To measure the subfoveal choroidal thickness ( SFCT ) in myopia using Cirrus HD optical coherence tomography ( OCT ), and to explore the relationship between the SFCT, axial length and myopic refractive spherical equivalent.
● METHODS: One - hundred thirty - three eyes of 70 healthy volunteers were recruited, and were divided into emmetropia group, low- degree myopia, middle- degree myopia and high - degree myopia group. SFCT were measured by Cirrus HD OCT, and the relationship between the SFCT, axial length and myopic refractive spherical equivalent were evaluated.
●RESULTS: 1) Average SFCT was (275. 91±55. 74)μ m in normals, that in emmetropia group, low-degree myopia, middle- degree myopia and high - degree myopia group were (290. 03± 34. 82) μ m, (287. 64 ± 51. 51) μ m, (274. 95 ± 56. 83)μ m, (248. 37 ± 67. 98) μ m; 2) the SFCT of high -degree myopia group was significant thinner than that of emmetropia group (P< 0. 05); 3) There was a significant negatives correlation between the SFCT and axial length (P<0. 01), a significant positive correlation between SFCT and myopic refractive spherical equivalent (P<0. 01).
● CONCLUSlON: the SFCT is inversely correlated with increasing axial length and myopic refractive error.

OBJECTIVETo analyze and explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture precondition (AP) in improving brain ischemia reperfusion injury.

METHODSSix male Wistar rats were divided into a normal group of 3 rats and an acupuncture group of 3 rats. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture precondition was first given at "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Baihui" (GV 20). The brain of the rat was removed 0.5 hour after the needle was withdrawn, and then gene differential expression was analyzed by genechip method.

RESULTSAfter acupuncture precondition for 0.5 h, expression of 265 genes showed changes of more than 2 times, and that of 20 genes had a significant difference as compared with that of the normal rat (P<0.05). Among the genes, expression of 8 was upregulated and 12 downregulated; 11 were related with neuron signal conduction (ion channel, transmitter, receptor, second message), 5 with gene transcription and control, 2 with metabolism enzyme, 1 with heat shock reaction and 1 with cell skeleton.

CONCLUSIONSome gene expression substances induced by acupuncture play an important role in AP resisting brain ischemia reperfusion injury; and functional changes of neurons after AP are possibly the important basis of its subsequent action in resisting brain ischemia reperfusion injury.

Acupuncture ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Brain ; metabolism ; Brain Ischemia ; genetics ; Neurology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation between Pi and Shen by observing the relationship between the metabolism of aristolochic acid (AA) and mRNA and protein expression levels of organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp) superfamily member 2a1 and 2 b1 (oatp2al and oatp2bl) in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues of Pi deficiency syndrome (PDS) model rats.

METHODSTotally 46 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the blank group (n = 12), the PDS group (n = 22), the AA-I group (n = 6), and the PDS AA-I group (n = 6). PDS model was established by subcutaneously injecting Reserpine at the daily dose of 5 mg/kg for 16 successive days. Carotid intubation was performed in 6 rats selected from the blank group and the PDS group. Pharmacokinetics of AA-I were detected at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I. AA-I concentrations in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues of 10 rats selected from the PDS group were determined. Normal saline was administered to 6 rats selected from the PDS group and the blank group by gastrogavage. Renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues were collected in the AA-I group and the PDS AA-I group at 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I. mRNA and protein expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in each tissue were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) and Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the blank group, plasma concentrations of in vivo AA-I were obviously higher in the PDS group at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I with statistical difference (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of AA-I were obviously decreased at 60 min after gastrogavage of AA-I; AA-I concentrations in renal and large intestinal tissues were elevated; AA-I concentrations in small intestinal tissues were obviously reduced in the PDS group. There was no statistical difference in mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in the aforesaid three tissues of rats between the blank group and the PDS group. Compared with the blank group, mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 decreased in small intestinal tissues of the AA-I group, and the mRNA expression level of oatp2a1 in large intestinal tissues significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the PDS group, mRNA expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 increased in renal tissues of the PDS AA-I group (P < 0.05); mRNA expression levels of oatp2b1 increased in large intestinal tissues of the PDS AA-I group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe difference in AA-I metabolism might be associated with changed expression levels of oatp2a1 and oatp2b1 in renal, small intestinal, and large intestinal tissues under Pi deficiency induced loss of transportation. Shen and Dachang played important roles in substance metabolism under Pi deficiency state, which proved Pi-Shen correlated in Chinese medical theories.

