AlM:To investigate the opportunity of the concomitant strabismus operation and the function in the treatment of strabismic amblyopia through analyzing the changes of binocular summation of pattern visual evoked potential ( P-VEP ) before and after the surgery of concomitant strabismus.
METHODS: ln this retrospective study we investigated 67 cases admitted in our hospital. All patients were less than 18a and the postoperation squint angle was less than ± 10△. Patients were divided into three groups according to the strabismus type, age, and amblyopia degree. P-VEP binocular summation response was recorded in all cases, to observe the changes of the binocular summation response of P-VEP before strabismus surgery and 1mo, 3mo after surgery. The P-VEP response of binocular /monocular ( B/M ) ratio was taken as an evaluation index.
RESULTS: B/M value of three groups all improved obviously 1mo after surgery, which the difference showed statistical significant (P<0. 01). 1) After 3mo surgery, B/M value in esotropia group was higher than that in exotropia group (P<0. 05). 2) After 3mo surgery, B/M value in≤6a group was higher than that in >12a group (P<0. 05). 3) After 1mo surgery, B/M value in severe amblyopia group was higher than that in mild group (P<0. 05). After 3mo surgery, B/M value in severe amblyopia group was higher than that in mild group significantly (P<0. 01).
CONCLUSlON: Concomitant strabismus surgery is suggested to be performed before 6 years old when the patients are difficult to improve the vision after amblyopia treatment, especially with the severe amblyopia and esotropia (accommodative esotropia must be excluded). The early operation is better to amblyopia treatment and binocular vision recovery.

Taxol is one of the most potent anti-cancer agents, which is extracted from the plants of Taxus species. Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IPI) catalyzes the reversible transformation between IPP and DMAPP, both of which are the general 5-carbon precursors for taxol biosynthesis. In the present study, a new gene encoding IPI was cloned from Taxus media (namely TmIPI with the GenBank Accession Number KP970677) for the first time. The full-length cDNA of TmIPI was 1 232 bps encoding a polypeptide with 233 amino acids, in which the conserved domain Nudix was found. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the sequence of TmIPI was highly similar to those of other plant IPI proteins, and the phylogenetic analysis showed that there were two clades of plant IPI proteins, including IPIs of angiosperm plants and IPIs of gymnosperm plants. TmIPI belonged to the clade of gymnosperm plant IPIs, and this was consistent with the fact that Taxus media is a plant species of gymnosperm. Southern blotting analysis demonstrated that there was a gene family of IPI in Taxus media. Finally, functional verification was applied to identify the function of TmIPI. The results showed that biosynthesis of β-carotenoid was enhanced by overexpressing TmIPI in the engineered E. coli strain, and this suggested that TmIPI might be a key gene involved in isoprenoid/terpenoid biosynthesis.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Carbon-Carbon Double Bond Isomerases ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Escherichia coli ; Paclitaxel ; biosynthesis ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Taxus ; enzymology ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the impact of in utero exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the apoptosis of testicular cells in the pubertal male rat offspring.

METHODSTen pregnant SD rats were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group to be treated intragastrically with olive oil (1 ml per day) and DBP (500 mg per kg of body weight per day) respectively between gestation days 12 and 19. At the pubertal age (postnatal day 45, PND 45), the testes of the male rat offspring were removed for observation of the cell structure under the transmission electron microscope and the development of different spermatogenetic cells by HE staining. The apoptosis of testicular cells was detected by the TUNEL method, the expressions of the apoptosis-regulating proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bax and p53 were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot, and the data obtained were compared between the two groups by t-test.

