The protective effect of Zhicao Tea Mixture on Müller cells and the expression of inflammatory factors in mice with diabetic retinopathy / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the protective effect of Zhicao Tea Mixture on Müller cells and the expression of inflammatory factors in mice with diabetic retinopathy.Methods:Seventy-five C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal control group, diabetes mellitus (DM) group, low concentrations group, medium concentrations group and high concentrations group, with 16 mice in each group. The diabetes model of mice in all groups except the normal control group were established by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Four weeks after the successful modeling, the Zhicao Tea Mixture with low (30 ml/kg), medium (60 ml/kg) and high concentrations (120 ml/kg) were respectively administered by gavage. Weight and blood glucose of mice in each group were measured every two weeks. After 8 weeks, Western blot method was used to detect the mice retina Müller cells activation marker gelatinous fibrous acidic protein (GFAP). Immunofluorescence was performed to detect the expression GFAP and glutamine synthetase (GS). Real-time quantitative PCR (RT- qPCR) and ELISA were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of mouse retinal VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 respectively.Results:The weight of mice in the DM group was lower than that of the normal control group, and the blood glucose was increased. Zhicao Tea Mixture had no effect on the weight of DM mice, but had a significant hypoglycemic effect. The GFAP expression ( t=38.318, P<0.001) in the retina of mice in the DM group was increased and GS expression ( t=29.737, P<0.001) was decreased compared with the control group. The GFAP expression ( t=13.677, 19.387, 16.305; P<0.05) in the retina of mice in the low, medium and high concentrations group were decreased and GS expression ( t=5.170, 19.399, 6.705; P<0.05) were increased compared with the DM group. The expressions of retinal inflammatory factors VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in DM group all increased, while the expressions of the above-mentioned inflammatory factors in the retina of mice decreased in the low, medium and high concentrations group. Conclusion:Zhicao Tea Mixture can decrease the blood glucose of DM mice and reduces the diabetic retinal inflammatory response.

Effect of leukocyte common antigen-related phosphatase receptors on the regulation of visual plasticity in rats / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of leukocyte common antigen-related phosphatase receptor (LAR) on the regulation of visual plasticity in rats.Methods:Fourty newborn Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, with 8 rats in each group, and were executed at 1 week, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks postnatal, respectively.Thirty-two healthy and 10-week-old Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a fluoxetine group, a binocular form deprivation (BFD) group and a BFD+ fluoxetine group, with 8 rats in each group.Rats in the fluoxetine group drinked water with the dosage of 0.2 mg/ml fluoxetine for 4 weeks.The rats in the BFD group received eyelids suture for 2 weeks to form BFD model.And the combination of fluoxetine administration and BFD was performed in the BFD+ Fluoxetine group.No intervention was conducted in the normal control group.The expressions of LAR and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) were detected by immunofluorescence.The expression of LAR in the visual cortex of rats was detected by Western blot.Results:LAR was distributed in the cell membrane, plasma and axon.CSPGs were distributed in the intercellular substance in visual cortex of rats.The fluorescence intensities of LAR and CSPGs increased with the postnatal development.The relative expression of LAR was (100.00±3.20)%, (108.37±2.26)%, (113.69±2.33)%, (131.83±3.78)% and (140.11 ±4.02)% at 1 week, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks postnatal, respectively, the difference was statistically significant ( F=31.70, P=0.001). The relative expression of LAR was increased according to the growth of age ( β=0.961, P=0.007). The relative expression of LAR was(100.00±2.96)%, (81.02±2.77)%, (71.99±3.09)% and (52.90±2.01)% in the normal control group, fluoxetine group, BFD group and fluoxetine+ BFD group, respectively, with a significantly difference among the groups ( F=18.16, P=0.015), the relative expressions of LAR protein in the fluoxetine group, BFD group and BFD+ fluoxetine group were significantly lower than that in the normal control group ( t=31.30, 36.10, 41.72; all at P<0.01). Conclusions:LAR may be involved in the regulation of visual plasticity as a specific receptor of CSPGs.

