[Mitochondrial DNA sequence variations of Shui ethnic group]

The mtDNA hypervariable segment I sequences (HVS I) were sequenced in 64 Shuis from Guizhou Province. 73 sites were polymorphic in the 495 bp fragment that sequenced, identified 48 different haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis of the haplotypes suggested that there were some ancestral haplotypes in current Shuis, and these haplotypes were also present in Eurasia populations as well as in other ethnic groups. Demographic analysis of the Shuis demonstrated a unimodal distribution that is typical for a population undergone expansion in the past and with a high Tau value, which suggested that the Shui group might be a ancestral population. Combined with the analysis of the reported data, the Shui ethnic group showed a generally similar genetic component with the Zhuang from Guangxi, but it is also different from these typical south populations as Zhuang, Cantonese.

Prevalence and analysis of risk factors for infections caused by resistant Escherichia coli strains in Anhui, China

BACKGROUND

This study analyzes the prevalence of hospital and community-acquired infections caused by Escherichia coli.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The antibiotic resistance pattern was used to characterize the isolates, and a retrospective observational study was performed to assess the relationship between antimicrobial use and bacterial resistance. The study was conducted during a 1-year and 7-month period in a 1,500-bed tertiary care hospital in Anhui, China.

RESULTS

An E. coli infection was diagnosed in 1.4% of patients (519/36,179) admitted to the hospital between March 1, 1999 and August 31, 2000. Of the 519 isolates, 489 (94.2%) were resistant to at least one antimicrobial; 86% were resistant to ampicillin, 85% to cephalothin, 83% to piperacillin, 77% to ampicillin/sulbactam, 72% to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ), 70% to ciprofloxacin, 61% to cefoperazone, 58% to tobramycin, 56% to gentamicin, 48% to ticarcillin-clavulanate, 44% to cefazolin, 43% to cefuroxime, 36% to cefoxitin, 32% to cefepime, 29% to aztreonam, cefetaxime and ceftriaxone, 28% to ceftazidime, 19% to piperacillin/tazobactam, 10% to amikacin, while all strains tested were susceptible to imipenem.

CONCLUSION

Prior receipt of amtimicrobial therapy was significantly associated with infection caused by a resistant organism.

The effect of oxygen on retinal degeneration in wild-type and hsp70.1 knockout neonatal retinal degeneration mice

The present study examined the effect of oxygen on photoreceptor degeneration in the retina of heat shock protein 70.1 (hsp70.1) knockout type and wild-type retinal degeneration (rd) mice. All the neonatal rd mice were exposed to hyperoixa for 5 days after birth, and then were returned to room air before being sacrificed. At the postnatal 10, 14, 18, and 21 days, the ratio of outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness to total retinal thickness was compared between hsp70.1 knockout type and wild type. The retina was also examined for DNA fragmentation by TdT-mediated biotin-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). In hsp70.1 knockout type, the ratio of ONL to total retinal thickness was higher than that in the wild type at each time. There was the remarkable difference in the number and distribution of TUNEL-positive cells between hsp70.1 knockout type and wild type rd mice. In conclusion, an oxygen-induced modulation of the rate of photoreceptor degeneration was more marked in the hsp70.1 knockout type than wild type rd mice.

Mechanism of growth inhibitory effect of Mitomycin-C on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells: apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

PURPOSE

To investigate the therapeutic potential of Mitomycin-C (MMC) in the management of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, the antiproliferative effect of MMC on cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells were investigated in vitro.

METHODS

Drug sensitivities of cultured human RPE cells to MMC were determined using the tetrazolium dye assay. In order to detect the presence of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation was assessed by DAPI staining, and TdT-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The relative amount of DNA fragmentation was quantified by flow cytometric analysis. To analyze the cell cycle response of RPE cells to MMC, flow cytometric analysis of propidium iodide stained nuclei was performed. The levels of proteins related to DNA damage in the RPE cells were then determined by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

MMC inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The majority of RPE cells following treatment with 10 microg/ml of MMC exhibited fragmented nuclei as observed by DAPI staining and TUNEL assay. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated an accumulation of cells arrested in S and G2/M phase following treatment with 1 microg/ml of MMC. At 10 microg/ml of MMC, a dramatic increase of the cell population in the sub G1 peak, which can be considered a marker of cell death by apoptosis, was observed by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis of p53 and p21 revealed a gradual increase in the level of these proteins when RPE cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of MMC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the response of RPE cells to MMC was bi-directional: 1) partial arrest of the cell cycle at S, G2/M phase, and 2) induction of apoptotic cell death.

