Comparison of errors in ablation depth calculation after myopic femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis in patients with different degrees of myopia: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the difference between the predicted preoperative corneal ablation depth and the measured ablation depth for femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) in patients with different degrees of myopia, and to analyze the source of the difference. METHODS: A total of 55 patients (109 eyes) were included in this study. Multiple logistics regression was applied to analyze the sources affecting postoperative refractive outcomes. The difference between the preoperative predicted corneal ablation depth and the 1-day postoperative ablation depth in patients with different degrees of myopia was explored using linear regression. Corneal biomechanical parameters influencing error in ablation depth calculation were examined using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: One hundred and nine eyes were divided into low to moderate myopia (55 eyes, myopia of 6 D or less), high myopia (45 eyes, myopia ranging from 6 D to a maximum of 9 D), and very high myopia group (9 eyes, myopia greater than 9 D) based on preoperative refractive error (spherical equivalent). Postoperative visual outcomes were comparable among the three groups of patients, with no significant difference in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA). We did find notable disparities in spherical equivalent (SE) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with different degrees of myopia at 1 day postoperatively (all p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that error in ablation depth calculation was an independent risk factor for refractive outcomes one day after surgery (OR = 1.689, 95% CI: 1.366 - 2.089). There was a substantial discrepancy in error in ablation depth calculation at 1 day postoperatively between the three groups. The measured ablation depth of the laser platform was lower than the predicted ablation depth in the low to moderate myopia and very high myopia groups, but the opposite was true in the high myopia group. Pre-operative SE (p < 0.001) and corneal front minimum radius of curvature (Front Rmin) (p = 0.007) obviously influenced the error in ablation depth calculation. CONCLUSIONS: Error in ablation depth calculation values vary significantly between patients with different degrees of myopia and correlate highly with preoperative SE and Front Rmin. At the same time, the available evidence suggests that error in ablation depth calculation is an influential factor in postoperative refractive status, so it is imperative to control error in ablation depth calculation.

Quantitative Evaluation of the Normal Cervix, Cervical Cancer, and Cervical Precancerous Changes Via Real-Time Shear Wave Elastography.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to evaluate the clinical application values of ultrasound real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cervical cancer (CC). METHODS: A total of 285 married female patients were screened and divided into three groups according to the results of the pathological examination and the cervical ThinPrep cytologic test: 1) the CC group (n = 94); 2) the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) group (n = 91); and 3) the normal control group (n = 100). The maximum Young's modulus (Emax), mean Young's modulus (Emean), minimum Young's modulus (Emin), and Young's modulus stability (Esd) in each group were measured and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in Emax, Emean, Emin, and Esd values between the anterior and posterior cervical walls, premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and nonparturient and parturient women in the normal control group. The Emax, Emean, Emin, and Esd values in the CIN group showed no statistically significant differences in different periods when compared with the control group. The differences between the normal control group and the CC group were statistically significant; the CC group showed no statistically significant differences in Emax, Emean, Emin, and Esd values at different clinical stages and in different pathological types. The cutoff value of Emax for CC diagnosis, which was of the highest accuracy (89.7%), was 43.48 kpa. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound real-time SWE can be applied to CC diagnosis.

Application Value of Real-Time Shear Wave Elastography in Diagnosing the Depth of Infiltrating Muscular Layer of Endometrial Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value of real-time shear wave ultrasonic elastography in diagnosing the depth of infiltrating muscularis of endometrial cancer. METHODS: Seventy-one patients with stage I endometrial cancer infiltrating the myometrium and 37 patients with normal physical examination were enrolled and divided into three groups: endometrial cancer superficial muscle infiltration group, endometrial cancer deep muscle infiltration group, and normal control group. After completing 2-dimensional ultrasound examination, each patient switched to the real-time shear wave elastography mode to measure the elasticity values Emax, Emean, and Esd. RESULTS: For control group, comparison of elastic modulus values between superficial muscular layer near the intimal surface and the deep muscular layer near the serosa surface showed no difference (P > 0.05). For endometrial cancer superficial muscular infiltration group, significant difference was found regarding the elastic modulus values of infiltrated muscular layer and uninfiltrated muscular layer (Emax and Emean) without difference for Esd (P > 0.05). A significant difference of elastic modulus was observed between control group and deep myometrial infiltration group (P < 0.05) without difference of Emean or Emax but with difference of Esd. The accuracy in diagnosing muscular layer infiltration was 78.9% for Emax cutoff and 82.5% for Emean cutoff. The rate of using Emax ≥32.22 kPa or Emean ≥27.54 kPa as the ultrasound standard for diagnosing myometrium infiltration was 92.9%. The accuracy for the diagnosis of muscular layer infiltration was 96.1% for Emax cutoff, 94.1% for Emean cutoff and 86.3% for Esd cutoff. CONCLUSION: Real-time shear wave elastography is helpful to determine the depth of infiltrating myometrium of endometrial cancer.

