Serum uric acid levels in patients with infections of central nervous system.

The lower levels of serum uric acid (UA) correlated with meningitis have been reported. However, comparison of UA levels among different kinds of infections of central nervous system (CNS) and changes of UA levels before and after treatment are unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the antioxidant status of serum UA in five common types of CNS infections.

Comparisons of presentations and outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis between patients with and without hepatitis B virus infection.

Objective: The clinical characteristics and outcomes in cryptococcal meningitis (CM) have been shown to vary depending on the underlying condition. The purpose of this study was to investigate these differences in patients with and without hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2006 to June 2012.

Distinct serum apolipoprotein A-I levels in neuromyelitis optica and acute transverse myelitis.

Objective: NMO and ATM are intertwined both clinically and pathologically. Apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, the main apolipoprotein of HDL, plays an important role in lipid metabolism in the cerebrospinal fluid and is known to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines generated by activated T cells in some autoimmune diseases as an immune regulator. However, the differences in the levels of serum apoA-I between NMO and ATM patients are unclear.

Histological and ultrastructural study on the medial canthal ligament of blepharophimosis, ptosis and epicanthus inversus syndrome.

Background: Blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is a rare congenital ophthalmic disorder, characterized by congenital eyelid malformation including bilateral ptosis, shortening of the horizontal eyelid fissure, epicanthus inversus, and increased distance between the inner canthi. In this research, we studied the histological structure and ultrastructure of medial canthal ligament of patients with BPES.

Methods: Thirty patients with BPES who received plastic surgery at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from March 2006 to January 2008 were studied.

Mitochondrial complex I defect induces ROS release and degeneration in trabecular meshwork cells of POAG patients: protection by antioxidants.

Purpose: There is growing evidence that oxidative stress contributes to the progression of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The authors provide evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is a possible mechanism for the loss of trabecular meshwork (TM) cells in persons with POAG.

Methods: TM from patients with POAG (GTM) and age-matched subjects without disease (NTM) were obtained by standard surgical trabeculectomy.

[Establishment of human retinoblastoma model in human immune reconstruction non-obese diabetic-severe combine immunodeficient mice].

Objective: To develop a novel immunotherapy model of retinoblastoma (RB) in human PBL non-obese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice, and to investigate its biological features.

Methods: Twenty NOD-SCID mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A, subcutaneous injection of phosphate buffered saline; group B, intraperitoneal injection of human peripheral blood lymphocyte (hu-PBL) for immune reconstruction; group C, subcutaneous injection of SO-RB50 cells and group D, intraperitoneal injection of hu-PBL with subcutaneous injection of SO-RB50 cells. The physical status of NOD-SCID mice and the tumor growth were observed.

[Histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of oil-associated complications in silicone oil-filled human eyes].

Objective: To observe morphological changes of oil-associated complications in silicone oil-filled human eyes, and to further explore their pathogenesis.

Methods: The morphology analysis and immunohistochemistrical study were performed in 25 specimens including 8 eyeballs, 1 ocular content, 4 preretinal membranes, 4 corneal buttons and 8 lens from human eyes with silicone oil tamponade. Two of preretinal membranes acquired freshly were also evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).