Clinical features of acute macular neuroretinopathy induced by Omicron / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the clinical features of acute macular neuroretinopathy(AMN)induced by Omicron.METHODS: A retrospective study. A total of 9 patients(18 eyes)diagnosed with AMN from December 2022 to January 2023 in the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included. Patients underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA), fundus photography, autofluorescence(AF), infrared reflectance(IR), optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)and multicolor, etc. Furthermore, they were followed up for 1～3mo and observed the prognosis.RESULTS: The initial symptom of the Omicron-induced AMN was the sudden onset of central/paracentral scotoma in the eyes with or without impaired vision and metamorphopsia, and the scotoma could persist for at least 3mo. The image features of AMN are as follows. First, the SD-OCT examination showed the rupture of outer retinal layers, scattered hyperreflective lesions, and atrophy of outer retinal layers. In severe cases, hyperreflective lesions were seen in the inner nuclear layer(INL)or with microcystic cavities under the retinal pigment epithelium(RPE). Second, the OCTA examination demonstrated the decreased blood flow density of the deep capillary plexus(DCP)of the macula. Third, the IR examination showed the weak reflection of lesion areas. Fourth, the fundus photography demonstrated the localized brown wedge-shaped lesion.CONCLUSIONS: The Omicron-induced AMN is mostly found in young females, and the characteristic manifestation of fundus is damage to the outer retinal layers. The extent of fundus lesions is related to the systemic inflammatory response and ocular microcirculatory changes after infection. The multimodal fundus image examination and a history of Omicron infection are helpful to diagnose the Omicron-induced AMN.

Huangqi Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, inhibits the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating the long noncoding RNA-C18orf26-1/microRNA-663a/transforming growth factor-β axis / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Huangqi Decoction (HQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used as a valid treatment for alleviating liver fibrosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown. Although our previous studies showed that microRNA-663a (miR-663a) suppresses the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the transforming growth factor-β/small mothers against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/Smad) pathway, whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in HSC activation via the miR-663a/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway has not yet reported. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA lnc-C18orf26-1 in the activation of HSCs and the mechanism by which HQD inhibits hepatic fibrosis.@*METHODS@#The expression levels of lnc-C18orf26-1, miR-663a and related genes were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. HSCs were transfected with the miR-663a mimic or inhibitor and lnc-C18orf26-1 small interfering RNAs. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay was used to assess the proliferation rate of HSCs. Changes in lncRNA expression were evaluated in miR-663a-overexpressing HSCs by using microarray to identify miR-663a-regulated lncRNAs. RNA hybrid was used to predict the potential miR-663a binding sites on lncRNAs. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed the interaction between miR-663a and the lncRNA. The expression levels of collagen α-2(I) chain (COL1A2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins were determined using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#Lnc-C18orf26-1 was upregulated in TGF-β1-activated HSCs and competitively bound to miR-663a. Knockdown of lnc-C18orf26-1 inhibited HSC proliferation and activation, downregulated TGF-β1-stimulated α-SMA and COL1A2 expression, and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. HQD suppressed the proliferation and activation of HSCs. HQD increased miR-663a expression and decreased lnc-C18orf26-1 expression in HSCs. Further studies showed that HQD inhibited the expression of COL1A2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-βRI) and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) in HSCs, and these effects were reversed by miR-663a inhibitor treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Our study identified lnc-C18orf26-1 and miR-663a as promising therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis. HQD inhibits HSC proliferation and activation at least partially by regulating the lnc-C18orf26-1/miR-663a/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/p-Smad2 axis.

