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Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)is the most common orbital disease in adults, and its incidence is increasing year by year. The clinical manifestations include proptosis, eyelid retraction, ocular motility disturbance and visual impairment, which seriously damage the physical and mental health of patients. Treatment options for TAO mainly include glucocorticoids, radiotherapy and orbital decompression. Among them, the glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment for moderate-to-severe and active disease; Orbital decompression is mainly for patients with severe proptosis and increased orbital pressure leading to optic nerve compression injury; And radiotherapy is used for TAO patients who are intolerant of glucocorticoids and who refuse orbital decompression. Radiation therapy can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients by exerting a non-specific anti-inflammatory effect, and it is an important means of treating TAO. With the continuous update of computer technology and medical imaging, radiotherapy techniques have developed rapidly. The emergence of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy technology and intensity-modulated radiotherapy technology has made it possible to locate the lesions accurately. Recently, a large number of clinical results show that radiotherapy for TAO has good curative effects and manageable adverse reactions. This article reviews the mechanism of action, technical characteristic, clinical protocol, radiation dose parameter selection and complications of radiotherapy for TAO, in order to provide clinical reference for peers and formulate personalized TAO treatment plans.
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Objective To explore the characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with Heyde syndrome (HS) who undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Ovid, WANFANG, VIP and CNKI were searched to identify all case reports of HS patients undergoing AVR surgery, using different combinations of search terms "Heyde syndrome", "gastrointestinal bleeding", "aortic stenosis", and "surgery". Three authors independently extracted the clinical data including the patients' characteristics, aortic stenosis severity, gastrointestinal bleeding sites, surgical treatments and prognosis. Results Finally, 46 case reports with 55 patients aging from 46 to 87 years, were determined eligible and included. Of them, 1 patient had mild aortic stenosis, 1 had moderate aortic stenosis, 42 had severe aortic stenosis, and 11 were not mentioned. Gastrointestinal bleeding was detected in colon (
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Humans , Angiodysplasia/surgery , Aortic Valve/surgery , Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology , Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
@#AIM:To observe the changes of retinal and choroid tissue structure in SD rats exposed to blue light from 455nm-470nm array, and to analyze the relationship between irradiation time and tissue structure changes. <p>METHODS: Totally 24 healthy SD male rats of 6wk were selected and randomly divided into normal control group(<i>n</i>=6)and experimental group(<i>n</i>=18). The normal control group was fed for 6wk without any intervention. The experimental group was divided into three groups, which were exposed to the array blue light emitting apparatus(455nm-470nm, 391Lx)for 3, 6 and 12h each day for 6wk.<p>RESULTS: The fundus tissue structure was intact and the cell morphology was normal in the control group. With the extension of blue light irradiation time, the choroid fiber connective tissue of rats in all experimental groups presented hyaline changes, local loose edema, proliferation of small blood vessels, thinning of pigment layer, thinning of cells, gradual reduction of the number of visual cells, and local disappearance. At 3h, the nucleus staining of the experimental group was clear, and no definite changes were observed in the bipolar cell layer and ganglion cell layer. In the 6h and 12h groups, nucleus pyknosis was observed, bipolar cell layer was mildly proliferated, and local cytoplasm was formed in the ganglion cell layer.<p>CONCLUSION: The photoreceptor cells of retina become thinner, atrophy and disappear with the extension of blue light irradiation time. There was no significant relationship between the injury of pigment epithelial cells and the prolonged exposure time of blue light.
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@#AIM: To investigate the expression levels of serum miR-23a and miR-34a in patients with age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)and its relationship with the development of ARMD. <p>METHODS: Totally 102 patients with ARMD who were treated in our hospital from May 2015 to February 2018 were enrolled in the case group, and 70 healthy subjects in the same period were used as control group. The relative expression levels of miR-23a and miR-34a in serum were detected by RT-PCR, and the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)and nuclear factor kB(NF-kB)were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Analysis on the relationship of miR-23a, miR-34a expression levels with TNF-a, NF-kB in patients with ARMD and its diagnostic value for ARMD were taken.<p>RESULTS: The relative expression levels of serum miR-23a and miR-34a in the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group(<i>P</i><0.01). The relative expression levels of serum miR-23a and miR-34a in the advanced group were significantly higher than those in the middle and early stage(<i>P</i><0.01). The relative expression levels of serum miR-23a and miR-34a in the middle term patients were significantly higher than those in the early stage(<i>P</i><0.01). The serum levels of TNF- α and NF-κB in the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group(<i>P</i><0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between serum miR-23a and TNF-α and NF-kB in the case group(<i>r</i>=0.798, 0.720, both <i>P</i><0.01), and serum miR-34a was significantly positively correlated with TNF-α and NF-kB(<i>r</i>=0.814, 0.740, both <i>P</i><0.01). The area under the ROC curve(AUC)of serum miR-23a and miR-34a for diagnosis of ARMD was 0.831 and 0.867, respectively.<p>CONCLUSION: The expression of miR-23a and miR-34a in serum of ARMD patients is up-regulated, which may be involved in the development and progression of ARMD by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress. Detection of serum miR-23a and miR-34a may be helpful for early diagnosis and prevention of ARMD.
