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The quinazoline scaffold serves as a fundamental framework, demonstrating potent anti-tumor activity. Employing the pharmacophore-based scaffold hopping principle, we successfully synthesized a series of FAK/PLK1 inhibitors incorporating the quinazoline scaffold. The synthesized compounds were characterized using 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and HRMS techniques. Through computer-assisted screening and antitumor activity tests, the majority of the compounds demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against various cancer cell lines. Notably, compound 3m exhibited remarkable anticancer activity by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, as confirmed by western blot assay, cellular fluorescence staining, and transcriptomics testing. Docking simulation was performed to determine the probable binding conformation of compound 3m within the active sites of FAK and PLK1. This compound emerged as a highly promising lead compound during our screening process, displaying high efficiency., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors have affirmed that they do not have any financial or interpersonal conflicts that would have impacted to influence the presented and discussed work in this paper. The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Ambient electrochemical NO reduction presents a dual solution for sustainable NO reduction and NH 3 synthesis. However, their complex kinetics and energy demands necessitate high-performance electrocatalysts to ensure effective and selective process outcomes. Herein, we report that a two-dimensional Cu-based metal-organic framework (MOF), {[Cu(HL)]·H 2 O} n , ( Cu-OUC , H 3 L = 5-(2'-carboxylphenoxy)isophthalic acid) acts as a stable electrocatalyst with high efficiency for NO-to-NH 3 conversion. Electrochemical experimental studies showed that in 0.1 M K 2 SO 4 solution, the as-prepared Cu-OUC achieved a peak Faradaic efficiency of 96.91% and a notable NH 3 yield as high as 3415.82 μg h -1 mg -1 . The Zn-NO battery in aqueous solution can produce electricity possessing a power density of 2.04 mW cm -2 while simultaneously achieving an NH 3 yield of 616.92 μg h -1 mg -1 . Theoretical calculations revealed that the surface of Cu-OUC effectively facilitates NO activation through a two-way charge transfer mechanism of "electron acceptance and donation", with the *NO formation step being the potential-determining stage. The study pioneers the use of a MOF as an electrocatalyst for ambient NO-to-NH 3 conversion., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Background: Myopia (nearsightedness) is currently the most common human eye disorder, worldwide. In the recent years, several studies have addressed the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of myopia., Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis on the miRNA-expression profiling studies in myopia to identify commonly dysregulated miRNAs in myopic tissues., Method: Seven independent studies were included in the meta-analysis. A vote-counting strategy was employed as the meta-analysis method. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis were performed to identify the pathways most strongly affected by the dysregulated mouse miRNAs., Results: According to the vote-counting method, eighteen miRNAs were reported in at least 2 studies with the consistent direction, of which 13 miRNAs were commonly upregulated in myopic samples compared with control samples, and five miRNAs were commonly downregulated. Subgroup analyses divided and compared the differentially expressed miRNAs according to species (human and animal) and ocular tissue types. The KEGG analysis showed that the dysregulated mouse miRNAs were most enriched in extracellular matrix-receptor interaction signal pathway. The most enriched GO process regulated by the dysregulated mouse miRNAs was cellular protein modification process., Conclusions: Our meta-analysis recommends several miRNAs may provide some clues of the potential biomarkers in myopia. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to elucidate the biological role of the dysregulated miRNAs in the development of myopia., (© 2021 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Since the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019, many studies have reported the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the conjunctival sac of patients infected with this virus, with several patients displaying symptoms of viral conjunctivitis. However, to our best knowledge, there is no in-depth report on the course of patients with COVID-19 complicated by relapsing viral conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis., Case Presentation: A 53-year-old man confirmed with COVID-19 developed symptoms of viral conjunctivitis in the left eye approximately 10 days after the onset of COVID-19. The results of a nucleic acid test were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctival sac of the left eye. The symptoms were relieved 6 days after treatment. However, the patient was subsequently diagnosed with viral keratoconjunctivitis in both eyes 5 days after the symptoms in the left eye were satisfactorily relieved. The disease progressed rapidly, with spot staining observed at the periphery of the corneal epithelium. Although SARS-CoV-2 could not be detected in conjunctival secretions, the levels of inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6, were increased in both eyes. Both eyes were treated with glucocorticoids, and symptoms were controlled within 5 days. There was no recurrence., Conclusions: In this case report, the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcome of a case with COVID-19 complicated by relapsing viral keratoconjunctivitis is described, and the involvement of topical cytokine surge in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 as it relates to viral keratoconjunctivitis is reported.

