AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab ( avastin ) injection in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration ( AMD) .
METHODS: The records of patients treated with intravitreal injection of 1. 75mg bevacizumab for AMD were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were evaluated by complete ophthalmic examination, optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein and/or indocyanine green angiography. Observation was made on the best corrected visual acuity ( BCVA) , intraocular pressure, and the changes of lens, vitreous, central retinal thickness (CFT) and total macular volume (TMV), at 1d, 3d, 7d, 1mo and 6mo after the treatment and then compared with those of pre - operation. Repeated treatment with intravitreous bevacizumab occurred if there were signs of persistent or recurrent exudation. And all cases were followed up at least 6mo. An intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1. 75mg) was given once every 6wk.
RESULTS:All 50 eyes of 48 patients with the average of 58±20. 46 years old were included. The mean baseline of BCVA and CFT were 0. 82±0. 53, and 364. 97±151. 83μm respectively. Although there was no significant decrease in mean CFT and TMV one week after the injection, the mean BCVA had significant improvement. At the last visit of 9. 7mo follow - up, BCVA, CRT and TMV showed significant improvements over baseline values. BCVA was improved by at least two lines in 32 eyes (64%),remained stabilization in 18 eyes (36%) at the last visit. A total of 98 injections were performed and the average number of injections was 1. 98 for each eye in the group. About 50%of re - injections gained at least two lines of vision improvement one week postoperatively. There were no serious adverse events during the treatment.
CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab ( avastin ) injection for managing CNV due to age-related macular degeneration is safe and few side effects. Intravitreal avastin associated with improvement in visual acuity ( VA ) , which can reduce macular edema and choroidal neovascularization leakage. But a prolonged treatment effect needs further observation.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal bevacizumab injection in patients with macular edema (ME) induced by retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
● METHODS: The records of patients treated with intravitreal injection of 1. 75mg bevacizumab for ME induced by RVO were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were evaluated by complete ophthalmic examination, optical coherence tomography ( OCT) and fundus fluorescein angiography ( FFA ), etc. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, the change of lens and vitreous, central foveal thickness (CFT) were observed at 1, 2, 3, 6mo after treatment and compared with before treatment. Repeated treatment with intravitreous bevacizumab occurred if there were signs of persistent or recurrent exudation. All the cases were followed up at least 6mo. An intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1. 75mg) was given at 6wk intervals.
●RESULTS: Fifty patients (56 eyes) with the average of (57±18. 56) years old were included. The mean baseline of BCVA, CFT were (logMAR0. 82±0. 63), (626. 5±178. 0)μm respectively. Although there was no significant decrease in mean CFT at 1wk after injection, the mean BCVA had significant improvement. Followed up at mean 10. 26 ± 5. 87mo, BCVA, CFT showed significant improvements over baseline values. The statistics of CFT at 1, 2, 3mo after injection were significant differences compared with before injection in each of the three groups. CFT at 1, 3, 12mo after injection were (365. 11±23. 212) μ m, (333. 42± 35. 526) μ m, (267. 6 ± 116. 8) μ m, which had a significant difference ( P < 0. 001), namely macular retinal thickness was thinner obviously that before treatment, ME was improved obviously. CFT was no significant difference at each time point after injection in the group of BRVO-ME and CRVO- ME (P> 0. 05). OCT image showed that after injection macular retinal thickness was becoming thinner. FFA showed that after injection macular fluorescein leakage decreased. BCVA was improved by at least two lines in 48 eyes (86%),remained stable in 8 eyes (14%) at the last visit. A total of 112 injections were performed and the average number of injections was 1. 96 in the group. About 50% of reinjections gained at least two lines of vision improvement at 1wk following the retreatment. There was no serious complications during the treatment.
●CONCLUSlON: lntravitreal injection of bevacizumab can improve visual acuity (VA) of RVO (CRVO and BRVO) in patients with ME, relieve ME, reduce the leakage of CNV, and repeated treatment is better. But a prolonged treatment effect needs further observation. There are no serious ocular and systemic complications occurred in our study.

OBJECTIVETo isolate and characterize indigenous algicidal bacteria and their algae-lysing compounds active against Microcystis aeruginosa, strains TH1, TH2, and FACHB 905.

METHODSThe bacteria were identified using the Biolog automated microbial identification system and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The algae-lysing compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Algae-lysing activity was observed using microscopy.

RESULTSThe algae-lysing bacterium LTH-2 isolated from Lake Taihu was identified as Serratia marcescens. Strain LTH-2 secreted a red pigment identified as prodigiosin (C20H25N3O), which showed strong lytic activity with algal strains M. aeruginosa TH1, TH2, and FACHB 905 in a concentration-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of prodigiosin with the algal strains was 4.8 (± 0.4)× 10⁻² μg/mL, 8.9 (± 1.1)× 10⁻² μg/mL, and 1.7 (± 0.1)× 10⁻¹ μg/mL in 24 h, respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe bacterium LTH-2 and its pigment had strong Microcystis-lysing activity probably related to damage of cell membranes. The bacterium LTH-2 and its red pigment are potentially useful for regulating blooms of harmful M. aeruginosa.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Bacteria ; classification ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lakes ; Microcystis ; growth & development ; Phylogeny

BACKGROUNDPolypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are prominent prescribing issues in elderly patients. This study was to investigate the different prevalence of PIM use in elderly inpatients between 65-79 years of age and 80 years or older, who were discharged from Geriatric Department in West China Hospital.

