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Abstract Ethylene regulates plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. However, the early signaling events following ethylene perception, particularly in the regulation of ethylene receptor/CTRs (CONSTITUTIVE TRIPLE RESPONSE) complex, remains less understood. Here, utilizing the rapid phospho-shift of rice OsCTR2 in response to ethylene as a sensitive readout for signal activation, we revealed that MHZ3, previously identified as a stabilizer of ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 2 (OsEIN2), is crucial for maintaining OsCTR2 phosphorylation. Genetically, both functional MHZ3 and ethylene receptors prove essential for OsCTR2 phosphorylation. MHZ3 physically interacts with both subfamily I and II ethylene receptors, e.g., OsERS2 and OsETR2 respectively, stabilizing their association with OsCTR2 and thereby maintaining OsCTR2 activity. Ethylene treatment disrupts the interactions within the protein complex MHZ3/receptors/OsCTR2, reducing OsCTR2 phosphorylation and initiating downstream signaling. Our study unveils the dual role of MHZ3 in fine-tuning ethylene signaling activation, providing insights into the initial stages of the ethylene signaling cascade.

Efficient carbon use is crucial for biological nitrogen removal. Traditional aerobic processes can waste carbon sources, exacerbating carbon deficiency. This study explores an anaerobic/oxic/anoxic system with sludge double recirculation to improve nitrogen removal in low C/N wastewater. This system integrated aerobic nitrification after the carbon intracellular storage, separating carbon and nitrogen by denitrifying glycogen-accumulating organisms (DGAOs) with endogenous partial denitrification and Anammox within the anoxic units. A significant efficiency of 91.02±7.01% chemical oxygen demand (COD) was converted into intracellular carbon in anaerobic units, significantly reducing carbon futile oxidation in the aerobic units by effectively separating COD from ammonia. Intracellular storage of carbon sources and microbial adaptation to carbon scarcity prevent futile oxidation of COD in the aerobic units even with short-term high dissolved oxygen (DO), thereby enhancing nitrogen removal under anoxic conditions with sufficient intracellular carbon source. The microbial analysis identified Candidatus Brocadia as the dominant anammox bacteria, in combination with the activity of DGAOs and other related microbial communities, accounting for 37.0% of the TN removal. Consequently, the system demonstrated remarkable nitrogen removal efficiencies, achieving 81.3±3.3% for total nitrogen (TN) and 98.5±0.9% for ammonia nitrogen while maintaining an effluent COD concentration of 17.2±9.1 mg/L, treating the low C/N of 4.18 in the influent wastewater. The findings in this study provide a sustainable and energy-saving technique for conventional WWTPs to meet strict discharge standards by avoiding futile oxidation of COD and encouraging anammox contributions.

Abstract Ethylene plays essential roles in rice growth, development and stress adaptation. Translational control of ethylene signaling remains unclear in rice. Here, through analysis of an ethylene-response mutant mhz9, we identified a glycine-tyrosine-phenylalanine (GYF) domain protein MHZ9, which positively regulates ethylene signaling at translational level in rice. MHZ9 is localized in RNA processing bodies. The C-terminal domain of MHZ9 interacts with OsEIN2, a central regulator of rice ethylene signaling, and the N-terminal domain directly binds to the OsEBF1/2 mRNAs for translational inhibition, allowing accumulation of transcription factor OsEIL1 to activate the downstream signaling. RNA-IP seq and CLIP-seq analyses reveal that MHZ9 associates with hundreds of RNAs. Ribo-seq analysis indicates that MHZ9 is required for the regulation of ~ 90% of genes translationally affected by ethylene. Our study identifies a translational regulator MHZ9, which mediates translational regulation of genes in response to ethylene, facilitating stress adaptation and trait improvement in rice.

At present, many studies have been carried out on the fatigue mechanical properties of conventional rocks, but there are few studies on the mechanical properties of rocks after water rock interaction. The aim is to better study the fatigue mechanical characteristics of sandstone after dry wet cycle and the research object we take was sandstone samples after a certain number of drying and wetting cycles. The WAW-2000 electro-hydraulic servo pressure system was used to carry out uniaxial fatigue cyclic loading and unloading tests with different amplitudes and different upper limit stresses. The test found that: when the sample is damaged under fatigue load, the stress-strain curve shows a sharp downward trend and a sudden instability failure occurred in the sample.With the increase of the upper limit stress and amplitude, the life of the sample decreases gradually which also conforms to the change of power function. Then the relationship between fatigue life and stress is obtained. The fatigue stress-strain curve is characterized by sparse-dense-sparse. With the increase of cycle time, the axial strain of the sample shows an inverted “S” shape. The strain change can be divided into three stages: initial stage, constant velocity stage and acceleration stage.

