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Social adversity not only causes severe psychological diseases but also may improve people’s ability to learn and grow. However, the beneficial effects of social adversity are often ignored. In this study, we investigated whether and how social adversity affects learning and memory in a mouse social defeat stress (SDS) model. A total of 652 mice were placed in experimental groups of six to 23 mice each. SDS enhanced spatial, novelty, and fear memory with increased synaptosome associated protein 25 ( SNAP-25) level and dendritic spine density in hippocampal neurons among young but not middle-aged mice. Chemogenetic inhibition of hippocampal CaMK2A + neurons blocked SDS-induced enhancement of learning or memory. Knockdown of SNAP-25 or blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit GluN2B in the hippocampus prevented SDS-induced learning memory enhancement in an emotion-independent manner. These findings suggest that social adversity promotes learning and memory ability in youths and provide a neurobiological foundation for biopsychological antifragility.

PURPOSE To investigate macular microvascular characteristics imaged by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with uveal melanoma following conbercept injections after plaque radiotherapy. METHODS Prospective comparative analysis comprising 15 patients with uveal melanoma with conbercept injections and 30 patients without conbercept injections after plaque radiotherapy by optical coherence tomography angiography. The conbercept group received intravitreal conbercept injections at the time of plaque removal, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months , 9 months and 12 months after plaque removal (total, 6 injections). The control group had no intravitreal conbercept injection. RESULTS After initiation of conbercept injections, superficial retinal vascular density in the whole image and parafoveal region were significantly higher at 6 months, whereas there was no significant difference at 9 months and 12 months. In analysis of variance analysis, superficial retinal vascular density in the whole image remained stable after conbercept injections (P = 0.069), whereas the superficial retinal vascular density decreased significantly after plaque radiotherapy in the control group (P = 0.011). In multivariable linear regression, a higher superficial retinal vascular density in the whole image region at 6 months was significantly associated with intravitreal conbercept injection (P = 0.018), wider tumor base (P = 0.026), and thinner tumor thickness (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Optical coherence tomography angiography can provide a quantitative evaluation of early retinal microvascular changes after radiotherapy. Intravitreal conbercept treatment could partly relieve the retinal vascular damage in response to radiation therapy at early stage in patients with uveal melanoma; however, it may not be able to provide long-term positive functional outcomes.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis has been a source of valuable materials in traditional Asian medicine for over two thousand years. With recent global warming and overharvest, however, the availability of these wild fungi has decreased dramatically. While fruiting body of O. sinensis has been artificially cultivated, the molecular mechanisms that govern the induction of fruiting body at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels are unclear. In this study, we carried out both mRNA and small RNA sequencing to identify crucial genes and miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) involved in the development of fruiting body. A total of 2875 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 71 differentially expressed milRNAs (DEMs) were identified among the mycoparasite complex, the sclerotium (ST) and the fruiting body stage. Functional enrichment and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis indicated that the ST had increased oxidative stress and energy metabolism and that mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling might induce the formation of fruiting body. Integrated analysis of DEGs and DEMs revealed that n_os_milR16, n_os_milR21, n_os_milR34, and n_os_milR90 could be candidate milRNAs that regulate the induction of fruiting body. This study provides transcriptome-wide insight into the molecular basis of fruiting body formation in O. Sinensis and identifies potential candidate genes for improving induction rate.

Qian Wang,1,* Jingyan Yang,1,* Jost B Jonas,2 Xuehui Shi,1 Shouling Wu,3 Shuohua Chen,4 Yanni Yan,1 Wenjia Zhou,1 Li Dong,1 Wenbin Wei,1 Ya Xing Wang5 1Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Intraocular Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Lab, Medical Artificial Intelligence Research and Verification Laboratory of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the Ruprecht-Karis-University, Mannheim, Germany; 3Cardiology Department, Kailuan General Hospital, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China; 4Health Care Center, Kailuan Group, Tangshan, People’s Republic of China; 5Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology and Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Wenbin WeiBeijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, 1 Dong Jiao Min Xiang, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100730, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-10-58269516Fax +86-10-6512 5617Email weiwenbintr@163.comPurpose: To investigate the prevalence of retinal vein occlusions (RVOs) and associated factors in a Chinese population.Patients and Methods: The cross-sectional community-based Kailuan Eye Study included individuals who participated in the Kailuan Study. RVOs were diagnosed on the fundus photographs. Estimated cerebrospinal fluid pressure (eCSFP) was calculated as “eCSFP=0.44*Body Mass Index+0.16*Diastolic Blood Pressure-0.18*Age”.Results: The study included 12,499 participants with a mean age of 52.9± 13.1 years. The overall prevalence of RVO was 120/12,499 or 0.96%, with branch RVOs observed in 116/12,499 individuals and central RVOs in 4/12,499 individuals. RVOs started at the optic disc in 19 participants (15.8% of all RVOs), and in 101 (84.2%) individuals arterio-venous crossings outside the optic disc. In multivariable analysis, a higher RVO prevalence was associated with older age (P< 0.001), higher eCSFP (P< 0.001), and higher fasting serum glucose concentration (P< 0.001). Differentiating between RVOs at arterio-venous crossings and RVOs at the optic disc revealed that the prevalence of both RVO types was associated with higher eCSFP (P< 0.001 and P=0.004, respectively) after adjusting for age and fasting serum glucose concentration.Conclusion: In this adult Chinese population recruited on a community basis, the prevalence of any RVO (mean: 0.96) was associated with older age, higher eCSFP and higher fasting serum glucose concentration. Higher eCSFP may play an etiologic role in RVOs.Keywords: retinal vein occlusion, blood pressure, arterial hypertension, glaucoma, intraocular pressure, cerebrospinal fluid pressure

