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AIM: To investigate the preoperative ocular symptoms and the characteristics of asymptomatic ocular surface abnormalities in hospitalized patients with primary pterygium.METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with primary pterygium and scheduled to receive pterygium excision surgery at the Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University from August 2022 to October 2022 were enrolled. Ocular surface disease index questionnaire(OSDI), six examinations including non-invasive tear film break-up time, Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height, lid margin abnormality, meibomian gland dropout and tear film lipid layer thickness, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)were performed and statistically analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 178 cases(178 eyes), with a mean age of 54.39±10.75 years old, were recruited, including 75 males(42.1%)and 103 females(57.9%). The average values of ocular surface parameters in these patients included OSDI: 11.47±9.69, tear film break-up time: 7.10±3.86 s; tear meniscus height: 0.16±0.07 mm, Schirmer I test values: 14.39±7.29 mm/5 min, and pterygium thickness: 504.74±175.87 μm. Totally 161 eyes(90.4%)presented with abnormal lid margin, 44 eyes(24.7%)presented with meibomian gland dropout score ≥4, 52 eyes(29.2%)presented with low lipid layer thickness. In the 6 objective examinations, abnormalities in at least 4 of these tests were found in 85.4% of eyes. Pterygium morphology was classified into four grades: 10 eyes(5.6%)of grade Ⅰ, 93 eyes(52.2%)of grade Ⅱ, 60 eyes(33.7%)of grade Ⅲ, and 15 eyes(8.4%)of grade Ⅳ. In patients with a higher grade of pterygium, the tear film break-up time was lower, and the proportion of abnormal lid margin was also significantly higher(P<0.05). The patients were further divided into two subgroups, including 121 eyes(68.0%)with normal OSDI <13 in the normal group and 57 eyes(32.0%)with OSDI ≥13 in the abnormal group. No significant difference was found in the proportion of meibomian gland dysfunction between the two groups of patients(71.9% vs. 71.9%, P=0.872). In addition, there were differences in the number of abnormal objective examinations(4.11±0.85 vs. 4.91±0.99, P<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic ocular surface abnormalities were present preoperatively in patients hospitalized for primary pterygium. A comparable high incidence of structural or functional meibomian gland dysfunction existed in pterygium patients with or without apparent ocular discomfort. More attention should be paid to the ocular surface abnormalities in those asymptomatic patients before primary pterygium surgery.
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The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family member BRD4 is pivotal in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. BRD4 induces hypertrophic gene expression by binding to the acetylated chromatin, facilitating the phosphorylation of RNA polymerases II (Pol II) and leading to transcription elongation. The present study identified a novel post-translational modification of BRD4: poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation), that was mediated by poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP1) in cardiac hypertrophy. BRD4 silencing or BET inhibitors JQ1 and MS417 prevented cardiac hypertrophic responses induced by isoproterenol (ISO), whereas overexpression of BRD4 promoted cardiac hypertrophy, confirming the critical role of BRD4 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. PARP1 was activated in ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and facilitated the development of cardiac hypertrophy. BRD4 was involved in the prohypertrophic effect of PARP1, as implied by the observations that BRD4 inhibition or silencing reversed PARP1-induced hypertrophic responses, and that BRD4 overexpression suppressed the anti-hypertrophic effect of PARP1 inhibitors. Interactions of BRD4 and PARP1 were observed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. PARylation of BRD4 induced by PARP1 was investigated by PARylation assays. In response to hypertrophic stimuli like ISO, PARylation level of BRD4 was elevated, along with enhanced interactions between BRD4 and PARP1. By investigating the PARylation of truncation mutants of BRD4, the C-terminal domain (CTD) was identified as the PARylation modification sites of BRD4. PARylation of BRD4 facilitated its binding to the transcription start sites (TSS) of hypertrophic genes, resulting in enhanced phosphorylation of RNA Pol II and transcription activation of hypertrophic genes. The present findings suggest that strategies targeting inhibition of PARP1-BRD4 might have therapeutic potential for pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
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Objective:To investigate the impact of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF) on the epithelial recovery and the tear film stability after trans-epithelial corneal collagen crosslinking in patients with progressive keratoconus.Methods:A randomized controlled clinical trail was designed.Consecutive 66 patients (37 males and 29 females) with an average age of (21.27±3.80) years old diagnosed with primary progressive keratoconus and hospitalized in Xiamen Eye Center Affiliated to Xiamen University from October, 2016 to January, 2017 were enrolled and treated with unilateral enhanced transepithelial corneal crosslinking surgery by iontophoresis, and the patients were randomly divided into control group and experimental group according to random number table method, with 33 patients 33 eyes in each group.The eyes in the control group were treated with carboxy-methylcellulose sodium lubricant eye drops and the eyes in the experimental group were treated with rh-EGF eye drops.The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionare, slit lamp examination, Schirmer Ⅰ test, corneal fluorescein sodium staining scoring, non-contact tonometry, uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, bulbar conjunctival congestion scoring, lacrimal sevretion test, non-invasive break-up time of tear film (NIBUT), as well as tear meniscus height analysis were performed before surgery, and on day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, day 14 and day 28 after surgery.