Efficacy of removal of buckle after scleral buckling surgery for retinopathy of prematurity

BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE: A series of encouraging reports over the past decade indicate that scleral buckling (SB) surgery may lessen or eliminate vitreoretinal traction in advanced retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The effects of SB surgery on refraction and ocular growth, however, have not been demonstrated. We investigated the effects of postoperative removal of buckle in infants whose retinas were reattached in stage 4 ROP.

METHODS

Selected for study were 6 eyes of 3 patients whose retinas had been reattached by placing an encircling buckle, 2.5 mm in width, around the eye and whose buckles were subsequently removed. Axial lengths and refractive errors were compared before and after removal of the buckles. The patients were examined for at least 3 years after removal.

RESULTS

There was high myopia in all eyes treated for stage 4 ROP with SB. All retinas remained attached after removal of the buckle. Although there was a variable degree of increase in axial length, myopic refractive error tended to decrease after removal of the buckle.

CONCLUSIONS

There was some decrease in degree of myopia without resulting in retinal detachment or continued vitreous traction after buckle removal following SB surgery for ROP.

Hemophilia B with mutations at glycine-48 of factor IX exhibited delayed activation by the factor VIIa-tissue factor complex

Gly-48 is in the conserved DGDQC sequence (residues 47-51 of human factor IX) of the first EGF (EGF-1)-like domain of factor IX. The importance of the Gly-48 is manifested by two hemophilia B patients; factor IXTainan and factor IXMalmo27, with Gly-48 replaced by arginine (designated IXG48R) and valine (IXG48V), respectively. Both patients were CRM+ exhibiting mild hemophilic episodes with 25% (former) and 19% (latter) normal clotting activities. We characterize both factor IX variants to show the roles of Gly-48 and the conservation of the DGDQC sequence in factor IX. Purified plasma and recombinant factor IX variants exhibited approximately 26%-27% normal factor IX's clotting activities with G48R or G48V mutation. Both variants depicted normal quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence by increasing concentrations of calcium ions and Tb3+, indicating that arginine and valine substitution for Gly-48 did not perturb the calcium site in the EGF-1 domain. Activation of both mutants by factor XIa appeared normal. The reduced clotting activity of factors IXG48R and IXG48V was attributed to the failure of both mutants to cleavage factor X: in the presence of only phospholipids and calcium ions, both mutants showed a 4 to approximately 7-fold elevation in Km, and by adding factor VIIIa to the system, although factor VIIIa potentiated the activation of factor X by the mutants factor IXaG48R and factor IXaG48V, a 2 to approximately 3-fold decrease in the catalytic function was observed with the mutant factor IXa's, despite that they bound factor VIIIa on the phospholipid vesicles with only slightly reduced affinity when compared to wild-type factor IXa. The apparent Kd for factor VIIIa binding was 0.83 nM for normal factor IXa, 1.74 nM for IXaG48R and 1.4 nM for IXaG48V. Strikingly, when interaction with the factor VIIa-TF complex was examined, both mutations were barely activated by the VIIa-TF complex and they also showed abnormal interaction with VIIa-TF in bovine thromboplastin-based PT assays. Taken together, our results suggest that mutations at Gly-48 altered the interaction of factor IX with its extrinsic pathway activator (VIIa-TF complex), its macromolecular substrate (factor X), and its cofactor (factor VIIIa).

Effects of scleral buckling of refraction and ocular growth in young rabbits

BACKGROUND

There have been a series of reports indicating that scleral buckling (SB) surgery may induce high myopia in advanced retinopathy of prematurity. The mechanism of SB on refractive change in children, however, is not clearly known. We designed this study to investigate the effects of SB on refractive error and ocular growth in young rabbits and demonstrate their mechanisms.