To analyze the prevalence of dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients with diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and to analyze the risk factors for AMD.A population-based cross-sectional epidemiologic study was conducted involving 14,440 individuals. We assessed the prevalence of dry and wet AMD in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects and analyzed the risk factors for AMD.The prevalence of wet AMD in diabetic and non-diabetic patients was 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, and the prevalence of dry AMD was 17% and 16.4%, respectively. The prevalence of wet AMD in healthy, hypertensive, hyperlipidemic, and hypertensive/hyperlipidemic populations was 0.5%, 0.3%, 0.2%, and 0.7%, respectively. The prevalence of dry AMD in healthy, hypertensive, hyperlipidemic, and hypertensive/hyperlipidemic populations was 16.6%, 16.2%, 15.2%, and 17.2%, respectively. Age, sex, body mass index, and use of hypoglycemic drugs or lowering blood pressure drugs were corrected in the risk factor analysis of AMD. Diabetes, diabetes/hypertension, diabetes/hyperlipidemia, and diabetes/hypertension/hyperlipidemia were analyzed. None of the factors analyzed in the current study increased the risk for the onset of AMD.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of wet and dry AMD among diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of wet and dry AMD among subjects with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Diabetes co-existing with hypertension and hyperlipidemia were not shown to be risk factors for the onset of dry AMD.

To investigate microvascular abnormalities in diabetic patients without conventional clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this cross-sectional observational cohort study, the study group included randomly chosen participants of a community-based cohort with diabetes type 2 without DR, and the control group consisted of non-diabetic individuals from a population-based study. All participants underwent optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA). Upon OCTA, 118 (40.4%) eyes of the study group (n = 292 eyes) showed microvascular abnormalities including foveal avascular zone erosion (95 (32.5%) eyes), non-perfusion areas in the superficial and deep retinal layers (39 (13.4%) eyes and 19 (6.5%) eyes, respectively), and microaneurysms in the superficial and deep retinal layers (22 (7.5%) eyes and 31 (10.6%) eyes, resp.). None of these abnormalities was detected in the control group (n = 80). The study group showed a lower vessel density in the superficial retinal vascular layer in all regions except for the foveal region (P

To obtain the difference of the fungal and bacterial community diversity between wild Cordyceps sinensis, artificial C. sinensis and their habitat soil, Illmina Hiseq high-throughput sequencing technology was applied. The results show that Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum in C. sinensis, Actinobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum in soil microhabitat, Ophiocordyceps sinensis was the predominant dominant fungus of C. sinensis. The α diversity analysis showed that the fungal diversity of stroma was lower than other parts, and the fungal diversity of wild C. sinensis was lower than that of artificial C. sinensis. The β diversity analysis showed that the fungal and bacterial community diversity of soil microhabitat samples was significantly different from that of C. sinensis. The fungal community diversity was less different between wild and artificial C. sinensis, especially in sclerotia. LEfSe analysis showed a lot of species diversity between wild and artificial C. sinensis. Those different species between wild C. sinensis, artificial C. sinensis and their habitat soil provide ideas for further research on breed and components of C. sinensis.

Purpose Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is caused by mutations in more than 60 genes. Mutation-independent approaches to its treatment by exogeneous administration of neurotrophic factors that will preserve existing retinal anatomy and visual function are a rational strategy. Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and oncostatin M (OSM) are two potent survival factors for neurons. However, growth factors degrade rapidly if administered directly. A sustained delivery of growth factors is required for translating their potential therapeutic benefit into patients. Methods Stable and biocompatible nanoparticles (NP) that incorporated with CNTF and OSM (CNTF- and OSM-NP) were formulated. Both NP-trophic factors were tested in vitro using photoreceptor progenitor cells (PPC) and retinal ganglion progenitor cells (RGPC) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells and in vivo using an optic nerve crush model for glaucoma and the Royal College of Surgeons rat, model of RP (n = 8/treatment) by intravitreal delivery. Efficacy was evaluated by electroretinography and optokinetic response. Retinal histology and a whole mount analysis were performed at the end of experiments. Results Significant prosurvival and pro-proliferation effects of both complexes were observed in both photoreceptor progenitor cells and RGPC in vitro. Importantly, significant RGC survival and preservation of vision and photoreceptors in both complex-treated animals were observed compared with control groups. Conclusions These results demonstrate that NP-trophic factors are neuroprotective both in vitro and in vivo. A single intravitreal delivery of both NP-trophic factors offered neuroprotection in animal models of retinal degeneration. Translational relevance Sustained nanoparticle delivery of neurotrophic factors may offer beneficial effects in slowing down progressive retinal degenerative conditions, including retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Background Diabetic retinopathy and chronic kidney disease are both major complications of diabetes mellitus. We explored the relationship between retinal vessel density (VD) and albuminuria in diabetic patients without conventionally defined diabetic retinopathy. Methods The cross-sectional community-based Kailuan Diabetic Retinopathy Study included patients with type 2 diabetes without diabetic retinopathy who participated in the community-based longitudinal Kailuan study and who had undergone ocular fundus photography, kidney function assessment, and optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCT-angiography) for the assessment the retinal perfusion density (PD) and retinal VD. Results The study included 447 patients (mean age: 60.9 ± 9.7 years). Higher PD and VD were associated with a lower urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) (macular region: p = 0.007: standardized regression coefficient beta: -0.14; and p = 0.008, beta: -0.13, respectively; parafoveal region: p = 0.006, beta: -0.14; and p = 0.007, beta: -0.14, respectively) after adjusting for age and ocular axial length. In a reverse manner, higher uACR was associated with lower PD and VD (macular region: p = 0.009, beta: -0.14; and p = 0.01, beta: -0.14, respectively; parafoveal region: p = 0.008, beta: -0.14; and p = 0.01, beta: -0.14, respectively), after adjusting for diabetes duration, blood pressure, serum concentration of C-reactive protein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and ocular axial length. In a multivariable model, the prevalence of macroalbuminuria increased by 11% (95% CI: 2%, 18%) and 17% (95% CI: 3%, 30%), respectively, for each mm-1 decrease in VD and each unit decrease in PD. Conclusions and relevance After adjusting for systemic and ocular parameters, diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy showed a reduction in OCT-angiographic retinal vascular measurements in association with systemic parameters indicating chronic kidney disease. Optical coherence tomographic (OCT)-angiographic retinal microvascular parameters may serve as markers for chronic kidney disease.