METHODSA large-scale cohort of 1796 inpatients aged 65 years or over was recruited. Respectively, 618 patients were 65-79 years and 1178 patients were 80 years or older. Updated 2012 Beers Criteria by the American Geriatric Society was applied to assess the use of PIM among the investigated samples.

RESULTSA review of the prescribed medications identified 686 patients aged 80 years or older consumed at least one PIM giving a rate of 58.2%. Conversely, 268 (43.4%) patients aged 65-79 years consumed at least one PIM (χ2 = 40.18, P < 0.001). Patients aged 80 years or older had higher hospitalization expenses, length of stay, co-morbidities, medical prescription, and mortality than patients aged 65-79 years (all with P < 0.001). Patients aged 80 years or older were prescribed with more benzodiazepines, drugs with strong anticholinergic properties, megestrol, antipsychotics, theophylline, and aspirin. In multiple regression analysis, PIM use was significantly associated with female gender, age, number of diagnostic disease, and number of prescribed medication.

CONCLUSIONSThe finding from this study revealed that inpatients aged 80 years or older encountered more PIM use than those aged 65-79 years. Anticholinergic properties, megestrol, antipsychotics, theophylline, and aspirin are medications that often prescribed to inpatients aged 80 years or older. Doctors should carefully choose drugs for the elderly, especially the elderly aged 80 years or older.

Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Potentially Inappropriate Medication List ; statistics & numerical data

OBJECTIVETo estimate the number of drug users in Hongjiang, Hunan and to develop strategy for drug reduction in the future.

METHODSTwo capture-recapture methods were used to estimate the numbers of drug addicts. Random stratified sampling survey was used to verify the optimum allocation. The first capture-recapture method (CR1) referred to the number from optimum allocation random stratified sampling survey conducted in the communities and the number from local Public Security Bureau list being the second capture. The second capture-recapture method (CR2) referred to the collection of records in the detoxification unit with an interval of 4 months. The estimated number was calculated under Seber's adjustment formula. Face to face interview was carried out during the optimum allocation random stratified sampling survey process.

RESULTSOf 1388 interviewed in the communities, 24 (1.73%) were identified as drug addicts under the optimum allocation random stratified sampling survey. When the figure 1.73% was applied to the total population (72,709) in Hongjiang, the result yielded an estimation of 1258 drug addicts. The estimated numbers of CR1 and CR2 were 904 and 1069 respectively. However, the number was 1.3 to 1.6 fold higher than the reported number (687) by local Public Security Bureau.

CONCLUSIONThe capture-recapture method seemed a better method in estimating the number of drug addicts.

China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Needle Sharing ; Population Surveillance ; methods ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous ; epidemiology

Objective To study mental characteristics of children with light lead poisoning. Methods Eighty - six children with light lead poisioning and 33 control children were evaluated with WISC - R and social adaptive capacity(SAB). Results 1. Intelligence quotient( IQ)and SAB of children with light lead poisoning were lower than normal children. 2. There was also deficiency of perception factor and memory/ concentration factor among children with lead poisioning and the blood lead level had negative association with perception factor. Conclusion Light lead poisioning may affect children's IQ, especially in the perception factor and memory /concentration factor.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of Redox factor-1(Ref-1) in rats with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODSAD rat model was established by a single injection of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta25-35) into the lateral cerebral ventricle of rats. Y-shape maze task was conducted to check the ethology. At 4th, 7th and 14th day after injection, Ref-1 expression in hippocampus CA1 area was detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTThe numbers of repeated learning and error and the total reaction time in AD group were significantly higher than those in control group at 7th and 14th day after injection of Abeta25-35 (P<0.05). At 4th day after injection of Abeta25-35, the Ref-1 expression was increased with time prolongation in AD group(P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONInjection of Abeta25-35 in lateral cerebral ventricle can decrease the learning and memory abilities of rats, and results also indicate that Ref-1 expression in hippocampus may be involved in the development of AD.

Alzheimer Disease ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; administration & dosage ; Animals ; DNA-(Apurinic or Apyrimidinic Site) Lyase ; metabolism ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Maze Learning ; drug effects ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVERasmussen syndrome (RS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, usually affecting one brain hemisphere. The present study aimed to analyze the electroclinical characteristics and treatment of RS.

