Degree Of Morphological Changes Research Articles

Anti-tumor effect of volatile oil from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. on HepG2 cells and HepG2 tumor-bearing mice.

The aim of this paper is to study the anti-tumor mechanism of volatile oil from Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (sodium new houttuyfonate, SNH). In vitro, SNH exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect against four human cancer lines (HepG2, A2780, MCF-7, SKOV-3). SNH treatment with different concentrations induced HepG2 cells to exhibit varying degrees of morphological changes in apoptotic features, such as round shape, cell shrinkage and formation of apoptotic body. It was observed that SNH caused the decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA expression and triggered the apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Wound healing assay and RT-PCR results showed that the decrease in the expression level of MMP9 and VEGF was observed in HepG2 cells after treatment with SNH for 48 h, suggesting that the extracellular matrix pathway degradation was involved in the HepG2 cells migration. Moreover, we got an insight into the binding mode of SNH into the MMP9 active site through 3D pharmacophore models. Docking study and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis sheds light on that SNH was completely embedded into the MMP9 active site and formed hydrogen bonds with key catalytic residues of MMP9, including Ala191, His190, Ala189 and Glu227. The prediction of SNH binding interaction energies in the MMP9 was almost in good agreement with the original inhibitor EN140. In vivo experiments, both SNH and cyclophosphamide significantly reduced tumor weights and their tumor inhibitory rates were 50.78% and 82.61% respectively. This study demonstrated that SNH was an apoptosis inducer in HepG2 cells. SNH has four possible functions, that it could induce apoptosis by mitochondria pathway in HepG2 cells, inhibit the tumor growth, regulate Bcl-2 family mRNA expression and effectively subdue migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by decreasing the expression of MMP9 and VEGF. Therefore, SNH might be a potential candidate drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, which could provide a reference for further clinical research.

Expression of WIF-1 in inflammatory bowel disease.

The WNT/β-catenin cellular network has been extensively studied in numerous diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a condition that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer. WIF-1 is an inhibitory protein that acts by blocking the interactions of WNT with its receptor complex, thus leading to downregulation of end products of this pathway. While WIF-1 has been characterized in several cancers, its relationship with IBD has yet to be elucidated. In this study, the expression of WIF-1 in patients with IBD was analyzed in order to provide insights into the pathophysiology and rationale for alternative therapies. Biopsies of both normal and inflamed colonic mucosa from patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis were histologically examined for the degree of morphologic changes, immune cell infiltration and presence of WIF-1 through immunohistochemistry. No differences were observed in WIF-1 expression linked to a particular condition, but WIF-1 stain was significantly enhanced in the crypts and lamina propria as inflammation increased in biopsies from patients with both, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. These findings could give guidance to new therapeutic applications of the WNT/β-catenin system and WIF-1 in IBD.

Exopolysaccharides produced by Lactobacillus strains suppress HT-29 cell growth via induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

In the present study, the effects of exopolysaccharides (EPS) from nine Lactobacillus strains with a high degree of bio-activity on human colon cancer cell line HT-29 were studied. The extracellular polymeric substances from 4 strains, namely K11, M5, SB27 and ×12, displayed desirable anti-proliferative activity against HT-29 cells. Crude and acidic EPS were purified from the 4 strains and the inhibitory effects were further investigated. The crude and acidic EPS from these 4 strains exerted anti-proliferation effects on HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner but were nontoxic to Vero cells. Treatment with EPS significantly induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of HT-29 cells. Hoechst 33258 staining of acidic EPS-treated HT-29 cells revealed different degrees of morphological changes within the nucleus and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Caspase-3 activity was markedly upregulated in HT-29 cells following treatment with acidic EPS. In addition, acidic EPS from the SB27 strain demonstrated the most robust inhibitory effect on HT-29 cells. The results of the present study suggest that as an inducer of apoptosis EPS has the potential to be applied in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

THE COMPARATIVE MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE NEPHROTOXICITY OF DOXORUBICIN AND NANOSTRUCTURED DOXORUBICIN IN CONDITIONS OF TRANSPLANTABLE CARCINOGENESIS

