Evaluation of dry eyes in children with vernal kerato-conjunctivitis using clinical tests and ocular surface analysis

Purpose: To evaluate dry eyes in children with vernal kerato?conjunctivitis (VKC) and correlate it with symptoms, clinical findings, and ocular surface analysis (OSA) parameters. Methods: Children with clinically diagnosed VKC underwent complete ophthalmological examination, Schirmer’s testing, modified ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scoring, Bonini grading, fluorescein tear?film break?up time (TBUT), VKC – Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) scoring, and OSA. Children with a TBUT of < 10 s were defined to have dry eyes. The above?mentioned parameters were compared between dry eye and non?dry eye VKC children. Results: The mean age of the 87 children included in the study was 9.1 ± 2.9 years. Dry eyes were seen in 60.9% [95% confidence interval (CI); 51% to 71%]. The mean TBUT was 13.4 ± 3.8 and 5.9 ± 1.9 s in non?dry and dry eye groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean value of Schirmer’s test was 25.9 ± 9.8 and 20.8 ± 8.6 mm in the non?dry and dry eye groups, respectively (P = 0.01). The two groups did not differ in their OSDI scores, Bonini grading, and CLEK scores. The OSA parameter of non?invasive break?up time (NIBUT) was 8.3 ± 3.2 s in non?dry eye group and 6.4 ± 2.9 s in dry eye group, P = 0.008. The lower lid Meibomian gland (MG) loss was 7.4% in non?dry eye group and 12.2% in dry eye group, P = 0.028. Other OSA parameters did not differ significantly among the two groups. Conclusion: Dry eyes are seen in two?thirds of pediatric VKC. Evaluation of dry eyes should be incorporated in their clinical evaluation. Among OSA parameters, NIBUT and lower lid MG loss are associated with dry eyes in pediatric VKC patients.

Consistency of corneal curvature and astigmatism measured by new swept-source optical coherence tomography and Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer in patients with age-related cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore Bland-Altman analysis of corneal curvature and astigmatism measured by new swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT)and Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer in patients with age-related cataract.METHODS: A total of 177 patients(282 eyes)with age-related cataract admitted to the hospital between January and December 2021 were enrolled. The steep-axis curvature(Ks), flat-axis curvature(Kf), mean corneal curvature(Km), corneal astigmatism and astigmatism axis of anterior corneal surface, posterior surface and the whole cornea were measured by SS-OCT and Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer respectively. All parameters were detected by paired sample t-test, intra-group repeatability test, Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman consistency analysis.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in Ks, Kf and Km of anterior corneal surface measured by SS-OCT and Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05). Ks, Kf and Km of posterior corneal surface and whole cornea measured by Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer were all greater than those measured by SS-OCT(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). There was no significant difference in astigmatism and axial values of anterior corneal surface, posterior surface and whole cornea measured by SS-OCT and Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)of all parameters was greater than 0.88, indicating a good intra-group repeatability. Ks, Kf, Km, astigmatism and axis of anterior corneal surface, posterior surface and whole cornea measured by SS-OCT were positively correlated with those measured by Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). Bland-Altman consistency analysis showed that Ks, Kf, Km, corneal astigmatism and axis of anterior corneal surface, posterior surface and whole cornea measured by SS-OCT were highly consistent with those measured by Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: The corneal curvature and astigmatism parameters measured by new SS-OCT are highly consistent with those measured by Scheimpflug anterior segment analyzer, which can be applied in the diagnosis of corneal curvature and astigmatism in patients with age-related cataract.