METHODS

For the study, SB surgery was performed on the right eyes of nine 5-week-old rabbits and 11 8-week old rabbits, with encircling buckle. The left eyes were monitored for control. Spherical equivalent, corneal power, and axial length were measured before SB and postoperatively at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. We compared the experimental group with the control group and analyzed the influence of age at the time of operation.

RESULTS

In the control group of eyes, corneal power decreased, axial length increased, and spherical equivalent developed emmetropization with aging. In all eyes that underwent SB surgery, high myopia developed, with the increase in axial length as a major factor in inducing myopia. These changes were greater in the 5-week-old group than in the 8-week-old group. In the eyes that underwent SB surgery, axial length increased more than the eyes in the control group up to 2 weeks after surgery, but ocular growth was arrested after that time.

CONCLUSIONS

SB in young rabbits effects ocular growth and results in high myopia, and an increase of axial length plays a major role in this mechanism. Also, the difference in the effects of SB according to age at the time of surgery may suggest that SB in premature infants could induce a significant axial myopia and secondary amblyopia.

Classification of some active compounds and their inactive analogues using two three-dimensional molecular descriptors derived from computation of three-dimensional convex hulls for structures theoretically generated for them

Two three-dimensional (3D) molecular descriptors are used to classify 73 protease inhibitors against the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). X-ray structures of these HIV-1 protease bound inhibitors are used as templates to generate the most probable bioactive conformations of the inhibitors. A convex hull computation algorithm is applied to each structure generated. The frequency of atoms lying on the vertexes of each hull is counted. Vertexes of the same atomic charge state are then gathered together as a set of commonly exposed groups for all the structures generated. The first 3D descriptor is computed as the maximum molecular path length among any three distinct commonly exposed groups, while the second 3D one is computed as the maximum molecular path length among any three atoms of nonconvex hull vertexes. We find that the 73 HIV-1 protease inhibitors can be classified by the first 3D descriptor into two groups, which agrees with the result of visual classification using the activity data as a criterion for these compounds. The classification scheme is then used to classify a database of 427 active trypsin inhibitors and their inactive analogues. The structures of these compounds are generated theoretically from steps of energy minimization and molecular dynamics. Classification for all these compounds is performed using the SYBYL hierarchical clustering method on the first 3D descriptor and then the second 3D one computed. It is found that some inactive analogues are completely separated from the active inhibitors at the first stage of classification using the first 3D descriptor. Most of the highly active inhibitors are classified into a cluster at the second stage of classification using the second 3D descriptor. Finally, most of these highly active inhibitors are separated from all the accompanying inactive analogues in the cluster through a structural alignment process using a set of commonly exposed groups determined for them.

Surgical management of congenital cataract associated with severe microphthalmos

PURPOSE

To report the results of cataract surgery in children with severe microphthalmos and congenital cataract.

SETTING

Seoul National University, Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul, Korea.

METHODS

Retrospective studies were conducted by reviewing the charts of 20 eyes of 11 patients with severe microcornea and microphthalmos or severe microcornea with a corneal diameter smaller than 9.0 mm. The patient pool was divided according to surgical method, specifically by incision site: an anterior group that had corneal limbal incisions and a posterior group treated via pars plicata incisions. Preoperative examinations included bilaterality, corneal diameter, axial length, and eye and systemic abnormalities. Postoperative results and complications of the 2 operative methods were compared.

RESULTS

All 11 patients had bilateral congenital cataract and microphthalmos. Except in 1 case, surgeries were done in patients ranging in age from 2 to 16 months. Mean follow-up was 2 years. Corneal diameter was smaller than 9.0 mm in all 20 eyes and smaller than 7.5 mm in 11 eyes. Ten eyes were categorized into the anterior group, and the other 10 eyes were placed in the posterior group. Postoperative complications included secondary membranes in 3 eyes in the posterior group and corneal opacity in 3 eyes in the anterior group.

CONCLUSION

The surgical management of children with congenital cataract and severe microphthalmos is recommended as a way to improve vision but must be performed carefully to avoid complications.

