Background Eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA)function as the critical lipid mediators involved in several biological events in human body and play important role in suppressing the genesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),migration and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells.Many ocular diseases were proved to be associated with neovascularization.Objecfive The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of EPA on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) indueed by VEGF. Methods HUVEC strain was cultured and passaged,and difierent concentrations of EPA were added to the medium with and without VEGF.The cultured cells were identified by antiofactor Ⅷ polyclonal antibody.The suppressing role of different concentrations of EPA on the proliferation of VEGF-induced or-uninduced HUVEC was assessed by MTT method.The influence of difierent concentrations of EPA on the cellular cycle of VEGF-induced HUVEC was assayed using flow eytometry.The expression of Flk-1,a receptor of VEGF,in the HUVEC Was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Cultured HUVEC showed the ftlsiform in shape and presented with the cobblestone-like arrangement with the positive response for Ⅷ factor-related antigen.Various concentrations of EPA showed obviously inhibitory effect on VEGF-induced or-unindueed HUVEC at a dose-dependent manner (F=23.072.P=0.000).The inhibitory ability of EPA on VEGF-induced HUVEC was stronger than VEGF-uninduced HUVEC(F=41.417,P=0.000).In 24,48 and 72 hours,the action of EPA on the proliferation of HUVEC was gradually enhanced with the prolong of time(F=1.495,P=0.236).Cell cycle analysis indicated that EPA arrested VEGF-induced HUVEC in G0/G1 phase.The ratio of HUVEC in G0/G1 phase in EPA group was(75.83±1.56)%,and that in control groups was(68.62±1.44)%,showing a significant difference between them(t=-5.88,P=0.00),and no apoptosis of HUVEC was found in both groups.Flk-1 was strongly expressed in the cellular nucleus and cytoplasm in control group.However,the positive expressing intensity of Flk-1 in the HUVEC weakened,and the positive cell number was evidently less in EPA group. Conclusion EPA can inhibit the proliferation of VEGF induced HUVEC through arresting the synthesis of DNA of HUVEC and downregulate the expression of Flk-1 in HUVEC.These results suggest that EPA might exert an antiangiogenic effect.

Background Image clarity during near work is influenced by several factors,such as accommodative lag,pupil size and monochromatic aberrations.Since image clarity during extended reading at near distance has been cited as a possible inducement of myopia in childhood and a possible difference between myopic and emmetropic people throughout life,it is important to examine these factors in myopic and emmetropic myopic juvenile during reading at near distance. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among wavefront aberrations,accommodative response and pupil size in early onset and progressive myopes eyes under the different reading status and explore the possible mechanism of the development of myopia as well. Methods Fiflyseven subjects aged from 12 to 16 years were enrolled and grouped as emmetropes,the onset of myopes and progressive myopes.Reading material were Chinese novels presented by rapid serial visual presentation at a distance of 25 cm. Accommodative response and pupil size were recorded by a Grand Seiko WV-500 autorefractor.The Image J software was used to calculate the pupil diameter.Wavefront aberrations were then measured with a WASCA wavefront analyzer. Results Aberrations and accommodative response showed large inter-subjeet variability.With accommodative stimulus of 4 diopter,the accommodative lag in the early-onset of myopes group and progressive myopes group were ( 1.72 ±0. 53) D and ( 1.74 ±0. 44) D, showing larger value in comparison with ( 0. 96 ±0. 55) D of emmetropes group( t＝4.25 ,t=4.47 ,P<0. 001). However,there were no significant differences in accommodative lag between the early-onset of myopes group and progressive myopes group( t = 0. 18, P>0. 05). The mean value of pupil diameter, total RMS value, high-order RMS value, spherical aberration and coma were all significantly reduced with the stimulus varied from 0 D to 4 D( P<0. 01). However,none of the pupil sizs,total RMS value,high-order RMS value,spherical aberration and coma had significant difference among different refractive groups( P>0. 05). Conclusion The early-onset of myopes and progressive myopes had larger accommodative lag. The lower sensitivity to defocus at near reading distance,inducing the larger accommodative lag and hyperopic defocus may be linked to the developing myopia.