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Xiamen Eye Center Affiliated to Xiamen University (No.2016-ME-003).Results:On day 7 after surgery, the OSDI values were increased in both groups than the preoperative value, while the value in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the overall corneal epithelial staining score values between the two groups at different time points ( Fgroup=16.701, P<0.01; Ftime=454.418, P<0.01). The corneal epithelial staining score in the experimental group on day 3 and day 5 after surgery were significantly lower than those in the control group (1.79±0.65 vs. 2.70±0.68; 0.91±0.46 vs. 1.55±0.51) (both at P<0.01). The conjunctival congestion score in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group on day 3 and day 5 after surgery (both at P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the overall NIBUT values between the two groups at different time points ( Fgroup=13.084, P<0.01; Ftime=34.383, P<0.01). The NIBUT values were significantly decreased rapidly on day 7, day 14 and day 28 after surgery in both groups (all at P<0.01), but gradually recovered.The NIBUT of the experimental group on day 7 and day 14 after surgery were significantly higher than those of the control group ([8.18±2.26]seconds vs. [5.93±2.33]seconds; [9.49±1.95]seconds vs. [7.52±2.27]seconds) (both at P<0.01). No statistical differences were found in the tonometry value, visual acuity, value of Schirmer I test as well as tear meniscus height at any time point before or after surgery between the two groups (all at P>0.05). Conclusions:Recombinant human epidermal growth factor has positive effects in the patients received enhanced transepithelial corneal crosslinking surgery, presenting with promotion of epithelial healing, relief of post-operative discomfort, and the recovery of tear film stability.
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At present the parkinsonian rigidity assessment depends on subjective judgment of neurologists according to their experience. This study presents a parkinsonian rigidity quantification system based on the electromechanical driving device and mechanical impedance measurement method. The quantification system applies the electromechanical driving device to perform the rigidity clinical assessment tasks (flexion-extension movements) in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, which captures their motion and biomechanical information synchronously. Qualified rigidity features were obtained through statistical analysis method such as least-squares parameter estimation. By comparing the judgments from both the parkinsonian rigidity quantification system and neurologists, correlation analysis was performed to find the optimal quantitative feature. Clinical experiments showed that the mechanical impedance has the best correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.872, < 0.001) with the clinical unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) rigidity score. Results confirmed that this measurement system is capable of quantifying parkinsonian rigidity with advantages of simple operation and effective assessment. In addition, the mechanical impedance can be adopted to help doctors to diagnose and monitor parkinsonian rigidity objectively and accurately.
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Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of split fractures of humeral greater tuberosity treated by our self-designed new type of anatomical locking plate.Methods From September 2012 to February 2017,23 patients were treated for acute split fracture of the humeral greater tuberosity using our self-designed new type of anatomical locking plate.They were 13 males and 10 females with a mean age of 52.8 years (range,from 25 to 81 years).Of them,6 were beyond 60 years old, 12 had comminuted fracture,10 were complicated with glenohumeral dislocation,and 12 with rotator cuff tear.The patients were evaluated clinically with Constant-Murley score,visual analog scale (VAS),range of motion and complications at the last follow-ups.Results This series were followed up for 12 to 30 months (mean,23.2 months).All the fractures healed after an average time of 10.6 weeks (range,from 8 to 12 weeks).Their mean Constant-Murley Score was 92.1 points (range,from 70 to 100 points),giving an excellent and good rate of 95.7％ (22/23);their VAS scores averaged 0.8 points (range,from 0 to 4 points).Their forward flexion averaged 160.6°,abduction 157.8°,external rotation 46.4°,and internal rotation up to the T11 level,respectively.Their complications rate was 17.4％ (4/23).One case of axillary nerve injury,one case of relapse of glenohumeral dislocation at sports,and 2 cases of stiff shoulder were observed.Conclusion Split fractures of the humeral greater tuberosity can be successfully treated with our new type of anatomical locking plate which serves as a new alternative treatment.
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Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of mini-invasive plate osteosynthesis ( MIPO ) and conventional open plating for complex fractures of midshaft clavicle. Methods The authors retrospec-tively reviewed the data of complex fractures of midshaft clavicle ( AO/OTA types 15-B2 and 15-B3 ) which had been treated with MIPO or conventional open plating between January 2010 to February 2016. Forty-one patients were treated with MIPO and 43 with conventional open plating. The 2 groups were compared in terms of incision length, hospital stay, bone union time, postoperative Constant score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand ( DASH ) score, patients'satisfaction and complications. Results The average follow-up was 21. 2 ± 9. 2 months for MIPO group and 23. 1 ± 11. 8 months for conventional open plating group. The incision length ( 4. 3 ± 0. 5 cm ) , hospital stay ( 7. 7 ± 1. 9 d ) and union time ( 10. 6 ± 3. 2 w ) in the MIPO group were signifi-cantly shorter than those in the conventional open plating group ( 8. 4 ± 1. 3 cm, 9. 6 ± 3. 1 d and 12. 3 ± 3. 9 w, respectively ) ( P <0. 05 ) . The MIPO group had significantly lower incidences of hypertrophic scarring and dysesthesia in the area of incision but significantly higher patients'satisfaction than the conventional open plating group ( P <0. 05 ) . There were no significant differences in the Constant score or DASH score at 3 months, 6 months and the final follow-up ( P > 0. 05 ) . Conclusion In the treatment of complex fractures of midshaft clavicle, although both MIPO and conventional open plating can lead to similar functional outcomes, MIPO may be advantageous over conventional open plating in smaller surgical incision, more rapid fracture union, shorter hospital stay and higher patients'satisfaction.