Long term refractive outcome in eyes of preterm infants with and without retinopathy of prematurity: comparison of keratometric value, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness

BACKGROUND/AIMS

A longitudinal study of premature infants was conducted to examine changes in refractive status and their relation with age and factors influencing the occurrence and degree of myopia. Identification of which of the various refractive factors play important parts in relation to myopia in premature infants was attempted.

METHODS

Under observation were 125 eyes in 65 patients who were found to demonstrate no signs of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or who had grade I or II ROP without or after cryotherapy. Cycloplegic refractions were conducted at 6 months, 3 years, and 6 years of age; at 6 years of age keratometric values, lens thicknesses, and axial lengths were recorded, and anterior chamber depths also were measured.

RESULTS

Myopia begins to appear at 6 months of age and its severity increases between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. The condition showed no further progress in subjects older than 3 years. Of the 104 eyes with ROP, those eyes with cicatricial retinopathy tended towards myopia and high myopia while there was no difference in the degree of myopia related to whether or not cryotherapy was conducted. At 6 years of age, the premature infants exhibited shallower anterior chambers, thicker lenses, and higher axial lengths when the degree of the myopia was higher. The keratometric values, however, appeared to bear no relation to the degree of the myopia.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the occurrence of myopia is related more strongly to whether or not there is cicatricial retinopathy than whether or not there is cryotherapy. Also, the degree of the myopia was found to be related to the depth of the anterior chamber, the thickness of the lens, and the change in axial length but not to keratometric value.

MR observations of postraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle after traumatic separation of the acromioclavicular joint

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work was to characterize the MR features of post-traumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle in patients who have sustained a previous separation of the ipsilateral acromioclavicular (AC) joint.

METHOD

We studied eight male patients (mean age 25 years) with intractable pain in the AC joint after sustaining a traumatic joint separation. With use of the Rockwood classification, the separations were classified as Type 1 in one patient, Type 2 in two patients, and Type 3 in five patients. The MR studies were evaluated for periarticular soft tissue swelling, cortical irregularity defined as thinning or absence of portions of the cortex in the acromial and clavicular articular surfaces, hypertrophic osseous changes, periostitis, bone marrow edema, periarticular cyst-like changes, and joint space widening exceeding 6 mm. Radiographs were evaluated independently of the MR studies. Osteolysis of the distal clavicle was confirmed pathologically in seven patients and with surgery in one patient.

RESULTS

The incidence of osteolysis in patients who have had a previous AC joint separation was estimated to be approximately 6%. Observations on MRI included soft tissue swelling, bone marrow edema in the distal clavicle, and cortical irregularity associated with periarticular cyst-like erosions in eight patients, joint space widening in six patients, clavicular periostitis in three patients, and marrow edema in the cromion in five patients. Only one patient had osteophyte formation. Radiographic observations of periarticular soft tissue swelling, osteopenia of the distal clavicle, articular erosions, and joint space widening allowed diagnosis in only four patients prospectively.

CONCLUSION

The MR features of posttraumatic osteolysis are characteristic of this process. We advocate the use of MRI in patients with chronic AC joint pain who have had a prior AC joint dislocation, particularly if follow-up radiographs are nonspecific, equivocal, or do not indicate the presence of secondary osteoarthritis.

The developmental fate of green fluorescent mouse embryonic germ cells in chimeric embryos

Primordial germ cells (PGCs), as precursors of mammalian germ lineage, have been gaining more attention as a new resource of pluripotent stem cells, which bring a great possibility to study developmental events of germ cell in vitro and at animal level. EG4 cells derived from 10.5 days post coitum (dpc) PGCs of 129/svJ strain mouse were established and maintained in an undifferentiated state. With an attempt to study the differentiation capability of EG4 cells with a reporter protein: green fluorescence protein, and the possible application of EG4 cells in the research of germ cell development, we have generated several EG4-GFP cell lines expressing enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) and still maintaining typical characteristics of pluripotent stem cells. Then, the differentiation of EG4-GFP cells in vitro as well as their developmental fate in chimeric embryos which were produced by aggregating EG4-GFP cells to 8-cell stage embryos were studied. The results showed that EG4 cells carrying green fluorescence have a potential use in the research of germ cell development and other related studies.