MicroRNA-532-5p is a prognostic marker and inhibits the aggressive phenotypes of osteosarcoma through targeting CXCL2.

The dysregulation of miR-532-5p is involved in the development of several cancers. Nevertheless, the roles of miR-532-5p in osteosarcoma (OS) have yet to be illuminated. In the present study, we found that miR-532-5p was significantly downregulated in both OS tissues and cell lines. The low level of miR-532-5p was associated with advance clinical stage and poor overall survival in patient with OS. The functional experiments implied that upregulation of miR-532-5p restrained OS U2OS cell growth and metastatic ability in vitro; induced apoptosis, and impaired OS cell growth in vivo. Mechanistically, chemokine (C-X-C Motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2) was proved as a target gene of miR-532-5p. The inhibitory effects of miR-532-5p on OS cell were rescued by CXCL2 overexpression. Altogether, we demonstrated that miR-532-5p exerted tumor-inhibitory functions in OS cell via regulating CXCL2.

The Mechanism of the Magnetodielectric Response in a Molecule-Based Trinuclear Iron Cluster Material.

Magnetodielectric response mechanisms are critical for the rational design and synthesis of molecule-based magnetodielectric materials. Herein, the magnetodielectric response was investigated in the molecule-based material [Fe3 O(CH3 COO)6 (py)3 ](py) (1). Its magnetodielectric coefficient (MD) is -2.8 % for phase transition III and -4.1 % for phase transition I. Study of the mechanism of the magnetodielectric response in 1 reveals that its magnetodielectric response at phase transition I is induced by the charge-frustration of the trinuclear iron cluster, while that at phase transition III is attributed to the spin-frustration of the trinuclear iron cluster, providing a new route for the design of magnetodielectric materials.

Impact of co-blocking the costimulatory signals on immune-related genes after high-risk rabbit corneal allograft using 2nd-generation DNA sequencing technology.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact and mechanism of co-blocking of costimulatory signals CD28-B7-CD40-CD40L during immune allograft rejection. Forty-eight recipient rabbits were prepared as a high-risk corneal allograft model. After surgery, the animals were randomly divided into: control group, MR1 group, anti-B7 group, and co-blocking group (n=12, each group). Subconjunctival injection was first performed on the allograft surgery day until post-surgery day five. Four weeks later, or when immune rejection occurred, the cornea was sampled to detect and analyze the gene spectrum. The survival time in the co-blocking group was significantly longer than that in the other three groups (p < 0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of genes associated with immune rejection, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, and IL-2 was down-regulated in the co-blocking group, while IL-10 was up-regulated, but the changes in nuclear factor-κB and interferon-γ were not significant. In conclusion, the co-blocking of costimulatory signals can significantly reduce genes that promote corneal allograft rejection. The inhibition of corneal allograft rejection gene expression was significantly enhanced. These gene expression results can explain the conclusion of previous work at the genetic level.

[Protective effect of Wuzi Yanzong recipe on testicular DNA damage and apoptosis in natural ageing rats].

To study the protective effect of Wuzi Yanzong recipe on testicular DNA damage and apoptosis in natural ageing rats, SPF grade 16-month-old SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups: ageing model group, low and high dose Wuzi Yanzong recipe groups (WZ, 1， 4 g·kg⁻¹). In addition, 2-month-old SD rats were used as adult control group (10 rats in each group). The ageing model group and the adult control group were fed with normal diet for 4 months. Wuzi Yanzong groups received medicated feed for 4 months. After fasting for 12 hours, the rats were sacrificed. Then testis tissues were taken and weighed to calculate the testis index. The change of testicular tissue morphology was observed by HE staining. Expression and localization of DNA damage-associated protein ATR were observed by immunofluorescence. The expressions of DNA damage-related proteins γ-H2AX, Chk1, p-p53 and apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2 and Bax in testes were detected by Western blot. The apoptosis of testis tissue in rats was detected by using TUNEL. The results showed that as compared with the youth control group, the protein expression levels of γ-H2AX, Chk1, p-p53 and Bax were significantly increased while Bcl-2 protein expression level was significantly decreased intestis tissues of ageing model group. Wuzi Yanzong recipe significantly decreased protein expression levels of γ-H2AX, Chk1, p-p53 and Bax and increased Bcl-2 protein expression level as well as Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Immunofluorescence results showed that Wuzi Yanzong recipe could significantly decrease the ageing-induced ATR, increase in testis tissues. TUNEL results showed that Wuzi Yanzong recipe could significantly attenuate the germ cell apoptosis in testicular tissues. All the above results suggest that Wuzi Yanzong recipe could protect the germ cell in testicular tissues of natural ageing rates from DNA damage and apoptosis, and the mechanism may be associated with regulating p53 signaling pathway.

