[Comparison of corneal power assessment methods after small incision lenticule extraction].

Objective: To compare the accuracy of different corneal curvature parameters in assessing the corneal refractive status and tracking corneal power changes after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study tracked and recorded total corneal curvature parameters measured by different instruments before and three months after SMILE for myopia. These parameters, including total keratometry (TK) from the IOLMaster 700, total corneal refractive power (TCRP) from the Pentacam AXL, real keratometry (RK) from the CASIA 2, and corrected parameters calculated using the Haigis, Shammas, and Maloney methods, were compared with data obtained using the clinical history method (CHM). Surgically induced changes in TK, TCRP, and RK were analyzed and compared with those in spherical equivalent on the corneal plane (ΔSEco). Results: The study included 40 eyes (40 participants). After SMILE, the difference was smallest between TK [(0.08±0.38) D] and CHM values (P>0.05). However, TCRP, RK, KHaigis, KShammas, and KMaloney were significantly different from CHM data (P<0.05). The width of the 95% limits of agreement of TK (1.49 D) was narrowest, followed by that of RK (1.57 D). Pearson analysis showed that each parameter had a good correlation with CHM data. The differences between the changes in TK, TCRP and RK caused by surgery and ΔSEco were (0.03±0.39) D, (0.17±0.43) D, and (-0.19±0.46) D, respectively. The width of the 95% limits of agreement of ΔTK (1.54 D) was narrowest, and the correlation coefficient of ΔTK (0.951) was highest. Conclusion: The parameter TK of the IOLMaster 700 can provide accurate and objective corneal power evaluation after SMILE.

[Ultrasonographic features of retinal pigment epithelial adenoma].

Objective: To investigate the ultrasonographic features of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) adenoma. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. The clinical clata of 15 patients (15 eyes) with pathologically confirmed RPE adenoma after local resection of intraocular tumor was collected at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2013 to October 2019. The general conditions of the patients and the location, size, shape, internal echo features of the lesions in the ocular ultrasound sonogram were analyzed, and the blood flow in the lesions was checked by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI). Results: Of all the patients included in the study, 7 were male and 8 were female. Their age ranged from 25 to 58 years, with a mean age of (45.7±10.2) years. The most common symptom was vision loss or blurred vision (11 cases). Other symptoms included dark shadows or obscuration in front of the eyes (3 cases) and no symptoms (1 case). A history of previous ocular trauma was present in one case, and the rest of the patients had no history of ocular trauma.The location of tumor growth is scattered. The ultrasonographic features were as follows: the average maximum basal diameter was (8.07±2.75) mm and the average height was (4.02±1.81) mm; the ultrasonographic features mostly demonstrated abruptly elevated dome-shaped echo (6 cases); the lesion edge was not smooth, the internal echo was medium or low, and there could be hollow features (2 cases), with no choroidal depression; and the blood flow signal could be seen in the CDFI lesion, which could lead to retinal detachment and vitreous opacification. Conclusion: The ultrasound imaging features of RPE adenomas mostly demonstrate abruptly elevated dome-shaped echo, unsmooth lesion edge, with no choroidal depression, which may provide valuable evidence for clinical diagnosis and differentiation.

[Overexpression of NAT10 induced platinum drugs resistance in breast cancer cell].