Scleral perforation after scleral buckling surgery for retinopathy of prematurity

Scleral perforation occurred as a result of using a silicone band during scleral buckling surgery for subtotal retinal detachment in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The patient was initially treated by cryotherapy and scleral buckling surgery for ROP, and was later referred due to a dark bluish mass in the superotemporal quadrant of the eyeball. After removing the overlying whitish membrane, uveal tissue prolapsed through the melted scleral wound (5 mm x 5 mm). A silicone encircling band had passed through the wound and was exposed subconjunctivally around the temporal and the inferior limbus. The band was removed and a scleral allograft was performed. After three years, follow up revealed the eyeball was slightly microphthalmic. Though scleral bucking surgery is helpful for the treatment of advanced ROP, a scleral perforation may develop as a disastrous complication.

Surgical treatment of subretinal neovascular membrane

The visual results of laser photocoagulation for subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) has not always been satisfactory. The surgical removal of the neovascular membrane may be another treatment option. To investigate the prognosis and risk factors of this surgery, we analyzed the results of surgical removal of subfoveal CNVM (23 eyes), subfoveal hemorrhage with CNVM (6 eyes), and subfoveal hemorrhage alone (6 eyes). The mean follow-up period was 17.7 months (range 2 to 47 months). The mean preoperative membrane size was 0.89 disc diameter and the mean postoperative retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) defect size was 1.33 disc diameter. Visual improvement was observed in 13 out of the 23 eyes (56.5%) with sufoveal CNVM, four out of the six eyes (66.6%) with subretinal hemorrhage and CNVM, and five out of the six eyes (83.3%) with subretinal hemorrhage only. The visual outcome of subfoveal CNVM surgery was related to the presence of a subfoveal RPE defect (p = 0.005) rather than to the size of the RPE defect. No recurrence of neovascular membrane was observed during the follow up period. In conclusion, surgical removal may be a good alternative treatment for subfoveal CNVM.

[Experimental study of incompetency of deep vein of lower limb]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to find the best material for valvular wrapping operation of deep vein of lower limb and to study the diagnostic value of colored Ultrasonic-Doppler for valvular incompetency of the deep vein and the function of the popliteal valve.

METHODS

Strips of autogenous saphenous vein, autogenous fascia lata and pieces of polytetrafluroethylene artificial vessel were used respectively as the wrapping material for narrowing the valve in 30 dogs. The results of three different wrapping material were obtained by colored Ultrasonic-Doppler and transpopliteal venography in 78 patients. The hemokinetics of the popliteal valve was examined in 20 normal persons.

RESULTS

In the saphenous vein and fascia lata groups, diffuse fibrosis and marked narrowing of the femoral vein were found, while in the group of artificial vein graft, the graft was intact without prominent fibrosis and narrowing of the vein. In comparing with the result of venography, the accuracy of diagnosis by colored Ultrasonic-Doppler was 91.86%. The femoral and popliteal venous valves closed at the same time when holding the breath, but the popliteal venous valve opened more widely than the femoral venous valve when the calf muscles of the leg contracted.

CONCLUSION

It was suggested that the graft was the best material for valvular wrapping operation, and colored Ultrasonic-Doppler was an important and non-invasive method for the diagnosis of incompetency of deep vein. The popliteal venous valve was the important barrier for protection of the function of deep vein.

Retinopathy of prematurity-mimicking retinopathy in full-term babies

The purpose of this study was to analyze the fundus findings and associated abnormalities in full-term babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)-mimicking retinopathy. In twenty-seven such babies suffering from this condition, retinal findings were retrospectively analyzed. These babies were not premature and had not required supplementary oxygen; there was no family history of the disease, and no known causes. Bilaterality and severity of retinopathy were compared between groups with associated systemic abnormalities and those without. Forty eyes in twenty-seven full-term babies had abnormal retinal findings; dragged retina accounted for 42.5%, and falciform retinal fold for 47.5%, and retrolental membrane for 10%. Nine babies had associated brain abnormalities, and in these, severe bilateral retinopathy was more likely to occur than in those without abnormalities. These results suggest that if full-term babies have associated abnormalities of the brain, the presence of retinopathy should be ascertained postnatally by cautious examination of the retina.