METHODSThe medical records of 16 children with RS were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTSOf the 16 children, 8 were males and 8 were females. The age of onset was from 1 year and 11 months to 11 years and 6 months. The first symptom was seizure in all patients. The main seizure type was partial motor seizures. In all the patients, seizures gradually became frequent and in the form of epilepsia partialis continua (EPC). Thirteen cases developed hemiparesis. Fixed hemiparesis occurred from 2 months to 3 years after the onset of seizures. The cognitive deterioration was present in 14. The EEG background activity was abnormal in all the cases, asymmetric slow wave disturbances were bilateral but with unilateral predominance in 11, unilateral delta or theta wave in 8. The presence of interictal epileptiform discharges were found in all cases, unilateral in 11 and bilateral in 5. Seizures were recorded in all patients, no electroclinical correlation was found in 5. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed progressive unihemispheric or focal cortical atrophy in all cases. Six cases transiently showed focal cortical swelling or T2/FLAIR hyperintense signal on early scans. Antiepileptic drugs were not effective in any of the patients. Three of 10 patients receiving immunoglobulin, and 4 of 8 receiving corticosteroids, had some reduction of seizure frequency for a short period. Six patients accepted functional hemispherectomy, in 4 of them seizure no longer occurred and cognitive function was improved. The results of multiple subpial transection in 2 cases and focal resection in one patient were disappointing.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical features of RS were refractory partial epilepsy, progressive hemiplegia and cognitive deterioration. The EEG background was asymmetric with slow wave activity, interictal epileptiform discharges were unilateral or bilateral, no electroclinical correlation occurred. Serial MRI showed progressive unihemispheric focal cortical atrophy. Antiepileptic drugs were not effective for RS. In some patients, immunoglobulin or corticosteroids could reduce seizure frequency in the short term. Functional hemispherectomy could lead to seizure control and prevent further development of neurological impairment and cognitive deterioration.

Anticonvulsants ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; drug effects ; Electroencephalography ; Encephalitis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Epilepsia Partialis Continua ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; Epilepsy ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Female ; Hemispherectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Infant ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore reciprocal action between BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein-2) and BMP-3 for better understanding of the mechanism of BMP during bone fracture union.

METHODSrhBMP-2 was added into the cultured fibroblasts with the concentration of 1,200 ng/ml. The expression of BMP-3 in fibroblasts was detected by immunohistochemistry. Eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3-BMP-3 was transfected into the fibroblasts. After the effective expression of BMP-3 was identified, BMP-2 was also detected by immunohistochemistry in BMP-3 expression cells. The fibroblasts transfected with empty vector pcDNA3 were used as the control.

RESULTSExogenous rhBMP-2 could promote the expression of BMP-3 in fibroblasts. BMP-3 also could be detected in these cells.

CONCLUSIONSBMP-2 and BMP-3 could reciprocally adjust the expression in fibroblasts.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 3 ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; Fracture Healing ; physiology ; Immunohistochemistry ; Osteogenesis ; physiology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Objective To determine the efficient cut-off points of fasting fingertip blood glucose test for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus(DM), impaired glucose tolerance(IGT), and impaired fasting glucose(IFG)in community-based residents aged above 45 years old. Methods A cluster-randomized study was conducted from May 2008 to January 2009. A total of 3250 subjects aged above 45 years in two communities of Baoding city received questionnaire investigation and tested for fingertip blood glucose. Those subjects whose capillary blood glucose level ≥5.1 mmol/L were subjected to 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and pre- diabetes were identified by fasting plasma glucose and OGTT. In this study, the cut-off points of fasting capillary blood glucose for detecting undiagnosed diabetes and pre-diabetes were evaluated, using receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC). Results Of 1351 subjects that having had oral glucose tolerance test, 230 cases were diagnosed as diabetes mellitus(7.3%), 166 cases(5.2%)as IFG, and 204(6.7%)as IGT under fasting capillary blood glucose as test variable and state variables according to the following criteria.(1)FPG≥7.0 mmol/L or/and 2hPG≥11.1 mmol/L(2)FPG<5.6 mmol/L (3)FPG<7.0 mmol/L and 7.8 mmol/L≤2hPG≤ 11.1 mmol/L, areas under three ROC curves were 0.905, 0.633 and 0.719, respectively. The cut-offvalues of screening for undiagnosed DM, IGT and IFG were 6.0 mmol/L, 5.7 mmol/L, and 5.7 mmol/L, respectively. When cut-off value of screening for undiagnosed DM was 6.0 mmol/L, the maximal sensitivity was 78.0% and specificity was 89.3%.But there were both lower sensitivity and specificity in screening for IFG and IGT according to the best predicting value(5.7 mmol/L)from the ROC curves(50.3% and 28.0% vs. 60.8% and 28.0%). Conclusion Fasting capillary blood glucose with the lower cut-point of 6.0 mmol/L in screening for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus alone, was relatively reliable, whereas for both IFG and IGT the fasting fingertip blood glucose tests were fallible. It was convenient and could be used in screening the DM at the community level.