Objective: To observe the platinum drugs resistance effect of N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) overexpression in breast cancer cell line and elucidate the underlining mechanisms. Methods: The experiment was divided into wild-type (MCF-7 wild-type cells without any treatment) group, NAT10 overexpression group (H-NAT10 plasmid transfected into MCF-7 cells) and NAT10 knockdown group (SH-NAT10 plasmid transfected into MCF-7 cells). The invasion was detected by Transwell array, the interaction between NAT10 and PARP1 was detected by co-immunoprecipitation. The impact of NAT10 overexpression or knockdown on the acetylation level of PARP1 and its half-life was also determined. Immunostaining and IP array were used to detect the recruitment of DNA damage repair protein by acetylated PARP1. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis. Results: Transwell invasion assay showed that the number of cell invasion was 483.00±46.90 in the NAT10 overexpression group, 469.00±40.50 in the NAT10 knockdown group, and 445.00±35.50 in the MCF-7 wild-type cells, and the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In the presence of 10 µmol/L oxaliplatin, the number of cell invasion was 502.00±45.60 in the NAT10 overexpression group and 105.00±20.50 in the NAT10 knockdown group, both statistically significant (P<0.05) compared with 219.00±31.50 in wild-type cells. In the presence of 10 µmol/L oxaliplatin, NAT10 overexpression enhanced the binding of PARP1 to NAT10 compared with wild-type cells, whereas the use of the NAT10 inhibitor Remodelin inhibited the mutual binding of the two. Overexpression of NAT10 induced PARP1 acetylation followed by increased PARP1 binding to XRCC1, and knockdown of NAT10 expression reduced PARP1 binding to XRCC1. Overexpression of NAT10 enhanced PARP1 binding to LIG3, while knockdown of NAT10 expression decreased PARP1 binding to LIG3. In 10 µmol/L oxaliplatin-treated cells, the γH2AX expression level was 0.38±0.02 in NAT10 overexpressing cells and 1.36±0.15 in NAT10 knockdown cells, both statistically significant (P<0.05) compared with 1.00±0.00 in wild-type cells. In 10 µmol/L oxaliplatin treated cells, the apoptosis rate was (6.54±0.68)% in the NAT10 overexpression group and (12.98±2.54)% in the NAT10 knockdown group, both of which were statistically significant (P<0.05) compared with (9.67±0.37)% in wild-type cells. Conclusion: NAT10 overexpression enhances the binding of NAT10 to PARP1 and promotes the acetylation of PARP1, which in turn prolongs the half-life of PARP1, thus enhancing PARP1 recruitment of DNA damage repair related proteins to the damage sites, promoting DNA damage repair and ultimately the survival of breast cancer cells.

[The correlation between reflux esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori infection based on natural population].

Objective: Reflux esophagitis (RE) may be negatively correlated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, but the conclusion and relevant mechanism is still controversial. This study proposed to explore the correlation between RE and H. pylori infection based on natural population. Methods: From July 2013 to December 2014, 3 940 residents aged 40-69 years were recruited in Linqu County of Shandong Province and Hua County of Henan Province by the whole sampling method. All the subjects underwent gastroscopy, and gastric mucosa biopsy specimens were collected for pathological diagnosis and Warthin-Starry (WS) staining to identify H. pylori infection. Venous blood samples of some subjects were collected for H. pylori immunoglobulin G (H. pylori-IgG) detection. Also, demographic and sociological data were collected. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between RE and H. pylori infection. Results: A total of 359 cases of RE were detected. Excluding RE and other upper gastrointestinal organic diseases, 3 382 cases were considered as controls. Chi-square test showed that WS staining positive rate in RE group was significantly lower than that in control group (P=0.023), but there was no significant difference in the positive rate of H. pylori-IgG between the two groups (P=0.281). There were significant differences between RE group and control group in gender composition, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, education level and mucosal active inflammation. Multivariate regression analysis showed that RE was negatively correlated with gastric mucosa active inflammation [OR=0.754 (95%CI 0.600-0.949), P=0.016], and positively correlated with male [OR=4.231 (95%CI 3.263-5.486), P<0.001], age ≥60 years, BMI≥24 kg/m2 [OR=1.540 (95%CI 1.220-1.945), P<0.001]. Compared to those aged 40-49 years and 50-59 years, the odds ratio (OR) of RE in these aged ≥60 years were 1.566 (95%CI 1.144-2.143, P=0.005) and 1.405 (95%CI 1.093-1.805, P=0.008). Conclusion: RE is more closely related to H. pylori present infection. Multivariate analysis showed that RE is negatively correlated with active inflammation of gastric mucosa caused by H. pylori infection, and positively correlated with male, overweight and aged ≥60 years.

