ABSTRACT
The core of visual processing is the identification and recognition of the objects relevant to cognitive behaviors. In natural environment, visual input is often comprised of highly complex 3-dimensional signals involving multiple visual objects. One critical determinant of object recognition is visual contour. Despite substantial insights on visual contour processing gained from previous findings, these studies have focused on limited aspects or particular stages of contour processing. So far, a systematic perspective of contour processing that comprehensively incorporates previous evidence is still missing. We therefore propose an integrated framework of the cognitive and neural mechanisms of contour processing, which involves three mutually interacting cognitive stages: contour detection, border ownership assignment and contour integration. For each stage, we provide an elaborated discussion of the neural properties, processing mechanism, and its functional interaction with the other stages by summarizing the relevant electrophysiological and human cognitive neuroscience evidence. Finally, we present the major challenges for further unraveling the mechanisms of visual contour processing.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cognition , Form Perception , Visual Cortex , Physiology , Visual PerceptionABSTRACT
To determine whether ginkgo biloba extract(GBE)combined with dexamethasone(DEX)plays a role in the treatment of allergic rhinitis-related olfactory dysfunction using an animal model.Six week old BALB/C mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin.30 sensitized mice were divided into three groups:Group 1 was given high-dose GBE and DEX(n=10);Group 2 was given low dose GBE and DEX(n=10);Group 3 was given DEX alone(n=10).We assessed the histology of the olfactory mucosa and serum IL-4,IFN-γ,and caspase 1.A significant higher fraction of mice in group 1 could find the food pellet within300 scompared to group 3(<0.05).Caspase-1 levels improved during the second week compared with the first week in each group.IFN-γlevels were significantly lower during the second week compared with the first week(<0.05,all).IL-4 levels also were significantly lower during the second week compared with the first week in all groups except those receiving DEX alone.IFN-γ/IL-4 levels in each group were significantly lower during the second week compared with the first week(<0.05,all).In this animal model of allergic rhinitis-related olfactory dysfunction,the addition of ginkgo biloba extract to dexamethasone have a better anti-inflammatory effect,which can partly improve the therapeutic effect on olfactory dysfunction caused by allergic rhinitis.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Cytokines , Metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Glucocorticoids , Pharmacology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Plant Extracts , Pharmacology , Rhinitis, Allergic , Drug Therapy , Allergy and ImmunologyABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the corneal epithelium in TgAPPswePS1 transgenic mice.Methods TgAPPswePS1 transgenic mice were randomly divided into experimental group (A and B sub-group) and control group.There were 15 APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic mice (15-18 months old) with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the experimental A group,and 15 APPswe/PSEN1 dE9 transgenic AD mice (8 months old) mice in the experimental B group,as well as 10 wild-type mice (8 months old) in the control group.Then,the histopathological and ultrastructural changes and the expression of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the corneal epithelium of the mice were detected,and finally,the apoptosis of corneal epithelial cells were observed by TUNEL assay.Results The thickness of corneal epithelium in the control group,A and B sub-group of the experimental group was (23.567 ± 2.123) μm,(15.456 ± 1.439) μm and (20.104 ± 1.763) μm,respectively.Meanwhile,murine corneal epithelial cells presented the histopathological changes of disorderly arrangement,decreased layers of cells and irregular morphology in the experimental group compared with the control group.Under transmission electron microscope,the microvilli on the surface of corneal epithelium was flat and significantly decreased in the A and B sub-group when compared with the control group.Moreover,Aβ positive expression in the experimental group was significantly upregulated compared with the control group;and the apoptotic number of the corneal epithelium in the B sub-group [(5.631 ± 2.471) cells] was smaller than that in the A sub-group [(16.329 ±3.542) cells],with the significant difference(P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion There are changes in the histopathology and ultrastructure of the corneal epithelium and the expression of Aβ in TgAPPswePS1 transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice,which are associated with the age of mice.