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A polyene cyclization mode using the allene group as the initiator has been successfully developed, and its potential utility has been well demonstrated by the collective synthesis of seven abietane-type diterpenoids.

Background: Congenital cataract is a leading cause of treatable childhood blindness and both clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Among the already characterized phenotypes, coralliform cataract is a rare special form of congenital cataracts. Although previous studies had shown that mutations in the γD-crystallin (CRYGD) gene can result in congenital coralliform cataracts, no conclusive genotype-phenotype correlation might be drawn. Here we aimed to identify the spectrum and frequency of CRYGD gene mutations in congenital coralliform cataracts of Chinese origin. Methods: The medical records of 392 Chinese families with congenital cataracts were reviewed between January 2011 and December 2021. The families, clinically documented to have congenital coralliform cataracts, were screened for mutations in candidate CRYGD gene. The genomic DNA of all subjects was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. PCR amplified and direct sequencing were performed to identify the disease-causing mutation. Results: A total of 12 families with coralliform cataracts were recruited in this study in the past 10 years, accounting for 3.1% of the families with congenital cataracts. Of the 12 families, all affected individuals presented with bilateral non-progressive coralliform cataracts since birth. A recurrent c.70 C>A (p. P24T) mutation in CRYGD was identified in 10 families (83.3%) with congenital cataract, which co-segregated with all affected individuals and was not observed in unaffected family members or ethnically matched normal controls. Conclusions: The coralliform cataract is characterized by being bilateral, non-progressive and present at birth. A recurrent P24T CRYGD mutation occurs independently in 83.3% of the Chinese families with congenital coralliform cataracts and most likely represents a mutational hot spot, which underscore the relations between coralliform cataract and P24T CRYGD.

Background The present study sought to observe the effect of retaining intact posterior capsule in congenital cataract surgery in children aged 4–8 years. Methods This is a retrospective case control study. Seventy-seven children (130 eyes) aged from 4 to 8 years who underwent cataract surgery were divided into two groups. In Group A, 50 eyes underwent phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation and posterior capsule capsulotomy combined with anterior vitrectomy. In Group B, 80 eyes underwent cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The postoperative visual acuity and the rate of complications were compared. Results In all patients, cataract surgeries were performed evenly without intraoperative complications. The follow-up time ranged from 6 months to 42 months. No apparent visual axis opacity was detected in group A during the follow-up. By the last visit, apparent visual axis opacity was detected in 31 eyes (38.75%) in group B. Among them, 9 eyes (29.03%) with mild posterior capsule opacification (PCO) were treated with Nd:YAG laser, 3 eyes (9.68%) with thick proliferative membranes were treated with posterior capsule capsulotomy combined with anterior vitrectomy and proliferative membranes in 19 eyes (61.29%) were completely aspired and the posterior capsule was retained. During follow-up, only 2 (6.45%) eyes had PCO recurrence and were treated with Nd:YAG laser. The visual acuity was significantly higher than that before surgery in all patients. Conclusions For older children, the incidence of PCO will be low even if intact posterior capsule is retained. Either Nd:YAG laser or surgical treatment for PCO will be able to maintain good vision.

Sugarcane leaf scald is a systemic disease caused by

The oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) can feed on the leaves of many crops, resulting in vast areas of damage and severe losses. Therefore, this insect has become a significant agricultural pest in north Asia. In this study, we fed 3rd instar larvae with artificial diets containing different concentrations of chlorogenic acid and found a significant lethal effect and the mortality increased with increasing chlorogenic acid concentration. Next, we measured the sublethal effect of chlorogenic acid at LC20 on the growth and development of M. separata larvae. The durations of the 4th and 5th instar were longer than those of the control group (prolonged by 0.8 and 0.6 days, respectively), and the 6th instar was shorter (by 1.1 days). The total survival rate, pupation rate, eclosion rate, sex ratio, and oviposition amount in the LC20 chlorogenic acid-treated group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of 3rd instar larvae fed various concentrations of chlorogenic acid revealed that several MsCYP450 genes were significantly up-regulated, and this finding was further validated by qRT-PCR. In addition, various concentrations of chlorogenic acid and different treatment times significantly affected the enzyme activity of CYP450 in 3rd instar larvae. Importantly, dietary ingestion of dsMsCYP450 significantly reduced the mRNA level of MsCYP450 genes and increased mortality in the presence of chlorogenic acid. Our results revealed that MsCYP6B6, MsCYP321A7, and MsCYP6B7-like play an essential role in the detoxification of chlorogenic acid by M. separata. This study provides evidence of control effect by botanical insecticide chlorogenic acid on M. separata, and potential detoxification mechanism mediated by P450 of botanical insecticide in arthropods.

A novel polyene cyclization using the allene group as the initiator has been successfully developed. This methodology provides an efficient strategy for the construction of an abietane-type tricyclic skeleton with a functionalizable C2-C3 double bond and features a wide substrate scope and excellent stereoselectivities. Potential utility of this approach has been well demonstrated by the collective total synthesis of seven abietane-type diterpenoids. Specifically, (±)-2,3-dihydroxyferruginol and (±)-2,3-dihydroxy-15,16-dinor

RNAi is regarded as a promising technology for pest control. However, not all insects are sensitive to RNAi. Studies have confirmed that insect dsRNases are one of key factors affecting RNAi efficiency. In the current study, we identified four genes coding for dsRNases from the Spodoptera frugiperda genome. Spatial and temporal expression analysis showed that those dsRNases were highly expressed in the midgut and old larvae. Then a delivery method was applied for inducing efficient RNAi based on dsRNA encapsulated by liposome. Furthermore, we assessed degradation efficiency by incubation with dsRNA with gut juice or hemocoel to characterize potential roles of different SfdsRNases after suppression of SfdsRNase. The result showed that interferenced with any sfdsRNase reduced the degradation of exogenous dsRNA in midgut, interfered with sfdsRNase1 and sfdsRNase3 slowed down the degradation of exogenous dsRNA in hemolymph. Our data suggest the evolutionary expansion and multiple high activity dsRNase genes would take part in the RNAi obstinate in S. frugiperda, besides we also provide an efficient RNAi method for better use of RNAi in S. frugiperda.