Animals ; Anions ; Aristolochic Acids ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Kidney ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Organic Cation Transport Proteins ; metabolism ; Peptides ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To observe the effect of Valpar 4 system on hand injury. Methods 40 patients with hand injury were randomly divided into control group and observation group with 20 patients in each group. Routine treatment was applied in both groups while Valpar 4 system was added in the observation group. Then total active motion (TAM) of finger joints, Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and Upper Extremity Function Test (UEFT) were carried out before, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment. Results The TAM improved significantly in the control group 2 weeks after treatment (P<0.001). The TAM, DASH and UEFT improved significantly in the observation group (P<0.001), and the DASH and UEFT were better in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.001). 4 weeks after treatment, the TAM and UEFT improved significantly (P<0.001) in the control group, the TAM, DASH, UEFT significantly improved in the observation group (P<0.001), and were better in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Valpar 4 system can effectively improve the TAM of fingers, function of hands and upper limb, especially in terms of activities of daily living of upper limbs.

Objective:To investigate variety pattern of expression level of TCRV?subfamilies in mononuclear cell in spleen tissue of rats with dampness pathogenic factors and normal rats by using FQ-PCR technique. Methods:32 SD rats were divided into four groups: normal group, external dampness group, internal dampness group, external and internal dampness group. Observing period was 20 days. 3 Rats were randomly selected from each group in order to exam the TCRV? subfamilies expression level. Results:The expression of TCRV?1, TCRV?7, TCRV?9 and TCRV?13 in external dampness group were higher than those in normal group (P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of construction of tissue-engineered skin in vitro.

METHODSFibroblasts were seeded on the dermal surface of acellular dermal matrix (ADM). 7 days later, epidermal cells (5 x 10(5)/cm2) were mixed with fibroblasts (0.2 x 10(5)/cm2) and then seeded on epidermal surface of ADM. The culture medium was the mixture liquor containing K-SFM in half and the culture supernatants of fibroblasts in half. In the control group, only epidermal cells (5 x 10(5)/cm2) were seeded and cultured with K-SFM. After composite skin was cultured for 1 week and 3 week, samples were harvested respectively for morphological study and to receive identification by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSAfter 3-week culture, there were 3-4 continuous layers of cells in the epidermis in the experiment group. The epidermis was attached tightly to the dermis with trochanterellus. But in the control group, there were just 1-2 layers of cells in the epidermis which was not connected to the dermis. Strong positive dye of Laminin indicated that basement membrane was thoroughly formed in the experiment group. The same result was demonstrated by transmission electron microscope.

CONCLUSIONSThe mix-seeding of epidermal cells and few fibroblasts would promote the adhesion and proliferation of epidermal cells on ADM, and the formation of basement membrane.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Coculture Techniques ; Epidermis ; cytology ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; Skin, Artificial ; Swine ; Tissue Engineering ; Tissue Scaffolds

BACKGROUNDSurgery for severe kyphoscoliosis is frequently unsatisfying because of loss of correction, high rate of pseudarthrosis and neurological complications. Several authors reported that the anterior fusion with strut grafts might improve the surgical outcome. This article describes and assesses the surgical strategies and the application of autogenous tibial strut in the treatment of severe kyphoscoliosis.

METHODSSevere kyphoscoliosis patients (n = 39) admitted from April 1998 to September 2003 formed the study group. Different surgical strategies had been used according to the flexibility, neurological function and curve level. All patients received staged anterior and posterior surgery with a tibial strut used in the anterior fusion. The patients were followed up for 9 months to 6 years (mean 37 months).