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy ofintravitreal injection (IVI) ofexpansile gas alone to treat idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH).Methods This is a prospective interventional case series.Twenty FTMH patients (26 eyes) who underwent IVI with expansile gas alone were enrolled in this study.There were 5 males (5 eyes) and 21 females (21 eyes),with the mean age of (59 ± 12) years.All patients received the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA),slit lamp microscope,indirect ophthalmoscopy,fundus color photography and three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations.The BCVA was measured using the international standard visual acuity chart,and the results were converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity.The diameters of macular holes and the interface between vitreous and macular were observed by OCT (Topcon,OCT-2000).Based on the diameter,the holes were classified as small FTMH (equal or lesser than 250 μm),medium FTMH (more than 250 μm but equal or lesser than 400 μm) and large FTMH (more than 400 μm).The mean BCVA was 0.85 ± 0.29.There were 7,10 and 9 eyes with small,medium and large FTMH.There were 10 eyes with vitreous-macular traction (VMT).All the eyes received IVI of 0.2 ml C3F8 followed facedown positioning for 7-14 days.The follow-up ranged from 1 to 23 months.The BCVA,FTMH closure and complications were observed.If holes failed to close at 1 month after IVI,vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and C3F8 tamponade would be performed for these eyes.Results FTMHs was able to close in 17/26 eyes (65.4％) had hole closure,failed to close in 9/26 eyes (34.6％).All 10 eyes with VMT achieved vitreous-macula separation after IVI of gas.The eyes failed in the closure initially with IVI of gas alone,all succeed with hole closure after vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling and C3F8 tamponade.The closure rate of small (6 eyes),medium (8 eyes) and large FTMH (3 eyes) was 85.7％,80.0％ and 33.3％ respectively.The diameter of FTMHs in holes-closure eyes and failed-closure eyes was (307.8 ± 122.8),(431.6± 128.4) μm respectively,the difference was significant (t=-2.407,P=0.024).VMT was found in 6 eyes and 4 eyes in holes-closure group and failed-closure group,respectively,the difference was significant (t=-2.196,P=0.038).The mean preoperative BCVA was 0.51 ±0.36.There was a significant difference between pre-and postoperative BCVA (t=4.758,P＜ 0.05).Two eyes developed local retinal detachment,which achieved hole closure and retinal reattachment after vitrectomy.Conclusion IVI of expansile gas alone is an effective way in treating FTMH with a diameter smaller than 400 μm and with VMT before surgery.
ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the application of the systematic nursing management of "one specialty with four standardizations" in transrectal ultrasound guided prostate Biopsy. Methods We have set up the "one specialty with four standardizations" method and accomplished the systematic nursing management in the management of transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy in Changhai Hospital from September 2014 to February 2015. One specialty means to set up the prostate biopsy full-time nurses and the four standardizations means the standardization of selecting criteria, appointment procedures, working process and the post-biopsy work.Results The whole procedure of prostate biopsy has been simplified and clarified. This management helped to shorten the time for making the appointment, reduce the incidences of postoperative complications significantly and increase the patients satisfaction. It helped to build a well-defined responsibility for all the medical staff in prostate biopsy and make sure the reasonable medical resource distribution and the efficiency of medical work. It also maximized the health rights of the patients and medical safety. During the period when the "one specialty with four standardizations" nursing management was in effect, no biopsy related adverse event, disputes or protests occurred. Both the patients and the relatives satisfaction degree have been raised significantly.Conclusions The "one specialty with four standardizations" nursing management in prostate biopsy helps to simplify the appointment procedure and this management turned out to be safe and effect. It has achieved preferable results in clinical application and worth further spreading.
ABSTRACT
Objective To develop an HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin-10-palmitic acid ester(SN38-PA)and its active metabolite 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin(SN38)in rat plasma. Methods The inter standard was 10-hydroxycamptothecin. The protein in plasma was precipitated with methanol after acidification with formic acid. SN38-PA and SN38 were separated on Agilent C18 column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5μm) with gradient elution by using the mobile phase of methanol-0.2% formic acid solution. The flow rate was 1 ml/min. The detection wavelength was set at 372 nm. The column temperature was maintained at 30℃. Results The linear ranges for SN38-PA and SN38 were 0.25-62.5(r=0.9998) and 0.05-12.5 μg/ml (r=0.9997) respectively. The limits of quantification were 0.18 and 0.04 μg/ml, respectively. The average relative recovery of SN38-PA and SN38 were 95.89% and 97.03%. The average absolutely recovery of SN38-PA and SN38 were 99.54% and 99.84%. The RSD for intra-day and inter-day were both less than 3%. Conclusion The method is fast, convenient, accurate and sensitive, so it can be used for determination of SN38-PA and SN38 in vivo.
ABSTRACT
7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) is a prominent anticancer agent, but it is insoluble in water and the most pharmaceutically acceptable solvents, the lactone ring of SN-38 shows reversible pH-dependent hydrolysis and forms to the open lactone in alkaline condition. All of these factors limit its application in clinic, and a variety of chemical modification studies have been reported to improve the efficient use of SN-38 by improving its solubility in water and pharmaceutical solvents, stabilizing the lactone form, and altering the pharmacological properties. This paper reviews the pharmacological properties of commercial SN-38 derivatives in clinical trials or preclinical studies and their research progress.
