First Principles Study of the Photoelectric Properties of Alkaline Earth Metal (Be/Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba)-Doped Monolayers of MoS2.

The energy band structure, density of states, and optical properties of monolayers of MoS2 doped with alkaline earth metals (Be/Mg/Ca/Sr/Ba) are systematically studied based on first principles. The results indicate that all the doped systems have a great potential to be formed and structurally stable. In comparison to monolayer MoS2, doping alkaline earth metals results in lattice distortions in the doped system. Therefore, the recombination of photogenerated hole-electron pairs is suppressed effectively. Simultaneously, the introduction of dopants reduces the band gap of the systems while creating impurity levels. Hence, the likelihood of electron transfer from the valence to the conduction band is enhanced, which means a reduction in the energy required for such a transfer. Moreover, doping monolayer MoS2 with alkaline earth metals increases the static dielectric constant and enhances its polarizability. Notably, the Sr-MoS2 system exhibits the highest value of static permittivity, demonstrating the strongest polarization capability. The doped systems exhibit a red-shifted absorption spectrum in the low-energy region. Consequently, the Be/Mg/Ca-MoS2 systems demonstrate superior visible absorption properties and a favorable band gap, indicating their potential as photo-catalysts for water splitting.

Stabilization of Essential Oil: Polysaccharide-Based Drug Delivery System with Plant-like Structure Based on Biomimetic Concept.

Essential oils (EOs) have stability problems, including volatility, oxidation, photosensitivity, heat sensitivity, humidity sensitivity, pH sensitivity, and ion sensitivity. A drug delivery system is an effective way to stabilize EOs, especially due to the protective effect of polymeric drug carriers. Polysaccharides are frequently employed as drug carrier materials because they are highly safe, come in a variety of forms, and have plentiful sources. Interestingly, the EO drug delivery system is based on the biomimetic concept since it corresponds to the structure of plant tissue. In this paper, we associate the biomimetic plant-like structures of the EO drug delivery system with the natural forms of EO in plant tissues, and summarize the characteristics of polysaccharide-based drug carriers for EO protection. Thus, we highlight the research progress on polysaccharides and their modified materials, including gum arabic, starch, cellulose, chitosan, sodium alginate, pectin, and pullulan, and their use as biomimetic drug carriers for EO preparations due to their abilities and potential for EO protection.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of different surgical procedures for patients with hemorrhoids: a network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study used a network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches in patients with hemorrhoids. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials on patients with hemorrhoids treated by different surgical procedures. The search was conducted until January 15, 2023. Two investigators independently screened the resulting literature, extracted information, evaluated the risk of bias of the included studies, and performed a network meta-analysis. RESULT: A total of 23 randomized controlled studies were included and involved 3573 patients and 10 interventions, namely L (Ligasure), M-M (Milligan-Morgan), F (Ferguson), H (Harmonic), OH (open Harmonic), CH (closed Harmonic), PPH (procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids), TST (tissue selecting technique), T-S (TST STARE+; tissue selection therapy stapled transanal rectal resection plus), and STARR (stapled transanal rectal resection). Network meta-analysis results showed that L has the shortest mean operating time and STARR has the longest mean operating time, F and H have the longest length of hospitalization and T-S has the shortest length of hospitalization, PPH has the most intraoperative blood loss and L has the least intraoperative blood loss, TST has the shortest time to first defecation and M-M has the longest time to first defecation, STARR had the least recurrence and PPH had the most recurrence, PPH had the least anal stenosis and L had the most anal stenosis, and F had the least postoperative pain after 24 h and PPH had the most postoperative pain after 24 h. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that L is best at reducing mean operative time and intraoperative bleeding, T-S is best at reducing mean length of stay, TST has the shortest time to first defecation, STARR is best at reducing recurrence rates, PPH is best at reducing postoperative anal stricture, and F is best at reducing postoperative pain after 24 h.

Comprehensive Analysis of 34 Edible Flowers by the Determination of Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Capacity Planted in Yunnan Province China.

