BackgroundBiological behavior of choroidal melanoma is closely related with angiogenesis.The microcirculation pattern in which tumor cells may be involved is different from neovascularization.ObjectiveThis study was to observe the microcirculation pattern of the choroidal melanoma tissue and analyze its relationship with the clinical pathology factor and the degree of cellular proliferation.Methods Forty-eight specimen of choroidal melanoma tissue were collected at Beijing Tongren Eye Centre from November 1997 through March 2006.Periodate acid Schiff staining was used to determine the microcirculation pattern of choroidal melanoma.The morphology of the tumor cells and the distribution of microcirculation pattern in the tumor were observed under a fluorescence microscopy with 544 nm wavelength,and the Ki-67 expression in the tumor was detected by immunochemistry.The relationships between the choroidal melanoma clinical pathology factor with Ki-67 expression and microcirculation pattern were evaluated by multiple stepwise regression model.ResultsA total of 9 kinds of microcirculation patterns were found by periodate acid Schiff staining.The occurring rate of loop- or network-like vascular pattern showed a significant elevation in the tumor tissue with epithelial cells in comparison with the tumor with spindle-like cells (66.7％ vs.30.6％ ) ( P=0.027 ).The expression rates of Ki-67 were 18.961 ± 10.995 and 19.481 ± 12.167 in the tumor tissue with loop- or network-like microvascular pattern,and those in the tumor tissue without loop- or network-like microvascular pattern were 10.261 ±5.669 and 12.021 ± 6.802,presenting significant differences between them ( P =0.000,P =0.010).Loop-like microvascular pattern was determined as the risk factor of the proliferation and metastasis of choroidal melanoma by multiple stepwise regression analysis (P=0.002).ConclusionsAmong the nine microcirculation patterns in choroidal melanoma,networks pattern is the most fashion,and Ki-67 expression is more strong in the tumor with epitheliod cells,suggesting that this microcirculation pattern is associated to the malignant degree and extent of proliferation in choroidal melanoma.

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of targeted population in the high-risk areas of iodine deficiency disorders in Chongqing, so as to provide scientific evidence for establishing prevention and remedial measures. Methods Six towns were selected in Chengkou and Wuxi Counties to found suspected dementia patients born after first Jan, 1997. Two hundred children aged 8-10 years were investigated in every town. The thyroid volume, intelligence quotient(IQ) and urinary iodine of the children were examined. Forty women (pregnant and nursing women) were investigated in every town. The iodine content of salt from their home was measured. The thyroid volume was examined by palpation and B-uhrasound. IQ was measured by combined Raven Test in China(CRT-RC2). Urinary iodine was determined using the acid digest arsenic-cerium contacting method, and iodined salt was detected using direct titration method. Results Six suspected dementia patients were found in the local town hospital. Five eases were excluded. There was 1 case born in other place. The rates of goiter by palpation and B-ultrasound were 9.58%(92/960) and 8.89%(65/731), respectively. The median of urinary iodine of children and women was 319.15 μg/L and 248.42 μg/L, respectively. The mean of IQ of the children was 103.32. The coverage rate of iodine salt from residents was 98.82%(336/340). Conclusions The iodine nutrition of children was good and there is no newly occurred cretinism in Chengkou and Wuxi Counties. Goiter rate and median of urinary iodine aged 8-10 years and of women, coverage rate of iodine salt from resident has meet the standard set for basical elimination iodine deficiency disorders.

Objective To evaluate the running status of the water-improving projects in Gansu Province in order to further improve the supervising mechanism and raise the efficiency of defluoridation in drinking water.Methods The water-improving projects,either being normal,or intermittent,or discarded and the cause of abnormal running in 33 counties in Gansu Province were surveyed with unified standard method.Fluoride content in water was determined by F-ion selective electrode.Results 993 water improving projects covering 3389 fluorosis villages were surveyed,682 projects worked well[68.68%(682/993)]and had supplied water with normal fluoride contents to 2174 villages[64.15%(2174/3389)]and benefited 116.56 hundred thousand populations.And the rest 311[31.32%(311/993)]projects worked abnormally or supplied unqualified fluoride water.The main causes were the exceeded lasting life,insufficiency of water resources,high fluoride content in water and unqualified administration.Conclusions Most of the water-improving projects in Gansu Province are basically running normally,but about 1/3 of the projects do not function well,so the management of the projects must be improved and consummated.