The study was carried out on 120 mongrel white laboratory rats, to whom were transplanted the ascitiс Zaidel's hepatoma and which were divided into three equal groups. Of these, the first group of animals was a control group without treatment. In the second group, to animals doxorubicin was injected, in the third group, nanostructured doxorubicin was injected to the animals for 21 days. The aim of the study was to assess the degree of morphological changes in the tubules and glomeruli of the kidneys under the influence of nanostructured doxorubicin and doxorubicin in the condition of transplantable carcinogenesis. Given the nephrotoxicity of the chemotherapy drugs studied, the dynamics of structural changes in the tubules and glomeruli of the kidneys was studied. Conducted a comparative morphological evaluation of the changes occurring in the kidneys. The results of a morphological study of the structural components of the kidneys prove that doxorubicin and nanostructured doxorubicin have different effects on both the tubular apparatus and the glomeruli of the kidneys in the condition of transient carcinogenesis. The use of doxorubicin is accompanied by a relatively pronounced nephrotoxic effect, which is indicated by dystrophic and necrobiotic changes in the epithelium of convoluted tubules and the glomerular apparatus of the kidneys. The use of nanostructured doxorubicin is limited to moderately expressed dystrophic changes in the epithelium of the tubular apparatus of the kidneys, the glomerular apparatus remains intact at the same time. Thus, the use of the preparation of nanostructured doxorubicin for the treatment of the ascitic hepatoma of Zaidel in experimental animals has a less pronounced toxic and damaging effect on the renal parenchyma.

Особливості процесів ліпопероксидаціїв порожній кишціпри резекції різних об’ємів паренхіми печінки

Introduction. Resections of large volumes of liver parenchyma are complicated by postresection portal hypertension, which leads to structural and functional changes in the organs of the basin portal hepatic vein. The features of the remodeling of the jejunum structures and the features of the processes of lipid peroxidation after resection of different volumes of liver parenchyma were not adequately investigated.The aim of the study – to learn the features of lipid peroxidation processes in the jejunum of experimental animals after resection of different volumes of liver parenchyma.Research Methods. The studies were performed on 36 white male rats, which were divided into 3 groups. The first group consisted of 12 intact experimental animals (control), 2nd – 12 animals, which removed the left side lobe of the liver, which was 31.5% of its parenchyma, 3rd – 12 rats after resection of the left and right lateral lobes, that is 58, 1% of liver parenchyma. One month after the beginning of the experiment, euthanasia of rats was performed by bloodletting under conditions of thiopental anesthesia. In quantitative evaluation of lipid peroxidation processes, the content of diene conjugates and active products of thiobarbituric acid in the wall jejunum homogenates were determined. Sections from the jejunum were fixed in a 10% neutral formalin solution, and after conducting, the ethyl alcohol of increasing concentration was placed in paraffin. Histologic sections 5–7 мm thick after deparaffinization were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, for van Gizon, Mallory, Weigert, and toluidine blue. Gistostereometrically there were determined the relative volumes of damaged endothelial cells, epithelial cells, smooth myocytes, relative volume of stroma in the muscle. A correlation analysis was carried out between biochemical and histostereometric indices with the definition of the coefficient (r) of correlation. Quantitative values were processedstatistically.Results and Discussion. It was established that in conditions of the simulated experiment one month after the resection of the liver the expressed processes of lipid peroxidation occurred in the intestine. Thus, after removal of 31.5% of the liver parenchyma, the content of diene conjugates increased in 1.9 times after resection of 58.1% of liver parenchyma – 3.4 times, the concentration of active products of tiobarbituric acid, respectively, in 2.1 and 6.7 times. The obtained and analyzed indicators testify that at removal of significant volumes of liver parenchyma processes of peroxide oxidation of lipids, which depend on the removed volume of a liver, are substantially increased. A relative volume of damaged epithelial cells of the mucous membrane of the jejunum in the 2nd group of observations increased in 2.6 times, endothelial cells – 2 times, smooth myocytes – 1.86 times, stroma in the muscle of the jejunum– 12.7%. After resection of 58.1% of liver parenchyma,the investigated morphometric parameters increased by 30.6; 19.0; 11.8 and 2.4 times. Correlation connections between the concentrationlipid peroxidation products and relative volumes of damaged endothelial cells, epithelial cells, smooth myocytes and stroma in the wall of the jejunum were positive and significant and intensified when 58.1% of liver parenchyma were removed and ranged from +0.53 to +0.84,Conclusions. Lipid peroxidation plays an important role in the adaptive-compensatory processes of the jejunumafter resection of different volumes of liver parenchyma. The degree of morphological changes in the jejunum correlates with the concentration oflipid peroxidation products and depends on the removed volume of liver parenchyma.

