Preparation of gastrodin modified P(VDF-TrFE)-Eudragit L100-AuNPs nanofiber membranes with piezoelectric property.

In recent years, electroactive nerve conduits made from a blend of P(VDF-TrFE) (poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)) with other materials have shown significant progress. However, research combining P(VDF-TrFE) conduits with drug delivery systems remains sparse. In this study, we developed a novel gastrodin-loaded P(VDF-TrFE)-Eudragit L100-gold nanoparticles (Gas@PT-EL100-AuNPs) nanofiber membrane. Fabricated through electrospinning technique, this composite membrane aimed to investigate the impacts of gastrodin and AuNPs on its properties. Experimental results indicated that the incorporation of gold nanoparticles significantly reduced the fiber diameter of the membrane and enhanced the overall performance by improving hydrophilicity and piezoelectric properties. Specifically, the addition of AuNPs substantially enhanced the piezoelectric performance of the nanofiber membrane. Furthermore, the inclusion of gastrodin not only improved the membrane's hydrophilicity but also enabled effective release of the neuroprotective drug. These findings suggest that the Gas@PT-EL100-AuNPs nanofiber membrane is a novel biomaterial with potential applications in the repair and treatment of nerve injuries.

The assessment value of pathological condition of serum adiponectin and amylin in primary osteoporosis and its correlation analysis with bone metabolism indexes.

Background: This paper explores the assessment value of pathological condition of serum adiponectin (APN) and amylin in primary osteoporosis (POP) and their correlation with bone metabolism indexes. Methods: From January 2019 to June 2021, 79 cases of POP patients were selected as the research objects. A test of the patients' bone density was conducted, and clinical grading of POP was via T value (normal, mild, moderate, severe). The analysis of the assessment value of pathological condition of serum APN and amylin for POP and their association with bone metabolism indexes in patients was performed. Results: APN and amylin in patients were declined with POP's aggravation. APN of 5.15 µg/mL or less and amylin of 15.38 pmol/L or less were risk factors influencing the aggravation of pathological condition of POP (P< 0 .0 5). The area under the curve (AUC) of combined detection of APN and amylin to assess the severity of POP was elevated vs. alone test of amylin (P< 0.05). 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH) D) and total type 1 procollagen amino-terminal propeptide (t-PINP) in patients were descended with the aggravation of pathological condition of osteoporosis (P < 0.05). At the same time, no distinct differences were presented in the three groups of type I collagen hydroxyl terminal peptide b degradation product (ß-CTX) and N-terminal osteocalcin (N-MID) (P> 0.05). APN, amylin, 25-(OH)D, ß-CTX, and t-PINP were negatively linked with POP clinical grade (P< 0.05). APN and amylin were associated with 25-(OH) D, ß-CTX, t-PINP (P< 0.05), and APN and amylin were not linked with N-MID (P> 0.05). Conclusions: Serum APN and amylin are provided with evaluation values for the severity of POP and are associated with bone metabolism in patients.

Tumor-induced osteomalacia characterized by "painful knee joint with difficulty in moving": a case report.

BACKGROUND: Tumor-related osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by severe hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia. The diagnosis of TIO can be very difficult because of its nonspecific nature of clinical manifestations. Here we reported a case of young TIO patient with "painful knee joint with difficulty in moving" to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment levels. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient's clinical features were consistent with TIO. A tumor was successfully located in left tibial by 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, and then was surgically resected. Upon pathologic assessment, the tumor was diagnosed as phosphaturia stromal tumor (PMT) with positive Vim staining. After the surgery, serum phosphate level rapidly recovered and symptoms significantly improved. CONCLUSION: TIO should be considered in patients with chronically hypophosphorus osteomalacia in the setting of no family history. Early removal of the responsible tumors is clinically essential for the treatment, and imaging examination is of great significance for tumor localization.

Decreased plasma neuregulin 4 concentration is associated with increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: a cross-sectional study.

