[Advances in the study of the role and mechanisms of endogenous hormones in the development of myopia].

With the increasing prevalence of myopia among adolescents, the pathogenesis of this condition has garnered significant attention. Studies have discovered the expression of various hormone receptors in ocular tissues of both animals and humans. Additionally, changes in hormone levels accompany the development of myopia, although the exact relationships remain inconclusive. This article reviews the potential influences and mechanisms of action of endogenous hormones such as melatonin, serotonin, insulin, glucagon, sex hormones, vitamin D, and prostaglandins in ocular tissues including the retina, choroid, and sclera. It elaborates on the relationship between fluctuations in these hormone levels and the progression of myopia, aiming to provide guidance for exploring targets for myopia prevention and control.

[A preliminary study on the tear matrix metalloproteinase 9 point-of-care assay using a domestic kit].

Objective: To compare the point-of-care assays for tear matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) using domestic and InflammaDry kits, and to evaluate the feasibility of diagnosing dry eye with the domestic kit. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Thirty dry eye patients and 30 age-and sex-matched normal volunteers were continuously enrolled in this cross-sectional study from June 2022 to July 2022. Both domestic and InflammaDry kits were used to detect the tear MMP-9 levels. The positive rates were recorded for qualitative analysis, and the gray ratios of bands (the gray value of detection bands to that of control bands) were collected for quantitative analysis. The correlations of MMP-9 levels with age, ocular surface disease index, fluorescence tear break-up time, tear meniscus height, Schirmer's Ⅰ test score, corneal fluorescein staining score, and meibomian gland dropout were analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U test, paired Chi-square test, Kappa test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 14 males and 16 females (30 eyes) in the control group, and their age was (39.37±19.55) years. In the dry eye group, 11 males and 19 females (30 eyes), aged (46.87±17.85) years, had moderate to severe dry eye. The positive rates of MMP-9 in tear fluid were significantly different between dry eye patients (InflammaDry: 86.67%; domestic kit: 70.00%) and controls (InflammaDry: 16.67%, P<0.001; domestic kit: 6.67%, P<0.001). Although the sensitivity of the domestic kit was lower than that of the InflammaDry kit (70.0% vs. 86.7%, P=0.001), the specificity was higher (93.3% vs. 83.3%, P=0.001). In dry eye patients, the positive coincidence rate was 80.7% (21/26), the negative coincidence rate was 100% (4/4), and the total coincidence rate was 83.3% (25/30), with no significant difference between the two kits (McNemar test: χ2=3.20, P>0.05), and the results of both kits were consistent (Kappa=0.53, P=0.001). The Spearman's correlation coefficient showed the gray ratios using both kits were positively correlated with the corneal fluorescein staining score (InflammaDry: ρ=0.48, P<0.05; domestic kit: ρ=0.52, P=0.003). Conclusion: The performances of the domestic and InflammaDry kits are consistent in the point-of-care assay for tear MMP-9, and the domestic kit has lower sensitivity but higher specificity.

[Long-term outcome of EVAHEART I implantable ventricular assist device for the treatment of end stage heart failure: clinical 3-year follow-up results of 15 cases].