AIM: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of two different kinds of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in the treatment of posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery and provide reliable evidence for the selection of posterior capsulotomy in clinical practice.METHODS: A literature search was implemented in CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP database, PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library from 2000-01-01 to 2019-12-31. Two researchers independently performed literature search, screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval were used to measure the measurement data, including best corrected visual acuity, postoperative intraocular pressure, and laser energy. The odds ratio was used to measure the count data, including the rate of lens damage and the incidence of vitreous floaters.RESULTS: A total of 7 studies were included, including Nd:YAG laser circular posterior capsulotomy and cruciate posterior capsulotomy in 432 eyes. The Meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in postoperative best corrected visual acuity between the circular posterior capsulotomy group and the cruciate posterior capsulotomy group, MD=-0.01(95% CI: -0.03-0.01, P=0.32); there was no significant difference in postoperative IOP between the circular posterior capsulotomy group and the cruciate posterior capsulotomy group, MD=-0.60(95% CI: -1.31-0.11, P=0.10); there was no significant difference in laser energy between the two groups, MD=18.82(95% CI: -11.88-49.51, P=0.23); there was also no significant difference in the rate of lens damage and the incidence of vitreous floaters, OR=0.97(95% CI: 0.50-1.87, P=0.93); OR=2.88(95% CI: 0.28-29.26, P=0.37). CONCLUSION:In the treatment of posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery with Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, there is no significant difference in efficacy and safety between circular posterior capsulotomy and cruciate posterior capsulotomy.

Non-infectious corneal ulceration after uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery is a rare complication after cataract surgery. It may be associated with autoimmune conditions and neurotrophic corneal epitheliopathy in patients. Rheumatoid disease, arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, Crohn's disease, tuberculosis and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are all high-risk factors for corneal ulceration after cataract surgery. This article reviews the cases report and clinical manifestations, mechanism of occurrence, prevention and treatment of corneal non-infectious ulceration after cataract surgery.

Background/purpose: A three-generation Chinese family with autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataract was recruited. This study aimed to identify the disease-causing gene for nuclear cataract with functional dissections of the identified mutant. Methods: Detailed clinical data and family history were recorded. Candidate gene sequencing was performed to identify the disease-causing mutation. Recombinant connexin50 (Cx50) wild type and mutant constructs were synthesized. Triton X-100 solubility and subcellular localization of the recombinant Cx50 proteins were analyzed in HeLa cells. Apoptosis was assayed as the percentage of fragmented nuclei in transfected cells. Results: All affected individuals in the family displayed clear phenotypes of dense nuclear cataracts. A c.227 G > A variation was found in the coding region of Cx50, which arginine residue at position 76 was substituted by histidine (p.R76H). This mutation was co-segregated with the disease in the family, and was not observed in 110 unrelated Chinese controls. No statistically significant differences were found in the Triton X-100 solubility and apoptosis rate between wild type and mutant Cx50 in HeLa cells. However, Cx50 mutant was unable to form gap junctional plaques between adjacent cells as the wild type proteins did. Conclusion: This study identified a novel cataract phenotype caused by the p.R76H mutation in Cx50, providing evidence of further phenotypic heterogeneity associated with this mutation. Functional analysis showed that the mutation affected the formation of gap junction channels and led to opacity in the lens. Keywords: Gap junction, Mutation, Nuclear cataract

To study the association of myopia progression with the morphological changes of optic disc and β-peripapillary atrophy (β-PPA) in 8-11 years old primary school students.This study was a prospective, school-based investigation. This study included 610 children (1008 eyes) who were continuously observed and had data available from 2016 to 2017 in the Sanhe Cohort Study of the Risk Factors for Myopia (SCSRFM). The children underwent a comprehensive eye examination including measurement of visual acuity, autorefractometry, and posterior segment of the eye. β-PPA regions and optic disc ovality index were identified and measured on the fundus photographs.The prevalence of myopia was 72.62% (732/1008) in 2016. In myopic children, the prevalence of the vertical β-PPA, the horizontal β-PPA, and the oval optic disc were 75.68% (554/732), 75.96% (556/732) and, 11.61% (85/732) respectively. From 2016 to 2017, with the progression of vertical β-PPA, horizontal β-PPA, area of β-PPA, and optic disc ovality index, the myopic diopter and the axial length (AL) were increased. The progression of horizontal β-PPA was significantly correlated with the progression of myopic diopter and AL (all p 0.05). The analysis on the distribution of progression rate of parameters in different groups found that the progression rate of horizontal β-PPA, area of β-PPA, and optic disc ovality index increased with the increase of the progression of diopter and AL. The progression of horizontal β-PPA, area of β-PPA, optic disc ovality index, and diopter in girls were greater than that in boys, and the progression of optic disc ovality index and diopter had a statistical significance (all p 0.05).The 1-year follow-up study of the third-grade primary school students showed that with the progression of myopia and the growth of AL, β-PPA and optic disc ovality index also changed. There was a positive correlation between the change of β-PPA and optic disc ovality index and the progression of myopia diopter and AL.

