Background The diagnosis and treatment of fungal keratitis are knotty.There is no quantitative method to identify the disease and judge the therapeutic effect of the antifungal agent.Studies have determined that serum (1,3-) β-D-glucan level can sensitively and specifically reflect the state of systemic mycotic-causing diseases.However,whether (1,3-) β-D-glucan level in tear can monitor and diagnose mycotic keratitis is unclear.Objective Purpose of this study was to investigate the change of tear (1,3-) β-D-glucan level following the administration of antifungal drug in fungal keratitis patients,and evaluate the diagnosis and monitor value of (1,3-) β-D-glucan in tears for fungal keratitis.Methods Sixty patients who were diagnosed as fungal keratitis by fungal culture were analyzed in Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College from July 2010 to May 2012.The patients received the topical administration of antifungal drug for 28 days.Thirty healthy volunteers without eye disease served as normal controls.The tear of 50 μl was collected from each subject for the detection of (1,3)-β-D-glucan before the therapy,7,14,28 days after therapy and 7 days,14 days after the drugs were stopped,respectively.The dynamic changes of (1,3-) β-D-glucan levels in tears were evaluated and compared with the manifestation of the lesions under the laser scanning confocal microscope.The patients without hyphal by the laser scanning confocal microscopy and tear (1,3-)β-D-glucan level less than 20 ng/L were subsequently treated for another 7 days,and the following-up duration was 2 months.The informed consent was obtained before any medical examination was performed from each subject.Results (1,3-)β-D-glucan level in tears (Log value) was (6.37 ±0.48)ng/L in the patient group,and was significantly higher than (2.00±0.31) ng/L in the normal control group (t =2.89,P＜0.01).The lesion was smaller with the gradually clear border,and the number of mycelia was decreased under the laser scanning confocal microscope 7 days after treatment.(1,3-) β-D-glucan level in tears was gradually declined in a time-dependent manner after treatment.The (1,3)-β-D-glucan level in tears (Log) was (5.19 ± 0.42),(4.16 ± 0.33),(2.99 ±0.42),(2.91 ±0.39),(2.80±0.40) ng/L 7,14,28 days after treatment,and 7 days,14 days after the drugs were stopped,respectively,with a statistically significant difference in comparison with (6.37±0.48)ng/L before treatment (P＜0.01).(1,3)-β-D-gluean level in tears remained a lower level till the end of follow-up,and no recurrence of lesion was found in the patient group.Conclusions Detecting (1,3)-β-D-glucan level in tears is of good diagnosis and monitor value in the evaluation of fungal keratitis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the DNA damage of human lens epithelial cells (LECs) caused by acute exposure to low-power 217 Hz modulated 1.8 GHz microwave radiation and DNA repair.

METHODSCultured LECs were exposed to 217 Hz modulated 1.8 GHz microwave radiation at SAR (specific absorption rate) of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 W/kg for 2 hours in an sXc-1800 incubator and irradiate system. The DNA single strand breaks were detected with comet assay in sham-irradiated cells and irradiated cells incubated for varying periods: 0, 30, 60, 120 and 240 min after irradiation. Images of comets were digitized and analyzed using an Imagine-pro plus software, and the indexes used in this study were tail length (TL) and tail moment (TM).

RESULTSThe difference in DNA-breaks between the exposure and sham exposure groups induced by 1 and 2 W/kg irradiation was not significant at every detect time (P > 0.05). As for the dosage of 3 and 4 W/kg there was difference in both group immediately after irradiation (P < 0.01). At the time of 30 min after irradiation the difference went on at both group (P < 0.01). However, the difference disappeared after one hour's incubation in 3 W/kg group (P > 0.05), and existed in 4 W/kg group.

CONCLUSIONNo or repairable DNA damage was observed after 2 hour irradiation of 1.8 GHz microwave on LECs when SAR < or = 3 W/kg. The DNA damages caused by 4 W/kg irradiation were irreversible.

Cell Phone ; Cells, Cultured ; Comet Assay ; DNA Damage ; radiation effects ; DNA Repair ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Epithelial Cells ; radiation effects ; Humans ; Lens, Crystalline ; cytology ; radiation effects ; Microwaves

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes of GABA-activated currents in isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats with neuropathic pain.

