[Clinical characteristics and surgical management outcomes of glaucoma secondary to congenital ectropion uveae: a preliminary analysis of penetrating Schlemm's canaloplasty]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of glaucoma secondary to congenital ectropion uveae (CEU) using penetrating Schlemm's canaloplasty. Methods: This was a retrospective case series study. Medical records of patients diagnosed with glaucoma secondary to CEU and undergoing penetrating Schlemm's canaloplasty at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between August 2020 and December 2021 were collected. Clinical characteristics including the extent and location of iris ectropion, type of glaucoma, were analyzed. Follow-up visits were conducted at 1, 3, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior segment and fundus condition, filtering bleb morphology, use of IOP-lowering medications, ultrasound biomicroscopy results, and other indicators were analyzed to summarize surgical outcomes. Results: Six cases (6 eyes) of glaucoma secondary to CEU were included, all unilateral, with 3 left eyes and 3 right eyes; median age was 10.0 (5.3, 28.8) years; including 3 males and 3 females. Preoperative IOP was (31.7±10.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and the preoperative number of IOP-lowering medications used was 2.0 (2.0, 3.2). The extent of iris ectropion in the 6 cases ranged from 270 ° to 360 °, with peripheral anterior synechiae corresponding to the location of iris ectropion, and angle closure with the degree of synechiae extending beyond Schwalbe's line. No surgical complications occurred in any of the 6 cases postoperatively. At 1 month postoperatively, the IOP was (16.4±3.2) mmHg, with a median of 0.0 (0.0, 1.5) medications used. At 3 months postoperatively, the IOP was (14.8±6.0) mmHg, with a median of 0.0 (0.0, 2.2) medications used. At 6 months postoperatively, the IOP was (18.1±6.1) mmHg, with a median of 0.0 (0.0, 0.5) medications used. Among them, 5 patients had a follow-up period of 1 year postoperatively, all achieving controlled IOP without the use of IOP-lowering medications, with an average IOP of (15.5±3.1) mmHg. No obvious filtering bleb formation was observed at the surgical site in all patients. Conclusions: Glaucoma secondary to CEU manifests primarily as closed-angle glaucoma, with a correspondence between the closure range of anterior iris adhesions in the angle and the extent of iris ectropion. Penetrating Schlemm's canaloplasty demonstrates favorable and stable efficacy for its treatment.

Mechanism and Association between Microbial Nitrogen Transformation in Rhizosphere and Accumulation of Ciprofloxacin in Choysum (Brassica parachinensis)

Rhizosphere microbiota are an important factor impacting plant uptake of pollutants. However, little is known about how microbial nitrogen (N) transformation in the rhizosphere affects the uptake and accumulation of antibiotics in plants. Here, we determined recruitment of N transformation functional bacteria upon ciprofloxacin (CIP) exposure, by comparing differences in assembly processes of both rhizospheric bacterial communities and N transformation between two choysum (Brassica parachinensis) varieties differing in CIP accumulation. The low accumulation variety (LAV) of CIP recruited more host bacteria (e.g., Nitrospiria and Nitrolancea) carrying nitrification genes (mainly nxrA) but fewer host bacteria carrying denitrification genes, especially narG, relative to the high accumulation variety (HAV) of CIP. The nxrA and narG abundance in the LAV rhizosphere were, respectively, 1.6-7.8 fold higher and 1.4-3.4 fold lower than those in the HAV rhizosphere. Considering that nitrate can decrease CIP uptake into choysum through competing for the proton motive force and energy, such specific bacteria recruitment in LAV favored the production and utilization of nitrate in its rhizosphere, thus limiting its CIP accumulation with 1.6-2.4 fold lower than the HAV. The findings give insight into the mechanism underlying low pollutant accumulation, filling the knowledge gap regarding the profound effects of rhizosphere microflora and N transformation processes on antibiotic accumulation in crops.