Quantitative analysis of the effect of HbA1c level on macular microcirculation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective To observe and analyze the effect of HbA1c level on macular microcirculation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods A cross-sectional study.One hundred and twenty-four T2DM patients (124 eyes) without diabetic retinopathy who diagnosed by the examination of fundus color photography in Lixiang Eye Hospital Of Soochow University during September to December 2017 were enrolled in this study.There were 59 males (59 eyes) and 65 females (65 eyes),with the mean age of 65.06±7.99 years old.All patients underwent BCVA,fundus color photography,and OCT angiography (OCTA).The history of diabetes,hypertension and dyslipidemia were recorded in detail.According to the HbA 1 c level,patients were divided into three groups,HbA1c ideal control group (group A,HbA1c ＜7％,67 eyes),HbA1c control group (group B,7％≤HbA1c≤9％,44 eyes),and HbA1c poor control group (group C,HbA1c＞9％,13 eyes),respectively.The 3 mm × 3 mm range of the macular area was scanned by OCTA instrument.The vascular density (VD) and skeleton density (SD) of nonsegmented retinal layer (NRL),superficial retinal layer (SRL) and deep retinal layer (DRL) in the macular area and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area,non-circularity index,axial rate (AR) of SRL were measured.The correlation between HbA1c,BCVA and VD,SD ofNRL,SRL,DRL was analyzed statistically with Spearman correlation test.The correlation between systemic factors and the above indicators was analyzed statistically with linear regression analysis.Results The results of linear regression analysis showed that HbA1 c was significantly correlated with VD (t=-3.237,-3.156,-2.050) and SD (t=-0.3.45,-3.034,-2.248) of NRL,SRL and DRL (P＜0.05);but no correlation with FAZ,non-circularity index and AR (t=1.739,0.429,1.155;P＞0.05).The differences of VD (F=6.349,5.981,3.709),SD (F=7.275,6.085,1.904) and AR (F=0.027) of NRL,SRL and DRL in group A,B and C were statistically significant (P＜0.05);but the differences of FAZ (F=1.904),non-circularity index (F=0.280) was not statistically significant (P＞0.05).Significant differences (P＜0.05) of VD and SD of NRL were found between group A and B (t=1.987,2.201),group A and C (t=3.365,3.572),group B and C (t=2.010,2.076).Significant differences (P＜0.05) of VD and SD of SRL were found between group A and B (t=2.087,2.168),group A and C (t=3.197,3.194).There were significant differences (P＜ 0.05) in SD of DRL between group A and B (t=2.239),group A and C (t=-2.519).There was significant difference in VD of DRL between group A and C (t=2.363).The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that HbA1c was negatively correlated with VD (r=-0.273,-0.255,-0.222;P=0.002,0.004,0.013) and SD (r=-0.275,-0.236,-0.254;P＜0.05) ofNRL,SRL,DRL;positively correlated with FAZ and BCVA (r=0.221,0.183;P＜0.05).BCVA was negatively correlated with VD (r=-0.210,-0.190,-0.245) and SD (r=-0.239,-0.207,-0.296) of NRL,SRL,and DRL (P＜0.05),but not correlated with FAZ (r=0.099,P＞0.05).Conclusion The decrease of macular perfusion and the morphological change of FAZ accompanied by HbA1c increased.

Effects of Exogenous Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecules on the Development of Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

The use of exogenous carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) provides promise for clinical application; however, the hazard potential of CORMs in vivo remains poorly understood. The developmental toxicity of CORM-3 was investigated by exposure to concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 400 μmol/L during 4-144 h post fertilization. Toxicity endpoints of mortality, spontaneous movement, heart rate, hatching rate, malformation, body length, and larval behavior were measured. CORM-3 disrupted the progression of zebrafish larval development at concentrations exceeding 50 μmol/L, resulting in embryonic developmental toxicity.

Toxicity of Graphene Quantum Dots in Zebrafish Embryo / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the bio-safety of graphene quantum dots (GQDs), we studied its effects on the embryonic development of zebrafish.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In vivo, biodistribution and the developmental toxicity of GQDs were investigated in embryonic zebrafish at exposure concentrations ranging from 12.5-200 μg/mL for 4-96 h post-fertilization (hpf). The mortality, hatch rate, malformation, heart rate, GQDs uptake, spontaneous movement, and larval behavior were examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The fluorescence of GQDs was mainly localized in the intestines and heart. As the exposure concentration increased, the hatch and heart rate decreased, accompanied by an increase in mortality. Exposure to a high level of GQDs (200 μg/mL) resulted in various embryonic malformations including pericardial edema, vitelline cyst, bent spine, and bent tail. The spontaneous movement significantly decreased after exposure to GQDs at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL. The larval behavior testing (visible light test) showed that the total swimming distance and speed decreased dose-dependently. Embryos exposed to 12.5 μg/mL showed hyperactivity while exposure to higher concentrations (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) caused remarkable hypoactivity in the light-dark test.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Low concentrations of GQDs were relatively non-toxic. However, GQDs disrupt the progression of embryonic development at concentrations exceeding 50 μg/mL.</p>