A 125 cm long catheter makes it possible to perform renal arteriography via radial artery, but its feasibility and safety remain unclear. Our study recruited 1,323 patients grouped by two different vascular accesses to renal arteriography, i.e., femoral artery access and radial artery access. The success rate of angiography was 100% in both groups. Differential analysis showed that the overall complication incidence of radial artery access group was significantly lower (2.5% for radial artery access vs. 4.8% for femoral artery access, p = 0.03 ). From this study, we suggest that using the 125 cm angiographic catheter to perform renal arteriography via radial artery access is feasible and safe.

PURPOSE To observe the effect of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with or without lens capsular tension ring (CTR) on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) combined with cataract patients. DESIGN Retrospective cases series study. METHODS Sixty-three cases (84 eyes) of RP with cataract were collected, including 30 males and 33 females. Phacoemulsification with 3.0 mm clear corneal incision was performed in all the patients. IOL and CTR implantation were performed in 44 eyes, and IOL implantation alone was performed in 40 eyes. All cases were followed up at 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3, 6,12 months after the surgery to compare the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal endothelial cell count (ECC) and complications before and after the surgery. RESULTS All surgery were successfully completed by the same physician, and IOL and CTR were all implanted in capsule without complications. The BCVA at 6 months after surgery was 0.91 ± 0.88 LogMAR, showing an improvement compared with the BCVA(1.3 ± 0.7LogMAR) before surgery and there was a statistically significant difference (P = .003). Four cases of capsule contraction syndrome (CCS) occurred in no CTR implantation group and there was no CCS in CTR group. There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of CCS between two groups (P = .047). CONCLUSIONS Phacoemulsification for RP combined with cataract is safe and reliable, and CTR implantation is conducive to reducing the complications caused by capsule contraction.

In cataract surgery, it is often found that patients infected hepatitis B virus (HBV) are likely to suffer from more pain than other patients. In order to assess the inflammation status of the aqueous humor in the eyes of cataract patients infected with HBV. RayBio Human Inflammation Array was used to assay aqueous humor samples collected from 14 eyes of patients infected with HBV and 14 eyes of cataract patients without HBV infection (the controls) during the cataract surgery. RayBio Human Quantibody Cutom Array was adopted for the validation of the screened cytokines, with aqueous humor samples collected from 40 eyes of patients infected with HBV and 40 eyes of the controls. A pain questionnaire survey about the surgery was conducted in all patients after operation. The results of questionnaire showed that patients infected with HBV were more likely to have pain during operation. The Human Inflammation Array revealed that the expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and tumor necrosis factor β (TNF-β) were very high in HBV infected patients and IL-1ra was much lower in patients infected with HBV (all, P 0.05). In validation, the Human Quantibody Cutom Array revealed that the expression levels of MCP-1 and TNF-α were high in HBV infected patients with significant difference (all P 0.05). These results revealed that pain-related inflammatory factors MCP-1 and TNF-α were increased in aqueous humor of cataract patients infected with HBV, which indicates that patients infected with HBV may be more prone to intraoperative pain.

Purpose To analyze the expression of 440 human cytokines in aqueous humor of high myopic patients with cataracts. Methods Eighty-five patients with cataracts were recruited in this study. In the screening stage, the RayBio G-Series Human Cytokine Antibody Array 440 was used to assay the aqueous humor samples collected from nine high myopic patients with cataracts and eight non-myopic patients with cataracts right before the surgery. The array was further used for verification of the screened cytokines, with aqueous humor samples obtained from 34 eyes of high myopic patients with cataracts and 34 eyes of non-myopic patients with cataracts. Results Compared with the non-myopic patients with cataracts, the expression levels of decorin, receptor activator of NF-kB (RANK), angiopoietin-1 (ANG-1), C-X-C motif ligand 16 (CXCL16), β-inducible gene-h3 (bIG-H3), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2), and interleukin-17B (IL-17B) were statistically significantly higher in high myopic patients with cataracts (all p

Recently-developed molecular markers are becoming powerful tools, with applications in crop genetics and improvement. Microsatellites, or simple sequence repeats (SSRs), are widely used in genetic fingerprinting, kinship analysis, and population genetics, because of the advantages of high variability from co-dominant and multi-allelic polymorphisms, and accurate and rapid detection. However, more recent evidence suggests they may play an important role in genome evolution and provide hotspots of recombination. This review describes the development of SSR markers through different techniques, and the detection of SSR markers and applications for sugarcane genetic research and breeding, such as cultivar identification, genetic diversity, genome mapping, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, paternity analysis, cross-species transferability, segregation analysis, phylogenetic relationships, and identification of wild cross hybrids. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of SSR markers and highlight some future perspectives.

Purpose To identify disease-causing gene mutations in 21 northern Chinese families with congenital cataracts. Methods Medical record collection and ophthalmologic examinations were conducted for 21 families with congenital cataracts. A volume of 5 ml of peripheral blood was drawn from each participant for genomic DNA isolation. Thirty-four known candidate genes for congenital cataracts were analyzed in the probands of 21 families with targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). Bioinformatics analysis of the sequence variants was performed through computational predictive programs. Sanger sequencing was used to perform the cosegregation analysis. Genotyping and haplotype analyses were performed in two patients with a p.V44M mutation in the GJA8 gene. Results Twelve disease-causing mutations were detected in 13 of the 21 patients, and the mutation detection rate was 61.9%. The 12 gene mutations included one nonsense, one splice site, seven missense, and three insert and deletion (INDELs) mutations. Four mutations were novel. Of the 13 patients with pathogenic gene mutations, five (38.5%) were affected by mutations in lens crystallin genes, three (23%) were affected by mutations in connexin genes, three (23%) were affected by mutations in transcription factor genes, one (7.7%) was affected by a mutation in a transmembrane transporter gene, and one (7.7%) was affected by a mutation in a chromatin-modifying protein gene. Two families carried the p.V44M mutation in the GJA8 gene. Haplotype analysis revealed a chromosome region of 475 kb containing the mutation in the GJA8 gene was harbored by two families. Conclusions Compared with traditional Sanger sequencing, targeted NGS for genetic testing of congenital cataracts markedly increases the mutation detection rate and is cost-effective. The p.V44M mutation in the GJA8 gene was the most common mutation and was due to a founder effect within the Chinese cohort studied. The results of this study expand the gene mutation spectrum of congenital cataracts.