We report the preparation and the full characterization of a novel mononuclear trigonal bipyramidal Co II complex [Co(NS 3 iPr )Br](BPh 4 ) (1) with the tetradentate sulfur-containing ligand NS 3 iPr (N(CH 2 CH 2 SCH(CH 3 ) 2 ) 3 ). The comparison of its magnetic behaviour with those of two previously reported compounds [Co(NS 3 iPr )Cl](BPh 4 ) (2) and [Co(NS 3 tBu )Br](ClO 4 ) (3) (NS 3 tBu =N(CH 2 CH 2 SC(CH 3 ) 3 ) 3 ) with similar structures shows that 1 displays a single-molecule magnet behaviour with the longest magnetic relaxation time (0.051 s) at T=1.8 K, which is almost thirty times larger than that of 3 (0.0019 s) and more than three times larger than that of 2 (0.015 s), though its effective energy barrier (26 cm -1 ) is smaller. Compound 1, which contains two crystallographically independent molecules, presents smaller rhombic parameters (E=1.45 and 0.59 cm -1 ) than 2 (E=2.05 and 1.02 cm -1 ) and 3 (E=2.00 and 0.80 cm -1 ) obtained from theoretical calculations. Compounds 2 and 3 have almost the same axial (D) and rhombic (E) parameter values, but present a large difference of their effective energy barrier and magnetic relaxation which may be attributed to the larger volume of BPh 4 - than ClO 4 - leading to larger diamagnetic dilution (weaker magnetic dipolar interaction) for 2 than for 3. The combination of these factors leads to a much slower magnetic relaxation for 1 than for the two other compounds., (© 2019 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Six analogous dumbbell-shaped 3d-4f complexes MLn were obtained by the reaction of Ln(NO 3 ) 3 (Ln = Eu, Gd, Dy) and M(OAc) 2 (M = Co, Ni) without any other organic ligands, and M 5 Gd 4 exhibited a large magnetocaloric effect (-ΔS m = 31.0, 37.3 J kg -1 K -1 for Co 5 Gd 4 and Ni 5 Gd 4 respectively), while M 5 Dy 4 and Co 5 Eu 4 showed single molecule magnet behaviour. To the best of our knowledge, Co 5 Eu 4 is the first Eu-based cluster to display single molecule magnet behaviour (U eff = 16.4 K).

As cataract occurs frequently in patients with glaucoma, combining phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation has been gaining attention recently due to its minimally invasive nature. A variety of studies had evaluated the efficacy and safety of this procedure and had shown extremely promising results. This review article has shown here that combined phacoemulsification and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation procedure could effectively reduce intraocular pressure in medically uncontrolled glaucoma patients while avoiding serious complications associated with traditional cyclophotocoagulation procedure and adverse effects related to filtering surgery such as trabeculectomy.