Advances in the study of MicroRNAs in diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are micromolecule non-coding RNA that play a key role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and are involved in regulating various biological processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation and metabolism.The expression of miRNAs varies significantly in the process of the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy(DR), many domestic and foreign studies have shown that miRNAs are closely related to the physiological and pathological mechanism of DR by regulating gene expression. Partial miRNAs that specifically expressed can regulate the level of oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the retina and affect the occurrence and development of DR. Therefore, the progression of DR can be delayed by enhancing or inhibiting these miRNAs. The combination of single or multiple miRNAs can serve as novel transcriptome biomarkers for DR, and it is also a potential effective target for future treatment of DR. Current detection of specific miRNAs in blood or body fluids is helpful for early intervention and follow-up of DR. Therefore, this review focuses on the research progress of miRNAs and their molecular mechanisms, therapeutic prospects and biomarkers involved in DR regulation.

Application and mechanism of nanomedicine in antifungal infection therapy / 药学学报

The threat of fungal diseases is increasingly rigorous. The clinically invasive fungal infections remain a main cause of morbidity and mortality in certain high-risk groups, especially in critical patients or immunocompromised patients. In drug therapy, the problems of off-target toxicity and antifungal drug resistance are still challenging. With the wide application of biomaterials and nanotechnology, more nanomedicine studies have been carried out on antifungal drugs, such as the amphotericin B liposome which greatly reduced the renal toxicity of drugs has been successfully marketed. For the unique physical and chemical properties, the nano-drug delivery system possessed great potential in improving the bioavailability, reducing the side effects of drugs, increasing the stability of drugs, and achieving cells or tissue-specificity through the modification. This review summarized the applications and limitations of antifungal drugs. Some nanomedicines were summarized in discussion oriented around the antifungal therapy, including liposomes, niosomes, lipid nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, microemulsion, dendrimers, inorganic nanocarriers. Nanotechnology and nano-drug delivery system provide promising strategies for the research and development of new formulations that can improve antifungal activity and possibly overcome antifungal drug resistance.

Prevalence and Subtypes of Blastocystis in Alpacas, Vicugna pacos in Shanxi Province, China

Blastocystis, an enteric protist, has been reported to be an important cause of protozoal gastrointestinal manifestations in humans and animals worldwide. Animals harboring certain Blastocystis subtypes (STs) may serve as a potential source of human infection. However, information about the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in alpacas is limited. In the present study, a total of 366 fecal samples from alpacas in Shanxi Province, northern China, were examined for Blastocystis by PCR amplification of the small subunit rRNA gene, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The prevalence of Blastocystis in alpacas was 23.8%, and gender difference in the prevalence of Blastocystiswas observed. The most predominant Blastocystis ST was ST10, followed by ST14 and ST5. The detection of ST5, a potentially zoonotic genotype, indicates that alpacas harboring ST5 could be a potential source of human infection with Blastocystis. These data provide new insight into the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis in alpacas.

An update on the role of long non-coding RNAs in psoriasis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are of vital importance for various biological processes, and dysregulation of lncRNAs is frequently associated with various diseases such as psoriasis. LncRNAs modulate gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational levels; however, the specific regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in psoriasis remain largely unexplored. This review provides an overview of recent studies investigating mechanisms and functions of lncRNAs in psoriasis, especially focusing on the role of lncRNAs in keratinocytes, T cells, and dendritic cells.

Intensities of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Dysphagia after Cerebral Infarction / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To study the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in different intensities on dysphagia after cerebral infarction and its neurological mechanism. Methods:From January, 2016 to December, 2018, 60 inpatients with dysphagia after cerebral infarction were randomly equally divided into low-, medium- and high-intensity groups, in which the intensities of tDCS were 1.0 mA, 1.5 mA and 2.0 mA, respectively, for 30 days. They were observed with video fluoroscopic swallowing study and α waves of electroencephalography before and after treatment. Results:The score of oral stage increased in the high-intensity group after treatment (t = -2.196, P < 0.05), while the dominant frequency of α wave increased (t = -6.488, P < 0.001). Conclusion:High-intensity tDCS may improve the excitability of the brain for patients with dysphagia after cerebral infarction, to improve the swallowing.