Plasma dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 activity (DPP4a) is inversely associated with left ventricular function in patients with heart failure (HF) or diabetes. However, the association between DPP4a and left ventricular function in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients has not been reported. We studied this association in 584 consecutive STEMI patients at a tertiary referral center from July 2014 to October 2015. DPP4a and plasma N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were quantified by enzymatic assays. The median serum NT-proBNP levels were highest in patients of the lowest tertile (T1) of DPP4a compared with that of the highest tertile (T3) (p = 0.028). The STEMI patients in T1 exhibited lower left ventricular systolic function (T1 vs. T3: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): 50.13 ± 9.12 vs. 52.85 ± 6.82%, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic-regression analyses (adjusted for confounding variables) showed that a 1 U/L increase in DPP4a was associated with a decreased incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) (adjusted odds ratio: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.87–0.94; p

This study evaluates patients with congenital aniridia and cataract who underwent phacoemulsification, capsular tension ring placement, and foldable intraocular lens implantation. In this prospective case series, 10 patients (17 eyes) underwent cataract surgery via a 3.2 mm clear corneal incision. A continuous circular capsulorhexis with

Tolsultazolamide, a novel carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, is designed for the prophylaxis and treatment of acute mountain sickness. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion characteristics of tolsultazolamide and the sex difference in pharmacokinetics in rats.For pharmacokinetic study, rats were intravenously injected tolsultazolamide at 1 and 2 mg/kg or orally administered tolsultazolamide at 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) in a pharmacokinetic study. The concentrations of tolsultazolamide in plasma were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography, with a liquid-liquid extraction. For tissue distribution study, tolsultazolamide (80 mg/kg) was orally administered to overnight fasted rats (six per group and three per sex). Samples were collected from the brain, heart, lung, liver, spleen, muscle, kidney, stomach, fat, intestines, pancreas and sexual gland. For excretion study, tolsultazolamide (40 mg/kg) was orally administered to 6 rats (three per sex). The urine, feces, and bile samples were collected at 24, 48, and 72 h.After its intravenous administration, tolsultazolamide was rapidly eliminated from the plasma, with T1/2 of about 60-90 min. The AUC0-t and the initial concentration (C0) values were proportional to the intravenous doses. After its oral administration, tolsultazolamide showed dose-independent pharmacokinetic characteristics, with Tmax and T1/2 of approximately 2 h and 5-7 h, respectively, and good oral absolute bioavailability of about 60%. Tolsultazolamide was distributed widely in various tissues. The highest tolsultazolamide levels were detected in the stomach, intestine, spleen, lung, and kidney. Total excretion of unchanged tolsultazolamide in the urine, feces, and bile was less than 2%. The Cmax and AUC of tolsultazolamide were significantly higher in female rats than those in male rats. Clearance and volume of distribution were greater in male rats than those in female rats. The oral absolute bioavailability was also significantly different between female rats (about 83%) and male rats (about 37%).Tolsultazolamide was well absorbed and widely distributed in the rat, and very little of the unchanged form was excreted. Sex had a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of tolsultazolamide.

Purpose To examine the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated factors in an adult Chinese population. Design Population-based study. Participants The Beijing Eye Study, which included 4439 subjects (age ≥40 years) in 2001, was repeated in 2006 with 3251 (73.2%) subjects participating. Methods Fundus photographs were graded using the International Age-related Maculopathy Epidemiological Study Group grading system. Main Outcome Measures Incidence of AMD. Results Gradable slides were available on 3049 (93.9%) subjects who participated in the survey of 2001 and again in 2006. The incidence of early, late, and neovascular AMD per eye was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2–3.0), 0.1% (95% CI, 0.00–0.2), and 0.1% (95% CI, 0.00–0.2), respectively. The incidence of early, late, and neovascular AMD per person was 4.2±0.4% (95% CI, 3.5–5.0), 0.1±0.1% (95% CI, 0.0–0.2), and 0.1±0.1% (95% CI, 0.0–0.2), respectively. By multivariate analysis, incident early AMD was associated significantly with greater age at baseline ( P = 0.01; odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06), smaller optic disc size ( P = 0.007; OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30–0.83), smaller scleral spur distance ( P = 0.04; OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36–0.98), and hyperopic refractive error ( P = 0.057; OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00–1.33), with the latter being significant only marginally. It was not associated with the systemic parameters of gender, body height, body mass index, region of habitation, level of education, profession, smoking, arterial blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, fasting blood concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, high-density or low-density lipoproteins; or the ocular parameters of intraocular pressure, retinal arterial and vein diameters, retinal microvascular abnormalities, amount of nuclear cataract, cortical cataract or subcapsular cataract, pseudophakia, glaucoma, nonglaucomatous optic neuropathy, retinal vein occlusions, size of the beta zone of parapapillary atrophy, or progression of the zone of atrophy during the follow-up from 2001 to 2006. Conclusions Hyperopia, short interscleral spur distance, and small optic disc size were, beside older age, the main factors associated with incident early AMD. This may point to a small globe size, potentially in relation to a firmly attached vitreous, playing a role in early incident AMD. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.