Substrate-enzyme interactions and catalytic mechanism in a novel family VI esterase with dibutyl phthalate-hydrolyzing activity

Microbial degradation has been confirmed as effective and environmentally friendly approach to remediate phthalates from the environment, and hydrolase is an effective element for contaminant degradation. In the present study, a novel dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-hydrolyzing carboxylesterase (named PS06828) from Pseudomonas sp. PS1 was heterogeneously expressed in E. coli, which was identified as a new member of the lipolytic family VI. Purified PS06828 could efficiently degrade DBP with a wide range of temperature (25-37 °C) and pH (6.5-9.0). Multi-spectroscopy methods combined with molecular docking were employed to study the interaction of PS06828 with DBP. Fluorescence and UV-visible absorption spectra revealed the simultaneous presence of static and dynamic component in the fluorescence quenching of PS06828 by DBP. Synchronous fluorescence and circular dichroism spectra showed inconspicuous alteration in micro-environmental polarity around amino acid residues but obvious increasing of α-helix and reducing of β-sheet and random coil in protein conformation. Based on the information on exact binding sites of DBP on PS06828 provided by molecular docking, the catalytic mechanism mediated by key residues (Ser113, Asp166, and His197) was proposed and subsequently confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. The results can strengthen our mechanistic understanding of family VI esterase involved in hydrolysis of phthalic acid esters, and provide a solid foundation for further enzymatic modification.

[Efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the treatment of severe aortic stenosis]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. Methods: The clinical data of patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR at the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region between September 2016 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Changes in aortic transvalvular pressure gradients, valve orifice area, and activity tolerance of patients before and after the surgery were compared. Moreover, postoperative complications and follow-up results from 30 days to 6 years after the surgery were recorded. Results: A total of 76 patients were included in the study (50 males and 26 females), with an average age of (71.3±7.6) years, including 16 rheumatic valvular diseases, 60 senile degenerative diseases, 46 bicuspid valves and 30 tricuspid valves. The success rate of the operation was 96.1% (73/76). Compared with that before the operation, the mean aortic transvalvular pressure gradients decreased [(8.5±2.8) mmHg vs (68.5±19.2) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),P<0.001], but the valve orifice area increased [(1.91±0.31) cm² vs (0.65±0.21) cm², P<0.001]. Likewise, six-minute walking test (6MWT) showed that walking distance was longer after the surgery [(430±13) m vs (201±28) m, P<0.001]. There were 1 case of retroperitoneal hematoma, 1 case of stricture balloon dilatation after femoral artery suture concomitant with postoperative puncture site infection, 1 case of femoral artery surgical incision, 2 cases of valve-in-valve (ViV) and 5 cases of perivalvular leakage (4 cases were mild and 1 case was moderate) after the surgery, respectively. Moreover, acute left main artery occlusion during operation occurred in 1 case, ventricular rupture during operation occurred in 1 case and the patient was transferred to valve replacement surgery and finally dead, delayed coronary artery occlusion and death happened in 1 case, and all of the above-mentioned 3 cases were due to surgical failure. Postoperative pacemaker implantation due to third-degree atrioventricular block was performed in 5 cases. There were 1 case of pulmonary embolism, 1 case of transient right limb disorder, 1 case of gastrointestinal bleeding and 1 case of urethral bleeding after the surgery, respectively. The patients were followed up for (1.0±0.1) years (30 days to 6 years), and the results showed that 2 cases died, including 1 case died suddenly at home (the cause of death was unknown) and 1 case died of acute heart failure 8 months after the surgery. Chronic heart failure occurred repeatedly in 6 cases. The quality of life of other patients improved significantly. Conclusion: TAVR is effective and safe for patients with severe aortic stenosis.

[Epidemiological investigation on the local epidemic situation in Zhengzhou High-Tech Zone caused by SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant]

This study collected epidemic data of COVID-19 in Zhengzhou from January 1 to January 20 in 2022. The epidemiological characteristics of the local epidemic in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant were analyzed through epidemiological survey and big data analysis, which could provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of the Delta variant. In detail, a total of 276 close contacts and 599 secondary close contacts were found in this study. The attack rate of close contacts and secondary close contacts was 5.43% (15/276) and 0.17% (1/599), respectively. There were 10 confirmed cases associated with the chain of transmission. Among them, the attack rates in close contacts of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth generation cases were 20.00% (5/25), 17.86% (5/28), 0.72% (1/139) and 14.81% (4/27), 0 (0/57), respectively. The attack rates in close contacts after sharing rooms/beds, having meals, having neighbor contacts, sharing vehicles with the patients, having same space contacts, and having work contacts were 26.67%, 9.10%, 8.33%, 4.55%, 1.43%, and 0 respectively. Collectively, the local epidemic situation in Zhengzhou High-tech Zone has an obvious family cluster. Prevention and control work should focus on decreasing family clusters of cases and community transmission.

