Paeoniflorin elicits the anti-proliferative effects on glioma cell via targeting translocator protein 18 KDa.

As a natural compound isolated from Paeoniae radix, Paeoniflorin (PF) has been shown the antitumor effects in various types of human cancers including glioma, which is one of the serious tumors in central nervous system. Translocator protein 18 KDa (TSPO) has been shown to be relevant to the glioma aetiology. However, the regulation of PF in TSPO and neurosteriods biosynthesis on glioma is still unclear. In the present study, the glioma cell (U87 and U251) were cultured and used to quantify the bindings of PF on TSPO. Results indicated that there was not significant different between IC50 of PF and TSPO ligand PK11195. Moreover, PF exerted the anti-proliferative effects in glioma cell with a dose dependent inhibition from 12.5 to 100 µM in vitro. Consistent with the effects of PK11195, lowered levels on progesterone, allopregnanolone, as well as TSPO mRNA were induced by PF (25 and 50 µM). Furthermore, a xenograft mouse model with U87 cell-derived was significant inhibited by PF treatment, as well as the PK11195 administration. These results demonstrate that PF exerts its antitumor effects associated with the TSPO and neurosteroids biosynthesis in glioma cells could be a promising therapeutic agent for glioma therapy.

Change of Eyelid Parameters in Patients With Marin-Amat Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Marin-Amat syndrome is an acquired facial synkinesis manifesting as involuntary eyelid closure on jaw movement. The authors investigate the clinical features, especially the quantitative changes in eyelid parameters of patients with Marin-Amat syndrome. METHODS: Patients with Marin-Amat syndrome between 2015 and 2017 in a medical center were collected. Clinical features and the change of eyelid parameters, including margin reflex distance 1 (MRD-1), margin reflex distance 2 (MRD-2), and palpebral fissure height, were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 5 men and 3 women with a mean age of 76 years. All had a history of facial palsy. The mean time to onset of Marin-Amat syndrome was 4.4 years after facial palsy. Seven patients (87.5%) developed subsequent ipsilateral facial spasm after facial palsy. Most patient complaints were ptosis (62.5%) and ptosis on eating (37.5%). The mean palpebral fissure height of involved eyes decreased from 5.88 to 2 mm on jaw opening (p = 0.011), which resulted from decrease in MRD-1 (from 2.06 to 0.06 mm, p = 0.012) and MRD-2 (from 3.81 to 1.94 mm; p = 0.012). Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injection into the periorbital orbicularis muscle in 6 patients significantly relieved the change of palpebral fissure height on jaw opening compared with that before injection (9.9% vs. 68.6 %, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with Marin-Amat syndrome present with ptosis and might be overlooked or underestimated. The reduction in palpebral fissure height in our patients with Marin-Amat syndrome was due to involuntary orbicularis oculi muscle contraction, resulting in decrease of both the MRD-1 and MRD-2 on jaw opening.

Multiple contest experiences interact to influence each other's effect on subsequent contest decisions in a mangrove killifish.

Many animals modify behavioural decisions based on information they have previously acquired. Contest behaviour is often affected by previous contest experiences: individuals behave more and less aggressively after a victory and defeat, respectively (winner/loser effect). Individuals in the field sometimes encounter multiple competitors in quick succession, but whether these experiences interact to influence each other's importance is unclear. We tested five hypotheses for experience interaction (no interaction, retroactive interference, proactive interaction, reinforcement and diminishing returns) using Kryptolebias marmoratus. Focal individuals were paired up with opponents having the same 1-month contest outcome (1 month before the experiment), as this difference in actual or perceived fighting ability has been shown to affect the fish's response to new experiences. We gave the focal individual of a pair a winning or losing experience on day 1. Then both fish of the pair received the same winning, losing or no-contest experience on day 2. Then we organised fights between the two. The effect of a day-1 losing experience did depend on the fish's actual or perceived fighting ability: one-month losers readily showed loser effects from the day-1 losing experience, irrespective of the day-2 experience (i.e. no interaction between day-1 and day-2 experiences). One-month winners, however, only showed loser effects from a day-1 losing experience when the day-2 experience was also a loss (i.e. reinforcement). Day-1 winning experiences did not interact with day-2 experiences in 1-month losers or winners. Therefore, multiple experiences sometimes reinforce each other, but how they combine to influence behaviour depends on an individual's actual or perceived fighting ability.

