To observe the clinic effects and complication of Ahmed glaucoma valve(AGV) implantation in refractory glaucoma by using the 23G syringe needle direct puncture the sclerotic tunnel.METHODS: Forty-four cases ( 44 eyes ) of refractory glaucoma underwent AGV implantation by useing the 23G syringe needle direct puncture the sclerotic tunnel. The intraocular pressure ( lOP ) , visual acuity, and complication of post - operation were contrasted with those of pre-operation.RESULTS:The success rate was 84. 1%, the mean preoperative lOP in research group was 52. 1±10. 1mmHg, and the last follow up mean lOP was 15. 6 ± 6. 9mmHg. Compared with the preoperative visual acuity, 11 eyes increased, 27 eyes had no changes and 6 eyes decreased. The main post-operative complications included shallow anterior chamber ( 4 eyes ) , choroidal detachment ( 3 eyes), drainage tube shift (1 eye), hyphema (6 eyes), drainage tube blockage ( 1 eye ) , expulsive choroidal hemorrhage (1 eye), and fiber wrap of drainage tray (5 eyes) .CONCLUSlON:AGV implantation by direct puncture the sclerotic tunnel is feasible and easy. lt avoids of making sclerotic petal and the xenogenic sclera transplanting, simplified the operation technique, prevent the leakage of around tube. The shallow anterior chamber rate is lower. lt is an effective procedure for refractory glaucoma.

We used metabolomics to investigate the ability of a traditional Mongolian medicine called modified Tabusen-2 (MT-2) to improve kidney yang deficiency (KYD) in rats. All animal experiments were conducted under the guidance and standards of the Medical Ethics Committee of Inner Mongolia Medical University. SD rats were divided into 6 groups of six rats: a normal group, a model group, Jinkuishenqi pill administration group (1.26 g·kg^-1), and MT-2 administration in high-, medium- and low-dose groups (1.512, 0.756, and 0.378 g·kg^-1). KYD was established by intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone (HC) and biochemical indicators and clinical characterization was used to confirm that KYD was established. All groups received intragastrically administered drug (Jinkuishenqi pill or MT-2) or saline. Serum from each group was collected after 8 weeks and analyzed by UPLC-Q-exactive-MS to measure various biochemical indicators. The biomarkers affected by MT-2 were identified and the metabolic pathways of KYD regulated by MT-2 were analyzed by metabolomic analysis. The results show that MT-2 can decrease serum creatinine (Cr) in KYD rats and significantly increase (P<0.05) the content of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). In serum samples, 38 biomarkers such as corticosterone, L-phenylalanine, and DL-tryptophan were measured as possible indicators for disease development in KYD rats. MT-2 lowered 18 biomarkers of KYD, including corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone, and L-phenylalanine, and altered 13 related metabolic pathways including phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis, resulting in an overall improvement in KYD. MT-2 appears to be important in improving KYD in rats mainly by regulating metabolites such as amino acids, steroids and lipids.

Objectives: To plot and analyze ECG three-dimensional (3D) RR scatter plots in patients with various diseases in order to find the correlation between the graphic features and various diseases. Methods: According to ECG data provided by Physio Bank website, 3D RR scatter plots were constructed and analyzed by means of Matlab platform programming and clustering algorithm in following clinical settings: normal sinus rhythm,?arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF), sudden cardiac death and chronic heart failure (CHF). Results: 3D RR scatter plots of normal sinus rhythm, arrhythmia, AF, sudden cardiac death and CHF were converged into several categories, all had the features of ultimate, stability and attraction. Significant differences on the number of clusters, clustering degrees and distribution ranges were observed among subjects with normal sinus rhythm, arrhythmia, AF, sudden cardiac death and CHF. Conclusions: 3D RR scatter plots had diversified distributions in different diseases, it can be divided into multiple categories with multi-distribution features. 3D RR scatter plots can clearly define the overlapping parts of 2D scatter diagram and are helpful to distinguish different diseases in a more accurate mode, future studies are warranted to explore the underlying clinical implications of the multiple parameters derived from the 3D RR scatter plots.

Objective To explore a method that predicts the awakening probability of coma patients with severe traumatic brain injury,and develop models for its clinical application.Methods Clinical data of 263 coma patients with severe traumatic brain injury were analyzed retrospectively.Multinomial logistic regression method was employed to analyze the factors related to prognosis of coma patients with severe traumatic brain injury in early stage,and the models of predicting the awakening probability were established.Results Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that 6 factors,which included age,pupillary light reflex at admission,movement Glasgow scale (mGCS) scores,whether the brainstem was pressed under CT images,opening time of eyes after treatment,and percentages of ischemic brain volume under CT images,were independent factors to predict the awakening probability of coma patients with severe traumatic brain injury.Pearson Residual evaluation showed that the models have well goodness of fit index.Conclusion The prediction models have well goodness of fit,and predict factors that used in the models are easily to obtain in primly hospitals,so it has a wide range of clinical application prospects in coma patients with severe traumatic brain injury in early stage.

