The association between ambient temperature and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) was still unknown. Therefore, we performed an epidemiological study in a large hospital of Shanghai to explore the relationship about temperature and outpatient visit for AECB. We adopted a quasi-Poisson generalized additive models and distributed lag nonlinear models to estimate the accumulative effects of temperature on AECB across multiple days. We found significant non-linear effects of cold temperature on hospital visits for AECB, and the potential effect of cold temperature might last more than 2 weeks. The relative risks of extreme cold (first percentiles of temperature throughout the study period) and cold (10th percentile of temperature) temperature over lags 0-14 d were 2.98 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.77, 5.04] and 1.63 (95% CI: 1.21, 2.19), compared with the 25th percentile of temperature. However, we found no positive association between hospital visits and hot weather. This study showed that exposure to both extreme cold and cold temperatures were associated with increased outpatient visits for AECB in a large hospital of Shanghai.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Air Pollutants ; adverse effects ; Ambulatory Care ; Bronchitis, Chronic ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Cold Temperature ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Weather ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the short-term association between outdoor air pollution and outpatient visits for acute bronchitis, which is a rare subject of research in the mainland of China.

METHODSA time-series analysis was conducted to examine the association of outdoor air pollutants with hospital outpatient visits in Shanghai by using two-year daily data (2010-2011).

RESULTSOutdoor air pollution was found to be associated with an increased risk of outpatient visits for acute bronchitis in Shanghai. The effect estimates of air pollutants varied with the lag structures of the concentrations of the pollutants. For lag06, a 10 μg/m(3) increase in the concentrations of PM10, SO(2), and NO(2) corresponded to 0.94% (95% CI: 0.83%, 1.05%), 11.12% (95% CI: 10.76%, 11.48%), and 4.84% (95% CI: 4.49%, 5.18%) increases in hospital visits for acute bronchitis, respectively. These associations appeared to be stronger in females (P<0.05). Between-age differences were significant for SO(2) (P<0.05), and between-season differences were also significant for SO(2) (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONOur analyses have provided the first evidence that the current air pollution level in China has an effect on acute bronchitis and that the rationale for further limiting air pollution levels in Shanghai should be strengthened.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Air Pollutants ; analysis ; toxicity ; Ambulatory Care ; statistics & numerical data ; Bronchitis ; epidemiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Cities ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; analysis ; toxicity ; Particulate Matter ; analysis ; toxicity ; Seasons ; Sex Factors ; Sulfur Dioxide ; analysis ; toxicity ; Young Adult

Background Nomal binocular vision is achieved through accommodation and vergence.Anisometropia is associated with abnormal visual development,but its impact on accommodation and vergence is unknown.This study is helpful to make a reaonable correction plan for anisometropia.Objective This clinical study was to examine the binocular vision function in myopic anisometropia and evaluate the influence of myopic anisometropia on binocular vision function.Methods Seventy subjects with myopic anisometropia ≥ 1.0 D were recruited in Tianjin Eye Hospital and Tianjin Vocational Institute from 2006 to 2009.The subjects were assigned to the low anisometropia group with the 1.0 D ≤ spherical equivalent difference ＜ 2.5 D and the moderate and high anisometropia group with spherical equivalent difference ≥2.5D,and other 35 individuals with spherical equivalent difference ＜ 1.0 D were enrolled as the without anisometropia group.Binocular vision function parameters were examined in all the individuals,including comprehensive refractometer to check the diopter,Worth 4 dot to examine the binocular vision function,different distance of vertical fusional amplitudes,accommodative convergence/accommodation (AC/A) and stereoscopic vision.Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to the study.Results After anisometropia was completely corrected,the normal rate of Worth 4 dot examination was 94.3％,80.0％ and 60.0％ in the without anisometropia group,low anisometropia group,moderate and high anisometropia group,respectively,showing a statistical difference among groups (x2 =12.137,P＜0.05),and the normal rate of 4 dot was less,and that of 5 dot was higher in the moderate and high anisometropia group compared with the without anisometropia group and low anisometropia group (P＜0.05).No significant difference was found in the normal rate for phoria of distance among the three groups (x2 =4.489,P=0.344).The normal rate for near phoria of distance was 65.7％,42.9％ and 37.1％ in the without anisometropia group,low anisometropia group,moderate and high anisometropia group,respectively,with significant difference among them (x2 =6.045,P＜0.05).The normal rate of stereopsis was 91.4％,77.1％ and 54.3％ in the without anisometropia group,low anisometropia group,moderate and high anisometropia group,respectively,which was statistically different among groups (x2 =12.863,P =0.002),and that in the moderate and high anisometropia group was significant declined in comparison with the without anisometropia group (x2 =12.208,P ＜ 0.05).The difference of distance phoria,AC/A,negative relative accommodation (NRA),positive relative accommodation (PRA),accommodation amplitude and binocular accommodative lag were statistically different among groups (P＞0.05).Conclusions The normal rate of the stereopsis,Worth 4 dot and the phoria of near distance are decreased with the increase of anisometropia,but other ocular motor parameters are normal in anisometropic subject.