Effects of balance training on functional outcome after total knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of additional balance training on mobility and function outcome in patients with knee osteoarthritis after total knee replacement. DESIGN: A prospective intervention study and randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A university-based teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who received total knee replacement surgery were recruited sequentially from the orthopedic department. They were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or control group. INTERVENTIONS: The control group received conventional function training for eight weeks. The experimental group not only received the same conventional training as the control group, but also received additional balance exercises in each admission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Before and after training we took the following measurements: distance of functional forward reach; duration of single leg stance; timed sit-to-stand test; timed up-and-down stair test; timed 10-m walk; timed up-and-go test; and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. RESULTS: 58 patients in the experimental group with a mean (SD) age of 71.4 (6.6) years and 55 in the control group with mean (SD) age of 72.9 (7.3) years, completed the study. After eight-weeks intervention with additional balance exercises, the experimental group demonstrated significant changes in 10-m walk (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6 to 4.4 seconds) and in timed up-and-go (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: 2.6 to 3.4 seconds) tests. Significant changes of all other measures and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score were also observed in the experimental group (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Additional balance training exerted a significant beneficial effect on the function recovery and mobility outcome in patients with knee osteoarthritis after total knee replacement.

Effects of Protein Supplementation Combined with Resistance Exercise Training on Walking Speed Recovery in Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis and Sarcopenia.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is closely associated with sarcopenia, sharing the common characteristics of muscle weakness and low physical performance. Resistance exercise training (RET), protein supplementation (PS), and PS+RET have promise as treatments for both sarcopenia and KOA. However, whether PS+RET exerts any effect on time to recovery to normal walking speed (WS) in older adults with sarcopenia and KOA remains unclear. This study investigated the treatment efficiency of PS+RET on WS recovery among individuals with KOA and sarcopenia. A total of 108 older adults aged ≥ 60 years who had a diagnosis of radiographic KOA and sarcopenia were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Sarcopenia was defined on the basis of the cutoff values of the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index for Asian people and a slow WS less than 1.0 m/s. The patients were equally distributed to three groups: PS+RET, RET alone, and usual care. The weekly assessment was performed during a 12-week intervention and a subsequent 36-week follow-up period. A cutoff of 1.0 m/s was used to identify successful recovery to normal WS. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to measure the survival time to normal WS among the study groups. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression (CPHR) models were established to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of successful WS recovery and determine its potential moderators. After the 3-month intervention, PS+RET as well as RET obtained greater changes in WS by an adjusted mean difference of 0.18 m/s (p < 0.0001) and 0.08 (p < 0.05) m/s, respectively, compared to usual care. Kaplan-Meier analysis results showed both RET and PS+RET interventions yielded high probabilities of achieving normal WS over the 12-month follow-up period. Multivariate CPHR results revealed that PS+RET (adjusted HR = 5.48; p < 0.001), as well as RET (adjusted HR = 2.21; p < 0.05), independently exerted significant effects on WS recovery. PS+RET may accelerate normal WS recovery by approximately 3 months compared with RET. Sex and initial WS may influence the treatment efficiency. For patients with KOA who suffer sarcopenia, 12-week RET alone exerts significant effects on WS recovery, whereas additional PS further augments the treatment effects of RET by speeding up the recovery time of WS toward a level ≥ 1.0 m/s, which facilitates the patients to diminish the disease severity or even free from sarcopenia.

Plug-related canaliculitis: a rare or underdiagnosed disease?