Background Choroidal melanoma (CM)is the most common primary intraocular tumor,and brachytherapy is one of the most common therapeutic modality in the treatment of the tumor.However,this irradiation approach has not been evaluated in China. Objective The present study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of domestic 125I plaque irradiation in the treatment of CM. Methods Forty New Zealand albino rabbits were randomized into 5 groups with 8 rabbits 8 eyes (right eyes) in each group.CM models were established in 16 of 40 New Zealand albino rabbits by implanting the rat B16F10 melanoma cell fragments into the suprachoroidal space of right eyes.After 3 weeks,domestic 125I plaque was fixed at the location of CM in the irradiation group 1,and 8 rabbits with CM served as model control group.The clinical effectiveness of 125I plaque for CM was evaluated based on the fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy,B scan ultrasonography,fundus photographs and color Dopplerimaging.Regarding the safety study,domestic 125I plaque was fixed on the normal right cycs of normal rabbits,while the plaques without 125I seeds were used as the sham group.No intervene was performed in the rabbits of blank group.The number of CD4+,CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry before plaques implanted and on 3,7,15 and 30 days after the plaque was removed.The animals were sacrificed and the eyes were obtained for histology examination.The use of the experimental animals complied with Statement of ARVO. Results After implantation of B16F10 melanoma cell fragments,CM grew steadily and rapidly with the similar size between irradiation group 1 and model control group ( P =0.550).One week after administration of the treatment,tumor size was(0.31±0.07 )cm in irradiation group 1 and (0.85±0.18 )em in the model control group,with the significant difference between them( P=0.001 ).Two week after application of 125I plaque,the size of tumor was smaller than that before irradiation (P=0.007 ).Histologically,the tumors were mostly limited beneath the pigment epithelial layer with less neovascularization,fibrosis in the tumor was found in some area in the irradiation group when compared with model control group.No significant differences were found in the proportions of CD4+,CD8+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ at different time points in the irradiation groups of normal eyes and sham group (Fgroup =0.770,8.110,2.230; P=0.380,0.060,0.140; Ftime =0.770,3.220,4.230; P =0.550,0.170,0.004 ).Chronic inflammatory cells infiltration cornea,subconjunctival epithelial and selera surface,but sclera had no necrosis and organization.Conclusions These results suggest that domestic 125I plaque irradiation is effective for the treatment of CM,and has limited side effects on normal rabbits.

OBJECTIVETo study the role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels and other risk factors in the occurrence of chronic hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODSPatients treated for aSAH in our hospital between January, 2007 and June, 2012 were divided into non-hydrocephalus group and hydrocephalus group. TGF-β1 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared between the two groups at different time points. A retrospective analysis was conducted to identify the potential risk factors for chronic hydrocephalus, which were subsequently confirmed by Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSOf the 129 patients enrolled, 16 (12.4%) developed chronic hydrocephalic with an average diagnosis time of 31.6∓17.0 days. In patients with chronic hydrocephalus, TGF-β1 level in the CSF increased significantly on the 13th day following aSAH (P<0.05). Retrospective analysis showed that the patients with hydrocephalus and those without had significant differences in history of hypertension, times of SAH, Hunt-Hess classification, ventricular expansion, aneurysm position, Fisher classification, ventricular hemorrhage score and intracranial infections (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified ventricular expansion, aneurysm position, Fisher classification, ventricular hemorrhage score and postoperative intracranial infections as significant risk factors for the occurrence of chronic hydrocephalus (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSIn adult patients with aSAH, the risk factors for chronic hydrocephalus include ventricular expansion, aneurysm position, Fisher classification, ventricular hemorrhage score and postoperative intracranial infections. These risk factors can have greater clinical value than TGF-β1 levels in the CSF in predicting the occurrence of chronic hydrocephalus following aSAH.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; etiology ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; cerebrospinal fluid ; complications ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; cerebrospinal fluid

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impact of radiofrequency catheter ablation on left atrial (LA) size and function in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and whether there is any difference between segmental pulmonary vein ostial isolation (SPVI) and circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA).