As cataract surgery has entered the era of minimally invasive and accurate refractive surgery, higher requirements for perioperative infection control are needed. In recent years, “dropless cataract surgery” has been proposed and is gradually applied in clinical practice. It is based on the combination of different local injection forms in cataract surgery, in which antibiotics and steroids are applied to the operative eye through immediate or sustained release, so that patients do not need to use eye drops throughout the perioperative period.It can not only achieve the purpose of anti-inflammation and anti-infection after surgery, but also reduce the burden of patients, patients' family members and doctors.This article reviews the concept of “dropless cataract surgery”, the combined treatment methods, including combined anterior chamber antibiotic injection, triamcinolone acetonide and moxifloxacin hydrochloride(TriMoxi)and triamcinolone -moxifloxacin and vancomycin(TriMoxiVanc)intravitreal injection, combined dexamethasone lacrimal puncture implantation, continuous or sustained release drug delivery mechanism, as well as its efficacy and safety, with a view to provide a new idea and direction for the prevention of postoperative cataract infection.

AIM: To evaluate the visual quality of patients after modified design aspheric balance curve(ABC)with intraocular lens(IOL)implantation, and to analyze the influencing factors of clinical IOL selection and guide the patient's IOL selection plan. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted in 67 patients(74 eyes)with simple cataract underwent phacoemulsification and foldable aspheric IOL implantation, and 23 eyes in the observation group were implanted with modified design IOL(HOYA Vivinex XY1 group), the control group was implanted with 51 eyes of traditional design IOL(Tecnis ZCB00 group with 27 eyes, IQ SN60WF group with 24 eyes). The uncorrected visual acuity, the best corrected visual acuity, total ocular spherical aberration(SA)and coma under different pupil diameters(3, 4, 5, 6mm), and different pupil diameters(3, 4, 5mm)were measured 1wk and 1mo after operation, the modulation transfer function(MTF)curve, objective scattering index(OSI), intraocular scattered light value Log(s)and contrast sensitivity were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed on the obtained data.RESULTS: The uncorrected visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity at 1wk and 1mo after operation in the three groups were significantly improved compared with those before operation, there was no significant difference among groups(P>0.05). The difference of total ocular spherical aberration was statistically significant among the three groups with 5 and 6mm pupil diameter 1wk after operation(P=0.045, 0.037)and there were differences among three groups in pupil diameter of 6mm at 1mo after operation(P=0.042). Comparing the total ocular coma aberration, there were differences among the three groups at 1wk and 1mo after the operation at the pupil diameter of 5 and 6 mm(P0.05), and there were no statistical differences in objective scattering index, intraocular scattered light value Log(s)and contrast sensitivity among the three groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:The improved design of the modified Vivinex IOL can reduce the total ocular spherical aberration and coma, improve the visual quality, and provide a new method for the selection of aspheric IOL.

PurposeTo investigate the spontaneous brain activity alterations in survivors of cardiac arrest (CA) with good neurological outcome using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) with amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) methods.Materials and methodsThirteen CA survivors with favorable neurological outcomes and 13 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent rs-fMRI scans. The ALFF and ReHo methods were applied to assess the regional intensity and synchronization of spontaneous brain activity. Correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationships between the mean ALFF and ReHo values in significant clusters and clinical parameters.ResultsThe survivors of CA showed significantly decreased ALFF values in the left postcentral gyrus and precentral gyrus and increased ALFF values in the left hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus than HCs. Significantly decreased ReHo values were observed in the left inferior occipital gyrus and middle occipital gyrus in the patients. Mean ALFF values in the left hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus were positively correlated with the time to return of spontaneous circulation (r = 0.794, p = 0.006) in the patient group.ConclusionFunctional activity alterations in the brain areas corresponding to known cognitive and physical impairments were observed in CA survivors with preserved neurological function. Our results could advance the understanding of the neurological mechanisms underlying the residual deficits in those patients.

BackgroundBoth melatonin and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) are derived from tryptophan. And the most interesting and unsolved puzzle in melatonin research is that what is the relationship between melatonin and auxin?MethodsIn this study, we performed transcriptome analysis with a time series method to disclose the connection of the two metabolites in soybean.ResultsOur results reveal that melatonin and IAA treatments cause substantial overlaps in gene expression changes. Common genes of melatonin and IAA treatments could be sorted into clusters with very similar expression tendency. A KEGG assay showed that exogenous applied melatonin enriched differentially expressed genes in auxin biosynthesis and signaling pathways. For details, melatonin up-regulates several YUCCA genes which participate in auxin biosynthesis; melatonin also enhances expression levels of auxin receptor coding genes, such as TIR1, AFB3 and AFB5; dozens of genes involved in auxin transport, such as AUXI and PIN, are regulated by melatonin similarly as by auxin; auxin-responsive genes, such as IAA, ARF, GH3 and SAUR-like genes, intensively respond to melatonin as well as to auxin. A DR5 promoter mediated GUS staining assay showed that low concentration of melatonin could induce auxin biosynthesis in a dosage manner, whereas high concentration of melatonin would eliminate such effect. At last, gene ontology (GO) analysis suggests that melatonin treatment has similar characteristics as auxin treatment in many processes. However, the two molecules still keep their own features respectively. For example, melatonin takes part in stress responses, while IAA treatment enriches the GO terms that related to cell growth.ConclusionTaken together, exogenous applied melatonin, if not exceeds the appropriate concentration, could promote auxin responses range from biosynthesis to signaling transduction. Thus, our research is a key part to explain the auxin-like roles of melatonin in regulating plant growth.

