BackgroundIt has been proved that,after being forced,the biological soft tissue has stable biomechanical characteristics.However,there is rare study on corneal biomechanics.Rabbit is a main animal for experimental study in ophthalmology.But the biomechanical study of cornea in normal rabbit has not been reported.ObjectiveThis study was to investigate the biomechanical properties of normal rabbit central cornea and acquire the parameter. Methods Ten rabbits were sacrificed and the whole corneas were obtained and 20 central cornea specimens with 7 mm×5 mm of rabbit were prepared and tested on BOSE electroforce 3220-AT biomechanics machine under the room temperature and suitable humidity environment.Uniaxial tension,stress between strain,relaxation and creep were performed and the curves were drawn.The data was collected by wintest system to evaluate the biomechanical parameters of rabbit corneal tissue. ResultsThe maximum distortion intension of rabbit cornea was (7.7432±0.6099)MPa.After three cyclic loading,the stress gradually attenuated and the stress and strain flattened as the time change with the relaxation rate 30.33％.The deformation of the specimens enhanced with time decrease with the creep rate 24.33％. ConclusionsThe biomechanical characteristics of normal rabbit cornea are revealed in this study,which offer the basis for the experimental research of rabbit model aimed at corneal disease.

Background Epidemiological investigation in human has been conclusive. In postmenopausal women,the incidence of cataract is higher than men at the same age. In addition,hormone replacement therapy may protect against the development of cataract. However,this role of androgen is not clear. Objective This study was to explore the effects of estrogen and androgen on anti-oxidative ability of lens after ovariectomy. Methods Fifty-six three-month-old clean female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group,sham operation group, castration group,estrogen eyedrops group;estrogen injection group;androgen eyedrops group;androgen injection group and 8 rats for each. Ovariectomy was performed in the rats of castration group and gonadal hormone application group, and estradiol benzoate solution or testosterone propionate solution were utilized topically or systemly in 5 months after ovariectomy for 6 weeks respectively. Only abdominal cut was curried out in sham operation group. The lenses of rats were examined weekly under the slit lamp. The serum estrogen and androgen levels of rats were detected before,after operation and 6 weeks following the administration of gonadal hormone. The contents of superoxide dismutase( SOD) , glutathione( GSH) ,malondialdehyde( MDA) and water-soluble protein ( WSP) in rat lens homogenate were detected at the end of the experiment. Utilization of animals complied with the Regulation for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission. Results No opacity of lenses was found during the experiment duration in various groups. The serum estradiol levels of rats in sham group were insignificantly different from normal groups in various time points( P>0. 05). The evident decline of serum estradiol was detected in the rats of castration group and gonadal hormone application groups compared with sham group in 5 months after operation( all P<0. 01). However,at the sixth weeks after the system use of estradiol or testosterone,the serum estradiol levels were significantly higher than the castration group and topical application groups of gonadal hormone(P<0. 01). The contents of SOD,GSH and WSP in lenses were considerably increased,but the MDA level in lenses was decreased after system use of estrogen ( P<0. 01). The activity of SOD and GSH were lower after system use of testosterone in comparison with castration rats ( P < 0. 05 ). Conclusion Estrogen can protect lens against oxidation damage. However, androgen, to a certain extent, may contribute to the development of oxidative damage in OVX female rats.

Background Researches demonstrated that dendritic cells(DCs) are uniformly immature in the central cornea but mature in the peripheral region of cornea.So an important question is which factor impact the maturation of DCs,especially in terms of corneal transplant rejection and the known roles of DCs in the development and persistence of some corneal diseases.Objective This study aimed to examine whether corneal stroma cells (CSCs) inhibit DCs maturation through secreting transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).Methods DCs,T cells and CSCs were isolated and cultured from clean BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice.The level of PGE2 and TGF-β2in CSCs culture supernatant and the fresh RPMI 1640 medium were then analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).During the DCs maturation stage,the neutralizing TGF-β2 antibody and the EP2 receptor antagonist AH6809 were added in the CSCs culture supernatant respectively.According to the different treatment,cultured cells were assigned to different groups as follows:control group,CSCs culture supernatant group,AH6809 group,TGF-β2 antibody group,AH6809 +TGF-β2 antibody group.Subsequently,the cellular surface markers for DCs,including CD11c,CD80,CD86,and MHC- Ⅱ,were analyzed by flow cytometry.The capability of stimulating the proliferation of T lymphocytes was evaluated by allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions,and the function of endocytosis was assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran(FITC) uptake.Results The data of ELISA showed a higher concentration of TGF-β2 and PGE2 in murine CSCs culture supernatant than in the fresh RPMI 1640 medium.Compared with the CSCs culture supernatant group,the expression of CD80,CD86,and MHC- Ⅱ was up-regulated ( P ＜ 0.05 ),the expression of dextran was down-regulated ( P ＜ 0.05 ),and the stimulate index was increased( P＜ 0.05 ) in the TGF-β2 antibody group; the expression of CD86,and MHC-Ⅱ was up-regulated (P＜0.05),the expression of dextran was down-regulated ( F =13.740,P =0.006 ),and the stimulate index was increased(P＜0.05) in the AH6809 group;the expression of MHC-Ⅱ was up-regulated and the stimulate index was increased with statistical difference in interaction(P＜0.05 ) in the AH6809+TGF-β2 antibody group.Compared with the control group,the expression of CD80 and CD86,and the stimulate index was still lower(P＜0.05 ).Conclusions TGF-β2 and PGE2 contribute to the inhibitory effects on DCs maturation mediated by murine CSCs in vitro and further have additive effect on the immunosuppression of DCs.