[Determination of acetylacetone in workplace air by solvent desorption-gas chromatography]

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of acetylacetone in the air of workplace by gas chromatography. Methods: In August 2020, acetylacetone in the air of workplace was collected by silica gel tube, eluted with methanol, separated and detected by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. The detection limit and precision of the method were also analyzed. Results: The linear range of acetylacetone was 1.95-1950.60 μg/ml with the regression equation of y=0.815x-3.667, and the correlation coefficient was 0.99993. The limit of detection of the method was 0.18 μg/ml and the minimum detection concentration was 0.12 mg/m(3) (collected sample volume was 1.50 L). The within-run precisions were 1.08%-4.11% and the between-run precisions were 1.98%-2.80%. The desorption rates were 99.68%-100.45%. The sealed samples could be kept at least 15 days at room temperature without significant loss. Conclusion: The solvent desorption-gas chromatography method for the determination of acetylacetone has good precision, high sensitivity and simple operation, and is suitable for the determination of acetylacetone in the air of the workplace.

[The incidence and time distribution of early transient intraocular pressure elevation after penetrating canaloplasty]

Objective: To report the incidence and time distribution of early transient intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation after penetrating canaloplasty. Methods: Retrospective case series study. Data of patients treated by penetrating canaloplasty for glaucoma in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2015 to March 2020 were collected. Early transient IOP elevation was defined as an increase of IOP to over 21 mmHg on the first week to the third month after surgery followed by a decrease to 21 mmHg or less within 3 months. Main outcome measures included IOP, quantity of medication use, the occurrence time and duration of IOP elevation. Generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analysis, and measurement data with non-normal distribution was represented as M (Q₁, Q₃). Results: A total of 277 patients (315 eyes) achieved 360-degree catheterization of the canal successfully, and 299 eyes (94.9%) completed the postoperative 6-month follow-up. Thirty-four eyes (10.8%) had persistently high IOP, so the surgical treatment failed in them. Consequently, 234 patients (265 eyes) were enrolled in the analyses, including 161 males (184 eyes) and 73 females (81 eyes). The median age was 42 (26, 54) years, the mean preoperative IOP was (37.7±11.1) mmHg, and the mean number of drugs used was 3 (2, 4). The incidence of early transient IOP elevation was 43.0% (114/265) in all enrolled eyes, 42.7% (35/82) in eyes with primary open angle glaucoma, 37.8% (17/45) in eyes with primary angle closure glaucoma, 27.7% (13/47) in eyes with congenital glaucoma and 53.8% (49/91) in eyes with secondary glaucoma. The IOP began to increase on the first to fourth week in 91.2% (104/114) of eyes with early transient IOP elevation and reached the peak [21.3 mmHg to 54.8 mmHg; mean, (32.4±8.2) mmHg] in 88.6% (101/114) on the first to fifth week after surgery. The IOP elevation lasted for no more than 4 weeks in 69.3% (79/114) of eyes. Conclusions: Over 40.0% of patients with penetrating canaloplasty may experience postoperative transient IOP elevation. The incidence is relatively high in secondary glaucoma but low in congenital glaucoma. Most of the elevations and peak IOP occur within 1-4 weeks after surgery.

[Phacoemulsification combined with goniosynechialysis under a gonioscope in the treatment of angle-closure glaucoma: the effect of reopening the synechial anterior chamber angle]

A total of 170 consecutive patients (181 eyes) who were diagnosed with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation (PEI) combined with goniosynechialysis (GSL) with an instrument under a gonioscope in the Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 were observed. Anterior chamber angle synechiae of 0 (0, 2) clock hour were released after PEI, while after combined goniosynechialysis, synechiae of 6 (3, 8) clock hours were further released. No matter in chronic PACG and acute PACG with cornea edema, the extent of anterior chamber angle synechiae was different before surgery and after PEI, and so was it in post-PEI and PEI-GSL prospectively (all P<0.01). Phacoemulsification alone can reopen the synechial anterior chamber angle in both chronic PACG and acute PACG in part, but not sufficiently. Combined goniosynechialysis under a gonioscope with an instrument is essential and effective.