AIM: To track the knowledge structure, topics in focus, and trends in emerging research in pterygium in the past 20y. METHODS: Base on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), studies related to pterygium in the past 20y from 2000-2019 have been included. With the help of VOSviewer software, a knowledge map was constructed and the distribution of countries, institutions, journals, and authors in the field of pterygium noted. Meanwhile, using co-citation analysis of references and co-occurrence analysis of keywords, we identified basis and hotspots, thereby obtaining an overview of this field. RESULTS: The search retrieved 1516 publications from WoSCC on pterygium published between 2000 and 2019. In the past two decades, the annual number of publications is on the rise and fluctuated a little. Most productive institutions are from Singapore but the most prolific and active country is the United States. Journal Cornea published the most articles and Coroneo MT contributed the most publications on pterygium. From co-occurrence analysis, the keywords formed 3 clusters: 1) surgical therapeutic techniques and adjuvant of pterygium, 2) occurrence process and pathogenesis of pterygium, and 3) epidemiology, and etiology of pterygium formation. These three clusters were consistent with the clustering in co-citation analysis, in which Cluster 1 contained the most references (74 publications, 47.74%), Cluster 2 contained 53 publications, accounting for 34.19%, and Cluster 3 focused on epidemiology with 18.06% of total 155 co-citation publications. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the research of pterygium is gradually attracting the attention of scholars and researchers. The interaction between authors, institutions, and countries is lack of. Even though, the research hotspot, distribution, and research status in pterygium in this study could provide valuable information for scholars and researchers.

Abstract Background Endothelial glycocalyx (EG) abnormal degradation were widely found in critical illness. However, data of EG degradation in multiple traumas is limited. We performed a study to assess the EG degradation and the correlation between the degradation and organ functions in polytrauma patients. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted to enroll health participants (control group) and polytrauma patients (trauma group) at a University affiliated hospital between Feb 2020 and Oct 2020. Syndecan1 (SDC1) and heparin sulfate (HS) were detected in serum sample of both groups. In trauma group, injury severity scores (ISS) and sequential organ failure assessments (SOFA) were calculated. Occurrences of acute kidney injury (AKI), trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) within 48 h and 28-day all-cause mortality in trauma group were recorded. Serum SDC1 and HS levels were compared between two groups. Correlations between SDC1/HS and the indicators of organ systems in the trauma group were analyzed. ROC analyses were performed to assess the predictive value of SDC1 and HS for AKI, TIC within 48 h, and 28-day mortality in trauma group. Results There were 45 polytrauma patients and 15 healthy participants were collected, totally. SDC1 and HS were significantly higher in trauma group than in control group (69.39 [54.18–130.80] vs. 24.15 [13.89–32.36], 38.92 [30.47–67.96] vs. 15.55 [11.89–23.24], P

Functionalization and bestowing high values upon bioactive tea polysaccharides have been focused recently. For this purpose, the immune activation effect on RAW264.7 macrophages promoted by Lu’an Guapian polysaccharide (LGP-1, 2.35 × 105 Da) was investigated firstly. LGP-1 was obtained and characterized via DEAE 52 ion exchange column, high performance liquid chromatography and atomic force microscope. Immunological assay manifested a remarkable promotion effect on macrophages. LGP-1 could significantly stimulate the phagocytosis of macrophages, promote NO generation and trigger TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β release dose-dependently. Fluorescence labeling tests confirmed the production level of reactive oxygen species increased obviously. Western blot results demonstrated that the treated macrophages were able to increase PI3K expression and p65 nuclear translocation, indicated that LGP-1 enhanced macrophage immunity via PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, TLR4 was involved in the process. These results made clear that LGP-1 could be explored as a bioactive substance applied in functional foods.

