OBJECTIVETo investigate the penile erectile function of hospitalized male patients with cardiovascular diseases, the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in this cohort, and the relationship of ED with cardiovascular diseases and its risk factors.

METHODSUsing a self-designed questionnaire, we conducted an investigation among the hospitalized patients in the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases of the First and Second Affiliated Hospitals of Xi'an Jiaotong University. We measured their body height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, and blood pressure, obtained their personal data, past history, metabolic indexes, and erectile function scores by IIEF-5, and analyzed the risk factors of ED using univariate and multivariate logistic regression and OR analyses.

RESULTSTotally, 225 valid questionnaires were included in this investigation, which showed a 66.7% incidence of ED, 15.8% mild, 27.0% mild to moderate, 17.6% moderate, and 6.3% severe. The incident rates of ED in the 18-35 yr, 36-49 yr, 50-65 yr, and > 65 yr age groups were 13.6%, 39.1%, 89.2%, and 91.2%, respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis manifested that the risk factors of ED in the patients with cardiovascular diseases included age (OR = 3.122, 95% CI 2.040-4.779), smoking (OR = 1.768, 95% CI 1.209-2.584), BMI (OR = 1.261, 95% CI 1.114-1.427), total cholesterol (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.339-2.340), TC/HDL (OR =1.715, 95% CI 1.349-2.181), hypertension (OR = 1.717, 95% CI 1.110-2.658), and coronary heart disease (OR = 2.235, 95% CI 1.169-4.275), while multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the risk factors to be age (OR = 4.99, 95% CI 2.264-10.998), financial condition, (OR = 2.804, 95% CI 1.127-6.976), smoking (OR = 2.109, 95% CI 1.179-3.772), BMI (OR = 1.414, 95% CI 1.136-1.760), and TC/HDL (OR = 2.001, 95% CI 1.016-3.943).

CONCLUSIONThe incidence of ED is high in hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases and rises with the increase of age. Age, smoking, financial condition, BMI, and TC/HDL are the risk factors of both ED and cardiovascular diseases, and financial condition is closely associated with ED.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Pressure ; Body Height ; Body Mass Index ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; complications ; Erectile Dysfunction ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hypertension ; complications ; Imidazoles ; Incidence ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pyrimidines ; Regression Analysis ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; adverse effects ; Waist Circumference ; Young Adult

AIM: To compare and analyze the stereopsis of intermittent exotropia children under the different backgrounds of dynamic stimuli and static stimuli.
METHODS: We collected 56 children ( male 26, female 30 with intermittent exotropia at the age from 5y to 12y and examined their stereopsis under the different backgrounds of dynamic stimuli and static stimuli using a multidimensional sense perception training software. The differences between the dynamic stereopsis and static stereopsis were compared.
RESULTS: Totally 17 cases ( 30%) had both dynamicstereopsis and static stereopsis, 39 cases ( 70%) had either dynamic or static stereopsis deficit, only 10 cases ( 26%) had dynamic stereopsis, 25 cases ( 64%) static stereopsis left and 4 cases ( 10%) were without any form of stereopsis. The positive rate of dynamic stereopsis was better than the positive rate of static stereopsis, with statistical significance (P<0. 05).
CONCLUSION: Dynamicstereopsis is better than the static stereopsis to intermittent exotropia children.