Variation in the Phenotype of Photosensitive Cells Produced from Human Fibroblast Cell Lines.

Photoreceptors differentiated from somatic cells are a useful tool for transplantation and drug screening. We previously showed that photosensitive cells are differentiated from human fibroblasts by direct reprogramming. In induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells or embryonic stem (ES) cells, the properties of differentiated cells differ among the source of cell lines. However, whether or not the properties of the photosensitive cells produced by direct reprogramming are controlled by the origin of the cell line remains unknown. We compared the morphological and physiological properties of photosensitive cells induced by two fibroblast cell lines. The differentiated cells had larger somas and more primary processes than the non-infected cells in both cell lines. The degree of morphological change was statistically different between the two cell lines. In addition, physiological responses to light differed between the two cell lines. An outward current (photoreceptor-like response) was observed in both cell lines, while an inward current (intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell-like response) was observed only in one cell line under light stimulation. These results suggest that photosensitive cells produced from different cell lines by direct reprogramming might express different phenotypes.

Cytotoxic activity and apoptotic induction of some edible Thai local plant extracts against colon and liver cancer cell lines

Purpose : To evaluate eight edible Thai local plant extracts ( Camellia sinensis, Careya sphaerica, Cratoxylum formosum, Eleutherococcus trifoliatus, Ficus auriculata, Persicaria odorata, Schima wallichii, and Vaccinium sprengelii ) against colon and liver cancer cell lines. Methods : The 80 % ethanol plant extracts were screened for cytotoxic activity against human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells by MTT assay. The 50 % cytotoxic activity concentration (CC 50 ) was then determined. Apoptotic cell death was observed by inverted microscopy and DNA fragmentation using agarose gel electrophoresis. Results : P. odorata and S. wallichii extracts showed strong cytotoxic activity, with the latter exhibiting more potent cytotoxic activity than the former. The CC 50 value of S. wallichii extract was 453 and 367 µg/mL against HT-29 and HepG2 cells, respectively. In contrast, P. odorata extract showed CC 50 value of 775 µg/mL against HT-29 and 1665 µg/mL against HepG2 cells. Microscopic observations indicate that the degree of morphological changes was concentration-dependent. The cell lines treated with both plant extracts displayed apoptosis. Conclusion : The two plant extracts have high potentials for medicinal use in colon and liver cancer management. However, further studies are needed to isolate the active compounds responsible for the cytotoxic activities. Keywords : Edible Thai local plants, Cytotoxic activity, Apoptotic induction, Colon cancer, Liver cancer

A comparative experimental-morphological study of the methods of chemodestruction, cryodestruction and laser destruction of the peripheral nerve trunk

An experimental morphological study of the methods of chemodestruction, cryodestruction and laser destruction as those of medical denervation in pharmacoresistant forms of prosopalgia was carried out. The obtained data testify to the presence of evident destructive macro- and microscopic changes both in the nerve trunk and its surrounding tissues when using alcoholic chemodestruction. A lesser degree of morphological changes was observed in phenol chemodestruction. Cryodestruction was characterized by morphological signs of persistent denervation with a minimal manifestation of perifocal changes in the surrounding tissues. The laser method of denervation resulted in replacement of destruction by regeneration in the early period. Perifocal changes were minimal.

Quantitative Measurement of Muscle Atrophy and Fat Infiltration of the Supraspinatus Muscle Using Ultrasonography After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

ObjectiveTo investigate the utility of ultrasonography to objectively examine morphological changes (i.e., muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration) of the supraspinatus muscle.MethodsThirty-four patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. The degrees of muscle atrophy and fat infiltration were measured using ultrasonography 3–4 months after arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair. Shoulder function (i.e., shoulder active range of motion, visual analogue scale, and constant score) was examined. Using the symmetricity of the muscles in the human body, the degrees of morphological changes of the supraspinatus muscle were quantitatively measured. The associations between the morphological changes of the supraspinatus muscle and shoulder function were identified.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in the cross-sectional area (CSA) and echogenicity between the surgery and non-surgery sides (p<0.001). The CSA ratio, which represents the degree of muscle atrophy, was associated with shoulder forward flexion, external rotation, and constant score; however, the echogenicity ratio, which represents the degree of fat infiltration, was not associated with shoulder function after surgery.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that shoulder function could be predicted by evaluating the morphological changes of the supraspinatus muscle using ultrasonography and that objective evaluation is possible through quantitative measurement using the symmetricity of the human body.