"AIM: To investigate how signals from lens regulate retinal vascular development and neovascularization. METHODS: Le-Cre transgenic mouse line was employed to inactivate Smad4 in the surface ectoderm selectively. Standard histological and whole-mount retina staining were employed to reveal morphological changes of retinal vasculature in Smad4 defective eye. cDNA microarray and subsequent analyses were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the vascular phenotype. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was carried out to verify the microarrays results. RESULTS: We found that inactivation of Smad4 specifically on surface ectoderm leads to a variety of retinal vasculature anomalies. Microarray analyses and qPCR revealed that Sema3c, Sema3e, Nrp1, Tie1, Sox7, Sox17, and Sox18 are significantly affected in the knockout retinas at different developmental stages, suggesting that ocular surface ectoderm-derived Smad4 can signal to the retina and regulates various angiogenic signaling in the retina. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the cross-talk between ocular surface ectoderm and retina is important for retinal vasculature development, and Smad4 regulates various signaling associated with sprouting angiogenesis, vascular remodeling and maturation in the retina of mice."

Ethylene regulates adaptive root growth during waterlogging in rice. Here, the authors identify MHZ1 (aka OsHK1), a histidine kinase that positively regulates the root ethylene response by interacting with the ethylene receptor ERS2 and promoting phosphorylation of the response regulator, OsRR21.

AIM: To explore the effects of IκBα SUMOylation and NF-κB p65 deacetylation on NF-κB p65 activity induced by high glucose in cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLECs). METHODS: HLECs (SRA01/04) were cultured with 5.5, 25, and 50 mmol/L glucose media for 24h, and with 50 mmol/L glucose media for 0, 12, and 24h respectively. SUMO1 and SIRT1 expressions were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot (WB). IκBα and NF-κB p65 expressions were detected by WB. With NAC, DTT, MG132 or Resveratrol (RSV) treatment, SUMO1 and SIRT1 expressions were detected by WB. Protein expression localizations were examined by immunofluorescence and co-immunofluorescence. The effects of SUMO1 or SIRT1 overexpression, as well as MG132 and RSV, on the nuclear expression and activity of IκBα and NF-κB p65 were analyzed by immunoblot and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS: SUMO1 and SIRT1 expressions were influenced by high glucose in mRNA and protein levels, which could be blocked by NAC or DTT. SUMO1 was down-regulated by using MG132, and SIRT1 was up-regulated under RSV treatment. IκBα nuclear expression was attenuated and NF-κB p65 was opposite under high glucose, while IκBα and NF-κB p65 location was transferred to the nucleus. SUMO1 or SIRT1 overexpression and MG132 or RSV treatment affected the nuclear expression and activity of IκBα and NF-κB p65 under high glucose condition. CONCLUSION: IκBα SUMOylation and NF-κB p65 deacetylation affect NF-κB p65 activity in cultured HLECs under high glucose, and presumably play a significant role in controlling diabetic cataract.

Cataract is the first blinding eye disease in China and the main cause of blindness in most countries in the world. Currently, surgery operation is the only effective treatment. Posterior capsular opacification(PCO)is a common complication after cataract surgery, and it is also the crucial induction of vision decline. Studies have shown that epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of lens epithelial cells(LECs)remaining after surgery plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PCO. This article mainly summarizes the research progress of EMT in PCO in recent years.

AIM: To study whether specific anesthetic drugs or tear layer evaporation was primarily responsible for the acute cataract and what the change of lens structure is in anesthetized mice. METHODS: Five groups were set up in the experiment: Group A (topicamide and phenylephrine mixed eye drop+ chloral hydrate), Group B (tropicamide and phenylephrine mixed eye drop+sevoflurane), Group C (tropicamide and phenylephrine mixed eye drop), Group D (topicamide and phenylephrine mixed eye drop+chloral hydrate, carbomer eye drop in the right eyes), and Group E (tropicamide and phenylephrine mixed eye drop+sevoflurane, carbomer eye drop in the right eyes). A simple classification system was used to assess the severity of lens opacity. And a numerical value from 0 to 3 to each grade was assigned for the cataract index calculation and data analysis. The gross appearance and time course of development of lens opacity were assessed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the lens structure changes in the reversible cataract. RESULTS: Tropicamide did not induce lens opacification in mice. Lens opacity caused by inhaled sevoflurane was similar to injected cholral hydrate. Both inhaled-anesthetic-induced lens opacity and injected-anesthetic-induced lens opacity could be prevented by carbomer eye drop. In the severe opacity lens, a wide range of lens fiber cell structure had disordered. The fiber cells became uneven thickness. CONCLUSION: The acute reversible lens opacity can unilaterally develop or be induced by a local cause. The structure of lens fiber cells changed in the lens opacity which may influence the permanent connection of the lens fiber cells. This study was not only of practical significance to help maintain lens transparency for eye research, but also of the deeper consideration about the reversible lens opacification phenomenon.

