Objective To report the clinical features and treatment outcomes of 27 patients with fungal endophthalmitis (27 eyes)over a five year period.Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed the etiology,direct smear examination,fungal cul-ture and treatments of 27 patients with culture-proven fungal endophthalmitis at the affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qing-dao University from 2007 to 2012.Results Exogenous infection was defined in 21 patients (77.8%),including 20 associated with penetrating wound,and 1 following cataract surgery.Endogenous infection was found in 6 patients (22.2%),including 3 associated with recent use of high-dose steroids,1 after abortion,1 following pelvic fracture,and 1 with long-term use of im-munosuppressive agents.Fungal hyphae were found in 17 smears of 27 samples (63.0%)by direct microscopic examination. The fungal strains cultured from 27 samples belonged to 8 genus and 12 species.The most common isolates were Aspergillus , Fusarium and Candida species.A.flavus (22.2%)and A.fumigatus (18.5%)were the predominant Aspergillus species. F .moniliforme (14.8%)and F .oxysporum (11 .1 %)were the most predominant Fusarium species.Two eyes were eviscer-ated immediately due to the serious condition.Among the other 25 eyes,22 (88.0%)got improvement after at least one of such treatments as intravitreal injection of antifungal agent,vitrectomy or penetrating keratoplasty (PK).Conclusions Exoge-nous fungal endophthalmitis is the most common type of fungal endophthalmitis in this hospital.Penetrating wound is the main cause of such infections.Microscopic examination of hyphae and fungal culture were effective for the diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis.Aspergillus is the predominant pathogens, followed by Fusarium.Intravitreal injection of antifungal a-gent combined with vitrectomy is an effective treatment of fungal endophthalmitis.

Objective To evaluate the effects of different types of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)-improved extravascular lung water and pulmonary vascular permeability in piglets.Methods Twelve healthy piglets,weighing 15-20 kg,were randomly allocated into 2 groups (n =6 each) using a random number table:endogenous ARDS (P group) and exogenous ARDS (EXP group).Anesthesia was induced with midazolam and propofol.The tracheal tube was inserted.Anesthesia was maintained with iv infusion of propofol and fentanyl.ARDS was induced with normal saline infused via the tracheal tube in group P.ARDS was induced with oleic acid 0.05 ml/kg injected intravenously over 45-60 min in group EXP.Then 4 h of HFOV was performed.Before ARDS (T0),immediately after ARDS (Ti) and at 1,2,3 and 4 h of HFOV (T2-5),arterial blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis and the variables such as extravascular lung water index (EVLWI),pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI),and extravascular lung water (EVLW)/intra thoracic blood volume (ITBV) were monitored.The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) was calculated.Results Compared with the baseline value at T0,the oxygenation index was decreased at T1,and the oxygenation index was less than 200 mm Hg in the two groups (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the maximum degree of changes in EVLWI,PVPI and EVLW/ITBV between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Endogenous and exogenous ARDS disease factor does not affect HFOV-improved extravascular lung water and pulmonary vascular permeability in piglets.

Objective To analyze the causes and pathogens of infectious endophthalmitis in ourhospital.Methods The clinical data and laboratory findings of 282 inpatients with infectiousendophthalmitis were retrospectively reviewed.There were 206 males(73.05%)and 76 females(26.95%)with a mean age of(36.0±11.2)years(range from 2 to 79 years).Except 14 patients who lost theireyeballs as of serious conditions.pathogen examinations of vitreous specimen had been performed for allremaining 268 cases.The clinieal and laboratory data were statistically analyzed by Chi-square and Kappaconsistency tests,when P<0.05 the difference should be considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe 4 major causes of infectious endophthalmitis of those 282 patients included ocular trauma(177cases,62.77%),infectious keratitis(61 cases,21.63%),eye surgery(32 cases,11.35%),andendogenous endophthalmitis(12 cases,4.25%).19.21% of the patients in ocular trauma group was 2-13years old,55.74% of the patients in infectious keratitis group was 14-50 years old,and 60.61% of thepatients in eye surgery group was 51-79 years old.The major pathogens were fungus and staphylococcieach accounted for 30.63% of all cases.Most of the pathogenic bacteria were sensitive to ciprofloxaein(81.81%)and gentamicin(77.92%).Conclusions The major reason of infectious endophthalmitis wasocular trauma,and the major pathogens were fungus and staphylococci.Those findings may help us totreat infectious endophthalmitis patients appropriately.

