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.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of five kinds of cyclins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their association with degree of tumor differentiation, metastasis and infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV).

METHODSThe HCC tissue microarrays were composed of those from 273 cases of HCC tissues, 144 surrounding-tumor liver tissues and 10 normal liver tissues obtained from autopsy. The diameter of each specimens on tissue microarrays was 2.0 mm. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of cyclin A, cyclin B, cyclin D1, cyclin D3 and cyclin E on HCC tissue microarrays. The association of the expression of these cyclins with the infection rate of HBV was also analyzed.

RESULTSThree paraffin-embedded HCC tissue microarrays were successfully constructed, including 136, 143 and 148 tissue spots, respectively. The positive rates of cyclins in 273 cases of HCC were cyclin A 52.7%, cyclin B 45.4%, cyclin D1 35.9%, cyclin D3 44.3% and cyclin E 23.1%; while the figures in 144 surrounding-tumor tissues were 8.3%, 5.6%, 4.9%, 6.3% and 1.4%, respectively. In 10 normal liver tissues these cyclins exhibited negative staining, with the exception that cyclin D1 was positive in one case of normal liver tissue. The positive rate of cyclins in HCC were significant higher than those in surrounding-tumor liver tissues (P < 0.01), in HCC tissues with histological grade II and III, the cyclins expression were stronger than that in grade I (P < 0.05). The positive rates of cyclins, except cyclin A in HCC with portal vein invasion were higher than those without portal vein invasion (P < 0.01). Infection of HBV did not have significant relationship with the expression of cyclins (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCyclins in different cell cycles overexpressed at varied levels in hepatocellular carcinoma, and the increased expression of cyclins may shorten the tumor cell cycle phase, accelerate cell proliferation, and have a close relationship with HCC aggressiveness.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; chemistry ; Cyclin A ; analysis ; Cyclin B ; analysis ; Cyclin D1 ; analysis ; Cyclin D3 ; Cyclin E ; analysis ; Cyclins ; analysis ; Hepatitis B ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Liver Neoplasms ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the cell biological mechanism of sodium selenite improving insulin sensitivity in pubertal rats with insulin resistance.

METHODSThe content of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) was examined by anion resin chromatography, and mRNA levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase regulatory subunits (PI3Kp85 alpha) and Se-P were detected by RT-PCR in hepatocyte isolated from pubertal rats with insulin resistance.

RESULTSThe mRNA levels of Se-P and PI3Kp85 alpha and content of IP3 in isolated hepatocyte decreased in pubertal male rats with insulin resistance. The above indices increased and reached normal level in rats supplied with selenium. The response to insulin stimulation in isolated hepatocyte in rats with selenium supply was similar to that in the control group, and both groups had higher response than those with high-fat diet. Alone when inhibited by wortmannin, the concentration of IP3 increased slightly in rats with selenium supply, but still was lower than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONSThese results indicate that the effect of selenium improving insulin sensitivity may be related to phosphatidylinositol PI3K signalling pathway. The effect of regulation of IP3 by selenium is not as effective as that by insulin, which may explain the difference of effect between selenium and insulin.

Animals ; Cell Separation ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate ; analysis ; Insulin ; pharmacology ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; analysis ; Proteins ; analysis ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Selenoproteins ; Signal Transduction ; Sodium Selenite ; pharmacology