Background Rhodopsin (RHO) gene is the most common disease gene for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP),one of the main pathogenesis is that misfolded mutant RHO proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum and cause endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).Objective This study aimed to determine the genetic basis for a consanguineous Chinese Han adRP family.Methods This study procedure complied with Helsinki Declaration.All participants in the family were investigated under the informed consent.Regular ocular examination was performed on the patients in this family.Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was carried out to screen the mutations in 189 genes associated with hereditary retinal diseases (HRDs).After being analyzed and filtered,variations detected by NGS were validated by Sanger sequencing and evaluating of pathogenicity.The wild-type RHOWT and mutant RHOP53Rwere cloned into the vector pEGFP-N1.Then the two plasmids were transfected into adult retinal pigmentosa epithelium cell line(ARPE19) and human embryo kidney 293 line (HEK293) to observe the location of rhodopsin-GFP fusion protein in cells,and the expression of ERS related protein XBP1 in the cells was detected by quantitative-PCR and Western blot.Results This family included 5 generations with the typical adRP characteristics.Genetic analysis identified a heterozygous variation,p.P53R in RHO gene,which was fully cosegregated in the family.Wild-type RHOWT-GFP fusion proteins showed the green fluorescence on the endoplasmic reticulum and cytomembrane,but the misfolded mutant RHO-GFP fusion protein gathered only in endoplasmic reticulum.Compared to wild-type RHOWT,the XBP1 was activated and increased by (1.28 ±0.09) fold.The introns of 26 bases in XBP1 mRNA were removed in the HEK293 cells with mutant RHO-GFP fusion protein,and the expression of XBP1 was stronger in the HEK293 cells with mutant RHO-GFP than that in HEK293 cells with wild type RHO-GFP and cells with blank pEGFP-N1 plasmid.Conclusions Heterozygous variant RHO p.P53R is very likely the pathogenical mutation in the adRP family.The RHOP53R mutant rhodopsin protein can not be delivery effectively from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell membrane,and these proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum,which causes ERS.

Background The extraocular muscles (EOMs) Pulley is considered as the functional origins of the recti EOMs,it is determinants of ocular motility.Objective The structure of the connective tissue around EOMs in cat was studied,and the role of EOMs Pulley to ocular movement was investigated.Methods Five adult cats were involved.The gross anatomy of an orbit in each cat was observed.The other orbit was processed with paraffin imbedding and coronal serial sections.A murine monocolonal antibody to α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was used to show smooth muscle,while Masson trichrome stain was used to show muscle and collagen,and Weigert stain to show elastin.Results An encircling ring of collagen circled EOM was thin and connected to the orbital layer of muscle fiber loosely.Less elastin fibers and little smooth muscle cells were embedded in the collagen ring and connective band.Collagen ring around medial rectus and the connective band between medial rectus and inferior rectus was not more significantly developed than other bands.Conclusions The connective tissue around EOMs in cat may be related to its function of ocular movement,which is not developed.