BACKGROUND:Polysulfone membrane holds good anti-biodegradation ability, but how to use it to prepare hol ow fiber dialysis membrane and its blood compatibility have not been ful y understood. OBJECTIVE:To study the preparation, transfer property and biocompatibility of hol ow fiber dialysis membrane. METHODS:With polysulfone as the film material, diethylene glycol as the porogen, polyvinyl pyrrolidone as the modifier, N, N-dimethylacetamide as the solvent, and the hol ow fiber dialysis membrane was prepared using nonsolvent-induced phase separation. The performance was measured using scanning electron microscopy, ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope imaging and porosity test;the transfer parameters including reject rate and water flux were detected by ultrafiltration device;the blood compatibility was determined through hemolysis test, dynamic clotting time test and platelet adhesion test. Type II medical polyurethane material served as negative control. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The section of hol ow fiber dialysis membrane was asymmetric. 17%dialysis membrane showed a porous middle layer, while 19%, 21%and 23%membrane showed a sponge-like middle layer. Under the same membrane area, the density of fiber dialysis membrane was significantly lower than that of the negative control material, and the porosity of fiber dialysis membrane was significantly higher than that of the negative control material (P<0.05). The water volume and water flux of the hol ow fiber dialysis membrane were significantly higher than those of the negative control material (P<0.05). Results from three hemolytic tests showed that the average absorbance values and hemolysis rate of the hol ow fiber dialysis membrane were significantly higher than those of the negative control material (P<0.05). The dynamic clotting time test and the platelet adhesion test revealed that the dynamic clotting time of hol ow fiber dialysis membrane at 20, 40 and 70 minutes was significantly shorter than that of the negative control material (P<0.05). These results suggest that polysiloxane can be used as the membrane material to prepare hol ow fiber dialysis membrane using nonsolvent-induced phase separation, and holds a good biocompatibility, blood compatibility and transfer efficiency.

Objective To evaluate the effect of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) on lung injury in the piglets with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Methods Twelve male piglets,aged 6-8 weeks,weighing 14-16 kg,were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=6 each) using a random number table:conventional mechanical ventilation with low tidal volume group (CMV group) and HFOV group.ARDS was induced by bilateral pulmonary lavages with isotonic saline (38 ℃),repeated every 10 min until the oxygenation index＜200 mmHg.After successful establishment of the model,CMV group was ventilated using conventional mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes.After successful establishment of the model,HFOV group was ventilated using HFOV,lung recruitment was performed,the airway pressure was set at 25 cmH2O and maintained at this level for 30 s,and the airway pressure was then adjusted 5 cmH2O higher than that after successful establishment of the model,with bias flow 25 L/min,inspiratory time ratio 33％,frequency 8 Hz,amplitude 40-80 cmH2O,and inspiratory oxygen fraction 1.0.In both groups,carbon dioxide partial pressure was maintained between 35 and 50 mmHg.Before establishment of the model (baseline),after successful establishment of the model (T1),and at 0.5,1.0,2.0 and 4.0 h after beginning of mechanical ventilation (T2-5),blood samples were collected from the femoral artery and central vein for blood gas analysis,arterial oxygen partial pressure and carbon dioxide partial pressure were recorded,oxygen delivery index,oxygen consumption index,oxygenation index and intrapulmonary shunt were calculated,and the improvement in pulmonary function (oxygenation index ≥ 200 mmHg) was recorded.At T0,T1 and T5,venous blood samples were collected for determination of the concentrations of serum Clara cell secretory protein 16,soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1,and high-mobility group box 1.Results Compared with CMV group,the arterial oxygen partial pressure at T35 and oxygenation index at T4.5 were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant change was found in the other parameters in HFOV group (P＞0.05).Conclusion Compared with conventional mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes,although HFOV improves lung oxygenation,the degree is small in the piglets with ARDS.

OBJECTIVE To observe and compare the effects of conjunctival sac rinse of povidone iodine solution with sodium chloride solution.METHODS Eighty patients with senile cataract were randomly divided into 2 groups(group A and group B).Swab samples were taken for bacterial cultures from each patients of both groups before and 24 hours after application of 0.3% ofloxacin eye drops.Povidone iodine solution was used to rinse the conjunctival sac before cataract surgery in group A while 0.9% sodium chloride solution was used in group B,and swab samples were also taken for bacterial cultures.RESULTS Positive rates of the bacterial cultures before and after topical ofloxacin application were 58.8% and 27.5%,respectively.Positive rates of the bacterial cultures after conjunctival sac rinse with povidone iodine and sodium chloride were 5.0% and 20.0%,respectively.CONCLUSIONS Conjunctival sac rinse with povidone iodine solution should be taken as a routine procedure before intraocular surgery to decrease the risk of postoperative infections.