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AIM: To observe the changes of MMP-9 expression in rabbit retina after laser irradiation at different thresholds of 577nm.METHODS: Twenty-six pigmentation rabbits were randomly divided into normal control group(n=2), conventional photocoagulation group (n=6) and subliminal micropulse laser photocoagulation group (n=18).The conventional photocoagulation group was treated with 577nm laser photocoagulation, subcutaneous micro-pulsed laser photocoagulation at a working loading rate of 9%, 12% and 15%, respectively.Eighteen rabbits were again divided into three subgroups according different powers of subthreshold working loading rate of 9%(n=6), 12%(n=6) and 15%(n=6) that undertook, respectively.The expression of MMP-9 on the retina of rabbit eyes was detected by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: In the conventional photocoagulation group, the expression of MMP-9 in the RPE layer and the visual cell layer was strongly positive, which was significantly higher than that in the sub-micro pulse group(P0.05).CONCLUSION: The 577nm subliminal micro-pulsed photocoagulation has high selectivity to retinal pigment epithelium at working load rate of 9%, 12% and 15%, and no damage to retinal nerve fiber layer, which is safer than conventional 577nm laser photocoagulation.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the association of polymorphisms in folate metabolism genes, methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) gene and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, with complex congenital abnormalities and to further investigate its association with complex congenital abnormalities derived from three germ layers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 250 cases of birth defects (with complex congenital abnormalities including congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, and craniofacial anomalies) in Shanxi Province, China were included in the study. MTRR single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs1801394) and MTHFR SNP (rs1801133) were genotyped by the SNaPshot method, and the genotyping results were compared with those of controls (n=420).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SNPs rs1801394 and rs1801133 were associated with multiple birth defects. For the recessive model, individuals with GG genotype at rs1801394 and CC genotype at rs1801133 had a relatively low risk of developing birth defects, so the two genotypes were protective factors against birth defects. The homozygous recessive genotype at rs1801133, which served as a protective factor, was associated with ectoderm- or endoderm-derived complex congenital abnormalities, while the homozygous recessive genotype at rs1801394, which served as a protective factor, was associated with ectoderm-, mesoderm- or endoderm-derived complex congenital abnormalities.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Among the Chinese population in Shanxi Province, the SNPs in folate metabolism genes (MTRR and MTHFR) are associated with complex congenital abnormalities and related to ectoderm, mesoderm or endoderm development.</p>
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Humans , Asian People , Genetics , China , Congenital Abnormalities , Genetics , Ferredoxin-NADP Reductase , Genetics , Genotype , Germ Layers , Embryology , Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) , Genetics , Polymorphism, Single NucleotideABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The stable quality of Chinese herbal medicines is a critical factor for their reliable clinical efficiency. An improved liquid-liquid extraction procedure and a liquid chromatographic method were developed to simultaneously analyze five anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion) in a Chinese traditional hospital preparation, Fuyankang mixture, in order to quantitatively control its quality in a more effective way.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A more economical and repeatable extraction procedure based on conventional liquid-liquid extraction technique was developed and used to extract five marker components in Fuyankang mixture. These anthraquinones were separated in less than 20 min on a C18 column with methanol and 0.1% phosphoric acid (88:12, v/v) as mobile phase. The method was validated for specificity, precision, spiked recovery and stability.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to conventional liquid-liquid extraction, the improved liquid-liquid extraction was found to be more effective for simultaneous extraction of anthraquinones from an aqueous Chinese herbal preparation, especially for hydrophobic compounds. The improved extraction method was successfully applied to determine the content of five marker components in Fuyankang mixture by the means of reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The improved extraction procedure may be suitable for routine quality control of Fuyankang mixture and other traditional preparations at city-level hospitals in China.</p>
Subject(s)