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the implantable ventricular assist system EVAHEART I in clinical use. Methods: Fifteen consecutive patients with end-stage heart failure who received left ventricular assist device therapy in Fuwai Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were enrolled in this study, their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Cardiac function, liver and kidney function, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 6-minute walk distance and quality of life were evaluated before implantation and at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after device implantation. Drive cable infection, hemolysis, cerebrovascular events, mechanical failure, abnormally high-power consumption and abnormal pump flow were recorded during follow up. Results: All 15 patients were male, mean average age was (43.0±7.5) years, including 11 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, 2 cases of ischemic cardiomyopathy, and 2 cases of valvular heart disease. All patients were hemodynamically stable on more than one intravenous vasoactive drugs, and 3 patients were supported by preoperative intra aortic balloon pump (IABP). Compared with before device implantation, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) was significantly decreased ((80.93±6.69) mm vs. (63.73±6.31) mm, P<0.05), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), total bilirubin and creatinine were also significantly decreased ((3 544.85±1 723.77) ng/L vs. (770.80±406.39) ng/L; (21.28±10.51) µmol/L vs. (17.39±7.68) µmol/L; (95.82±34.88) µmol/L vs. (77.32±43.81) µmol/L; P<0.05) at 1 week after device implantation. All patients in this group were in NYHA class Ⅳ before implantation, and 9 patients could recover to NYHA class Ⅲ, 3 to class Ⅱ, and 3 to class Ⅰ at 1 month after operation. All patients recovered to class Ⅰ-Ⅱ at 6 months after operation. The 6-minute walk distance, total quality of life and visual analogue scale were significantly increased and improved at 1 month after implantation compared with those before operation (P<0.05). All patients were implanted with EVAHEART I at speeds between 1 700-1 950 rpm, flow rates between 3.2-4.5 L/min, power consumption of 3-9 W. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 100%, 87%, and 80%, respectively. Three patients died of multiple organ failure at 412, 610, and 872 d after surgery, respectively. During long-term device carrying, 3 patients developed drive cable infection on 170, 220, and 475 d after surgery, respectively, and were cured by dressing change. One patient underwent heart transplantation at 155 d after surgery due to bacteremia. Three patients developed transient ischemic attack and 1 patient developed hemorrhagic stroke events, all cured without sequelae. Conclusion: EVAHEART I implantable left heart assist system can effectively treat critically ill patients with end-stage heart failure, can be carried for long-term life and significantly improve the survival rate, with clear clinical efficacy.

[A newborn patient with bilateral ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum: a case report].

A male neonate who was unable to open both eyes with the adhesion of upper and lower palpebral margins since birth was clinically diagnosed as bilateral ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum. The fused eyelids were divided surgically under general anesthesia. The neonate can open and close eyes normally with right positions of eyelids and flexible movements of eyeballs to follow light after the surgery.

[Long term results of central hole type posterior chamber intraocular lens in the correction of moderate to high myopia].

Objective: To evaluate the long-term safety,effectiveness,predictability and stability of ICL V4c implantation for moderate to high myopia. Methods: In this retrospective case series study, 95 eyes from 50 patients with moderate to severe myopia who were treated in 2015 underwent central hole type posterior chamber intraocular lens (ICL V4c) implantation at Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. The patients were followed up for a period of five years, during which we assessed various parameters including uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA), corrected visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, axial length, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell density (ECD), vault, and complications. We used the paired t-test and repeated measures one-way ANOVA in SPSS statistical software to analyze the data. Results: The mean spherical equivalent refraction (SE) decreased significantly from (-12.16±3.04) D preoperatively to (-0.19±0.55) D at one month and (-1.14±0.84) D at five years postoperatively. The safety indices (postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA) were 1.24±0.27 and 1.13±0.27, respectively, and the efficacy indices (postoperative UDVA/preoperative CDVA) were 1.14±0.25 and 0.87±0.26 at one month and five years postoperatively. At one month after surgery, 80.00% of the eyes were within ±0.50 D of the expected correction, and 96.84% were within ±1.00 D. There was no significant difference in IOP between preoperative and postoperative measurements. The rate of ECD was 3.87%, and the vault decreased by 106.32 µm at five years postoperatively. Conclusion: ICL V4c implantation is safe and effective with good predictability and stability for long term.

[Preparation and characterization of a recombinant poly-epitopic vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis based on the linker GSGGSG].

OBJECTIVE: To perform prokaryotic expression and preliminary characterization of the recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis. METHODS: The recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against Echinococcus granulosus based on the linker GSGGSG was subjected to structural three-dimensional (3D) modeling using immunoinformatics to analyze the structural changes and evaluate the antigenicity of the vaccine. The pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 (4) recombinant plasmid was generated using double digestion with EcoR I and Sal I, and then transformed into competent cells. Following protein induction with isopropyl-ß-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG), the prokaryotic expression proteins were characterized using Western blotting, and the antigenicity of the recombinant protein was analyzed using sera from cystic echinococcosis patients and health volunteers. RESULTS: The four EgG1Y162-2 proteins coupled by the 3D structure of the recombinant vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) presented independent and effective expression and good antigenicity. The highest protein expression was detected in the supernatant following induction of the recombinant plasmid pET30a-EgG1Y162-2 (4) by 0.2 mmol/L IPTG at 37 °C for 4 h, and a pure protein component was seen following elution with 60 mmol/L imidazole. Western blotting analysis of the recombinant multiepitope protein HIS-EgG1Y162-2 (4) showed a band at approximately 39 kDa, and this band was recognized by sera from cystic echinococcosis patients. CONCLUSIONS: A recombinant poly-epitope vaccine EgG1Y162-2 (4) against cystic echinococcosis has been successfully constructed, which provides a preliminary basis for researches on recombinant multi-epitope vaccine against cystic echinococcosis.