Pharmacological Evaluation for Extracts of Aconiti Radix and Aconiti Radix Cocta / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To carry out the studies of pharmacological action for extracts of Aconiti Radix and Aconiti Radix Cocta, and evaluate the selection of raw materials in prescriptions, in order to promote the development and clinical application of preparations. Method: The mixed extracts of Aconiti Radix and Aconiti Radix Cocta were prepared respectively according to the technique of aconitum injection, and different dose groups of Aconiti Radix and Aconiti Radix Cocta were established based on the dose of Aconiti Radix 0.152 5 mg·g-1, and then applied in such pharmacodynamic tests as analgesia, heart rate reduction, antitumor effect and toxicology tests, such as acute toxicity and organ observation. The data were analyzed systematically on the basis of literatures. Result: Compared with blank group, the extracts of both Aconiti Radix and Aconiti Radix Cocta had a significantly analgesic effect. At the same dose, the pain inhibition rate of Aconiti Radix injection (60.91%) was higher than that of Aconiti Radix Cocta injection (53.42%), and the pain inhibition rate of Aconiti Radix extract for oral administration(73.94%) was also much higher than that of Aconiti Radix Cocta extract (29.97%), with significant differences (Pth min after administration, the heart rate of the Aconiti Radix group was decreased first, then stabilized, and finally increased with the rise of the dose, while for the Aconiti Radix Cocta group showed a different trend of first stability, then decrease and finally increase. The result indicated the Aconiti Radix group had the effect in reducing heart rate in rats at a low dose. The survival inhibition rate was evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The extracts of both Aconiti Radix and Aconiti Radix Cocta had a significantly inhibitory effect on the proliferation of AGS gastric cancer cells, in which Aconiti Radix was stronger than that of Aconiti Radix Cocta at the same dose. In the acute toxicity test of rats, lethal dose 50%(LD50) of Aconiti Radix and Aconiti Radix Cocta were 3.9 g·kg-1 and 21.0 g·kg-1 respectively, which were equivalent to 4 times and 20 times of the clinical dose. LD50 of the extract of Aconiti Radix Cocta was 5 times than that of Aconiti Radix. The liver and kidney of dead rats were dark with obvious symptoms of poisoning after dissection, while all the organs of rats at the clinical and lower dose were normal. Conclusion: The safety of Aconiti Radix is lower than that of Aconiti Radix Cocta, but with greater analgesic, bradycardic and anticancerous effect. Therefore, it is suggested that the preparations, such as aconitum injection, should be prepared with Aconiti Radix in the treatment of severe pain of patients with advanced gastric and liver cancer, and the preparations for general pain can be prepared with Aconiti Radix Cocta, so as to achieve a truly safe and effective dialectical treatment.

Impact of the degrees of intravesical prostatic protrusion on the recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the influence of the degrees of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) on the recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 212 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by biopsy and treated by laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by the same surgeon. Based on the degrees of IPP measured by MRI, we divided the patients into an IPP ≤ 10 mm group (n = 146) and an IPP > 10 mm group (n = 66) and determined the factors influencing the recovery of urinary continence by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.@*RESULTS@#At 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, the urinary continence rates of the patients were 32.5%, 50.5%, 82.1% and 91%, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that the factors influencing the recovery of urinary continence included IPP, body mass index (BMI), bladder neck preservation (BNP), neurovascular bundle preservation (NVBP) and clinical tumor (T) stage at 3 months (P 10 mm (P 10 mm and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 are independent factors influencing the long-term recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy.