Objective:To carry out preoperative nutritional risk screening for inpatient to understand their nutritional risk status,and to explore the relationship between postoperative nutritional support and related clinical outcomes.Methods:A total of 378 patients in the Third Ward of Department of General Surgery,the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University,completed NRS 2002 scoring within 48 h after admission.The patients with NRS scores more than 3 points were judged to have nutritional risk,and they were divided into nutrition support group (114 cases) and non-nutrition support group (60 cases) according to whether or not to accept the nutrition support.According to the doctor's advice,the data of nutrition support were obtained,the related clinical outcomes were recorded twice a week,and the relationship between them was analyzed.The influencing factors of hospitalization costs and infectious complications were analyzed.Results:Among the 378 inpatients,the nutritional risk rate was 50.53％.Of the 174 patients enrolled in the cohort study,the nutritional support rate was 65.52％ (114/174).The difference of hospitalization time between the nutrition support group and the non-nutrition support group was statistically significant (P=0.028).There was no significant difference between the two groups in the hospitalization costs.The incidence of infectious complications (P=0.034) and the total complication rate (P=0.012) in the nutrition support group were lower than those in the non-nutrition support group.Disease score and nutrition support were the influencing factors of the incidence of infectious complications (P＜0.10).Hospitalization days,disease score and nutrition score were the influencing factors of hospitalization costs (P＜0.10).Conclusions:General surgery patients have higher nutrition risks,and nutrition support can reduce infectious complications,total complications and shorten hospital stay.NRS 2002 has a superior ability of predicting clinical outcomes.

Objective To observe the effect of thumb pressing at Yangming Meridian on the function rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Method Sixty KOA patients after TKA were randomized into a treatment group (thumb pressing at Yangming Meridian plus conventional rehabilitation) and a control group (single conventional rehabilitation),30 cases each.The treatment group was intervened by thumb pressing and kneading manipulation at the acupoints of Foot Yangming Meridian and Foot Taiyin Meridian plus rehabilitation training of passive flexion and extension by CPM machine,while the control group was intervened by rehabilitation training of passive flexion and extension by CPM machine.The American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) for knee joint,the American Knee Society score (KSS) and the Western Ontario and the McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) of KOA were used to evaluate the function.Result After the treatment,the HSS,KSS and WOMAC scores were changed significantly in both groups (P＜0.05).The improvements of HSS,KSS and WOMAC scores in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion The efficacy of thumb pressing at Yangming Meridian plus conventional rehabilitation for post-TKA KOA is superior to single conventional rehabilitation.

Background Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is an important cause of visual impairment and graft rejection after allograft corneal transplantation in inflammatory corneal diseases. The mechanisms and therapy relating to CNV are intensely investigated at all times. Objective This study was to evaluate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on CNV induced by alkali cauterization and its mechanism. Methods The animal models of corneal neovasculation were induced in the right eyes in 72 Sprayue-Dawley rats by putting a piece of 3 mmfilter paper with 1 mol/L NaOH at the center of the cornea for 30 seconds. The rats were then divided randomly into the 0.02 mg EPA treatment group (24 rats) ,0.03 mg EPA treatment group (24 rats) ,model group (24 rats) and normal group (6 rats). EPA of 0.04 ml with doses of 0.02 mg or 0. 03 mg or saline solution of 0. 04 ml was injected subconjunctivally in model rats and immediately after cauterization. The presence of CNV and corneal edema were observed daily by slit lamp biomicroscope. 1,4,7 and 14 days after operation, corneal histopathological examination was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The vascular endothelial cells were stained with CD34 by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of IL-1α,IL-6 mRNA and the nuclear factor-κBp65 ( NF-κBp65 ) proteins was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The use of animals complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by Hebei Province( version 1998 ). Results Under the slit lamp, CNV grew slowly from days 2-4 with obvious corneal edema and defect of epithelium. Larger CNV area and less edema were seen from days 7-10. Maximal vessel growth was observed 14 days after injury with thinner vessels in the model group. Histological examination showed that part of the corneal epithelium was damaged;serious corneal edema, more inflammatory cells and a lot of CNV in the stroma were presented in the model group. However, repairing of the corneal epithelium without CNV ,light corneal edema and less inflammatory cells were found in both the 0. 02 mg EPA and 0. 03 mg EPA treatment groups 7 days after alkali cauterization. The relative area of CNV in the 0. 02 mg EPA treatment group was ( 15.80±6.43 )% and ( 11.06±2. 14)% ,and that in the 0. 03 mg EPA treatment group was (16. 10±7.41 )% and (11.06±2. 51 )%, showing significant reduction in comparison with the model group [ (84. 74±7.77)% and (89.63±7.50) % ] 7 days and 14 days after operation ( P＜0. 05 ). Stronger expression of CD34 in the vascular endothelial cells of the cornea stroma was observed in the model group and an absence of CD34 was observed in the EPA-treated groups on the 7th day. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of IL-1α mRNA and IL-6 mRNA was lower in the EPA treatment groups than the model group ( P＜0. 05 ), and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of NF-κB/p65 in the corneas in the EPA treatment groups was significantly lower than that in the model group on the 4th day after operation (P＜0.05).Conclusion Topical application of EPA suppresses CNV induced by alkali burn possibly by inhibiting the expression of NF-κB,IL-1α and IL-6.