[Comprehensive treatment options and influencing factors in elderly patients with breast cancer].

Objective: To investigate the treatment options for breast cancer patients aged 65 and over, and analyze the influencing factors. Methods: The clinical data of 521 elderly patients aged 65 years or older,who underwent surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to December 2015, were collected. They were all female and 65-98 years old. The patients were divided into 65-74 years old group (n=353) and ≥ 75 years old group (n=168). The differences of variables including age, functional status, treatment methods, pathological characteristics, comorbidities and survival time between the two groups were compared, and the differences of comprehensive treatment methods and their impact on clinical efficacy were analyzed. Results: The main operation methods of the two groups were modified radical mastectomy [39.1% (138/353) and 33.9% (57/168), respectively], breast conserving surgery [56.9% (201/353) and 61.3% (103/353), respectively]. Among the patients choosing adjuvant therapy, there was no significant difference between the two groups except chemotherapy (all P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the choice of chemotherapy was related to age, surgical methods, pathological types, tumor burden, molecular typing, functional status and comorbidities (all P<0.05). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score and the number of comorbidities were independent factors affecting the choice of chemotherapy for breast cancer in the elderly: [ECOG score: adjusted OR=0.45 (95CI: 0.26-0.75), number of comorbidities: adjusted OR = 0.63 (95CI:0.41-0.98); all P<0.05]. The 5-year disease-free survival rate of 521 elderly patients with breast cancer was 86.3%, 5-year overall survival rate was 88.8%, and the breast cancer specific survival rate was 94.3%. Conclusions: The comprehensive treatment of breast cancer patients aged 65 and above is not affected by age, but is associated with tumor burden, pathological type, molecular typing, comorbidities and ECOG score. Among them, ECOG score and the number of comorbidities are the independent factors influencing the choice of adjuvant chemotherapy.

[Importance and practice of standardized children's refractive development records].

The prevalence of myopia in China is increasing. The early onset and rapid progression of myopia in younger children have attracted more attention. The establishment of standardized children's refractive development records is the basis of myopic prevention and control. It would be helpful to follow the refractive status and pay more attention to the refractive development of potential myopic children, so as to reduce the prevalence of myopia. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 724-726).

miR-497 promotes the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma through FAM114A2.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible role and mechanism of miR-497 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect miR-497 and FAM114A2 expression level in 38 cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and 22 normal skin tissues as well as in CSCC cell lines (A431, HSC-5) and normal cells (HaCaT). MiR-497 effects on cell proliferation and cell cycle were examined by CCK8 assays and flow cytometry. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to detect the regulating relationship between miR-497 and FAM114A2. In addition, the expression of FAM114A2 after overexpression or knockdown of miR-497 was detected by Western blot to evaluate whether miR-497 could regulate proliferation and cell cycle by regulating the expression of FAM114A2. RESULTS: MiR-497mRNA expression in CSCC tissues and cell lines was markedly lower than that in normal tissues and cells. Meanwhile, FAM114A2 mRNA and protein levels in CSCC tissues were markedly higher when compared to than that in normal tissues. miR-497 overexpression or knockdown could inhibit or promote the cell proliferation and cell cycle of A431, HSC-5. The dual luciferase reporter gene assay suggested that FAM114A2 might be a direct target gene of miR-497, and that FAM114A2 expression had a significant negative correlation with miR-497. Overexpression of miR-497 could inhibit FAM114A2 protein expression. Besides, FAM114A2 knockdown reversed the inhibitory effect of low expression of miR-497 on proliferation rate of A431 or HSC-5 cells. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-497 was lowly expressed in squamous cell carcinoma tissues and cells, which can participate in the regulation of cell proliferation through FAM114A2, thus promoting the progression of CSCC.

Low expression of microRNA-21 inhibits trophoblast cell infiltration through targeting PTEN.