AIMS: Inflammation has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This principal objective of this study was to investigate if the secretion of neuregulin 4 (Nrg4), a soluble protein associated with metabolic syndrome and subclinical cardiovascular disease, is correlated with the inflammation marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM). METHODS: A study group of 311 nT2DM patients was divided into three subgroups based on hs-CRP tertiles. Multiple linear regression was conducted to explore the association between plasma Nrg4 and hs-CRP levels. RESULTS: The nT2DM patients with the highest hs-CRP levels (>2.46 mg/L) exhibited higher atherogenic coefficients and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) levels, but lower levels of plasma Nrg4, as compared to those with the lowest hs-CRP levels (<0.63 mg/L). Plasma Nrg4 levels were inversely associated with white blood cell count, hs-CRP, and AIP and positively associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), before and after adjustment for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and body fat percentage (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). hs-CRP was the factor most strongly associated with plasma Nrg4 levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that lower plasma Nrg4 levels may be associated with elevated hs-CRP in nT2DM patients. It generates the hypothesis that decreased levels of Nrg4 may trigger the development of atherosclerosis through its proinflammatory effects. These findings need to be confirmed by further prospective studies.

Association between Hemoglobin Levels and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Electronic Health Records.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between hemoglobin levels and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: 1511 patients with T2DM were included in the study. DPN was diagnosed based on symptoms, signs, and laboratory tests. Hemoglobin was defined as both a continuous variable and a quartile category variable. We compared patient characteristics between the no diabetic peripheral neuropathy (NDPN) and DPN groups. Logistic regression was conducted to investigate the association of DPN with hemoglobin in all T2DM patients. Linear regression was also performed to investigate the impact of hemoglobin on the vibrating perception threshold (VPT). RESULTS: Compared with the NDPN group, hemoglobin level in the DPN group was significantly lower (118.54 ± 16.91 versus 131.62 ± 18.32 g/L, P < 0.01). The prevalence of DPN increased by 50.1% (95% CI: 42.2-57.0%; P < 0.001) per standard deviation decrease in hemoglobin. Compared to the highest quartile of hemoglobin, the lower quartiles were associated with a significantly increased risk of DPN in the entire T2DM population (all P < 0.01). A per unit decrease in hemoglobin leads to a 0.12 (95% CI: 0.07-0.168) unit increase in VPT after adjustment for possible confounders (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower hemoglobin levels were associated with increased prevalence of DPN and higher VPT.

Effects of carotid artery stenting on cognitive function in patients with critical internal carotid artery stenosis / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the influence of carotid artery stenting (CS)of asymptomatic critical internal carotid artery (ICA)stenosis patients on cognitive function .Methods One hundred and fifty‐six asymptomatic patients with internal carotid arter‐y stenosis(carotid stenosis severity≥70% )were enrolled ,in whom CS was attempted .Functional assessments including alzheimer disease assessment scale‐cognitive subtest (ADAS‐Cog) ,mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) ,and trail making test A(TMTa) and B(TMTb) were done prior to 1 weeks and 3 months after the procedure .Results Successful CS was achieved in all of patients (100% ) ,only 1 patient was lost to follow‐up .There were significant improvement in ADAS‐Cog score(pre 6 .60 ± 2 .04 vs .post 5 .16 ± 1 .63 ,P<0 .01) ,MMSE score (pre 26 .32 ± 1 .06 vs .post 27 .05 ± 1 .46 ,P< 0 .01) ,TMTa (pre 108 .94 ± 17 .42 vs .post 94 .70 ± 20 .27 ,P<0 .01) ,TMTb (pre 178 .65 ± 21 .77 vs .post 148 .92 ± 23 .65 ,P<0 .01) .There was new cerebral infarction dur‐ing 3 months after surgery .Conclusion Asymptomatic critical internal carotid artery (ICA)stenosis may be one reason of cognitive impairment ,and successful CS could improve cognitive function in asymptomatic ICA stenosis .

Metal-free, acid-promoted synthesis of imidazole derivatives via a multicomponent reaction.

An expedient and metal-free synthetic route has been developed for the construction of tri- and tetrasubstituted imidazole derivatives via acid promoted multicomponent reaction methodology. The reaction proceeded smoothly with a range of functionalities to produce the imidazole scaffolds in good to excellent yields.