Clinical study on the diagnosis of early keratoconus based on ocular morphological parameters with different corneal diameters / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic value of ocular morphological parameters under different corneal diameters for early keratoconus.METHODS: A retrospective case-control study. A total of 201 patients(201 eyes)who were treated in our hospital from January 2019 to March 2022 were included. They were divided into 135 cases(135 eyes)in the control group(patients with history of refractive error)and 66 cases(66 eyes)in the subclinical keratoconus group. The Pentacam anterior segment analyzer was used to determine the horizontal central curvature of corneal posterior surface(Kf), posterior vertical central curvature of corneal posterior surface(Ks), average curvature of corneal posterior surface(Km), Posterior I-S ratio, corneal posterior surface height after the thinnest point(PE at the thinnest point), maximum posterior elevation from best fit sphere(MPE from BFS), maximum posterior elevation from best fit toric ellipsoid(MPE from BFTE), posterior asphericity asymmetry index(AAI), thinnest point thickness of the cornea(TCT), central corneal thickness(CCT), depressed corneal thickness(DCT), pachymetric progression index average(PPIavg), Ambrósio relational thickness maximum(ARTmax)and Belin D value. The differences of each parameter between the two groups were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were analyzed to determine the best diagnosis point. The control group was further divided into groups according to the corneal diameter: corneal diameter ≤11.0mm, 11.1mm≤ corneal diameter ≤11.5mm, 11.6mm≤ corneal diameter ≤12.0mm, corneal diameter ≥12.1mm. The differences of each parameter among these groups were compared. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between corneal diameter and other parameters.RESULTS: There were significant differences in posterior I-S ratio, PE at the thinnest point, MPE from BFS, MPE from BFTE, posterior AAI, TCT, DCT, PPIavg, ARTmax, Belin D value between the subclinical keratoconus group and the control group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). Sensitive index of Pentacam to diagnosis subclinical keratoconus were Belin D value, posterior I-S ratio, PPIavg, posterior AAI and MPE from BFTE(AUC≥0.9). In the control group, there was no significant difference in posterior I-S ratio, MPE from BFTE, posterior AAI, TCT, CCT, and DCT among different corneal diameter groups (P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05), and there was no significant correlation with corneal diameter(all P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05).CONCLUSION: The Belin D value, posterior I-S ratio, PPIavg, posterior AAI, MPE from BFTE obtained by Pentacam are sensitive indicators for the diagnosis of early keratoconus, among which posterior I-S ratio, posterior AAI, MPE from BFTE are less affected by corneal diameter. They play an important role in the early diagnosis of keratoconus under different corneal diameters.

Research and Design of Automatic Test System for Ventilator Performance / 中国医疗器械杂志

Ventilator is an important medical instrument which can replace the function of autonomous ventilation artificially. Its safety and reliability are related to the health and even life safety of patients. With the publishing of the new national standard and international standard for ventilators, higher requirements are put forward for the detection and evaluation. This study mainly introduces an automatic test system for ventilator performance. The test system is based on PF-300 air-flow analyzer of Imtmedical and standard simulation lung. The automatic switch module of simulation lung is developed, and the automatic test system of ventilator is designed using the software development platform based on Python. It can not only automatically test all ventilation control parameters and monitoring parameters of the ventilator, but also realize automatic data recording, form reports and data analysis, and improve the efficiency and quality of inspection, detection and quality control.

Conformity evaluation of afinion 2 analyzer maintainability: Compliance practicality for Philippine National Standard PNS ISO 15189:2013 Accreditation

Objectives@#The implementation of Philippine National Standard PNS ISO 15189:2013 to support the medical laboratory to produce competent results is a recognised challenge. It is apparent that the approach of ensuring the equipment availability can be specifically optimised. No known research has focused on exploring on the conduct of conformity evaluation of Afinion 2 Analyzer maintainability for the PNS ISO 15189:2013 accredited medical laboratory. The aim of the current study was to develop a practical tool for the medical laboratory to support the internal audit process by determining the compliance status of Afinion 2 Analyzer maintainability. @*Methods@#The relevant conformance requirements in Clauses 4 (Management requirements) and 5 (Technical requirements) of PNS ISO 15189:2013, manufacturer requirements and specific requirements for accreditation from 70/101 (69%) accreditation bodies in 80/249 (32%) countries were identified as specific audit criteria for Afinion 2 Analyzer conformity evaluation checklists for the maintenance and reference equipment.

