Fabrication of hollow PbS nanospheres and application in phenol release.

This article demonstrates a versatile method to prepare the hollow PbS nanospheres via the template method. First, the latex poly (vinyl benzyl chloride) (PVBC) nanoparticles were synthesized by the radical polymerization, followed by the atom transfer reversible polymerization of lead (II) dimethacrylate (Pb (MA)2) on the surfaces of the latex nanoparticles. Then, the ethanethioamide was reacted with the nanoparticles to afford the PbS. By calcination at 600°C for 6 h, the template was removed to obtain the hollow PbS nanospheres. The structure, morphology and optical properties of the hollow PbS nanospheres were carefully investigated. The received hollow PbS nanospheres could be used for the controlled release of phenol after absorbing phenol solution.

Prevalence of blindness and low vision in a rural population in northern China: preliminary results from a population-based survey.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of visual impairment in a rural northern Chinese population. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was conducted in 2010 in Ci County, Hebei Province in northern China. Residents aged 7 years and older in Lucunying Town, located within Ci County, underwent presenting visual acuity (VA) testing at home; those with presenting VA <20/60 were invited to participate in further examination at the local hospital. Population-weighted prevalences of blindness and low vision were determined according to World Health Organization definitions. RESULTS: Among the 24,539 residents aged older than 7 years, 20,298 (82.7%) participated in the study, and 20,072 (98.9%) of these had valid VA data. The population-weighted prevalence rates of presenting bilateral blindness and bilateral low vision were 0.3% and 2.4% for the entire population, 0% and 0.5% for residents 7-39 years of age, and 0.8% and 6.4% for residents 40 years and older, respectively. Based on best-corrected VA, the corresponding prevalence rates of bilateral blindness and bilateral low vision were 0.2% and 1.4% for the entire population, 0% and 0.1% for residents 7-39 years, and 0.6% and 4.0% for residents 40 years and older, respectively. Prevalence rates of blindness and low vision were generally higher among women than men. Blindness and low vision increased with age among residents 40 years and older. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the need for eye healthcare services for visual impairment in rural China.

Inequities in Cataract Surgery and Postsurgical Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Handan, China.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the rate of cataract surgical coverage (CSC) and the quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes after cataract surgery in rural China. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A clustered, random sampling procedure was used to select 7557 Chinese patients aged 30 years and older from Handan, China. Comprehensive eye examinations, including standardized refraction and classification of lens characteristics, were offered to all eligible subjects. Visual impairment was defined as any individual with presenting visual acuity of less than 20/60 in the better-seeing eye. The main outcome measures were CSC rate and a summary measure assessing QoL in visually impaired (VI) participants. RESULTS: Of 5592 participants older than 40 years, there were 41 cataract patients operated on and 54 VI cataract patients not operated on. The CSC rate among individuals with VI was 43.2%. Older age was significantly negatively associated with a history of cataract surgery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.44 per 10-year increase in age; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.74). Women were less likely to have had cataract surgery compared with men, although not significantly (adjusted odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-1.12). The QoL summary measure was significantly better in the cataract group operated on than that not operated on (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a large unmet need for cataract surgery in rural Handan, China. Those who had surgery were more likely to have better QoL outcomes than those who did not. There is a potential need to promote cataract surgery and develop age- and sex-sensitive interventions in rural China.

[Physical exercise and intraocular pressure].

In the 1960s, it had been observed that physical exercises could reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. However, the effect of IOP reduction varied with exercise type and intensity, as well as the duration after exercise. Difference of lowering the IOP in glaucoma patients and healthy people were also observed. The mechanisms of reducing the IOP by exercise were very complicated and believed to be associated with the lower concentration of norepinephrine, the rising of colloid osmotic pressure, the co-action of nitric oxide and endothelin after exercise, and also related to the gene polymorphism of ß2-adrenergic receptor. Physical exercise, such as jogging, walking and bicycle riding, could be suggested as a complimentary therapy in addition to the pharmaceutical and surgical therapies available for glaucoma patients, even though the mechanism for lowering IOP is not clear enough.