Anthraquinones , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Methods , Chromatography, Reverse-Phase , Methods , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , EmodinABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the trends in incidence and long-term recurrence rate of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) within the German Armed Forces, and analyse the influence of variable factors, such as different surgical methods, body constitution and smoking amount, to incidence and long-term recurrence rate of PSD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Information of all the patients being admitted with primary PSD to the surgical departments of three hospitals of the German Armed Forces between 1980 and 1996 was collected and analyzed, 500 patients of which were interviewed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Two of the 500 patients were dead, and every one of the rest 498 patients agreed to take part in the interview. The incidence of PSD rose from 0.3/1000 in 1985 to 2.4/1000 in 2007. The recurrence rates were decreasing within 16 years of treatment from 33% in 1981 via 23% in 1986 to 12% in 1996 (P = 0.01). Recurrence rates of primary open wound healing (16.8%) compared to primary suture (31.0%) differ significantly (P < 0.01). While the mean body weight within the army rose 1 kg per decade, population shows an increase of 1.9 kg per decade though not being an influencing factor on the recurrence rate (P = 0.72). Smoking of more than 20 cigarettes per day proved to be a significant factor on the recurrence rate of PSD (P = 0.015).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>While the recurrence rates-especially of primary open wound treatment-decreased, the incidence of PSD rose nearly tenfold.</p>
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Adult , Humans , Middle Aged , Factor Analysis, Statistical , Germany , Epidemiology , Incidence , Military Personnel , Pilonidal Sinus , Epidemiology , Recurrence , Smoking , EpidemiologyABSTRACT
A new teaching method was developed in the curriculum of Harmful Microorganisms Control Technology.It is characterized by students’ self-learning followed by student’s instruction.Both students and teacher have succeeded in this model after four stages of practice,in which a pleasant learning atmosphere was created in the classroom.An effective interaction between teacher and students was achieved.Students are viewed as main objects in the classroom and they are encouraged to ask questions,to formulate their own ideas,or to find things out for themselves.Thus,students’ abilities including presentation,communication,competition,and cooperation were enhanced.By adapting their role to the new teaching method,teachers have also improved their teaching skill and strategies.
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OBJECTIVE@#To determine the effects of nano-hydroxyapatite(nano-HAP)on the proliferation and activity of rat dental papilla cells(RDPCs)in vitro, and to evaluate the feasibility of using nano-hydroxyapatite(nano-HAP)as dental papilla cell scaffold in dental tissue engineering.@*METHODS@#RDPCs cultured with the porous nano-HAP in vitro served as the experimental group, and the routine culture of RDPCs in flasks served as the control. Scanning electronic microscope was used to observe the growth and adherence of the RDPCs to nano-HAP. Cell proliferation, cellular protein content, and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) were detected to assess the cellular activities.@*RESULTS@#RDPCs proliferated well, and adhered to the outer and inner surface of the nano-HAP scaffold. Compared with the control group, cells in the experimental group presented higher proliferation on 6 d and 8 d and higher cellular protein content on 6 d and 9 d. No significant difference was detected in the ALP activity in the 2 groups.@*CONCLUSION@#RDPCs seeded into nano-HAP grow better and have more vigorous cellular activity, suggesting that nano-HAP has excellent biocompatibility with dental papilla cells, and it can serve as a promising scaffold for dental tissue engineering.
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Animals , Rats , Animals, Newborn , Biocompatible Materials , Pharmacology , Cell Proliferation , Cells, Cultured , Dental Papilla , Cell Biology , Durapatite , Pharmacology , Microscopy, Electron , Nanoparticles , Nanotechnology , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Tissue Engineering , Methods , Tissue ScaffoldsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To culture human gingival epithelia in vitro, and to construct the tissue engineered gingiva with the acellular dermal matrix (ADM).@*METHODS@#Human gingival epithelia were isolated from the gingival tissue, and the cells were cultured and seeded onto the surface of ADM. After 7 days of submerged incubation, an air-liquid interface culture was performed for 7, 14, and 21 days. The complex constructed above was taken for histological examination.@*RESULTS@#Human gingival epithelia could proliferate well on the surface of ADM, and form multilayer structure. But the superficial epithelium was partially keratinized.@*CONCLUSION@#Tissue engineered gingiva may be constructed with human gingival epithelia and ADM in vitro.