A multi-center study on evaluation of leukocyte differential performance by an artificial intelligence-based Digital Cell Morphology Analyzer / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the performance of an artificial intelligent (AI)-based automated digital cell morphology analyzer (hereinafter referred as AI morphology analyzer) in detecting peripheral white blood cells (WBCs).Methods:A multi-center study. 1. A total of 3010 venous blood samples were collected from 11 tertiary hospitals nationwide, and 14 types of WBCs were analyzed with the AI morphology analyzers. The pre-classification results were compared with the post-classification results reviewed by senior morphological experts in evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and agreement of the AI morphology analyzers on the WBC pre-classification. 2. 400 blood samples (no less than 50% of the samples with abnormal WBCs after pre-classification and manual review) were selected from 3 010 samples, and the morphologists conducted manual microscopic examinations to differentiate different types of WBCs. The correlation between the post-classification and the manual microscopic examination results was analyzed. 3. Blood samples of patients diagnosed with lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or myeloproliferative neoplasms were selected from the 3 010 blood samples. The performance of the AI morphology analyzers in these five hematological malignancies was evaluated by comparing the pre-classification and post-classification results. Cohen′s kappa test was used to analyze the consistency of WBC pre-classification and expert audit results, and Passing-Bablock regression analysis was used for comparison test, and accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and agreement were calculated according to the formula.Results:1. AI morphology analyzers can pre-classify 14 types of WBCs and nucleated red blood cells. Compared with the post-classification results reviewed by senior morphological experts, the pre-classification accuracy of total WBCs reached 97.97%, of which the pre-classification accuracies of normal WBCs and abnormal WBCs were more than 96% and 87%, respectively. 2. The post-classification results reviewed by senior morphological experts correlated well with the manual differential results for all types of WBCs and nucleated red blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, immature granulocytes, blast cells, nucleated erythrocytes and malignant cells r>0.90 respectively, reactive lymphocytes r=0.85). With reference, the positive smear of abnormal cell types defined by The International Consensus Group for Hematology, the AI morphology analyzer has the similar screening ability for abnormal WBC samples as the manual microscopic examination. 3. For the blood samples with malignant hematologic diseases, the AI morphology analyzers showed accuracies higher than 84% on blast cells pre-classification, and the sensitivities were higher than 94%. In acute myeloid leukemia, the sensitivity of abnormal promyelocytes pre-classification exceeded 95%. Conclusion:The AI morphology analyzer showed high pre-classification accuracies and sensitivities on all types of leukocytes in peripheral blood when comparing with the post-classification results reviewed by experts. The post-classification results also showed a good correlation with the manual differential results. The AI morphology analyzer provides an efficient adjunctive white blood cell detection method for screening malignant hematological diseases.

A covid-19 como um analisador do sofrimento de enfermeiras: um ensaio teórico / Covid-19 as a suffering analyzer for female nurses: a theoretical essay / El covid-19 como analizador de sufrimiento de enfermeras: un ensayo teórico

Este ensaio propõe que a Covid-19 pode operar como um analisador, dentro da perspectiva da análise institucional, iluminando um determinado modo de organização social que promove profundas desigualdades e ameaça a vida em diversos níveis e revelando as condições sociais, institucionais e políticas de produção de sofrimento no corpo profissional de Enfermagem. A pandemia desvelou um conjunto de marcas relacionadas à profissão, agravadas pela crise sanitária, reforçando a naturalização das relações de cuidado atribuídas ao feminino, bem como um conjunto de clivagens e hierarquias internas à profissão a partir da sinergia de marcadores da diferença, como gênero, cor/raça, classe e geração. Além disso, este trabalho mostra a presença de uma necropolítica nas respostas à pandemia que banaliza a vida e permite morrer determinados grupos sociais. A ideia de "profissionais de linha de frente" é criticada em suas metáforas bélicas, mas tomada como figura de linguagem em sua potência para afirmar que existem corpos que, pelas marcas sociais e históricas e pela interdependência do cuidado, são mais presentes e exigidos e, portanto, mais vulneráveis à doença e ao sofrimento dela decorrente.(AU)

The essay proposes that Covid-19 can operate as an analyzer, within the perspective of institutional analysis, illuminating a certain mode of social organization that promotes profound inequalities and threatens life at various levels, revealing the social, institutional and political conditions for the production of suffering in the professional nursing body. The pandemic would unveil a set of marks related to the profession, aggravated by the sanitary crisis, reinforcing the naturalization of the care relations attributed to the feminine, as well as a set of cleavages and internal hierarchies to the profession from the synergy of markers of difference as gender, color/race, class and generation. The work shows the presence of necropolitics in responses to the pandemic, which trivializes life and allows certain social groups to die. The idea of "front-line professionals" is criticized in its war metaphors, but taken as a figure of speech in its potency to affirm that there are bodies that by social and historical marks, and by the interdependence of care, are more present and demanded, and therefore more vulnerable to disease and the resulting suffering.(AU)

El ensayo propone que el Covid-19 puede funcionar como analizador, desde la perspectiva del análisis institucional, revelando las condiciones sociales, institucionales y políticas de producción de sufrimiento de enfermeras. La pandemia revela algunas marcas relacionadas con la profesión, agravadas por la crisis de salud, reforzando la naturalización de la atribución del cuidado a lo femenino y un conjunto de jerarquías internas de la profesión. El trabajo también muestra la presencia de una necropolítica en las respuestas a la pandemia. La idea de "profesionales de primera línea" es criticada, pero tomada como una figura del lenguaje en su potencia para afirmar que hay cuerpos que, por las marcas sociales e históricas y por la interdependencia del cuidado, están más presentes y demandados, y por lo tanto más vulnerables a la enfermedad.(AU)