The main purpose of this study was to reveal the nutritional value and antioxidant activity of 34 edible flowers that grew in Yunnan Province, China, through a comprehensive assessment of their nutritional composition and antioxidant indices. The results showed that sample A3 of Asteraceae flowers had the highest total flavonoid content, with a value of 8.53%, and the maximum contents of vitamin C and reducing sugars were from Rosaceae sample R1 and Gentianaceae sample G3, with values of 143.80 mg/100 g and 7.82%, respectively. Samples R2 and R3 of Rosaceae were the top two flowers in terms of comprehensive nutritional quality. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of Rosaceae samples was evidently better than that of three others, in which Sample R1 had the maximum values in hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenging and superoxide anion radical (·O2-) scavenging rates, and samples R2 and R3 showed a high total antioxidant capacity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-pyridylhydrazine (DPPH) scavenging rate, respectively. Taken together, there were significant differences in the nutrient contents and antioxidant properties of these 34 flowers, and the comprehensive quality of Rosaceae samples was generally better than the other three families. This study provides references for 34 edible flowers to be used as dietary supplements and important sources of natural antioxidants.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

BACKGROUND: The number of HIV-positive pregnant women accounted for about 10% of China's total over the past few years in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan province in China. Although cost-effectiveness of the PMTCT of HIV have been evaluated in other previous studies, no specific study has been conducted in Liangshan prefecture, nor has the expenses paid individually by HIV-positive pregnant women been included. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the short-term and long-term cost-effectiveness of PMTCT of HIV in Liangshan Prefecture from the social perspective. METHODS: From December 2018 to January 2019, individual expenses and the other costs were collected: individual expenses of 133 recruited HIV-positive pregnant women registered in the National Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis, and HBV, and the other costs from local maternal and child healthcare hospitals, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and general hospitals. The costs, the number of pediatric infections averted from being HIV infected were analyzed. And, Life years gained by pediatric infections averted were calculated by using a life table. Besides, Direct benefit was calculated through a Markov mode. Furthermore, One-way sensitivity analysis was conducted for key variables affecting the benefit-cost ratio. RESULTS: The estimated number of pediatric infections averted was 164.The total cost was USD 114.1 million, including direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs, which were USD 54.2 million, USD 53.4 million, and USD 6.5 million, respectively. 630.6 person-years discounted to 2017 were gained at a 3% annual rate, and cost per life year gained was USD 1809.50. Direct benefits were USD 198.4 million, indirect benefits USD 82.5 million, and the benefit-cost ratio was 1.5. The sensitivity analysis showed that if PMTCT costs hypothetically ranged from USD 85.6 million to USD 142.6 million, benefit-cost ratio would vary from 1.0 to 2.3. CONCLUSIONS: PMTCT of HIV in Liangshan Prefecture was very cost-effective. It was a great economic burden of PMTCT on HIV-positive pregnant women and their families to take individual expenses. Therefore, it could be suggested that individual expenses should be covered as much as possible by different types of financing.

Drug metabolism-related eight-gene signature can predict the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic abnormalities in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma lead to drug resistance and poor prognosis. Therefore, this study aimed to explore biomarkers that can predict the prognostic risk of gastric adenocarcinoma by analyzing drug metabolism-related genes. METHODS: The RNA-seq and clinical information on gastric adenocarcinoma were downloaded from the UCSC and gene expression omnibus databases. Univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analyses were used to identify the prognostic gene signature of gastric adenocarcinoma. The relationships between gastric adenocarcinoma prognostic risk and tumor microenvironment were assessed using CIBERSORT, EPIC, QUANTISEQ, MCPCounter, xCell, and TIMER algorithms. The potential drugs that could target the gene signatures were predicted in WebGestalt, and molecular docking analysis verified their binding stabilities. RESULTS: Combined with clinical information, an eight-gene signature, including GPX3, ABCA1, NNMT, NOS3, SLCO4A1, ADH4, DHRS7, and TAP1, was identified from the drug metabolism-related gene set. Based on their expressions, risk scores were calculated, and patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups, which had significant differences in survival status and immune infiltrations. Risk group was also identified as an independent prognostic factor of gastric adenocarcinoma, and the established prognostic and nomogram models exhibited excellent capacities for predicting prognosis. Finally, miconazole and niacin were predicted as potential therapeutic drugs for gastric adenocarcinoma that bond stably with NOS3 and NNMT through hydrogen interactions. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposed a drug metabolism-related eight-gene signature as a potential biomarker to predict the gastric adenocarcinoma prognosis risks.