OBJECTIVEVariations of the signal intensities in the magnetic resonance (MR) T(1)-weighted image (T(1)WI) of globus pallidus among manganese(Mn)-exposed workers were explored to provide a scientific basis for exposed biomarker of manganese-injured central nervous system (CNS).

METHODSThe brain MR T(1) and T(2) WI in eighteen male asymptomatic Mn-exposed, eight manganism and nine healthy control workers were examined routinely by adopting a 1.5 Tesla signal superconducting system. The SIGP and the signal intensity in frontal white matter (SIFWM) in the same side were determined, then pallidal index (PI) was calculated. Concentration of MnO(2) in workplaces and content of manganese in red blood cell (MnRBC) among workers were respectively determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The follow-up investigation in the eight high Mn-exposed workers was made one year later.

RESULTSThe results showed that the median of air MnO(2) in smelting workplace was 0.64 mg/m(3)(0.07 - 5.40 mg/m(3)), which were respective 0.56 mg/m(3)(0.09 - 1.71 mg/m(3)) in power distribution room (low Mn-exposure) and 0.89 mg/m(3) (0.07 - 5.40 mg/m(3)) in furnace (high Mn-exposure). PI in the Mn-exposed and high Mn-exposed workers were both higher than those of the manganism and control workers(116.4 +/- 8.2, 119.0 +/- 7.9, 105.3 +/- 8.4 and 102.2 +/- 1.5, respectively. Mn vs control, t' = 7.146, P = 0.000; Mn vs manganism, t = 3.181, P = 0.004. High Mn-exposure vs control, t' = 7.446, P = 0.000; high Mn-exposure vs manganism, t = 3.763, P = 0.001). The increased signal in T(1)WI of globus pallidus was observed in Mn-exposed workers, especially in high Mn-exposed workers. The content of manganese in red blood cell of Mn-exposed and control workers was significantly higher than those of the manganism workers [(151.6 +/- 40.5) ng/ml, (149.2 +/- 21.3) ng/ml, (154.5 +/- 46.6) ng/ml, (144.4 +/- 14.2) ng/ml, (20.8 +/- 7.4) ng/ml respectively. The difference was significant in statistics. Manganism vs control, t = 20.206, P = 0.000; manganism vs Mn, t' = 13.144, P = 0.000; manganism vs low and high Mn, t' = 12.964, 9.957, respectively, P = 0.000]. Only a decreased median of air MnO(2) in furnace was found one year later (0.89, 0.31 mg/m(3), Z = -2.142, P = 0.032). The difference was significant in statistics.

CONCLUSIONOur data suggests that SIGP of MR T(1)WI among workers was obviously increased by manganese-exposure. PI may be taken as the signal of CNS injury which was induced by manganese-exposure.

Adult ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; analysis ; Case-Control Studies ; Globus Pallidus ; pathology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Manganese Poisoning ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure

BACKGROUNDResearches in arterial elasticity have increased over the past few years. We investigated the effects of simvastatin on vascular stiffness in fat fed rabbits by ultrasonography.

METHODSThirty rabbits were assigned randomly to 3 groups: normal control group (A), the cholesterol group (B), simvastatin group (C: high fat diet for 4 weeks and high fat diet + simvastatin for further 4 weeks). Stiffness coefficient, pressure strain elastic modulus and velocity of pulse waves in abdominal aorta and femoral artery were measured by ultrasonographic echo tracking at the end of the 4th and the 8th weeks.

RESULTSAt the end of the 4th week, stiffness coefficient, pressure strain elastic modulus and pulse wave velocity of femoral artery were significantly increased in group B compared with those in group A. Similarly, at the end of the 8th week, the same parameters of abdominal aorta were significantly increased in group B compared with those in group A. In contrast, stiffness coefficient, pressure strain elastic modulus and pulse wave velocity of femoral artery were significantly decreased in group C compared with those in group B, however, there was no significant difference in parameters of abdominal aorta between groups B and C.

CONCLUSIONShort term administration of simvastatin can improve the elasticity of femoral artery but not abdominal aorta.

Animals ; Anticholesteremic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Aorta, Abdominal ; drug effects ; Blood Flow Velocity ; drug effects ; Dietary Fats ; adverse effects ; Femoral Artery ; drug effects ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Simvastatin ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo explore the feasibility of surgical design for mandibular retrusion using three-dimensional software.