DIELECTRIC AND ELECTRICAL BEHAVIOUR OF ZNO AND CDO SEMICONDUCTING MATERIALS WITH AND WITHOUT MN DOPING

ZnO and CdO pellets with and without Mn doping were prepared by using Hydraulic pressure machine at room temperature. The effect of Mn content (1,3,5 wt % ) on the electrical properties have been carried out by Keithley meter. The result shows that the resistivity decreases as increasing Mn content. Impedance analyzer are used for dielectric behavior and results shows that decrement of dielectric constant as well as dielectric loss with the increment of frequency

An Effective Method for Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation Based on Refractive Power Analyzer system and Slit lamp.

Background: One of the most widely performed surgical procedures nowadays is cataract surgery combined with monofocal intraocular lens implantation (IOL). Monofocal IOLs can compensate for the spherical refractive error but not astigmatism. Thus, patients with astigmatism are unable to see well after surgery without spectacles. A new generation of IOLs called toric IOLs, improve uncorrected visual acuity in eyes with high astigmatism due to a specific lens design. This study aimed to present a practical method of toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation based on a refractive power analyzer system and slit-lamp observation.Material & Methods:This prospective study comprised 30 patients who underwent toric IOL implantation with cataract extraction at the Department of Ophthalmology, National Institute of Ophthalmology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study was conducted from Jan 2021 to Dec 2021. Approval from the local ethical committee was obtained.Results:The study included 45 eyes of 30 patients. The sex distribution of the study patients where the male was 18(60%) and the female was 12(40%). In the age distribution of the study, 5(16.67%) patients were from the 60-69 range, 10(33.33%) patients were from the 70-79 range, and 15(50.00%) patients were from the 80-89 range. The patients’ demographic variables consequently. Changes in visual acuity and refraction are shown in table-4 thorough preoperative and postoperative. Postoperative IOL alignment methods are shown in table-5, the mean±SD of the slit-lamp target was 2.55±2.76 and in the range, of 0.0 to 12.0, the mean±SD of the corneal analyzer target was 2.55±1.98 and range was 0.0 to 11.0, and the mean±SD of the slit-lamp corneal analyzer was 3.27±2.98 and range was 0.0 to 16.0.Conclusions:We studied 2 methods of assessing toric IOL alignment postoperatively and found no significant difference between them. Both were reliable and predictable. In addition, we found that the simple preoperative marking technique we used yielded toric IOL alignment that was as accurate as that obtained with other commonly used techniques and that was within a clinically acceptable level.

Tear film lipid layer thickness measurement from Ocular Surface Analyzer as a marker to monitor treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction in a study comparing physiological detergent-free eyelid wipes with conventional therapy: A randomized trial

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of physiological, non?detergent eyelid wipes with conventional lid hygiene in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: Fifty participants with MGD were recruited and randomized into two groups. Participants in group I used Evolve Pure? Eyewipes twice a day to clean the eyelid debris along with standard therapy (antibiotic and lubricants) and participants in group II followed lid hygiene with warm compresses along with standard therapy. Symptoms, ocular surface assessment (lipid layer thickness, tear meniscus height, non?invasive tear film breakup time, and meibography), slit?lamp biomicroscopy (eyelash contamination, meibomian gland blockage, meibomian gland secretion, and meibomian gland telangiectasia) and tear film osmolarity were noted at baseline and 90 days after therapy. Results: Significant improvement in symptoms and signs of MGD was observed in both groups after treatment (P < 0.001); however, the clinical improvement was better with the use of eyelid wipes. Lipid layer thickness increased significantly in group I (P = 0.0006) and group II (P = 0.0002), which was maintained even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, and severity score of symptoms and signs. Conclusion: Lipid layer thickness of the tear film is a sensitive marker in monitoring response to treatment in patients with MGD. The use of physiological detergent?free eyelid wipes is non?inferior to lid hygiene and warm compresses, which remains the mainstay for treatment of MGD; the clinical improvement with eyelid wipes was noted to be better

Evaluation of Abnormal Hemoglobin Variants and Hemoglobinopathies on D-10 analyzer – An Institutional Experience from North India.