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Conjunctivitis, chalazion and blepharitis are routinely managed by optometrists. However, it is especially important to consider the diagnosis of canaliculitis in patients with chronic or recurrent conditions. BACKGROUND: This study aimed to report the clinical features, radiological findings and treatment outcomes in patients with plug-related canaliculitis. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with canaliculitis secondary to plug insertion between 2007 and 2020. All data regarding epidemiological characteristics, clinical presentation, isolated microorganisms, computed tomography imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 20 plug-related canaliculitis from 19 patients (18.3%) among all 109 cases of canaliculitis were identified. All patients with plug-related canaliculitis were females with a past history of lacrimal plug insertion for dry eye (mean age: 58.2 years). Most patients were initially treated as conjunctivitis with the mean time lapse to a diagnosis of 5.2 months. The average time from plug insertion to onset of symptoms was 5.1 years. Eighteen patients underwent canaliculotomy, and one patient received lacrimal irrigation. Plugs were identified in 18 cases, with SmartPlug in 13 cases (72%), followed by EaglePlugTM (two cases), Herrick Lacrimal Plug (two cases), and migrated FCI Painless Plug (1 case). Cultures of discharge, concretions, and/or infected plugs mostly revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa (42%). Orbital computed tomography in four cases with SmartPlug revealed central radiolucency with surrounding soft-tissue enhancement. No recurrent canaliculitis was observed throughout a mean follow-up period of 13.7 months. No patient needed re-plugging after canaliculotomy and plug removal, with only one required additional lubricants for recurrent dry eye. CONCLUSION: Plug-related canaliculitis is often underdiagnosed due to late onset and similar symptoms to common ocular diseases. Awareness of plug insertion history as well as meticulous removal of the plug, concretion and/or granulation tissue is important for early diagnosis and to ensure a good outcome.

Survival of Hydrops Fetalis with and without Fetal Intervention.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the survival rate of hydrops fetalis after fetal interventions and neonatal intensive care. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with hydrops fetalis from January 2009 to December 2019 at Changhua Christian Children's Hospital. All cases had abnormal fluid accumulation in at least two body compartments during pre- and postnatal examination. The primary outcome measure was the mortality rate. We also collected information regarding disease etiology, duration of hospital stay, Apgar score, gestational age at birth, initial hydrops fetalis diagnosis, fetal intervention, first albumin and pH levels, and maternal history. RESULTS: Of the 42 cases enrolled, 30 survived and 12 died; the mortality rate was 28.6%. Furthermore, 22 cases received fetal intervention, while 20 cases did not; there was no significant difference in their survival rates (75% and 68%, respectively). Survival rate was associated with gestational age at birth, initial diagnosis time, birthweight, Apgar score, initial albumin and pH levels, and gestational hypertension. Only one case was immune-mediated. Among the nonimmune-mediated cases, the three most common etiologies were lymphatic dysplasia (12/42), idiopathic disorders (10/42), and cardiovascular disorders (5/42). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, hydrops fetalis was diagnosed early, and fetal intervention was performed in a timely manner. Preterm births were more frequent, and birthweight was lower in the cases that underwent fetal intervention than in those that did not, but there was no significant between-group difference in mortality. The initial diagnosis time, gestational age at birth, birthweight, Apgar score, and first albumin and pH levels were independently associated with mortality.

Relative Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Alone or in Combination with Noninjective Treatments on Pain and Physical Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been recommended for managing pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The difference in therapeutic effects between radial shockwave characteristics (RaSW) and focused shockwave characteristics (FoSW) with different energy levels for KOA remains controversial. The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to identify the effects relative to the different ESWT regime and combination treatments on pain and functional outcomes in individuals with KOA. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which investigated the efficacy of RaSW, FoSW, and combination treatments in patients with KOA were identified by searches of electronic databases. The included RCTs were analyzed through NMA and risk-of-bias assessment. We analyzed 69 RCTs with a total of 21 treatment arms in the NMA. Medium-energy FoSW plus physical therapy, medium-energy acupoint RaSW plus Chinese medicine, and high-energy FoSW alone were the most effective treatments for reducing pain [standard mean difference (SMD) = -4.51], restoring function (SMD = 4.97), and decreasing joint inflammation (SMD = -5.01). Population area and study quality influenced the treatment outcomes, particularly pain. Our findings indicate that medium-energy ESWT combined with physical therapy or Chinese medicine is beneficial for treating pain and increasing function in adults with KOA.