Long-term intraocular pressure fluctuation of primary angle closure disease following laser peripheral iridotomy/iridoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Many studies indicated that short-term and long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations in primary open angle glaucoma patients might lead to glaucomatous progression. However, seldom study has evaluated the long-term fluctuation of IOP in primary chronic angle closure diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term IOP fluctuation of primary angle closure diseases and its associations following laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) with or without laser peripheral iridoplasty. METHODS: A total of 158 patients with primary angle closure suspect (PACS, n = 21), primary angle closure (PAC, n = 81) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG, n = 55) had been treated by LPI with or without laser peripheral iridoplasty and followed up for more than 12 months. IOP was measured with Goldman applanation tonometer. Multivariate linear regression with generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression models was used to evaluate the association of long-term IOP fluctuation (maximum IOP minus minimum IOP) with gender, age, baseline IOP, baseline peripheral anterior synechia (PAS), baseline vertical cup/disc ratio (VCDR), baseline mean deviation (MD), need for IOP-lowering medications. RESULTS: IOP fluctuation during follow-up in PACS, PAC and PACG groups were (4.83 ± 2.90), (5.67 ± 3.35), and (9.40 ± 7.14) mmHg, respectively. IOP fluctuation was strongly correlated with baseline IOP (r = 0.356, P < 0.001), PAS (r = 0.374, P < 0.001). IOP fluctuation was higher in patients with higher baseline IOP (0.18 mmHg per unit increase, 95%CI: 0.05 - 0.31 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term IOP fluctuation in PACG group was larger than that in PACS or PAC group. Eyes with higher baseline IOP were observed to have larger long-term IOP fluctuation.

Antioxidant acitivity of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

Two polysaccharides, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid-1 (LMWHA-1) and LMWHA-2, with their molecular weight of 1.45×10(5) and 4.52×10(4)Da, respectively, were prepared from high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA,1.05×10(6)Da). LMWHA-1, LMWHA-2 and HA were studied for their antioxidant activities. In vitro antioxidant assay, LMWHA showed strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation and scavenging activities of hydroxyl radical, moderate 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryldydrazyl radical and superoxide anion scavenging activity. In addition, the LMWHA-1 exhibited much stronger antioxidant activity than LMWHA-2 and HA. For antioxidant testing in vivo, LMWHA-1, LMWHA-2 and HA were orally administrated over a period of 7days in a cyclophosphamide(CY) induced immunosuppressed mice model. As results, administration of LMWHA was able to overcome CY-induced immunosuppression and significantly raised the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) in immunosuppressed mice. The results showed that the LMWHA, possessing pronounced free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities.

[Alteration of anterior chamber and angle structure in eyes with primary angle closure after laser peripheral iridotomy].

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively evaluate the long-term changes in anterior segment morphology by using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in eyes with primary angle closure (PAC). METHODS: This was a clinical case series study. A total of 54 eyes with PAC of 31 consecutive patients were enrolled. Routine ophthalmic and UBM examination were performed at visit one (before LPI), 2 weeks, 6, and 12 months after LPI. The parameters of anterior chamber were measured by UBM and calculated. Results of each follow-up time were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Parameters of UBM measurement at 750 µm anterior to the sclera spur and at 500 µm counterpart were compared using paired student t-test. RESULTS: Compared to before LPI, anterior chamber depth (ACD) was deepened by approximate 0.10 mm after LPI, however, it was not statistically significant (F = 3.50, P > 0.05). Angle opening distance (AOD), trabecular-iris angle (TIA), angle recess area (ARA) and trabecular-ciliary process distance (TCPD) were significantly increased at 2 weeks, 6 and 12 months after LPI compared with respective baseline [AOD750: (165.0 ± 70.3), (185.8 ± 68.5), (196.1 ± 77.7) µm vs (66.2 ± 51.6) µm, F = 92.60; TIA750: 14.1° ± 6.3°, 15.5° ± 6.2°, 16.4° ± 5.9° vs 6.4° ± 4.9°, F = 92.60; ARA: (0.058 ± 0.024), (0.065 ± 0.023), (0.068 ± 0.026) mm(2) vs (0.025 ± 0.017) mm(2), F = 92.60; TCPD: (647.1 ± 113.0), (701.8 ± 93.4), (670.1 ± 95.4) µm vs (571.0 ± 97.2) µm, F = 34.00; P < 0.05]. The parameters of UMB measurement at 750 µm were significantly increased more than that at 500 µm anterior to the sclera spur (AOD: t = 5.90, TIA750: t = 2.70, P < 0.05; ARA: t = 2.00, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LPI can significantly widen the peripheral anterior angle in eyes with PAC lasting for at least 1 year after LPI. Parameters detected by UBM at 750 µm anterior to the sclera spur appear to be more sensitive in evaluating the alternation of peripheral angle structure.