RESULTSThe mean preoperative and postoperative kyphosis was 82 degrees and 52 degrees respectively, and the mean scoliosis was 84 degrees and 44 degrees respectively. Complications included pseudarthrosis (2 cases, one with graft fracture and the other with hook displacement), posterior elements fractures (4), pleura penetrations (3, in the plastic surgery of the thoracic cage), dura tear (2), exudative pleuritis (2, in the anterior surgery), and tibia fracture of the harvesting site (1). The mean loss of correction in coronal and sagittal plane was 6 degrees and 7 degrees respectively. Except for 1 case, the patients with incomplete paraplegia showed improvements to varying extents.

CONCLUSIONAutogenous tibial strut can provide excellent support to the kyphoscoliotic spine: it reduces pseudarthrodic rate, loss of correction and complications of graft harvest, it also prevents the occurrence of neurological impairment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Scoliosis ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; Tibia ; transplantation ; Transplantation, Autologous

OBJECTIVETo study the anatomy of angular nerve (AN), so as to provide safe approach for the denervation surgery of corrugator supercilii, depressor supercilii and procerus.

METHODS10 fresh cadaver (20 sides)were perfused and fixed with formalin. Dissection was performed in the 10 x operating microscope. The plexus of the zygomatic branch and the buccal branch were detected to confirm the AN. The relationship of AN with the surrounding blood vessels was observed. We tracked AN until it entered corrugator supercilii, depressor supercilii and procerus.

RESULTS(1) AN was classified into I, II, III type according to its formation pattern. Type I (20%, 4/20 sides) AN is single, which is mainly from the plexus of buccal branch plus the zygomatic branch from the orbicularis oculi muscle. In type II (20%, 4/20 sides), the single AN was formed by buccal branch plexus and zygomatic branch plexus in the "Four Muscle Gap". In type III (60%, 12/20 sides), the AN had two branches in the "Four Muscle Gap". (2) The three types AN passed inferior to the support ligament at the suborbital part, and then transversed medial to the support ligament at the medial canthus, along the vessels of medial canthus. (3) The branch of AN enters the depressor supercilii or procerus 2.19 to 4.28 mm above the medial canthus ligament. The backward branch enters the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi 6.89 to 9.38 mm below the medial canthus ligament.

CONCLUSIONSThe approach of denervation surgery for AN should be performed medial to the support ligation, between 2.19 mm above the medial canthus and 6.89 mm below the medial canthus.

Adult ; Cadaver ; Denervation ; Facial Muscles ; innervation ; Facial Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male

OBJECTIVETo study the characteristics of thyroglossal tract cyst epidemiology and summarize how to improve the operation therapeutic effect.

METHODSThe clinic appearance, the pathological characteristics and the therapeutic effect of the 60 thyroglossal tract cyst cases were analyzed.

RESULTSThyroglossal tract cyst mostly occurred in children and teenagers. The incidence of female patients was more than that of male patients. Most of thyroglossal tract cyst located in the middle line of the neck and were explored tubular-objects and fibroropes. The histopathological feature was variform.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical appearance and pathology characteristic of thyroglossal tract cyst are variform. Thyroglossal tract cyst may be recurred easily if it is not operated well.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Thyroglossal Cyst

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of matrilin-1 gene polymorphisms with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) risk.

METHODSThis study population consisted of 419 patients with AIS and 460 healthy controls. The maximum Cobb angle of AIS patients was recorded. For initial screening, the 7 tagSNPs were genotyped in 197 cases and 172 controls. Next, we validated any significant associations in additional sample of 222 cases and 288 controls. Single-marker and haplotype analysis were employed. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTSWe found that allele G of rs1149048 was a significant predisposition allele of AIS (P = 0.0027, OR = 1.34 within 95% CI = 1.11 approximately 1.62), and individuals with genotype GG had a higher risk for AIS compared to AA + AG (P = 0.0008, OR = 1.61 within 95% CI = 1.22 approximately 2.12). Polymorphism of rs1149048 was also associated with curve severity in AIS patients. And a significantly higher in maximum Cobb angle was found in patients with GG genotype (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONSIt is concluded that the tagSNP rs1149048 polymorphism in the MATN1 promoter region is associated with both susceptibility and disease severity in AIS.

Adolescent ; Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Glycoproteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Linkage Disequilibrium ; Male ; Matrilin Proteins ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Scoliosis ; genetics ; Young Adult