Epidemiological survey of childhood asthma in 2010 in urban Baotou, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence rate of childhood asthma in 2010 in urban Baotou, China, as well as the characteristics of attacks and the status of diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>More than 10 000 children (0-14 years) were selected from 3 secondary schools, 3 primary schools, 6 kindergartens, and 4 community vaccination sites in urban Baotou by cluster random sampling between September 2009 and August 2010. A standardized preliminary questionnaire was used for screening out suspected cases, which were then confirmed or excluded by a clinician; the confirmed cases underwent further questionnaire survey. Double entry and validation was adopted for all data using Epi-Info software, and analysis was performed using SPSS 13.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 11 323 children were surveyed. Asthma was diagnosed in 127 cases (including 121 children with typical asthma and 6 children with cough variant asthma), with a prevalence rate of 1.12%. The prevalence rate of asthma in male children was significantly higher than that in female children (1.51% vs 0.72%; P<0.01). The prevalence rate of asthma in 2010 was significantly increased compared with that in 1990 (0.55%) and 2000 (0.88%) (P<0.05). Systemic glucocorticoid use decreased significantly from 60.2% in 2000 to 25.9% in 2010 (P<0.01); inhaled corticosteroid use increased significantly from 13.6% in 2000 to 85.8% in 2010 (P<0.01); antibiotic use decreased from 98.1% in 2000 to 66.9% in 2010 (P<0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that family history of allergy, allergic rhinitis, chronic cough, and recurrent respiratory tract infection were independent risk factors for childhood asthma.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The prevalence rate of childhood asthma in urban Baotou shows an increasing trend. Inhaled corticosteroids have been widely used.</p>

Electroacupuncture improves learning-memory of rats with low estrogen-induced cognitive impairment / 生理学报

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on learning-memory of rats with low estrogen-induced cognitive impairment and the possible mechanism. The rat model was established by ovariectomy, which resulted in low estrogen-induced cognitive impairment. EA was applied continuously for 3 months 2 weeks after ovariectomy. Morris water maze was used to test the ability of spatial learning and memory. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative RT-PCR were used to detect the concentration of serum estradiol (E2) and relative expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) mRNA in hippocampus, respectively. The result showed that, compared with the sham group, the ovariectomy model group exhibited longer escape latency, reduced number of platform-crossing, lower concentration of serum E2, and decreased expression of ChAT mRNA in hippocampus. EA shortened the escape latency and increased the number of platform-crossing in the ovariectomy model group. Moreover, the concentration of serum E2 and the hippocampal expression of ChAT mRNA in the ovariectomy model group were significantly elevated by EA treatment. These results suggest EA is capable of improving learning and memory in ovariectomized rats, and the mechanism involves the up-regulation of the expression of ChAT mRNA in hippocampus induced by the increase of the serum concentration of estrogen.

Comparative study of heat-sensitive moxibustion in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To verify the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion in treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases of KOA were randomly divided into a heat-sensitive moxibustion group and a conventional moxibustion group, 30 cases in each one. Dubi (ST 35), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36) and Heding (EX-LE 2) on the affected side were selected in two groups. In heat-sensitive moxibustion group, the techniques of circling moxibustion, sparrow-pecking moxibustion, moving moxibustion and mild moxibustion were applied. In conventional moxibustion group, the mild moxibustion was used, 2 to 3 cm far from the skin of the acupoints selected. Lysholm scale for the assessment of knee joint function was adopted to evaluate the efficacy. The scores of joint pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling and walking ability were compared before and after treatment in two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The scores of joint pain, morning stiffness, joint swelling and walking ability after treatment were all apparently improved as compared with those before treatment in either group (all P < 0.05). The improvement in the above-mentioned indices in heat-sensitive moxibustion group was much more apparent as compared with that in conventional moxibustion group (all P < 0.01). The effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in heat-sensitive moxibustion group and was 73.3% (22/30) in conventional moxibustion group. The effective rate in heat-sensitive moxibustion group was obviously superior to that in conventional moxibustion group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion is superior to that of conventional moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. This therapy can more significantly improve the symptoms and physical signs of the patients with KOA.</p>

Tracking of CFSE-labeled endothelial progenitor cells in laser-injured mouse retina / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic retinopathy. The current study aimed to establish a simple, reliable and fluorescent labeling method for tracking EPCs with 5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) in laser-injured mouse retina.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>EPCs were isolated from human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells, cultivated, and labeled with various concentrations of CFSE. Based on fluorescence intensity and cell morphology, a 15 minutes incubation with 5 µmol/L CFSE at 37°C was selected as the optimal labeling condition. The survival capability and the apoptosis rate of CFSE-labeled EPCs were measured by Trypan blue staining and Annexin V/PI staining assay respectively. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the label stability during the extended culture period. Labeled EPCs were transplanted into the vitreous cavity of pigmented mice injured by retinal laser photocoagulation. Evans Blue angiography and flat mounted retinas were examined to track the labeled cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>EPCs labeled with 5 µmol/L CFSE presented an intense green fluorescence and maintained normal morphology, with no significant changes in the survival capability or apoptosis rate after being labeled for 2 days, 1 and 4 weeks. The fluorescence intensity gradually decreased in the cells at the end of 4 weeks. Evans Blue angiography of the retina displayed the retinal capillarity network clearly and fluorescence leakage was observed around photocoagulated spots in the laser-injured mouse model. One week after transplantation of labeled EPCs, the fluorescent cells were identified around the photocoagulated lesions. Four weeks after transplantation, fluorescent tube-like structures were observed in the retinal vascular networks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EPCs could be labeled by CFSE in vitro and monitored in vivo for at least 4 weeks, and participate in the repair of injured retinal vessels.</p>