AIM: To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and retinal vascular caliber alterations in coal mine workers. METHODS: The community-based observational cross-sectional study included 4004 participants of a sub-population of the Kailuan Study. All the study participants underwent structured interviews with a standardized questionnaire, fundus photography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations performed by trained doctors. RESULTS: The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was significantly higher (P=0.006) and the central macular thickness was lower in coal miners (n=659, 51.0±7.8y) as compared to the control (working above the ground; n=477, 51.8±7.5y; P=0.032). Additionally, the downhole workers showed a significantly thicker retinal artery (P=0.012) and vein diameters (P

Background Diagnosis and follow-up of retinal diseases may be improved if the thickness of the various retinal layers, in addition to the total retinal thickness, is taken into account. Here we measured the thickness of the macular retinal layers in a population-based study group to assess the normative values and their associations. Methods Using spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic images (Spectralis®, wavelength: 870 nm; Heidelberg Engineering Co, Heidelberg, Germany), we measured the thickness of the macular retinal layers in participants of the population-based Beijing Eye Study without ocular diseases and without systematic diseases, such as arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, previous myocardial infarction, cerebral trauma and stroke. Segmentation and measurement of the retinal layers was performed automatically in each of the horizontal scans. Results The study included 384 subjects (mean age:60.0 ± 8.0 years). The mean thickness of the whole retina, outer plexiform layer, outer nuclear layer,retinal pigment epithelium, inner retinal layer and photoreceptor layer was 259.8 ± 18.9 μm, 19.4 ± 3.9 μm, 93.4 ± 9.6 μm, 17.6 ± 1.9 μm, 169.8 ± 18.6 μm, and 90.0 ± 4.2 μm, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the thickness of the foveola and of all retinal layers in the foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal region decreased with older age (all P P Conclusions The associations between decreasing thickness of most retinal layers with older age and the correlation of a higher thickness of some retinal layers with male gender may clinically be taken into account.

Purpose To investigate the progression pattern of myopic maculopathy and associated factors in a population-based study. Design Population-based longitudinal study. Participants The Beijing Eye Study including 4439 participants in 2001 was repeated in 2011, with 2695 individuals (66.4%) being re-examined in 2011. Methods The study participants underwent detailed ophthalmic and general examinations. Using fundus photographs obtained in 2001 and 2011, we assessed the progression of myopic maculopathy in highly myopic eyes with a refractive error ≥−6 diopters in 2001. Myopic maculopathy was differentiated into tessellated fundus (category 1), diffuse chorioretinal atrophy (category 2), patchy chorioretinal atrophy (category 3), and macular atrophy (category 4), with lacquer cracks and choroidal neovascularization as additional plus signs. Main Outcome Measures Progression pattern of myopic maculopathy. Results Of 110 highly myopic eyes (70 individuals) at baseline, 39 eyes (35.5%) showed progression observed in 15 of 79 eyes (19%) with tessellated fundus at baseline, in 17 of 24 eyes (71%) with diffuse chorioretinal atrophy, in all 6 eyes with patchy chorioretinal atrophy, and the 1 eye with macular atrophy. Lacquer cracks detected in 2 eyes in 2001 developed into a small patchy atrophy (1 eye) or widened during the follow-up (1 eye). Five eyes demonstrated new lacquer cracks. In binary regression analysis, progression of myopic maculopathy was associated with longer axial length ( P P = 0.001; OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10–1.42), higher prevalence of staphylomas ( P = 0.03; OR, 24.3; 95% CI, 2.89–204), smaller parapapillary γ-zone in 2011 ( P = 0.01; OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41–0.91), and female gender ( P = 0.04; OR, 9.78; 95% CI, 1.06–90.6). Conclusions The 10-year progression rate of myopic maculopathy in this elderly Chinese population was 35.5%, increasing from 15 of 79 eyes (19%) in category 1 of myopic maculopathy at baseline to 17 of 24 eyes (71%) in category 2 and 6 of 6 eyes (100%) in category 3. Risk factors for myopic maculopathy progression were longer axial length, pre-existing staphylomata, smaller parapapillary γ-zone, older age, and female gender.