OBJECTIVE: We investigate whether microRNA-21 could increase the infiltration ability of trophoblast cells via regulating PTEN expression, thus participating in the occurrence and development of preeclampsia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MicroRNA-21 expression in the placenta tissues of preeclampsia women and normal pregnant women was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of microRNA-21 on cell proliferation and infiltration were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assay, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the binding relationship between microRNA-21 and PTEN. Western blot was performed to detect PTEN and microRNA-21 in trophoblasts. RESULTS: QRT-PCR results showed that the microRNA-21 expression was significantly lower in the placenta of the preeclampsia women than those of normal pregnant women. Overexpression of microRNA-21 in HTR-8/SVneo cells had no effect on cell proliferation, but enhanced cell infiltration ability. Inhibition of microRNA-21 in trophoblasts showed the opposite effects. The results of luciferase activity assay and Western blot showed that microRNA-21 could target PTEN and downregulate its expression. Overexpression of PTEN in HTR-8/SVneo cells partially reversed the enhanced invasive ability induced by microRNA-21 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Low expression of microRNA-21 attenuated cell infiltration of trophoblasts via direct regulating PTEN expression.

[The prevalence and related factors of HBV infection among adults in Mianyang].

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and related factors of HBV infection among people aged 18 years old and above in Mianyang city. Methods: A total of 260 950 residents, living in Mianyang city more than 6 months, aging 18 years old and above were employed by multi-stage random sampling method from November 2014 to September 2015. Questionnaire survey was conducted on participants using a self-designed questionnaire, including general demographic characteristics, family history of Hepatitis B, history of Hepatitis B vaccination and history of present illness, etc. 5ml blood was collected from all participants, and the blood samples were detected for HBsAg by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The multivariate unconditional logistic regression was performed to identify the related factors of positive HBsAg. Results: Among the 260 950 subjects, 113 184 were males (43.37%), 147 766 were females (56.63%), and the average age was (47.68±17.36) years old. The positive rate of HBsAg was 6.10%(15 822 cases). Subjects who were 25-34 years old (OR=1.23), 35-44 years old (OR=1.26), 45-54 years old (OR=1.23), and 55-64 years old (OR=1.34) were more likely to be HBsAg positive,65 years and older (OR=0.88) were less likely to be, compared with subjects aging 18-24 years old; males were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared with females (OR=1.35); people living in Fucheng district were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared with who living in Jiangyou district(OR=1.91); married people were more likely to be HBsAg positive compared with unmarried ones (OR=1.36); medical staff were less likely to be HBsAg positive compared with non-medical staff (OR=0.61); subjects with a surgery history were more likely to HBsAg positive compared with who without (OR=1.13); subjects with trauma history were more likely to HBsAg positive compared with who without (OR=1.13); people with history of Hepatitis B were more likely to HBsAg positive compared with who without (OR=4.21); people with Hepatitis B vaccination history were less likely to be HBsAg positive compared with who without (OR=0.48); all the P values above were less than 0.05. Conclusion: The positive rate of HBsAg among adults in Mianyang city was very high, and we should pay more attention to people aging between 25 and 64 years old, male, medical staff, with surgery history, trauma history, and a family history of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis B vaccination history.

[Mediating effect of mental elasticity on occupational stress and depression in female nurses].

Objective: To investigate the interaction between mental elasticityand occupational stress and depressionin female nurses and the mediating effect of mental elasticity, as well as the functioning way of mental elasticity in occupational stress-depression. Methods: From August to October, 2015, cluster sampling was used to select 122 female nurses in a county-level medical institution as study subjects. The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) , Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised Edition (OSI-R) , and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to collect the data on mental elasticity, occupational stress, and depression and analyze their correlation and mediating effect. Results: The 122 female nurses had a mean mental elasticity score of 62.4±15.1, which was significantly lower than the Chinese norm (65.4±13.9) (P<0.05) ; the mean depression score was 41.0±7.7, which was significantly higher than the Chinese norm (33.5±8.6) (P<0.01) , and the incidence rate of depression of 52.5%. Mental elasticity was negatively correlated with occupational stress and depression (r=-0.559 and -0.559, both P<0.01) . Occupational stress and the two subscales mental stress reaction and physical stress reaction were positively correlated with depression (r=0.774, 0.734, and 0.725, all P<0.01) . After adjustment for confounding factors, occupational stress had a positive predictive effect on depression (ß=0.744, P<0.01) , and mental elasticity had a negative predictive effect on depression (ß=-0.221, P<0.01) . The analysis of mediating effect showed a significant direct effect of occupational stress on depression and a significant mediating effect of mental elasticity (a=-0.527, b=-0.227, c=0.744, c'=0.627; all P<0.01) , and the mediating effect of mental elasticity accounted for 16.08% of the total effect. Conclusion: As a partial mediating variable, mental elasticity has an indirect effect on the relationship between occupational stress and depression and can alleviate the adverse effect of occupational stress and reduce the development of depression.