[Methylation status and expression of TWEAK gene promoter region in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between tumor necrosis factor like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) gene and the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by detecting the DNA methylation level, mRNA expression level and serum protein concentration of TWEAK gene in peripheral blood. METHODS: The MassARRAY method was used to detect the DNA methylation level of the TWEAK gene in the peripheral blood of 112 RA patients and 86 matched healthy volunteers. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the mRNA expression level of the TWEAK gene in the peripheral blood of the subjects. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to detect the serum TWEAK protein concentration of the subjects. The TWEAK gene DNA methylation level, mRNA expression level and serum protein concentration between the RA group and the healthy control group were compared, and the relationship between it and the degree of disease activity analyzed. RESULTS: The overall DNA methylation level of TWEAK gene and the DNA methylation levels of CpG_11, CpG_17.18.19.20, CpG_40.41.42 site in the RA group were higher than those in the healthy control group (P=0.002, P=0.01, P=0.006, P=0.002, respectively). The DNA methylation level of CpG_55.56 site in the high disease activity group was higher than that in the medium and low disease activity group (P=0.041). The expression level of TWEAK gene mRNA in the peripheral blood of the RA group was lower than that of the healthy control group (P=0.023). The expression level of TWEAK gene mRNA in the high disease activity group was lower than that in the medium and low disease activity group (P=0.035). The serum TWEAK protein concentration of the RA group was not significantly different from that of the healthy control group (P=0.508), but it was positively correlated with the mRNA expression level (r=0.482, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The TWEAK gene is closely related to the onset and progression of RA, and its hypermethylation state may be one of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating its low mRNA expression, and it can be used as one of the important indicators for clinical monitoring and evaluation of RA.

The relationship between atherosclerosis and bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes depends on vascular calcifications and sex.

It is unknown whether a relationship exists between bone mineral density (BMD) and atherosclerosis with or without vascular calcification. In our study, a negative correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and BMD was found in female T2DM patients with vascular calcification, but not in those without calcification and males. INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerosis is considered associated with low bone mineral density (BMD). However, most previous studies focus on patients with arterial atherosclerosis with vascular calcification. It is still unknown whether a relationship exists between atherosclerosis and BMD in patients without calcification. It is also unknown if sex plays a role in this relationship. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study, which included 1459 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (648 males ≥ 50 years old, and 811 postmenopausal females). They were assigned to three groups: group 1 (patients without carotid plaques and without carotid calcification), group 2 (patients with carotid plaques but without carotid calcification), and group 3 (patients with carotid plaques and with carotid calcification). Clinical characteristics and BMD were compared. The relationship between atherosclerosis and BMD was determined by binary logistic regression analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0. RESULTS: Significant differences were only observed in women. The percentage of osteoporosis was higher in group 3 (43.64%) than in groups 1 (34.82%) and 2 (32.14%) (P = 0.016). Low BMD was found in the lumbar (P = 0.032), hip (P < 0.001), and femoral neck (P < 0.001). The odds ratio for osteoporosis increased significantly in a score-dependent manner in postmenopausal female patients with calcified atherosclerosis, but not in uncalcified patients. In men, no differences or relationships were identified. CONCLUSION: A negative correlation between carotid atherosclerosis and BMD was found in female T2DM patients with vascular calcification, but not in those without calcification. A similar relationship was not observed in male patients with or without calcification. Thus, the relationship between atherosclerosis and bone mineral density in patients with type 2 diabetes depends on vascular calcifications and sex.