Background Arresting the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) will be a new approach to the inhibition of neovascularization.RNA interference (RNAi) can inhibit the expression of specific gene,and its application in eye has little interference to other gene expression.Objective This study was to investigate the effect of small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting VEGF on the expression of VEGF and retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model.Methods psi-HITM/enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)/VEGF siRNA was designed and prepared in vitro.Mouse endothelioma (EOMA) were cultured in DMEM without antibiotic and divided into 5 groups.The cells were incubated in DMEM only in the blank control group;while 1 μl of LipofectamineTM 2000 + psi-HITM/EGFP,1 μl LipofectamineTM 2000 + 40,50 or 60 nmol/L of psi-HITM/EGFP/VEGF siRNA was added into DMEM in the negative control group and siRNA groups,respectively.The expression of VEGF mRNA and protein was detected by real time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot.The optimal effective concentration of VEGF siRNA was assessed.OIR models were established in 48 7-day-old C57BL/6J mice by raising them at an oxygen concentration of (75±2) ％ for 5 days and then to normal air.The mice were randomized into the model group,null vector group and VEGF siRNA group.1 μl of a mixture of psi-HITM/EGFP or VEGF siRNA (60 nmol/L) and LipofectamineTM 2000 was intravitreally injected,respectively,in the null vector group and VEGF siRNA group.The normal mice were used as the normal control group.Expression of VEGF mRNA and protein in the mouse retinas was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot,respectively,and FITC-dextran stretched retinal preparation was examined to evaluate the neovascularization,and retinal sections were examined to quantify the number of vascular endothelial cell nuclei extending beyond the internal limiting membrane (ILM).Results The in vitro transfection test showed that the expression of VEGF mRNA and protein in the EOMA cells was significantly different among the blank control group,negative control group and 40,50,60 nmol/L VEGF siRNA groups (F =148.890,P ＜ 0.001; F =306.960,P ＜ 0.001),and the expression of VEGF mRNA was lower in different concentrations of VEGF siRNA groups than that in the blank control group (t=73.950,119.890,156.480,all at P＜0.001).Also,the expression of VEGF protein was less in different concentrations of VEGF siRNA groups than that in the blank control group (t =15.452,23.344,42.119,all at P＜0.001).The optimal inhibitory concentration of VEGF siRNA was 60 nmol/L.In vivo study determined that compared to the model group and null vector group,the non-perfusion zones and neovascular net in the retina were decreased,and the number of vascular endothelial cell nuclei extending beyond the ILM was less in the VEGF siRNA group.The relative expression level of VEGF mRNA in the retinas was 1.23±0.18,4.02±0.16,3.98±0.19 and 1.98±0.12 in the normal control group,model group,null vector group and VEGF siRNA group,respectively,with a significant difference among them (F=369.780,P＜0.001),and the relative expression levels of VEGF mRNA in the model group and null vector group were higher than that in the normal control group (t=37.880,37.336,both P＜0.001),and the expression of VEGF mRNA in the VEGF siRNA group declined by 50.8％ (t=10.183,P＜0.001).The difference in the expression levels of VEGF protein also was assayed among the various groups (F=408.980,P＜0.001),and VEGF level in the retina was lowered by 68.0％ in the VEGF siRNA group compared to the model group (t =11.473,P＜0.001).However,VEGF level in the VEGF siRNA group remained at a high level in comparison with the normal control group (t =2.422,P＜0.001).Conclusions Intravitreal injection of VEGF siRNA can attenuate retinal neovascularization by effectively downregulate the expression VEGF mRNA and protein in the retina.

BACKGROUNDThe mechanism of retinal neovascularization is not understood completely. Many growth factors are involved in the process of retinal neovascularization, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-deprived factor (PEDF), which are the representatives of angiogenic and antiangiogenic molecules respectively. Oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) is a useful model to investigate retinal neovascularization. The present study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of small interference RNA (siRNA) targeting VEGF gene in attenuating oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) by regulating VEGF to PEDF ratio (VEGF/PEDF).

METHODSIn vitro, cultured EOMA cells were transfected with VEGF-siRNA (psi-HI(TM)/EGFP/VEGF siRNA) and Lipofectamine(TM) 2000 for 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively. Expression of VEGF mRNA was evaluated by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the level of VEGF protein was analyzed by Western blotting. In vivo, OIR model mice were established, the mice (C57BL/6J) received an intra-vitreal injection of 1 µl of mixture of psi-HI(TM)/EGFP/VEGF siRNA and Lipofectamine 2000. Expressions of retinal VEGF and PEDF protein were measured by Western blotting, retinal neovascularization was observed by fluorescein angiography, and quantified.