METHODSSixty-six patients with highly symptomatic atrial fibrillation were assigned to undergo either SPVI or CPVA. Transthorax echocardiography was performed before, 1 day, 1 months and 3 months after the procedure. LA dimension, LA area, late diastolic peak velocity of mitral valve inflow (A) and peak atrial systolic mitral annulus velocity (A') were recorded.

RESULTSOf 66 consecutive patients with symptomatic PAF, 30 patients underwent SPVI and 36 underwent CPVA. After a mean follow-up of (315 +/- 153) days, 21 patients (70%) after SPVI and 28 patients (75%) after CPVA were free of atrial tachyarrhythmia. As compared with the baseline, LA area decreased at 1-month after ablation in SPVI group and at 3-month in CPVA group. LA dimension decreased also in SPVI group, but did not in CPVA group. A velocity and A' velocity declined remarkably 1 day after CPVA, and restored 3 months later. The former went back to the level of baseline, and the latter exceeded it apparently. In SPVI group, A velocity increased at 1-month, and maintained in 3-month after ablation. A' velocity increased at 3-month after ablation. No reduction of A velocity or A' velocity was found after SPVI.

CONCLUSIONSThis study demonstrated a decrease in LA area and an improvement in LA systolic function 3 months after ablation for PAF. The LA damage by CPVA was more than that by SPVI, which was characterized by the reduction of LA function 1 day after procedure and the delayed improvement of LA size and functional parameters.

Adult ; Atrial Fibrillation ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Atrial Function, Left ; Catheter Ablation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulmonary Veins ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of aneurysm clipping and partial blood clot removal in the subarachnoid space on hemorrhage volume in the subarachnoid space and cerebral vasospasm in patients with different Fisher grades.

METHODSPatients with subarachnoid space hemorrhage (SAH) of Fisher Grades I, II, and III were subdivided into control and treatment groups for comparative studies. The patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) undergoing aneurysm clipping were also compared with Fisher grade I control subgroup. OxyHb levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral blood flow volume (CBFV) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured on days 3, 7, and 13 day after SAH.

RESULTSThe patients with UIAs and Fisher Grade I control subgroup showed significant differences in OxyHb levels on day 3 in CBFV of the MCA on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05). In the SAH groups, OxyHb levels increased significantly on day 3 day in the treatment subgroups of Fisher Grades I and II, but declined significantly on days 7 and 13 in Fisher Grade III treatment subgroup as compared with the corresponding control subgroups (P<0.05); in Fisher Grade I group on days 3 and 7 and in Fisher Grade II group on day 7, CBFV of the MCA increased significantly in the treatment subgroups, but in Fisher Grade III group, CBFV decreased significantly on days 7 and 13 compared with the control subgroup (P<0.05). A positive correlation was found between OxyHb levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and CBFV of the MCA (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONFor patients with Fisher Grades I and II aneurysms, craniotomy may increase hemorrhage volume in the subarachnoid space and exacerbate cerebral vasospasm, but for Grade III patients, aneurysm clipping and blood clot removal shows beneficial effects in terms of reducing hemorrhage volume and relieving cerebral vasospasm.

Aged ; Aneurysm, Ruptured ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; cerebrospinal fluid ; surgery ; Vasospasm, Intracranial ; surgery

Objective To evaluate the reliability and validity of the application of condensed Chinese version of the MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) in assessment of quality of life among adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease,and to provide a scientific basis in rehabilitation of the patients.Methods Four hundred and twenty seven eases of adult patients with Kashin-Back disease and 419 healthy individuals randomly selected in Kashin-Beck disease endemic areas in 8 counties of Gansu province were surveyed with the SF-36.The reliability of the SF-36 was assessed by split-half reliability and Cronbach's α coefficient and the validity through principal component factor analysis and correlation analysis,etc.The dimension scores of different people were obtained by analysis of variance and univariate t-test.Results The split-half reliability of all the 8 dimensions was greater than 0.6 and the Cronbach's α coefficient was greater than 0.8; the pearson correlate coefficients of all the items to their dimensions were greater than 0.391.SF-36 contained 8 domains and 2 summary scales in the factor analysis.The score differences of quality of life in different ages of the patients,different stages of the disease were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The SF-36 is practical in studying the quality of life among adult patients with Kashin-Beck Disease.