Progress of clinical study on hypofractionated radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery.

Whole-breast radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) can improve patient survival while reducing local tumor recurrence. Although standard breast radiotherapy can achieve good tumor control and cosmetic effects with low toxicity, the 5- to 7-week treatment time is relatively long for patients and can result in wasted medical resources. Therefore, there is a growing trend toward hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT), which accelerates partial-breast irradiation. Both short-course radiotherapy and conventional fractionated radiotherapy are safe and effective treatment modes, with similar survival and local tumor control effects as those of conventional radiotherapy (CRT), and adverse reactions can be tolerated. Compared with conventional fractionated radiotherapy, short-course radiotherapy saves medical resources and has a shorter total treatment time, reduced treatment costs, and an improved quality of life for patients.

Correlation between intracoronary thrombus components and coronary blood flow after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction at different onset time.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a leading cause of mortality. Early reperfusion to restore blood flow is crucial to successful treatment. In the current reperfusion regimen, an increasing number of patients have benefited from direct percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In order to understand whether there is a correlation between the components of coronary thrombosis and the absence of reflow or slow blood flow after coronary stent implantation in direct PCI, we collected data on direct PCI cases in our hospital between January 2016 and November 2018. AIM: To investigate the correlation between intracoronary thrombus components and coronary blood flow after stent implantation in direct PCI in AMI. METHODS: We enrolled 154 patients (85 male and 69 female, aged 36-81 years) with direct PCI who underwent thrombus catheter aspiration within < 3, 3-6 or 6-12 h of onset of AMI between January 2016 and November 2018. The thrombus was removed for pathological examination under a microscope. The patients of the three groups according to the onset time of AMI were further divided into those with a white or red thrombus. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) blood flow after stent implantation was recorded based on digital subtraction angiography during PCI. The number of patients with no-reflow and slow blood flow in each group was counted. Statistical analysis was performed based on data such as onset time, TIMI blood flow. RESULTS: There were significant differences in thrombus components between the patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (P < 0.01). In the group with PCI < 3 h after onset of AMI, there was no significant difference in the incidence of no-reflow and slow-flow between the white and red thrombus groups. In the groups with PCI 3-6 and 6-12 h after onset of AMI, there was a significant difference in the incidence of no-reflow and slow-flow between the white and red thrombus groups (P < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the onset time of AMI and the occurrences of no-reflow and slow blood flow during PCI (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In direct PCI, the onset time of AMI and color of coronary thrombus are often used to predict whether there will be no reflow or slow blood flow after stent implantation.

[Determination of flavonoids constituents in epimedium total flavone capsule and research on its anti-osteoporosis activity].

To develop a rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) method for the simultaneous determination of epimedoside A, epimedin A1, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariin, baohuosideⅡ, icarisideⅠ, sagittatoside B, 2"-O-rhamnosyl icarisideⅡ, and baohuosideⅠin epimedium total flavone capsule. At the same time, the effects of the above 11 compounds on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells were investigated by detecting the content of alkaline phosphatase (AKP). The results showed that baohuoside Ⅱ had the highest activities, and both the activities of baohuoside Ⅱ and icariside Ⅰ were stronger than those of icariin.In this study, the content determination method of flavonoid glycosides was established, and the anti-osteoporosis effect of monomers was compared, providing technical support for the study of the pharmacodynamic and mechanism of Epimedium total flavone capsule.