Prognostic Factors for Mortality, Activity of Daily Living, and Quality of Life in Taiwanese Older Patients within 1 Year Following Hip Fracture Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures among older adults are a major public health concern worldwide. This study investigated the potential clinical factors that predict postoperative 1-year activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life (QoL), and mortality in Taiwanese older adults following hip fracture. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study enrolling older adults (≥60 years) who had undergone hip fracture surgery in a single medical center. The comprehensive clinical history of each patient was examined. QoL, ADL, and mortality events were recorded consecutively at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. The multiple logistic regression model and the generalized estimating equation (GEE) were adopted to identify contributing factors for mortality and postoperative ADL and QoL prognosis, respectively. RESULTS: Among 377 participants with hip fracture, 48 died within 1 year of the index operation. ADL and QoL considerably decreased at 3 months following hip surgery. Old age, high Charlson Comorbidity Index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grading were crucial predictors for mortality at the 1-year follow-up. The generalized estimating equation analysis indicated that the length of postoperative follow-up time, serum albumin level, patient cognitive status, and handgrip strength were considerably associated with QoL and ADL recovery prognosis in the Taiwanese older adults following hip fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Hip fractures have long-lasting effects on the older adults. Our data imply several prognosis predicting parameters that may assist clinicians in accounting for an individual's personalized risks in order to improve functional outcomes and reduce mortality.

ß-Carotene Status Is Associated with Inflammation and Two Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with and without Osteoarthritis.

This study was conducted to investigate the ß-carotene status in osteoarthritis (OA) patients and examine its relationships with the risk of inflammation and metabolic syndrome. OA patients were stratified by obesity based on body fat percentage (obese OA, n = 44; non-obese OA, n = 56), and sixty-nine subjects without OA or obesity were assigned as a non-obese control group. ß-carotene, metabolic parameters, and inflammation status were assessed. Obese OA patients exhibited a significantly higher rate of metabolic syndrome (p = 0.02), abdominal obesity (p < 0.01), and lower ß-carotene status (p < 0.01) compared with non-obese OA and non-obese controls. After adjusting for potential confounders, ß-carotene status (≥0.8 µM) was significantly inversely correlated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 0.27, p < 0.01), abdominal obesity (odds ratio = 0.33, p < 0.01), high blood pressure (odds ratio = 0.35, p < 0.01), hyperglycemia (odds ratio = 0.45, p < 0.05), and inflammation (odds ratio = 0.30, p = 0.01). Additionally, subjects who had a high ß-carotene status with a low proportion of metabolic syndrome when they had a low-grade inflammatory status (p < 0.01). Obese OA patients suffered from a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and lower ß-carotene status compared to the non-obese controls. A better ß-carotene status (≥0.8 µM) was inversely associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation, so we suggest that ß-carotene status could be a predictor of the risk of metabolic syndrome and inflammation in patients with and without OA.

Effects of Sarcopenic Obesity and Its Confounders on Knee Range of Motion Outcome after Total Knee Replacement in Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Study.