Background Retinal retinoic acid (RA) plays an important role in the formation of the lensinduced myopia.However,it is not clear how RA transfer the myopic signal to choroid throughout the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) barrier.Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) on the barrier of RPE in lens-induced myopic eye of guinea pig.Methods Thirty left eyes of 30 21-dayold clean guinea pigs were randomized into normal control group and the model group.The models of out of focus were induced by covering of-6.00 D concave lens on the left eyes for 15 days.Radius of corneal curvature was measured using corneal curvimeter,and diopeter of the guinea pig was examined by mydriatic optometry.The length of ocular axis was detected by A-sonography.The animals were sacrificed and the retinas of the left eyes were isolated for the culture and passage of RPE cells.The third generation of cells were incubated Millcell-PET microporous film,and atRA at the concentration of 1 × 10-6,1 × 10-7,1 × 10-8 and 1 × 10-9 mol/L was added to the micropore respectively for 12 hours,and the micropores with equal-solvent served as negative control group.Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT)colorimetric method was used to detect the survival rate of the cells.Subsequently,the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of the monolayer cells was determined with CN10-EVOM2 resistance measuring meter.The vesicular transport change of RPE membrane in different groups was evaluated by FM1-43 fluorescence staining.Results The mean diopter was (-2.20±0.95) D in the models,and that in the controls was (+ 1.15 ±0.30) D,with a significant difference between them (t =14.57,P＜ 0.01).The axial length was (8.24 ± 0.09) mm in the models and it was significantly longer than (7.81±0.05) mm in the controls (t=17.20,P＜0.01).RPE cells grew well to form a monolayer in Millcell culture pool after one week.After 24 hours of the atRA treatment,the survival rate of RPE cells reduced gradually with the increase of atRA concentration with the highest rate in the 1 × 10-9 mol/L atRA group (93.3 ％) and followed by the 1 × 10-8 mol/L atRA group (88.2％).More than half of the cells dead in the 1 × 10-6mol/L and 1 × 10-7mol/L atRA groups (53.8％ and 47.1％).Significant differences in the TER value and fluorescence staining intensity of the cells were seen among the various groups (F =43.89,P =0.00 ; F =26.13,P =0.00),with the maximal values in the 1 × 10-8mol/L atRA group.The FM1-43 fluorescence located on the cellular membrane and cytoplasm.Conclusions AtRA can increase the functional state of tight junction and vesicular transport,which regulated the RPE cell barrier in the guinea pig.

OBJECTIVE:To optimize the formulation optimization of Nicorandil sustained-release matrix tablet,and evaluate its drug release properties in vitro. METHODS:Based on single factor test,powder direct compression method was used,using nicorandil cumulative release rate (Q) in 1,4,8,12 h as evaluation indexes,central composite design-response surface method was adopted to optimize the amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC)and ethyl cellulose(EC);Q values within 12 h in different pH (1.0,5.0,6.8,7.4) media were compared. RESULTS:The optimized formulation (every tablet) was nicorandil 10 mg,HPMC 150 mg,EC 90 mg,microcrystalline cellulose 80 mg,lactose 60 mg,magnesium stearate 2%. Q1 h,Q4 h,Q8 h and Q12 h of the obtained formulation were 23.6%,51.3%,83.7% and 96.9%,respectively;deviation from the predicted values were 2.1%,1.6%,1.0%,0.2%. Q values were similar in pH 1.0-7.4 at different time points. CONCLUSIONS:The obtained Nicor-andil sustained-release matrix tablet by optimal formulation shows sustained-release effect,and the change of pH 1.0-7.4 has no in-terference in the release characteristics of main drug.

OBJECTIVE: To study the apoptosis of retina and the expression of c-myc protein in form-deprivation myopia. METHODS: Two-day-old chickens were sutured with right eyelid for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. After measurement of refracation, the eyeballs were observed by light microscope and taken photos. Retinal apoptotic cells were measured by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. C-myc protein were examined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Lacquer crack lesions were found in sutured eyes at 12 weeks. Apoptotic cells were observed in retinal outer and inner nuclear layer of the sutured eyes at 12 weeks and obvious peak of apoptosis was observed in sutured eyes at 12 weeks. The expression of c-myc protein was significantly more than control eyes at 8 and 12 weeks. CONCLUSION The apoptosis of retinal was present in form-deprivation myopia with the degeneration of retina. C-myc protein plays an important role in retinal apoptosis of myopia.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; physiology ; Chickens ; Flow Cytometry ; Myopia ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Retina ; metabolism ; pathology