AIM: To access the 10-year fundus tessellation progression in patients with retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: The Beijing Eye Study 2001/2011 is a population-based longitudinal study. The study participants underwent a detailed physical and ophthalmic examination. Degree of fundus tessellation was graded by using fundus photographs of the macula and optic disc. Progression of fundus tessellation was calculated by fundus tessellation degree of 2011 minus degree of 2001. Fundus photographs were used for assessment of retinal vein occlusion. RESULTS: The Beijing Eye Study included 4403 subjects in 2001, 3468 subjects was repeated in 2011. Assessment of retinal vein obstruction and fundus tessellation progression were available for 2462 subjects (71.0%), with 66 subjects fulfilled the diagnosis of retinal vein occlusion. Of the 66 participants, 59 participants with unilateral branch retinal vein occlusion, 5 participants with unilateral central retinal vein occlusion, 1 participant with bilateral branch retinal vein occlusion, and 1 participant with branch retinal vein occlusion in one eye and central retinal vein occlusion in the other eye. Mean degree of peripapillary fundus tessellation progression were significantly higher in the whole retinal vein occlusion group (0.33±0.39, P

To examine the vascular density in different retinal layers and in the choriocapillaris in eyes with retinal vein occlusions (RVO). Applying optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), we examined patients with unilateral RVOs and normal individuals of a control group. The study group included 48 patients with unilateral RVO and the control group 17 normal individuals. Eyes affected by RVO as compared to the contralateral unaffected eyes (all P

Hypoxia preconditioning protects Ca2+-ATPase activation of intestinal mucosal cells against R/I injury in a rat liver transplantation model

Objective The present study aimed to investigate circular RNA (circRNA) expression in uveal melanoma (UM). Methods First, we used microarray to compare the expression profiles of circRNA in five UM samples and five normal uvea tissues. Next, bioinformatics analyses, including gene ontology (GO) analysis and pathway analysis, were applied to study these differentially expressed circRNAs to predict pathogenic pathways that may be involved. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 20 UM samples and 20 normal uvea samples was used to confirm the circRNA expression profiles obtained from the microarray data. Finally, we analyzed the interaction between validated circRNAs and their potential cancer-associated miRNA targets. Results In total, 50,579 circRNAs [fold change (FC) ≥2.0; P

Background Diagnosis and follow-up of retinal diseases may be improved if the thickness of the various retinal layers, in addition to the total retinal thickness, is taken into account. Here we measured the thickness of the macular retinal layers in a population-based study group to assess the normative values and their associations. Methods Using spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic images, we measured the thickness of the macular retinal layers in participants of the population-based Beijing Eye Study without ocular diseases and without arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. Results The study included 384 subjects (mean age:60.0±8.0 years). In multivariable analysis, the thickness of the retinal layers in the foveal region, of all retinal layers except for the outer plexiform layer in the parafoveal area, and the thickness of the ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer and inner and outer nuclear layer in the perifoveal area decreased with older age (all P

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine systemic stressors, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and other major atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors of the retinal microvasculature in people without diabetes. Methods The Kailuan Eye Study enrolled applicants from the community-based longitudinal Kailuan Study. Applicants underwent optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) and systemic examinations. Both the macula and optic disc were screened, whereas superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), foveal vessel density in the 300 µm ring (FD-300), and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPCs) density were measured in the study. Results This study included 353 eligible applicants (mean age = 49.86 ± 11.41 years; 47% men; FPG =5.32 ± 1.19 mmol/L). Lower DCP density was associated with elder age (P = 0.001), male gender (P < 0.001), and higher FPG (P = 0.008). Male gender (P < 0.001), axial length (P < 0.001), and FPG (P = 0.029) were inversely associated with RPC density. Meanwhile, a higher FPG concentration was significantly correlated with lower DCP density (P = 0.006) and higher intraocular pressure (P = 0.006), after adjusting mean arterial blood pressure (P = 0.001) and sex (P = 0.042). Conclusions DCP density showed a significantly negative correlation with FPG concentration in people without diabetes. These data suggest hyperglycemia could cause early retinal capillary alterations in patients without clinical signs of retinopathy and indicate the potential clinical applications of routine OCTA may be beneficial to screen for subclinical microvasculature and monitor patients with high risks of ASCVD.

To measure the density of the superficial retinal small vessel network (SRSVN), superficial retinal capillary network (SRCN), deep retinal capillary network (DRCN), and choriocapillaris and the size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in the superficial retinal layer in normal eyes.Prospective observational cross-sectional study.In healthy Chinese volunteers, the retinal and choroidal vasculature was visualized by split-spectrum amplitude decorrelation angiography-associated optical coherence tomography (RTVueXR Avanti device; Optovue Inc, Fremont, California, USA).Among 105 healthy participants (age: 35.9 ± 13.8 years) mean FAZ measured 0.35 ± 0.12 mm(2), and mean density of SRSVN, SRCN, DRCN, and choriocapillaris was 8.54% ± 0.92%, 31.8% ± 2.6%, 45.8% ± 3.3%, 44.4% ± 3.3%, and 44.5% ± 2.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, higher SRSVN density was associated with younger age (P = .001; standardized regression coefficient β: -0.28), male sex (P = .008; β: -0.23), lower SRCN density (P.001; β: -0.40), and larger mean choriocapillaris vessel diameter (P = .001; β: 0.30). Higher SRCN density was correlated with male sex (P = .007; β: -0.19), lower SRSVN density (P.001; β: -0.44), and higher density of the radial peripapillary capillary density (P = .004; β: 0.20). Higher DRCN density was correlated with younger age (P.001; β: -0.31), female sex (P = .002; β: 0.22), higher SRCN density (P.001; β: 0.38), and higher choriocapillaris density (P.001; β: 0.39). Higher choriocapillaris network density in the central region was associated with higher DRCN density (P.001; β: 0.43) and lower radial peripapillary capillary density (P = .005; β: -0.26). All retinal vascular parameters were not significantly correlated with axial length or subfoveal choroidal thickness.The density of the macular vascular networks decreases with older age and is independent of axial length and subfoveal choroidal thickness in healthy individuals.