To explore whether the complement factor H (CFH) polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H is associated with responsiveness to antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We reviewed the English literature to examine the association between the polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H of the CFH gene and responsiveness to treatment with anti-VEGF drugs in AMD patients. A meta-analysis of eligible studies was also performed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Stata V.12.0. Statistical heterogeneity was measured using Q-statistic testing. Fourteen relevant studies including a total of 2963 AMD patients were eligible. In AMD patients without a treatment history, individuals carrying the rs1061170/Y402H TT genotype were more likely to achieve a better outcome (OR = 1.932, 95% CI = 1.125-3.317, p = 0.017) than those carrying the CC genotype. The polymorphism rs1061170/Y402H might be a genetic predictor of treatment response to anti-VEGF therapy in AMD patients. Further prospective research including a larger number of patients is needed to validate this finding., (© 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: The Transitions Study was designed to establish a cohort of young people (12-25 years) seeking help for mental health problems, in order to longitudinally explore and refine a clinical staging model of the development and progression of mental disorders. This paper presents the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the cohort, particularly the nature and severity of psychopathology., Method: All eligible young people attending one of four headspace clinical services were invited to participate, and completed a battery of self-report and interviewer-administered measures of psychopathology and functional impairment at baseline, which will be repeated at the annual follow up., Results: Of 1615 eligible clients, 802 young people (66% women; mean age = 18.3 years) consented to participate and completed baseline assessments (participation rate = 50%). The severity of mental health problems varied, with 51% meeting the criteria for probable caseness related to generalized anxiety, 45% presenting with moderate to severe depressive symptoms and over a third experiencing subthreshold psychotic symptomatology. Disordered eating (32%) and problematic tobacco (56%), cannabis (30%) and alcohol (38%) use also affected a significant proportion. Overall, 39% of the cohort were classed as being functionally impaired at baseline., Conclusion: The Transitions Study recruited a heterogeneous cohort at baseline in relation to the nature and severity of mental health problems and levels of functional impairment. The variation in clinical presentations within the cohort, from mild, through moderate to severe levels of psychopathology and impairment, increases the likelihood of the Transitions Study ultimately being able to achieve its aims of empirically testing a clinical staging model for mental disorders., (© 2014 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Background: Retinal detachment (RD) secondary to macular hole (MH) is a common complication in highly myopic eyes, usually leading to a poor visual prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome of silicone oil (SO) tamponade and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in the treatment of RD caused by MH (MHRD) in highly myopic eyes with chorioretinal atrophy, and to identify clinical factors associated with the anatomical outcomes., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 21 eyes of 21 highly myopic patients affected by RD secondary to MH and chorioretinal atrophy. All eyes were treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ILM peeling and SO tamponade. Anatomical success was defined as reattachment of the retina with the closure of the MH, as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), after SO removal. Logistic regression was performed to determine the clinical factors influencing anatomical success., Results: The mean patient age was 59.95 years [standard deviation (SD), 10.39; range, 34-77 years] and the mean axial length was 30.58 mm (SD, 1.52; range, 27.99-34.51 mm). After the first surgical procedure, the anatomical success rate was 61.9% (13 eyes in 21 eyes), with initial retinal attachment of 16 eyes (76.2%). A second surgical approach was performed for the five eyes with persistent or recurrent RD, and the final retinal reattachment rate was 100% (21/21). Logistic regression analysis showed that no specific factors were significantly associated with anatomical success., Conclusions: Primary silicone oil tamponade and ILM peeling can be a practical treatment for repairing MHRD in highly myopic eyes with chorioretinal atrophy.

Aim: An estimated 75% of mental disorders begin before the age of 24 and approximately 25% of 13-24-year-olds are affected by mental disorders at any one time. To better understand and ideally prevent the onset of post-pubertal mental disorders, a clinical staging model has been proposed that provides a longitudinal perspective of illness development. This heuristic model takes account of the differential effects of both genetic and environmental risk factors, as well as markers relevant to the stage of illness, course or prognosis. The aim of the Transitions Study is to test empirically the assumptions that underpin the clinical staging model. Additionally, it will permit investigation of a range of psychological, social and genetic markers in terms of their capacity to define current clinical stage or predict transition from less severe or enduring to more severe and persistent stages of mental disorder., Method: This paper describes the study methodology, which involves a longitudinal cohort design implemented within four headspace youth mental health services in Australia. Participants are young people aged 12-25 years who have sought help at headspace and consented to complete a comprehensive assessment of clinical state and psychosocial risk factors. A total of 802 young people (66% female) completed baseline assessments. Annual follow-up assessments have commenced., Conclusions: The results of this study may have implications for the way mental disorders are diagnosed and treated, and progress our understanding of the pathophysiologies of complex mental disorders by identifying genetic or psychosocial markers of illness stage or progression., (© 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