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a newly recognized fibro-inflammatory condition of autoimmune etiology in recent twenty years, mainly manifesting as mass-forming lesions in single or multiple organs. In the past, it was often missed or misdiagnosed as inflammation or tumor. Patients may die from multiple organ failure due to end-stage fibrosis if they are not treated promptly. However, the number of clinically confirmed cases has gradually increased with the improvement of diagnostic level in recent years, and these patients have benefited greatly after receiving early treatment. Although patients generally respond well to traditional immunosuppressors including glucocorticoids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, refractory and recurrent cases, even patients with glucocorticoid contraindication are common. Important mechanistic insights have been derived from studies of B-cell depletion therapy, but greater awareness of the pathophysiology of IgG4-RD is still badly needed to identify novel therapeutic targets. In this article, we reviewed the pathogenesis progress and promising therapy of IgG4-RD to seek better clinical management of IgG4-RD.

ObjectiveTo investigate the development trend of drinking water type of endemic fluorosis in Qinghai province, and to provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of the disease. MethodsIn 2009, six monitoring counties were chosen by using simple random sampling methods, all diseased villages of the six monitoring counties were classified into light, moderate and severe disease types according to water fluorine content on the historical data, and 1 village was respectively chosen from each type. In monitoring villages with improved water, 3 tap water and one source water samples were collected, respectively. Five water samples were collected randomly in water unimproved monitoring villages according to water well locations of east, west, south, north and center. The fluorine content in water and urine was determined according to the Standard Testing Methods for Drinking Water (GB/T 5750-2006). Children aged 8 to 12 were examined for dental fluorosis by Dean method.Clinical osteofluorosis of all the resident over the age of 16 was examined, 2 village of these counties were randomly selected, and clinically diagnosed patients with skeletal fluorosis were examined again by X-ray using Diagnostic Criteria of Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis (WS 192-2008). Urine sample of 30 children aged 8 to 12 and of 20 adults over the age of 16 were randomly collected and urinary fluoride was determined by F-ion selective electrode method (WS/T 89-2006). ResultsImproving water projects had been implemented in 14 monitoring villages of the 18 villages in 6 counties, the rate of improved-water was 77.78％(14/18). Among the 14 projects, 5 improved-water projects ran normally, and 9 projects ran with intermittently water supply. Seventy-five water samples were tested, themean of water fluoride was 0.48 mg/L. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 31.95％ (285/892), that of clinical skeletal fluorosis was 36.55％(1570/4295) and the X-ray detection rate of skeletal fluorosis was 25.64％ (20/78).Five hundred and seventy-one urine samples of children were determined, and geometric mean of urinary fluorine was 1.04 mg/L; 370 adult urine samples were determined, and geometric mean of urinary fluorine was 1.52 mg/L Conclusion Epidemic of drinking water type of endemic fluorosis is still serious in Qinghai province, and drinking water defluoride measures should be further strengthened and improved.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical outcome of kyphoplasty on costal pain which develops following thoracic osteoporotic compression fractures and evaluate the factors related to costal pain.

METHODSFrom May 2014 to May 2016, a total of 188 patients with thoracic osteoporotic compression fractures undergoing kyphoplasty were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: the costal pain group included patients who had costal pain after a vertebral fracture and the no costal pain group included patients without costalgia. Visual analogue scale(VAS)and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)of all patients were measured preoperatively and 3 days, 1 month, 6 months postoperatively respectively. Gender, age, the fracture level, bone mineral density, vertebral body fracture type, and fracture severity were compared between two groups, and the causes of costal pain were analyzed.