[The distribution of peripheral anterior synechiae in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma]

Objective: To describe the distribution and characteristics of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods: Retrospective case study. A total of 285 PACG patients (406 eyes) diagnosed in the Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University from January 2017 to August 2019 were included. They were 102 males and 183 females, with a median age of 67 years old (range, 21 to 95 years old). The PAS range was detected by gonioscopy examination, and the frequency distribution of PAS at 12 clock points was counted by clockwise. The PAS distribution at the middle point of PAS with continuous distribution and ≤6 clock points was assessed. Results: In all cases, PAS of the right eye was concentrated at 11:00 to 4:00 regions [range, 62.0% (129/208) to 78.8% (164/208)]. PAS of the left eye was concentrated at 7:00 to 1:00 regions [range, 50.0% (99/198) to 75.8% (150/198)]. When the PAS range of the atrial angle was ≤6 clock regions, it was mainly at 12:00 to 3:00 [range, 58.3% (74/127) to 67.7% (86/127)] in the right eye and at 10:00 to 12:00 [range, 54.8% (68/124) to 66.1% (82/124)] in the left eye. Among 121 cases (242 eyes) with both eyes involved, the PAS region was at 11:00 to 5:00 [range, 52.1% (63/121) to 79.3% (96/121)] in the right eye and at 8:00 to 1:00 [range, 50.4% (61/121) to 76.9% (93/121)] in the left eye. When the PAS range of the atrial angle was ≤6 clock regions, it was mainly at 12:00 to 4:00 [range, 53.2% (41/77) to 71.4% (55/77)] in the right eye and at 10:00 to 12:00 [range, 50.6% (39/77) to 64.9% (50/77)] in the left eye. In all cases, there were 171 cases of right eyes and 175 cases of left eyes with continuous angle PAS. The central PAS clock position of the right eye was mainly at 11:00 to 3:00 [range, 15.2% (26/171) to 24.0% (41/171)], and that of the left eye was mainly at 8:00 to 12:00 [range, 15.4% (27/175) to 20.6% (36/175)]. Among cases with both eyes involved, there were 98 cases of right eyes and 104 cases of left eyes with continuous angle PAS. The clock distribution of the middle position of the right eye angle PAS was concentrated at 11:00 to 3:00 [range, 17.3% (17/98) to 26.5% (26/98)], and that of the left eye was concentrated at 8:00 to 12:00 [range, 13.5% (14/104) to 20.2% (21/104)]. Conclusions: The PAS of PACG patients is mainly located in the upper and nasal sides, and the closer to the temporal side, the smaller the PAS frequency, showing a gradual downward trend. The PAS distribution of binocular angles is of obvious mirror symmetry. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 666-671).

[Effectiveness of integrated schistosomiasis control in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control measures in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020, so as to provide insights into the formulation of the strategy used to consolidate the schistosomiasis elimination achievements.

METHODS

The annual schistosomiasis control working report and integrated schistosomiasis control data were collected in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020, and the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock and snail status were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control measures.

RESULTS

During the period from 2015 to 2020, a total of 112 061 person-time individuals received serological tests for S. japonicum infections in Changzhou City, and the sero-prevalence was 0.15% to 1.09% during the 6-year period, with a significant difference seen among years (χ² = 288.11, P < 0.05). From 2015 to 2020, a total of 13 435 person-time individuals received stool examinations, with no egg-positives identified; among 5 840 herd-time livestock receiving schistosomiasis examinations, no positives were detected, while a 100% coverage of fencing livestock was seen each year. During the 6-year period, a total of 38.40 hm² snail habitats were found, including 8.97 hm² emerging snail habitats, and among the 2 344 snails dissected, no S. japonicum infection was found. Chemical treatment covered an area of 385.71 hm², and environmental improvements covered an area of 200.39 hm². The mean density of living snails was less than 0.1 snails/0.1 m² in snail habitats found in Changzhou City each year from 2015 to 2020, and the coverage of harmless toilets was 100% in 2020. During the 6-year period, a total of 3.740 6 million person-time individuals were given schistosomiasis health education in Changzhou City.

CONCLUSIONS

Changzhou City is now at the post-elimination surveillance stage; however, there are still factors affecting schistosomiasis transmission. The schistosomiasis surveillance system remains to be improved to consolidate the schistosomiasis elimination achievements in Changzhou City.

[Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections among high-risk populations in Changzhou City]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections among high-risk populations in Changzhou City, so as to provide the scientific basis for formulating effective control measures of toxoplasmosis.

METHODS

Four types of high-risk populations living in Changzhou City were recruited from 2016 to 2018 as the study subjects, including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, pregnant women and livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers. Each subject was investigated for the knowledge on knowledge, attitude and practice of toxoplasmosis prevention and control. In addition, serum specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected, and the risk factors of T. gondii infections were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 900 participants at high risk of T. gondii infections were investigated in Changzhou City from 2016 to 2018, including 150 HIV/AIDS patients, 250 cancer patients, 250 pregnant women and 250 livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers. The overall awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge was 16.8% (151/900), and the awareness rate was significantly greater in women than in men (χ² = 41.34, P < 0.05). The awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control reduced with ages (χ² = 147.78, P < 0.05), and increased with the education level (χ² = 166.42, P < 0.05). In ad dition, there was an occupation-specific awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control (χ² = 92.26, P < 0.05), and the highest awareness rate was seen in cadres and staff (47.2%, 34/72). Among all high-risk populations, 34.6% (311/900) had fre- quent contacts with cats/dogs, 40.4% (364/900) raised cats/dogs at home, 0.9% (8/900) ate raw meat, and 15.8% (142/900) sepa- rated chopping boards for raw and cooked food. Among the participants aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge, 24.5% (37/151) contacted cats/dogs frequently, which was significantly lower than those not aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge (36.6%, 274/749) (χ² = 8.11, P < 0.05), and 35.1% (53/151) separated chopping boards for raw and cooked food, which was significantly higher than those not aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge (11.9%, 89/749) (χ² = 50.97, P < 0.05). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infections was 11.0% (99/900), and the positive rates of IgG antibodies against T. gondii were 6.0%, 13.9%, 4.8% and 17.3% in HIV/AIDS patients, livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers, pregnant women and cancer patients, respectively (χ² = 25.87, P < 0.05). A higher seroprevalence of T. gon- dii infection was seen in men than in women (χ² = 8.88, P < 0.05), and the seroprevalence increased with ages (χ² = 37.03, P < 0.05) and reduced with education levels (χ² = 25.07, P < 0.05). There was an occupation-specific seroprevalence of T. gondii in- fection (χ² = 22.09, P < 0.05), and the highest seroprevalence was detected in peasants (57/330, 17.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The awareness of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge is low among high-risk populations in Changzhou City. Health edu- cation pertaining to toxoplasmosis prevention and control requires to be strengthened in cancer patients and livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers who have a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infections, so as to change the poor behavior styles.

[Spatio-temporal distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snails along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the spatio-temporal characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, so as to provide scientific evidence for the dynamic assessment of the risk of snail spread in this region.

METHODS

O. hupensis snail status was collected in the plain regions with waterway networks in the study area from 2012 to 2017. The spatio-temporal variations of snail distribution were investigated along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal using buffer zone analysis, spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis and standard deviational ellipse with the geographical information system (GIS) tools.

RESULTS

The number of snail habitats showed a tendency towards a rise in the study area from 2012 to 2017, and snail habitats were predominantly distributed in the 1 000 m long buffer zone of the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, notably along the Jiuqu River at the junction between the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal. The distribution of snail habitats appeared spatial autocorrelations in 2014, 2016 and 2017, and the hotspot areas were mainly identified at the junction between the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. In addition, the overall distribution of snail habitats was located in the northeastern-southwestern part of the study aera, and gradually shifted to the southern and northern parts with the time.

CONCLUSIONS

The spatial distribution of O. hupensis snails is complex along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, and there is a risk of snail spread from the upper reaches to the lower reaches, where snail control needs to be intensified.