METHODSThree-dimensional reconstruction was performed by Mimics software based on the preoperative CT data. The model of the maxillofacial region was imported into Rapidform software for measuring the associated parameters and Geomagic software for simulation of osteotomy. The reliability of the virtual operation was validated during the surgery.

RESULTSThe model of mandibular retrusion was reconstructed and successfully used to simulate the surgery. The simulation result was applied in subsequent actual surgery and good surgical outcomes were achieved.

CONCLUSIONThe three-dimensional software can be used to simulate the surgery for mandibular retrusion and improve the predictability and accuracy of the surgery.

Computer Simulation ; Feasibility Studies ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Male ; Malocclusion, Angle Class II ; surgery ; therapy ; Mandible ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Maxilla ; diagnostic imaging ; Models, Anatomic ; Retrognathia ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Software ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the application of tunica dartos flap coverage to the prevention of urinary fistula in tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty.

METHODSThis study included 140 cases of hypospadias following TIP urethroplasty, aged 1.9-22 (mean 5.6) years. Of the total number, 85 cases of the distal type were treated by coverage of the neourethra with the longitudinal ventrolateral pedicled-dartos penile skin flap, while the other 55 cases of the proximal type with the pedicled-dartos flap of arteriae scrotales anteriories.

RESULTSUrethrocutaneous fistula occurred in 12 of the patients, including 7 cases of distal and 6 cases of proximal hypospadias.

CONCLUSIONFor distal hypospadias, the longitudinal ventrolateral pedicled-dartos penile skin flap can be used, while for proximal urethroplasty, the pedicled-dartos flap of arteriae scrotales anteriories can be applied in coverage of the neourethra, which can effectively reduce the incidence of fistula.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Hypospadias ; surgery ; Infant ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Scrotum ; blood supply ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Urethra ; surgery ; Urinary Fistula ; prevention & control ; surgery ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male ; methods ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical features and mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene among children with classical Rett syndrome in China.

METHODSPCR and direct sequencing were employed to analyze the three exons of MECP2 gene in 9 children recently diagnosed with Rett syndrome and their parents.

RESULTSHeterozygous mutations were identified in 5 out of 9 patients, with a mutation rate of over 50%; there was one case of insert mutation (c.913insT) and 4 cases of missense mutation (exon 3: c.316C>T (R106W); exon 4: c.502C>T (R168X), c.808C>T (R270X), and c.1126C>T (P376S). A new mutation (c.913insT) was found. No mutations were detected in their parents. Two patients had MECP2 mutations in the transcriptional repression domain (TRD). They had almost lost language functions and were found to have significantly delayed development compared with other patients.

CONCLUSIONSMutations in MECP2 gene were detected in 5 confirmed cases of Rett syndrome, and most of them were on exon 4. Mutations in the TRD of MECP2 protein may affect the language ability and development in children with Rett syndrome.

Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Language Development ; Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 ; genetics ; Mutation ; Rett Syndrome ; genetics ; psychology

The CrylA Crystal Protein from Bacillus thuringiensis is associated with DNA, but the role and sequences of these DNA molecules are unknown. CrylA bipyramidal crystals from B. thuringiensis strain 4.0718 was selectively dissolved and associated DNA was extracted from protoxin. The DNA was digested with Nde I to obtain 3 to 5 kb fragments and then the fragments were subcloned into pMD18-T vector, screening of recombinants were done by PCR-RFLP and sequencing. The ORF of cry1Ac gene was amplified by primers designed and then subcloned. The 3.5 kb BamH I and Sal I fragments of pMDX35 was inserted into the pET30a vector, giving 8.9 kb recombinant plasmid, pETX35. ETX35 strain were obtained by transformed pETX35 into B121 (DE3). A 141 kD fusion protein was superexpressed as inclusion bodies. Quantitative protein analysis indicated that the amount of 141 kD protein was above the level of 51.36% of total cellular protein. Plasmid pHTX42 constructed from shuttle vector pHT304 was transformed B. thuringiensis acrystalliferous strain XBU001 with electroporation to obtain the recombinant HTX42. The recombinant protein was found with a molecular mass of 130 kD on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Scanning analysis indicated that the expressed protein accounted up to 79.28% of total cellular proteins and accumulated in the cells mounted up to 64.13% of cellular dry weight. Under Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), typical bipyramidal crystals from HTX42 strain were found with a size of 1.2 microm x 2.0 microm. Bioassay showed that these inclusion bodies of ETX35 strain and crystals from HTX42 strain were highly toxic against the larvae of Plutella xylostella. On such a base, constructing insecticidal recombinant and analyzing the source, structure, and function of the 20 kb DNA can be further achieved.
Animals ; Bacillus thuringiensis ; genetics ; Bacterial Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Cloning, Molecular ; Endotoxins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Hemolysin Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Microscopy, Atomic Force ; Moths ; Plasmids ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; pharmacology