Objective · To investigate the prevalence of smoking and awareness of smoking hazards in a community-based elderly population in Changning District, Shanghai. Methods · A total of 1809 subjects were randomly selected from 18 communities based on the chronic non-communicable diseases cohort in an elderly population aged 65 and over in Changning District, Shanghai. Information on smoking status, health condition and awareness of smoking hazards were obtained through face to face interviews. Chi-square tests and non-conditional Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors of the awareness of smoking hazards and current smoking status. Results · The overall prevalence of current smoking was 15.6% among the investigated elderly population. Smoking prevalence was significantly higher in men than that in women (30.0% vs 2.1%, P=0.000). Also, it was higher in the men aged 65-69 than that in those aged 70 and over (34.3% vs 20.4%, P=0.000). The participants with middle school education had the highest prevalence (19.1%) in the population. Overall, the proportion of participants who knew "smoking causes heart disease" "smoking causes stroke"and "smoking causes cancer" was 45.1%, 43.3% and 64.4%, respectively. Among the participants, 36.4% knew all the three smoking hazards. With the confounders such as age and gender being adjusted, current smoking behavior was associated with the participants' awareness of smoking hazards (OR=0.74,P=0.000). Conclusion · Currently, the awareness of smoking hazards is generally low in Shanghai elderly population, especially in those with lower education level and current smoking behavior. More targeted educational interventions are necessary in specific population.

Lumbar interspinous process spacer, as a important aspect of dynamic stabilization system,through implant a spacer into interspinous process, which can limit the extension of the pathological segment, reserves the physiological activities basically, increases the volume of the spinal canal and intervertebral foramina, decreases the loading of the posterior of disc, and it doesn't affect the motion and the loading of the adjacent segment significantly. From the available documentary, the biomechanical and clinical results of various lumbar interspinous process spacers were optimistically. The purpose of this paper is to review these investigations in respect of lumbar interspinous process spacers.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; trends ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; trends ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution characteristics of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the human CD14 gene in Chinese Han ethnic group children in Wenzhou, and their association with atopic diseases.

METHODSTotally 113 cases were recruited in atopic disease group who met the following criteria: 2 - 12 years old, clinically diagnosed as asthma or allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, elevation of serum total IgE levels and serum specific IgE. Sixty-seven healthy children were enrolled in control group. The related regions of CD14 gene were sequenced to identify and characterize the SNPs, and plasma TIgE and SIgE were detected by immunoassay system and uniCAP system, respectively. The frequency of genotypes and alleles between two groups, as well as the levels of IgE in different genotypes, were compared.

RESULTSCD14/-159 SNP was present in Han ethnic group population of Wenzhou. The frequency of each genotype was 57.0% (TT), 28.0% (TC), 15.0% (CC) in normal children, and 46.9% (TT), 35.4% (TC), 17.7% (CC) in atopic children. No significant difference was found in the distribution of CD14/-159 polymorphism between atopic children and healthy control (chi(2) = 1.918, P > 0.05) according to Hardy-Weinberg principle statistics. There were no significant difference in frequency of each genotype between boys and girls. No significant difference was found in the total plasma IgE levels among groups of TT genotypes [(2520 +/- 460) IU/L], TC genotypes [(2400 +/- 460) IU/L] and CC genotype [(2500 +/- 460) IU/L] (F = 0.807, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCD14/-159 SNP is present in Han ethnic group children in Wenzhou, and other SNP in CD14 gene was not found. TT genotype was the primary genotype in CD14/-159 SNP in the children studied. No relationship between CD14/-159 SNP and atopic disease or serum total IgE level was found.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Asthma ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; Lipopolysaccharide Receptors ; genetics ; Male ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; genetics

BACKGROUNDLate-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is the most common type of lipid storage myopathies in China. Most patients with late-onset MADD are well responsive to riboflavin. Up to now, these patients are often treated with glucocorticoids as the first-line drug because they are misdiagnosed as polymyositis without muscle biopsy or gene analysis. Although glucocorticoids seem to improve the fatty acid metabolism of late-onset MADD, the objective evaluation of their rationalization on this disorder and comparison with riboflavin treatment are unknown.

METHODSWe performed a historical cohort study on the efficacy of the two drugs among 45 patients with late-onset MADD, who were divided into glucocorticoids group and riboflavin group. Detailed clinical information of baseline and 1-month follow-up were collected.