A metal-organic framework, [{Fe(NCS)2}3(TPB)4]·x(guest) [·x(guest), TPB = 1,3,5-tris(4-pyridyl)benzene], shows selective gas adsorption and guest-dependent spin-crossover behaviour.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and clinical value of calculating the posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (ICL) length according to the corneal horizontal diameter., Methods: This was a retrospective study. A Staar Visian implantable contact lens (ICL) was implanted in 32 patients (64 eyes) with high myopia in the Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University between November 15, 2005 and January 15, 2011. The lens length was calculated according to the corneal horizontal diameter measured by Orbscan II. Patients were followed up postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and every 6 months thereafter. The evaluations included visual acuity, manifest refraction, applanation tonometry, endothelial cell count, slit-lamp microscopy to detect cataract, and UBM to assess the degree of ICL tilt and distances between the corneal endothelium, the ICL, and the crystalline lens. All of the preoperative and 12-month follow-up observations were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software., Results: No anterior subcapsular cataracts were found in any of the eyes after surgery. Pigmentary dispersion was observed on the anterior and posterior surface of the ICL, but the difference was not statistically significant (χ(2) = 2.24, P = 0.13). The intraocular pressure changed from (15.67 ± 3.23) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to (15.78 ± 3.23) mm Hg, but the difference was not significant (t = 0.24, P = 0.38). The corneal endothelium-lens (central section) distance measured by UBM postoperatively was (2.97 ± 0.25) mm and the corneal endothelium-ICL (central section) distance was (2.24 ± 0.27) mm; the difference between them was statistically significant (t = 15.77, P < 0.01). The degree of ICL tilt measured by UBM was 1.20° ± 1.05 °. The percentage of eyes with a trabecular-iris angle (TIA) greater than 30°, between 21° and 30°, between 11°and 20°, and smaller than 10° were 29.1%, 50.0%, 11.6%, and 9.3%, respectively. The angle opening distance at 500 micron (AOD500) measured by UBM postoperatively was (0.32 ± 0.15) mm. The contact distance between the iris and the ICL measured by UBM postoperatively was (0.85 ± 0.46) mm and the ICL-lens central distance was (0.47 ± 0.25) mm. The Pearson's correlation coefficients between the ICL-lens central distance and the corneal horizontal diameter, sulcus diameter, anterior chamber depth(ACD) and ICL length were 0.11, 0.16, 0.04 and 0.19, respectively; none were statistically significant. The ICL-lens peripheral distance measured by UBM postoperatively was (0.25 ± 0.20) mm., Conclusion: Selecting the length of the ICL according to the corneal horizontal diameter is appropriate, and assures the safety, effectiveness and predictability of ICL implantation.

Purpose: The aim here was to study the safety and efficacy of fitting a rigid gas-permeable contact lens (RGP CL) for visual rehabilitation in patients with ocular trauma., Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 17 aphakic eyes of patients (16 men and one woman) after surgery for ocular trauma. RGP CLs (including nine brown-tinted lenses) were fitted unilaterally for visual rehabilitation in these patients. The uncorrected vision, spectacle visual acuity and contact lens (CL) visual acuity were recorded., Results: Seventeen patients were selected on the basis that they had undergone surgery following ocular trauma. All eyes fitted were aphakic (n = 17) and nine eyes were fitted with brown-tinted RGP lenses to compensate for traumatic aniridia. All eyes were fitted with RGP CL. A visual acuity of 6/20 or better was seen in seven eyes (41.2 per cent) with spectacle correction and in 15 eyes (88.2 per cent) with CL correction. A visual acuity of 6/12 or better was seen in four eyes (23.5 per cent) and 10 eyes (58.8 per cent), respectively., Conclusions: A RGP CL is one of the methods available for treating refractive abnormalities in traumatic unilateral aphakia. The procedure is effective, safe and tolerable. RGP CLs can correct the vision of patients with irregular corneal astigmatism. The brown-tinted RGP CL can improve the symptoms of photophobia and the cosmetic appearance of brown eyes., (© 2012 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Optometry © 2012 Optometrists Association Australia.)

Background: Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN; CD147, basigin) is an inducer of the expression of several matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We reported previously that blocking EMMPRIN activity reduced neuroinflammation and severity of disease in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE)., Methods: To improve upon EMMPRIN blockade, and to help unravel the biological functions of EMMPRIN in inflammatory disorders, we have developed several anti-EMMPRIN monoclonal antibodies., Results: Of these monoclonal antibodies, a particular one, clone 10, was efficient in binding mouse and human cells using several methods of detection. The specificity of clone 10 was demonstrated by its lack of staining of EMMPRIN-null embryos compared to heterozygous and wild-type mouse samples. Functionally, human T cells activated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 elevated their expression of EMMPRIN and the treatment of these T cells with clone 10 resulted in decreased proliferation and matrix metalloproteinase- 9 (MMP-9) production. Activated human T cells were toxic to human neurons in culture and clone 10 pretreatment reduced T cell cytotoxicity correspondent with decrease of granzyme B levels within T cells. In vivo, EAE mice treated with clone 10 had a markedly reduced disease score compared to mice treated with IgM isotype control., Conclusions: We have produced a novel anti-EMMPRIN monoclonal antibody that blocks several aspects of T cell activity, thus highlighting the multiple roles of EMMPRIN in T cell biology. Moreover, clone 10 reduces EAE scores in mice compared to controls, and has activity on human cells, potentially allowing for the testing of anti-EMMPRIN treatment not only in EAE, but conceivably also in MS.