Sarcopenic obesity is closely associated with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and has high risk of total knee replacement (TKR). In addition, poor nutrition status may lead to sarcopenia and physical frailty in KOA and is negatively associated with surgery outcome after TKR. This study investigated the effects of sarcopenic obesity and its confounding factors on recovery in range of motion (ROM) after total knee replacement (TKR) in older adults with KOA. A total of 587 older adults, aged ≥60 years, who had a diagnosis of KOA and underwent TKR, were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Sarcopenia and obesity were defined based on cutoff values of appendicular mass index and body mass index for Asian people. Based on the sarcopenia and obesity definitions, patients were classified into three body-composition groups before TKR: sarcopenic-obese, obese, and non-obese. All patients were asked to attend postoperative outpatient follow-up admissions. Knee flexion ROM was measured before and after surgery. A ROM cutoff of 125 degrees was used to identify poor recovery post-surgery. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis was performed to measure the probability of poor ROM recovery among study groups. Cox multivariate regression models were established to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of postoperative poor ROM recovery, using potential confounding factors including age, sex, comorbidity, risk of malnutrition, preoperative ROM, and outpatient follow-up duration as covariates. Analyses results showed that patients in the obese and sarcopenic-obese groups had a higher probability of poor ROM recovery compared to the non-obese group (all p < 0.001). Among all body-composition groups, the sarcopenic-obese group yielded the highest risk of postoperative physical difficulty (adjusted HR = 1.63, p = 0.03), independent to the potential confounding factors. Sarcopenic obesity is likely at the high risk of poor ROM outcome following TKR in older individuals with KOA.

The Clinical Feature and Treatment Outcome of Ocular Melanoma: A 34-Year Experience in a Tertiary Referral Center.

Malignant melanoma can arise from melanocytes in various structures of the eye, orbit, and ocular adnexa. We reviewed the clinical features and long-term results of all subjects with histologically proved melanoma originating from any of the ocular and periocular structures in a tertiary referral center. Overall, 88 patients including 47 men were recruited. The tumor was primarily located in the uvea, followed by the conjunctiva, orbit, eyelid, and lacrimal sac. Patients with uveal melanoma were diagnosed at a relatively younger age (47.0 years), while those with orbital and eyelid melanomas were older at presentation (79.5 years and 78.5 years, respectively). The overall local recurrence rate was 9% at a median follow-up of 41.0 months, among which orbital and eyelid melanomas recurred most commonly. The overall mortality rate was 41% in a median duration of 27.2 months (IQR, 13-58 months) from diagnosis, with the highest for lacrimal sac melanoma, followed by melanoma of the orbit, uveal, conjunctiva, and eyelid. Despite prompt local control, the risk for metastasis and mortality was high. Therefore, efficient modalities for early diagnosis and treatment of ocular melanoma are necessary.

Associations between Coenzyme Q10 Status, Oxidative Stress, and Muscle Strength and Endurance in Patients with Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that participates in energy production in the human body. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among coenzyme Q10 status, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and muscle function in patients with OA. This case-control study recruited 100 patients with OA and 100 without OA. The coenzyme Q10 status, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, muscle mass (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), muscle strength (hand-grip and leg-back strength), and muscle endurance (dumbbell curls, gait speed, chair-stand test, and short physical performance battery) were measured. The results showed that both OA and elderly subjects had a low coenzyme Q10 status (<0.5 µM). Oxidative stress was significantly negatively correlated with muscle function (protein carbonyl, p < 0.05). Coenzyme Q10 level was positively associated with antioxidant capacity, muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle endurance in patients with OA (p < 0.05). Since OA is an age-related disease, coenzyme Q10 may be consumed by oxidative stress and thereby affect muscle function. Raising coenzyme Q10 in patients with OA could be suggested, which may benefit their antioxidant capacity and muscle function.

Solution-processed, semitransparent organic photovoltaics integrated with solution-doped graphene electrodes.

In this work, by applying a transfer method simultaneously with a solution doping process for graphene as top electrodes, we demonstrate a solution-processed semitransparent organic photovoltaics (OPV). The work function of doped graphene under various doping conditions was investigated via photoemission spectroscopy. The transparent device was fabricated using PEDOT-doped graphene as electrodes, which provide an energetically favorable band alignment for carrier extractions. The solution-processed semitransparent organic photovoltaics exhibit the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.2%, which is 85.7% of the PCE of control devices based on metallic reflecting electrodes, while maintaining good transparency at most visible wavelengths.