Objective To evaluate visual outcomes and complications after phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and previous radial keratotomy (RK) cuts using different sizes of clear corneal incisions. Methods The study was a retrospective study. Thirty eyes with cataract and previous RK underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Among them 7 eyes had 8 RK cuts, 13 eyes had 12 RK cuts, and 10 eyes had 16 RK cuts. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were performed through a 2.0–3.2 mm clear corneal incision by a single surgeon. In the 8 RK cuts group, 3.2 mm clear corneal incisions were used in 4 eyes, and 3.0 mm clear corneal incisions were used in 3 eyes. In the 12 RK cuts group, 3.2 mm clear corneal incisions were used in 6 eyes, and 2.2 mm clear corneal incisions were used in 7 eyes. In the 16 RK cuts group, 3.2 mm clear corneal incisions were used in 5 eyes, and 2.0 mm clear corneal incisions were used in 5 eyes. Patients were followed up 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years postoperatively and were examined for the dehiscence of RK cuts during or after the surgery, post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal astigmatism, corneal endothelial cell density and complications. Results Successful phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed in all eyes. No wound dehiscence was noted in any eyes with 8 or 12 RK cuts. Wound dehiscence was noted in 2 eyes with 16 RK cuts. The dehiscence of RK cuts was closed successfully by injecting an air bubble with or without viscoelastic agent into the anterior chamber at the end of surgery. During the follow-up, the cuts were well apposed in all eyes, and no new dehiscence of RK cuts was noted. At the last follow-up, mean BCVA (0.2 ± 0.18 logMAR) was better than preoperative BCVA(0.45±0.19 logMAR) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the long-term preoperative and postoperative mean corneal astigmatism (P = 0.3). However, there was a significant reduction in postoperative corneal endothelial cell density (1866.5±773.9 / mm2 vs 2421.7±655.7 / mm2) (P < 0.001). Conclusions Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation with clear corneal incisions in eyes with previous RK were associated with good surgical outcomes. Wound dehiscence was not specificaly related to the size of clear corneal incision during phacoemulsification in these eyes.

Purpose To estimate the 5-year incidence of cataract and cataract surgery in an adult Chinese population. Design Population-based study. Participants The Beijing Eye Study 2006 included 3251 (73.2%) subjects (≥45 years) of 4439 subjects who participated in the 2001 survey and returned for re-examination. Methods Nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular lens opacities were assessed based on standardized slit-lamp–based photographs and retroilluminated photographs of the lens using a modification of the grading score of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study. Main Outcome Measures Incidence of any type of cataract and of cataract surgery. Results The 5-year incidence of nuclear cataract was 5.98% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 5.96%–6.00%), that of cortical cataract was 11.14% (95% CI, 11.12%–11.17%), that of posterior subcapsular cataract was 5.47% (95% CI, 5.45%–5.48%), and that of cataract surgery was 2.01% (95% CI, 2.00%–2.02%). The incidence of any cataract (16.82%; 95% CI, 16.79%–16.86%) was significantly associated with higher age ( P P P = 0.78), smoking ( P = 0.95), or alcohol consumption ( P = 0.12). Differentiation into the 3 cataract types revealed that the incidence of nuclear cataract additionally was associated with rural region ( P P P = 0.02). The incidence of cataract surgery was significantly ( P Conclusions As in white persons, the age-adjusted incidence of all types of cataract types increased with age and it was associated with female gender. When compared with data in the literature, the incidence rates of all cataract types did not vary markedly between Chinese in greater Beijing and white persons. In contrast, the incidence of cataract surgery was considerably lower in this Chinese population. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Potential ecological risk of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) in agricultural black soil in Jilin Province, China was analyzed by the methods of risk assessment based on dose–effect relationships and ecological risk index. Heavy Cd-contamination occurred mainly around the coal mine region. The accumulation area for Pb appeared mostly in the suburbs and roadsides, whereas the higher As content was mainly found in the farmland of suburb and coal mine vicinity. In acute toxicity test, Cd, Pb and As in the soil had adverse effects on both roots and shoots growth in soybean with the greatest toxicity of arsenic and the least toxicity of lead at the same concentration levels. Exposed to Cd, Pb and As, the EC50 (50% effective concentration) values for the growth of soybean root (shoot) were 212.59 (376.70), 528.53 (828.69) and 194.60 (299.03) mg/kg, respectively. Results of potential ecological risk index showed that soil contamination from Cd in some samples had very high potential ecological risk; Pb contamination for almost all sampling sites had moderate ecological risk; while soil contamination from As had low ecological risk. With the present accumulation rate, concentrations of Cd, Pb and As in agricultural black soil near coal mine would reach the threshold values in 68, 175 and 120 years, respectively.

The 'no-reflow' phenomenon after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a strong predictor of both short- and long-term mortality. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) exerts a cardioprotective effect during ischemia reperfusion injury. We planned to evaluate the effects of liraglutide on myocardial no-reflow after PCI for STEMI.A total of 284 patients with STEMI undergoing PCI were enrolled in this study between September 2013 and March 2015. Of these, 210 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either liraglutide or placebo 30 min before PCI (1.8 mg).The primary end point, the prevalence of no-reflow, was significantly lower in the liraglutide group than in the control group (5% vs. 15%, P=0.01). Administration of liraglutide was consistently identified as a significant determinant for no-reflow ratio. There was a significant decrease in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels at 6-hour reperfusion in the liraglutide group compared to the control group (0.87 ± 0.09 mg/dL vs. 0.96 ± 0.10mg/dL, P0.001). During a 3-month follow-up period, no difference was observed in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event.Liraglutide may be associated with less no-reflow in STEMI, which should be confirmed by larger-scale trials.