Objective To detect the changes of number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in gld.apoE-/-C57BL/6 mice,and to investigate whether premature atherosclerosis of gld.apoE-/-C57BL/6 mice was mediated by the dysfunction of these EPCs.Methods EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood and bone marrow of four types of C57BL/6 female mice:gld+/+apoE+/+,gld,apoE-/-and gld.apoE-/-.The percentage of EPCs was analyzed by FACS as CD11b-Sca-1+CD309+ cells.The attached cells were stained with DiI labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiI-ac-LDL) and FITC-labeled Ulex Europaeus agglutinin 1 (FITC-UEA-1) double staining to determine their phagocytic function.The adherent function of EPCs was determined by calculating the number of re-cultured EPCs.The capacity of EPCs to form the cavity structure was detected by calculating the number of the formed vascular-like structure.Results The percentage of circulating EPCs was significantly decreased in the gld.apoE-/-group (0.012±0.002)％ compared to the gld+/+ apoE+/+ group [(0.039±0.005)％,P＜0.01],the gld group [(0.025±0.001)％,P＜0.05],and the apoE-/-group [(0.028±0.002)％,P＜0.01].The percentage of bone marrow derived EPCs was decreased in the gld.apoE-/-group (0.12±0.01)％ compared to the gld+/+apoE+/+ group [(0.42±0.05)％,P＜0.05].The percentage of DiI-acLDL and FITC-UEA-1 double positive cells was decreased in the gld.apoE-/-group [(59.2±2.1)％] compared to the gld+/+apoE+/+ group [(87.5±3.0)％,P＜0.01],and the gld group [(84.2±6.0)％,P＜0.01] ; the adherent function of EPCs was impaired in the gld.apoE-/-group [(50.0±5.3)％] compared to the gld+/+ apoE+/+ group [(86.0±7.3)％,P＜0.01],the gld group [(73.0±1.0)％,P＜0.01],and the apoE-/-group [(65.0±4.0)％,P＜0.05] respectively.The capacity of EPCs to form the cavity structure was decreased in the gld.apoE-/-group (4.0±0.3) compared to the gld+/+apoE+/+ group (12.0±1.4,P＜0.01).Conclusion The number of EPCs is decreased in the gld apoE-/-C57BL/6 mice,the adhesion,phagocytosis and angiogenic function of EPCs in the bone marrow are impaired,which may be one of the causes of lupus with atherosclerosis.

Objective To analyze the prognostic factors and causes of death of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods A database with 319 patients were developed.They were newly diagnosed SLE in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology,Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from 1999 to 2009.Normal distribution of measurement data was presented using mean±standard deviation.The skewed distribution of data was described by median(interquartile range).Using the rate or proportions,the character of classification data was also stated.Survival rate of SLE patients over time was studied by the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were analyzed by COX proportional hazards model.Results The 5 year and 10-year survival rates was 96.2%, 88.7%, respectively Prognostic factors affecting survival included duration from onset to diagnosis, anemia, white blood cells in urine, low serum albumin,low C4 level,abnormal ECG and ultrasound echocardiography, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). However, PAH,duration from onset to diagnosis, low serum albumin were the independent poor prognostic factors and the relative risk and 95% confidence interval were 2.419 (1.052-5.564), 1.162 (1.043-1.294), 0.924 (0.873-0.978), respectively. Renal failure, pulmonary hypertension and infection were the main causes of death,followed by multiple organ failure and lupus encephalopathy. Conclusion PAH, duration from onset to diagnosis, low serum albumin are the important factors predicting poor prognosis. Early diagnosis, timely treatment of SLE organ damages and preventing complications are the key factors to improve the prognosis of patients with SLE.