Treatment of degenerative medial meniscus injury of knee joint by arthroscopy combined with small needle knife to release superficial medial collateral ligament of knee joint / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effect of arthroscopic combined with small needle knife in the treatment of degenerative medial meniscus (MM) injury of knee joint by releasing the superficial layer of medial collateral ligament (SMCL).@*METHODS@#From February 2016 to November 2018, 56 patients (56 knees) with limited pain, strangulation and flexion in medial knee joint space were selected. X-ray Kellgren-Lawrence grading was I-II. MRI showed medial meniscus injury(III degree) of knee joint. There were 30 males(30 knees) and 26 females(26 knees). Arthroscopic MM plasty and small needle knife were used to release SMCL. The Lysholm knee score was used to evaluate the effect of operation.@*RESULTS@#All 56 patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 3 to 24 months, with an average of 10 months. According to the Lysholm knee score standard, the final follow-up was compared with that of before operation. The results showed that the preoperative knee score was 37.24±1.32, the latest follow-up knee score was 85.72±5.28, the knee score was higher than that before the operation(<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Arthroscopy combined with small needle knife release of superficial medial collateral ligament in the treatment of degenerative medial knee meniscus injury can effectively improve the mechanical balance of the knee joint, improve Lysholm knee score in patients with knee meniscus injury, and promote the recovery of knee joint function, which has clinical value.

rhBMP in lumber fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#To compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP) and iliac crest autograft in the fusion treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.@*METHODS@#The studies using randomized controlled trials to compare the rhBMP with iliac crest autograft in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis were retrieved from Embase, Pubmed, ProQuest dissertations & theses (PQDT), China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang Data, Cochrane Library (from March 1998 to March 2018). Postoperative fusion rate, clinical success rate, postoperative intervertebral height, complications, operation time, blood loss and duration of hospitalization were chosen as the outcome indicators. Methodological quality of the trials was critically assessed, and relevant data were extracted. Statistical software Revman 5.3 was used for data-analysis.@*RESULTS@#Eleven articles were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that, comparing the efficacy of rhBMP with iliac crest autograft, statistical significance was found in the 24-month fusion rate post operation [95% CI (1.38, 24.70), p = 0.02] and operation time [95% CI (-14.22, -2.08), p = 0.008]. There is not sufficient evidence for statistical differences in the remaining indicators.@*CONCLUSION@#The current literature shows rhBMP is a safe and effective grafting material in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. Further evidence is dependent on the emergence of more randomized controlled trials with higher quality and larger sample sizes in the future.

Evidence-based medicine research on low-back pain with sham-acupuncture controlled design and the analysis on dynamic acupoint positioning / 中国针灸

To explore the positioning of acupoints, a research was done with PubMed for system reviews and clinical trials on treatment of low-back pain with sham-acupuncture controlled design from January 1, 2010 to October 27, 2017. Six system reviews and 12 sham-controlled acupuncture random trials were found. The statistical difference was not found in all the 6 trials with standard acupoint compared with the sham-acupuncture among the 8 penetrating skin sham-control trials. The statistical difference was found in the two trials with penetrating skin sham control, who was used individualized treatment, twirling for arrival or palpation for point. It is considered that sham-acupuncture penetrating skin is not a placebo, and needling with standard or dynamic acupoint may reduce low-back pain, and dynamic acupoint positioning may be better than standard acupoint positioning.

Effect of Laminoplasty with Reconstructing of Cervical Extensor Attachment on Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Involving C2 Segment / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the efficacy of laminoplasty with reconstructing of cervical extensor attachment on cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) involving C2 segment. Methods:From March, 2014 to January, 2017, 46 cases with CSM involving C2 accepted surgery in our hospital. They were divided into two groups according to the surgical methods. Control group (n = 21) accepted traditional laminoplasty, while observation group (n = 25) accepted laminoplasty with extensor muscle attachment point reconstruction. They were assessed with Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) spinal scores, cervical range of motion (ROM), cervical curvature, areas of posterior cervical muscles and axial symptoms. Results:There was no significant difference at operative time and intraoperative blood loss (t < 0.863, P > 0.05) between groups. After surgery, the JOA score increased in both groups (F > 24.961, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between two groups (t < 0.282, P > 0.05). ROM varied little in both groups (F < 0.931, P > 0.05). The cervical neutral position curvature decreased in the control group (F = 8.241, P < 0.01), but not in the observation group (F = 2.705, P > 0.05). The areas of posterior muscle decreased in control group (t = 2.678, P < 0.05), but not in the observation group (t = 0.854, P > 0.05). The incidence of axial symptoms was less in the observation group than in the control group (Z = -2.192, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Laminoplasty could relieve the spinal compression at C2 segment and promote the recovery of neurological function, and it can do better in cervical curvature and posterior cervical muscle atrophy as combination with reconstruction of extensor muscle attachment, to reduce the axial symptoms.