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Objective To analyze the thickness of cornea and corneal epithelium in healthy subjects by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods Totally 100 healthy subjects aged between 20 and 30 years were analyzed by OCTA technique.Using AngioVue OCTA system of retinal imaging mode,and using SSADA algorithm for imaging,the cornea and the corneal epithelium in the central corneal diameter range of 9 mm were measured.The differences of corneal and corneal epithelial thickness in different gender regions were compared.Results In the male and female group,the corneal central total thickness were (559.92 ±33.26) μm and(540.06 ±31.63)μm,and the corneal epithelial thickness were(57.78 ±4.88) μm and(56.88 ±4.57) μm,The total central corneal thickness and central corneal epithelial thickness of the male were greater than those of the female,the difference was statistically significant (t =3.06,2.10;all P ＜ 0.05).The cornea of male was the thickest at S5,S7 and SN9,there were significant differences at S5 and S7 compared with female (t =2.93,2.83;all P ＜ 0.05);The female cornea was the thickest at S5,SN7 and SN9,and the difference was significant at S5 compared with male.The cornea of male subjects was the thinnest at IT,which was statistically significant only at IT5 compared with female subjects in the same area (t =2.02,P ＜ 0.05);The cornea of female subjects was the thinnest at T5,IT7 and T9,which was statistically significant only at T5 and T9 compared with male subjects in the same region (t =2.63,2.20;all P ＜ 0.05);There was significant difference in corneal thickness between male and female at ST (t =3.1 1,2.79,2.33;all P ＜ 0.05).The corneal epithelium was the thickest at IT5,I7,and I9,and the lowest at S5,S7 and S9,and there was no significant difference compared with female in the same region (all P ＞ 0.05).The corneal epithelium of female at the IT5,T7,N9 were the thickest,SN5,S7,S9 were the thinnest;Except for M2 and SN5,there was no significant differences in corneal epithelium between male and female groups (all P ＞ 0.05).Corneal central epithelium accounted for the largest percentage of total corneal thickness,and gradually decreased from inside to outside.Conclusion OCTA can be used to measure the thickness of corneal and corneal epithelial regions.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop an identification method with significant specificity for patchouli oil.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The fingerprint was performed by gas chromatography with patchouli alcohol and pogostone as chemical markers.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The similarity of 12 samples were higher than 0.9 and it can be used to identify the characteristics of patchouli oil.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The GC fingerprint can be used for identification of patchouli oil.</p>
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Chromatography, Gas , Methods , Lamiaceae , Chemistry , Oils, Volatile , Plant Oils , SesquiterpenesABSTRACT
Objective The inhibitory effects of avastin on new blood vessels in nonproliferation diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and neovascular glaucoma have been demonstrated. But only seldom report of avastin on corneal neovascularization(CNV) was seen. Present study was to evaluate the effect of topical bevacizumab (avastin) on experimental corneal neovascularization in mice. Methods Thirty eyes of 30 Balb/c mice were chemically cauterized by applying a 2 mm-diameter filter paper soaked 1 mol/L NaOH solution at the central cornea for 40 s. All animals were randomly assigned to five groups, including 1 mg/mL, 3 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL bevacizumab eye drops group respectively, 1 mg/mL dexamethasone sodium phosphate eye drops group (positive control) and normal saline solution group (negative control) . The drug was topically utilized twice per day. CNV was examined under the slim lamp on the 3rd, 7th and 14th day after alkali burn. Animals were killed on the 14th day after alkali burn. Area of CNV was calculated in terms of pixels on digital photographs. The use of animals followed the Regulations for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission. Results No significant difference was found in the grade of corneal injury among five groups (F = 0. 201, P = 0. 935). The area of neovascularization at the cornea surface was (37.11 ±3.17)% in 1 mg/mL bevacizumab group, (29.75 ±3.56)% in 3 mg/mL bevacizumab group, (18. 76 ± 2. 55) % in 5 mg/mL bevacizumab group, (20. 91 ± 2. 75) % in dexamethasone group and (41. 65 ±2. 11)% in normal saline group, showing a significant difference among groups(F = 71. 687, P =0. 000) with the further comparative decline in 5 mg/mL bevacizumab group compared with other groups (P ＜ 0. 01) . Conclusion The topical use of bevacizumab (avastin) inhibits alkali burn-induced CNV in mice.