RESULTSIn vitro psi-HI(TM)/EGFP/VEGF siRNA treatment significantly reduced VEGF mRNA and protein expression. In vivo, with decreased VEGF and VEGF-PEDF ratio, significant attenuation of neovascular tufts, avascular regions, tortuous, and dilated blood vessels were observed in the interfered animals.

CONCLUSIONSVEGF plays an important role in OIR, and the transfection of VEGF-siRNA can effectively downregulate VEGF expression in vivo, accompanied by the downregulation of VEGF-PEDF ratio, and simultaneous attenuation of retinal neovascularization was also observed. These findings suggest that VEGF/PEDF may serve as a potential target in the treatment of retinal neovascularization and RNA interference targeting VEGF expression, which represents a possible therapeutic strategy.

Animals ; Eye Proteins ; analysis ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Nerve Growth Factors ; analysis ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Retinal Neovascularization ; therapy ; Serpins ; analysis ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; analysis ; genetics ; physiology

BackgroundThe study of the molecular mechanism of visual plasticity is helpful for the explaining and prevention of strabismus and amblyopia.The effect and significance of NogoA in the strabismus and amblyopia formation are attracting more attention.ObjectiveThe present study was to investigate the expression of NogoA in 21a area of visual cortex in strabismic-induced amblyopia cats and explore the possible molecular mechanism of strabismic-induced amblyopia.MethodsSixteen 4-week old clean cats were randomizedly divided into normal group and strabismic-induced amblyopia group and eight for each group.The strabismic-induced amblyopia models were created by cutting off the external rectus in 8 cats.Pattern visual evoked potentials ( P-VEP ) were recorded 1 week after operation and compared with normal cats,and depression of amplitude and prolongation of implied time of P100 wave were as the successful criterion of model.The 200 ml paraformaldehyde was infused via heart to fax the brain under the deep anesthesia and then the cats were sacrificed and the brain cortex sections were prepared.The morphology of 21a zone of cat visual cortex was examined by haematoxylin and eosin staining,and the expressions of NogoA in 21a area of visual cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal antiNogoA antibody.The use of the animals complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.ResultsThe implied time and amplitude ratio of VEP P100 wave were (98.10±7.07)ms and (0.83±0.14) in normal group,and those in strabismic-induced amblyopia group were (108.50±6.95 )ms and (0.35 ±0.09 ),showing significant differences between two groups (t=4.450,P=0.005 ; t =5.970,P =0.005 ).The numbers of neurons were similar in 21a area of visual cortex between the two groups,but the volume of the neurons was lessen in strabismic-induced amblyopia group.The positive cell densities for NogoA were ( 387.37±2.01 ) cells/mm2,( 354.58± 1.85 ) cells/mm2 and ( 289.68± 1.81 ) cells/mm2 in layer Ⅱ/Ⅲ,Ⅳ and V/V[ respectively in strabismic-induced amblyopia group,and those in normal group were ( 161.39± 1.98 ) cells/mm2,( 128.93 ± 1.26 ) cells/mm2 and ( 96.25 ± 1.49 ) cells/mm2,indicating a significant increase in model cats ( t =- 160.400,- 201.890,- 164.740,P =0.000 ).Conclusions NogoA may play an important role in the regulation of the sensitive developmental period of visual sense and its plasticity.