Numerical research on the biomechanical behaviour of braided stents with different end shapes and stent-oesophagus interaction.

Quasi-static and dynamic numerical analyses are carried out by referring to computational models of commercial self-expandable braided stents with 3 commonly used end shapes, to evaluate the influence of different end shapes of stent on the biomechanical interaction between stent and oesophagus. The end shape has no influence on the equivalent stress, but has a great influence on the contact stress in the narrowest zone of the oesophagus-neoplasm system. However, the end shapes have significant effect on the equivalent stress and the contact stress in the healthy area of the oesophagus in contact with the stent ends. The results show that the maximum equivalent stress of the oesophagus occurs in the zone contact with the cup-shaped end and the maximum contact stress occurs in the zone contact with the edge of the trumpet-shaped stent end. Moreover, the stent apposition is almost not affected by the end shapes. Although small zones with an incomplete stent apposition appear in the transition zones of spherical-cup-shaped stent, such occurrence might not contribute to stent malapposition or stent migration. Therefore, these stents with 3 types of end shapes all have good stent apposition. Finally, the numerical simulation results can be used to assess the mechanical performance of stents with different end shapes, the effectiveness of stent expansion therapy, and the possibility of complications after stent implantation.

Saponins from Panax japonicus attenuate age-related neuroinflammation via regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways.

Neuroinflammation is recognized as an important pathogenic factor for aging and related cognitive disorders. Mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways may mediate neuroinflammation. Saponins from Panax japonicus are the most abundant and bioactive members in rhizomes of Panax japonicus, and show anti-inflammatory activity. However, it is not known whether saponin from Panax japonicus has an anti-inflammatory effect in the aging brain, and likewise its underlying mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control groups (3-, 9-, 15-, and 24-month-old groups) and saponins from Panax japonicus-treated groups. Saponins from Panax japonicus-treated groups were orally administrated saponins from Panax japonicus at three doses of 10, 30, and 60 mg/kg once daily for 6 months until the rats were 24 months old. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay results demonstrated that many microglia were activated in 24-month-old rats compared with 3- and 9-month-old rats. Expression of interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase increased. Each dose of saponins from Panax japonicus visibly suppressed microglial activation in the aging rat brain, and inhibited expression levels of the above factors. Each dose of saponins from Panax japonicus markedly diminished levels of nuclear factor kappa B, IκBα, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38. These results confirm that saponins from Panax japonicus can mitigate neuroinflammation in the aging rat brain by inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathways.

Chikusetsusaponin V attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in mice.

Chikusetsusaponin V (CsV), a saponin from Panax japonicus, has been reported to inhibit inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage cells. However, whether CsV could alleviate LPS-induced liver injury in vivo and the potential mechanisms involved remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of CsV on LPS-induced acute liver injury in mice and further explored the potential mechanisms involved. Our results showed that CsV significantly attenuated elevation of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and improved liver histopathological changes in LPS-induced mice. In addition, CsV decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) levels and inhibited mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α and IL-1ß in LPS challenged mice. Furthermore, CsV inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation by downregulating phosphorylated NF-κB, IκB-α, ERK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 levels in the liver tissue, which ultimately decreased nucleus NF-κB protein level. In conclusion, our data suggested that CsV could be a promising drug for preventing LPS challenged liver injury since it attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses, partly via inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Characterization of two tartary buckwheat R2R3-MYB transcription factors and their regulation of proanthocyanidin biosynthesis.

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) contains high concentrations of flavonoids. The flavonoids are mainly represented by rutin, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins in tartary buckwheat. R2R3-type MYB transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in the transcriptional regulation of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. In this study, two TF genes, FtMYB1 and FtMYB2, were isolated from F. tataricum and characterized. The results of bioinformatic analysis indicated that the putative FtMYB1 and FtMYB2 proteins belonged to the R2R3-MYB family and displayed a high degree of similarity with TaMYB14 and AtMYB123/TT2. In vitro and in vivo evidence both showed the two proteins were located in the nucleus and exhibited transcriptional activation activities. During florescence, both FtMYB1 and FtMYB2 were more highly expressed in the flowers than any other organ. The overexpression of FtMYB1 and FtMYB2 significantly enhanced the accumulation of proanthocyanidins (PAs) and showed a strong effect on the target genes' expression in Nicotiana tabacum. The expression of dihydroflavonol-4-reductase (DFR) was upregulated to 5.6-fold higher than that of control, and the expression level was lower for flavonol synthase (FLS). To our knowledge, this is the first functional characterization of two MYB TFs from F. tataricum that control the PA pathway.