[Determination of UV-327 and UV-328 in mouse plasma by high performance liquid chromatography].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of ultraviolet (UV) absorbers UV-327 and UV-328 in mouse plasma. METHODS: N-hexane-acetone (volume ratio 1 ∶1) was added to a mouse plasma sample as the extraction solvent for vortex extraction, and the supernatant was dried at 50 ℃ with nitrogen. Thereafter the residue was redissolved with methanol, centrifuged and filtered. The separation was performed on a Waters SymmetryC18 column (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm), and the concentrations of UV-327 and UV-328 in the mouse plasma were determined by HPLC with an UV detector. The elution was isocratic at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with a mobile phase composed of 100% methanol, and the UV detection wavelength was 340 nm. The retention time was used for qualitative analysis, and the internal standard method was used for quantitative analysis using UV-320 as the internal standard. RESULTS: The calibration curves of UV-327 and UV-328 were linear with correlation coefficients of 0.999 7 over the concentration range of 0.05 to 10.0 mg/L. The limit of detection was 0.01 mg/L, and the limit of quantitation was 0.03 mg/L. The average recoveries at low, medium and high three concentrations (0.50, 1.00, 2.00 mg/L) in the mouse plasma were 91.7%-101.0% for UV-327, and 97.5%-103.9% for UV-328. The intra-day precisions (n=6) of UV-327 were 2.9%-6.6%, and 2.7%-7.4% for UV-328. The inter-day precisions (n=3) of UV-327 were 6.0%-9.3%, and 6.6%-8.6% for UV-328. The extraction recoveries of UV-327 were 98.8%-103.8%, and 99.8%-100.9% for UV-328. The measured relative deviations of UV-327 in the mouse plasma samples placed at room temperature for 6 hours and -40 ℃ for 15 days were 0.9%-3.5% and 7.4%-15.0%, and the measured relative deviations of UV-328 were 2.0%-4.3% and 2.1%-13.8%, respectively. The mouse plasma samples could be stored at room temperature for 6 hours at least and -40 ℃ for 15 days at three spiked concentration levels. CONCLUSION: The method was simple and fast with high accuracy, precision and sensitivity, and could be applied to the determination of UV-327 and UV-328 in mouse plasma.

[The value of ultrasonic elastography in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma].

Objective: To explore the role of the scoring and strain ratio methods of ultrasonic elastography in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) with choroidal melanoma treated in the Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from July to October 2016 were included in this study. There were 13 males and 12 females, with an average age of (48±12) years old. Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) with choroidal hemangioma treated in the same period were selected for differential diagnosis, including 12 males and 13 females, with an average age of (37±13) years. The lesions were examined by ultrasound elastography and scored, and the strain ratio of the tumor to the orbital tissue was measured. Two independent sample t test was used to compare the difference in the elasticity score and strain ratio between choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated to analyze the value of the two methods in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. Results: The elastography score of choroidal melanoma was (3.48±0.77) points, including 2 points in 3 cases, 3 points in 8 cases, 4 points in 13 cases, and 5 points in 1 case. The elastography score of hemangioma was (2.28±0.46) points, including 2 points in 18 cases and 3 points in 7 cases. The difference in the elasticity score between patients with the two kinds of tumors was statistically significant (t=6.694, P<0.01). The strain ratio was 42.97±15.83 and 12.21±9.24 in the patients with choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (t=8.392, P<0.01). Using 3 points as the diagnostic critical point of the elastography score, the sensitivity was 88.0%, the specificity was 72.0%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.80 (95% cofidence interval: 0.663 to 0.900, P<0.01). Using 21.67 as the diagnostic critical point of the strain ratio, the sensitivity was 92.0%, the specificity was 92.0%, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.92 (95% cofidence interval: 0.808 to 0.978, P<0.01). Conclusions: Ultrasound elastography plays a role in the differential diagnosis of choroidal melanoma and choroidal hemangioma. The differential diagnostic value of the strain ratio method is higher than the scoring method. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 676-680).

[Comparison of biometry with the Pentacam AXL, IOLMaster 700 and IOLMaster 500 in cataract patients].

Objective: To compare biometry with new biometers of Pentacam AXL and IOLMaster 700 and the widely used biometer of IOLMaster 500 in cataract patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 223 eyes of 147 cataract patients from Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University during 4-8 December 2017 were recruited. There were 67 males and 80 females with an age of (64±11) years.The axial length (AL), mean keratometry (Km), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and white-to-white corneal diameter (WTW) from each device were recorded. The difference and agreement between the measurements were evaluated by ANOVA, LSD test, intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: The success rate of AL measurement was 85.2% (190/223) with the Pentacam AXL, 96.9% (216/223) with the IOLMaster 700 and 90.6% (202/223) with the IOLMaster 500. There was no difference among devices in measuring the AL, Km and ACD (all P>0.05). Significant difference was found in WTW [(11.36±0.42) vs. (11.69±0.45) vs. (11.45±0.42) mm; F=34.696, P=0.000]. Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.859-1.000, and Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement among three devices. Conclusions: The new biometers of Pentacam AXL and IOLMaster 700 and the widely used IOLMaster 500 show no difference in measuring AL, Km and ACD. All three devices show good agreement in biometry of cataract patients. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 515-521).

