree is a type I hereditary protein C deficiency.There is a G12 918T mutation in exon IX of PC gene.This mutation is reported for the first time and there is a polymorphism in 2 405C/T,2 418A/G,2 583A/T in the promotor area.

In this paper, the content of moisture, ethanol-soluble extractives, total saponins and polysaccharide of different tuber samples of Hemsleya zhejiangensis, from different localities, years and seasons, were detected based upon Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2010 version. The samples of roots, stems and leaves in summer were detected as well. The results are mainly as follows. (1)With tuber quality increasing, the content of total saponins increased and then decreased. The individual quality of tubers getting 594.06 g, the content of total saponins reached the peak. (2) The content of active ingredients in different localities was significantly different, and the population of Wuyanling had the maximum content of total saponins and polysaccharide. (3) The content of active ingredients revealed stability between the years 2012 and 2013, but the content of polysaccharide was significantly different. The content in 2012 was higher than that of 2013. (4) The content of active ingredients reached the peak in autumn, which was the best harvest season. (5) Among different component content detection of nutritional organs, tubers had the maximum content of ethanol-soluble extractives, total saponins and polysaccharide. Leaves also contained higher content of ethanol-soluble extractives and total saponins than roots and stems. All of these provide theoretical basis for plant, harvest and production of H. zhejiangensis, which is an endemic, rare, and endangered medicinal plants.
China ; Cucurbitaceae ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; metabolism ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Plant Tubers ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; growth & development ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the potential protective effect of melatonin on the oxidative damage induced by deltamethrin in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of rats.

METHODS35 male wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups(seven rats per group): olive oil control, deltamethrin-treated (12.5 mg/kg), melatonin(25.0 mg/kg) and deltamethrin plus melatonin (25.0 mg/kg , 2.5 mg/kg respectively) group. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione (GSH) in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum were determined after 5 days of DM treatments.

RESULTSMDA content in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum tissue of the DM-treated rats were significantly higher than those in control group, and compared with DM-treated group, MDA content in those tissue of MT + DM-treated group have significantly decreased after 5 days of DM exposure (P < 0.05). Activities of GSH-Px in DM-treated group were significantly lower than those in control group, and those in the MT + DM group were significantly higher than DM group(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONDM can induce the oxidative damage in rat brain and melatonin has protective effects on deltamethrin-induced oxidative damage in hippocampus, cerebral cortex and cerebellum of rats.

Animals ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cerebellum ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Cerebral Cortex ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Glutathione ; metabolism ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Melatonin ; pharmacology ; Nitriles ; toxicity ; Oxidative Stress ; Pyrethrins ; toxicity ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo establish a precise three-dimensional model of membranous labyrinth for further morphologic investigation and physiological research.

METHODSComplete series of serial unstained celloidin sections of a fresh human temporal bone were taken photos by high-pixel digital camera. The images were then processed with the technique of photo stitch and employed to reconstruct the three-dimensional model of the membranous labyrinth using the method of surface rendering.

RESULTSIn 3D-Doctor software, the model was displayed by different methods. The model was also exported to VRML format and their virtual visualization was realized through the software of Cortona virtual reality modeling language viewer.

CONCLUSIONSPrecise modeling of membranous labyrinth could be realized by advanced imaging technique. With the advanced virtual reality software and equipment, the virtual visualization of membranous labyrinth could be realized, which would benefit the morphologic investigation and education.

Computer Simulation ; Ear, Inner ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Models, Anatomic ; Software

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on thyroid inflammation and Th1/Th2 cells in rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT).

METHODSForty-eight female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, namely the prevention group treated with 1, 25-(OH)2D3 from 0 to the 6th week (n=10), treatment group with 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment from the 2nd to the 8th week (n=10) after immune sensitization, positive control group (n=12) and the negative control group (n=16). All the rats were challenged with porcine thyroglobulin for immune sensitization until the 6th or 8th week except for those in the negative control group. In the prevention group and treatment group, the rats received 1,25(OH)2D3 at 5 microg/kg by intraperitoneal injection every other day, while those in the positive and negative control groups were given peanut oil instead. The thyroid pathologies, serum autoantibody level and cytokine levels were examined after the treatments.

RESULTSThe thyroid gland remained structurally intact in the negative control group. In the positive control group, the thyroid showed obvious inflammatory change with structural disruption and even disappearance of the thyroid follicle. The structure of the thyroid gland follicles was intact in the prevention group and treatment group. No significant differences were found in the autoantibody and cytokine levels between the prevention group and negative control group (P>0.05). Compared with the positive control groups, the autoantibody and IFN-gamma and IL-12 levels decreased significantly in the treatment group, but the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were markedly increased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION1,25(OH)2D3 given before the establishment of the EAT model helps maintain structural integrity of the thyroid gland and normal levels of the antibodies and cytokines in rats. 1,25(OH)2D3 can ameliorate the pathological changes of the thyroid gland and correct the cytokine disequilibrium in rats with EAT.

Animals ; Autoantibodies ; blood ; Female ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-12 ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Th1 Cells ; cytology ; Th2 Cells ; cytology ; Thyroiditis, Autoimmune ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Vitamin D ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo evaluate total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of seminal plasma in fertile and infertile men and understand the relation between seminal plasma TAC and male fertility.

METHODSTwo hundred and twenty-five infertile men were divided into 10 cases of obstructive azoospermic men, 42 cases of non-obstructive azoospermic men,20 cases of oligozoospermic men, 78 cases of asthenozoospermic men, 57 cases of oligoasthenozoospermic men, and 18 cases of normozoospermic men, then 28 fertile men were taken as the control. The seminal parameter analysis was performed by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system. Seminal plasma TAC was measured using spectroscopic analysis.

RESULTSSeminal plasma TAC were (1.71 +/- 1.33) U in obstructive azoospermic men, (12.73 +/- 9.44) U in non-obstructive azoospermic men, (10.85 +/- 6.64) U in oligozoospermic men, (13.88 +/- 8.24) U in asthenozoospermic men, (11.20 +/- 7.02) U in oligoasthenozoospermic men, (18.07 +/- 8.73) U in normozoospermic men, and (19.82 +/- 6.33) U in fertile men. There was no significant difference in TAC between normozoospermic men and fertile men (P > 0.05). Compared with fertile men, seminal plasma TAC in other infertile groups was significantly lower (P < 0.01). There were significantly made positive correlation between seminal plasma TAC and sperm density (r = 0.182, P < 0.05), as well as sperm with grade a (r = 0.150, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSeminal plasma TAC is closely related to male fertility, and the decreased level of TAC in seminal plasma may be one of the causes of male infertility.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Fertility ; physiology ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; physiopathology ; Male ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Semen ; chemistry