Background: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the most commonly used method for detection and quantitative estimation of hemoglobin variants. Hemoglobinopathies are amongst the most common genetically inherited disorders, however, the exact magnitude of different hemoglobinopathies is obscure in India. This study was done with the aim of analyzing the different findings in HPLC using D-10 analyzer and evaluating the spectrum of different hemoglobin disorders in a hospital-based population of South Delhi. Such a prevalence study would be useful to review the various strategies that can be implemented for effective control and prevention of these disorders. Methods: A hospital based descriptive observational study was conducted in which all OPD and IPD patients who were advised HPLC during their clinical workup were included. Analysis of EDTA blood samples was done by Bio Rad D10 Dual program HPLC instrument. The exact percentage of HbA, HbA2, HbF and any other variant hemoglobin was estimated. Presumptive identification of hemoglobin variants was made primarily by their percentage, retention time (RT) and peak characteristics. HPLC findings were correlated with the clinical history, family history and the CBC and peripheral smear findings in all cases. Results: On HPLC analysis, 79% of the patients had no abnormality detected and the report was within normal limits. The commonest hemoglobinopathy was Beta Thalassemia Trait followed by HbE trait. The other hemoglobinopathies detected were HbD Punjab Heterozygous (3 cases, 0.5%), Beta thalassemia homozygous (3 cases, 0.5%), Sickle cell Heterozygous (2 cases, 0.3%), HbJ Meerut Heterozygous (2 cases, 0.3%). One case each of Sickle cell Homozygous (0.15%), Compound Heterozygous HbS/beta thalassemia trait (0.15%), HbE Homozygous (0.15%), Compound Heterozygous HbE/beta thalassemia trait (0.15%), and Homozygous delta beta thalassemia (0.15%) were also diagnosed. Conclusion: This study gives an important insight to the present day scenario of hemoglobinopathies in patients in South Delhi in relation to the hematological profile. It highlights the chromatogram findings of different hemoglobinopathies on the D10 analyzer. The comprehensive data obtained by such series can help in the formulation and development of infrastructure and policies for hemoglobinopathy prevention, diagnosis and management.

Noninvasive ocular surface analyzer as an adjunct in diagnosis and estimating prevalence of meibomian gland dysfunction: Hospital-based comparative study

Purpose: To assess the role of noninvasive ocular surface analyzer (OSA) in workup of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and to estimate hospital?based prevalence of MGD using this objective device. Methods: The study recruited 113 consecutive participants attending the ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. All participants were administered a symptom questionnaire. Participants underwent a comprehensive ocular examination, including slit?lamp biomicroscopy and meibomian gland expression. Lipid layer thickness (LLT), noninvasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and meibomian gland loss (MGL) were assessed using OSA. The presence of either or both reduced/absent meibum secretion and cloudy to toothpaste?like secretion was diagnosed as MGD. Results: Prevalence of total MGD was 57.52% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 48.3%–66.8%) and that of symptomatic MGD was 42.5% (95% CI: 33.2%–51.7%). Prevalence of total and symptomatic MGD was highest in those aged ?50 years (P < 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). Computer vision syndrome increased the odds of symptomatic MGD (odds ratio [OR]: 4.3). NIBUT and MGL significantly differed in MGD and non?MGD groups (P = 0.023 and P < 0.001, respectively). LLT significantly differed between asymptomatic and symptomatic cases (P = 0.033). MGL >25% increased the odds of having MGD (OR: 19.1). Significant negative correlations were observed between MGL and NIBUT (P = 0.04) and between MGL and LLT (P = 0.02). MGL demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy for MGD (AUC = 0.827, sensitivity = 75.4%, specificity = 85.4%, cut?off value: ?26%). Conclusion: MGD is a common disorder in adults attending the ophthalmology outpatient services of a tertiary eye care hospital. Incorporating noninvasive OSA in clinical practice can aid in rapid and reliable measurements of MGD?related parameters

Method for the detection of human immunoglobulin Fc function based on surface plasmon resonance: preliminary establishment and validation / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To establish a method for detecting human immunoglobulin Fc function based on surface plasmon resonance technology. 【Methods】 Based on the characteristic that FcγRI can be binded to the Fc segment of IgG, the affinity constant of the sample was detected by surface plasmon resonance, and its Fc function was the KD ratio of the sample to the standard. The method was validated for specificity/specificity, precision and robustness. The method and the pharmacopoeia method were used to detect the Fc function of 30 human immunoglobulins, and the correlation and consistency of the detection results were analyzed. 【Results】 The method validation results showed that this method has strong specificity/specificity (t values were 0.15, 0.22, both P>0.05), good precision (CV value 5.37%~10.69%) and good robustness (CV value 10.06%). The detection results of this method and the pharmacopoeia method have high correlation (r=0.96, P<0.05) and high consistency (Bias-2.060, 95% Limits of Agreement-5.628~1.508). 【Conclusion】 A method for detecting human immunoglobulin Fc function based on surface plasmon resonance has been successfully established.