[Determination of 8-methoxypsoralen in mouse plasma by high performance liquid chromatography and its application to pharmacokinetic study].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) in mouse plasma and apply it to a pharmacokinetic study of 8-MOP. METHODS: 8-MOP was separated on a Waters Symmetry18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) and determined by HPLC using isocratic elution, and 5-methoxypsoralen was used as internal standard. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (55:45, V/V) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The excitation and emission wavelength of fluorescence detector were set at 334 nm and 484 nm respectively, and the internal standard method was used for quantitative analysis. In the study, 60 healthy ICR male mice were randomly divided into twelve groups. The mice in control group were administered intragastrically with 1% Tween 80, and the mice in the other eleven groups were administered intragastrically with 8-MOP (40 mg/kg). Plasma concentrations of 8-MOP in the mice at different time points after treatment were determined by HPLC. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.0 software. RESULTS: The calibration curve of 8-MOP was linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 3 over the concentration range of 0.05 to 10 mg/L, and the limit of detection was 0.015 mg/L. The average recoveries of 8? MOP at three different concentrations (0.10, 0.50, 2.5 mg/L) were from 92.5% to 100.6%. The intra-day precision of 8-MOP was from 3.3% to 8.2%, while the inter-day precision was from 3.4% to 6.7% at three spiked concentration levels. The extraction recoveries of 8-MOP were from 90.9% to 92.0%, and the plasma samples could be stored at -80°C for 15 days at least at three spiked concentration levels. 8-MOP could be detected in mouse plasma 5 min after intragastrical administration to the mice (1.4 mg/L). The concentration of 8-MOP in the mouse plasma reached a maximum 2 h after administration, and 8-MOP could still be detected 24 h after administration (1.1 mg/L). t1/2 was (39.21±3.65) h, Cmax was (2.31±0.02) mg/L, tmax was (2.00±0.00) h, and AUC0-t was (33.34±1.19) (h×mg)/L. CONCLUSION: The proposed method is accurate and simple,suitable for pharmacokinetics of 8-MOP in mice.

[Comparison of swept source anterior segment optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy in measurement of anterior chamber depth and anterior chamber angle data in age-related cataract patients].

Objective: To explore the difference and agreement in the measurement of anterior chamber depth (ACD) and anterior chamber angle data in age-related cataract patients between swept source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (SS-AS-OCT) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Methods: A prospective study. Forty-five eyes from 45 age-related cataract patients were selected at Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from November to December 2016. There were 23 males and 22 females aged (51±19) years. SS-AS-OCT and UBM were used to measure the ACD, angle opening distance (AOD 500) and trabecular-iris angle (TIA 500). The paired samples t-test and Pearson linear correlation were used for statistical analysis, and the Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the measurement consistency of the two tools. Results: The ACD measured by SS-AS-OCT and UBM was (2.750±0.544) mm and (2.775±0.531) mm, respectively, the difference was statistically significant (t=2.109, P=0.040), and the measurement results were positively correlated (r=0.989, P<0.001). In the nasal, temporal, upper and lower positions, the AOD 500 and TIA 500 values measured by SS-AS-OCT and UBM had a significant difference [AOD 500: (0.451±0.201) mm vs.(0.421±0.194) mm, (0.499±0.229) mm vs. (0.465±0.207) mm, (0.390±0.215) mm vs. (0.355±0.208) mm, (0.441±0.226) mm vs. (0.423±0.215) mm, t=4.262, 4.350, 5.355, 4.415; TIA 500: 39.587°±14.698°vs. 36.944°±13.790°, 42.149°±14.138°vs. 40.289°±13.041°, 36.482°±15.887°vs. 35.600°±15.215°, 38.504°±14.805°vs. 36.818°±14.931°, t=5.131, 4.658, 4.174, 5.731; all P<0.001] and a significant linear correlation (AOD 500: r=0.971, 0.975, 0.979, 0.973; TIA 500: r=0.972, 0.957, 0.956, 0.970; all P<0.001). The Bland-Altman method showed that the two modalities had comparable results for the ACD, AOD 500 and TIA 500 (2.22%-6.67% of the measured value outside the 95% consistency boundaries). Conclusion: SS-OCT and UBM show a good agreement in the measurement of ACD and anterior chamber angle data in age-related cataract patients, though there is difference between them in measurement results. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 678-682).