[Effect of Qingfei Quyu Decoction in Prevention of Radiation Pneumonitis Induced by Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Carcinoma Patients].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Qingfei Quyu Decoction (QQD) in preventing radiation pneumonitis in esophageal carcinoma patients by concurrent using it with chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with mid-late stage esophageal carcinoma were randomly assigned to the treatment group (60 cases) and the control group (60 cases). All patients received concurrent radiochemotherapy. Patients in the treatment group additionally took QQD, one dose per day for 8 successive weeks. The incidence of radiation pneunonitis was compared between the two groups. The improvement rates of short-term benefit rate, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS), and body weight (BW) improvement rate were calculated between the two groups. The 1-and 2-year overall survival rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The incidence of radiation pneunonitis was 8.93% (15/56) in the treatment group and 18.64% (11/59) in the control group (P < 0.05). The short-term benefit rate was 92.86% (52/56) in the treatment group and 69.49% (41/59) in the control group (P < 0.05). Besides, the KPS and BW improvement rate were higher in the treatment group [89.29% (50/56) and 83.05% (49/59) ] than in the control group [80.36% (45/56) and 66.10% (39/59)] (P < 0.05). The 1-and 2-year overall survival rate were 66.07% and 35.71% in the treatment group, higher than those of the control group (61.02% and 30.51%; P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Concurrent using QQD with chemoradiotherapy for treating esophageal carcinoma patients could lower the incidence of radiation pneumonitis, attenuate the degree of radiation induced lung injury, improve clinical benefit rate, and elevate their QOL.

[Optimization of flash-type extraction technology of alisol B 23-acetate from Alismatis Rhizoma by response surface methodology].

Response surface methodology was used to optimize and obtain the optimal flash-type extraction technology of alisol B 23-acetate from Alismatis Rhizoma. With the extraction rate of alisol B 23-acetate as an indicator, single-factor test was used to investigate the effect of ethanol volume fraction, liquid-solid ratio, extraction times and extracting time on the extraction rate of alisol B 23-acetate.The results were combined with Box-Benhnken design and response surface analysis to optimize the technology parameters for extraction process of Alismatis Rhizoma and obtain the optimal flash-type extraction technology under the following conditions： ethanol volume fraction 80%, liquid-solid ratio 12∶1, extraction 4 times, 114 s/time. Flash-type extraction technology of alisol B 23-acetate by response surface methodology is stable, time-saving, efficient, and with the advantages of room temperature extraction and no component damage, so it can be used for massive production.

Metal-free [3 + 2 + 1]/[2 + 2 + 1] biscyclization: stereospecific construction with concomitant functionalization of indolizin-5(1H)-one.

A metal-free [3 + 2 + 1]/[2 + 2 + 1] biscyclization strategy has been developed for the stereospecific construction with concomitant derivation of biologically significant indolizin-5(1H)-ones from simple and commercial starting materials. The transformations are notable because they can yield five new σ bonds and six stereocenters including a quaternary carbon center in a single operation.

A one-pot multicomponent strategy for stereospecific construction of tricyclic pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines.

A novel multicomponent strategy for the efficient synthesis of tricyclic pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines has been described. The bond-forming efficiency, accessibility and generality of this synthesis make it highly attractive to assemble tri-heterocyclic scaffolds.

[Effects of radiofrequency thermocoagulation on trigeminal ganglions in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To study the histological effects of different temperatures and durations of radiofrequency on the trigeminal ganglions in rabbits. METHODS: Trigeminal ganglions of 80 rabbits were treated by R-2000B RF thermocoagulation at 60, 70, 80°C respectively and the thermal electrode of 50 mm long and 0.4 mm in diameter. The treaded trigeminal ganglions were removed for HE (hematoxylin & eosin) dying at Days 1, 7, 14 and 28. And the expressions of neurofilament protein (NF200), acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) and muscarinic receptors (M-receptor) were observed after an immunohistochemical detection of HE positive samples. RESULTS: The positive manifestations of HE were degeneration of trigeminal ganglionic cells, the distribution of nerve fibers and a loss of myelinic membrane. The positive features of immunohistochemistry were as follows: NF200: dark yellow-brown particles within cytoplasm of ganglionic cells and nerve fibers cells; ACHE: deep yellow-brown particles within cytoplasm of ganglion cells and nerve fibers cells; M-receptor: yellow-brown particles within cytoplasm of ganglionic cells and nerve fibers cells. The expressions of NF200, ACHE and M-receptor increased while the temperature and radio frequency time remained constant. There was no significant difference between the expression rates of NF200, ACHE, M receptor at the same temperature for 1 and 3 minutes (P > 0.05). When treated for the same time, the expressions of NF200, ACHE and M receptor decreased more significantly at 70°C versus 60°C (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between 70°C and 80°C (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: 70°C may be a suitable temperature at which radiofrequency causes the greatest harm to trigeminal ganglions so that nerve activity decreases significantly.

