Complement factor H polymorphism in age-related maculopathy in the Chinese population: the Beijing Eye Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between the Y402H polymorphism in the complement factor H and soft drusen of the macula as part of age-related maculopathy in the Chinese population.

Methods: In the population-based Beijing Eye Study, the participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination including fundus photography. All fundus photographs were graded using the Wisconsin Grading System.

[Short hairpin RNA targeting vascular endothelial growth factor effectively inhibits expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human retinal pigment epithelium].

Objective: To design shRNA targeted to human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and to evaluate the effect of VEGF. shRNA on expression of VEGF in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in vitro.

Methods: Human RPE cells were isolated with enzyme-assisted microdissection.

[The prevalence and its effective factors of primary angle-closure glaucoma in defined populations of rural and urban in Beijing].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) of urban and rural residents in Beijing, China. A quantitative comparison was made based on the data collected from this epidemiological survey. We also identify some of the most typical risk factors associated with PACG.

[The prevalence and its screening methods of primary open angle glaucoma in defined population-based study of rural and urban in Beijing].

Objective: The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in persons aged 40 or above in Beijing, China.

Methods: From June 2001 to October 2001, the screening population was identified by a door-to-door census in five metropolitan resident areas in the north of Beijing and three villages in a county south to Beijing. The screening included visual acuity, frequency doubling perimetry (FDP, C-20 screening program), non-contact tonometry, slit lamp microscopy, anterior chamber depth (Van Herick method), and fundus photography.

[Adeno-associated virus mediated delivery and expression of GDNF cDNA in cultured bovine iris pigment epithelial cells].

Objectives: To obtain transgenic bovine iris pigment epithelial cells (IPECs) by adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated delivery of cDNA of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF).

Methods: AAV-GDNF was titrated by slot blotting. Cultured bovine passage two IPECs were transfected using AAV-GDNF at dosage of MOI (multiplicity of infection) = 50, then were cultured in DMEM medium complemented with 3% FBS for 4 weeks with no change of medium.

[Prevalence of low vision and blindness in defined populations in rural and urban areas in Beijing].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness in Beijing residents aged 40 and over.

Methods: 4,451 residents aged 40 and over in 3 rural communities and 5 urban communities in Beijing underwent eye examination, including examination of distant and near visual acuity (VA), best corrected distant and near VA, pinhole VA, and visual field, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated ocular examination in the form of in-home survey by defined population-based sampling. The medical history was surveyed too.

[The application of digital photography with retroillumination for lens in cataract study].

Objective: To evaluate the reliability of digital photography with retroillumination for lens as a tool to assess the degree of lens opacity, and to study the morphological features of some lens diseases using the digital images.

Methods: The cataract screener (Neitz CT-S) was connected to a computer capable of acquiring digital images of lens. The digital lens retroillumination and slit lamp images were collected in 64 eyes.