Normal tension glaucoma(NTG)is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve and visual field defects, with its pathophysiology closely linked to genetic, immune-inflammatory and vascular factors. Optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)is a noninvasive imaging technique that provides real-time, quantitative assessment of retinal microvascular perfusion. In recent years, OCTA has been increasingly applied in NTG studies, demonstrating significant potential in early diagnosis, disease monitoring and management. This systematic review summarizes the latest advancements in the application of OCTA for NTG, with a focus on vascular parameters in the optic nerve head and macular regions. Its diagnostic value and monitoring management are further summarized. Moreover, the current limitations of OCTA technology and the challenges related to its clinical application are critically evaluated, while exploring its future developments. These insights aim to provide a theoretical foundation for further research on NTG-related microvascular pathology and the broader clinical application of OCTA.

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs). This condition can arise from a complex interplay of multiple mechanisms, including elevated intraocular pressure(IOP), neurotrophic factor deprivation, immune-mediated responses, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity. Due to the absence of significant clinical symptoms in its initial stages, individuals often remain unaware of the disease until they experience irreversible vision loss, highlighting the critical importance of early diagnosis. Current diagnostic methods predominantly focus on measuring elevated IOP, assessing characteristic visual field deficits, and examining fundoscopic changes in the optic disc. Unfortunately, these indicators typically manifest only after considerable optic nerve damage has already occurred. Consequently, the identification of biomarkers associated with RGCs loss is essential for enhancing the early diagnosis and management of glaucoma. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying RGCs degeneration and to determine the potential existence of biomarkers within these pathways. By identifying early alterations in these biomarkers, we hope to facilitate timely intervention strategies for glaucoma, ultimately reducing the risk of vision loss and improving the overall quality of life for affected individuals.

This study aims to evaluate the preventive effect of the exogenous protein chIFN-γ-chCD154 against Salmonella typhimurium(S.typhimurium)infection in White Leghorn chick-ens,and the potential mechanism.In this study,Escherichia coli was used to express the proteins chIFN-γ,chCD154 and chIFN-γ-chCD154.Before S.typhimurium infection,the White Leghorn chickens were pre-immunized via drinking water for three consecutive days,and infected with S.typhimurium by gavage.The results from Western blot,quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)analysis and histopathology analysis showed that compared to chIFN-γ and chCD154,chIFN-γ-chCD154 pre-treatment could synergistically increase the survival rate of infected chickens,reduce the bacterial load in the liver and cecum,and attenuate the pathological damage of liver and cecum.Moreover,chIFN-γ-chCD154 significantly decreased the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor-4(TLR-4)and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88)in the cecum,and then inhibited the mRNA expression of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α and IL-6),and maintained the integrity of the intestinal tight junction proteins(zo-1,claudin-1,occlu-din).Compared with single protein pretreatment,chIFN-γ-chCD154 pretreatment significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the genes related to the vitamin D(VD)pathway(cyp27b1,VD receptor VDR,antimicrobial peptide AvBD7 and cathelicidin-b1)in S.typhimurium-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs).The results of colony counting showed that the num-ber of S.typhimurium in the chIFN-γ-chCD154 group were the lowest.Also,chIFN-γ-chCD154 could up-regulate the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Blautia,Ruminococcus,En-terococcus and Faecalibacterium,while down-regulate the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcaceae in the cecum and improve the intestinal dysbiosis.In conclusion,chIFN-γ-chCD154 could activate the VD-antimicrobial peptide pathway and inhibit the TLR-4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in S.typhimurium-infected chickens,which significantly improve the intestinal barrier function,reduce the inflammatory damage of liver and cecum,im-prove the structure of cecum microbial,promote the health of intestinal tract,and provide theoreti-cal basis for the development of chIFN-γ-chCD154 as a safe and effective alternative antibiotic.

This study aims to evaluate the preventive effect of the exogenous protein chIFN-γ-chCD154 against Salmonella typhimurium(S.typhimurium)infection in White Leghorn chick-ens,and the potential mechanism.In this study,Escherichia coli was used to express the proteins chIFN-γ,chCD154 and chIFN-γ-chCD154.Before S.typhimurium infection,the White Leghorn chickens were pre-immunized via drinking water for three consecutive days,and infected with S.typhimurium by gavage.The results from Western blot,quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)analysis and histopathology analysis showed that compared to chIFN-γ and chCD154,chIFN-γ-chCD154 pre-treatment could synergistically increase the survival rate of infected chickens,reduce the bacterial load in the liver and cecum,and attenuate the pathological damage of liver and cecum.Moreover,chIFN-γ-chCD154 significantly decreased the mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor-4(TLR-4)and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88(MyD88)in the cecum,and then inhibited the mRNA expression of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α and IL-6),and maintained the integrity of the intestinal tight junction proteins(zo-1,claudin-1,occlu-din).Compared with single protein pretreatment,chIFN-γ-chCD154 pretreatment significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of the genes related to the vitamin D(VD)pathway(cyp27b1,VD receptor VDR,antimicrobial peptide AvBD7 and cathelicidin-b1)in S.typhimurium-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs).The results of colony counting showed that the num-ber of S.typhimurium in the chIFN-γ-chCD154 group were the lowest.Also,chIFN-γ-chCD154 could up-regulate the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Blautia,Ruminococcus,En-terococcus and Faecalibacterium,while down-regulate the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcaceae in the cecum and improve the intestinal dysbiosis.In conclusion,chIFN-γ-chCD154 could activate the VD-antimicrobial peptide pathway and inhibit the TLR-4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in S.typhimurium-infected chickens,which significantly improve the intestinal barrier function,reduce the inflammatory damage of liver and cecum,im-prove the structure of cecum microbial,promote the health of intestinal tract,and provide theoreti-cal basis for the development of chIFN-γ-chCD154 as a safe and effective alternative antibiotic.