Background In order to acquire a high quality image with a low radiation dose, prospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) requires a stable heart rate (HR) < 65 beats/min. Esmolol has the advantage of reducing HR. The objective of this article is to assess the value of intravenous esmolol treatment before prospective ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition for CTCA. Methods From March 2013 to June 2013, 313 patients underwent prospective ECG-triggered CTCA. Two hundred and thirty two of them received esmolol before angiography. We retrospectively analyzed clinical characteristics, esmolol dose, radiation exposure dose, and the change in HR and blood pressure in these 232 patients. Results A total of 232 patients with a HR > 65 beats/min before CTCA examination received intravenous esmolol treatment (mean dose of 57.26 ± 15.39 mg). The mean initial HR (HR1), slowest HR (HR2), and the HR 30 min after HR2 (HR3) were 75.06 ± 5.59, 60.75 ± 4.00, and 75.54 ± 5.96 beats/min, respectively (HR1 vs. HR2, P < 0.0001; HR1 vs. HR3, P = 0.377). The mean time from esmolol administration to HR2 was 24.25 ± 4.97 s and the mean effective radiation dose was 2.28 ± 0.02 mSv. Conclusions HR could be rapidly controlled at an optimum level with intravenous esmolol before prospective ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral acquisition for CTCA. Consequently, the patients received a very low radiation dose.

To investigate the protective effects of Shengui tablet (Chinese Traditional Medicine) on experimental cerebral ischemia by acute cerebral ischemia hypoxia in mice and bilateral ligation of the carotid artery in rats.In the acute cerebral ischemia hypoxia model, the mice were randomly divided into control group, low-, middle- and high-dose (0.16, 0.33 and 1.00 g/kg) groups of Shengui tablet, after oral treatment for 30 d, gasping time of isolated heads of mice were observed. In bilateral ligation of the carotid artery cerebral ischemia model, the rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and low-, middle-, high-dose (0.072, 0.149 and 0.450 g/kg) groups of Shengui tablet. After oral treatment for 7 d, the cerebral index, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured.Compared with the control model, Shengui tablet middle- and high-dose could significantly prolong gasping time of isolate heads of mice. Compared with model group, Shengui tablet low-, middle- and high-dose could significantly decrease the cerebral index and enhance SOD activity in brain tissue; only high-dose could reduce the content of MDA.Shengui tablet has significant protective effect on the cerebral ischemia.

The vessel healing in patients with coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) that form after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation is not clear. This study aims to assess the vessel healing in patients with CAA formation after DES implanation.From June 2008 to August 2011, follow-up coronary angiography was conducted on 1160 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The average period of follow-up was about (18.95 ± 13.05) months. A total of 175 patients who underwent DES implantation into de novo lesions and who underwent coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination during follow-up were identified. Patients were divided into the CAA group (n = 31) and non-CAA group (n = 144) based on the results of the coronary angiography. The cardiac events including angina and acute myocardial infarction were noted; in addition, the neointimal thickness and the frequency of strut malapposition and strut uncoverage were also noted.A greater proportion of incomplete neointimal coverage (17.17% vs. 1.90%, P0.001) and strut malapposition (18.20% vs. 1.38%, P0.001) were observed in the CAA group. The neointimal thickness in the CAA group was significantly thinner than that in the non-CAA group ((146.6 ± 94.8) µm vs. (192.5 ± 97.1) µm, P0.001), as detected via OCT. Patients with CAA formation had a higher frequency of cardiac events including angina pectoris (25.81% vs. 6.25%, P = 0.001) and acute myocardial infarction (9.68% vs. 0.13%, P = 0.002) and thrombosis (16.13% vs. 0.69%, P0.001). The longitudinal length of the CAA in the cardiac event group was significantly longer than in the no cardiac event group ((20.0 ± 9.07) mm vs. (12.05 ± 5.38) mm, P = 0.005).CAA formation after DES implantation is frequently associated with cardiac events as a result of stent malapposition and incomplete neointimal coverage.

To evaluate the safety and efficiency of local paclitaxel delivery using the double-balloon perfusion catheter to prevent restenosis in the canine coronary artery.Twenty domestic canines underwent bare-mental stent implantation after balloon injure of the left coronary artery. A novel double-balloon perfusion catheter was used to deliver the drug locally in the canine coronary artery. In the treatment group (n = 15), paclitaxel (10 ml, 20 micromol/L) was delivered using the double-balloon perfusion catheter before stent implantation. In the control group (n = 5), 10 ml saline was delivered using the double-balloon perfusion catheter before stent implantation. The perfusion time in both groups was (26.45 +/- 5.18) s. Animals underwent coronary angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) 90 days after stent implantation and were sacrificed. Vessels were perfusion-fixed and morphometric analysis was performed using conventional techniques.Coronary angiography results showed restenosis rate in control group was significantly higher than that in treatment group (60% vs. 33.33%, P0.05). The parameters of OCT showed in treatment group and control group: the neointimal thickness was (0.19 +/- 0.08) mm and (0.38 +/- 0.03) mm, the neointimal area was (1.52 +/- 0.49) mm2 and (2.51 +/- 0.47) mm2, the lumen area was (3.50 +/- 0.66) mm2 and (2.78 +/- 0.57) mm2, the extent of stenosis was (30.13 +/- 8.56)% and (47.40 +/- 4.50)%, and all the variances above were significantly different between the two groups (P0.05). The histologic parameters showed in treatment group and control group: the neointimal thickness was (0.22 +/- 0.10) mm and (0.47 +/- 0.05) mm, the neointimal area was (1.85 +/- 0.78) mm2 and (3.43 +/- 0.25) mm2, the lumen area was (3.15 +/- 0.43) mm2 and (1.85 +/- 0.55) mm2, the extent of stenosis was (36.00 +/- 10.97)% and (65.40 +/- 8.23)%, and all the variances above were also significantly different between the two groups (P0.05). The stents of both the groups were fully endothelialized. No thrombus or aneurysm was found in stents.Local delivery of paclitaxel with the double-balloon perfusion catheter to prevent restenosis in coronary stents is safe and efficient.