[The histopathological observation of rabbit corneas after small incision lenticule extraction].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morphological changes during corneal wound healing after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). METHODS: Twenty-one New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups (group A of 12 rabbits and group B of 9 rabbits) using the toss of a coin. All the right eyes were treated. Group A underwent SMILE, and group B underwent femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), with the same refractive corrections of-6.00 DS/-1.00 DC. The surface regularity on the refractive corneal lenticules and flaps was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were applied to observe changes in the cornea on postoperative week 1, months 1 and 3. The contralateral eye of three rabbits served as control. RESULTS: All the operations were successful, and the postoperative corneal healing was uneventful in both groups. The recovery of corneas was faster in the SMILE group by slit-lamp examination. Light microscopy confirmed the mild edema of corneal stroma with a clear intrastromal crevice in the SMILE group and the adhesion of the flap and stromal bed in the LASIK group on postoperative week 1. The filling of epithelial cells at the flap margin and the irregular arrangement of collagens were demonstrated in both groups. On postoperative month 1, stromal edema was dissipated, and collagens became more regular in both groups. The intrastromal crevice in the SMILE group disappeared on postoperative month 3. Transmission electron microscopy also revealed the edema of keratocyte mitochondria within 1 month, and the keratocytes recovered to normal on month 3. The surface regularity of the front surface was better than that of the back. CONCLUSIONS: Smooth intrastromal lenticules can be safely prepared by femtosecond laser. The corneal healing in the SMILE group was better than that in the LASIK group. The intrastromal crevice in the early postoperative period after SMILE should be paid attention to clinically. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 507-513).

[Hydrogen sulfide in cartilage and its inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase 13 expression in chondrocytes induced by interlukin-1ß].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and its underlying mechanism, to detect H2S and its synthases expression in knee cartilage in patients diagnosed with different severity of OA, and to explore the transcription and expression of gene MMP-13 in chondrocytes treated with IL-1ß or H2S. METHODS: Synovial fluids of the in-patients with different severity of OA hospitalized in Peking University First Hospital were collected for measurement of H2S content using methylene blue assay. Articular cartilages of the patients who underwent knee arthroplasty were collected for the cell culture of relatively normal chondrocytes. The chondrocytes were cultured to the P3 generation and H2S molecular probes were used for detection of endogenous H2S generation in the chondrocytes. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect the localization of H2S synthases including cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), and mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST) in OA chondrocytes. Western blot was used to quantify the protein expressions of CSE, MPST, and CBS in cartilage tissues of the patients who were diagnosed with OA and underwent knee arthroplasty. The relatively normal human chondrocytes were cultured to passage 3 and then divided into 4 groups for different treatments: (1)the normal control group, no reagent was added; (2)the IL-1ß group, 5 µg/L of IL-1ß was added; (3)the IL-1ß+H2S group, 200 µmol/L of NaHS was added 30 min before adding 5 µg/L of IL-1ß;(4)the H2S group, 200 µmol/L of NaHS was added. The transcription and expression of gene MMP-13 in chondrocytes of each group were determined with Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. And the total NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in chondrocytes were detected with Western blot. RESULTS: The content of H2S in the synovial fluid of degenerative knee was (14.3±3.3) µmol/L. Expressions of endogenous H2S and its synthases including CBS, CSE and MPST were present in the cytoplasm of chondrocytes.CSE protein expression in Grade 3 (defined by outerbridge grading) cartilage tissues was significantly increased as compared with that of Grade 1 cartilage tissues (1.67±0.09 vs. 1.26±0.11, P< 0.05). However, no significant difference of CBS or MPST expression among the different groups was observed. The expression of MMP-13 protein in the IL-1ßgroup was significantly higher than that in the normal chondrocytes (1.87±0.67 vs. 0.22±0.10, P<0.05), and that in the IL-1ß+H2S group was significantly decreased than that in the IL-1ß group (0.55±0.11 vs. 1.87±0.67, P< 0.05), and that in the H2S group had no significant difference compared with that in the normal control group. The transcription of MMP-13 protein in the IL-1ß group was significantly higher than that in the normal chondrocytes (31.40±0.31 vs. 1.00±0.00, P<0.05), and that in the IL-1ß+H2S group was significantly decreased than that in the IL-1ß group (24.41±1.28 vs. 31.40±0.31, P<0.05), and that in the H2S group had no significant difference compared with that in the normal control group. The total NF-κB p65 in the IL-1ß group was significantly higher than that in the normal chondrocytes (2.13±0.08 vs. 0.73±0.08, P< 0.05), and that in the IL-1ß+H2S group was significantly decreased than that in the IL-1ß group (1.24±0.13 vs. 2.13±0.08, P<0.05), and that in the H2S group had no significant difference compared with that in the normal control group. The phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in IL-1ß group was significantly higher than that in the normal chondrocytes (1.30±0.13 vs. 0.19±0.04, P<0.05), and that in IL-1ß+H2S group was significantly decreased than that in the IL-1ß group (0.92±0.26 vs. 1.30±0.13, P<0.05), and that in the H2S group had no significant difference compared with that in the normal control group. CONCLUSION: H2S affected the cartilage degeneration by partly inhibiting the degradation of extracellular matrix.