Amygdala ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Animals ; Conditioning (Psychology) ; Morphine ; adverse effects ; Rats ; Receptors, Opioid, kappa ; metabolism

To evaluate the visual performance of the patients with traumatic corneal astigmatism, after the treatment of topography guided off-flap epipolis laser in situ keratomileusi (off-flap Epi-LASlK).
●METHODS: This prospective clinical study was comprised of 21 eyes of 21 patients with irregular corneal astigmatism caused by trauma, they were treated by off-flap Epi - LASlK from July 2012 to December 2013. The data included uncorrected visual acuity ( UCVA), best spectacle - corrected visual acuity ( BSCVA ), contrast sensitivity 1, 6mo before and after surgery; the healing area percentage of corneal epithelia, the healing time of corneal epithelia and pain score at 3d after surgery.
●RESULTS: Postoperative 1mo both UCVA and BSCVA were improved significantly than that before surgery (t =15. 703, 4. 351, P< 0. 05); Compared with the 1mo after surgery, UCVA at 6mo after surgery raised significantly (t= 6. 867, P <0. 05). There was no statistical significance between 6 and 1mo after surgery about BSCVA (t= 1. 497, P = 0. 140 ). After surgery, mean spherical equivalent (SE) was reduced from -2. 43±3. 02D to -0. 23±0. 49D (P<0. 05), and the mean cylinder was reduced from -1. 86± 2. 23D to - 0. 46 ± 1. 03D (P< 0. 05). Postoperative 1mo,4 kinds of spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity had no significant difference compared with the preoperative (P>0. 05 ). Postoperative 6mo except the 3c/ d spatial frequency, the remaining 3 spatial frequency contrast sensitivity compared with those before operation were significantly improved ( P < 0. 05 ). The healing area percentage of corneal epithelia was 92. 46% ±8. 24% (80% -100%) at 3d after surgery; The healing time of corneal epithelia was 3. 50 ± 1. 56d; Pain scores at 3 and 7d after surgery was 1. 54±1. 32 and 0. 04±0. 64, respectively.
●CONCLUSlON: Topography-guided off-flap Epi-LASlK is safe and effective in treating the patients with traumatic corneal irregular astigmatism. The operation can improve both the contrast sensitivity and the visual performance.

Objectives:To investigate the correlation between the systolic blood pressure variability and glomerular filtration rate in the elderly. Methods:From retired employees who participated in the third time physical examination of Kailuan group to underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A total of 3 064 subjects aged over 60 years were recruited by cluster sampling method. 2 464 participants who met the inclusion were included and tested the renal function, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as indicators of renal function evaluation. Finally, 1 382 cases up to the standard. Multiviate regression models were performed to analyze the correlataion beteen short-term MMD and eGFR. Results:The mean age of 1 382 participants was (67.16±5.86) years, and 905 individuals (65.5%) were male. Levels of eGFR decreased with the increased of MMD (P＜0.05). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that eGFR was positively correlated with 24 hr-MMD、day-MMD and night-MMD(P＜0.05). Multivarite linear regrsssion analysis indicated that 24 hr-MMD、day-MMD were correlated with eGFR. Conclusions:24 hr-MMD、day-MMD are correlated with eGFR.