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction combined with strengthening muscle-waist exercise on lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 60 patients with LDH admitted to the Pinggu Hospital, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, were enrolled as the research objects between September 2020 and September 2021. According to the random number table, they were randomly divided into the treatment group and control group, 30 in each group. Both groups were given routine basic treatments (strengthening tendons-waist exercise and three-position six-step manipulation). On this basis, the treatment group was treated with modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction, while the control group was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen codeine sustained-release tablets). Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The responsive rates, back pain intensity, leg pain and numbness by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and lumbar function by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) were compared between the two groups.Results:The response rate of treatment group was significantly higher than that of control group (93.3% vs. 73.3%; χ2=4.32, P=0.038). After treatment, scores of JOA (subjective symptoms, signs, activities of daily living) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t=3.86, 2.71, 2.21, P<0.05). After treatment, scores of back pain (2.12±0.21 vs. 3.02±0.32, t=12.88), leg pain (2.04±0.64 vs. 2.64±0.66, t=3.58), lower limb numbness (1.75±0.24 vs. 2.41±0.70, t=4.89) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). At 1 week and 1 month after treatment, ODI scores in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group ( t=10.22, 5.59; P<0.05). Conclusion:The modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction combined with strengthening tendons-waist exercise can improve responsive rates, improve lumbar pain and function in LDH patients.

Objective To investigate the differences and significance of blood levels of T helper 17 (Th17) cell and interleukin17 (IL-17) between peripheral and culprit vessels in patients with acute coronary syndrome.Methods A total of 76 patients recruited in 2012 were divided into three groups according to the coronary angiography and clinical manifestations:acute coronary syndrome,stable angina and control groups.The blood samples were taken from cubital vein and culprit coronary artery after coronary angiography.The percentage of Th17s among CD4+ T cells was detected by flow cytometric analysis and the IL-t7 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results There was no significant difference in the percentages of Th17 cells between peripheral blood and culprit artery blood [(3.18 ± 0.29) ％ vs.(3.17 ±0.30)％,(P =0.919)];but the perecentages of Th17 in peripheral blood were found to be significantly higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome (3.18 ± 0.29)％ than those with stable angina (1.32 ± 0.31) ％ and those without coronary heart disease (1.28 ± 0.33) ％,(P ＜ 0.01).There was no significant difference in the level of IL-17 between peripheral blood and culprit artery blood [(81.23 ± 18.63) vs.(82.37 ±20.51) pg/mL,P =0.573];but the level of IL-17 in peripheral blood was also significantly higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome than those with stable angina and those without coronary heart disease [(81.23 ± 18.63) vs.(25.96 ± 14.58) pg/mL or (23.75 ± 13.64) pg/mL,P ＜0.01].Conclution There were no significant differences in percentage of Th17 cell among CD4 + T cells and levels of IL-17 in blood between peripheral and culprit vessels in patients with acute coronary syndrome.The percentage of Th17 among CD4 + T cells and the levels of IL-17 in blood increase in patients with acute coronary syndrome suggesting a potential role of Th17 and IL-17 in the development and instability of the atheroma.

The MegaBACETM 1000 DNA Sequencing System was made by Amersham Pharmacia,which is a high throughput fluorescence-based DNA sequencer that can be used for DNA sequencing and genetic analysis etc.But the markers(ET550-R Size Standards)produced by this corporation which are used for genetic analysis in this instrument are very expensive.In order to cut the cost,a set of markers were developed and after authentication,that can be used in the MegaBACE 1000 DNA sequencer.Using these markers and our own recognition software,an improved,high throughput AFLP work protocol based on MegaBACETM 1000 were constructed.

Objective To discuss the indication, the prevention and treatment of complications of the esophagectomy through left thoracic and neck approach. Methods 2?058 cases of esophageal carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. Results The success rate of this procedure was 98.40%, and 33 cases died postoperatively, the mortality was 1.60%(33/2?058). Lymph node metastases were presenting 895 cases. The gross rate of lymph node metastasis was 43.49%(895/2?058), the rates of 1ymph nodes metastasis in neck, chest and abdomen were 5.12%(107/2?058), 42.50%(875/2?058) and 21.19%(436/2?058), respective1y. The occurrence rate of residual carcinoma was 1.51%(31/2?058). The complication rate was 15.74%(324/2?058). 1?870 cases were followed-up (90.86%). The overall 3-, 5-year survival rates were 61.22%(895/1?462) and 36.45%(384/1?053), respectively. Conclusion The advantages of this approach were relatively radical resection, 1ow incidence of residual carcinoma, less severe complications.