ABSTRACT
Objective To develop an HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin- 10-palmitic acid ester(SN38-PA)and its active metabolite 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin(SN38 Min rat plasma. Methods The inter standard was 10-hydroxycamptothecin. The protein in plasma was precipitated with methanol after acidification with formic acid. SN38-PA and SN38 were separated on Agilent C18 column (4.6 mmx250 mm, 5 µm) with gradient elution by using the mobile phase of methanol-0.2% formic acid solution. The flow rate was l µg/min. The detection wavelength was set at 372 nm. The column temperature was maintained at 30°C. Results The linear ranges for SN38-PA and SN38 were 0.25-62.5(r=0.9998) and 0.05- 12.5 µg/ml (r =0.9997) respectively. The limits of quantification were 0.18 and 0.04 µg/ml, respectively. The average relative recovery of SN38-PA and SN38 were 95.89% and 97.03%. The average absolutely recovery of SN38-PA and SN38 were 99.54% and 99.84%. The RSD for intra-day and inter-day were both less than 3%. Conclusion The method is fast, convenient, accurate and sensitive, so it can be used for determination of SN38-PA and SN38 in vivo.
ABSTRACT
7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) is a prominent anticancer agent, but it is insoluble in water and the most pharmaceutically acceptable solvents, the lactone ring of SN-38 shows reversible pH-dependent hydrolysis and forms to the open lactone in alkaline condition. All of these factors limit its application in clinic, and a variety of chemical modification studies have been reported to improve the efficient use of SN-38 by improving its solubility in water and pharmaceutical solvents, stabilizing the lactone form, and altering the pharmacological properties. This paper reviews the pharmacological properties of commercial SN-38 derivatives in clinical trials or preclinical studies and their research progress.
ABSTRACT
Making accurate and timely diagnosis is often challenging when patients with a systemic disease first present with ocular manifestations. The possibility that vasculitis associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) can be misdiagnosed as cysticercosis has not been discussed in the literatures.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Antiphospholipid Syndrome , Diagnosis , Cysticercosis , Diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Eye Diseases , Diagnosis , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Diagnosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Retinal Vasculitis , DiagnosisABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the inhibitory effects of a novel histone deacetylases inhibitor FK228 on human colon cancer HCT-116 cells in vitro and in vivo, and evaluate its toxicity and side effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The in vitro growth inhibitions of HCT-116 cells by different concentrations of FK228 and 5-Fu for 24, 48 and 72 h were assessed by CCK-8 assay. BALB/c nude mouse models of tumor xenografts were prepared by subcutaneous implantation of tumor tissue, and 4 mg/kg FK228 and 50 mg/kg 5-Fu were i.p. injected, respectively. The inhibitory effects on tumor growth, hematology, and liver and kidney function were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CCK-8 assay indicated that FK228 had an obvious growth inhibitory effect on HCT-116 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IC50 of FK228 in HCT-116 cells was 12.05 ng/ml for 48 h, while the IC50 of 5-Fu was 18.92 µg/ml. At 20 days after FK228 and 5-Fu treatment, the tumor volume of the FK228 group was (139.71 ± 44.54)mm(3), significantly lower than that of the 5-Fu group [(282.28 ± 58.81)mm(3)] and that of the model group [(520.65 ± 39.73)mm(3), P < 0.01 for both]. The average tumor weight was (0.07 ± 0.02)g in the FK228 group, significantly lower than that of the 5-Fu group [(0.20 ± 0.08)g, P < 0.01]. The tumor growth inhibition rate of the FK228 group was 73.2%, significantly higher than that of the 5-Fu group (45.8%, P < 0.01). The ALT levels of the FK228 and 5-Fu groups were significantly higher than that of the model group (P < 0.01). The BUN of 5-Fu group was significantly higher than that of the model group (P < 0.01), but the BUN of FK228 group was not significantly different from that of the blank and control groups (P > 0.05 for both). Routine blood test showed that WBC, RBC, Hb and PLT of the 5-Fu group were significantly lower than those of the model group (P < 0.05 for all), but only WBC of the FK228 group was significantly lower than that of the model group (P < 0.05). The pathological examination using HE staining revealed that in the FK228 group, there were fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver tissue, and mild edema of the renal tubules in the kidney. However, in the 5-Fu group there were extensive hepatocyte edema and necrosis in the liver, and evident deformation and necrosis of glomeruli and tubules, and tubular wall thinning in the kidney.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results of this study indicate that FK228 can more effectively than 5-Fu inhibit the growth of HCT-116 cells in vitro and vivo, and without obvious toxic effect on the kidney and hematology. Its clinical value in colon cancer treatment deserves further investigation.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Mice , Alanine Transaminase , Blood , Antibiotics, Antineoplastic , Pharmacology , Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic , Pharmacology , Blood Urea Nitrogen , Cell Proliferation , Depsipeptides , Pharmacology , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Fluorouracil , Pharmacology , HCT116 Cells , Hematologic Tests , Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors , Pharmacology , Inhibitory Concentration 50 , Kidney , Pathology , Liver , Pathology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Nude , Neoplasm Transplantation , Random Allocation , Tumor Burden , Xenograft Model Antitumor AssaysABSTRACT
The component structure theory on material basis of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions provides a new research thought and method for studies on traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions in line with integrated and systemic characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. Through years of exploration and accumulation, studies on component structures have made achievements. On the basis of summarizing the component structure development of material basis of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, we systematically explained the background of component structures and their roles and progress in quality control of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions and modern innovative traditional Chinese medicine preparations. Studies on component structures promote the changes in material basis of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, and point out the direction for the modernization development of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.