METHODSThe neuropathic pain model was established by chronic constriction injury (CCI) 7 days before electrophysiological-recording. The rat DRG neurons were enzymatically dissociated. Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record GABA-activated currents. The changes of currents of injured side and opposite side were expected to compare with control group.

RESULTS(1) The currents of injured side of CCI group were notablely decreased compared with control group (GABA concentration, 0.1-1000 micromol/L). (2) By the contrast, opposite side currents of CCI group increased significantly compared with those in injured side and control group (GABA concentration, 0.01-1000 micromol/L).

CONCLUSIONThe data indicates that the chronic constriction injury change both the function of GABAA receptors of injury side and opposite side. The decrease of pre-synaptic inhibition of GABA may be the possible reason of neuropathic pain.

Animals ; Cell Separation ; Constriction ; Ganglia, Spinal ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Neuralgia ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Neurons ; metabolism ; physiology ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, GABA-A ; metabolism ; physiology ; Sciatic Nerve ; injuries

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of calcium-sensitive receptors (CaSR) on the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) in a neonatal mouse model of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). METHODS: Eighty neonatal C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control, PPH, agonist and antagonist groups. The control group was exposed to air, and the other three groups were exposed to 12% oxygen. The agonist and antagonist groups were intraperitoneally injected with a CaSR agonist (GdCl 16 mg/kg) and a CaSR antagonist (NPS2390, 1 mg/kg), respectively, while the PPH and control groups were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline instead. All mice were treated for 14 days. Alveolar development and pulmonary vessels were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein and mRNA expression of eNOS and its localization in lung tissues were determined by Western blot, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NO in lung homogenate were determined using ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the PPH and agonist groups showed significant increases in alveolar mean linear intercept, the percent wall thickness of pulmonary arterioles, right to left ventricular wall thickness ratio (RV/LV) and BNP concentration, but a significant reduction in radial alveolar count (P<0.05). The antagonist group had significant improvements in all the above indices except RV/LV compared with the PPH and agonist groups (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the protein and mRNA expression of eNOS and NO concentration were significantly increased in the PPH group and increased more significantly in the agonist group, but were significantly reduced in the antagonist group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CaSR plays an important role in the development of PPH in neonatal mice, possibly by increasing eNOS expression and NO concentration.
Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Calcium ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Hypoxia ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; Receptors, Calcium-Sensing

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the impact of lesion size on the detection rate of non-palpable breast malignant lesions and determine whether lesion size should prompt biopsy of non-palpable breast lesions.

METHODSThe study included 816 ultrasonographically detected non-palpable breast lesions. We divided the lesions into five groups based on their largest diameters: ≤0.5cm, 0.6-1.0cm, 1.1-1.5cm, 1.6-2.0 cm, and >2.0 cm. The detection rate of malignancies of different sizes were compared among these lesions, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 2-3 lesions, and BI-RADS grades 4-5 lesions. The feasibility of using lesion size as biopsy indicator for BI-RADS category 2-3 non-palpable breast lesion was analyzed using ROC curve.

RESULTSOf these 816 lesions, 100 (12.3%) were found to be malignant lesions. The detection rate of malignancy significantly increased along with the increase of lesion size (P<0.05). When the BI-RADS category was not considered, the frequency of malignancy in the >2.0 cm group was significantly higher than in other groups (P<0.05) The frequencies of malignancy in the 0.6-1.0 cm group, 1.1-1.5 cm group, and 1.6-2.0 cm group were higher than that in ≤0.5 cm group, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05) For BI RADS category 4 and 5 lesions, the frequency of malignancy in >2.0 cm group was higher than in other groups, but significant difference was only seen between >2.0 cm group and ≤0.5 cm group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLesion size may influence the detection rate of malignancy of non palpable breast lesions, and can be used as biopsy indicator of non palpable breast lesions in BI-RADS 2,3 category When we use 1.25cm as threshold,the sensitivity and specificity may be satisfying.

Breast ; pathology ; Breast Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography, Mammary

OBJECTIVETo compare thoracoscopic esophagectomy with traditional esophagectomy in radical mediastinal lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer, and to explore the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic mediastinal lymphadenectomy for esophagectomy.

METHODSClinical data associated with perioperation and mediastinal lymph nodes clearance of 304 patients undergoing radical operation of esophageal cancer via left neck-right chest-upper abdomen in our department from June 2009 to June 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Among 304 cases, 199 received traditional open radical resection and 105 thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The intrathoracic mediastinal lymph node metastasis rate, extent of metastasis, time of operation, blood loss and complications between two groups were compared.