The microwave-assisted reaction of Fe(ClO(4))(2) with NaN(3), NaO(2)CPh, and 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)-1,3-propanedione gave a ferrimagnetic dodecanuclear iron(III) complex that shows magnetization relaxation behavior.

The reaction of CuCl(2) with H(2)Meppz and a base under low temperature gave rise to a heptanuclear copper compound, in which a novel ligand 2,2'-bis(H(2)Meppz) (H(4)L') was obtained through in situ C-C coupling.

Objective: To observe the results of two techniques of posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation by a 4-point ciliary sulcus suture fixation combined with vitrectomy., Methods: Lensectomy and vitrectomy combined with posterior chamber IOL implantation by a 4-point scleral fixation was performed in 23 cases with complicated ocular trauma, including 9 eyes had eyeball rupture, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal contusion and traumatic cataract; 6 eyes having eyeball rupture, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal contusion, intraocular foreign body and traumatic cataract; 8 eyes having ocular blunt trauma, vitreous hemorrhage, traumatic cataract and lens dislocation. Two techniques of IOL were randomly assigned: Alcon CZ70BD PMMA suspensory IOL was performed in 12 cases (Group I); Bausch & Lomb Akreos Adapt four-haptic hydrophilic acrylic foldable IOL was performed in 11 cases (Group II). After completed vitrectomy, removed intraocular foreign body and (or) cataract extracted, one-stage IOL implantation by 4-point scleral fixation was performed and the knots of fixation sutures were rotated and buried under the sclera for all patients. The IOL position was adjusted by suture for the best centration., Result: The mean follow-up time was (12.4 +/-1.7) months. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was improved in 11 cases (91.7%) of Group I; and BCVA was > or =0.5 in 3 patients(25.0 %). The postoperative BCVA was improved in 11 cases (100 %) of Group II; and BCVA was > or =0.5 in 4 eyes (36.4%). There was no IOL decentration or tilting in two groups., Conclusion: Lensectomy and vitrectomy combined with posterior chamber IOL implantation by a 4-point scleral fixation technique is a good method to treat complicated ocular trauma. Two techniques of posterior chamber IOL have both advantages and disadvantages, and can be used accordingly.

Purpose: To identify the genetic lesions for congenital coralliform cataract., Methods: Two Chinese families with autosomal dominant coralliform cataract, 12 affected and 14 unaffected individuals, were recruited. Fifteen known genes associated with autosomal dominant congenital cataract were screened by two-point linkage analysis with gene based single nucleotide polymorphisms and microsatellite markers. Sequence variations were identified. Recombinant FLAG-tagged wild type or mutant gammaD-crystallin was expressed in human lens epithelial cells and COS-7 cells. Protein solubility and intracellular distribution were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence, respectively., Results: A novel heterozygous change, c.43C>A (R15S) of gammaD-crystallin (CRYGD) co-segregated with coralliform cataract in one family and a known substitution, c.70C>A (P24T), in the other family. Unaffected family members and 103 unrelated control subjects did not carry these mutations. Similar to the wild type protein, R15S gammaD-crystallin was detergent soluble and was located in the cytoplasm. ProtScale and ScanProsite analyses revealed raised local hydrophobicity and the creation of a hypothetical casein kinase II phosphorylation site., Conclusions: A novel R15S mutation caused congenital coralliform cataract in a Chinese family. R15S possessed similar properties to the wild type gammaD-crystallin, but its predicted increase of hydrophobicity and putative phosphorylation site could lead to protein aggregation, subsequently causing opacification in lens.

Purpose: To study the molecular pathogenesis of a Chinese family with coronary form of cataract., Methods: One Chinese three-generation family with inherited coronary cataract phenotype was recruited. Five affected and seven unaffected family members attended our study. Genome-wide linkage analysis was applied to map the disease loci, and two candidate genes from a locus on chromosome 1 and a locus on chromosome 22 were sequenced for mutation identification. Software at the Expasy proteomics server was utilized to predict the mutation effect on proteins., Results: Whole genome linkage analysis indicated some regions on chromosome 1, 10, and 22, with LOD score values greater than 1. Within these loci, the GJA8 and CRYBB2 genes, located in the two loci with the highest LOD score of 1.51 on chromosomes 1 and 22, respectively, were sequenced. A novel mutation c.92C>G in exon 2 of CRYBB2 causing S31W was identified in all five patients. It was not found in 95 unrelated controls. This missense sequence alteration likely enhanced the local solubility. Around the mutation site, a lipocalin signature motif was predicted by ScanProsite., Conclusions: A novel disease-causing mutation S31W in CRYBB2 was identified in a Chinese cataract family. It is the first reported mutation for coronary cataract. Functional characterization should be carried out to evaluate the biological effects of this mutant.