[Preliminary efficacy of penetrating canaloplasty in primary angle-closure glaucoma]

Objective: To evaluate the preliminary efficacy and safety of penetrating canaloplasty for treating primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Methods: It is a prospective interventional case series study. Twenty-two patients (24 eyes) with PACG were treated with penetrating canaloplasty (video attached) at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2015 to August 2018. This modified canaloplasty was performed by making a window at the corneal-scleral bed. Aqueous was redirected to the opening of Schlemm's canal after the canaloplasty with intension sutures. Postoperative follow-up was made at 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) with glaucoma medication (quantified success) and without any glaucoma medication (complete success). Main outcome measures included IOP, number of medication, surgical success rate, complications, and filtering bleb status. One-way repeated measure ANOVA and rank sum test were used in statistical analysis. Results: Due to the failure of circumferential catheterization of the canal, 4 eyes converted to trabeculectomy. A total of 19 PACG patients (20 eyes) achieved the successful 360-degree catheterization of the canal, including 11 males and 8 females. The mean age was (54±7) years old (range: 41-65 years old), and the mean angle-closure range was (326.3±46.6) degrees. The mean preoperative IOP was (38.0±11.9) mmHg with the median medication number of 3 (range: 2-5). The mean postoperative IOP was (14.5±11.1), (16.1±6.0), (17.7±5.5), (15.7±5.0), and (15.4±3.7) mmHg at 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. There was significant difference in IOP between postoperative and preoperative (all P<0.01). The median medication number (range) was 0 (0-3), 0 (0-2), 0(0-3), 0(0-2), and 0 (0-2) at the 5 time points, respectively. There was significant difference in medication number between postoperative and preoperative (all P<0.01). The quantified success rate was 95%(19/20), and the complete success rate was 90%(18/20) at 6 months. Postoperative complications were observed in 7 eyes (35%) of 20 PACG eyes, including 3 eyes (15%) with hyphema, 2 eyes (10%) with shallow anterior chamber, 1 eye (5%) with Descemet membrane detachment, and 1 eye (5%) with filtration obstruction at the trabeculum ostium. According to the results of slit lamp and ultrasound biomicroscopy examinations, 70% of the eyes (14/20) had no filtering bleb. Eight eyes (40%) with IOP spike were observed. Conclusion: Preliminary study shows penetrating canaloplasty is safe and effective in the treatment of PACG, but needs a longer follow-up. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 448-453).

[Epidemiologic characteristics and strategies on prevention and control of sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in China]

At present, sexual route is the main transmission route of AIDS in China, and its role in the process of AIDS epidemic has been evolving. Various modes of transmission in sexual transmission and the prevention and control strategies adopted by China have also been changing. This paper mainly summarizes the epidemic characteristics of different periods and different modes of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in China in recent years. The strategies of prevention and control were described from seven aspects, including health education, promotion of condom use, expanded testing, HIV/AIDS antiviral treatment, pre-exposure prophylactic medication, post-exposure prophylactic medication, social organization participation and sexually transmitted diseases prevention and control. Only when innovative and targeted measures according to the evolution of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and various specific methods are complemented by each other, can the transmission of HIV/AIDS through sexual route be effectively prevented and controlled.

[The standardization of inflammation detecting methods in upper and lower airways]

Objective:To investigate the standardization of inflammation detecting methods in upper and lower airways. Method:After a five year cooperation with Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases on inflammatory diseases of airways, we have found a series of evaluation methodology and normative values in upper and lower airways (NO), airway hyper reactivity and cytology (Eos). Result:The normative range of nasal and pulmonary NO is 400-900 ppb and 5-25 ppb respectively. The nasal resistance increased ≥100% and FEV1 fell ≥20% when compared with their respective baselines both illustrating a positive result. The positive value of nasal and pulmonary Eos are ≥2.00/HP and ≥2.5% respectively. Conclusion:The standardization of evaluation methods for upper and lower airway inflammation provides the methodology and research basis for follow-up studies of upper and lower airways.