With the continuous development of cataract surgery and intraocular lens(IOL), the evaluation of visual quality after IOL implantation has become a research hotspot, and aberration is an important factor that affecting visual quality. After more than 60y of development, IOL has made great improvement in optical design. Due to the fact that conventional spherical IOL has a positive spherical aberration and cannot correct the positive spherical aberration existing in the normal human cornea, it is improved to an aspherical IOL having a negative spherical aberration and a zero spherical aberration. The former can correct the cornea positive spherical aberration, improve the contrast sensitivity and improve visual quality. However, if the optical position does not match, the formation of other higher-order aberrations will have greater impact on visual effects. Although the latter is well tolerated to tilt and decentration, it still cannot compensate for the positive aberration from the cornea. The advent of the non-constant aberration IOL provides a new way for cataract surgeons to solve this problem. In this paper, the concept of aberration, the design principle and advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of aspheric IOL, as well as the observation of clinical application effect of non-constant aberration aspheric IOL are discussed.

Due to various factors, high-temperature rocks are often affected by different cooling methods. They will lead to changes in rock mechanical properties, which firmly connect with the safety and stability of practical projects. At present, there are many studies of the microscopic characteristics of rocks under different cooling methods, but few on the mechanical characteristics of rocks under the same conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out experimental research on the mechanical properties of rock under different cooling methods. The study shows that the deterioration degree of the sample increases gradually with temperature rising and the cooling methods have different effects on the change of the sample in mass, volume and density. The stress–strain curve of the sample is divided into the crack compaction stage, elastic deformation stage, nonlinear deformation stage and failure stage. The peak strength of the naturally cooled sample is higher than that of the water cooled. The peak strength comes with a trend that goes up first, and then down with the temperature increasing. The uniaxial compression failure of the sample under uniaxial action is tensile failure. The failure characteristic of the sample is influenced both by the cooling modes and the temperature.

AIM: To compare the results of 25 MHz and 50 MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) regarding the image characteristics of the lens and its related diseases and to discuss the application value of 25 MHz UBM in ophthalmology. METHODS: A total of 302 patients (455 eyes) were included in this study from November 2014 to May 2015. Patient ages ranged from 5 to 89y (mean±SD: 61.0±17.7y). Different cross-sectional images of the lens were collected to compare and analyze the image characteristics and anterior segment parameters using 25 MHz and 50 MHz UBM in axial and longitudinal scanning modes, respectively. SPSS 19.0 for Windows, paired t-tests and B&A plot analysis were used for data analysis, and a value of P

AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanism of miR-138 in mediating the antioxidant function of lens epithelial cells affected by age-related cataracts. METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detect miR-138 expression in the anterior lens capsules of healthy people, the anterior lens capsules of patients with age-related cataracts, and human epithelial cell line(SRA01/04)cells exposed to oxidative stress. A 2', 7'-dichloro-fluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to measure the levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species(ROS)in human lens epithelial cells(hLECs)exposed to 400μmol/L H2O2 for 1h. SRA01/04 cells were transfected with either miR-138 mimics, mimic controls, miR-138 inhibitors or inhibitor controls. After 72h, these cells were exposed to 400μmol/L H2O2 for 1h, then p53 and Bax mRNA expression were measured using RT-qPCR. Expression of p53 and Bax protein were also measured by western blotting analysis. Finally, cell viability was assessed using an MTS assay. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, expression of miR-138 in the anterior lens capsules of age-related cataract patients and in SRA01/04 cells exposed to oxidative stress significantly increased(PPPPCONCLUSION: The expression of miR-138 is upregulated in the anterior lens capsules of age-related cataract patients. MiR-138 decreases the anti-oxidative stress capacity of lens epithelial cells by upregulating p53 and Bax, while inhibiting cell proliferation and repair. This finding suggests that miR-138 may play a key role in the development of age-related cataracts.

AIM: To evaluate human lens epithelium cell apoptosis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by femtosecond laser in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). METHODS: Sixty cataract patients with N2 to N3 stage according to the LOCS III were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups randomly: FLACS1 group (cataract surgery by FLACS with LenSx), FLACS2 group (cataract surgery by FLACS with LensAR) and manual group (cataract surgery by phacoemulsification). Patients in two FLACS groups performed anterior capsulotomy by LenSx or LensAR laser system. Patients in the manual group were performed continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) manually. The anterior capsules were fixed right after moved out of eye. Hematoxylin-eosine staining, immunofluorescence staining and real-time PCR were performed in order to observe human lens epithelium cells changes after cataract surgery. RESULTS: The capsule cutting edge was shown irregularity and roughness in two FLACS groups and smooth edge in manual capsulotomy by pathologic staining. Irregularities of the cell configuration with partly swollen and destroyed nuclei were observed in two FLACS groups. Femtosecond laser could induce a significantly higher cell apoptosis in human lens epithelium cell than manually performed CCC (P

AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanism of miR-211 in mediating the antioxidant function of lens epithelial cells affected by age-related cataracts. METHODS: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect miR-211 expression in the anterior lens capsules of healthy people, the anterior lens capsules of patients with age-related cataracts, and human epithelial cell line (SRA01/04) cells exposed to oxidative stress. A 2', 7'-dichloro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe was used to measure the levels of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human lens epithelial cells (hLECs) exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2 for 1h. SRA01/04 cells were transfected with either miR-211 mimics, mimic controls, miR-211 inhibitors or inhibitor controls. After 72h, these cells were exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2 for 1h, then p53 and Bax mRNA expression were measured using RT-qPCR. p53 and Bax protein expression were also measured by Western blotting analysis. Finally, cell viability was assessed using an MTS assay. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, expression of miR-211 in the anterior lens capsules of age-related cataract patients and in SRA01/04 cells exposed to oxidative stress was significantly increased (P

AIM: To detect the expression of miR-211 in age-related cataract tissue, explore the effects of miR-211 on lens epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and identify its target gene. METHODS: This study used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to measure the expression of miR-211 and its predicted target gene [silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1)] in 46 anterior lens capsules collected from age-related cataract patients. Human lens epithelial cell line (SRA01/04) cells were transfected with either miR-211 mimics, mimic controls, miR-211 inhibitors or inhibitor controls, 72h after transfection, miRNA and protein expression of SIRT1 were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blotting; then cells were exposed to 200 μmol/L H2O2 for 1h, whereupon cell viability was measured by MTS assay, caspase-3 assay was performed. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the relationship between miR-211 of SIRT1. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, expression of miR-211 was significantly increased (P

Background: Previous studies have found that schoolchildren with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) showed difficulties in neuropsychological function. This study aimed to assess neuropsychological function in Chinese preschoolers with ADHD using broad neuropsychological measures and rating scales and to test whether the pattern and severity of neuropsychological weakness differed among ADHD presentations in preschool children. Methods: The 226 preschoolers (163 with ADHD and 63 controls) with the age of 4–5 years were included and assessed using the Behavior Rating Scale of Executive Function-Preschool Version (BRIEF-P) and a series of tests to investigate neuropsychological function. Results: Preschoolers with ADHD showed higher scores in all domains of the BRIEF-P (inhibition: 30.64 ± 5.78 vs.20.69 ± 3.86, P < 0.001; shift: 13.40 ± 3.03 vs.12.41 ± 2.79, P = 0.039; emotional control:15.10 ± 3.53 vs.12.20 ± 2.46, P < 0.001; working memory: 28.41 ± 4.99 vs.20.95 ± 4.60, P < 0.001; plan/organize: 17.04 ± 3.30 vs.13.29 ± 2.40, P < 0.001) and lower scores of Statue (23.18 ± 7.84 vs.28.27 ± 3.18, P = 0.001), Word Generation (15.22 ± 6.52 vs.19.53 ± 7.69, P = 0.025), Comprehension of Instructions (14.00 ± 4.44 vs.17.02 ± 3.39, P = 0.016), Visuomotor Precision (P < 0.050), Toy delay (P = 0.048), and Matrices tasks (P = 0.011), compared with normal control. In terms of the differences among ADHD subtypes, all ADHD presentations had higher scores in several domains of the BRIEF-P (P < 0.001), and the ADHD-combined symptoms (ADHD-C) group had the poorest ratings on inhibition and the ability to Plan/Organize. For neuropsychological measures, the results suggested that the ADHD-C group had poorer performances than the ADHD-predominantly inattentive symptoms (ADHD-I) group on Statue tasks (F = 7.34, η2 = 0.12, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the ADHD-hyperactive/impulsive symptoms group had significantly poorer performances compared to the ADHD-C group in the Block Construction task (F = 4.89, η2 = 0.067, P = 0.003). However, no significant group differences were found between the ADHD-I group and normal control. Conclusion: Based on the combined evaluation of performance-based neuropsychological tests and the BRIEF-P, preschoolers with ADHD show difficulties of neuropsychological function in many aspects.

