The effect of virtual reality technology in children after surgery for concomitant strabismus

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) technology in children after surgery for concomitant strabismus. Methods: A total of 200 children with concomitant exotropia or concomitant esotropia were randomly divided into a training group and a control group according to the single even number random method (100 cases in each group). Patients in the training group received VR intervention training within 1 week after surgery. Patients in the control group did not receive any training. Results: Six months after the surgery, the orthophoria (the far or near strabismus degree was ?8?) rate was significantly higher in the training group than in the control group (P = 0.001), while the eye position regression rate (compared to the strabismus degree within 1 week after the surgery, the amount of regression >10?) was significantly lower in the training group than in the control group (P = 0.001). Six months after the surgery, the number of children with simultaneous vision and remote stereovision was significantly higher in the training group than in the control group (P = 0.017 and 0.002, respectively). The differences in the number of patients with peripheral stereopsis, macular stereopsis, and stereopsis in macular fovea centralis at 1, 3, and 6 months after the surgery between the training and the control groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.916, 0.274, and 0.302, respectively). Conclusion: The intervention of VR technology after strabismus correction effectively improved children’s visual function and maintained their eye position

Impact of Coronary Plaque on the Precision of Computational Fractional Flow Reserve Derived from CTA / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveThe fractional flow reserve （FFR） computed from coronary computed tomographic （CT） angiograms makes it possible to noninvasively assess coronary artery disease， but the impact of plaque on FFR derived from computed tomography angiography （CTA） is still unknown. The study used invasive FFR as the reference standard to analyze the impact of plaque on coronary computed tomography angiography （CCTA）-based quantitative flow ratio （CT-QFR）. MethodsThe retrospective study included 108 patients with suspected coronary heart disease （CHD） who underwent both CCTA and FFR within 60 days. CCTA images were analyzed by the software. We obtained the CT-QFR of target vessels， perfomed the quantitative and qualitative analyses on target vascular plaques， including total plaque volume （TPV）， plaque burden， calcified plaque volume （CPV）， fibrous plaque volume （FPV）， lipid plaque volume （LPV）， and the presence or absence of high-risk plaque. ResultsAccording to the difference between CT-QFR and FFR at blood vessel level， 137 target vessels of 108 patients were divided into the overestimated group （difference＞0.03， n＝29）， reference group （-0.03≤difference≤0.03， n＝88） and underestimated group （difference＜-0.03， n＝20）. The underestimated group （14.81mm3） presented higher LPV than overestimated group （1.97mm3， P < 0.05）. There was a negative correlation between LPV and the difference （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsWhen CT-QFR is used to estimate hemodynamics of coronary artery stenosis， the presence of lipid plaque may underestimate the virtual FFR.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant Bifidobacterium breve carrying HPV16 E7 shRNA and IL-12 gene against mouse cervical cancer xenografts / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：评价口服携带HPV16 E7 shRNA和IL-12基因的重组短双歧杆菌在小鼠体内抗宫颈癌移植瘤的效果。方法：将pMG36e-E7 shRNA、pMG36e-mIL-12D质粒分别转化短双歧杆菌，经筛选鉴定并扩增获得携带HPV16 E7 shRNA和IL-12 基因的重组短双歧杆菌。通过小鼠皮下宫颈癌细胞移植建立荷瘤小鼠模型。口服重组短双歧杆菌1、7 d后，检测小鼠主要器官（心、肝、脾、肺、肾）和肿瘤组织匀浆液或血清在PYG培养基中形成的菌落数量，评价短双歧杆菌的肿瘤靶向性，以小鼠体内肿瘤生长曲线评估重组短双歧杆菌的抗肿瘤效果，通过主要器官切片H-E染色和检测荷瘤小鼠血清相关细胞因子水平评价口服重组短双歧杆菌的安全性。结果：成功制备重组短双歧杆菌和宫颈癌TC-1细胞移植瘤小鼠。7 d后，移植瘤组织匀浆液和血清的菌落数量证实短双歧杆菌具有靶向体内瘤组织的定殖能力，口服重组短双歧杆菌明显抑制荷瘤小鼠的肿瘤生长（P<0.05或P<0.01），但联合使用携带HPV16 E7 shRNA和IL-12基因的重组双歧杆菌的肿瘤抑制率与单独使用的并无显著差异，治疗后未见对荷瘤小鼠主要器官的损伤和血清中IL-12及IFN-γ的水平明显变化。结论：短双歧杆菌可用作靶向肿瘤的治疗性基因分子递送载体，其对宫颈癌移植瘤的疗效明显且安全可控。

