Background Orthokeratology has been proved to temporarily alter the equivalent sphere,but its effects on visual quality deserve attention.Objective The present study was to investigate the visual quality after overnight orthokeratology in pre-adolescent myopes.Methods Written informed consent was obtained form each subject prior to entering into this series.A descriptive study design was used.One hundred and fifty eyes of 76 teenagers aged (14.90± 1.24)years with low and moderate myopia (-2.79 ± 0.82)D were included in the study.Fitted with Ortho-K contact lens,the lens was wore every night for over 8 hours.Subjective refraction,uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA),contrast sensitivity function,corneal-topography,and aberrometry were examined before,1 week and 3 months after the initiation of orthokeratology.Visual quality was generally evaluated by comparing before wearing,1 week and 3 months after wearing using the National Eye Institute refractive error quality of life instrument (NEI-RQL-42TM).All the procedures were performed by the same clinician.Results Spherical equivalent refractions were (-0.33± 1.02) D and (-0.26 ± 0.60) D 1 week and 3 months after orthokeratology,showing significant decline in comparison with (-2.79±0.82) D of before orthokeratology (P =0.001,0.001).However,no considerable difference was seen between 1 week and 3 months after orthokeratology (P=0.161).Contrast sensitivity function was significantly different in all spatial frequencies before wearing,1 week and 3 months after wearing,and those of 1 week and 3 months after wearing were significantly lower than those of before wearing (1 week:3 cpd P =0.001,6 cpd P=0.001,12 cpd P＜0.05,18 epd P＜0.05 ;3 months:3 cpd P=0.001,6 cpd P=0.001,12 cpd P＜0.05,18 cpd P＜0.05).There was no significant change in contrast sensitivity function between 1 week and 3 months of orthokeratology (P＞0.05).Flat K,steep K and corneal eccentricity (e) were significantly reduced (P =0.000),and surface asymmetry index (SAI) and surface regularity index (SRI) were significantly improved after orthokeratology in comparison with before orthokeratology (both P =0.001).Root mean square (RMS) of total higher-order,third-order and fourth-order aberrations were significantly increased (P＜0.05),but RMS of whole aberration and second-order aberrations significantly decreased after orthokeratology (P＜ 0.05).There were no significant changes in the fifth-order,sixth-order and seventh-order aberration among pre-wear,1 week and 3 months after orthokeratology.Scales of dark to bright,nocturnal driving,glare,visual fluctuate and halo were lower than those before orthokeratology (P＜0.05).The scales of visual fluctuate between 1 month and 3 months after orthokeratology had significant differences (P＜0.01),while the rest of the scales had no significant differences (P＞0.05).Conclusions Orthokeratology can reduce myopic diopter 1 week after orthokeratology.The overnight wearing of fitted orthokeratology can decrease contrast sensitivity and increase corneal surface irregularity and RMS of third-order and fourth-order.Compared with spectacles,orthokeratology reduces subjective visual quality,especially nocturnal quality.

Animals ; Beverages ; Macrophages ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Receptors, Complement 3b ; metabolism

Objective: To establish a method for isolation and purification of fetal membrane derived adherent cells (FMDACs) , and investigate their biological characteristics. Method: FMDACs were isolated with trypsin inducing and cultured in vitro. FMDACs were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. FACS and immunocytochemistry technique were used to examine the cell surface antigen. The genetic stability was verified by karyotype analysis. Results: FMDACs were successfully isolated and expanded in vitro. They had strong proliferative ability. FMDACs were positive for CD44 and CD29, but negative for CD34, CD14 and CD45. FMDACs were differentiated into osteoblasts and adipocytes after inducement. The karyotype was stable in the sixth-passaged FMDACs and the tumorigenicity was not found. Conclusion; FMDACs have the possibility of multipotent stem cells, which have strong capacities of self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation. The genetic background of FMDACs is stable. FMDACs may be used as a kind of novel seed cells for tissue engineering.