RESULTSAfter 1-month treatment, a dramatic improvement of muscle strength was found in riboflavin group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in muscle enzymes between the two groups. Significantly, the number of patients with full recovery in glucocorticoids group was less than the number in riboflavin group (P < 0.05). On the other hand, almost half of the patients in riboflavin group still presented high-level muscle enzymes and weak muscle strength after 1-month riboflavin treatment, meaning that 1-month treatment duration maybe insufficient and patients should keep on riboflavin supplement for a longer time.

CONCLUSIONSOur results provide credible evidences that the overall efficacy of riboflavin is superior to glucocorticoids, and a longer duration of riboflavin treatment is necessary for patients with late-onset MADD.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age of Onset ; Child ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Glucocorticoids ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors ; therapy ; Male ; Multiple Acyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Deficiency ; drug therapy ; Muscular Dystrophies ; therapy ; Riboflavin ; therapeutic use ; Young Adult

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.

Objective To investigate the iodine nutritional status of residents in coastal areas of Fujian province,and to provide evidence for effective implementation of preventive strategy of scientific supplying of iodine.Methods In 2009,in Fujian province,6 cities were selected,then one area in every city was selected.A District Office was selected in every area,and then 1 Residents Committee in every District Office was selected.Eleven counties were selected,1 township in each county was selected,and then 1 village in each township was selected.Thirty families were selected in each Residents Committee(village),and then iodine content in household drinking water and salt were tested.The per capita salt intake in the households was calculated using 3 days weighing method.Twenty adults aged 18 to 45 were selected to test their urinary iodine; thirty pregnant and lactating women and 50 children aged 8 to 10 in each street(township ) were selected to test their urinary iodine(UI).Results One hundred and fifty three,30,94,183 and 62 families in coastal cities,inland cities,inland rural areas,coastal rural areas,and coastal mountain areas were surveyed,respectively.The median iodine content of salt was 28.4 - 30.8 mg/kg.The coverage rate of iodized salt and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate were all above 90％ in coastal cities,inland cities,inland rural areas and coastal mountain areas.The coverage rate of iodized salt and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate were 86.9％(159/183) and 83.6％(153/183) in coastal rural areas.In coastal cities,coastal rural areas,inland rural areas,inland cities and coastal mountain areas,258,300,110,160 and 101 children aged 8 - 10 were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 191.0,165.6,267.7,269.0 and 161.0 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and one,123,118,63 and 41 adults were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 197.6,203.4,174.7,302.8 and 154.9 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and fifty one,181,50,101 and 63 pregnant were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 156.5,141.7,116.2,163.0 and 126.2 μg/L,respectively.One hundred and fifty four,184,40,111 and 70 lactating women were surveyed,respectively,and the median UI were 130.3,118.8,110.9,154.6 and 175.9 μg/L,respectively.Conclusions The iodine nutritional level of residents in coastal areas is suitable,and iodine excess does not exists.Coastal areas still need to supply iodized salt.We should be highly concerned about the status of iodine nutrition of pregnant women and put this part of population into routine monitoring.

Filamin A and 14-3-3-σ are closely associated with the development of breast cancer.However,the exact relationship between them is still unknown.The present study aimed to examine the interaction of filamin A with 14-3-3-σ in the invasion and migration of breast cancer.RNA interference technology was employed to silence filamin A in MDA-MB-231 cells.Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of filamin A and 14-3-3-σ at mRNA and protein levels,respectively.Double immunofluorescence was applied to show their colocalization morphologically.Wound healing assay and Trans-well assay were used to testify the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in filamin A-silenced cells.The results showed that silencing filamin A significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of 14-3-3σ.In addition,double immunofluorescence displayed that filamin A and 14-3-3σ were predominantly colocalized in the cytoplasm of MDA-MB-231 cells.Silencing filamin A led to the enhanced fluorescence of 14-3-3σ.Furthermore,cell functional experiments showed that silencing filamin A inhibited the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro.In conclusion,silencing filamin A may inhibit the invasion and migration of breast cancer cells by upregulating 14-3-3σ.