[Ultrasound diagnosis and differential diagnosis of medium and small choroidal melanomas].

Objective: To analyze the ultrasound diagnosis and differential diagnosis of medium and small choroidal melanomas. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Thirty-six cases (36 eyes) with medium or small choroidal melanoma were collected between January 2016 and January 2017 in Beijing Tongren Hospital, including 16 males and 20 females aged (50±12) years old. All tumors' apical heights were within 5 mm and the largest basal diameter was within 15 mm. Sixty-nine cases (69 eyes) with choroidal hemangioma, including 45 males and 24 females aged (45±11) years old, and 16 cases (19 eyes) with choroidal metastasis, including 4 males and 12 females aged (50±11) years old, of equal size were also analyzed as differential diagnosis. Univariate (Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and analysis of variance) and multivariate analyses (Logistic regression) were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were significant differences in morphology, height, base-height ratio, internal echo, choroidal excavation and secondary retinal detachment among the three types of tumors(all P<0.05). Approximately 91.7% (33/36) of choroidal melanomas and 94.2% (65/69) of hemangiomas were flat or dome, while 63.2% (12/19) of metastatic tumors showed a polygonal shape and an irregular surface contour. The average height was (4.02±0.70) mm for choroidal melanoma, (3.10±1.08) mm for metastasis and (2.75±0.87) mm for hemangioma. The base-height ratio of choroidal melanoma, metastasis, and hemangioma was 2.62±0.48, 4.09±1.18 and 3.16±0.58, respectively. About 86.1% (31/36) of choroidal melanomas and 84.2% (16/19) of metastases showed lower echo than adjacent orbital tissue, while 92.8% (64/69) of hemangiomas had similar or higher echo. About 16.7% (6/36) of choroidal melanomas showed choroidal excavation, but no such signs were found in other tumors. Approximately 80.6% (29/36) of choroidal melanomas, 78.9% (15/19) of metastases and 52.2% (36/69) of hemangiomas showed secondary retinal detachment. The internal echo, height and base-height ratio were taken as significant independent influencing factors into the Logistic regression model. The low internal echo and large height were risk factors of choroidal melanoma (OR=0.016, 0.199, both P<0.05), while the low echo and large base-height ratio were risk factors of choroidal metastasis (OR=0.011, 0.073, both P<0.05). Conclusion: Ultrasonography plays an important role in the diagnosis of medium and small choroidal melanomas, and the echo, height, and base-height ratio of the lesion can be helpful for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 843-848).

[Comparative analysis on the significances of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in uveal melanoma diagnosis].

Objective: To compare the significance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the diagnosis of uveal melanoma. Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Sixty-three cases (63 eyes) of uveal melanoma patients (confirmed by histopathology) who underwent CEUS and DCE-MRI examination at Beijing Tongren Hospital during January 2010 and May 2014 were collected, including 30 males and 33 females, with average age of 47 years (ranged from 27 to 69 years). The data and images of CEUS and DCE-MRI were analyzed and the findings were reviewed and compared to pathology results so as to evaluate the diagnosis coincidence rate of using CEUS, DCE-MRI and both (combined CEUS and DCE-MRI). Fisher's exact test method was used to explore the efficiency of diagnosing uveal melanoma with CEUS, DCE-MRI and the two combined. Results: Among the 63 cases of uveal melanoma, the coincidence rates of CEUS, DCE-MRI and combined diagnosis for uveal melanoma were 93.7% (59/63), 90.5% (57/63) and 100% (63/63) respectively. There was no significant difference between CEUS and DCE-MRI (P=0.663). Fifty-five cases showed fast wash in and fast wash out, and 8 cases showed fast wash in and slow wash out in time-intensity curve of CEUS. Fifty-four cases showed rapid increase and rapid decrease, and 7 cases showed rapid increase and slow decrease, and 2 cases showed sustain enhancement in signal intensity-time curve of DCE-MRI. Conclusions: CEUS is an effective method in diagnosis of uveal melanoma. CEUS and DCE-MRI are of similar value in the diagnosis of uveal melanoma, physicians may be able to acquire more diagnostic information when using the two methods in combination.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 194-198).