Purpose To investigate the prevalence of epiretinal membranes (ERMs) and their risk factors in a Chinese population. Methods The community-based Kailuan Eye Study included 14,440 participants (9835 male, 4605 female) with a mean age of 54.0 ± 13.3 years (range, 20-110 years). They underwent a systemic and ophthalmologic examination. ERMs were diagnosed on fundus photographs. Results Retinal photographs assessable for the presence of ERMs were available for 13,295 (92.0%) individuals (9094 male) with a mean age of 53.6 ± 13.3 years (range, 20-110 years). ERMs were found in 1013 participants (1489 eyes) with a prevalence of 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.1%-8.1%). Secondary ERMs caused by intraocular reasons were found 46 (4.5%) individuals (69 [4.6%] eyes). A higher prevalence of any ERMs (and of primary ERMs) was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08; 95% CI:1.07-1.10), higher body mass index (OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00-1.11), higher prevalence of smoking (OR:1.43; 95% CI: 1.01-2.03), higher serum concentration of glucose (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04-1.13), and lower serum concentration of uric acid (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99-1.00). Visual acuity was significantly (P = 0.002) lower in eyes with premacular fibroses than in eyes with cellophane macular reflexes. Conclusions In our cross-sectional community-based study, the prevalence of all ERMs was 7.6%. Among the group of participants with ERMs, secondary ERMs caused by intraocular reasons were detected in 46 (4.5%) individuals (69 [4.6%] eyes). A higher prevalence of any ERM and of primary ERMs was associated with older age, higher body mass index, higher prevalence of smoking, a higher serum concentration of glucose, and a lower serum concentration of uric acid.

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular tumor worldwide. We proposed to identify a vital gene signature that has prognostic value for UM metastasis. For this purpose, we obtained a published DNA methylation and gene expression data set associated with UM from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The genes whose aberrant expression significantly associated with UM patients' metastasis-free survival (MFS) were identified by applying a univariate Cox proportional hazards model to the gene expression data set followed by a robust likelihood-based survival analysis to screen the optimal prognostic gene signatures (PGS). A formula for calculating the risk score that represents UM metastasis risk was constructed by including the PGSs' expression values weighted by their regression coefficients, which were obtained by a multivariate Cox regression analysis. As a result, aberrant expression of 2884 genes were found to be significantly associated with UM patients' MFS, which were referred to as MFSGs, and 11 out of those MFSGs, GJC1, TCEA1, MFSD3, FAF2, TLCD1, GPAA1, CYC1, ASAP1, JPH1, LDB3, and KDELR3, were identified as PGSs through which we could accurately separate UM samples with shorter MFS from those with longer MFS. By combining the DNA methylation data set and MFSGs, we further identified 265 MFSGs, which contained CpG sites that significantly hyper- or hypo-methylated in UM samples compared with control samples. Functional enrichment analysis and pathway crosstalk analysis of those genes indicated significant enrichment of cancer-related pathways. In conclusion, we identified an 11-gene-based prognostic signature and several gene biomarkers for UM metastasis, which should be helpful for selecting an appropriate treatment method for specific patients with UM.

Long-term and high-dose glucocorticoids (GCs) supplementation has been linked to osteoporosis. In this study, we studied the protective role of plumbagin against GC-induced cell damage in MC3T3-E1 cells. The effect of dexamethasone (DEX) and plumbagin on cell viability was determined. DEX showed as IC-50 value of 95 μM. Further, 10 μM plumbagin treatment effectively ameliorated DEX-induced cell death by increasing the cell viability to 92 %. A further effect of plumbagin on DEX-induced oxidative stress was determined through reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, lipid peroxide content, and antioxidant status. Nrf-2 nuclear localization was analyzed through immunofluorescence. Protein expression of redox regulator Nrf-2 and their target genes HO-1 and NQO1 and osteogenic markers (OCN, OPN Runx-2) were determined by Western blot. Apoptotic effect was analyzed by mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase activities (3, 8, and 9). The results showed that DEX treatment showed a significant increase in oxidative stress through increased ROS levels and downregulation of cytoprotective antioxidant proteins and antioxidant enzyme activities. Further DEX treatment downregulated the osteogenic markers and upregulated apoptosis through decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulation of caspase activities. Plumbagin treatment significantly reversed the levels of oxidative stress and apoptotic markers and protected against DEX-induced cell damage. Further, plumbagin treatment significantly improved the expression of osteogenic markers compared to DEX treatment. In conclusion, the present study shows that plumbagin offers significant protective role against DEX-induced cellular damage via regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and osteogenic markers.

To assess the progression of fundus tessellation, color fundus photographs of the participants of the longitudinal population-based Beijing Eye Study were examined. The study included 4439 subjects in 2001 and 2695 (66.4% of the surviving) individuals in 2011. Larger progression in macular fundus tessellation (mean: 0.24 ± 0.48 grades) was associated (multivariate analysis; correlation coefficient r: 0.53) with thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness in 2011 (P P P P P = 0.02; beta: −0.05). Larger increase in peripapillary fundus tessellation (mean: 0.19 ± 0.26 grades) correlated with thinner peripapillary choroidal thickness in 2011 (P P P = 0.001; beta: 0.07), more myopic change in refractive error (P P = 0.004; beta: 0.05). The increase in macular fundus tessellation, as a surrogate for thinning of the posterior choroid, was associated with lower cognitive function, after adjusting for choroidal thickness, age, educational level and change in refractive error. The findings point to the clinical value of the assessment of fundus tessellation and suggest potential associations between cognitive function and fundus tessellation/choroidal thickness.