Evaluation on the safety and efficacy of tirofiban in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban, a specific inhibitor of the platelet glycoprotein llb/llla receptor, in the treatment of unstable angina and myocardial infarction without persistent ST elevation (acute coronary syndrome, ACS), a total of 200 patients were randomly assigned to a heparin group and a tirofiban+heparin group on double-blind basis and the treatment effects of the two protocols on ACS were compared when the patients of both groups were taking aspirin at the same time. The composite primary end-point events consisted of death, myocardial infarction, or refractory ischemia. Our results showed that the frequency of the composite primary end point events in 30 days was lower in tirofiban+heparin group as compared with that of heparin group (13.9% vs 29.3 %, P=0.010). The rates of the other composite end point events in the tirofiban+heparin group were also lower than those in the heparin group in 4.5 days and in 30 days. Bleeding complication occurred in 7.0% of the patients receiving heparin alone and in 12.7% of the patients receiving tirofiban and heparin in combination (P=0.1717). The study showed that the incidence of ischemic events in patients with ACS receiving tirofiban+heparin was lower when compared with that of patients who received only heparin and aspirin, suggesting that tirofiban might be of special value in the treatment of ACS.

Evaluation on the Safety and Efficacy of Tirofiban in the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tirofiban, a specific inhibitor of the platelet glycoprotein Ⅱ b/Ⅲa receptor, in the treatment of unstable angina and myocardial infarction without persistent ST elevation (acute coronary syndrome, ACS), a total of 200 patients were randomly assigned to a heparin group and a tirofiban+heparin group on double-blind basis and the treatment effects of the two protocols on ACS were compared when the patients of both groups were taking aspirin at the same time. The composite primary end-point events consisted of death, myocardial infarction, or refractory ischemia. Our results showed that the frequency of the composite primary end point events in 30 days was lower in tirofiban+heparin group as compared with that of heparin group (13.9% vs 29.3%, P=0.010). The rates of the other composite end point events in the tirofiban+heparin group were also lower than those in the heparin group in 4.5 days and in 30 days. Bleeding complication occurred in 7.0% of the patients receiving heparin alone and in 12.7% of the patients receiving tirofiban and heparin in combination (P=0.1717).The study showed that the incidence of ischemic events in patients with ACS receiving tirofiban+heparin was lower when compared with that of patients who received only heparin and aspirin, suggesting that tirofiban might be of special value in the treatment of ACS.

Clinical Significance of Fecal Smear Examination on Diagnosing Intestinal Flora Imbalance / 实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To study the clinical significance of fecal smear examination on diagnosing intestinal flora imbalance in infantile diarrhea.Methods A sterile cotton swab was used to spread a layer of fresh feces quantum satis from a sterile container on a clean slide;the smear was fixed and stained with Gram′s methods after it was air-dried,then the specimen was observed with a microscopy(field lens 100 ? eye lens 10) and recorded.Results In the acute diarrhea group(40 cases),the distribution feature of 3 floras on the fecal smears:≥50% Gram-negative bacilli in 6 cases(15%),≥50% Gram-positive cocci in 30 cases(75%) and ≥68% Gram-positive bacilli in 4 cases(10%).In the delayed and chronic diarrhea group(62 cases),the distribution feature of 3 floras on the fecal smears:≥50% Gram-negative bacilli in 7 cases(11.29%),≥50% Gram-positive cocci in 44 cases(70.97%) and ≥68% Gram-positive bacilli in 6 cases(9.68%).In the normal control group(32 cases),the distribution feature of 3 floras on the fecal smears:≥50% Gram-negative bacilli in 1 case(3.13%),≥50% Gram-positive cocci in 1 case(3.13%),and ≥68% Gram-positive bacilli in 17 cases(53.13%).For the distribution of 3 floras in the 3 groups,chi-squared test was performed,and the results showed that the difference was significant in Gram-positive cocci(?~2=47.76 P0.05).Conclusions Acute,delayed or chronic diarrhea can lead to flora imbalance.In order to timely and rapidly know the flora imbalance in children with diarrhea,clinically the simple,easily operated and practical smear staining method shall be widely applied.