Scientific Characterization of Traditional Softening Method of Corydalis Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveModern scientific methods and techniques were used to scientifically characterize the traditional softening process of Corydalis Rhizoma， so as to clarify the scientificity and rationality of the traditional process， and provide reference for inheriting the processing methods and experience of traditional Chinese medicine. MethodLow-field nuclear magnetic resonance imaging （LF-NMR/MRI） was used to characterize the water types and distribution in the softening process of Corydalis Rhizoma. Samples during the softening process was cut into thick slices and its section was observed by stereoscopic microscope. High performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was employed to determine the content change of tetrahydropalmatine during the softening process with the mobile phase of methanol-0.1% phosphoric acid solution （60∶40， triethylamine regulated to pH 6.5） and detection wavelength at 280 nm. The determination method of softening endpoint of Corydalis Rhizoma was simulated by texture analyzer （hand pinch method）， and the softening degree of the finished products was determined after optimizing the relevant parameters. ResultLF-NMR/MRI showed that the water could penetrate through the core and distribute evenly in Corydalis Rhizoma softened by Zhangbang method. The water first entered into the medicinal material from the epidermis and stem marks in the soaking stage as the form of free water， and then penetrated into the inner core to achieve redistribution in the moistening stage. Under stereoscopic microscope， it was observed that Corydalis Rhizoma softened by the Zhangbang method could be sliced well， but the core bursting slices were easy to appear if the softening time was not enough， and the softening of samples was caused by the keratine-like powder after absorbing water. HPLC measurement showed that the loss of tetrahydropalmatine in the softening method was small， its content decreased about 5% in the soaking process， and its content was almost unchanged during the moistening process. The softening degree of Corydalis Rhizoma could be quantified by the texture analyzer， and the optimum parameters were 2 mm·s-1 of speed before test， test speed and speed after test， 20 g of the trigger force， 20% of compression degree. The compressive force of the qualified softened Corydalis Rhizoma was 12.75-15.69 N with the relative standard deviation （RSD） of 6.8%. ConclusionModern scientific methods and techniques can characterize the scientificity and rationality of the traditional processing methods， and confirm that the Zhangbang softening method has the advantages of high efficiency， convenience and small loss of index components. The texture analyzer can simulate the softening endpoint judgment method （hand pinch method）， and realize the goal from subjective experience judgment to objective technology quantification， which has a good demonstration role for the modern inheritance of traditional processing technology.

Scientific Characterization of Traditional Softening Method of Corydalis Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveModern scientific methods and techniques were used to scientifically characterize the traditional softening process of Corydalis Rhizoma， so as to clarify the scientificity and rationality of the traditional process， and provide reference for inheriting the processing methods and experience of traditional Chinese medicine. MethodLow-field nuclear magnetic resonance imaging （LF-NMR/MRI） was used to characterize the water types and distribution in the softening process of Corydalis Rhizoma. Samples during the softening process was cut into thick slices and its section was observed by stereoscopic microscope. High performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was employed to determine the content change of tetrahydropalmatine during the softening process with the mobile phase of methanol-0.1% phosphoric acid solution （60∶40， triethylamine regulated to pH 6.5） and detection wavelength at 280 nm. The determination method of softening endpoint of Corydalis Rhizoma was simulated by texture analyzer （hand pinch method）， and the softening degree of the finished products was determined after optimizing the relevant parameters. ResultLF-NMR/MRI showed that the water could penetrate through the core and distribute evenly in Corydalis Rhizoma softened by Zhangbang method. The water first entered into the medicinal material from the epidermis and stem marks in the soaking stage as the form of free water， and then penetrated into the inner core to achieve redistribution in the moistening stage. Under stereoscopic microscope， it was observed that Corydalis Rhizoma softened by the Zhangbang method could be sliced well， but the core bursting slices were easy to appear if the softening time was not enough， and the softening of samples was caused by the keratine-like powder after absorbing water. HPLC measurement showed that the loss of tetrahydropalmatine in the softening method was small， its content decreased about 5% in the soaking process， and its content was almost unchanged during the moistening process. The softening degree of Corydalis Rhizoma could be quantified by the texture analyzer， and the optimum parameters were 2 mm·s-1 of speed before test， test speed and speed after test， 20 g of the trigger force， 20% of compression degree. The compressive force of the qualified softened Corydalis Rhizoma was 12.75-15.69 N with the relative standard deviation （RSD） of 6.8%. ConclusionModern scientific methods and techniques can characterize the scientificity and rationality of the traditional processing methods， and confirm that the Zhangbang softening method has the advantages of high efficiency， convenience and small loss of index components. The texture analyzer can simulate the softening endpoint judgment method （hand pinch method）， and realize the goal from subjective experience judgment to objective technology quantification， which has a good demonstration role for the modern inheritance of traditional processing technology.