To investigate the progression pattern of myopic maculopathy and associated factors in a population-based study.Population-based longitudinal study.The Beijing Eye Study including 4439 participants in 2001 was repeated in 2011, with 2695 individuals (66.4%) being re-examined in 2011.The study participants underwent detailed ophthalmic and general examinations. Using fundus photographs obtained in 2001 and 2011, we assessed the progression of myopic maculopathy in highly myopic eyes with a refractive error ≥-6 diopters in 2001. Myopic maculopathy was differentiated into tessellated fundus (category 1), diffuse chorioretinal atrophy (category 2), patchy chorioretinal atrophy (category 3), and macular atrophy (category 4), with lacquer cracks and choroidal neovascularization as additional plus signs.Progression pattern of myopic maculopathy.Of 110 highly myopic eyes (70 individuals) at baseline, 39 eyes (35.5%) showed progression observed in 15 of 79 eyes (19%) with tessellated fundus at baseline, in 17 of 24 eyes (71%) with diffuse chorioretinal atrophy, in all 6 eyes with patchy chorioretinal atrophy, and the 1 eye with macular atrophy. Lacquer cracks detected in 2 eyes in 2001 developed into a small patchy atrophy (1 eye) or widened during the follow-up (1 eye). Five eyes demonstrated new lacquer cracks. In binary regression analysis, progression of myopic maculopathy was associated with longer axial length (P0.001; odds ratio [OR], 7.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.49-20.4), older age (P = 0.001; OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10-1.42), higher prevalence of staphylomas (P = 0.03; OR, 24.3; 95% CI, 2.89-204), smaller parapapillary γ-zone in 2011 (P = 0.01; OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41-0.91), and female gender (P = 0.04; OR, 9.78; 95% CI, 1.06-90.6).The 10-year progression rate of myopic maculopathy in this elderly Chinese population was 35.5%, increasing from 15 of 79 eyes (19%) in category 1 of myopic maculopathy at baseline to 17 of 24 eyes (71%) in category 2 and 6 of 6 eyes (100%) in category 3. Risk factors for myopic maculopathy progression were longer axial length, pre-existing staphylomata, smaller parapapillary γ-zone, older age, and female gender.

AIM To investigate the effect of ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury on the Ca2+-ATPase activation in the intestinal tissue of a rat autologous orthotopic liver transplantation model and to determine if hypoxia preconditioning (HP) therapy induces HIF-1α to protect rat intestinal tissue against I/R injury. METHODS Rats received non-lethal hypoxic preconditioning therapy to induce HIF-1α expression. We used an autologous orthotopic liver transplantation model to imitate the I/R injury in intestinal tissue. Then, we detected the microstructure changes in small intestinal tissues, Ca2+-ATPase activity, apoptosis, and inflammation within 48 h postoperatively. RESULTS HIF-1α expression was significantly increased in intestinal tissue at 12 h postoperatively in rats that were exposed to a hypoxic environment for 90 min compared with a non-HP group (HP vs AT, P = 0.0177). Pathological analysis was performed on the intestinal mucosa cells, and the cells in the HP group appeared healthier than the cells in the AT group. The Ca2+-ATPase activity in the small intestinal cells in the AT group was significantly lower after the operation, and the Ca2+-ATPase activity in the HP group recovered faster than that in the AT group at 6 h postoperatively (HP vs AT, P = 0.0106). BCL-2 expression in the HP group was significantly higher than that in the AT group at 12 h postoperatively (HP vs AT P = 0.0010). The expression of the inflammatory factors NO, SOD, IL-6, and TNF-α was significantly lower in the HP group than in the AT group. CONCLUSION Hypoxia-induced HIF-1α could protect intestinal mucosal cells against mitochondrial damage after I/R injury. HP could improve hypoxia tolerance in small intestinal mucosal cells and increase Ca2+-ATPase activity to reduce the apoptosis of and pathological damage to intestinal cells. HP could be a useful way to promote the earlier recovery of intestinal function after graft procedure.

AIM To measure the retinal oxygen saturation in healthy subjects and early branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in Chinese population. METHODS The retinal vessel oxygen saturation of the healthy subjects and BRVO patients were measured by a noninvasive retinal oximeter (Oxymap ehf., Reykjavik, Iceland). RESULTS The study included 22 patients with unilateral BRVO (mean age: 55.1±8.8y) in the study group and 91 healthy participants (mean age: 37.5±14.0y) in the control group. In the healthy individuals, mean arterial and venous oxygen saturation were significantly (P