[Safety and efficacy of percutaneous intervention for children with combined congenital heart abnormality solely guided by transthoracic echocardiography]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous intervention of children with combined congenital heart abnormality solely guided by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) . Methods: From September 2015 to June 2017, 21 children with combined congenital heart abnormality undergoing percutaneous interventional guided by TTE in Fuwai hospital were enrolled in our study, and the clinical data were retrospective analyzed. The atrial septal defect(ASD) closure, ventricular septal defect(VSD) closure, patent ductus arteriosus(PDA) closure or balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty were performed under the guidance of TTE. The procedural effect was evaluated by TTE after operation. The patients were followed up after discharged from the hospital. Results: The age was (37.3±11.6) months, and there were 9 male and 12 female patients. There were 4 cases with ASD and VSD, 6 cases with VSD and PDA, 6 cases with ASD and PDA, 2 cases with VSD and pulmonary stenosis, 3 cases with ASD and pulmonary stenosis. The operations were successfully performed in all patients. No one required extra X ray guidance or open heart surgery. The operation time was (44.6±7.5)min. All patients did not require blood transfusion, inotropic support, and analgesia. There were no complications such as peripheral vascular injury and pericardialeffusion after the operation. The length of hospital stay time was (3.5±0.6) days. All patients were recovered well. The follow-up was (17.6±5.2) months, and post-procedural conduction disturbances, residual shunts, occlude fall off, thrombosis, and new onset of valvular regurgitation were not observed in these patients. Conclusion: Percutaneous interventional of children with combined congenital heart abnormality solely guided by TTE is safe and effective, and the procedure can avoid the potential injuries of X ray and contrast agent.

Strain controlled switching effects in phosphorene and GeS

By performing first principles calculations within the combined approach of density functional theory and nonequilibrium Green's function technique, we have designed some nanoelectronic devices to explore the ferroelastic switching of phosphorene and phosphorene analogs GeS. With the structure swapping along the zigzag direction and armchair direction, band gap transformed at different states due to their anisotropic phosphorene-like structure. From the initial state to the middle state, the band gap becomes progressively smaller, after that, it becomes wide. By analyzing transmission coefficients, it is found that the transport properties of phosphorene and GeS can be controlled by a uniaxial strain. The results also manifest that GeS has great potential to fabricate ferroic nonvolatile memory devices, because its relatively high on/off transmission coefficient ratio (∼1000) between the two stable ferroelastic states.

[Lower airway abnormalities in patients with allergic rhinitis]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of lower airway abnormalities in allergic rhinitis(AR) patients without asthma. Methods: Between June 2008 and December 2012, 377 consecutive AR patients and 264 healthy subjects were recruited. All subjects underwent meticulous history taking, nasal examination, allergen skin prick test, blood routine test, serum total immunoglobin E assay, induced sputum cell count and differentials, measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and bronchial challenge test. Results: The positive rates in AR patients was 12.2%(46/377) for bronchial provocation test, 49.2%(185/377) for FeNO, 39.0%(147/377) for sputum eosinophilia, 15.6%(40/377) for peripheral blood eosinophilia and 55.4%(209/377) for increased serum total IgE levels, which were consistently and statistically higher than those of healthy controls(P<0.01). The levels of FeNO [35.0 (21.8, 65.9)ppb], induced sputum eosinophil percentage [2.0 (0.0, 7.5)%], peripheral blood eosinophil percentage [2.9 (1.8, 4.5)%] and serum total IgE [178.4 (63.1, 384.0)kU/L] in AR patients were also higher(P<0.01). Compared with healthy controls, patients with AR demonstrated lower levels of FEV₁/FVC%, MMEFpred%, MEF₇₅ pred%, MEF₂₅pred% (all P<0.05). Statistical analysis showed that FeNO, ratio of induced sputum eosinophil percentage and peripheral blood eosinophil percentage had significant correlations with each other(P<0.01), the r value being 0.247, 0.235, 0.355 respectively. Conclusion: AR without asthma is characterized by lower airway inflammation, small airway impairment and bronchial hyperreactivity, features similar to those of asthma.

Interaction of the CYP1A1 gene polymorphism and smoking in non-small cell lung cancer susceptibility

Many studies have shown that genetic factors, environmental factors, and bad living habits, especially smoking, are risk factors for lung cancer. However, not all smokers develop lung cancer, which may be related to different genetic backgrounds. Currently, most research has investigated the GSTM1, XRCC1, XRCC3, CYP2D6, and C188T genes. Little research has been done on the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 gene, and results have varied. In addition, no results have been reported on the interactive effects of smoking and the CYP1A1 gene on lung cancer development. We used polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism to detect the CYP1A1 genotype, and investigate the effects of the CYP1A1 gene deletion and smoking alone, and in combination, on non-small cell lung cancer susceptibility. We enrolled 150 non-small cell lung cancer patients and 150 healthy control subjects. Subjects' smoking habits and CYP1A1 gene polymorphism were analyzed to investigate their role in the occurrence of lung cancer. The CYP1A1 gene deletion was found in 73.3% of non-small cell lung cancer patients and 20.0% of healthy subjects. The OR value was 2.28 (P < 0.05). Among smoking subjects, 77.8% exhibited non-small cell lung cancer, significantly higher than the 27.3% in non-smokers (P < 0.05). The OR value for the interaction of smoking and CYP1A1 gene deletion was 5.60, larger than the product of their individual OR values. The CYP1A1 gene deletion is a lung cancer risk factor, and interacts with smoking in non-small cell lung cancer development.