Novel strategies of tumor immunotherapy based on the functional features of HLA-E / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) is highly expressed in many kinds of cancer and associated with the prognosis of patients in a cancer-type-dependent manner. HLA-E plays an important anti-tumor immunomodulatory role mainly by binding to activating receptor (NKG2C) or inhibitory receptor (NKG2A) on NK cells or T cells. Based on this, targeting HLA-E/NKG2A to block the interaction of HLA-E with NKG2A or inhibit HLA-E expression may be one of the promising strategies for augmenting anti-tumor immune response. Based on the functional features of HLA-E, developing enhanced or universal engineered-T/NK cells adoptive cellular immunotherapies has the potential of enhancing the therapeutic effects of adoptive cellular immunotherapies, with good prospects in research and clinical application. How to effectively combine the strategy of targeting HLA-E/NKG2A with other immune therapies for more precise immunotherapy and better clinical therapeutic effects remains one of the challenges in the research and application of anti-tumor immuotherapies.

DNMT1-mediated PPARα methylation aggravates damage of retinal tissues in diabetic retinopathy mice

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Aim of this work was to investigate the mechanism of PPARα in DR. METHODS: Human retinal capillary pericytes (HRCPs) were treated with high glucose (HG) to induce DR cell model. DR mouse model was established by streptozotocin injection, and then received 5-Aza-2-deoxycytidine (DAC; DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to assess retinal tissue damage. PPARα methylation was examined by Methylation-Specific PCR. Flow cytometry and DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to estimate apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The interaction between DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) and PPARα promoter was examined by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were performed to assess gene and protein expression. RESULTS: HG treatment enhanced the methylation levels of PPARα, and repressed PPARα expression in HRCPs. The levels of apoptotic cells and ROS were significantly increased in HRCPs in the presence of HG. Moreover, DNMT1 was highly expressed in HG-treated HRCPs, and DNMT1 interacted with PPARα promoter. PPARα overexpression suppressed apoptosis and ROS levels of HRCPs, which was rescued by DNMT1 up-regulation. In DR mice, DAC treatment inhibited PPARα methylation and reduced damage of retinal tissues. CONCLUSION: DNMT1-mediated PPARα methylation promotes apoptosis and ROS levels of HRCPs and aggravates damage of retinal tissues in DR mice. Thus, this study may highlight novel insights into DR pathogenesis.

Estrogen attenuates TGF-ß1-induced EMT in intrauterine adhesion by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway

Although estrogen has crucial functions for endometrium growth, the specific dose and underlying molecular mechanism in intrauterine adhesion (IUA) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of estrogen on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in normal and fibrotic endometrium, and the role of estrogen and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the formation of endometrial fibrosis. CCK-8 and immunofluorescence assay were performed to access the proliferation of different concentrations of estrogen on normal human endometrial epithelial cells (hEECs). qRT-PCR and western blot assay were utilized to explore the effect of estrogen on EMT in normal and fibrotic endometrium, and main components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining were used to evaluate the effect of estrogen on endometrial morphology and fibrosis in vivo. Our results indicated that the proliferation of normal hEECs was inhibited by estrogen at a concentration of 30 nM accompanied by upregulation of mesenchymal markers and downregulation of epithelial markers. Interestingly, in the model of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced endometrial fibrosis, the same concentration of estrogen inhibited the process of EMT, which might be partially mediated by regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, relatively high doses of estrogen efficiently increased the number of endometrial glands and reduced the area of fibrosis as determined by the reduction of EMT in IUA animal models. Taken together, our results demonstrated that an appropriate concentration of estrogen may prevent the occurrence and development of IUA by inhibiting the TGF-β1-induced EMT and activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Efficacy and safety of sitagliptin added to metformin and insulin compared with voglibose in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin compared with voglibose added to combined metformin and insulin in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: In this 12-week prospective, randomized, parallel trial, 70 newly diagnosed T2DM patients with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥9% and/or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥11.1 mmol/L were randomized (1:1) to receive sitagliptin 100 mg per day + metformin + insulin glargine or voglibose 0.2 mg three times daily + metformin + insulin glargine. Change in HbA1c at week 12 was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: The mean baseline HbA1c was 11.0% in the patients. The changes in HbA1c from baseline were -6.00% in the sitagliptin group and -3.58% in the voglibose group, and the between-group difference was -2.42% (95% CI -1.91 to -2.93, p=0.02). The differences in FPG and homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) and the change in body weight between groups from baseline were -2.95 mmol/L (p=0.04), 43.91 (p=0.01) and -2.23 kg (p=0.01), respectively. One patient (2.9%) in the sitagliptin group and three patients (8.6%) in the voglibose group exhibited hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Sitagliptin added to combined metformin and insulin therapy showed greater efficacy and good safety regarding hypoglycemia in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM compared with voglibose.

Induction of defense-related enzymes in patchouli inoculated with virulent Ralstonia solanacearum

Background: Defense-related anti-oxidative response is a vital defense mechanism of plants against pathogen invasion. Ralstonia solanacearum is an important phytopathogen. Bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum is the most destructive disease and causes severe losses in patchouli, an important aromatic and medicinal plant in Southeast Asia. The present study evaluated the defense response of patchouli inoculated with virulent R. solanacearum. Results: Results showed that the basic enzymatic activities differed not only between the leaves and stems but also between the upper and lower parts of the same organ of patchouli. POD, SOD, PPO, and PAL enzymatic activities were significantly elevated in leaves and stems from patchouli inoculated with R. solanacearum compared to those in control. The variation magnitude and rate of POD, PPO, and PAL activities were more obvious than those of SOD in patchouli inoculated with R. solanacearum. PAGE isoenzymatic analysis showed that there were one new POD band and two new SOD bands elicited, and at least two isoformic POD bands and two SOD bands were observably intensified compared to the corresponding control. Conclusion: Our results suggest that not only defense-related enzymatic activities were elevated but also the new isoenzymatic isoforms were induced in patchouli inoculated with R. solanacearum.

Outcome of fast track surgery after intercostal nerve block during thoracoscopic resection of lung bullae: A randomized controlled trial / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze the outcome of fast track surgery after intercostal nerve block (INB) during thoracoscopic resection of lung bullae. Methods    We recuited 76 patients who accepted thoracoscopic resection of lung bullae from February 2013 to March 2015. They were randomly divided into two groups: an intercostal nerve block and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (INB+IPCA) group, in which 38 patients (30 males, 8 females, with a mean age of 23.63±4.10 years) received INB intraoperatively and IPCA postoperatively, and a postoperative intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IPCA) group, in which 38 patients (33 males, 5 females, with a mean age of 24.93±6.34 years) only received IPCA postoperatively. Their general clinical data and the postoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded. Analgesia-associated side effects, rate of the pulmonary infection were observed. Expenses associated with analgesia during hospital were calculated. Results    The score of VAS, the incidence of nausea and vomiting, fatigue and other side effects, pulmonary atelectasis and the infection rate in the INB+IPCA group were significantly lower than those in the IPCA group. Postoperative use of analgesic drugs was significantly less than that in the IPCA group. Medical expenses did not significantly increase. Conclusion    INB+IPCA is beneficial for fast track surgery after thoracoscopic resection of lung bullae.