Semi-dwarfism is an important agronomic trait in rice breeding programmes. sd-1, termed the 'Green Revolution gene', confers semi-dwarf stature, increases harvest index, improves lodging resistance, and is associated with increased responsiveness to nitrogen fertilizer. It has contributed substantially to the significant increase in rice production. In this paper, a novel semi-dwarf mutant in rice is reported. Genetic analysis revealed that only a single dominant gene locus non-allelic to sd-1, temporarily designated Sdt97, is involved in the control of semi-dwarfism of the mutant. The semi-dwarfism of the mutant could be partly restored to the tall wild-type by application of exogenous GA3, suggesting that the mutant gene Sdt97 may be involved in the gibberellin (GA) synthesis pathway and not the GA response pathway in rice. A residual heterozygous line (RHL) population derived from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) was developed. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) and bulked segregation analysis (BSA) combined with recessive class analysis (RCA) techniques were used to map Sdt97 to the long arm of chromosome 6 at the interval between two STS markers, N6 and TX5, with a genetic distance of 0.2 cM and 0.8 cM, respectively. A contig map was constructed based on the reference sequence aligned by the Sdt97 linked markers. The physical map of the Sdt97 locus was defined to a 118 kb interval, and 19 candidate genes were detected in the target region. This is the first time that a dominant semi-dwarf gene has been reported in rice. Cloning and functional analysis of gene Sdt97 will help us to learn more about molecular mechanism of rice semi-dwarfism.

Purpose: To investigate whether triamcinolone acetonide (TA) affects the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelial derived factor (PEDF) in human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE19) and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells. Study the time course of the effects of TA on VEGF and PEDF expressions in cultured cells., Methods: ARPE19 and HUVE cells were grown to subconfluence and treated with TA (0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml). The mRNA expressions of VEGF and PEDF were determined from 10 min to three days using real-time RT-PCR. Concurrently, the protein levels of VEGF and PEDF in ARPE cells were detected with ELISA., Results: Real-time RT-PCR showed TA affected a 0.5 fold decrease in VEGF(165) level and about a 2.5 fold increase in PEDF level at both TA concentrations. The effect was maintained at 12 h at 0.1 mg/ml TA and 24 h at 1 mg/ml TA. Similar changes were observed in the respective protein concentrations. The effects of TA on VEGF and PEDF transcript levels were similar in HUVE and ARPE19 cells. VEGF and PEDF protein productions in HUVE cells were too low for statistical analysis., Conclusions: TA reduces the expression of VEGF but increases the expression of PEDF in ARPE19 and HUVE cells. These observations suggest TA may influence the inhibition of neovascularization and macular edema through differential VEGF and PEDF expressions.

Objective: To detect the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in aqueous humor of patients with active choroidal neovascularization (CNV)., Methods: Aqueous humor samples were obtained from 32 patients with active CNV. The concentrations of VEGF and PEDF in aqueous humor were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantitative analysis. VEGF and PEDF in 10 samples of aqueous humor from patients with cataract were also detected by the same methods as control., Result: The mean VEGF and PEDF concentrations in aqueous humor of active CNV patients were higher than those in the control group (P=0.000)., Conclusion: The patients with active CNV exhibit significantly higher VEGF and PEDF levels than those in control, indicating that VEGF along with PEDF may modulate the formation of CNV.