Research on batch-to-batch quality control of compound Danshen extract based on physical characterization and multivariate statistical analysis / 中国中药杂志

Physical attributes of Chinese herbal extracts are determined by their chemical components, and the physical and chemical attributes jointly affect the preparation process performance and the final product quality. Therefore, in order to improve the quality control of Chinese herbal extracts, we should comprehensively study the batch-to-batch consistency of physical and chemical attributes as well as the correlations between them. This paper first explored the physical attributes affecting the preparation process performance of the compound Danshen extract and developed a method for characterizing the texture attributes. With such main chemical components as water, phenolic acids, saponins, and saccharides and texture, rheology, and other physical attributes taken into consideration, the batch-to-batch quality fluctuation of products from different production lines and time was analyzed by principal components analysis(PCA). Finally, the correlation and partial least squares(PLS) analysis was conducted, and the regression equation was established. The fitting result of the PLS model for dynamic viscosity was satisfying(R~2Y=0.857, Q~2=0.793), suggesting that the chemical components could be adjusted by the component transfer rate in the extraction process, the impurity removal rate in the alcohol precipitation process, and the water retention rate of the concentration process to meet the control of the extract dynamic viscosity. This study clarified the correlations between physical and chemical attributes of the compound Danshen extract and established a method for controlling its physical attributes based on process regulation, which would provide reference for improving the quality control of Chinese herbal extracts.

Study on the relationship between astigmatism and keratoconus by using Pentacam anterior segment analyzer / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM:To study the relationship between astigmatism and keratoconus by using Pentacam anterior segment analyzer.METHODS:Totally 88 patients(93 eyes)with early keratoconus were divided into clinical keratoconus group(43 cases, 46 eyes)and subclinical keratoconus group(45 cases, 47 eyes)according to related standards. Meanwhile, 40 patients(41 eyes)with history of myopia and astigmatism(astigmatism ≥2.0D)were recorded as the control group. The keratoconus index(KI), corneal index of surface variance(ISV)and index of vertical asymmetry(IVA)were determined using Pentacam anterior segment analyzer, and their diagnostic value for keratoconus was analyzed.RESULTS:The parameters of Pentacam anterior segment analyzer were different among the three groups(<i>P</i><0.05). Rmin was the highest, and other parameters were the lowest in the control group. Rmin was lower, and other parameters were higher in the clinical keratoconus group than in the subclinical keratoconus group(<i>P</i><0.05). The area under curve(AUC)values of ISV, KI, IVA, index of highest decentration(IHD), aberration coefficient(ABR), corneal anterior surface maximum keratometry(Kmax), posterior corneal surface elevation(PE), minimun radius of curvature(Rmin)and corneal anterior surface elevation(AE)in the diagnosis of clinical keratoconus were 1, 1, 1, 1, 0.950, 0.919, 0.951, 1 and 0.992, with good sensitivity and specificity. IVA, Rmin, AE, and PE had better sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus. The AUC values were 0.927, 0.923, 0.954, and 0.947, respectively.CONCLUSION:Pentacam anterior segment analysis system has great value in early diagnosis of keratoconus.