BackgroundSeveral cornea collagen crosslinking methods have been used to treat keratoconus.However,the safety of these methods is dissatisfactory.Glyceraldehyde is a very potent and highly reactive crosslinking agent,with little toxicity,but its effect on corneal biomechanical property is poorly clear.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of glyceraldehyde collagen crosslinking on rats cornea.Methods Fifteen clean SD rats were randomly divided into 0.005 mol/L glyceraldhyde group,0.050 mol/L glyceraldhyde group and blank control group.Glyceraldhyde drops was topically administered in the right ryes 2 times per day for consecutive 7 days in the 0.005 mol/L and 0.050 mol/L glyceraldhyde groups,and no any eye drops was used in the blank control group.Seven days later,the rats were sacrificed.Transparency of corneal buttons in these different groups was evaluated.The central corneal strips of 2 mm×6 mm with 2 mm scleral tiasue were obtained for the biomeehanical stress-strain measurement,including ultimate stress ( MPa),ultimate strain (％) and 6％ elastic modulus (MPa).Corneal collagen fibril density was assessed by histological examination under a light microscopy.The use of the animals followed the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.ResultsThe words could be clearly displayed transcorneally in all the three groups.When strain was 6％,the stress was (0.463±0.065 ) MPa in 0.005 mol/L glyceraldehyde group,(0.846±0.240) MPa in 0.050 mol/L glyceraldehyde group,both showing a significant increase in comparison with (0.195±0.103 ) MPa of the blank control group (P=0.029,0.000 ).Following the crosslinking treatment,the ultimate stress was significant elevated in 0.050 mol/L glyceraldehydes group compared with the blank control group ( ( 10.759 ± 3.337 ) MPa vs.(5.295± 1.313 ) MPa,P =0.007 ),but no significant change between the 0.005 mol/L glyceraldehydes group and the blank control group ( ( 6.043 ±2.084) M Pa vs.(5.295 ± 1.313 ) MPa,P =0.660 ).Corneal ultimate strain was lower in the 0.005 mol/L glyceraldehyde group and 0.050 mol/L glyceraldehyde group than the blank control group (36.57％ ±3.09％ vs.43.87％ ± 1.89％,P =0.009;28.53％ ±1.89％ vs.43.87％ ± 1.89％,P =0.000).However,significantly increased 6％ elastic modulus were seen in the 0.005 mol/L glyceraldehyde group and 0.050 moL/L glyceraldehyde group compared with the blank control group ( ( 7.718 ± 1.076 ) MPa,( 14.102 ± 4.011 ) MPa vs.( 3.252 ± 1.717 ) M Pa),with statistically significant differences ( P =0.029,0.000).Histological examination showed a increase of collagen fiber density in the 0.050 mol/L glyceraldehyde group.Conclusions Corneal collagen crosslinking induced by glyceraldehyde strengthens biomechanical intensity and increases the density of corneal collagen fiber.But the safety of glyceraldehyde crosslinking for keratoconus needs further study.

BackgroundRecent researches suggested that properties of neurons in the lateral geniculate neuron (LGN) may represent an important neural limitation on the development of basic spatial and temporal vision,and even binocular rivalry.However,previous studies on the properties of spatiotemporal frequency tuning of LGN were rather concentrated on a monkey or cat,whereas little is known about rat.ObjectiveThis study was to examine the development of spatiotemporal frequency tuning in rats LGN.MethodsTwenty Wistar rats were collected and divided into 14-16 day,20-22 day,27-30 day and 60 day groups according to the different ages after their eyes opened and 5 rats were assigned for each group.Extracellular single neuron recording was carried out in the rats to study the spatio-temporal receptive field properties of neurons in LGN by sinusoidal gratings visual stimuli.Dynamic changes of the spatio-temporal receptive field properties of neurons in LGN with the development of Wistar rats were evaluated.ResultsThe differences between band-pass and low-pass distribution of temporal frequency or spatial frequency of rat LGN were not statistically significant (x2 =0.68,0.47,P＞0.05 ).The optimal temporal frequency of receptive field in rat LGN went up to the maximum value until 60 day in Wistar rats.The mean optimal temporal frequencies of neurons in the four different age groups were ( 2.5 ± 1.3 ),( 2.6± 1.2),(2.6± 1.1 ) and ( 3.6± 1.1 ) Hz with significant differences among the 4 groups (F=4.53,P＜0.05 ),and those in the 14-16 day group,20-22 day group,27- 30 day group were significantly lower than in the 60 days group ( q =4.43,4.10,4.03,P ＜ 0.05 ).No significant differences were seen among the 14-16 day group,20-22 day group and 27-30 day group ( P＞0.05 ).The optimal spatial frequency values in the four groups were ( 0.04 ± 0.04 ),( 0.04 ± 0.03 ),( 0.05 ± 0.03 ),( 0.05 ± 0.04 ) cpd,respectively without statistical difference among them ( F =0.58,P ＞ 0.05 ).The temporal and spatial bandwidth values in the various age groups were not statistically significant among the four groups ( F =0.37,1.22,P＞0.05). Conclusions The development of temporal and spatial frequency characteristics of the rat LGN receptive field may be related to its functional visual pathway.