Aim: To evaluate the outcomes of combined intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) caused by age related macular degeneration (AMD)., Methods: 48 eyes from 48 patients with subfoveal CNV caused by AMD were prospective recruited, with 24 eyes treated with combined PDT with IVTA and compared with a control group of 24 eyes which received PDT monotherapy. In the combined treatment group, IVTA was performed immediately after PDT as an outpatient procedure. The mean number of treatments, mean logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean line of visual acuity changes, and proportion of patients without moderate visual loss at 1 year were compared between the combined and monotherapy groups., Results: At 1 year the logMAR BCVA for the PDT with IVTA group changed from 0.88 to 0.95 (p = 0.32 compared with baseline), whereas the logMAR BCVA for the monotherapy group reduced from 0.74 to 1.09 (p<0.001 compared with baseline). A significantly higher proportion of patients who had PDT with IVTA did not develop moderate visual loss at 1 year compared with the monotherapy group (70.8% and 33.3% respectively, p = 0.009). Eyes which had combined treatment had significantly fewer lines lost compared with monotherapy alone (0.7 and 3.5 lines respectively, p = 0.015). Subgroup analysis showed that PDT with IVTA is effective in preventing visual loss in both predominately classic and occult CNV groups. The mean number of treatments for the combined and monotherapy groups was 1.5 and 1.96 respectively (p = 0.076)., Conclusions: Combined PDT with IVTA appeared more effective statistically at 12 months for stabilisation of vision (<3 logMAR lines change) compared with PDT monotherapy. Further randomised control trials might be justified to conclude the efficacy of PDT with IVTA.

Purpose: To determine the aqueous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) in patients with active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pathologic myopia., Design: Prospective, comparative control study., Methods: Aqueous humors were collected from 32 eyes of 32 patients for either active PCV or CNV. Among them, 11 eyes had active and symptomatic PCV, 12 eyes had active CNV secondary to AMD, and nine eyes had active CNV of pathologic myopia. Levels of VEGF and PEDF were determined by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. A group of 10 aqueous samples from 10 patients who underwent cataract surgery without other ocular or systemic diseases comprised the controls., Results: VEGF concentrations in aqueous humor were markedly increased in patients with PCV, CNV of AMD, and CNV of myopia when compared with the controls (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P < .001). VEGF levels in eyes with PCV were, however, significantly lower than those of exudative AMD (P = .045). The PEDF levels were also significantly different among the groups (ANOVA, P = .001), and we observed increased levels in PCV, CNV of AMD, and CNV of myopia., Conclusions: VEGF and PEDF factors were coexpressed and increased with positive correlation in aqueous humor of eyes with active PCV. The different levels of both factors in eyes of PCV and AMD might suggest distinct clinical entities or different angiogenesis courses between PCV and AMD.

Ocular angiogenesis may lead to visual impairment and even irreversible blindness in people of all ages worldwide. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV), a major clinical complication of ocular angiogenesis, is an important cause of vision loss that affects a large number of people. Physiological angiogenesis is tightly controlled by a balance in the expression of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. While the underlying mechanism of CNV is complex, it is attributed to an upset in this balance. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential in the development of CNV as one of the most potent angiogenic stimulators and vascular permeability factors. Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is a strong inhibitor of angiogenesis with high neuroprotective effects. VEGF and PEDF both possess multiple biological activities and functions that affect a large variety of tissue cells of the eye and other organs. Inappropriate expression levels are associated with many diseases involving neovascularization. This paper describes the unbalanced expressions of VEGF and PEDF as a cause of CNV. Based on the respective angiogenic and anti-angiogenic properties of VEGF and PEDF, experimental models have been devised to genetically reduce VEGF or enhance PEDF to achieve therapeutic effects. Gene therapy for CNV is promising and is under intensive research.

Objectives: To evaluate the technical feasibility, safety, outcome, and incidence of complications after combined clear corneal phacoemulsification (PEA) with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and vitreoretinal surgery., Methods: Combined operations of PEA and PPV were performed on 52 eyes of 52 patients with cataract and vitreoretinal diseases., Results: The mean follow-up time was (10.3+/-2.8) months. Postoperatively, visual acuity improved in 46 eyes (88.5%); was unchanged in 6 eyes (11.5%). The best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were the following: 20/40 or better (9 eyes), 20/50 to 20/100 (24 eyes), 20/200 (5 eyes), 20/400 (10 eyes), and fingers counting (FC) to light perception (LP) (4 eyes). In 38 eyes BCVA was 20/200 or better, and in 9 eyes it was 20/40 or better postoperatively. Postoperative complications included posterior capsual opacification (7 eyes); secondary glaucoma (1 eye); and retinal detachment (2 eyes)., Conclusion: Although further studies are indicated, our study suggests that the combined operation of PPV, PEA and IOL implantation is safe and effective for patients. The visual outcome and complications depended primarily on underlying posterior segment pathology and were not related to the combined procedure technique.