Restraint use and injury in forward and rear-facing infants and toddlers involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash on a U. S. Roadway.

BACKGROUND: Use of appropriate child passenger safety restraints reduces injury in infants, with rear facing restraints favored over forward facing. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) began recommending that infants and children under the age of 2 years be restrained in a rear-facing seat installed in the vehicle's rear seat. This study examines the practice of rear-facing restraints pre- and post-AAP recommendations for children under 2 years. METHODS: Data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 2008 to 2015 were used to examine restraint status and injuries in rear-seated infants and toddlers aged 0 to less than 2 years involved in fatal collisions (n = 4966). Subpopulation analyses were conducted on 1557 children with seat facing direction recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Covariates considered for inclusion in the multivariable model included passenger characteristics (age, gender, seating position), driver characteristics (age, gender, seat belt status, alcohol status, drug status, previous traffic violations), vehicle characteristics (vehicle type), and crash-level characteristics (day/night, weekday/weekend, rush hour, expressway/surface street, urban/rural). RESULTS: Approximately 6.7% (330 of 4996) of infants and toddlers were unrestrained with mortality that was approximately triple that of restrained infants (40.0% vs 13.7%, P < 0.0001). In multivariable adjusted models, predictors of an infant being unrestrained included unrestrained driver (OR: 3.17, 95% CI: 2.38-4.21), driver aged less than 20 years (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.42-3.34), driver alcohol use (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.42-3.44), center-seated infant (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.19-2.03) and weekday crash (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.12-2.01). Of all rear-seated children whose restraint status were reported (4966), rear-facing restraint use increased from 5.0% to 23.2% between 2008 and 2015 (P < 0.0001). The odds of rear-facing restraint use increased after introduction of the AAP guideline among infants aged 0 to < 1 year old (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.46-3.10) and among toddlers aged 1 to < 2 years old (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.03-3.79). CONCLUSION: Trends in the use of rear-facing child restraints improved over the timeframe of this study, but remain low despite the introduction of AAP guidelines and the strengthening of child restraint laws.

Depression negatively affects patient-reported knee functional outcome after intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection among geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: Intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection (IAHA) is a popular treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigates whether depression, anxiety, and pain affect self-reported knee function in geriatric OA people who have received IAHA. METHODS: Through convenience sampling, 102 geriatric patients (mean age = 70.91 ± 7.19; 28 males) with knee OA who had undergone IAHA participated in this study. All participants self-reported depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), knee function using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation form (IKDC), and pain severity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). They completed the aforementioned questionnaires at baseline before injection and then again at 2-, 4-, and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS: Depression was significantly associated with IKDC, WOMAC physical function subscale, and total WOMAC scores. Anxiety was only significantly associated with the WOMAC pain subscale score. Pain severity was significantly associated with IKDC, WOMAC stiffness subscale, WOMAC physical function subscale, and total WOMAC scores. CONCLUSION: Given that depression negatively affected patient-reported knee function among geriatric OA patients who had undergone IAHA, further attention should be paid to the depressive status of this population.

Conjunctival papilloma: Clinical features, outcome, and factors related to recurrence.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical features, treatment, and outcome of patients with conjunctival papilloma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients (22 eyes) with biopsy-proven conjunctival papilloma between January 2005 and January 2015 in a tertiary medical center were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical profiles, treatment, outcome, and factors related to recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 16 males (73%) and 6 females (27%), with a mean age of 47 years. The most common location of conjunctival papilloma was the caruncle (43%), followed by palpebral conjunctiva (29%), bulbar conjunctiva (14%), and fornix (14%). Recurrence developed in five patients (22.7%). The risk of postoperative recurrence was significantly related to the presence of bulbar conjunctival papilloma with corneal involvement (P = 0.043) and surgical excision alone (P = 0.039). One case with multiple recurrences developed nonkeratinizing carcinoma. Two young females developed conjunctival papilloma even after receiving human papillomavirus vaccinations. CONCLUSION: The recurrence of conjunctival papilloma is not uncommon, especially for those patients underwent surgical excision alone. Surgical excision with adjunctive therapy and long-term follow-up is rational for the treatment of conjunctival papilloma.