RESULTSTransmission electron microscopy revealed increased apoptosis and vacuolization of testicular cells in the PND-45 rat offspring, HE staining showed markedly decreased numbers of different spermatogenetic cells, TUNEL manifested significantly increased apoptosis of testicular cells in the experimental group as compared with the control (12.00 ± 5. 22 vs 3.17 ± 1.47, P < 0.01), and immunohistochemistry and Western blot exhibited remarkably higher expressions of Bax and p53 in the former than in the latter group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIn utero exposure to DBP can increase the apoptosis of germ cells and Sertoli cells, induce the vacuolization of testicular cells, and significantly elevate the expressions of the apoptosis-promoting proteins Bax and p53 in the pubertal male rat offspring.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Body Weight ; Dibutyl Phthalate ; adverse effects ; Female ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sertoli Cells ; cytology ; pathology ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis ; cytology ; pathology ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; metabolism

This research was a part of the investigation of traditional Chinese medicine resources survey in Markam. The medicinal plants in natural reserve were studied for the first in this paper. There were 300 species in 202 genera of 54 families, among them there were 7 species of ferns in 5 genera of 5 families, 6 species of gymnosperms in 4 genera of 3 families, and 287 species of angiosperms in 194 genera of 61 families. There were 166 species Tibetan medicinal plants in 102 genera of 47 families. Quantitative analysis was carried out in 6 aspects of family and genus composition, medicinal parts, drug properties, flavour of a drug, Tibetan medicine, toxicity and new plants. The concrete suggestions of protection and exploitation were put forward, which provided scientific basis for the sustainable utilization of medicinal plants in this area.
Biodiversity ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Medicine, Tibetan Traditional ; Plants, Medicinal ; Tibet

ObjectiveTo observe female university students' differences of cognitive mechanism in processing different types of sexual picture from International Affective Picture System (IAPS).MethodsUsing event related potential (ERP),the differences of the amplitudes of N2,P3 and PSW were examined induced by the neutral pictures and different types of erotic pictures.ResultsThe amplitudes of N2 ( (0.99 ±1.69 ) μV) and P3 ( ( 17.27 ± 1.45 ) μV) elicited by heterosexual couple erotic pictures were highest,followed by the male erotic pictures( ( -0.02 ± 1.83 ) μV,( 15.92 ± 1.26 ) μV),and then were the female erotic pictures ( ( -0.22 ± 1.56)μV,( 15.49 ±1.34) μV).There was statistical significance in N2 and P3 between heterosexual couple erotic pictures and female erotic pictures ( P ＜0.05 ).There was no significant difference in PSW component between heterosexual couple erotic pictures( ( 15.22 ± 1.98 ) μV) and female erotic pictures ( ( 14.53 ± 1.75 ) μV ),but the PSW induced by male erotic pictures (( 10.93 ± 2.60 )μV) was significantly smaller than the other sexual pictures (P＜0.05).ConclusionThe level of sexual arousal elicited by explicit heterosexual couple erotic pictures is highest and also the attention maintains longest.

A method of comprehensive chemical pattern recognition of Atractylodis Rhizoma was established by GC-MS fingerprint, principal component analysis, cluster analysis and discriminant analysis. A DB-wax column (0.25 mm x 60 m, 0.25 microm) with El ion source and 70 V electron multiplier were used for GC-MS analysis. Using principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis, 15 common peaks of sample fingerprints for chemical pattern recognition research were analysed. The same results were obtained from the fingerprint, principal component analysis and cluster analysis, which could use to distinguish genuine Atractylodes lancea, ungenuine A. lancea and A. chinensis. Thus, this method could be used for the quality control and comprehensive evaluation of Atractylodis Rhizoma.
Atractylodes ; chemistry ; China ; Discriminant Analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of different doses of dexamethasone (Dex) on bone quality in rats. Thirty-one SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, Control (7 with saline), Dex-L (8 with 1 mg Dex. / kg), Dex-M (8 with Dex. 2.5 mg/kg), Dex-H (8 with Dex. 5 mg/kg), with tail injection, twice per week for 8 weeks. All the rats were killed then. Their proximal tibia were processed into undecalcified sections and measured for bone histomorphometry. The content of Ca2+ and hydroxyproline in their left ulnars were tested. Bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical property of the thigh bone were tested to observe the qualities of bone. Compared to the control group, the bodyweights of the rats in different Dex treatment Groups decreased remarkably. Percent labeled perimeter (%L. Pm), Mineral apposition rate(MAR), Bone formation rate (BFR/BV) and so on reduced significantly. Percent trabecular area (%Tb. Ar) and Trabecular number (Tb. N) were obviously higher while Trabecular separation (Tb. sp) was remarkablely lower than those of the control group. BMD in Dex-L and the content of hydroxyproline in Dex-M reduced notablely. Biomechanical property of Dex groups decreased significantly. Dex suppressed bone formation and reduced bone turnover significantly. As the increase doses of Dex, %Tb. Ar increased, and, on the contrary, BMD and biomechanical property decreased with the reduced matrix in bone at the same time. It suggested that non-mineralized bone formation increased and biomechanical property deceased. The doses of 1 mg/kg Dex had the most obvious effect on bone quality. This dose slightly increased %Tb. Ar, however, bone formation, bone biomechanical property and matrix in bone decreased obviously. Diffferent doses of Dex have different effects on bone qualities. However the dose has no direct influcing ratio to the bone qualities.
Animals ; Bone Density ; drug effects ; Dexamethasone ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Osteoporosis ; chemically induced ; pathology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tibia ; metabolism ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF) method for the estimation of blood hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2) concentrations in routine thalassemia screening.