In general, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) relieves vessel stenosis by implantation of a stent, however, the relationship between plaque characteristics and response after stenting is not clear.We enrolled 68 patients (68 vessels) with diagnosed unstable angina pectoris that prospectively underwent PCI and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) examination was done before and after stenting. Coronary plaques were classified as fibrous, lipid-rich and calcified plaque according to OCT examination, and fibrous cap thickness, lumen eccentricity, stent expansion, stent malapposition, tissue prolapse, thrombosis, dissection and stent symmetry were noted.The frequency of prolapse was higher in lipid-rich plaques than fibrous plaques (85% vs. 40%, P0.001). Dissection most often occurred in fibrous plaque compared with lipid-rich and calcified plaques (60% vs. 32% vs. 29%, P0.001). The frequency of stent strut malapposition in calcified plaques was higher than firous and lipid-rich plaques (71% vs. 40% vs. 5%, P0.001). In-stent micro-thrombosis was detected only in lipid-rich plaques, with a frequency of 37% (15/41). The risk factors of micro-thrombosis after PCI were cap thickness (OR 0.903, 95%CI 0.829 - 0.985), lumen eccentricity (OR 1.147, 95%CI 1.012 - 1.30), and stent length (OR 1.495, 95%CI 1.032 - 2.166).Plaque response after PCI is associated with its characteristics, and of those, micro-thrombosis after stenting in lipid-rich plaques was the most significant finding and can be predicted.

To examine the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated factors in an adult Chinese population.Population-based study.The Beijing Eye Study, which included 4439 subjects (age ≥ 40 years) in 2001, was repeated in 2006 with 3251 (73.2%) subjects participating.Fundus photographs were graded using the International Age-related Maculopathy Epidemiological Study Group grading system.Incidence of AMD.Gradable slides were available on 3049 (93.9%) subjects who participated in the survey of 2001 and again in 2006. The incidence of early, late, and neovascular AMD per eye was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-3.0), 0.1% (95% CI, 0.00-0.2), and 0.1% (95% CI, 0.00-0.2), respectively. The incidence of early, late, and neovascular AMD per person was 4.2 ± 0.4% (95% CI, 3.5-5.0), 0.1 ± 0.1% (95% CI, 0.0-0.2), and 0.1 ± 0.1% (95% CI, 0.0-0.2), respectively. By multivariate analysis, incident early AMD was associated significantly with greater age at baseline (P = 0.01; odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06), smaller optic disc size (P = 0.007; OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30-0.83), smaller scleral spur distance (P = 0.04; OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.98), and hyperopic refractive error (P = 0.057; OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00-1.33), with the latter being significant only marginally. It was not associated with the systemic parameters of gender, body height, body mass index, region of habitation, level of education, profession, smoking, arterial blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, fasting blood concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, high-density or low-density lipoproteins; or the ocular parameters of intraocular pressure, retinal arterial and vein diameters, retinal microvascular abnormalities, amount of nuclear cataract, cortical cataract or subcapsular cataract, pseudophakia, glaucoma, nonglaucomatous optic neuropathy, retinal vein occlusions, size of the beta zone of parapapillary atrophy, or progression of the zone of atrophy during the follow-up from 2001 to 2006.Hyperopia, short interscleral spur distance, and small optic disc size were, beside older age, the main factors associated with incident early AMD. This may point to a small globe size, potentially in relation to a firmly attached vitreous, playing a role in early incident AMD.The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.

To evaluate the accuracy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in evaluating neointimal proliferation in canine coronary artery following stenting.In 15 domestic dogs, a single bare-metal stent was implanted in the anterior descending or the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery. Ninety days after stenting, the dogs underwent coronary angiography and OCT, followed by quantitative histological assessment of neointimal proliferation in the target arterial segments. The parameters of OCT and the histological findings were analyzed comparatively.A total of 15 OCT-histology matched frames acquired at the point with the most severe stenosis in every stent, and 60 pathological sections from all the stents were analyzed. The difference of the stent area assessed by OCT was comparable to that defined histologically (5.01∓0.79 mm(2) vs 4.99∓0.81 mm(2), P0.05). Neointimal thickness and area were smaller with OCT assessment than with histological assessment (0.19∓0.08 mm vs 0.22∓0.10 mm, and 1.52∓0.49 mm(2) vs 1.85∓0.78 mm(2), respectively, P0.05). The lumen area was larger by OCT assessment than by histological assessment (3.50∓0.66 mm(2) vs 3.15 ∓ 0.43 mm(2), P0.05). Close correlations were found between OCT and histological evaluations of the neointimal thickness (R(2)=0.5280.767), neointimal area (R(2)=0.5280.537) and stent area (R(2)=0.528), but the correlation was poor for lumen area (R(2)=0.5280.307). All the stents showed full endothelialization without thrombus or aneurysm in the stents.OCT allows precise and reproducible assessment of neointimal proliferation in the coronary artery following stenting, but for measurement of the lumen area, OCT shows a poor correlation to histological evaluation.