Effects of exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and PIP gene expression of tomato seedlings subject to salinity stress.

The effects of exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) on photosynthesis, plant growth, and the expression of two aquaporin genes in tomato seedlings under control and salinity conditions were investigated. Exogenous ALA application significantly improved net photosynthetic rate (Pn), total chlorophyll content, and plant biomass accumulation of tomato seedlings under salinity stress. As revealed by real-time PCR analyses, after treatment with ALA alone, expression of both LePIP1 and LePIP2 in the two tomato cultivars was up-regulated at 2 h and subsequently decreased to normal levels. Under salinity stress, transcript levels of LePIP1 in both leaves and roots of salt-sensitive cultivars (cv. Zhongza No.9) increased significantly and were considerably higher than in cultivars exposed to ALA alone. In contrast, the expression levels of LePIP1 and LePIP2 in cvs. Jinpeng No.1 cultivars were slightly lower under salinity stress than under ALA treatment. In addition, transcript levels of both LePIP1 and LePIP2 in the roots of Jinpeng No. 1 cultivars were considerably lower than those in the roots of Zhongza No. 9 cultivars under salinity stress, regardless of ALA supplementation, implying that Jinpeng No. 1 cultivars had a better capacity to maintain membrane intrinsic protein stability. Further, ALA application distinctly counteracted the up- or down-regulation of LePIP1 and LePIP2 in both cultivars under salinity stress, in accordance with the improvements instomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and Pn of tomato leaves. The results presented here indicate that ALA controls aquaporin expression, thus, presumably ALA regulates water homeostasis and enhances salt tolerance of tomato seedlings.

Wavefront aberration changes caused by a gradient of increasing accommodation stimuli.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the wavefront aberration changes in human eyes caused by a gradient of increasing accommodation stimuli. DESIGN: This is a prospective, single-site study. METHODS: Healthy volunteers (n=22) aged 18-28 years whose refraction states were emmetropia or mild myopia, with astigmatism <1 diopter (D), were included in this study. After dilating the right pupil with 0.5% phenylephrine drops, the wavefront aberration of the right eye was measured continuously either without or with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6D accommodation stimuli (WFA1000B psychophysical aberrometer). The root mean square (RMS) values of the total wavefront aberrations, higher-order aberrations, and 35 individual Zernike aberrations under different accommodation stimuli were calculated and compared. RESULTS: The average induced accommodations using 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6D accommodation stimuli were 0.848, 1.626, 2.375, 3.249, 4.181, or 5.085 D, respectively. The RMS of total wavefront aberrations, as well as higher-order aberrations, showed no significant effects with 1-3 D accommodation stimuli, but increased significantly under 4, 5, and 6 D accommodation stimuli compared with relaxed accommodation. Zernike coefficients of significantly decreased with increasing levels of accommodation. CONCLUSION: Higher-order wavefront aberrations in human eyes changed with increased accommodation. These results are consistent with Schachar's accommodation theory.