Background: Accumulating evidence indicates that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with core deficits in executive function (EF) which predicts poorer academic and occupational functioning. This makes early intervention targeting EF impairments important to prevent long-term negative outcomes. Cognitive training is a potential ADHD treatment target. The present study aimed to explore the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a cognitive training program (targeting child's multiple EF components and involving parent support in daily life), as a nonpharmacological intervention for children with ADHD. Methods: Forty-four school -age children with ADHD and their parents participated in 12 sessions of EF training (last for 12 weeks) and 88 health controls (HC) were also recruited. Training effects were explored using both neuropsychological tests (Stroop color-word test, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, trail making test, tower of Hanoi, and false-belief task) and reports of daily life (ADHD rating scale-IV, Conners' parent rating scale, and behavior rating inventory of executive function [BRIEF]) by analysis of paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The differences on EF performances between children with ADHD after training and HC were explored using multivariate analysis. Results: The results (before vs. after EF training) showed that after intervention, the children with ADHD presented better performances of EF both in neuropsychological tests (word interference of Stroop: 36.1 ± 14.6 vs. 27.1 ± 11.1, t = 4.731, P < 0.001; shift time of TMT: 194.9 ± 115.4 vs. 124.8 ± 72.4, Z = –4.639, P < 0.001; false-belief task: χ2 = 6.932, P = 0.008) and reports of daily life (global executive composite of BRIEF: 148.9 ± 17.5 vs. 127.8 ± 17.5, t = 6.433, P < 0.001). The performances on EF tasks for children with ADHD after EF training could match with the level of HC children. The ADHD symptoms (ADHD rating scale total score: 32.4 ± 8.9 vs. 22.9 ± 8.2, t = 6.331, P < 0.001) and behavioral problems of the children as reported by parents also reduced significantly after the intervention. Participants reported that the EF training program was feasible to administer and acceptable. Conclusions: The EF training program was feasible and acceptable to children with ADHD and parents. Although replication with a larger sample and an active control group are needed, EF training program with multiple EF focus and parent involving in real-life activities could be a potentially promising intervention associated with significant EF (near transfer) and ADHD symptoms improvement (far transfer).

AIM: To investigate the difference between anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis, and the related factors.METHODS: The anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis in 789 patients(1 141 eyes)of China Medical University Eye Hospital were detected by Petacam and recorded the corresponding age, value of astigmatism, anterior chamber depth, corneal thickness, refraction of cornea and anylized statistically. RESULTS: We found age was positively correlated with the difference of the anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis(r=0.139, Pr=-0.293, Pr=-0.067, PCONCLUSION: There is significant difference in the anterior corneal astigmatism axis and total corneal astigmatism axis, and is positively correlated with age, and is negatively correlated with value of astigmatism and the depth of anterior chamber.

AIM: To design and investigate the efficacy of a modified nanostructured lipid carrier loaded with genistein (Gen-NLC) to inhibit human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) proliferation. METHODS: Gen-NLC was made by melt emulsification method. The morphology, particle size (PS), zeta potentials (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE) and in vitro release were characterized. The inhibition effect of nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), genistein (Gen) and Gen-NLC on HLECs proliferation was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, gene and protein expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 were evaluated with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence analyses. RESULTS: The mean PS of Gen-NLC was 80.12±1.55 nm with a mean polydispersity index of 0.11±0.02. The mean ZP was -7.14±0.38 mV and the EE of Gen in the nanoparticles was 92.3%±0.73%. Transmission electron microscopy showed that Gen-NLC displayed spherical-shaped particles covered by an outer-layer structure. In vitro release experiments demonstrated a prolonged drug release for 72h. The CCK-8 assay results showed the NLC had no inhibitory effect on HLECs and Gen-NLC displayed a much more prominent inhibitory effect on cellular growth compared to Gen of the same concentration. The mRNA and protein expression of Ki67 in LECs decreased significantly in Gen-NLC group. CONCLUSION: Sustained drug release by Gen-NLCs may impede HLEC growth.

AIM: To analyze the effect of steep meridian small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery on anterior, posterior and total corneal wavefront aberration. METHODS: Steep meridian small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed in age-related cataract patients which were divided into three groups according to the incision site: 12 o’clock, 9 o’clock and between 9 and 12 o’clock (BENT) incision groups. The preoperative and 3-month postoperative root mean square (RMS) values of anterior, posterior and total corneal wavefront aberration including coma, spherical aberration, and total higher-order aberrations (HOAs), were measured by Pentacam scheimpflug imaging. The mean preoperative and postoperative corneal wavefront aberrations were documented. RESULTS: Total corneal aberration and total lower-order aberrations decreased significantly in three groups after operation. RMS value of total HOAs decreased significantly postoperatively in the 12 o’clock incision group (P

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for lens opacities in populations living at two different altitudes in China. METHODS: A total of 813 subjects aged ≥40y in Lhasa (Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Altitude: 3658 m) and Shaoxing (Zhejiang Province, China. Altitude: 15 m) were underwent eye examinations and interviewed in this cross-sectional study. Participants’ lens opacities were graded according to the Lens Opacities Classification System II (LOCS II) and the types of opacities with LOCS II scores ≥2 were determined. Univariate and stepwise logistic regression were used to evaluate the associations of independent risk factors with lens opacities. RESULTS: Lens opacities were significantly more prevalent in the high-altitude than in the low-altitude area (χ2=10.54, P