Purpose To examine the role of ocular axial length as an ocular parameter for the prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods The cross-sectional Kailuan Diabetic Retinopathy Study included patients with diabetes who participated in the community-based longitudinal Kailuan Study and who had undergone ocular fundus photography. The fundus photographs were graded using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria. Results The study included 1096 patients with diabetes (mean age: 60.8 ± 9.4 years; axial length: 23.37 ± 0.92 mm). In binary regression analysis, a higher DR prevalence was associated with shorter axial length (P = 0.007; odds ratio [OR]: 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70, 0.95) after adjusting for longer known duration of diabetes (P = 0.02; OR: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.24) and higher fasting blood glucose concentration (P < 0.001; OR: 1.38; 95%CI: 1.26, 1.52). A more severe DR stage was associated (regression coefficient r: 0.46) with shorter ocular axial length (P = 0.047; standardized regression coefficient β: -0.06) after adjusting for higher fasting blood glucose (P < 0.001; β: 0.41) and longer known duration of diabetes (P = 0.045; β: 0.07). Longer axial length was associated with a lower DR prevalence (P = 0.003; β: -0.10) after adjusting for younger age (P < 0.001), male sex (P < 0.001), higher body mass index (P = 0.016), and lower fasting blood glucose concentration (P = 0.036). Conclusions After adjusting for systemic risk factors, DR prevalence decreased by 19% (95%CI: 5, 30) for each millimeter increase in axial length. With longer axial length being a surrogate for axial myopia, the marked increase in myopia prevalence worldwide may lead to a relative decrease in the prevalence and incidence of DR in future.

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) in gastric mucosal lesions, further to find its potential effect as a biomarker to distinguish intraepithelial neoplasia from gastric mucosal lesions. MCM7 and Ki67 were detected in 93 cases of gastric mucosal lesions by immunohistochemistry. MCM7 and Ki67 expression in GT were lowest compared with other groups (P0.001), meanwhile there were significant differences compared with Group IM and other groups in MCM7 and Ki67 expression (P0.001). MCM7 and Ki67 expression in GSC were highest (P0.05). Groups of LGN, HGN and GIC had no significant differences in MCM7 expression (P0.05), but there was significant difference compared with Group LGN and Group GIC in Ki67 expression (P0.05). MCM7 expression elevated with tumor grade increasing and had positive correlation with Ki67 significantly (r=0.940, P0.001). Furthermore, in some cases, some tumor cells were immunoreactive to MCM7 but negative to Ki67. So we concluded that MCM7 is helpful for us to make differential diagnosis in pathological grade, MCM7 combination of Ki67 may serve as more sensitive proliferation markers for evaluation of gastric carcinoma and precancerous lesions.

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the CEA family, which has been known to exist as either soluble forms in body fluids or membrane-bound forms on the cell surface. Aberrant CEACAM1 expression is associated with tumorigenesis and has been reported in a variety of human tumors, especially malignancies. The aim of this study is to determine the expression of CEACAM1 in oral tumors, trying to study CEACAM1 different expressions as a function of histotype. CEACAM1 expression was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with mouse anti-human antibody for CEACAM1. IHC was performed using avidin-biotin-diaminobenzidine staining. The results were expressed as average score ± SD (0 = negative/8 = highest) for each histotype. Oral tumors expressed more CEACAM1 than normal tissues including squamous and salivary epithelia (P

Purpose To assess relationships between carotid artery atherosclerosis and retinal arteriolar and venular diameters. Methods The community-based longitudinal Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community Study (APAC) included a sub-population of the Kailuan study which consisted of 101,510 employees and retirees of a coal mining industry. Based on the Chinese National Census 2010 and excluding individuals with history of cerebrovascular ischemic events, 4004 individuals were included into the APAC. All participants underwent a detailed clinical examination including blood laboratory tests and carotid artery duplex ultrasound examination. The cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) was estimated using the formula: CSFP[mmHg] = 0.44xBody Mass Index[kg/m2]+0.16xDiastolic Blood Pressure[mmHg]–0.18 x Age[Years]–1.91. Results In multivariable analysis (goodness of fit r2:0.12), thicker retinal arteries were associated with a thinner common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) (P = 0.002; standardized regression coefficient beta:-0.06; non-standardized regression coefficient B:-6.92;95% confidence interval (CI):-11.2,-2.61) after adjusting for thicker retinal nerve fiber layer (P

Accumulating evidence indicates that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. However, the role of miR-124 in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and the underlying mechanisms through which miR-124 exerts its functions are not completely understood. In the present study, we detected miR-124 and SOX9 expression in lung ADC tissues. The results showed that miR-124 was significantly downregulated in the lung ADC tissues compared with that noted in the corresponding non-cancerous lung tissues and the level of SOX9 protein was inversely associated with the expression of miR-124. The study in human lung ADC cell line A549 demonstrated that upregulation of miR-124 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The bioinformatic analysis showed that there was a putative miR-124 binding site in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of SOX9. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we verified that SOX9 is a direct target of miR-124. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-124 repressed SOX9 expression, whereas inhibition of miR-124 increased expression of SOX9 in the A549 cells. Finally, we identified that SOX9 was a functional mediator of miR-124 in A549 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-124 functions as a tumor suppressor in lung ADC by directly targeting SOX9 and it may be a promising candidate for miR‑based therapy against lung ADC.

Introduction Salmonella, Shigella and Escherichia coli O157: H7 are major foodborne pathogens that cause gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. Apart from food contamination, fecal pollution has been consistently associated with the transmission of these pathogens, and their rapid detection in food and stools is of significance for food safety. However, a variety of factors associated with these complex samples can decrease the sensitivity and specificity of molecular-based methods for detection of these pathogens. Objectives The aim of this study was to develop a DNA-based method for the simultaneous detection of E. coli O157: H7,Salmonella and Shigella in stool and food samples. Methods In this study, a novel magnetic capture‐multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed and its potential to detect the target pathogens in stool and food samples (including chicken, cucumbers and cooked rice) was tested. Results The results showed that the magnetic particles (MPs) used in the study had a high capacity for bacterial adsorption. The pretreatment protocol, which included the pathogen concentration by MPs, was developed and the sensitivity of the assay was approximately 10° colony-forming unit (CFU) g -1 in food and 1‐10 CFUs per stool sample, following an enrichment step. The assay could be completed within 12 h, and was comparable in performance with conventional culture methods, which require several days to complete. Conclusion The assay combines MP-based magnetic capture with multiplex PCR, and offers an efficient, rapid, sensitive and inexpensive alternative for the routine detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria.