[Assess correlation between bleb morphology at long-term intraocular pressure effect in primary angle-closure glaucoma following trabeculectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between morphologic appearance of blebs at 3 month and long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) effect in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) after trabeculectomy. METHODS: Multi-centered cases series. Data were collected from 176 patients aged ≥ 40 years with PACG who were participated in a randomized clinical trial that aimed at addressing the efficacy of augmented releasable sutures after trabeculectomy. The bleb morphology was graded using the Modified Indian Bleb Appearance Grading Scale (IBAGS) based on standard photos at 3 month after trabeculectomy. IOPs were measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer. The correlation between bleb components and other selected testing influencing factors and long-term IOP was tested by linear Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 150 patients (85.7%) completed 18 months of follow up. IOP was (15.6 ± 5.4) mm Hg at 18 month of post-operation. 135 eyes had an IOP ≤ 21 mm Hg without additional medications, 10 eyes ≥ 21 mm Hg, and the remaining 5 eyes required one or two medications to maintain normal IOP. Using IBAGS system, bleb was graded in 142 eyes as follows: H(0) in 3 eyes, H(1) in 45 eyes, H(2) in 90 eyes, and H(3) in 4 eyes, while V(0) was observed in 66 eyes, V(1-3) in 76 eyes. IOP at 18 months in bleb with microcysts was 2.77 mm Hg lower (ß = -2.77, 95%CI = -0.46 to -5.08) than those without microcysts and in bleb with non-vascular was 2.07 mm Hg lower (ß = -2.07, 95%CI = -0.15 to -3.98) than those with vascular at 3 months after surgery. IOP was significantly (ß = -1.20, 95%CI: -0.00 to -2.40) decreased by 1.2 mm Hg with 10 years of age increase (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Early filtering bleb with microcysts, vascular, and age are identified as important factors to predict long-term IOP effect in patients with PACG after trabeculectomy but not early morphological appearance of filtering bleb.

C-reactive protein, gamma-glutamyltransferase and type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: We studied the association of C-reactive protein (CRP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and type 2 diabetes in Chinese. METHOD: A population-based cross-sectional study. RESULTS: CRP and GGT levels were significantly higher in participants with diabetes than in those without (P<0.001). Higher CRP levels were positively associated with prevalent type 2 diabetes after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, family history of diabetes, body mass index, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, education, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, use of antihypertensive drugs, aspirin and lipid-lowering agents, with multivariable odds ratios (OR) of 1.55 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-2.27, P trend=0.005, comparing quartile 4 to quartile 1). However, after further adjustment for GGT, the association was completely attenuated (fourth quartile OR 1.23, 95% CI, 0.83-1.82, P trend=0.127). Moreover, the association of CRP and prevalent type 2 diabetes was stronger in subjects with GGT values above the median than in those with GGT values below the median. Increasing serum GGT quartiles were positively associated with prevalent type 2 diabetes after adjustment for potential confounding variables (P for trend <0.001). CONCLUSION: CRP may not be an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, at least in Chinese people.