To assess the neointimal coverage after the implantation of various drug eluting stents (DES) by optical coherence tomography (OCT).The study comprised of 62 patients implanted DES for (15.3 ± 5.7) months. Patients were divided into three groups according to the type of implanted stent: Cypher group (patient = 26, stent = 57), Endeavor group (patient = 17, stent = 23) and Firebird group (patient = 19, stent = 32). OCT images of the stent were analyzed by software equipped by Light Lab system. Intimal thickness of 64 µm, 168 µm and 366 µm represents 10%, 25% and 50% lumen area loss, respectively. Neointimal coverage was thin with intimal thickness ≤ 64 µm, satisfactory with intimal thickness between 65 µm and 366 µm and hyperplasia and restenosis with intimal thickness366 µm.The percent of complete neointimal coverage was similar among groups (P0.05). The thickness of neointimal coverage in Cypher and Endeavor and Firebird group was (178.7 ± 11.9) µm, (228.7 ± 17.1) µm and (170.3 ± 13.3) µm, respectively (all P0.05). The symmetry of Cypher stent was better than Firebird stent, and the symmetry of Firebird stent was better than Endeavor stent.There was significant difference on neointimal coverage after various types of DES implantation, and OCT can be used to evaluate the symmetry of neointimal coverage post implantation of various DES.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for relieving pain but undesirable side effects limit their clinical usefulness. Choline is a α7 nicotinic receptor agonist that has antinociceptive effects in a variety of pain models. Drug combination is a strategy in the management of pain to reduce side effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nature of the interaction between choline and aspirin in two distinct inflammatory pain models. The analgesic mechanism of choline was also investigated. In the writhing test, intravenous administration of choline or aspirin showed dose-dependent antinociceptive activity, and isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic nature of the interaction between choline and aspirin. More importantly, coadministration choline with aspirin could significantly shorten the antinociceptive latency of aspirin and prolong the antinociceptive duration of aspirin in the writhing test. In the carrageenan test, single administration of choline or aspirin significantly attenuated carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia in a dose-dependent relationship. Coadministration of non-analgesic doses of aspirin with choline significantly suppressed the thermal hyperalgesia, with a longer duration efficacy. Furthermore, we found that α7 nicotinic, muscarinic, and opioid-receptors are involved in the antinociceptive effect of choline in the writhing test and the antinociceptive effect produced by systemically administered choline may be via a peripheral mechanism. In conclusion, coadministration of choline and aspirin holds promise for development as a safe analgesic drug combination for inflammatory pain, with a higher potency and longer duration than either aspirin or choline alone.

To estimate the 5-year incidence of cataract and cataract surgery in an adult Chinese population.Population-based study.The Beijing Eye Study 2006 included 3251 (73.2%) subjects (≥45 years) of 4439 subjects who participated in the 2001 survey and returned for re-examination.Nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular lens opacities were assessed based on standardized slit-lamp-based photographs and retroilluminated photographs of the lens using a modification of the grading score of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study.Incidence of any type of cataract and of cataract surgery.The 5-year incidence of nuclear cataract was 5.98% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 5.96%-6.00%), that of cortical cataract was 11.14% (95% CI, 11.12%-11.17%), that of posterior subcapsular cataract was 5.47% (95% CI, 5.45%-5.48%), and that of cataract surgery was 2.01% (95% CI, 2.00%-2.02%). The incidence of any cataract (16.82%; 95% CI, 16.79%-16.86%) was significantly associated with higher age (P0.001) and female gender (P0.001). It was not significantly associated with the area of habitation (P = 0.78), smoking (P = 0.95), or alcohol consumption (P = 0.12). Differentiation into the 3 cataract types revealed that the incidence of nuclear cataract additionally was associated with rural region (P0.001) and smoking (P0.001). The incidence of cortical cataract additionally was associated with nonsmoking (P = 0.02). The incidence of cataract surgery was significantly (P0.001) associated with age only.As in white persons, the age-adjusted incidence of all types of cataract types increased with age and it was associated with female gender. When compared with data in the literature, the incidence rates of all cataract types did not vary markedly between Chinese in greater Beijing and white persons. In contrast, the incidence of cataract surgery was considerably lower in this Chinese population.

The coupling relations between ecological supporting capability [F(x)] and socioeconomic situation [F(y)] of west Jilin Province from 1986 to 2004 were analyzed by harmonious development model and scissor difference method. The results showed that in study period, the F(x) of west Jilin Province had a trend of decreasing first and slightly increasing then, while F(y) had an overall exponential increase. Influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors, both F(x) and F(y) had obvious vulnerability. The scissor difference cx between F(x) and F(y) declined from 4.93 degrees in 1986 to 0.28 degrees in 1996, and then increased to 12.30 degrees in 2004. During the period of 1995 -2004, west Jilin Province gradually changed its traditional manner, i.e., from increasing F(y) with the rapid degradation of F(x) to the harmonious development of both F(x) and F(y), and the coupling degree of F(x) and F(y) changed from elementary or critical inharmonious to barley or elementary harmonious. After 1995, the scissor difference alpha increased with higher velocity, and the harmonious degree C also fluctuated obviously, illustrating an intensive antagonism between F(x) and F(y). The study area was in the erupting period of various ecological problems, and at present, the high instability of elementary harmonious status still existed. Comparing with harmonious development model alone, its combination with scissor difference method could reveal the coupling relations of F(x) and F(y) from the perspectives of development status and changing rate. This combination could reflect not only the equilibrium status but also the conflict intensity between F(x) and F(y), and give more comprehensive and profound analysis on the coupling relations between F(x) and F(y).