RESULTSAll the 304 cases completed their operations successfully. A total of 3724 mediastinal lymph nodes were removed, mean 12.3±7.0 per case, including 1065 in thoracoscopic group, mean 10.1±5.5 per case, and 2659 in open group, mean 13.3±7.5 per case, whose difference was significant. But further analysis according to the postoperative pathologic staging showed no significant difference of above lymph nodes removed between two groups. Mediastinal lymph node metastasis was found in 126 patients with a rate of 41.4%, which was 35.6% and 44.7% in thoracoscopic and open groups respectively without significant difference(P>0.05). The left laryngeal recurrent nerve lymph node metastasis rate in open group and thoracoscopic group was 16.1% and 6.7% respectively, and the difference was significant(P<0.05). Differences of lymph node metastasis rate in other regions were not significant between the two groups. There were 365 positive lymph nodes, and the lymph node metastasis degree was 9.8%. which was 8.2% and 10.5% in thoracoscopic group and open group respectively(P<0.05), besides metastasis degree of open group was much higher in right laryngeal recurrent nerve and subcarinal lymph node region. The overall complication rate was 36.8%, which was 28.6% in thoracoscopic group and 41.2% in open group respectively with significant difference(P<0.05). There were no significant differences in operative time and blood loss between the two groups(both P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONRadical mediastinal lymphadenectomy with thoracoscopic esophagectomy is technically safe and feasible for early to moderate stage esophageal cancer with similar lymph nodes removed and lower complication morbidity. In the early period of carrying out thoracoscopic radical mediastinal lymphadenectomy, laryngeal recurrent nerve and subcarinal lymph node region should be identified to prevent incidental injury.

Blood Loss, Surgical ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Esophagectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; pathology ; Mediastinum ; pathology ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To discuss the changes and significance of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in perioperative period of congenital heart disease patients with pulmonary hypertension. Methods A total of forty patients with congenital heart disease underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were included in this study. According to the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), patients were divided into non-pulmonary hypertension group (group Ⅰ, PASP < 30 mmHg) and pulmonary hypertension group (groupⅡ, PASP≥30 mmHg). Blood samples were taken before anesthesia (T1), start CPB (T2), 30 min after CPB (T3), 6 h (T4), 24 h (T5) and 7 d (T6) after operation. The concentration of IL-17 was detected by ELISA. Arterial oxygen partial pressure [p(O2)] and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure [p(CO2)] during the first five time points were recorded. Oxygen index (OI) and alveolar arterial oxygen tension difference (AaDO2) were calculated. Results The plasma IL-17 levels in perioperative period were significantly higher in group Ⅱ than those of group Ⅰ (P < 0.05). The highest concentration of IL-17 emerged at T3, then decreased gradually in both groups. At this time point, the OI decreased, and AaDO2 increased significantly in both groups. Compared with groupⅠ, the OI decreased, while AaDO2 increased at T5 in groupⅡ(P<0.05). Conclusion The high level of IL-17 promotes the formation of pulmonary hypertension in congenital heart disease and leads to the lung injury during CPB, which can be used as a clinical monitoring indicator of evaluating severity.

BACKGROUND: The anatomical structure of the pelvis is complex, and it is difficult to be fixed. Misplacement of screws can lead to severe complications. Therefore, exploring an efficient, simple, and economic individualized design of surgical staple parameters has become a key issue in the fixation of the acetabular anterior column fracture. OBJECTIVE: To design parameters on the anterior column of acetabulum fracture reconstruction plate internal fixation for preoperative design using CT scan data, and to compare with conventional steel plate fixation. METHODS: Forty patients with acetabular anterior column fracture were randomly assigned to two groups: digital design group (n=20) and conventional surgery group (n=20). The digital design group received pelvic CT scanning for data acquisition. Materialise Mimics Innovation Suite 16.0 software was used for digital simulation of anterior acetabular fracture plate fixation. The conventional surgery group received conventional steel plate fixation. Operation time, blood loss and healing time were compared between the two groups. Anatomic reduction ratio and hip function score were compared between the two groups at postoperative 16 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Operation time, blood loss, healing time, anatomic reduction ratio and hip function score were better in the digital design group than in the conventional surgery group (P=0.00). (2) Results suggest that compared with the conventional surgery group, acetabular anterior column fractures of digital three-dimensional operation design has a good effect on reducing operation time and blood loss and elevating fixation effect, and can provide reference data for clinical diagnosis and treatment of acetabular anterior column fracture.