[Real-time PCR used to detect p53 gene damage in workers exposed to arsenic].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the metabolism of arsenic and the damage of exon 5 and 8 of p53 gene from workers in a arsenic mill, and with real-time PCR technique, to establish the method probing the gene-specific DNA damage in people. METHODS: By real-time PCR, the damages of exon 5 and 8 of p53 gene were probed in 37 workers exposed highly to, 16 manager and logistic employees exposed less to an arsenic mill in Yunnan province, and also 25 local people who did not contact with any white arsenic in near past time. At the same time, the urinary total and organic arsenic of workers were detected. The correlation between metabolism of arsenic and damage of p53 gene was evaluated. RESULTS: Total urinary arsenic concentrations were (1.18 +/- 0.76) mg/L and (0.32 +/- 0.28) mg/L for high and low exposed male workers, and 0.23 mg/L, (0.53 +/- 0. 30) mg/L for high and low exposed females. Organic urinary arsenic concentrations were (0.48 +/- 0.37) mg/L and (0.08 +/- 0.05) mg/L for high and low exposed males, and 0.11 mg/L, (0.30 +/- 0.24) mg/L for high and low exposed females. The total and organic urinary arsenic of high exposed group was higher than that of control male (P < 0.05), all in control group were lower than 0.02 mg/L for reference. The Ct relative value of exon 5 of p53 gene in high exposed group was higher than that in control male (P < 0.05), and the increased tendency of Ct relative value of exon 5 of p53 gene was found in workers with organic arsenic concentration going up (r(s) = 0.355, P = 0.011). The Ct relative value of exon 8 of p53 gene in low exposed group was higher than that in control male (P < 0.05), but the difference between high exposed and low exposed or reference's was not obvious (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The damages in exon 5 and 8 of p53 gene in workers exposed to arsenic may be induced. The metabolism of arsenic may be very important in the damage of exon 5. It is feasible for real-time PCR technique used to detect gene-specific DNA damage in people.

Clinical features, microbiological profiles and treatment outcome of lacrimal plug-related canaliculitis compared with those of primary canaliculitis.

AIMS: To compare the clinical features and treatment outcome between lacrimal plug-related canaliculitis and primary canaliculitis. METHODS: Patients with plug-related canaliculitis and primary canaliculitis between 2007 and 2014 in a medical centre were collected. Charts were reviewed for clinical features, microbiological profiles, time lapse between plug insertion and symptom onset, type of plug and outcomes. RESULTS: Of 76 eligible cases collected, 13 were plug-related canaliculitis and 63 were primary canaliculitis. The most common presenting symptom was discharge in both groups (85% and 79%, respectively). The average time interval from plug insertion to symptoms onset was 5.5 years. Most canaliculitis developed in women, especially for plug-related canaliculitis, when compared with primary canaliculitis (100% vs 65.1%; p=0.015). The most common isolated microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa in plug-related canaliculitis (46%) and Streptococcus in primary canaliculitis (28%), respectively. Isolation of Pseudomonas was significantly higher in plug-related canaliculitis than in primary canaliculitis (46% vs 12%; p=0.029). Most plug-related canaliculitis resolved after removal of plugs by canaliculotomy (12 cases, 93%). Most identified plug was SmartPlug (seven cases), followed by EaglePlug (two cases) and Herrick Lacrimal Plug (two cases). There was no recurrence in patients with plug-related canaliculitis, however, recurrence developed in seven patients (11%) with primary canaliculitis. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with primary canaliculitis, plug-related canaliculitis appear to be more prevalent in women and show a different microbiological profile. Retrieval of infected plug by canaliculotomy and adequate antibiotics can achieve a good outcome. Long-term follow-up is required because canaliculitis may develop several years after plug insertion.