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of proprotein convertase subtilisin type 9 (PCSK9) on lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) mediated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) uptake by mononuclear macrophage (THP-1) derived macrophages. Methods: THP-1 monocyte was incubated with PMA for 48 hours to induce the differentiation into macrophages. Macrophages were pretreated with human recombinant PCSK9 protein for 1 hour and incubated with ox-LDL for 24 hours to induce foam cells. Oil red O staining was used to observe the accumulation of lipid in the control group (foam cells) and groups treated with different concentrations of recombinant PCSK9 protein, and the intracellular cholesterol content was measured by enzyme method, and mRNA and protein expressions of LOX-1 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. The uptake of Dil-labeled oxidized low density lipoprotein (Dil-ox-LDL) was observed by fluorescence microscopy in control group (macrophage), PCSK9 protein treated group and PCSK9 protein plus anti-LOX-1 antibody and IgG antibody treated group. mRNA and protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were detected in control and PCSK9 protein treated group in the absence and presence of TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242), NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC). In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated in the absence or presence of COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398) or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitor (DPI). The mRNA and protein expression of LOX-1 in the control group (PCSK9 protein pretreated foam cells) and PCSK9 protein group in the absence or presence of TAK-242, PDTC, NS-398 and DPI respectively. Results: (1) The total optical density of intracellular lipid droplets, total cholesterol level, cholesterol ester level and cholesterol ester/total cholesterol ratio as well as expression of LOX-1 were significantly higher in PCSK9 group than those in control group (all P<0.05). (2) The fluorescence intensity of Dil-ox-LDL was significantly higher in PCSK9 group and PCSK9+IgG antibody group than in the control group (all P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity was significantly lower in PCSK9+anti-LOX-1 antibody group than in PCSK9 group and PCSK9+IgG antibody group (all P<0.05). (3) The expressions of TLR4, NF-κB and COX-2 were significantly higher in PCSK9 group than in control group (all P<0.05). The expressions of TLR4, NF-κB and COX-2 were significantly lower in PCSK9+TAK-242 group and PCSK9+PDTC group than in PCSK9 group (all P<0.05). The ROS level was significantly higher in PCSK9 group than in the control group (P<0.05). The ROS levels were significantly lower in PCSK9+NS-398 and PCSK9+DPI groups than in PCSK9 group (all P<0.05). (4) The expressions of LOX-1 mRNA and protein were lower in respective PCSK9 protein plus TAK-242, PDTC, NS-398 or DPI group than in PCSK9 protein alone (all P<0.05). Conclusion PCSK9 may regulate LOX-1 mediated ox-LDL uptake by the THP-1 derived macrophage via TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2/ROS pathway.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of curcumin on oligomer formation and mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels (mitoKATP) induced by overexpression or mutation of α-synuclein.

METHODSRecombinant plasmids α-synuclein-pEGFP-A53T and α-synuclein-pEGFP-WT were transfected into PC12 cells by lipofectamin method, and intervened by application of curcumin (20 μmol/L) and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD). Oligomer formation in the cultured cells was identified by Western blotting and Dot blotting. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis of the PC12 cells were measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and JC-1 assays. mitoKATP were identified by Western blotting and whole cell patch clamp.

RESULTSCurcumin has significantly reduced the oligomer formation induced by overexpression or mutation of α-synuclein in the cultured cells. LDH has decreased by 36.3% and 23.5%, and red/green fluorescence ratio of JC-1 was increased respectively by 48.46% and 50.33% after application of curcumin (P<0.05). Protein expression of Kir6.2 has decreased and mitoKATP channel current has significantly increased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONCurcumin can inhibit α-synuclein gene overexpression or mutation induced α-synuclein oligomers formation. It may block apoptosis induced by wild-type overexpression or mutation of α-synuclein. By stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential. Opening of mitoKATP channel may have been the initiating protective mechanism of apoptosis induced by wild-type overexpression or mutation of α-synuclein. Curcumin may antagonize above cytotoxicity through further opening the mitoKATP channel.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Humans ; KATP Channels ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mutation ; drug effects ; PC12 Cells ; Parkinson Disease ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Rats ; alpha-Synuclein ; genetics