Role of NRF2 pathway in the drug resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma / 中国现代普通外科进展

Objective:To investigate the role of NRF2 pathway in the drug resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:Two sorafenib-resistant cells HepG2-SR and Huh7-SR were established by incubating human HCC HepG2 and Huh7 cells at a increasing concentration of sorafenib,and verify resistant cell properties by detecting the cell apoptosis.The levels of NRF2 were detected by Western blot and Real-time PCR.SiRNA was used to silence NRF2,then the cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry to explore the effect of reversing the drug resistance and synergy in combination with sorafenib.Results:Sorafenib induced pro-apoptosis effect was significantly in Huh7 and HepG2 cells than the corresponding Huh7-SR and HepG2-SR cells.The NRF2 expression levels were significantly higher in sorafenib-resistant cells and the parental cells treated with sorafenib than the corresponding untreated parental cells,while the NFR2 mRNA expression levels were no significant.When in combination with sorafenib,NRF2 siRNA showed the synergistic effect in inducing cell apoptosis in sorafenib-resistant cells and parental cells.Conclusion:NRF2,activated by post-transcriptional level after sorafenib exposure,is responsible for the drug resistance to sorafenib in HCC.Inhibiting NRF2 could reverse the drug resistance to sorafenib in HCC.

Effect of Total Flavone of Haw Leaves on Nuclear Factor Erythroid-2 Related Factor and Other Related Factors in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of total flavone of haw leaves (TFHL) on the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor (Nrf2) and other related factors in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rats induced by high-fat diet and then to further discuss the mechanism of TFHL's prevention against NASH.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>High-fat diet was fed to 40 rats to establish the NASH model. Then model rats were intragastrically administrated with 40, 80, 160 mg/(kg•day) TFHL, respectively. The pathological changes of liver tissues in NASH rats were detected by oil red O and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stainings. The expression of Nrf2 in rat liver was examined through immunohistochemistry. The level of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in serum was detected through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and other related factors in liver tissue were measured by real-time reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Lipid deposition, hepatic steatosis, focal necrosis in lobular inflammation and ballooning degeneration were emerged in livers of NASH rats. The 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α in the serum of NASH rats increased significantly compared with the control group (P<0.05). The mRNA of Nrf2, hemeoxyenase1 (HO-1) and the mRNA and protein levels of quinine oxidoreductase (NQO1) in NASH rats liver tissue showed a striking increase, while the mRNA levels of Keap1, r-glutamylcysteine synthethase (rGCS) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). After TFHL treatment, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α level in serum significantly decreased, and Nrf2 mRNA and protein levels in hepatocytes nucleus enhanced compared with the model group (P<0.05 or 0.01). Meanwhile the Keap1 mRNA, the mRNA and protein levels of HO-1, NQO1 antibody, rGCS antibody, GST increased after TFHL treatment (P<0.05 or 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Nrf2 and other related factors were involved in development of NASH, and they also served as an important part in its occurrence. By regulating expression of Nrf2 and other related factors, TFHL may play a role in antioxidative stress and prevention of NASH.</p>