Objective To prepare a novel root end filling material and determine its physical and chemical properties and cell compatibility.Methods Samples of the novel root end filling material were developed with hydroxyapatite,tetracalcium phosphate,polyacrylic acid,citric acid and sodium citrate.Chemical composition of the new material was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).Physical properties such as the setting time and compressive strength of the material were also investigated.The cytocompatibility was tested by MTT assay and direct contact assay.Results The novel root end filling material was primarily composed of HA,calcium carboxylate and calcium citrate.Its setting time was 8.77 ± 0.64 min and the compressive strength was ( 28.87 ± 3.88 )MPa at 1 day.The cytotoxicity scores of it in the serial dilution extract and different culture time ranked from grade 0 to Ⅰ.L 929 cells adhered on its surface and proliferated well.Conclusions With good physicalchemical properties and good cell compatibility,the novel root canal filling material presents a good clinical application prospect.

Objective To assess the skeletodental changes after extracting mandibular third molars in skeletal Class Ⅲ patients in both post-puberty and adult.Methods Nineteen skeletal Class Ⅲ patients in post-puberty or adult(16 female,3 male)successfully treated with extracting mandibular third molars were included in the study.Cephalograms were analyzed to assess the skeletal and dental changes before and after treatment.Paired t-test was performed for statistical analysis of the data.Results The results revealed that the main changes were upright[(12.37±6.81)°]and distal movement[(3.16±1.23)mm]of the mandibular molars,and retraction[(1.98 ±1.36)mm]of the mandibular incisors.There was a significant improvement in overjet[(2.75±1.65)mm].Conclusions The lower molars and incisors could be distalized significantly with extraction of the lower third molars.

OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of loganin,the effective componet of Cornus officinalis,on protecting the glomerulus mesangial cell (GMCs) injured by advanced glycation end products (AGEs).METHODS GMCs were divided into control,model (AGEs: 200mg/L),loganin (0.1,1,10μmol/L) groups.The cell proliferation,FN and COL-Ⅳ secretion,microstructure lesions,RAGE,SphK1,S1P and TGF-β protein expressions were measured.RESULTS AGEs induced cell proliferation,FN and COL-Ⅳ secretions,microstructure lesions,RAGE,SphK1,S1P and TGF-β protein expressions were suppressed by loganin.CONCLUSION Loganin can improve the AGEs induced GMCs injury by regulating the AGEs/RAGE/SphK1 signal pathway,and then ameliorate the diabetic nephropathy.

Objective To compare the diagnostic value of renal ultrasound scan (RUS) and 99Tcmdimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy in children with acute pyelonephritis (APN). Methods In all, 165 children with initial clinical diagnosis of APN, aged from 1.5 months to 11 yrs ( median 20 months), were included in the study, all of which were examined with RUS and DMSA renal scientigraphy. The diagnosis with DMSA renal scientigraphy results was taken as the standard reference to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of RUS. Results Of 99 out of all 330 kidneys that were found abnormal on DMSA renal scientigraphy, 31 were abnormal on RUS. Of the rest normal kidneys on DMSA scans renal scientigraphy, 4 were abnormal on RUS. Thus diagnostic sensitivity of RUS for APN was 31.3%(31/99) and specificity was 98.3% (227/231). Conclusions Although RUS provides with high diagnostic specificity for children with APN, its low sensitivity may underestimate the clinical evaluation of APN.More often than not, 99Tcm-DMSA renal scientigraphy is a clinical necesscity for the definite RUS diagnosis.

Objective To explore the relationship between serum YKL-40 levels and endothelial function in patients with essential hypertension (EH).Method Sixty EH patients [34 male,aged between 43-76 years,mean(59 ±7)years]and 30 healthy subjects [17 male,mean age (57 ±5) years] were enrolled in this study.Serum YKL-40 levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA).Endothelial function [endothelin-1 (ET-1),nitric oxide (NO),flow-mediated dilatation (FMD)] was also measured.EH patients were further divided to no metabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome group.Results Serum uric acid,ET-1,hs-CRP were significantly higher while serum NO,FMD and NMD were significantly lower in EH group than in control group (all P ＜ 0.05).YKL-40 was significantly higher in EH group than in the control group [51.7 (35.6-341.9) μg/L vs.33.2 (23.3-167.3) μg/L,P ＜ 0.05] and significantly higher in EH patients with metabolic syndrome than in EH patients without metabolic syndrome(152.3 μg/L vs.94.2 μg/L,P ＜0.05).In this cohort,serum YKL-40 level was positively correlated with SBP,DBP,BMI,TG and hsCRP(r =0.360,0.303,0.281,0.216,0.530,all P ＜ 0.05) but not correlated with FMD,ET-1 and NO (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Serum YKL-40 levels are increased compared to normal controls and positively correlated with blood pressure level but not with endothelial function parameters in hypertensive patients.Serum YKL-40 level might thus be used as a biomarker reflecting inflammation status other than endothelium function in hypertensive patients.