The TLR7 agonist Imiquimod promote the immunogenicity of msenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered the best candidate in stem cells therapy due to their multipotent differentiation ability, low expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, CD34 and HLA-II) and immunosuppression effects on in vivo immune responses. MSCs were now widely used in clinical trials but received no encourage results. The major problem was the fate of engrafted MSCs in vivo could not be defined. Some studies indicated that MSCs could induce immune response and result in the damage and rejection of MSCs. As toll like receptors (TLRs) are important in inducing of immune responses, in this study we study the role of TLR7 in mediating the immune status of MSCs isolated from umbilical cord. RESULTS: Our results indicated that TLR7 agonist Imiquimod could increase the proliferation of PBMC isolated from healthy human volunteers and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in supernatant from PBMC-UCMSCs co-culture system. Flow cytometry and quantitative PCR also confirmed the regulated expression of surface co-stimulatory molecules and pro-inflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, TGF-β and TNF-α). And the down-regulation expression of stem cell markers also confirmed the loss of stemness of UCMSCs. We also found that the osteo-differentiation ability of UCMSCs was enhanced in the presence of Imiquimod. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report that activation of TLR7 pathway increases the immunogenicity of UCMSCs. Extensive researches have now been conducted to study whether the change of immune status will be help in tumor rejection based on the tumor-tropism of MSCs.

Study of early changes at the vitreoretinal interface / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

On the anatomy, posterior vitreous cortexneighbors with retina, the relationship of vitreous and retinal is both independent and closely linked. Under pathological condition, changes in the vitreous provides a good environment for occurrence and development of a number of vitreoretinal diseases, which indicates that vitreous plays a crucial role in many vitreoretinal diseases occurrence and growth. Elimination of vitreous change in disease, is an issue of great concern of the ophthalmic industry in recent years. Based on the description of vitreous and vitreoretinal interface structure, changes in the vitreous and retinal adhesion mechanisms and interfaces retinal disease risk factors and the impact on the retinal disease were discussed, And the posterior vitreous detachment impact on the vitreoretinal interface disease, the testing methods and its importance were described in this article.

Primary Screening for Breast Diseases among 17618 Women in Wufeng Area, a Region with High Incidence of Cervical Cancer in China / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In this study,the current status for breast diseases in a region with high-incidence of cervical cancer were epidemiologically investigated.From March to August,2009,17618 women,from Wufeng area of Hubei province,China,were recruited to screen breast diseases by using breast infrared diagnostic apparatus.Other diagnostic methods,such as B-mode ultrasound,X-ray mammography,needle biopsy and pathological examination were,if necessary,used to further confirm the diagnosis.The screening showed that 5990 of 17618 cases (34.00％) had breast diseases,5843 (33.16％) had mammary gland hyperplasia,48 (0.27％) had breast fibroadenoma,ll (0.06％) had breast carcinoma,and 88 (0.50％) had other breast diseases.The peak morbidity of breast cancer was found in the women aged 50-0 ages.The morbidity of breast cancer was significantly increased in women elder than or equal to 50 years old (n=8,0.157％) in comparison with that in the subjects younger than 50 years old (n=3,0.024％) (u=2.327,P＜0.05).It was shown that the occurrence of breast diseases was concentrated in women aged 20-40 years,while the total morbidity reached its peak at the age of 30 years and then decreased sharply after age of 40.Compared with the patients elder than or equal to 40 years old (n=3289,27.46％),the morbidity rate of breast diseases was significantly increased in women less than 40 years old (2648 cases,47.18％; P＜0.001).However,there was no significant difference in the morbidity of breast diseases between the age group of 20-29 years and that of 30-39 years (P=0.453),and both of them were high.There was no significant association between the morbidity of breast diseases and cervical cancer.Since the morbidity of breast diseases was higher among young women,more attention should be paid to the screening of breast diseases among young women for early diagnosis.