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a cell-cell adhesion receptor and is implicated in several cellular functions. It is rarely reported in ovarian tumors. The aim of this study is to determine the expression of CEACAM1 in ovarian tumors, trying to see whether CEACAM1 has different expression patterns as a function of histotype. Antigen expression was examined by immunohistochemistry with mouse anti-human antibody for CEACAM1. Immunohistochemistry was performed using avidin-biotin-diaminobenzide staining. The results were expressed as average score ± SD (0, negative; 8, highest) for each histotype. In ovarian tumors, the benign serous and mucinous cystadenoma negatively or weakly expressed CEACAM1, the malignant epithelial tumors strongly expressed CEACAM1, and there was significant difference between benign epithelial tumor and adenocarcinoma (P < .05). The well-differentiated serous adenocarcinoma expressed CEACAM1 mainly with membrane pattern, and the intermediately and poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinomas expressed CEACAM1 mainly with cytoplasmic pattern (P < .05). In addition, CEACAM1 expression is elevated in solid tumors of ovary but variable as a function of histotype. Compared with membranous expression, the cytoplasmic expression was observed almost in metastatic carcinoma that might decrease the adhesive interactions of the carcinoma cells with the surrounding cells, especially with tumor cells, and this could facilitate the tumor cells to metastasize to distant regions. So, we thought that cytoplasmic CEACAM1 might play an important role in tumor progression, especially in tumor metastasis.

Radix isatidis (Banlangen), a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for thousands of years in China due to its anti-viral activity. Through our research, we inferred that the anti-viral activity of Radix isatidis depended on the water-soluble part. Among the components of this extract, the isoquinoline derivative 1 was isolated for the first time and has shown better anti-viral activity than other constituents. In this study, to solve the problem of sourcing sufficient quantities of compound 1, a total synthesis route is described, and several analogues are also evaluated for their anti-viral activities. Among them, compound 8 shown potent anti-viral activity with an IC50 value of 15.3 µg/mL. The results suggested that isoquinoline derivatives possessed potent anti-viral activity and are worthy further development.

The aims of the present study were to investigate the expression of minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) and determine its association with tumor proliferation and invasion in pathological tumor (pT)a and pT1 papillary urothelial neoplasia. The MCM7, MCM3 and Ki67 proteins were detected in 154 cases of urothelial neoplasia using immunohistochemical analysis. The expression of MCM7 significantly increased (P

To investigate the epidemiological features and clinical features of human bocavirus (HBoV) infection in children with respiratory tract infection in Sichuan, and to analysis the HBoV VP1 gene mutation characteristics of Sichuan clinical strains.Nasopharyngeal secretions were collected from 787 hospitalized children with respiratory tract infection. PCR was used to detect HBoV. The VP1 genetic variations of the nucleotide and amino acid were analysised respectively.Out of 787 specimens from respiratory tract, 8.26% (65/787) were positive for HBoV, 50.77% (33/65) were co-detected with other respiratory viruses. HBoV is usually detected in children under 3 years of age, the positive rate of male children was higher than female children. Most frequently clinical symptoms of HBoV were cough, fever and expectoration. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all the 8 clinical strains were HBoV1 genetype. GA+AG transitions were the most frequent transitions detected, while the nonsynonymous mutations were more than synonymous mutations.HBoV is an important pathogen of respiratory tract infection in children in Sichuan. The main type of nucleotide variation is transitions. Amino acids mutations may relate to immune evasion.

To explore the possibility of Bacteroides spp. as fecal contamination indicator bacteria with real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) assay through analyzing the correlation between Bacteroides spp. and coliform group in external environment.Quantity of coliform group and Bacteroides in water samples were detected by most-probable-number method (MPN) and RT-PCR, respectively, and their detection correlation was evaluated with linear correlation analysis. Both methods were also applied to detect the contaminated time limits and river water samples collected at four sampling sites in three different times.Seventy two hours were needed for the numeration of coliform group with MPN method, while RT-PCR could detect Bacteroides within 3 hours. The contaminated time limit of indoor and outdoor water samples of coliform group was more than 40 days and 9 days, and Bacteroides 13 days and 5 days, respectively. Also, the positive correlation between the quantity of Bacteroides and coliform group in outdoor water samples was obtained, the quantity of Bacteroides was from 8.3 × 10(6) copies/ml to less than 10(4) copies/ml during the first day to the fifth day, while coliform group was 4.3 × 10(6) MPN/100 ml to 2.4 × 10(3) MPN/100 ml. A 100% coincidence rate of the detection results with both methods was also observed. These results indicated that the detection results of both methods had perfect consistency.Bacteroides spp. can be potentially used as fecal contamination indicator bacteria with RT-PCR rapid detection.

In resent years, China has occurred ice disasters and earthquakes for many times. It directly threatened the security and stability of the power grid. The strategy to ant-ice disasters and anti-earthquake from the design point is discussed in this paper. This paper proposed the idea of using new technologies to improve the disaster preventing ability in transmission and transportation engineering under the basis of differentiated designs. It focused on new technologies about power system to resist ice disaster and the seismic disaster both abroad and at home.