Transmembrane-domain trapping: a novel method for isolation of cDNAs encoding putative membrane proteins

We have developed a method that enables us to isolate cDNAs of putative membrane proteins. The system is designed to isolate a cDNA which can provide the transmembrane domain to the extracellular part of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain. We constructed a p18Mac vector by putting part of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain cDNA that encoded its signal sequence and extracellular domain, a cDNA cloning site and a poly(A) additional signal after a strong promoter SRalpha. If a cloned cDNA provides a transmembrane domain in-frame, the extracellular domain of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain will be expressed on the surface of the transfected cells. Otherwise, the chimeric protein will be either secreted or retained inside the transfected cells. We made a cDNA library using p18Mac and screened for cDNA clones which allowed the expression of the extracellular domain of the IL-2 receptor alpha chain on the cell surface. Of the 2000 clones screened, 5 clones were scored as positive. Partial sequence analysis revealed that one clone encoded the amyloid precursor protein, two others encoded mitochondrial proteins and the rest were new. These results suggest the system is effective in isolating cDNAs encoding putative membrane proteins.

Anatomical and visual results of vitreous surgery for advanced retinopathy of prematurity

We studied the visual acuity and anatomical stability of 101 eyes which had undergone vitreous surgery for advanced retinopathy of prematurity. All were followed up for at least six months. The anatomical and visual results of vitrectomy in 87 eyes were reviewed. The patients' average age at surgery was 9.6 months, and the average follow-up period was 37.6 months. To preserve the structure of the eyeball or to prevent further complications due to a shallow anterior chamber, a further 14 eyes underwent lensectomy. Total attachment was achieved in 20 eyes(23.0%), and partial attachment in 24(27.6%). Finally, 42 eyes(48.3%) were able to perceive light, while fixation and following occurred in 15(17.2%). Six eyes(6.9%) were able to identify form. The relatively useful vision achieved in cases of advanced retinopathy of prematurity in this study with long follow-up suggests that the rationale of vitreous surgery is to salvage functional retina and to prevent total blindness and other complications.

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in male twins

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) occurs sporadically and few familial occurrences have been reported. The authors report PHPV unassociated with other congenital anomalies in male twins. One underwent a lensectomy for the management of angle-closure glaucoma and the other was treated for amblyopia. These cases provide further evidence to suggest autosomal recessive inheritance, though the possibility of developmental error cannot be excluded.

Improvements in visual acuity following limbal lensectomy for subluxated lenses in children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To report the surgical results of limbal lensectomy using an automated vitrectomy instrument for the treatment of subluxated lenses in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed the charts of children who underwent surgery for subluxated lenses. Limbal lensectomies with an "in the bag" technique were performed on 18 eyes of 10 patients. The indications for surgery were a best-corrected visual acuity of less than 20/60, bisection of pupil by the lens, or both.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity improved in all 18 eyes (paired t test, P < .01). In 1 eye, transient anterior chamber hyphema occurred during the early postoperative period. No other significant complications were found during an average follow-up of 19.6 months.

CONCLUSION

Limbal lensectomy for subluxated lenses in children improved visual acuity without severe complications.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist allele: is it a genetic link between Henoch-Schönlein nephritis and IgA nephropathy?

Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is a multi-organ systemic vasculitis, which shares many clinical, histological and immunological features with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). To address whether these two diseases have a common genetic background, the polymorphism of the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) gene has been analyzed using PCR in patients diagnosed with HSPN (N = 43) and IgAN (N = 97), together with normal controls (N = 98) and patients with acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis (APGN), under the concept that IL-1 might play an important role in mediating pathogenesis of vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. It was found that the allele frequency and carriage rate of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist allele (IL1RN*2) of the IL-1ra gene increased significantly in HSPN patients as compared to IgAN (P < 0.01), APGN (P < 0.05) and normal subjects (P < 0.01). Interestingly, varied carriage rates of IL1RN*2 were found among various groups of IgAN patients presenting with different clinical manifestations. The carriage rate of IL1RN*2 was significantly higher in patients with recurrent gross hematuria than other groups of IgAN patients (P < 0.01). Furthermore, although the carriage rate of IL1RN*2 was higher in HSPN (46.5%) than average IgAN patients (26.8%; P < 0.01), there was no significant difference in the carriage rate of IL1RN*2 between HSPN and those IgAN patients with recurrent gross hematuria (42.8%l P > 0.05). It suggested that the IL1RN*2 allele might be a genetic marker shared by HSPN and a special group of IgAN patients with recurrent gross hematuria. Our preliminary observation provided a genetic evidence to support the hypothesis that HSPN and certain subgroup of IgAN are closely related diseases. Such an association of the gene polymorphism of IL-1ra between HSPN and IgAN with recurrent gross hematuria might serve as a key to explore their pathogenesis and eventually a specific intervention.

The outcome of cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) according to ROP location

Cryotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage 3+. However, the outcome of cryotherapy is less favorable in zone 1 ROP than in zone 2 ROP. We suspected whether there may be differences in the outcomes of cryotherapy if the zone of ROP is further divided. So we reviewed the records of 85 premature infants (145 eyes) who had undergone cryotherapy for ROP. The frequencies of favorable outcome were 42.9% of 14 eyes (zone 1), 78.9% of 38 eyes (posterior zone 2), 92.9% of 70 eyes (mid zone 2), and 100.0% of 23 eyes (anterior zone 2), respectively (p < 0.001). These results suggest that the more posteriorly the ROP is located, the less favorable the outcome of cryotherapy.

Surgical management for persistent pupillary membrane with vitreous scissors

Persistent pupillary membranes are common congenital disorders. To reduce the surgical complications, we used vitreous scissors instead of conventionally used Vannas scissors to remove the membrane and reviewed the surgical results. Five eyes of 4 children with persistent pupillary membrane were treated by surgery. Through the 1.5 mm limbal incision, the membrane was removed by using vitreous scissors after intracameral sodium hyaluronate. After 22.6 months follow-up, all pupils of operated eyes were round and no complications associated with the surgery were found. Three eyes showed improved visual acuities after the operation. We suggest that the surgery with vitreous scissors is better than with Vannas scissors.

The promoter structure of TGF-beta type II receptor revealed by "oligo-capping" method and deletion analysis

The promoter of TGF-beta type II receptor lacks TATA box or CAAT box. In order to define the exact transcriptional start site(s), we used "oligo-capping" method developed by ourselves. The major transcripts were started from GAA located between -35 and -33 relative to 5' end of cDNA. Other minor transcripts started from -4, +11 and +17. Deletion analysis of this promoter region revealed that it contained two adjacently located promoters (P1 and P2) capable of acting by itself. The P1 is located between -22 and +55 which covers the minor transcriptional start sites described above. The P2 is located just upstream of the P1 between -137 and -22. The results showed all of the transcripts were started either from P1 or P2.

Change of refraction in premature infants after cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity between the age of six months and three years

To investigate the chronological change of refraction in premature infants after cryotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), cycloplegic refractions had been performed at 6 months and 3 years after term in premature infants who underwent cryotherapy for ROP. The changes of refractions between the two study ages were evaluated not only in the total cryo-treated eyes, but also in the subdivided groups according to the posterior pole appearances. In the total 61 eyes of 32 premature infants, mean spherical equivalents were -4.05D vs. -5.94D (6 months vs. 3 years) (p = 0.0001). In the normal posterior pole group (48 eyes), mean spherical equivalents were -3.45D vs. -5.68D (6 months vs. 3 years) (p = 0.0000), and in the abnormal posterior pole group (13 eyes), -6.28D vs. -6.86D (6 months vs. 3 years) (p = 0.6496). These results mean that there is a myopic progressive change between 6 months and 3 years after term in the cryo-treated eyes for acute ROP and it is more evident in the eyes with normal posterior pole.