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of 'Tong Du Yun Pi' (Governor Vessel-unblocking and spleen-promoting) manipulation in treating infantile diarrhea in autumn. Methods: Eighty-four kids were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method, with 42 cases in each group. The control group was intervened by oral administration of montmorillonite powder, and the observation group was given additional 'Tong Du Yun Pi' pediatric massage (tuina) treatment. After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms scores, symptom improvement time, clinical efficacy and immune function indicators were compared between the two groups. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate was 95.2％ in the observation group versus 76.2％ in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); each item score in TCM symptoms was notably lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05); among the effective cases, the times to restore normal defecation, relieve abdominal bloating, arrest vomiting, and bring down the fever were markedly shorter in the observation group than in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05); the levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were significantly higher and CD8+ was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: In the treatment of infantile diarrhea in autumn, based on oral administration of montmorillonite powder, 'Tong Du Yun Pi' manipulation can notably improve diarrheal symptoms, shorten disease duration, and strengthen the immunity of kids, producing more significant efficacy than oral administration of montmorillonite powder.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the causes of death in patients with heart failure.

METHODSA total of 133 heart failure patients died during hospitalization in our hospital between January 2005 and December 2008 were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided to two groups: sudden death (group A, n = 73, 54.9%), chronic end-stage pump failure (group B, n = 55, 41.4%). The remaining 5 cases died of other causes were excluded from the final analysis. Clinical data (medical history, blood pressure, clinical manifestation, NYHA cardiac function class, left ventricular diameter of diastole, left ventricular ejection fraction, ventricular arrhythmias, drug therapy) of group A and B were analyzed.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in terms of medical history (including hypertension and diabetes), blood pressure, heart rate and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia between the two groups. In group A, the NYHA functional class was mostly II or III grade, and LVEF value was significantly higher than that of group B. The incidence of angina pectoris was significantly higher in group A compared to group B. beta-blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker use was also significantly higher in group A than in group B, however, the treatment dose was significantly lower and therapy duration was significantly shorter in group A than in group B. There were significantly less patients received statins and anti-platelet aggregation drugs in group A compared to group B.

CONCLUSIONIn our patient cohort, sudden cardiac death often occurred in heart failure patients with NYHA cardiac function II to III grade, angina pectoris, probably due to the unstable coronary plaque and less statins and anti-platelet drug use in these patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Cause of Death ; Death, Sudden, Cardiac ; epidemiology ; Female ; Heart Failure ; mortality ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE Lychee seed, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, recently were reported to improve the learning and memory abilities in mice. However, it is still unclear whether lychee seed saponins (LSS) can improve the cognitive function and associated mechanisms. METHODS In present studies, we established the Alzheimer disease (AD) model by injecting Aβ25-35 into the lateral ventricle of rats. Then the spatial learning and memory abilities of LSS- treated rats were evaluated with the Morris water maze, meanwhile the protein expressions of AKT, GSK3β and Tau in the hippo?campal neuron were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS The results showed LSS can improve the cognitive functions of AD rats through shortening the escape latency, increasing the number across the platform, platform quadrant dwell time and the percentage of the total distance run platform quadrant. The protein expression of AKT was significantly up-regulated and that of GSK3β and Tau were decreased remarkably in the hippocampal CA1 area. CONCLUSION Our study is the first to show that LSS significantly improve the cognitive function and prevent hippocampal neuronal injury of the rats with AD by activation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway, suggesting LSS may be developed into the nutrient supplement for the treatment of AD.

OBJECTIVETraditional detection approaches for non-O157 STEC are both time and labour consuming in diseases surveillance. Virulence genes detection based on multiplex PCR could not only improve the detection efficiency but also increase the accuracy.

METHODSSix virulence genes of non-O157:H7 (stx1, stx2, eae, hly, etpD, katP6) were detected by two groups of trebling PCRs. The multiplex PCRs were optimized by melting curve analysis in SYBR Green I real-time PCR. Testing result of multiplex PCR was consistent with serological testing.

RESULTSThe sensitivity limits of the multiplex PCR for stx1, stx2, eaeP, etpD, katP, and hly were 10 ng/ml, 120 ng/ml, 110 ng/ml,165 ng/ml, 85 ng/ml, and 15 ng/ml, respectively, which is similar with that of single PCR. When the multiplex PCR was applied in 120 adults and 90 children diarrhea samples detection, 13 cases were detected for non-O157 positive.

CONCLUSIONThe method we established can be used for non-O157 STEC virulence genes detection and screening with high efficiency and accuracy.

Escherichia coli Infections ; diagnosis ; microbiology ; Escherichia coli Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Virulence Factors ; genetics