With an objective to provide an experimental basis for scientific officinal of Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus, this research uses UPLC-TQ/MS method to analyze 7 different kinds of lignan in 70 batches of Schisandra sphenantherae Fructus samples from 9 regions. The results showed that in the area south of Qinling mountains, Schisandrae sphenantherae Fructus from Zhashui county and Shanyang county of Shangluo mainly contained schisantherin A and deoxyschizandrin. However, Schisandrae sphenantherae Fructus from Mei county of Baoji, Shiquan county and Ningshan county of Ankang, and Lueyang county of Hanzhong, mainly contained anwuligan. Samples from Ningshan county also consists relatively high level of deoxyschizandrin. In the central area of Qinling mountains and the Daba mountains, Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus from Nanzheng county of Hanzhong mainly contained schisanhenol and deoxyschizandrin. In conclusion, the kinds and level of lignan differ significantly in Schisandrae sphenantherae Fructus produced in different regions. In practical application, Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus produced in different regions should be distinguished and differently applied based on their main effective components corresponding to different diseases, which can lead to the best clinical use.
China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Lignans ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Schisandra ; chemistry

Objective: To observe the changes in numbers and degranulation status of local mast cells (MCs) of the complementary acupionts, as well as the concentrations of serum histamine and bradykinin after acupuncture at rat's complementary acupionts of Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Yinlingquan (SP 10), for exploring the mechanisms of the synergistic effect of complementary acupionts. Methods: Using random number table method, 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (group K), an acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB 34) group (group A), an acupuncture at Yinlingquan (SP 9) group (group B), an acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) group (group AB), and an acupuncture at points near Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) group (group CD), 8 rats in each group. Group A received acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB 34); group B received acupuncture at Yinlingquan (SP 9); group AB received acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Yinlingquan (SP 9); group CD received acupuncture at the control points [points 3 mm away from Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) respectively]. Acupuncture was performed at bilateral points in each group. Rats in group K were fixed using the same method as rats in the other 4 groups without acupuncture stimulation. Needles of 0.35 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length were used for acupuncture. Needle handle was connected to the G6805-Ⅱ mode electroacupuncture (EA) device after needling qi was obtained, with sparse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and current of 1 mA to keep the needle handles slightly tremulous while the rats kept quiet. Rats were continuously stimulated by EA for 20 min each time. Experimental interventions were conducted on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days when the experiment started, for 4 times in total. Specimens from rats in each group were collected 2 h after the 7th day. The levels of histamine and bradykinin in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Local tissues of the points were used to prepare cryosections. The changes of MCs were observed after toluidine blue staining. Results: Compared with group K, the numbers and degranulation rates of MCs in group A, group B, group AB and group CD were significantly increased (all P<0.05). The number and degranulation rate of MCs in group AB were significantly higher than those in group A, group B and group CD (all P<0.05). The order of histamine levels from high to low was: group AB >group B > group A > group CD > group K, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05); the levels of bradykinin in group AB, group A and group B were significantly higher than those in group K and group CD (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the bradykinin level between group A and group B, nor between group CD and group K (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The number and degranulation rate of MCs of the complementary acupionts are significantly increased after acupuncture at complementary acupionts of Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) of rats, and the serum levels of histamine and bradykinin are increased, which may be one of the mechanisms of the synergism produced by the combination of complementary acupionts.

Objective To study the application effect of day-parting appointment for elderly hypertensive contracted outpatients in community. Methods In May 2018 two groups (experiment and control) of 103 elderly hypertensive contracted outpatients, aged between 60 and 80 and looked after by the team of family doctors, who had been diagnosed with hypertension and with medication for at least one year were set up.The experimental group used self-made community hypertension visiting card for appointments, and the control group used the original way of treatment.Six months later, comparison was made in blood pressure control, the number of outpatients, the time consumed and the satisfaction between the two groups. Results It was found in comparison that the blood pressure standard-reaching rate of the experimental group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05);outpatients′ visits and time consumed were less than those of the control group, the time used in the clinic room was longer than that in the control group; the differences in these aspects between the two groups were significant (P < 0.05);the satisfaction of the overall outpatient perception, attitude of family doctors, treatment technology, visits control, dosage, cost and safety of medication in the experimental group were better than in the control group; there were significant differences in these aspects between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion Community day-parting appointment proves to be more convenient, more time-saving and safer for outpatients, greatly improving the medical quality and satisfaction for community outpatients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological characteristics of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the umbilical cord blood (UCB), and to evaluate their oncogenicity after long-term culture in vitro. METHODS: The mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from the UCB and cultured in MCDB131 medium supplemented with 20% FBS, VEGF and other growth factors. Morphology of the EPCs was observed, and the growth curve of the EPCs was investigated. Surface antigens of the EPCs were analyzed by the flow-cytometer. The capability of intaking the acetylated low-density lipoprotein (acLDL) of the EPCs was detected using fluoresencent chemical method. The vasoformative capability and genetic stability of EPCs were cultured in matrigel, and examined by karyotype analysis. The oncogenicity of EPCs was verified by the tumorigenesis test in athymic mouse and soft agar. RESULTS: EPCs were successfully derived from the UCB, and could be passaged to at least 42(nd) generation and had strong abilities of proliferation, acLDL intake and vasoformation, but there was not oncogenicity. They expressed endothelial cell-surface antigens and maintained normal karyotype. CONCLUSION The EPCs with proliferative potential can be isolated from the UCB. They can be passaged in long-term cultures without oncogenicity, and can maintain normal karyotype. The EPCs can be served as a new type of cells in cell and gene therapy.
Animals ; Antigens, Surface ; analysis ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Fetal Blood ; cytology ; Flow Cytometry ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; pharmacology ; Karyotyping ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasms, Experimental ; pathology ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo construct a human source vector containing minidystrophin-EGFP fusion gene and investigate its expression in Cos-7 cells.