Both exotic and native plant invasions can have profound impacts on ecosystems. While many studies have examined the effects of exotic plant invasions on soil properties, relatively few have tested the effects of native plant invasions on soil microbial communities. Furthermore, we know little about the effects of native plant invasions on microbial communities in litter. In subtropical forests in southern China, we sampled litter at three decomposition stages and top soil in three forest sands representing three stages of the invasion (not invaded, moderately and heavily invaded) by the Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis (Carriere) J. Houzeau), a native species in China. We measured chemical properties (concentrations of C, N, P, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Zn, and concentrations of cellulose and lignin) and microbial communities in litter and/or soil. The bamboo invasion, in general, decreased the element concentrations in litter and soil and also decreased total microbial abundance and diversity. Considering bacteria and fungi separately, the bamboo invasion decreased fungal diversity in litter and soil, but had little impact on bacterial diversity, suggesting that fungi are more sensitive and vulnerable to the bamboo invasion than bacteria. We conclude that native Moso bamboo invasions into subtropical forests may lead to a complex biogeochemical process in the litter−soil system, which may threaten local forest ecosystems by affecting microbial communities and, thus, litter decomposition and nutrient cycling.

AIM: To explore the association between the polymorphism rs2511989 in the classical pathway geneSERPING1(C1 inhibitor)and age-related macular degeneration(AMD).METHODS: A random-effect Meta-analysis was performed. An electronic search was done in CNKI, PubMed, the Cochrane Collaboration's Database, Embase, and the ISI Web of Knowledge. Odds ratios(OR)and their 95% confidence interval(CI)were calculated to assess the strength of association between SERPING1 rs2511989 polymorphism and AMD susceptibility. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also tested.RESULTS: A total of 15 case-control studies with 8657 cases and 5393 controls were finally included in this Meta-analysis. There was no significant association between SERPING1 and AMD in all genetic models.(Dominant model: OR=0.960, 95%CI: 0.918-1.003, P=0.009; recessive model: OR=0.898, 95%CI: 0.791-1.019, P=0.035; homozygote model: OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.770-1.008, P=0.003; heterozygote model: OR=0.962, 95%CI: 0.917-1.010, P=0.050). However, the associations between SERPING1 and neovascular AMD were significant in three models(dominant model: OR=0.691, 95%CI: 0.547-0.872; homozygote model: OR=0.661, 95%CI: 0.450-0.971; heterozygote model: OR=0.754, 95%CI: 0.589-0.964). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity and country did not find significant association between rs2511989 polymorphism and AMD susceptibility.CONCLUSION: SERPING1 rs2511989 does not associates with AMD generally but may associate with neovascular AMD. More studies are required to verify the hypothesis.

AIM: To investigate the expression of miR-181 in the lens tissue of cataract and the regulating mechanism of miR-181 on apoptosis of human lens epithelial cell.METHODS:Real time q-PCR was used to measure the expression of miR-181 in the anterior lens capsules of age-related cataract and human lens epithelial cell apoptosis model. miR-181 mimic and inhibitor were transfected using Lipofectamine 2 000 to regulate the expression of miR-181, and then Real time q-PCR was used to verify transfection efficiency. Flow cytometry was used to detect the change of cell apoptosis rate. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the expression of miR-181 was significantly higher in both the anterior lens capsules of age-related cataract and human lens epithelial cell apoptosis model; the relative expression of miR-181 in lens epithelial cells transfected with miR-181 mimic was increased, whereas decreased in cells transfected with miR-181 inhibitor; the apoptosis rate of cells transfected with miR-181 mimic was increased, while reduced in miR-181 inhibitor group. Each result was statistically significant(PCONCLUSION: High expression of miR-181 is detected in anterior lens capsule of age-related cataract. miR-181 might play a certain role in the pathogenesis of cataract via promoting human lens epithelial cell apoptosis. miR-181 probably becomes a new approach for the nonoperative treatment of cataract, but the concrete mechanism still needs to be further studied.

AIM: To investigate the influence of bone morphogenetic protein type IA receptor [BMPR-IA (ALK3)] conditional knockout in lens on expression of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in lens during the development of the vertebrate eye. METHODS: Cre-positive mice were mated with Cre-negative mice to generate 50% Cre-positive (conditional knockout, CKO) 4 embryos, 8 eyes and 50% Cre-negative offspring (wild type, WT) 4 embryos, 8 eyes. The embryos were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned to a thickness of 4 μm. Removal of paraffin wax and dehydrating for sections, and then the procedure of in situ hybridization was processed, BMP4 MK1784-m (BOSTER) was used, and observed the expression of BMP4 in the lens in experimental group and control group. We selected SPSS11.0 software for statistical analysis, PRESULTS: Four embryos of each genotype were examined, totally we had 8 embryos, 16 eyes. We got the uniform outcomes in all the embryos. We found ALK3 was required during lens growing, but was not essential for the formation of lens. We observed that the expression of Bmp4 in the lens was significantly reduced in all 8 ALK3 CKO lens, BMP4 expression was normal in all the 8 WT lens, PCONCLUSION: ALK3 is essential for lens growth. The influence of ALK3 on the expression of BMP4 is present during the development of mice lens.