Subject(s)
Humans , Drug Prescriptions , Reference Standards , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Reference Standards , Molecular Structure , Plants, Medicinal , Chemistry , Quality ControlABSTRACT
Safety is an important component of the quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation products, as well as an important guarantee for clinical application. Currently, the quality control of TCMs in Chinese Pharmacopoeia mostly focuses on indicative compounds for TCM efficacy. TCM preparations are associated with multiple links, from raw materials to products, and each procedure may have impacts on the safety of preparation. We make a summary and analysis on the factors impacting safety during the preparation of TCM products, and then expound the important role of the "multi-dimensional structure and process dynamic quality control technology system" in the quality safety of TCM preparations. Because the product quality of TCM preparation is closely related to the safety, the control over safety-related material basis is an important component of the product quality control of TCM preparations. The implementation of the quality control over the dynamic process of TCM preparations from raw materials to products, and the improvement of the TCM quality safety control at the microcosmic level help lay a firm foundation for the development of the modernization process of TCM preparations.
Subject(s)
Humans , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical , Reference Standards , Drug Contamination , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Reference Standards , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Reference Standards , Plants, Medicinal , Chemistry , Quality ControlABSTRACT
Appropriate dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation products, improve effectively drug efficacy and reduce side effects, and also facilitate the use in clinic. In addition, it may also promote the development of the modernization of TCM. TCMs were developed to finish products which possessed suitable dosage form characteristics through multiple steps from raw herbs to preparation. In this paper, we discussed other two key technologies of "multi-dimensional structure & process dynamic quality control system": (1) The dosage form is an important factor affecting the efficacy and safety for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Therefore, the control of the quality of the formulation characteristics is more important. (2) Process dynamic quality control: the dynamic quality control in the production process is particularly critical because drugs are produced rather than testing. In this paper, the paper demonstrates the important role of the system in the quality control of TCM for strengthening the quality control of the production process of TCM preparation, and then further providing a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of TCM products.
Subject(s)
Humans , Chemistry, Pharmaceutical , Methods , Reference Standards , Drug Prescriptions , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Reference Standards , Molecular Structure , Plants, Medicinal , Chemistry , Quality ControlABSTRACT
Background Uveal effusion syndrome is uncommon in clinic.To understand the clinical characteristics of uveal effusion syndrome is helpful for rescuing visual acuity of patient.Objective This study was to discuss the diagnosis,classification and surgical outcome of uveal effusion syndrome.Methods This was a descriptive study.The clinical data of 14 eys from 10 patients with uveal effusion syndrome,ineluding ophthalmologic examination,B-scan sonography,ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM),fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA),indocyanine green angiography (ICGA),surgical treatment and prognosis,were retrospectively analyzed.The follow-up period was 6 months.Results The fundus findings of all impacted eyes showed bullous-shape retinal detachment (RD).B-scan sonography revealed retinal and choroidal detachment.A annular peripheral ciliochoroidal detachment was observed in the cases under the UBM.FFA exhibited leopard spots without any leakage from choroid into the subretinal space.ICGA demonstrated diffusely choroidal granular hyperfluorescence in the very early phase,which presented with an increasing intensity as time lapse until the late phase.Full-thickness sclerectomy was performed on 4 eyes of 2 patients and subscleral sclerectomy was performed in 1 eye of 1 patient,achieving a retinal anatomic reattachment after surgery.All of the patients finished the fellow-up.No recurrence of RD was seen during the followup duration.Conclusions Comprehensive preoperative evaluation,including ophthalmologic ultrasonography,MRI and CT,is crucial for accurate classification of uveal effusion syndrome and determine of proper management strategy.