Association of C-reactive protein and metabolic syndrome in a rural Chinese population.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a rural Chinese population. DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a population-based cross-sectional study. RESULTS: The median CRP was 0.90 mg/L. After exclusion of subjects with a CRP value >10 mg/L, The median CRP with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 components of MetS were 0.61, 0.61, 0.73, 1.07, 1.51, and 1.16 mg/L (P=0.029 for linear trend) in men, and were 0.37, 0.45, 0.62, 1.10, 1.52, and 2.17 mg/L (P=0.002 for linear trend) in women, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with those without components of MetS, those with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 components of MetS had ORs of 1.39, 1.08, 1.84, 2.65, and 1.21 for elevated CRP in men and 1.91, 2.06, 3.10, 4.06, and 6.01 in women, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this rural Chinese population, the CRP concentration was lower than that of Caucasians and strongly related to the MetS, especially in women.

High expression of alpha 2, 3-linked sialic acid residues is associated with the metastatic potential of human gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sialic acid, as a terminal saccharide residue on cell surface glycoconjugates, plays an important role in a variety of biological processes. However, the precise nature of the molecules in gastric cancers has not been unveiled nor documented to be of clinical relevance. Herein, we measured the expression of alpha 2, 3-linked sialic acid residues by using a specific lectin as well as the potential of invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer was analyzed. METHODS: The expression of alpha 2, 3-linked sialic acid residues in 100 cases of gastric cancer samples was evaluated using Maackia amurensis leukoagglutinin (MAL) histochemical staining analysis. The assays of cytochemical staining and flow cytometry were employed to determine the MAL positive cells in the gastric cancer cell lines. The activities of invasion and migration were evaluated using the assays of cell adhesion and transwell chamber. RESULTS: The staining of MAL in gastric cancer tissues showed that high levels of alpha 2, 3-linked sialic acid residues were closely associated with the invasive depth (P=0.0003) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.0441). In gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines, SGC-7901, the highly metastatic cell line, displayed the most positive reaction with MAL among the selected cell lines. The potential of invasion and migration was confirmed using the assays of adhesion and transwell chamber that SGC-7901 exhibited the high activity of adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) and penetration to Matrigel. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that high level of alpha 2, 3-linked sialic acid residues was associated with metastatic potential of gastric cancer cells.

Distributions of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in gastrointestinal intramucosal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Although angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in gastrointestinal cancers has been investigated in many studies, their distribution characteristics in gastrointestinal intramucosal tumors have not been well addressed. METHODS: We evaluated the blood microvessel density (BMVD) and lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) by immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies of CD34 and D2-40 in 37 patients with stomach intramucosal carcinoma and 28 patients with colorectal intramucosal neoplasia. Microvessels with endothelial cells labeled by CD34 but not by D2-40 were recognized as blood microvessels; and microvessels with endothelial cells labeled by both CD34 and D2-40 were recognized as lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, the relationships between expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-C, and BMVD, LMVD were investigated as well. RESULTS: The LMVD was significantly higher in peritumoral tissues than in corresponding normal tissues in gastrointestinal intramucosal tumors (20.87 versus 14.56, P = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference in the BMVD between peritumoral tissues and corresponding normal tissues (P = 0.166). The BMVD in peritumoral tissues was higher in patients with lymph node metastases than in patients without lymph nodes metastases (P = 0.047). Our results did not show significant association between VEGF, VEGF-C and BMVD, LMVD. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that the increase of lymphangiogenesis seems superior to the increase of angiogenesis in gastrointestinal intramucosal tumors.

Efficacy and safety of LASIK in 10,052 eyes of 5081 myopic Chinese patients.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes and incidence of postoperative complications in a large series of patients undergoing LASIK for myopia. METHODS: All 5081 patients (10,052 eyes) diagnosed with myopia at The Third Hospital of Handan, China, from September 2003 through March 2005 were studied. All study eyes underwent LASIK with 1-month follow-up. Spherical equivalent refraction, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) were measured before and after surgery and intra- and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Uncorrected visual acuity at 1-month follow-up of 9555 (95.1%) eyes reached or exceeded the preoperative BSCVA. Hemorrhage of corneal limbus during surgery occurred in 1060 (10.5%) eyes, Sands of Sahara syndrome occurred in 232 (2.3%) eyes, interface infection responsive to treatment occurred in 4 (0.04%) eyes, and epithelial ingrowth occurred in 1 (0.01%) eye. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK is a safe and effective method for the treatment of myopia.