[Expression of inflammatory cytokines in a mouse model of keratomycosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression, contribution and regulation of predominant inflammatory cytokines in the inflammation process of in a mouse model of keratomycosis. METHODS: It was an experimental study. Two hundred forty inbred BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups (injury control group, F. solani infected group, A. fumigatus infected group and C. albicans infected group) and establishment fungal keratitis was performed. At 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after infection, the photographs of their corneas were taken using the slit lamp and the digital camera system. The presence of inflammatory cells and fungal hyphae were observed by HE and PAS staining. Four inflammatory cytokines in infectious corneas, including MIP-2, KC, IL-1ß, and IL-6, were detected respectively for expression of mRNA and protein levels, using RT-PCR and ELISA. One-way ANOVA was used to test the comparisons of the clinical scoring, RT-PCR, and ELISA, and LSD was used to test multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The course and inflammatory reaction of corneal tissue in all infected group increased at day 3 and 5 and gradually decreased after day 7 with time. The RT-PCR results showed, the mRNA expression levels of MIP-2 and IL-1ß were the highest in A. fumigatus infected group, and the expression levels of KC was the highest in C. albicans infected group. Additionally, the expression levels of IL-6 were found to be the highest in F. solani infected group. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1ß and KC in each experimental group were higher than those of IL-6 and MIP-2. The peak expression levels of MIP-2, KC, and IL-1ß occurred at day 5, day 1, and day 3 in F. solani infected group, A. fumigatus infected group and C. albicans infected group, respectively. However, the peak expression level of IL-6 occurred at day 1 and 7, day 1 and 7, and day 1 and 5 in the F. solani, A. fumigatus, and C. albicans groups, respectively. The difference of mRNA expression of each cytokine had statistically significant between each groups (MIP-2: F = 1675.339, P < 0.01; KC: F = 730.267, P < 0.01; IL-1ß: F = 297.106, P < 0.01; IL-6: F = 174.513, P < 0.01). The protein expression levels of the four cytokines in the infected groups from high to low in turn were IL-1ß, MIP-2, KC and IL-6. The trend of protein expression of the four cytokines at each time point was the same as the cytokine mRNA expression in different experimental groups as well as within the same group. The difference of protein expression of each cytokine had statistically significant between each groups (MIP-2: F = 2871.736, P < 0.01; KC:F = 886.598, P < 0.01; IL-1ß: F = 3595.488, P < 0.01; IL-6: F = 89.225, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The expression levels of MIP-2, KC and IL-1ß are closely related to the performance of the disease severity and inflammatory reaction of FK. The expression of MIP-2 and IL-1ß may play important role in the pathogenesis of FK.

Inhibition of tumors cell growth in osteosarcoma-bearing SD rats through a combination of conventional and metronomic scheduling of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

AIM: To investigate whether a combination of conventional and metronomic scheduling of chemotherapy could enhance and extend the effectiveness of chemotherapy against osteosarcoma. METHODS: A total of 110 osteosarcoma-bearing SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, three of which were given conventional, metronomic or combination scheduling of chemotherapy, and the remaining one served as a control. Tumor volumes were measured every week during the treatment period of 8 weeks. At the end of treatment, tumors were removed from the rats and weighed. Expression of VEGFA in tumors was determined using Western blot assays. RESULTS: As indicated by the tumor volume, conventional and metronomic schedules showed similar trends in tumor growth curves, and both of them lost their inhibitory effect in the sixth week, whereas the combination schedule maintained effectiveness until the end of treatment. Statistical significance with tumor volumes and weights was found among the groups (P<0.001), with combination scheduling being the most effective (P<0.001). Western blot indicated that all the therapy groups had significantly decreased expression of VEGFA (P<0.01), and the combination scheduling group had the lowest VEGFA expression. CONCLUSION: Combination of conventional and metronomic scheduling of chemotherapy could be a promising treatment for osteosarcoma. Antiangiogenesis contributed to the effect of combination scheduling.