RESULTSAmong 188 patients, 38 patients (20.2%) complained of costal pain with back pain. The mean follow-up time was 8.3 months (ranged from 6 to 15 months). The VAS and ODI score of two groups decreased after operation, and there was significant difference between pre-operation and post-operation(<0.05). There was significant difference in VAS score and ODI score between two groups at 3 days and 1 month postoperatively (<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score and ODI score between two groups at 6 months postoperatively (<0.05). The incidence of applanation-type deformity and severe fracture in the costal group were higher. The fracture type and fracture severity showed significantly difference between two groups(<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe fracture type and fracture severity had significant relation to costal pain of thoracic osteoporotic compression fractures. The kyphoplasty effect on costal pain may not be effective, especially during early post-operation period.

OBJECTIVETo study the expression levels of ANXA1 and ANXA2 and elucidate their clinicopathological significance in adenocarcinoma, peritumoral tissues, adenomatous polyp and chronic cholecystitis of gallbladder.

METHODSEnVision(TM) immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of ANXA1 and ANXA2 in paraffin-embedded tissue sections from resected specimens of adenocarcinoma (n = 108), peritumoral tissue (n = 46), adenomatous polyp (n = 15) and chronic cholecystitis (n = 35).

RESULTSThe positive rates and scores of ANXA1 and ANXA2 were significantly higher in adenocarcinoma (59.3%, 56.5%; 3.2 ± 0.9, 3.4 ± 0.8) than those in peritumoral tissues (34.8%, 1.1 ± 0.8, P < 0.01; 30.4%, 1.0 ± 0.8, P < 0.01), adenomatous polyp (26.7%, 0.9 ± 0.7, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01; 26.7%, 0.9 ± 0.8, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and chronic cholecystitis (17.1%, 0.7 ± 0.9, P < 0.01; 20.0%, 0.8 ± 0.8, P < 0.01). The benign lesions with positive ANXA1 and/or ANXA2 expression showed mild to severe atypical hyperplasia of the gallbladder epithelium. The positive rates of ANXA1 and/or ANXA2 were significantly lower in the well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, in a maximal diameter of < 2 cm, with no metastasis to lymph nodes and no invasion to surrounding tissues than those in the moderately or poorly-differentiated adenocarcinoma, in a maximal diameter of ≥ 2 cm, with metastasis to lymph nodes and invasion in surrounding tissues (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). A high consistence was found between the expression levels of ANXA1 and ANXA2 (χ(2) = 67.84, P < 0.01), and a close positive correlation between the scores of ANXA1 and ANXA2 (r = 0.78, P < 0.01) in gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ANXA1 or ANXA2 was not an independent prognostic predictor in gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONThe expression levels of ANXA1 and/or ANXA2 may be important biological markers in the carcinogenesis, progression and biological behaviors of gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Adenomatous Polyps ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Annexin A1 ; metabolism ; Annexin A2 ; metabolism ; Cholecystectomy ; methods ; Cholecystitis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Gallbladder ; metabolism ; pathology ; Gallbladder Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Survival Rate

Objective To explore the role of microRNA-155 ( miR-155 )/suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 ( SOCS1 ) pathway combined with IL-17 in modulating the early progression of Schistosoma japonicum.Methods BALB/c mice were infected subcutaneously with cercariae of S.japonicum before being sacrificed at 8 and 14 weeks after infection to collect liver samples for pathological observation by H&E staining .The spleens of mice were collected to calculate the spleen index.The level of IL-17 in serum was determined using ELISA.Furthermore, qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-155 and SOCS1 mRNA in the spleens of mice .Results Compared with normal group , the spleen index in the model group was increased significantly along with the loss of relative body mass .H&E staining revealed that the deposition of parasite eggs began to appear in the liver tissue at week 8 post-infection.Meanwhile, there were a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating to form the eosinophilic granuloma.Over time, the formation of egg granulomas and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were alleviated on week 14 post-infection.The level of IL-17 in serum and the expression of miR-155 in the spleen were peaked on week 8 post-infection, and decreased sharply on week 14, but were still evidently higher than those in normal group .The expression of SOCS1 mRNA was progressively increased both on week 8 and 14. Conclusion The data indicates that miR-155 might cooperate with IL-17 to modulate SOCS1 in the development of S.japonicum infection.