[Evaluation of quality of vision in early stage after sub-bowman keratomileusis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of vision in the early stage after sub-bowman keratomileusis (SBK) for the correction of moderate and high myopia. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Sixty eight myopic eyes of 35 consecutive patients in Chongqing Medal Eye Institute from May to November 2011 were enrolled in this study. All patients were evaluated at 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The main measurements included visual acuity, corneal and total optical wavefront aberration, photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: The median values of preoperative uncorrected central visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 0.05 and 1.00, respectively. The median value of postoperative UCVA was 1.20. There was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative anterior corneal total aberration (F = 0.712, P > 0.05). Compared with preoperative value (0.47 ± 0.17)µm, the corneal high orders aberrations in 2 weeks after SBK (1.37 ± 0.72) µm increased by 3 times. The total optical aberrations in 2 weeks after SBK (0.99 ± 0.58) µm decreased to one-eighth of preoperative measurements (8.26 ± 2.93) µm. Compared with preoperative value (0.30 ± 0.12)µm, the total high order aberrations in 2 weeks after SBK (0.46 ± 0.19) µm increased by 1.5 times. Although photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity fluctuated mildly after SBK, the measurements did not decline significantly. Compared with preoperative data, mesopic contrast sensitivity at 3 months increased 0.294 (F = 20.88,P < 0.01) and 0.296 (F = 13.64, P < 0.01) at 12 and 18 c/d, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients could obtain good quality of vision at the early stage after SBK.

Low flow shear stress and atherosclerosis / 国际脑血管病杂志

Atherosclerosis is the important pathologic basis of coronary artery disease,cerebrovascular disease,peripheral arterial disease and other vascular diseases.Studies have shown that the atheromatous plaques occur mainly in regions of curvature,bifurcation,and branching of the artery,indicating that low flow shear stress is closely associated with the occurrence of atherosclerosis.Low flow shear stress involves in the induction of atherosclerosis through acting on mechanosensitive molecules in endothelial cell that transduce mechanical stimuli into chemical signals,activate the corresponding intracellular signaling pathways.This article reviews the relationship between low flow shear stress and atherosclerosis.

Effect of NADPH oxidase on Toll-like receptor 4-mediated proinflammatory phenotype of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells in mice / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated proinflammatory phenotype of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in mice.Methods NADPH oxidase agonist platelet-derived growth factorBB (PDGF-BB) and inhibitor apocynin were used respectively to treat cultured VSMCs from C57BL/6J and TLR4-/-mice.The fluorescent probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate was used to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in VSMCs.An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expressions of interleukin (IL)-6,IL-1β,and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in VSMCs.Tetrazolium blue staining and Boyden chamber assay were used to detect the proliferation and migration of VSMC.Results The ROS levels were increased in VSMCs both from C57BL/6J and TLR4-/-mice after PDGF-BB treatment,and this could be inhibited by apocynin.PDGF-BB pretreatment significantly upregulated the expressions of IL-6 (52.69 ±3.49 ng/ml vs.35.04 ±2.74 ng/ml; P =0.001),IL-1β (79.68 ±2.33 ng/ml vs.62.38 ±0.54 ng/ml;P=0.000),and TNF-α (218.35± 5.42 ng/mlvs.124.74± 4.59 ng/ml; P=0.000) in VSMCs from C57BL/6J mice,and the abilities of proliferation (1.69 ± 0.53 vs.1.04 ± 0.40; P =0.000) and migration (42.11 ±4.05 vs.1.69 ± 0.53; P =0.000) were increased significantly; apocynin pretreatment significantly inhibit the expressions of IL-6 (42.11 ± 4.05 ng/ml vs.52.69 ± 3.49 ng/ml; P =0.010),IL-1β (67.57 ± 1.36 ng/ml vs.79.68 ±2.33 ng/ml; P =0.000) and TNF-α (156.18 ± 6.98 ng/ml vs.218.35 ± 5.42 ng/ml;P =0.000),as well as proliferation (1.23 ±0.42 vs.1.69 ±0.53; P =0.000) and migration (42.11 ±4.05 vs.52.69 ± 3.49; P =0.000).While there were no significant changes in the expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,and TNF-α in VSMCs from TLR4-/-mice after PDGF-BB and apocynin pretreatment.Conclusions NADPH oxidase-derived ROS involved in the TLR4-mediated VSMC inflammatory phenotype as well as proliferation and migration,which may be the important mechanisms of its influencing on the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.