METHODSA total of 105 samples from healthy adults and 93 samples with positive phenotypes were collected by routine thalassemia screening. CIEF was compared with Helena spife combo electrophoresis system for Hb A2 measurement and its precision and reproducibility were tested by analyzing intra-assay or inter-assay coefficient of variations(CVs). The reliability and veracity of Hb A2 measurement by CIEF for the detection of alpha- and beta- thalassemia including Hb E were evaluated by genotyping of 93 consecutive samples for routine thalassemia screening.

RESULTSBy us e of CIEF for measurement of Hb A2 in a local healthy adult population, the range of reference value(3.59%-5.23%) was obtained. The results of CIEF showed good linearity relation to that of conventional Hb electrophoresis assay. All thalassemia carriers (43 cases of alpha-thals and 44 of beta-thals) or Hb E carriers (6 cases) presumptively identified by the present CIEF for the quantification of Hb A2, combined with routine RBC parameters for indicating microcytosis and hypochromia were confirmed to be the heterozygous or compound heterozygous defects of alpha- or beta- globin gene by molecular diagnosis, without any false positive or false negative results.

CONCLUSIONThe measurement of Hb A2 by CIEF method is rapid, precise and reproducible; it could be used in routine screening for alpha- or beta- thalassemia.

Adult ; Electrophoresis, Capillary ; methods ; Female ; Genotype ; Hemoglobin A2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; alpha-Thalassemia ; blood ; genetics ; beta-Thalassemia ; blood ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the curative effect of the treatment of reserving limb for patients with malignant bone tumor. METHODS: Forty patients with bone neoplasms underwent the operation of reserving limbs. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given to all the patients before the operation. After the ablation of the tumor we used the artificial prosthetic replacement,tumor tissue deactivation and reimplant, variant bone and joint transplantation to reserve the limb. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up. The average follow-up time was 34.8 months. Eight patients got complications. And the fineness rate was 72.5% according to functional evaluation standard of Enneking after surgical treatment of bone tumor. CONCLUSION The operation of reserving limb was an ideal method to cure the malignant bone tumor. The proper operative treatment with neoadjuvant chemo-therapy is helpful to extend the life of the patients and increase the quality of life.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Artificial Limbs ; Bone Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Child ; Female ; Femoral Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthopedic Procedures ; methods ; Osteosarcoma ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Tibia ; surgery

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relation between the clinical outcome and the integrity of the facets after a lumbar operation,and to provide a reference for choosing operative method and clinical prognosis. METHODS: Forty-three patients with complete data underwent uni-segment discectomy were enrolled. There were 3 surgical interventions: open-window discectomy, full or semi-laminectomy. Groups were divided based on the integrity of the facets after the operation, and the clinical symptoms and signs were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back (JOA) scores at 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: Preoperative JOA scores were not significantly different among the groups (P>0.05). Compared with the facet intact group at 24-month follow-up,JOA scores were descended statistically in total uni-facetectomy group and total uni-facetectomy plus partial opposite facetectomy group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Keeping facets integrated plays an important role in achieving good clinical results,and the damage of facet should be avoided in the lumbar operation.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Diskectomy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; surgery ; Laminectomy ; methods ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Zygapophyseal Joint ; surgery