Effect of Limited Laminectomy Combined with Foraminal Stenosis Decompression on Preventing C5Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect of limited laminectomy combined with foraminal stenosis decompression on preventing C5nerve root palsy and improving neurological function. Methods From March,2014 to May,2016,69 patients with multi-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were included.Thirty-eight patients(group A)were treated with limited lami-nectomy combined with foraminal stenosis decompression and internal fixation,and 31 patients(group B)under-went routine laminectomy and internal fixation.The postoperative neurological recovery rate,cervical curvature index(CCI)and C5palsy rate were recorded and analyzed. Results No spinal cord and nerve injury occurred during the operation.The width of laminectomy was(16.8±2.1)mm in group A,and was significantly less than(21.7±2.5)mm in group B(t=8.849,P<0.001).There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between two groups(t<0.439,P>0.05).The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score increased continuously after surgery in both groups (F>42.996, P<0.05), and no significant difference was found between them at each time point(t<1.021,P>0.05).The cervical curva-ture index improved after surgery(F>86.379,P<0.05),and no significant difference was found between them at each time point(t<0.943,P>0.05).The spinal cord drift distance was(3.6±0.7)mm in group A,and ws signifi-cantly shorter than(2.5±0.5)mm in group B(t=7.602,P<0.001).There was no significantly difference in the neu-rological recovery rate between two groups(t=0.724,P=0.471).The C5palsy rate was lower in group A(5.2%,2/38)than in group B(22.5%,7/31)(χ2=4.514,P=0.034). Conclusion Limited laminectomy combined with foraminal stenosis decompression could relieve the spinal cord com-pression and restrict the excessive back drift, promote the neurological function recovery and reduce the inci-dence of C5palsy.

Intravitreal injection of drugs combined with vitrectomy on fungal endophthalmitis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To study the intravitreal injection of voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B combined with vitrectomy on treatment of fungal endophthalmitis. <p>METHODS: Selection of 27 cases(54 eyes)with fungal endophthalmitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus infection from September 2014 to September 2016 in our hospital to accept the treatment were as the research objects. The 27 patients were randomly divided into control group and study group 1, study groups 2, each group of 9 patients. After vitrectomy, drug sensitivity test of three groups, drug testing for liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole, were taken. After the application of oral voriconazole for three groups of patients with atropine ointment, and daily dressing, patients in study group 1 and 2 received intravitreal injected of voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B respectively. The degree of corneal opacity, vitreous opacity and visual acuity were observed after operation. <p>RESULTS: Aspergillus fumigatus were sensitive to amphotericin B and voriconazole. Comparison of corneal opacity: at 1d after operation, the differences between control group with study group 1 and 2 were not significant(<i>P></i>0.05); the differences on the other time points were significant(<i>P</i><0.05); the differences between group 1 and 2 at different time were not significant(<i>P></i>0.05). Comparison of aqueous flare: at 1d after operation, the differences between control group with study group 1 and 2 were not significant(<i>P></i>0.05); the differences on the other time points were significant(<i>P</i><0.05); the differences between group 1 and 2 at 1 and 15d after operation were significant(<i>P</i><0.05), the differences at other time points were not significant(<i>P></i>0.05). Comparison of vitreous body opacity: except for at 1d after operation, the difference between control group and study group 1 were significant(<i>P</i><0.05); except for at 1, 4 and 6d after operation, the difference between control group and study group 2 were significant(<i>P</i><0.05); the differences between study group 1 and 2 were not significant(<i>P></i>0.05), except for at 6d after operation.<p>CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B combined with vitrectomy can be an effective treatment for fungal endophthalmitis. Compared with liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole is better for early and middle stage of fungal endophthalmitis.