Clinical application of OPD-Scan Ⅲ aberration analyzer in evaluating the implantation of trifocal intraocular lens in patients with high myopia complicated with cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To evaluate the visual quality of patients with high myopia complicated with cataract after implantation of trifocal intraocular lens by OPD-Scan Ⅲ aberration analyzer.METHODS: Totally 32 patients(38 eyes)with high myopia complicated with cataract who underwent femtosecond laser assisted cataract phacoemulsification combined with trifocal intraocular lens implantation in Foshan Aier Eye Hospital from June 2018 to December 2020 were selected. Uncorrected distance visual acuity(UCDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity(UCIVA)and uncorrected near visual acuity(UCNVA)were compared before, and 1wk, 3mo after surgery; OPD-Scan Ⅲ aberration analyzer measured objective visual quality before, and 1wk and 3mo after surgery. RESULTS: There were significant differences in UCDVA, UCIVA and UCNVA before, and 1wk, 3mo after operation(<i>P</i><0.05). The average orientation and centration distance was 0.12(0.08-0.15)mm and the average axial was(212.68±90.45)°in 3mo postoperative. There were significant differences in spherical aberration(<i>P</i><0.05), Strehl ratio(SR)and area ratio(AR)before, and 1wk, 3mo after operation(<i>P</i><0.001). In comparison, SR at 1wk and 3mo postoperative was higher than that before operation, whereas AR in 1wk and 3mo postoperative were both higher than that before operation(all <i>P</i><0.001). There was a negative correlation between SR and spherical aberration at 3mo postoperative(<i>rs</i>=-0.420, <i>P</i><0.01); There was a negative correlation between SR and trefoil at 3mo postoperative(<i>rs</i>= -0.418, <i>P</i><0.01); There was a negative correlation between AR and trefoil at 3mo postoperative(<i>rs</i>=-0.400, <i>P</i><0.05).CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery combined with trifocal intraocular lens implantation can provide a comfortable and natural full-range vision. The orientation and centricity of trifocal intraocular lens using OPD-Scan Ⅲ has shown that there was a good reliability and consistency. The vision quality using OPD-Scan Ⅲ is satisfactory.

Effect of Yangxue Runmu formula combined with sodium hyaluronate on dry eye after cataract surgery evaluated by ocular surface analyzer / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM:To evaluate the effect of Yangxue Runmu formula combined with sodium hyaluronate on dry eye after cataract surgery by ocular surface analyzer.<p>METHODS: Totally 80 patients with dry eye after cataract surgery in our hospital from June 2019 to December 2020 were selected and divided into control group and observation group by random number table method, 40 cases in each group. The control group was treated with sodium hyaluronate eye drops, and the observation group was treated with Yangxue Runmu formula combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops. The index levels of ocular surface analyzer and fluorescein staining(FL)score were compared between the two groups.<p>RESULTS: After treatment, the wet length of tear film, first non-invasive tear break-up time(NIBUTf), average non-invasive tear break-up time(NIBUTav)and tear meniscus height(LTMH)in the two groups were markedly higher than those before treatment(all <i>P</i><0.01), and the observation group were markedly higher than those in the control group(<i>P</i><0.05); after treatment, the conjunctival hyperemia score, meibomian gland loss score, FL score in the two groups were markedly lower than those before treatment(all <i>P</i><0.01), and the observation group were markedly lower than those in the control group(all <i>P</i><0.01); there were no obvious adverse reactions in the two groups. <p>CONCLUSION: Through the evaluation and analysis of ocular surface analyzer, Yangxue Runmu formula combined with sodium hyaluronate can effectively improve the ocular surface function of patients after cataract surgery, and has good safety.

Evaluation of the consistency of four hematology systems / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To provide consistent data basis for the application of reference intervals for children blood cell analysis in different testing systems.Methods:According to the requirements of American Institute for Clinical and Laboratory Standardization (CLSI) EP9-A3 document, 45 samples were collected and Sysmex XN20-A1 were used as reference system. Beckman DxH800, Siemens ADVIA 2120i, and Mindray BC5310 were comparison systems. Complete blood count and leukocyte classification were performed by four systems. The outliers of the detection results were tested by the generalized extreme student deviate (ESD) method. An optimal regression model was selected by scatter diagram, deviation diagram and frequency distribution diagram, which was used to fit the regression equation and calculate the deviation at the medical decision level and reference interval. The acceptable range for blood count deviation was cited from the Analytical Quality Specifications for Routine Tests in Clinical Hematology. The acceptable range for leukocyte classification was based on the EQA program of Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).Results:After the outliers were deleted, the scatter plot showed a linear relationship between the reference system and the three comparison systems. The deviation plot showed that the differences were variable. Deming regression or Passing-Bablok regression was selected according to the data distribution. The determination coefficient R2 of reference system and three comparison systems ranged from 0.95 to 0.99 in blood count and leukocyte classification. At the upper and lower limits of the reference interval, the deviations between XN-20A1 and ADVIA 2120 system were all acceptable, except for MONO# at 0.12×10 9/L. The deviations of all parameters at medical decision level were within acceptable ranges. The lower limit of PLT is partially unacceptable at the level of medical decision related to treatment and prognosis. Conclusions:The results of complete blood count and leukocyte classification in reference system and the comparison system had good consistency within the children′s reference interval. Our study provided a scientific basis for the feasibility of adopting a unified reference interval for different detection systems.