Evaluation of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency by cine-dynamic MRCP using spatially selective inversion-recovery (IR) pulse: Correlation with severity of chronic pancreatitis based on morphological changes of pancreatic duct

PurposeTo evaluate the correlation between the pancreatic exocrine insufficiency estimated by cine-dynamic MRCP using spatially selective IR pulse and the severity stages (modified Cambridge classification) based on morphological changes of the pancreatic duct in patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis. Materials and methodsThirty-nine patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis underwent cine-dynamic MRCP with a spatially selective IR pulse. The secretion grading score (5-point scale) based on the moving distance of pancreatic juice inflow on cine-dynamic MRCP was assessed, and compared with the stage of the severity of chronic pancreatitis based on morphological changes of pancreatic duct. ResultThe stage of the severity of chronic pancreatitis based on morphological changes had significant negative correlations with the secretion grade (r=−0.698, P<0.001). The secretion grading score of stage 4 was significantly lower than stage 1–3 (P<0.001, P=0.002, P=0.025, respectively). In all 19 patients in stage 4, the secretion grading score was <0.70. The secretion grading score of stage 1 was significantly higher than stage 2 and 4 (P=0.019, P<0.001, respectively). In stage 2, the secretion grading score was <0.70 in 8 (89%) of 9 patients showing pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Conversely, in stage 3, the secretion grading score was >0.70 in 2 (33%) of 6 patients showing normal pancreatic exocrine function. ConclusionIt should be noted that the degree of morphological changes of pancreatic duct does not necessarily reflect the severity of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency at cine-dynamic MRCP in stage 2–3 chronic pancreatitis.

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Purpose The purpose of the work was to study the clinical and neuroradiological features of segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD), congenital anomaly with local hypogenesis of a spinal motion segment and the spinal cord; as well as the selection of an optimal tactics of treating this anomaly. Methods The authors reviewed the literature and present seven clinical cases of their own practice. Results The severity of clinical deficit correlates with the degree of morphological changes in the spinal cord, the level of dysgenesis, as well as with the presence of combined and concomitant developmental anomalies. Early decompression of neural structures and spine stabilization play an important role in improvement of treatment results but the immature bone structures in infants limit the possibilities of early instrumented fixation. Conclusion SSD is a specific developmental anomaly of the spine and spinal cord that features some clinical and radiological peculiarities. This anomaly fills the gap between the infant thoracolumbar kyphosis with segmental subluxation and the syndrome of caudal regression. Early diagnosis and individual approach to determination of an optimal period of surgical treatment and tactics are required in each case

Three-dimensional echocardiographic measurements using automated quantification software for big data processing.

To compare a full-automated software to quantify 3D transthoracic echocardiography namely, 3DE-HM (three-dimensional echocardiography HeartModel, Philips Healthcare) with the traditional manual quantitative method (3DE-manual) for assessing volumes of left atrial and ventricular volumes, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). 3D full volume images acquired from 156 subjects were collected and divided into 3 groups, which include 70 normal control cases (Group A), 17 patients with left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (Group B), and 69 patients with left atrial remodeling secondary to hypertension (Group C). The 3DE-HM method was used to quantify left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left atrial end-systolic volume (LAESV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), respectively. The results were compared with those obtained with the 3DE-manual method for correlation and consistency analyses. The reproducibility of the 3DE-HM method was also evaluated. There was a high correlation between LVEDV, LVESV, LAESV and LVEF values obtained with the 3DE-HM method and those obtained using the 3DE-manual method (r = 0.72 to 0.97). The correlation was strongest for Group B, patients with left ventricular remodeling post-AMI also demonstrated the greatest degree of morphologic changes. There was a significant difference in all parameters measured with the 3DE-HM method in different groups (P < 0.05). The difference in the measurements of LVEDV and LVESV between the two methods was greatest in patients in Group B compared with patients with hypertension-induced left ventricular remodeling (Group C) and in normal controls (Group A) (P < 0.05). Lastly, the difference in the measurement of LAESV between the two methods was greater in patients with hypertension-induced left ventricular remodeling (Group C) than that in the control group (Group A) (P < 0.05). The post-processing time of the 3DE-HM data was significantly shorter than that using the 3DE-manual method (P < 0.05). There was no significant variability in repeated measurements at different time points using the 3DE-HM method either between subjects in different groups or within the same subject. 3DE-HM is a quick and feasible method for left ventricular quantification and is clinically applicable for evaluating patients with left atrial and left ventricular remodeling.