Effect of Matrix Metallopeptidase 13 on the Function of Mouse Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells found in an immature state in epithelia and interstitial space, where they capture antigens such as pathogens or damaged tissue. Matrix metallopeptidase 13 (MMP-13), a member of the collagenase subfamily, is involved in many different cellular processes and is expressed in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). The function of MMP-13 in DCs is not well understood. Here, we investigated the effect of MMP-13 on DC maturation, apoptosis, and phagocytosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells were obtained from C57BL/6 mice. One short-interfering RNA specific for MMP-13 was used to transfect DCs. MMP-13-silenced DCs and control DCs were prepared, and apoptosis was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. MMP-13-silenced DCs and control DCs were analyzed for surface expression of CD80 and CD86 and phagocytosis capability using flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the control DCs, MMP-13-silenced DCs increased expression of anti-apoptosis-related genes, BAG1 (control group vs. MMP-13-silenced group: 4.08 ± 0.60 vs. 6.11 ± 0.87, P = 0.008), BCL-2 (control group vs. MMP-13-silenced group: 7.54 ± 0.76 vs. 9.54 ± 1.29, P = 0.036), and TP73 (control group vs. MMP-13-silenced group: 4.33 ± 0.29 vs. 5.60 ± 0.32, P = 0.001) and decreased apoptosis-related genes, CASP1 (control group vs. MMP-13-silenced group: 3.79 ± 0.67 vs. 2.54 ± 0.39, P = 0.019), LTBR (control group vs. MMP-13-silenced group: 9.23 ± 1.25 vs. 6.24 ± 1.15, P = 0.012), and CASP4 (control group vs. MMP-13-silenced group: 2.07 ± 0.56 vs. 0.35 ± 0.35, P = 0.002). Protein levels confirmed the same expression pattern. MMP-13-silenced groups decreased expression of CD86 on DCs; however, there was no statistical difference in CD80 surface expression. Furthermore, MMP-13-silenced groups exhibited weaker phagocytosis capability.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results indicate that MMP-13 inhibition dampens DC maturation, apoptosis, and phagocytosis.</p>

Genetic and chemical discrimination of traditional Tibetan medicine seabuckthorn based on DNA barcode and ¹H-NMR metabolic method / 中国中药杂志

To differentiate three medicinal Hippopahe species of seabuckthorn, a combined genetic and chemical identification method was established in this study. ITS2 and psbA-trnH were tested for identification of 3 species of seabuckthorn. Detection of the kimura 2-parameter (K2P) distance, the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree and the barcoding gap were used to assess the identification efficiency. ¹H-NMR based metabolic method was applied to acquire the profile of metabolites. PCA was used to analysis the metabolite data. The results indicated that DNA barcode combined ¹H-NMR based metabolic method is a powerful tool for the identification of 3 medicinal Hippopahe species of seabuckthorn. The finding demonstrated that different genetic variation and chemical constituents existed among 3 medicinal Hippopahe species of seabuckthorn. The combined identification method will improve the reliability of species discrimination and could be applicable to much other ethnic medicine which has various origins in China.

Effect of total flavones of hawthorn leafonon expression of COX-2/Nrf2 in liver of rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis / 中国中药杂志

To explore the effect of total flavones from hawthorn leaf on (THFL) on the expression of COX-2/Nrf2 in the liver tissues of rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and discuss its anti-NASH mechanism, thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, THFL high dose group and low dose group, 8 in each group. High fat diet was given to the rats for 12 weeks to establish the NASH models, and the high and low dose groups were administered with TFHL at the dosage of 250, 125 mg•kg⁻¹•d⁻¹ respectively. Steatosis and the inflammatory changes of the liver tissues in rats were observed by HE staining; T-AOC level was detected by colorimetry; the level of 8-OHdG and the protein expressions of COX-2, Nrf2 and HO-1 in the liver tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry; and the mRNA expressions of COX-2, Nrf2 and HO-1 in liver tissues were detected by Real time-PCR. Compared with the normal group, the liver steatosis, ballooning degeneration for inflammatory degree and NAFLD activity scores (NAS) were significantly increased in model group, while total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was decreased, DNA damage marker 8-OHdG level was increased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of COX-2, Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased. After the administration of high and low dose of TFHL, the inflammation degree of the liver tissues and NAS were significantly decreased, 8-OHdG level and COX-2mRNA and protein expressions were decreased, and the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased when compared with the model group. COX-2/Nrf2 pathway was involved in the development and progression of NASH induced by high fat diet. TFHL could prevent the development of NASH by promoting the expression Nrf2/HO-1, regulating and inhibiting the over expression of COX-2, and further attenuating the cell injury and hepatic inflammation caused by oxidation reaction.