Factors influencing aversive learning in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis.

Parameters such as the intensity of conditioned and unconditioned stimuli, the inter-trial interval, and starvation time can influence learning. In this study, the parameters that govern aversive learning in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, a serious pest of fruits and vegetables, were examined. Male flies were trained to associate the attractive odorant methyl eugenol, a male lure, with a food punishment, sodium chloride solution, and the conditioned suppression of the proboscis-extension response was investigated. We found that high methyl eugenol concentrations support a stronger association. With increasing concentrations of sodium chloride solution, a steady decrease of proboscis-extension response during six training trials was observed. A high level of learning was achieved with an inter-trial interval of 1-10 min. However, extending the inter-trial interval to 15 min led to reduced learning. No effect of physiological status (starvation time) on learning performance was detected, nor was any non-associative learning effect induced by the repeat presentation of odor or punishment alone. The memory formed after six training trials could be retained for at least 3 h. Our results indicate that aversive learning by oriental fruit flies can be affected by odor, punishment concentration and inter-trial interval.

Uterine leiomyosarcoma: a review of recent advances in molecular biology, clinical management and outcome.

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) are rare but aggressive tumours with poor clinical outcomes regardless of stage. Most tumours are identified by histopathology at time of surgery, and pre-operative diagnosis remains a clinical challenge. Management of early-stage LMS relies on surgical resection. Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the mainstay of therapy for advanced-stage, recurrent or metastatic LMS, and includes single or combination doxorubicin-, ifosfamide- or gemcitabine-based regimens. Recent interest in genetic biomarkers led to developments of targeted therapies for LMS, although more research is needed to understand the molecular complexities underlying LMS to guide the development of novel treatment strategies. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The diagnosis and treatment of uterine LMS is challenging. Novel biomarkers offer hope for future therapies.

[Research advances in pathophysiology and diagnosis and treatment of hepatorenal syndrome].

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is functional renal injury in patients with liver cirrhosis or fulminant liver failure and is one of the complications of progressive liver failure which threatens patients' lives. With the progression of liver diseases, hemodynamic disturbance may eventually cause HRS. Achievements have been made in the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment of HRS. This article introduces the research advances in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of HRS.

[Ultrasonic diagnosis of retinal detachment in eyes with silicone oil tamponade].

Objective: To examine the features and values of ultrasonic diagnosis for retinal detachment in eyes with silicone oil tamponade (SOT). Methods: A prospective study. A total of 257 eyes (257 patients) were filled with silicone oil between December 1, 2015 and August 1, 2016 in the Department of Ophthalmology at a hospital in Beijing. All of the patients underwent a color Doppler ultrasound examination in the supine and sitting positions a week prior to surgery. The pre-surgery conditions were compared with the subsequent observations during the surgery to analyze the features and values of ultrasonic diagnosis for retinal detachment in eyes with SOT. Results: Ultrasound manifestations of eyes with SOT included pseudo extension of the ocular axis and an arc-shaped echo between the eye wall and silicone oil. Diagnostic accuracy was 85.6% in the supine position and 93.8% in the sitting position. Conclusion: Ultrasound diagnosis for retinal detachment in eyes with SOT manifests itself in certain patterns. Compared with the traditional ultrasound examination in the supine position, the sitting position examination can be used to further increase the diagnostic accuracy in the ultrasound diagnosis for retinal detachment in eyes with SOT, providing reliable evidence for clinical and differential diagnosis. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 842-846).