Early Mode of Life and Hatchling Size in Cephalopod Molluscs: Influence on the Species Distributional Ranges.

Cephalopods (nautiluses, cuttlefishes, squids and octopuses) exhibit direct development and display two major developmental modes: planktonic and benthic. Planktonic hatchlings are small and go through some degree of morphological changes during the planktonic phase, which can last from days to months, with ocean currents enhancing their dispersal capacity. Benthic hatchlings are usually large, miniature-like adults and have comparatively reduced dispersal potential. We examined the relationship between early developmental mode, hatchling size and species latitudinal distribution range of 110 species hatched in the laboratory, which represent 13% of the total number of live cephalopod species described to date. Results showed that species with planktonic hatchlings reach broader distributional ranges in comparison with species with benthic hatchlings. In addition, squids and octopods follow an inverse relationship between hatchling size and species latitudinal distribution. In both groups, species with smaller hatchlings have broader latitudinal distribution ranges. Thus, squid and octopod species with larger hatchlings have latitudinal distributions of comparatively minor extension. This pattern also emerges when all species are grouped by genus (n = 41), but was not detected for cuttlefishes, a group composed mainly of species with large and benthic hatchlings. However, when hatchling size was compared to adult size, it was observed that the smaller the hatchlings, the broader the latitudinal distributional range of the species for cuttlefishes, squids and octopuses. This was also valid for all cephalopod species with benthic hatchlings pooled together. Hatchling size and associated developmental mode and dispersal potential seem to be main influential factors in determining the distributional range of cephalopods.

Морфологічні основи розвитку хронічного інтерстиційного сіалоаденіту при патології гепатобіліарної системи

Reactive changes of different nature in salivary glands is accompanied by many diseases of internal organs. Due to the complex neurohormonal regulation, bile secretion system is functionally interconnected with all organs and systems of the digestive tract. The article presents data of structural changes of acinar tissue and bloodstream of parotid salivary gland in experimental obstructive jaundice. It was established that the degree of morphological changes in the parotid gland, angioarchitectonics state and nature of degenerative and destructive processes is directly dependent on the duration of obstructive cholestasis.

EP03.03: Gender related structural differences in the fetal brain measured by 3D ultrasound

The aim of this study was to measure the depth of parieto-occipital fissure, calcarine sulcus, insula and Sylvian fissure of the fetal brain in order to establish normal reference ranges. Furthermore, to find out whether there are gender related structural brain differences and left-right differences between the brain hemispheres. In a cross-sectional study 3D ultrasound volumes of fetal brains were obtained from axial, coronal and sagittal planes. All scans were performed using E8 General Electric equipment (Zipf, Austria), with a 5–8 MHz 3D transabdominal and 5–9 MHz 3D transvaginal transducer. Depth of parieto-occipital, calcarine sulcus, insula and Sylvian fissure was measured in the axial and coronal plane to evaluate the differences in the cortical development through gestation. Furthermore 5 pathological cases (two with arachnoidal cyst one with brain hemorrhagia and two with partial corpus callosum agenesis) were studied in order to show the clinical relevance of the new reference ranges. Over a period of 4 years 514 normal fetuses between 13 and 40 gestational weeks were examined. The volumes were acquired either by transvaginal (n = 311) or transabdominal (n = 201) ultrasound. The comparison of brains in male and female fetuses didn't reveal striking differences. Concerning differences between the left and right hemisphere we could find out that the parieto-occipital fissure shows a higher depth on the left side. Fetal brain development follows a predictable timetable. Knowledge of appearance and degree of morphological changes may help in the detection of fetal brain pathology. In contrast to 2D ultrasound 3D sonography enables a precise evaluation of the fetal cortical development.