Objective To compare thoracoscopic esophagectomy with traditional esophagectomy in radical mediastinal lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer , and to explore the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic mediastinal lymphadenectomy for esophagectomy. Methods Clinical data associated with perioperation and mediastinal lymph nodes clearance of 304 patients undergoing radical operation of esophageal cancer via left neck-right chest-upper abdomen in our department from June 2009 to June 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Among 304 cases, 199 received traditional open radical resection and 105 thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The intrathoracic mediastinal lymph node metastasis rate , extent of metastasis, time of operation, blood loss and complications between two groups were compared. Results All the 304 cases completed their operations successfully. A total of 3724 mediastinal lymph nodes were removed, mean 12.3±7.0 per case, including 1065 in thoracoscopic group, mean 10.1±5.5 per case, and 2659 in open group, mean 13.3 ±7.5 per case, whose difference was significant. But further analysis according to the postoperative pathologic staging showed no significant difference of above lymph nodes removed between two groups. Mediastinal lymph node metastasis was found in 126 patients with a rate of 41.4%, which was 35.6% and 44.7% in thoracoscopic and open groups respectively without significant difference (P>0.05). The left laryngeal recurrent nerve lymph node metastasis rate in open group and thoracoscopic group was 16.1% and 6.7% respectively , and the difference was significant (P<0.05). Differences of lymph node metastasis rate in other regions were not significant between the two groups. There were 365 positive lymph nodes , and the lymph node metastasis degree was 9.8%. which was 8.2% and 10.5% in thoracoscopic group and open group respectively (P<0.05), besides metastasis degree of open group was much higher in right laryngeal recurrent nerve and subcarinal lymph node region. The overall complication rate was 36.8%, which was 28.6% in thoracoscopic group and 41.2% in open group respectively with significant difference (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in operative time and blood loss between the two groups (both P>0.05). Conclusion Radical mediastinal lymphadenectomy with thoracoscopic esophagectomy is technically safe and feasible for early to moderate stage esophageal cancer with similar lymph nodes removed and lower complication morbidity. In the early period of carrying out thoracoscopic radical mediastinal lymphadenectomy, laryngeal recurrent nerve and subcarinal lymph node region should be identified to prevent incidental injury.

Objective To investigate the roles of mitochondrial connexin43 (Cx43) and mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium channel (mitoK_(ATP)~+) in the postconditioning protection for rabbits underwent myocardial ischemia/reporfusion injury.Methods In anesthetized open-chest rabbits,the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was occluded for 30 min and reperfused for 4 h and randomly divided into four groups (n = 16 each) :sham operation group (Sham) ,ischemic reperfusion group (IR),ischemic postconditioning group (PC) and PC plus 5-HD,a specific mitoK+ ATP inhibitor (PC + 5-HD).Rabbits were sacrificed post 4 h reperfusion.Heart rate and the mean arterial pressure were recorded and plasma CK-MB and cTnI activity were measured at baseline,at the end of ischemia,and after 2 h and 4 h of reperfusion,respectively.Myocardial infarct size was determined and mitochondria structure was observed under electron microscope at the end of the experiment Mitochondria were isolated and the protein content of the mitochondrial Cx43 was determined by Western blot.Results Plasma CK-MB,cTnI activity and myocardial infarct size were significantly reduced in PC[(19.1±3.9) %]group compared to IR[(35.7±5.8) %]and PC + 5 HD[(34.2±3.9) %]groups (all P＜0.01).Degree of mitochondria damage was significantly reduced in PC group compared to IR and PC + 5HD groups (all P ＜0.01).The mitochondria Cx43 content was significantly decreased in IR group and PC + 5-HD group compared to sham group (all P＜0.05) and restored in PC group.Conclusion Ischemic postconditioning protected the heart from I/R injury by improving mitochondrial ultrastructure and by attenuating I/R induced decrease of mitochondria Cx43 expression.The protective effects of postconditioning was partly mediated by activating mitoK_(ATP)~+ pathway.