Background: Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with peculiar vascular lesions presents frequently as recurrent submacular haemorrhage. The best treatment is still not certain. It is the authors' objective to evaluate the 1-year safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin for persistent macular PCV after pneumatic displacement of the massive submacular haemorrhage with intravitreal perfluoropropane (C(3)F(8))., Methods: A prospective, non-comparative, interventional case series on patients with extensive and thick submacular haemorrhage secondary to PCV, which was displaced pneumatically with intravitreal pure 0.4 ml C(3)F(8). Fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography were repeated 1-2 weeks later to delineate any persistent active leaking polypoidal lesions, which were then treated with PDT. Retreatment might be considered in each follow up at every 3 months., Results: Six eyes of six patients with the mean age of 53.6 years had been recruited and completed 1-year follow up. The mean baseline Snellen equivalent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/92 and the mean final BCVA at 1 year was 6/17. The mean improvement in logMAR BCVA after the sequential treatments was seven lines (range +3 to +19 lines) (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, P = 0.03). All patients had at least moderate visual gains. No patient suffered serious complications from PDT., Conclusions: This first report on combined treatment with intravitreal gas injection and sequential PDT on PCV seems to be a well-tolerated option. Further comparative studies with larger sample size and longer follow up are warranted.

A 34-year-old woman, with preceding flu-like febrile illness, developed acute macular neuroretinopathy in her left eye with typical reddish brown macular lesions and a dense paracentral scotoma. Her condition was evaluated with multifocal electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography in her acute and recovery phases. The findings assist ophthalmologists striving for better understanding and diagnosis of acute macular neuroretinopathy.

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness and safety of corneal relaxing incisions (CRI) in correcting keratometric astigmatism during cataract surgery., Methods: A prospective study of two groups: control group and treatment group. A treatment group included 25 eyes of 25 patients who had combined clear corneal phacoemulsification, IOL implantation and CRI. A control group included 25 eyes of 25 patients who had clear corneal phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Postoperative keratometric astigmatism was measured at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months., Results: CRI significantly decreased keratometric astigmatism in patients with preexisting astigmatism compared with astigmatic changes in the control group. In eyes with CRI, the mean keratometric astigmatism was 0.29+/-0.17 D (range 0 to 0.5 D) at 1 week, 0.41+/-0.21 D (range 0 to 0.82 D) at 1 month, respectively reduced by 2.42 D and 2.30 D at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively (P=0.000, P=0.000), and postoperative astigmatism was stable until 6 months follow-up. The keratometric astigmatism of all patients decreased to less than 1.00 D postoperatively., Conclusions: CRI is a practical, simple, safe and effective method to reduce preexisting astigmatism during cataract surgery. A modified nomogram is proposed. The long-term effect of CRI should be investigated.

Objective: To determine the intraoperative and postoperative complications and best-corrected visual acuity outcomes of eyes undergoing phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after retinal detachment repair by scleral buckling technique., Methods: The charts of all patients who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation between May 1996 and July 2000 in Zheyi Eye Center were reviewed to identify the eyes with a history of retinal detachment repaired by scleral buckling technique., Results: We identified 33 eyes of 33 patients. The mean interval from phacoemulsification to final examination was (1.9 +/- 1.0) years. The final best-corrected visual acuity of >or= 20/200 was attained in 28 (84.8%) of 33 eyes and >or= 20/50 in 12 (36.4%) of the eyes. With regard to complications, 2 eyes required laser capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification. No eye developed a retinal re-detachment during 2 years follow-up., Conclusion: Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation can be performed safely after scleral buckling surgery and excellent best-corrected visual acuity results can be attained in most eyes. No retinal re-detachment occurred in this series.

A high-field 1H and 31P-NMR study of the oligomer d[CpGpApTpCpG]2 was carried out in H2O and water signal suppression was employed in all 1H NMR acquisitions. Particular attention was given to imino proton and 31P assignments. Two dimensional 31P-1H shift correlation contours were particularly useful in 31P assignments and confirming previous 1H assignments. Titrimetric addition of aliquots of the anticancer agent mitoxantrone resulted in selective and progressive chemical shifts with critical changes at stoichiometries of 1:1 and 2:1 drug to DNA ratios. The results indicate ultimate intercalative binding of the drug at both C.G. termini of the oligomer in accord with the previously determined C.G. preference and with non-nearest neighbor intercalation.