Effects of a Chinese traditional formula Kai Xin San (KXS) on chronic fatigue syndrome mice induced by forced wheel running.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In traditional medicine, Kai Xin San (KXS), composed of ginseng (Panax ginseng), hoelen (Wolfiporia cocos), polygala (Polygala tenuifolia) and Acorus gramineus, is famous for the treatment of emotion-thought disease, such as settling fright, quieting the spirit and nourishing the heart. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study investigated the effect of KXS on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) mice induced by forced wheel running. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy two healthy adult male Kunming mice were randomly divided into six groups: home cage control group, CFS group, CFS group with Modafinil treatment at 13 mg/kg/d doge, KXS treatment at 175 mg/kg/d, 350 mg/kg/d and 700 mg/kg/d doge. CFS mice were induced by forced wheel running with higher speed for 4 weeks and then taken an exhausted exercise. The biochemical parameters including serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum urea nitrogen (SUN), serum testosterone (T), liver glycogen (LG), muscle glycogen (MG) and muscle lactic acid (MLA) were determined by using commercially available kits. The splenocytes proliferation from mice was examined by MTT method. The levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) secreted by splenocytes were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: CFS mice with KXS administration exhibited less electric shock time when compared with CFS group without drug treatment. The effect of KXS has after demonstrated reduction in SUN, LDH and MLA levels and an increase in T, LG and MG levels. CFS mice with KXS could improve the proliferation of splenocytes compared with CFS group without drug treatment. The cultured splenocytes from CFS mice without KXS supplementation produced more interleukin-2 (IL-2) but less interleukin-4 (IL-4) when compared with home cage control mice. The cultured splenocytes of CFS mice with KXS supplementation produced more interleukin-2 (IL-2) but less interleukin-4 (IL-4) when compared with CFS group without drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary study provide evidence that KXS could ameliorate CFS by affecting the physiological markers for fatigue. This study also supported the use of KXS against CFS by improving the proliferation of splenocytes from CFS mice and modulating the disturbance of cytokines induced by CFS.

[Protective effect of six Kaixin San formulas on nerve cells injured by different materials].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of six Kaixin San formulas on simulated cells model of depression, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. METHOD: The in vitro simulated cells model of depression, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease was established by injuring SH-SY5Y cells with corticosterone (0.4 mmol x L(-1)) , injuring PC12 cells with neurotoxic amyloid peptide (Abeta25-35) (20 micromol x L(-1)) and injuring SH-SY5Y cells with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) (250 micromol x L(-1)). The cell survival rate was assayed with MTT method and the degree of cell injury was detected with LDH. RESULT: 100, 500 mg x L(-1) Dingzhixiao Wan prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang could significantly increase the survival ratio of SH-SY5Y cells injured by corticosterone and reduce LDH concentration released. All of the Kaixin San formulas could significantly increase the survival ratio of PC12 cells injured by Abeta25-35 and reduce LDH concentration released. Particularly, Kaixin San (10, 100, 500 mg L(-1)) prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang shown the best effect. And 500 mg x L(-1) Fushen Wan prepared as mentioned in Gujin Luyan could significantly increase survival ratio of SH-SY5Y cell injured by MPP and reduce LDH concentration released. CONCLUSION: Dingzhixiao Wan prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang could protect corticosterone-induced SH-SY5Ycells injury, showing a potential antidepressant effect. All of the six Kaixin San formulas could protect Abeta25-35-induced PC12 cells injury, but Kaixin San prepared as mentioned in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang shown the best potential effect for Alzheimer's disease. Fushen Wan prepared as mentioned in Gujin Luyan could protect MPP(+)-induced SH-SY5Y cells injury to some extent.

Triterpenoid saponins from Ardisia gigantifolia.

Four new triterpenoid saponins (1-4) were isolated from the rhizome of Ardisia gigantifolia STAPF. The structures of new saponins were established as 3beta-o-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxy-13,28-epoxy-oleanane (1), 3beta-o-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyrano-syl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxy-13,28-epoxy-30-acetoxy-oleanane (2), 3beta-o-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxy-13,28-epoxy-oleanane (3) and 3beta-o-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-6-O-acetylglucopranosyl-(1-->2)]-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxy-13,28-epoxy-oleanane (4) were isolated from Ardisia gigantifolia STAPF. Their structures were elucidated by means of (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectroscopic studies, including 2D-NMR technique. The cytotoxic activities of saponins 1-4 are reported against three human cancer cell lines, namely, Hela human cervical carcinoma cells, EJ human bladder tumor cells, and BCG-823 human gastric carcinoma cells.