ABSTRACT
Background Studies showed that inflammation is associated with the pathogenesis and development of dry eyes,and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) are key inflammatory factors.Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) plays a promoting effect on the migration of epithelial cells and anti-inflammatory action.However,the influences of Tβ4 on the repair of ocular surface in dry eyes are unelucidated.Objective This study was to investigate the regulation of Tβ4 to the expressions of TNF-o and IFN-γand its effect on the recovery of ocular surface in rat dry eye models.Methods The dry eye models were induced by topically administered of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) for consecutive 7 days in the left eyes of 50 SPF male SD rats,and 36 successful models were used in the experiment.Tβ4 solution (9 μg/ml),recombinant human epithelial growth factor (rhEGF)and sterile PBS at 5 μl was topically administered three times for consecutive 7 days in the Tβ4 group,rhEGF group and PBS group,and no drug was used in the model control group.The normal right eyes of rats served as the normal control group.The break-up time of tear film (BUT),corneal fluorescein staining score and Schirmer Ⅰ test (S I t)were examined and evaluated in the rats on the seventh day after administration of drugs.Then the rats were sacrificed by excessive anesthesia and the sections of the ocular surface were prepared.The morphology of the specimens was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining,and the number of conjunctival gobelt cells was counted by periodic acidschiff staining.The ultrastructure of the corneal and conjunctival cells was examined under the transmission electron microscope.The expressions of TNF-α mRNA and IFN-γ mRNA and their proteins in conjunctiva tissue were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.The use and care of the animals followed by Regulation for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.Results The BUT was (10.42±0.66),(7.46±0.49),(8.71±0.50),(9.59±0.35) and (8.63± 0.68) seconds in the normal control group,model control group,rhEGF group,Tβ4 group and BUT group,showing a significant difference among the groups (F =5.65,P =0.00),and the BUT was evidently shortened in the model control group compared with the normal control group,while the BUT was significantly extended in the rhEGF group and Tβ4 group in comparison with the model control group (all at P＜0.05).No significant differences were found in the corneal fluorescence score and S I t among the groups (F =0.42,P =0.79;F =136.77,P =0.00).The corneal and conjunctival epithelium defect and corneal stromal edema were seen in the model control group,and the proliferation of the epithelial cells were found in the rhEGF group and Tβ4 group,with the irregulated arrangement of the cells.A considerable difference was seen in the number of conjunetival goblet cells among the groups (F=3.16,P =0.04),and the number of eonjunctival goblet cells in the rhEGF group and model control group was significantly less than that in the normal control group (all at P＜0.05),and no statistically significant difference was seen between Tβ4 group and normal control group (P ＞ 0.05).The swelling,mergence,crispation,rupture and decrease of the microvilli and micro fold were found in the model control group,and the repair of the cell microvilli was seen in the Tβ4 group.The expressions of the TNF-α mRNA,IFN-γ mRNA and their proteins in the conjunctiva were significantly different among the groups (F =43.08,371.69,34.27,43.52,all at P =0.00),the expressions of the inflammatory factors were significantly higher in the model control group compared with the normal control group,and these expressions were evidently lower in the Tβ4 group in comparison with the model control group and rhEGF group (all at P＜0.05).Conclusions The topical administration of Tβ4 solution can promote the repair of ocular surface by down-regulating the expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ in conjunctiva and stablize the tear film in rat dry eyes.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the rat model of dry eye induced by topical administration of benzalkonium chloride and compare the morphological characteristics of corneal and conjunctival tissues of the normal and model rats . Methods Topical administration of benzalkonium chloride (0.3%) twice per day for seven days to induce the rat model of dry eye.Pathology with HE and periodic acid-Schiff staining and transmission electron microscopy were performed to evaluate the corneal and conjunctival changes .Results The corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells were sloughed off , the number of goblet cells was decreased in the dry eye model .Microvilli were obviously lost in the surface epithelial cells of the dry eye rat cornea and conjunctiva compared with the normal rats , as indicated by the amount and size of microvilli . Conclusions The changes in the corneal and conjunctival epithelia of BAC-induced rat dry eye are similar to the changes in human dry eye .This rat model may play an essential role for dry eye studies in the future .
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To investigate risk factors and nursing protective measures controlling hospital infection in patients after neck dissection. METHODS The data of 116 patients after neck dissection from Aug 2000 to Aug 2005 were collected, and the hospital infection condition was analyzed in comparison with non-infection group. RESULTS Hospital infection rate was 18.97% (22/116) and case-time rate was 21.55%(25/116). Of 25 occasions in hospital infections, 48% were infection of operative incision and 24% were infection of respiratory tract. The risk factors for hospital infection in patients with neck dissection might be associated with patient's duration of hospitalization, history of chronic disease , age and invasive operation. CONCLUSIONS There is a high hospital infection incidence rate in patients after neck dissection , it is necessary to monitor high risk patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate effects of thoracoscopic sternal elevation by using a steel bar(Nuss procedure) in the treatment of pectus excavatum in children.Methods Under the assistance of thoracoscopy,a substernal tunnel was created using a blunt dissector via a right thoracic incision.Then a steel bar was inserted under the sternum.After the bar was placed in position,it was turned over to elevate the deformed sternum and the anterior chest wall.Results The operation was completed successfully in all the 11 cases.The operating time ranged 50~85 min(mean, 67 min).The intraoperative blood loss ranged 5~20 ml(mean,10 ml).The surgical outcomes were classified as "excellent" in 9 cases,"good" in 1 case,and "fair" in 1.Follow-up observations for 2~15 months(mean,6.4 months) in 8 cases showed satisfactory appearance.Conclusions Thoracoscopic Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum in children is a minimally invasive technique with limited surgical trauma,minimal blood loss,simple performance,rapid recovery,and good cosmetic results,being worthy of recommendation.