[Effects of 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedione on neurotransmitter contents of brain in mice administered with cocaine].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible reversal effects of 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedione (DPPD) for cocaine-induced content changes of neurotransmitters of brain in mice. METHODS: In this study, 36 healthy ICR male mice were randomly divided into control group, cocaine group, three DPPD pretreatment groups (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) and DPPD alone group (800 mg/kg). The mice in control group were administered intragastrically with 1% Tween 80 for 3 d, and the mice in cocaine group were administered intragastrically with 1% Tween 80 for 2 d before cocaine was injected subcutaneously on the 3rd day. The mice in the three DPPD pretreatment groups were administered intragastrically (DPPD 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) for 3 d before cocaine was injected subcutaneously 30 min after the administration on the 3rd day. The mice in DPPD alone group were administered intragastrically with DPPD at dose of 800 mg/kg for 3 d. The mice were sacrificed 20 minutes after cocaine injection. The contents of dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamin (5-HT) in the mice brain were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fluorescence detector, the contents of glutamic acid (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the mice brain were determined by HPLC-ultraviolet detector, and the neurotransmitter levels were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The results showed that as compared with the control group, DA and GABA contents in cocaine group increased significantly (P<0.01 and P<0.05), while Glu content decreased (P<0.05). As compared with cocaine group, the DA levels in the three DPPD pretreatment groups (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) all decreased significantly (P<0.01). In DPPD 200 mg/kg pre-administration group, GABA content decreased (P<0.05), and the contents of the four kinds of neurotransmitters had no statistical differences with those of the control group. CONCLUSION: DPPD may have potential reversal effects of the content changes of neurotransmitters in mice brain induced by cocaine at a lower dose.

[Establishment of macrophage model of iron overload in vitro and the injury induced by oxidative stress on macrophage with iron overload].

OBJECTIVE: To establish macrophage iron overload model in vitro by co-culture macrophages with iron, and to explore the effect of iron overload on cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the impact of ROS on macrophages. METHOD: Iron overload group were treated with different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 µmol/L respectively) of ferric ammonium citrate (FAC). The control group was the group of macrophages without FAC treatment. We detected the number and state of cells, metabolic activity, the change of phagocytosis, the levels of ROS and reactive nitrogen, and changes of related oxidative stress signaling pathways in different groups. Changes in the above indexes were detected after application of deferasirox (DFX) to remove iron and the antioxidant N -acetylcysteine (NAC) to clear excess oxidative stress. RESULTS: (1)The levels of labile iron pool (LIP) in macrophages co-cultivated with iron was increased with the increase of iron concentration in a dose-dependent manner. The LIP levels was the highest in the macrophages treated with 80 µmol/L. (2)The increase of FAC concentration, the metabolic activity of macrophages in the 5 FAC-treated groups decreased to 51.58%, 40.98%, 16.23%, 3.46%, and 0.05% of the activity level of the control group (all P< 0.05). The group with the metabolic activity decreased to 16.23% (20 µmol/L) was selected as the iron overload group for the following experiments. (3)Compared with the control group, the number of macrophages in the iron overload group reduced to 32.80% (P<0.05), and the state of cells changed from adherence to partial suspension. The phagocytosis of macrophages in the iron overload group reduced to 20.40% of the control group (P<0.05). (4)Our further experiment showed that the levels of ROS and the activity nitrogen in the iron overload group increased by 7.71-and 1.45-fold compared with the control group (both P<0.05). The RT-PCR showed up-regulated mRNA expression of genes related with ROS production, i. e. nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX 4) gene related with ROS production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene related with reactive nitrogen production, down-regulated mRNA expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) gene which participated in ROS clearance. Moreover, mRNA expression of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) gene involved in oxidative stress signaling pathway in the iron overload group was up-regulated, while fork head protein O3 (FOXO3) which regulated oxidative stress through negative feedback showed a down-regulation level of mRNA expression compared with the control group. (5)After iron chelation and antioxidant treatment, the above-mentioned damage in the iron overload group were partially reversed. CONCLUSIONS: The damages of iron overload on macrophages may be mediated by inducing oxidative stress and activating oxidative stress signaling pathways. Our established model provides a method to explore the mechanism of iron overload on macrophage, and may shed some new light on possible therapeutic target in treating iron overload patients.