[Expression of mouse telomerase reverse transcription in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To establish oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization in mice and to detect the expression of mTERT in mice. METHODS: It was an experimental study Establishment of oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization in mice. Thirty-two 7-day-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into oxygen-induced retinopathy group and control group without restriction of gender. In oxygen-induced retinopathy group, 16 mice were exposed to 75% +/- 2% oxygen for 5 days and then to room air; In control group, 16 mice were raised in room air. Observation of the retinal neovascularization. On the postnatal day 19, The mice's vena caudalis were perfused with 2% Evens blue solution. Eyeballs were enucleated and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for half an hour. Then the retina was separated and flat-mounted on the slide. The morphologic changes of retinal vessel were observed and captured under fluorescence microscope. Histological observation and vascular endothelial cells counting. The eyeballs were enucleated and then fixed. After paraffin imbedding, 4 microm serial slices, hematoxylin-eosin staining, select one section every 60 microm to count the endothelial cell nucleus that break through the inner limiting membrane. Expression of mTERT mRNA were confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the each group, the retina were all carefully dissected on the postnatal day 19. The total RNA was isolated and cDNA was synthesized before RT-PCR was performed. The PCR products were separated by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis and photographed. Expression of mTERT mRNA were confirmed by Real-time PCR The total RNA was isolated and cDNA was synthesized (The same procedure as RT-PCR). Fluorescent real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction system (total 20 microl) was made. The Fluorescent signals were detected at 60 degrees C. The expression of mTERT were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. At P19, 4 microm cross sections were made in the hyperoxia-exposed and normal retinas. Sections were incubated with rabbit anti-Human/Mouse/Rat Telomerase 60 minutes at 37 degrees C. Anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G, depending on the primary antibody, was used as a secondary antibody for 30 min. Peroxidase activity was detected with the substrate diaminobenzidine. Permanent slides were covered with a 1.5 mm thick cover slip, examined using a light microscope and photographed. RESULTS: The central retina was nonperfused region at P12. The most of the central retina showed almost no perfusion and the radial vessels appeared tortuous and dilated at P14. Retinal neovascularization occurred at maximum between postnatal day 17 and postnatal day 19. Paraffin tissue slice with hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that in the control group the average counts of vascular endothelial cells which break through the inner limiting membrane were hardly seen, but in hyperoxia group were noticeably more than in the control group. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results: the mRNA of mTERT and bFGF in the retinopathy group were higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Real-time PCR results: the expression of mTERT mRNA in the retinopathy group was noticeably higher than in the control group (F = 173.104, P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that mTERT protein were positive in the retinal neovascularization of the hyperoxia group, but were negative in the retinal vessel of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase reverse transcription and angiogenic correlation factors were up-regulated in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, which may have therapeutic potential in the treatment with the neovascularization in retinopathy.

[Preliminary study on the use of DNA suspension array for the identification of corneal pathogenic fungi].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multiplex, microsphere-based DNA suspension array for the identification of important pathogenic fungi of cornea and to study the feasibility of its application in the clinical diagnosis of fungal keratitis. METHODS: Fusarium solani, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus, which covered about 80% of pathogenic fungi of fungal keratitis, were chosen as target species of this study. Five species-specific capture probes were designed in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal DNA and synthesized with 5' amino modifier C12 to covalently bind to different sets of fluorescent beads. Biotinylated amplicons of 5 reference strains and 42 clinical strains were generated with a pair of universal primers to yield fragments for detection. Comparison between single species detection and multiplex detection were designed, as well as detection between array and agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). Spearman rank correlation analysis and t test were applied to evaluate the specificity, sensibility and reproducibility of suspension array. RESULTS: Five reference strains and 40 of 42 (95.2%) clinical strains were correctly identified within 3 h post-PCR amplification while 2 other clinical strains were not identified because of their high background fluorescence intensity. Positive S/B ranged from 5.6 to 13.3. There was no significant difference between respective detection and mixed detection of 5 species (t = 0.2524, P = 0.8132). The sensitivity limit for this assay was determined to be 0.94 ng PCR products. The MFI presented positive correlation with amount of PCR products (r(s) = 1.0000, P < 0.01). Coefficient variation of four repeated detections was 1.8% - 13.7%. CONCLUSION: The suspension array is a rapid, sensitive and specific method for the identification of the most important species of corneal pathogenic fungi and might be used in the clinical laboratories.