ABSTRACT
BackgroundIdiopathic epiretinal membranes(ERMs) is a common eye disease condition that leads to progressive decline of visual acuity. Studying the risk factors relating to this disease will shed light on its pathogenesis and allow opthalmologists to screen the affected individuals among the high-risk population and prepare for prevention and management strategies. ObjectiveThis survey was to investigate the risk factors of idiopathic ERMs in the population undergoing routine health check-ups. MethodsThe clinical data of idiopathic ERMs was obtained from the population of routine health check-ups in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2009 to October 2010. The examination outcomes were compared between the individuals with and without idiopathic ERMs. The demographic and clinical factors associated with idiopathic ERMs were analyzed and assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Result A total of 27 400 people were included in the survey and idiopathic ERMs were diagnosed in 76 cases. No obvious eye complaint was obtained from the idiopathic ERMs. The number of people affected with idiopathic ERMs was 12 ( 12/11 659 ) in the below 40 years group, 21 (21/4595) in the 51-60 years group and 32 (32/2544) in the over 60 years group. Hypertension, diabetes, diedyslipidemia, renal function insufficiency ,and cataract were found in 42％ ,5％ ,66％ ,6％ and 8％ of the patients, respectively. The univariate logistic regression analyses revealed that significant correlations were found between age,hypertension,hyperlipidemia and history of cataract( P＜0. 01 ). Multivariate regression models showed that the risk of idiopathic ERMs increased in age of 51-60( OR=2. 5,95％ CI:1. 2-5.4,P=0.02) and over 60 years( OR =7.3,95％ CI:3.4-15.6 ,P＜0.01 ) and patients suffering from hyperlipidemia ( OR--2. 1,95％ CI:1. 3-3.5, P＜0. 01 ). ConclusionsOver the age of 50 years and hyperlipidemia are primary risk factors of idiopathic ERM.
ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss effect of centralized training of basic operational skills for nursing students before nursing practice. Methods 176 student nurses in 2007 were set as the control group,320 nursing students in 2008 as the experimental group. The control group began practice after routine pre -practice education, based upon this, the experimental group carried out centralized training of basic operational skills for one week, only those who passed the examination could began practice, those who failed the examination should continued the training till they passed the examination. Time cost to master the operational skills, operational assessment results and evaluation of nursing practice by teachers were compared between the two groups. Results Compared to the control group, time cost to master the operational skills shortened, operational assessment results and evaluation of nursing practice by teachers improved in the experimental group. Conclusions Through centralized training of basic operational skills, time cost to master the operating skills of basic nursing by nursing students shortened, operational capability of nursing students can be improved, and the clinical nursing teaching quality can be promoted.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore differentiation in vitro of rat adipose-derived stem cells into photoreceptor cells and RPE cells.Methods The ADSCs were cultured by adhering to the flask surface and purified by continual passaging.Surface antigens including CD45、CD90、CD49d、CD106 were indentified by flow cytometry.ADSCs were induced to differentiate by EGF,activin A,taurine,retinoic acid(RA) and extracted liquid of retina respectively.Meanwhile,ADSCs were induced by EGF+taurine,EGF+RA,taurine + RA,EGF+taurine+RA respectively.Immunofluorescence was used for detecting the expression of rhodopsin,CK and S-100,and flow cytometry was used for quantification.Results For primary culture,the phenotypes of ADSCs were: CD45,CD90,CD49d and CD106,with a positive percentage of 1.6%,71.3%,7.8% and 3.5%,respectively.From passage 1 to 5,these phenotypes were: CD45(0.8%～9.3%),CD90(84.7%～94.8%),CD49d(16.8%～31.0%)and CD106(8.3%～22.2%).There was a higher CD49d percentage than CD106 in all the passages.The induction efficacy of ADSCs was 17.5%～46.0% for rhodopsin,19.7%～79.3% for CK and 27.3%～50.7% for S-100.Conclusion It is suggested that ADSC has potential to differentiate into photoceptors and RPE cells as evidenced by thepresence of the specific markers of photoceptors(rhodopsin) and RPE markers(CK and S-100).