Ultrasonic imaging characteristics of transplanted kidneys with delayed graft function

We investigated the ultrasonic imaging characteristics of transplanted kidneys with delayed graft function (DGF). Ultrasonography was performed in 44 patients after kidney transplantation, and a time-intensity analysis was performed to compare the differences between patients with normal graft function (NGF) and those with DGF. Compared with the NGF group, the DGF group had earlier arrival time, shorter time to peak, and higher arrival intensity and peak intensity (P < 0.05). The variation-of-intensity parameters in different renal cortices increased, whereas the variation-of-time parameter decreased, in those with DGF (P < 0.05). In conclusion, compared with the NGF group, the microcirculation perfusion of transplanted kidneys in the DGF group showed higher perfusion with earlier arrival time, shorter time to peak, and higher arrival intensity and peak intensity. In addition, the intensity variations of contrast agent in different renal cortices from patients with DGF were greater, whereas the variations in perfusion time were smaller than those in patients with NGF.

Pulsed laser assisted reduction of graphene oxide as a flexible transparent conducting material

In this paper, we use a simple and highly-effective pulsed laser reducing method to fabricate flexible, transparent and conducting graphene film. The pulsed laser reducing process was monitored by digital camera and UV-visible spectroscopy. The obtained reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) was characterized by Raman spectroscopy. Based on this reducing method, the resulting r-GO films possessed a transmittance varied from 29% to 74% and a sheet resistance varied from 2.1 MΩ/[square] to 840 Ω/[square], which was very close to chemically r-GO film.

Characterization of the rat Class 3 aldehyde dehydrogenase gene promoter

The Class 3 aldehyde dehydrogenase gene (ALDH-3) is differentially expressed. Expression is either constitutive or xenobiotic inducible via an aromatic hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor-mediated pathway, depending upon the tissue. A series of studies were performed to examine the regulation of rat ALDH-3 basal expression. DNase I footprint analysis identified four DNA regions within the proximal 1 kb of the 5' flanking region of rat ALDH-3 which interact with regulatory proteins. Reporter gene and gel mobility shift assays indicate that Sp1-like proteins interact with two proximal DNase I footprinted sites to confer strong promoter activity. Two distal DNase I footprinted sites are found within a region that inhibits rat ALDH-3 promoter activity. This negative region is bound by NF1-like proteins and/or unique proteins. This 1 kb 5' flanking region of rat ALDH-3 may act constitutively in many cell types. In contrast with other Ah receptor regulated genes, no DNA elements or transcription factors acting within this region appear to be involved in regulating xenobiotic-inducible expression of rat ALDH-3.

Comparison of the anatomic distribution of stomach cancer and precancerous gastric lesions

The anatomic distribution of precancerous gastric lesions among 3,400 residents in Linqu, Shandong Province of China, was compared with the anatomic distribution of stomach cancer (SC) among 959 patients in Tokyo, Japan. The incidence of SC is high in both areas, and locations within the stomach of the precancerous and malignant lesions were classified using similar criteria. Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) affected 98% of the population in Linqu, with intestinal metaplasia (IM) the most severe diagnosis in 33% and dysplasia (DYS) in 20%. Neither the SC nor precancerous lesions were uniformly distributed in the stomach. Among the DYS 3% were along the greater curvature of the body, 15% along the lesser curvature of the body, 25% in the angulus, 22% along the lesser curvature of the antrum, and 34% elsewhere in the antrum. Among the SC the corresponding percentages were 2, 16, 28, 25 and 29. The similarity to the SC distribution increased gradually from CAG to IM to DYS, providing further evidence for the multistage progression of precancerous gastric lesions.