Background Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of serious ocular complications of diabetes mellitus and is often treated by laser photocoagulation,peribulbar injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and intravitreal injection of ranibizumab.However,some adverse responses occur in each approach.To seek a safe,effective and ecnomic therapy for DME is of clinical significance.Objective This study was to observe the safety and efficacy of post-sclera injection of TA with a self-made innovative device for DME and compare the outcome with peribulbar injection of TA and the intravitreal injection of ranibizumab.Methods A prospective non-randomized controlled study was performed.This study protocol was approved by Ethic Committee of Southwest Hospital of Third Military Medical University and complied with Helsinki declaration.Written informed consent was obtained from each patient before any medical treatment.Sixty eyes of 60 patients with DME were included in Southwest Hospital of Third Military Medical University from March 2013 to July 2016.The eyes were divided into post-sclera injection group,peribulbar injection group and intravitreal injection group,with 20 eyes for each group.TA at the dose of 20 mg was injected via posterior sclera with a self-made divice in the post-sclera injection group and via periphery of eyeball in the peribulbar injection group,and 0.5 mg ranibizumab was intravitreally injected in the intravitreal injection group.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was examined and retinal thickness at macular area was measured by OCT in 1 month and 3 months after injection respectively.The outcome and complication were grouply compared.Results The BCVA was significantly improved 1 month and 3 months after injection in comparison with before injection in the post-sclera injection group and intravitreal injection group,and BCVA in the post-sclera injection group and intravitreal injection group was superior to that in the peribulbar injection group (all at P =0.000).No significant difference was found in post-injected BCVA between post-sclera injection group and intravitreal injection group (P =0.244,0.397).Retinal edema at macular area was gradually disappeared in the post-sclera injection group and intravitreal injection group and that in the peribulbar injection group was still visible after injection.The retinal thickness at macula was (321.85±31.98),(382.75±39.28) and (315.75 ± 40.43) μm at 1 month and was (311.95±32.73),(393.65±33.84) and (302.65±38.99) μm at 3 months after injection in the post-sclera injection group,peribulbar injection group and intravitreal injection group respectively,and the retinal thickness values at macula in the post-sclera injection group and intravitreal injection group were significantly lower than those in the peribulbar injection group (all at P =0.000).The decrease rate of retinal thickness was higher in the post-sclera injection group and intravitreal injection group than that in the peribulbar injection group at various time points after injection (all at P＜0.01).Conclusions The efficacy and safety of post-sclera injection of TA for DME are similar to intravitreal injection of ranibizumab,which are superior to peribulbar injection of TA.

Objective To analyze the distribution, diversity, and the sensitivity of common pathogen species to antifungal drugs in fungal keratitis during 2000 - 2006 in Shandong province. Methods Samples from corneal serapings and corneal buttons from keratoplasties were used for fungal culture and identification. The distribution and diversity of the pathogens in different years were analyzed. The sensitivity of some common species to antifungal drugs were tested. Results A total of 898 patients were diagnosed as fungal keratitis, in which 770 (85.7%) were positive in fungal culture. Pathogens in 748 cases caused by fungal infection were identified, of which 547 cases were caused by Fusarium (71.0%). The prevelence of Fusarium from 2000 to 2006 was 75.5%, 72.8%, 71.5%, 75.2%, 76%, 68. 8% and 56.4% respectively. Eighty-four cases were caused by Aspergillus( 10.9% ) , which accounted for 15.1% , 15.2% , 13.1%, 10. 2%, 10. 4% , 8.0% and 6. 9% of the cases from 2000 to 2006, respectively. Seventy-four eases were caused by Alternaria (9. 6% ), the percentage of which during 2000 -2006 was 1. 9%, 3.3%, 3.7%, 6. 6%, 8. 8%, 12. 0 and 29. 7% respectively. In genus Fusarium, 10 species were found and the most common species were Fusarium Solani ( 33. 8% ), Fusarium oxysporum ( 28.2% ) and Fusarium moniliforme( 27.4% ). Six species were identified in genus Aspergillus, with Aspergillus flavus (53.6%) and Aspergillus fumigatus (39.3% ) being the most common species. The geometric mean MICs of amphotericin B, terbinafin, itraconazole, 5-flucytosine and fluconazole against the common species were 0. 647, 0. 714, 1. 624, 15. 108 and 27. 070 μg/ml, respectively. The mean MICs of the above five antifungal drugs against Fusarium were 0. 899, 0. 893, 3.077, 37. 124 and 21. 687 μg/ml, respectively, and for Aspergillus, the mean MICs of these agents were 0.794, 0.591, 0.416, 23.973 and 7.127 μg/ml, respectively; for Alternaria,the MICs were 0. 409,0. 479,0. 433,11. 655 and 7. 104 μg/ml ,respectively. Conclusions Genus Fusarium, Aspergillus and Alternaria were the predominant pathogens in fungal keratitis in Shandong Province. During 2000 -2006, Fusarium was the most common one, followed by Aspergillus. The percentage of Aspergillus decreased annually. The third most common pathogen, Alternaria increased during the period. The geometric mean MICs of amphotericin B and terbinafin against Fusarium were lower than those of itraconazole, 5-flucytosine and fluconazole. The MICs of these five anti-fungal drugs against Aspergillus and Alternatia were lower than those for Fusarium.