METHODSThe recombinant human source vector named pHrnDysG was constructed with PCR-clone methods. Three fragments of dystrophin gene were PCR amplified from normal human dystrophin gene cDNA (GenBank NM04006). These three fragments were ligated to generate a minidystrophin gene. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene was fused to the C terminal of the minidystrophin gene, and then the pHrnDysG was finally obtained by cloning the fusion gene to pHrneo. Fluorescence microscope and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of minidystrophin-EGFP fusion gene after the recombinant construct was transfected into Cos-7 cells by lipofectamine.

RESULTSRestrictive enzyme digestion analysis and sequencing confirmed that pHrnDysG vector was constructed successfully. After the recombinant pHrnDysG was transfected to Cos-7 cells, RT-PCR demonstrated that the fusion gene was successfully transcribed, and the green fluorescence was observed at the cell membrane.

CONCLUSIONThe minidystrophin-EGFP fusion gene mediated by pHrneo vector could express in Cos-7 cells and its products' localization in the cell membrane was the same as that of full length dystrophin. These results suggested that the recombinant human source vector pHrnDysG might be potentially used in studies on the gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Animals ; COS Cells ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Dystrophin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Models, Genetic ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the gene mutation in a patient with multiple exostoses, identify the disease-causing gene mutation.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to screen the EXT1 or EXT2 gene mutation, while mismatch primer amplification and restriction endonuclease digestion were performed to confirm the mutation.

RESULTSBy DNA sequencing, a mutation in the seventh intron was detected and located at 26 bp of 3' splice site upstream in EXT1 gene, which was unreported before. Mismatch primer amplification and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis suggested that this mutation was not detected in the normal control.

CONCLUSIONThe mutation 1633-26(C-->A) may be the disease-causing mutation in this patient with multiple exostoses.

DNA Mutational Analysis ; Exostoses, Multiple Hereditary ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Mutation ; N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo extract corosolic acid from loquat leaves for medical use.

METHODSLoquat leaves were boiled in water to remove the water-soluble substances followed by 3 cycles of extraction with 25% aqueous methanol for 30 min and then by 95% aqueous methanol for 1 h at 80 degrees celsius;. After cooling at room temperature and filtration, the extract was treated with activated carbon to remove chlorophyll, and the liquid was filtered and concentrated to allow precipitation. The sediment was washed to obtain the total crude triterpene acid, which was further dissolved with methanol and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The fractions including corosolic acid were collected, concentrated with vacuum distillation, and dried to obtain corosolic acid product, which was analyzed with HPLC.

RESULTSHPLC analysis of the extracts showed that the percentages of corosolic acid were 4.66%, 2.42%, and 24.18% in crude corosolic acid extracted with methanol, boiling water, and 95% aqueous methanol, respectively. After purification with HPLC, the purity of corosolic acid in the product exceeded over 80%.

CONCLUSIONThe optimal extraction method, which is convenient and cost-effective, is established for extracting corosolic acid from loquat leaves for medical use.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Eriobotrya ; chemistry ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; Triterpenes ; isolation & purification