Anterior segment variations with age and accommodation demonstrated by slit-lamp-adapted optical coherence tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate anterior segment variations with age and accommodation by slit-lamp-adapted optical coherence tomography (SL-OCT) and determine a safe central vault distance between the implantable contact lens (ICL) and the crystalline lens to avoid contact cataract formation. DESIGN: Evaluation of diagnostic test or technology. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-six patients (126 eyes) under regular review from the Optometry Clinic and Outpatient Department in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. METHODS: Patients underwent anterior segment measurements, such as anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber width (ACW), crystalline lens rise (CLR), and pupil diameter (PD), with the SL-OCT system manufactured by Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany. Data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 16.0, SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anterior segment parameters and their variations with age and accommodation. RESULTS: The internal vertical ACW (V-ACW) was anatomically larger than the internal horizontal ACW (H-ACW). With age, the ACD decreased approximately 17 µm per year. Forward movement of the crystalline lens' anterior pole decreased approximately 11 µm per year. During physiologic accommodation, the variation in ACD was -24 µm per diopter and the alterations in CLR were 28 µm per diopter. According to our data, a safe lens vault after phakic intraocular lens implantation should be more than 300 µm to reduce complications. CONCLUSIONS: Slit-lamp-adapted optical coherence tomography is a user-friendly instrument for evaluating the anterior segment, especially for accurate anterior chamber biometry, and may offer guidance on minimizing touch and cataract formation after phakic intraocular lens implantation.

[Slit lamp optical coherence tomography study of anterior segment changes after phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate quantitative changes of the anterior segment configuration after clear corneal incision phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with slit-lamp-adapted optical coherence tomography (SL-OCT). METHODS: In prospective consecutive case series, clear corneal incision phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation were performed in 44 eyes of 40 patients. The changes of the anterior segment configuration were performed by SL-OCT before and 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks and 1 month after surgery. SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyze statistical difference. RESULTS: For all patients, the central corneal thickness (CCT) and the incisional corneal thickness (ICT) increased significantly 1 day after surgery (CCT increased 99.59 microm, ICT increased 234.57 microm; P = 0.490). At 1 month, the CCT almost had returned to baseline, but the ICT had been thicker about 19.25 microm than baseline(P = 0.001). The measurements of ACD, AOD500, AOD750, TISA500, TISA750 also increased significantly 1 day after surgery. Although the ACD had no changes within 2 weeks (all P < 0.05), it had been not stable. The changes of the width of the anterior chamber had been stable in the early period after surgery (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The SL-OCT could impersonality and quantificationally evaluate the anterior segment changes induced by cataract surgery.

[Selection of accurate IOL formula in patients with cataract and high hyperopia].

OBJECTIVE: To audit intraocular lens (IOL) power predictions for cataract surgery in high hyperopia by comparing the accuracy of different formulae of Haigis, SRKII, Hoffer Q, Hollady, and SRK/T. METHODS: A comparative study was used in 31 eyes with cataract and high hyperopia underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation. Eyes were examined with A-scan and IOL Master before the operation. Postoperative refraction was examined 3 months after surgery. We compared the accuracy of prediction between these different formulae using IOL Master, and then compared the errors using the two different methods for axial length measurement. RESULTS: (1) Using IOL Master, the Haigis formula showed the smallest mean prediction errors (0.37 +/- 0.14), followed by the Hoffer Q, Holladay, SRK/T, and SRK II formulae (-0.70 +/- 0.12, -0.97 +/- 0.15, -1.25 +/- 0.14, -1.46 +/- 0.13). The Haigis formula generated a slightly myopic result, but the other formulae generated hyperopic result at different degrees. (2) The A-scan led to a prediction error that was toward positive values (equivalent to underestimating axial length), whereas the IOL Master error was towards the negative. Hoffer Q formula appeared to be more accurate when measuring axial lengths with A-Scan, whereas Haigis formula was more accurate when combined with IOL Master (0.37 +/- 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: For selection of IOL formula in cataract patients with high hyperopia, the Haigis would be the most accurate in IOL Master analysis, but the Hoffer Q was better when using A-scan.

[An analysis about the safe range of thickness of the residual corneal stroma bed after LASIK].

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the safe range of thickness of the residual corneal stroma bed and the length of stable time after LASIK operation. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty seven eyes were randomly selected from cases treated with LASIK in 2000. The posterior curvature of cornea was measured by Obscan II preoperatively and 1, 2, 3, 6 months, 1 year and 2 year postoperatively. These data were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Ectasia of central corneal posterior surface was detected at different degrees in all cases at the early postoperative period after LASIK. Ectasia was more prominent in eyes with thinner corneal stroma bed (< 300 microm). In eyes with thicker corneal stroma, ectasia remained stable or reverting obviously during the first year. The posterior curvature of cornea had no significant difference between 1 year and 2 year after operation in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Ectasia of corneal posterior surface presents in the early postoperative period after LASIK. It is safer to reserve more than 300 microm of the corneal stroma bed. The posterior curvature of cornea of all cases remains stable after one year postoperatively.