Communication: X-ray excited optical luminescence from TbCl3 at the giant resonance of terbium.

We have studied the optical recombination channels of TbCl(3) using x-ray excited optical luminescence at the N(4,5) absorption edge of Tb (giant resonance) in both the energy and time domain. The luminescence exhibits a relatively fast (5)D(3), and a slow (5)D(4) decay channel in the blue and green, respectively. The rather short lifetime of the (5)D(3) state indicates that the decay is mainly driven by Tb-Tb ion interaction via non-radiative energy transfer (cross-relaxation). At the giant resonance the X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) recorded using partial photoluminescence yield is inverted. In the pre-edge region the contrast of the spectral feature is significantly better in optical XANES than in total electron yield. Changes in the intensity of (5)D(3)-(7)F(5) (544 nm) and (5)D(4)-(7)F(6) (382 nm) optical transitions as the excitation energy is tuned across the giant resonance are also noted. The results provide detailed insight into the dynamics of the optical recombination channels and an alternative method to obtain high sensitivity, high energy resolution XANES at the giant resonance of light emitting rare-earth materials.

Arg555Gln mutation of TGFBI gene in geographical-type Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy in a Chinese family.

OBJECTIVE: Mutations of the transforming growth factor ß-induced (TGFBI) gene were studied in a Chinese family with Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy (RBCD). METHODS: Six family members with RBCD and six unaffected family members were investigated. The pedigree showed a typical dominant inheritance pattern. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leucocytes from all study participants. Exons 4, 12 and 14 of the TGFBI gene were analysed using polymerase chain reaction, and standard automated sequencing was performed. Corneal tissue sampled from the proband during phototherapeutic keratectomy was examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: A typical geographical pattern of fine opacities in Bowman's layer of the cornea was seen in all six patients on slit-lamp examination. An Arg555Gln (R555Q) mutation of the TGFBI gene was identified in all six patients but was absent in all unaffected family members. TEM revealed rod-shaped bodies in Bowman's layer of the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: In this Chinese family an R555Q mutation of the TGFBI gene was associated with RBCD. As the RBCD phenotype is usually associated with an R124L mutation, this novel genotype-phenotype correlation may prompt further investigation of Bowman's layer corneal dystrophy.

Optical emission of biaxial ZnO-ZnS nanoribbon heterostructures.

The electronic structure and optical properties of biaxial ZnO-ZnS heterostructure nanoribbons (NRs) have been investigated using x-ray absorption near-edge structures (XANES) and x-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL). The XANES were recorded in total electron yield and wavelength-selected photoluminescence yield across the K- and L(3,2)-edges of zinc and sulfur and the K-edge of oxygen. The XEOL from the NRs exhibit a very weak band-gap emission at 392 nm and two intense defect emissions at 491 and 531 nm. The synchrotron x-ray pulse ( approximately 100 ps, 153 ns repetition rate) was used to track the optical decay dynamics from ZnO-ZnS NR, which can be described by two lifetimes (7.6 and 55 ns). Comparison with similar measurements for ZnO and ZnS nanowires reveals that the luminescence from ZnO-ZnS NRs was dominated by the ZnO component of the NR as the ZnS component contributes little. The implication of this observation is discussed.

The effect of the surface of SnO2 nanoribbons on their luminescence using x-ray absorption and luminescence spectroscopy.

X-ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL) and x-ray absorption near-edge structure in total electron, x-ray fluorescence, and photoluminescence yields at Sn M5,4-, O K-, and Sn K-edges have been used to study the luminescence from SnO2 nanoribbons. The effect of the surface on the luminescence from SnO2 nanoribbons was studied by preferential excitation of the ions in the near-surface region and at the normal lattice positions, respectively. No noticeable change of luminescence from SnO2 nanoribbons was observed if the Sn ions in the near-surface region were excited selectively, while the luminescence intensity changes markedly when Sn or O ions at the normal lattice positions were excited across the corresponding edges. Based on the experimental results, we show that the luminescence from SnO2 nanoribbons is dominated by energy transfer from the excitation of the whole SnO2 lattice to the surface states. Surface site specificity is not observable due to its low concentration and weak absorption coefficient although the surface plays an important role in the emission as a luminescence center. The energy transfer and site specificity of the XEOL or the lack of the site specificity from a single-phase sample is discussed.