[Experimental study of low molecular weight heparin drug delivery system for prevention of posterior capsular opacification in rabbit eyes].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin drug delivery system (LMWH DDS) for prevention of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) in rabbit eyes. METHODS: (1) To prepare the LMWH DDS by freeze-drying way with Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) as the carrier, and evaluate its release properties in vitro. (2) Fifty New Zealand albino rabbits (50 eyes) undergoing phacoemulsification were equally divided into five groups: receiving normal saline eye drops (group A), 3 different dose (1 mg, 0.5 mg and 0.25 mg) of LMWH DDS respectively implanted into the posterior chamber (group B, C and D), and a carrier DDS implanted into the posterior chamber (group E). All the 50 eyes were examined by slit-lamp microscopy. The low-molecular-weight heparin levels in aqueous humor were measured, and the wet posterior capsules were weighed. RESULTS: The LMWH DDS prepared with a freeze-dried way has high encapsulation efficiency, and the equation of 49-day release curve fitting in vitro were were similar to zero order. The fibrin exudation in group B, C and D were lower than in Group A and E during the first postoperative day. There were 10, 2, 3, 9 and 10 eyes that developing PCO in the group A, B, C, D and E, respectively. The mean wet-weight of the posterior capsule were (114.59 +/- 14.58) mg, (24.14 +/- 6.08) mg, (39.23 +/- 17.13) mg, (99.35 +/- 29.37) mg, (115.29 +/- 19.87) mg respectively in 5 trial groups. There were stable and high concentration of low molecular weight heparin in aqueous of group B and C during the 4 weeks (> 20 mg/L), while a instable and lower concentrations in group D. The result of optical microscopy and electron microscopy examination indicated that fibroblast proliferation was quite active in groups A, D and E, but inactive in group B and C. Neither infiltration of inflammatory cells at the cornea, iris, trabecular meshwork and ciliary body nor retinal degeneration or necrosis was found in any group at 12 weeks. There was no intraocular bleeding in all the five groups in the following 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The LMWH DDS prepared by freeze-drying way with PLGA as the carrier has good slow-release and biological tolerance. Implantation of LMWH DDS into the posterior chamber of experimental animals can significantly reduce postoperative fibrin exudation, and can safe and effective prevent the occurrence of PCO, and also there were some dose-effect relationship.

[TERT-siRNA inhibits oxygen-induced retinal neovascularization in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TERT on murine retinal neovascularization and explore the feasibility of potential therapeutic approach in retinal vascular disease. METHODS: Two recombinant plasmids TERT siRNA (pSIREN-mTERT-1) and negative plasmid (pSIREN-mTERT-N) were constructed and 80 seven-day-old C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into therapeutic group (A), negative plasmid group (B), oxygen-induced retinopathy group (C) and normal control group (D), 20 mice in each group. Group A, B and C were exposed to 75% +/- 2% oxygen for 5 days and then to room air, which induced mice retinal neovascularization. Groups A and B were injected two kinds of the above recombinant plasmid into the murine vitreous on the 12th day. The mice of group D were raised in normal oxygen circumstance. On the 19th day, 2% Evens blue angiography was used to observe the pattern of the retinal vascular. Expression of TERT mRNA were confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Real-time PCR. Histological observation and vascular endothelial cells counting were used to examine the effects of siRNA on the retinal neovascularization. RESULTS: Retinal flat after Evans blue angiography indicated that the vessels of group A formed a fine radial branching pattern, which was similar to normal mice. In group A, the retinal neovascularization reduced and the structure of retina were more regular than group B and C. At the same time the large vessels were distorted, neovascular clusters proliferated and fluorescence leaked in the middle and periphery area in group B and C. RT-PCR and Real-time PCR showed the expression of TERT mRNA was downregulated in group A compared with groups B and C (P < 0.05). Paraffin tissue slice with hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the average counts of vascular endothelial cells which break through the inner limiting membrane in group A were less than groups B and C, the differences were significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pathologic retinal neovascularization can be inhibited by specific TERT siRNA in vivo, which may be a novel efficient strategy against proliferative vasculopathies.