Algorithm of morphological assessment for predicting clinical course of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma

Aim. To determine the association between morphological characteristics of tumor growth and clinical manifestations of progression.&#x0D; Methods. The study included 118 patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma who were examined and treated at the department of head and neck cancer of Cancer Research Center of Uzbekistan from 2003 to 2013. The main group included 69 patients with primary nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, control group - 49 patients with relapsing tumors who underwent surgery. Standard histological examination was performed in all patients. The algorithm for determination of morphological changes degree was developed based on approach proposed by K.M. Mardaleyshvili (1985), which was modified by authors.&#x0D; Results. Seven most important morphological features of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma were outlined. On this basis, we proposed to determine the degree of morphological changes for the prediction and treatment monitoring, which is a graded scale for the signs in each of the seven groups. In the main group of patients with cell type of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma growth, the scores ranged from 10 to 13, marking the 1st degree of morphological changes. Patients with vascular fibrous type of tumor growth had 18-19 points, which corresponds to the 2nd degree of morphological changes in the tumor. Tumor samples of patients with vascular fibrous type of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma had the most evident morphological changes in the tumor tissue, which corresponded to 3rd degrees with the scores reaching 28.&#x0D; Conclusion. The proposed algorithm for determining the grade of morphological characteristics may be used for determining the treatment tactics and monitoring the tumor growth in patients with juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, as well as the prognostic factor.

Changes in Lower Eyelid Positions after Individualized Lower Blepharoplasty

Purpose: Various forms and degrees of morphological changes in the lower eyelid are presented in this study. A comprehensive, individualized clinical approach based on sound anatomical principles and lower lid stability is needed. We evaluated morphological outcomes of lower blepharoplasty by measuring lower eyelid position. Methods: One hundred sixty-eight eyes underwent lower blepharoplasty between August 2009 and August 2014. The mean patient age was 62.1 ± 13 years and mean follow-up period was 6.0 ± 10.2 months. Lower eyelid position of 84 consecutive primary lower blepharoplasty patients (52 females and 32 males) was analyzed using digital images and measured with standardized data points using the Image J Program. Results: Of the 168 individualized lower eyelid blepharoplasties analyzed, margin reflex distance 2 (MRD2) decreased from 5.4 ± 1.1 mm to 4.9 ± 0.8 mm (p = 0.005) and marginal nose distance (MND) increased from 59.2 ± 18.3 mm to 61.9 ± 17.6 mm (p < 0.001). Complications after lower blepharoplasty were not observed. Conclusions: The position of the lower eyelid improved after individualized lower blepharoplasty that addressed all the anatomical lower eyelid findings was performed. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2015;56(12):1831-1839

A follow-up study on acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation by pulmonary high-resolution CT.

This study aims to identify morphological changes in the lung parenchyma of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) follow-up. Factors influencing these changes are also examined. Information and lung HRCT scans were collected and studied 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the withdrawal of severe ARDS survivors rescued by ECMO in the Respiratory Care Unit of Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from November 2009 to August 2012. The observation endpoint was set as the time when the lung lesions were basically absorbed or 12 months after withdrawal. Among nine survivors, one survivor was lost to follow-up. The lesions of two patients, which were attributed to bacterial pneumonia and pneumocystis pneumonia, were basically absorbed 1 month after surgery. Six patients completed the 12 month follow-up. Although initial morphological changes varied, different degrees of absorption improvement were observed in later stages of treatment. Lung HRCT analysis on the sixth month indicated that the degree of involvement of the ventral region was greater than that of the dorsal area. No significant difference was observed in patients in terms of ECMO support time, pre-ECMO Murray score, and APACHE II score, among others. Lung HRCT of severe ARDS survivors after ECMO treatment showed various degrees of morphological changes in the lung parenchyma. The severity of these changes may be associated with the disease duration.

Phacoemulsification Induced Transient Swelling of Corneal Descemet’s Endothelium Complex Imaged with Ultra-High Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography

PurposeThickness changes of corneal sub-layers after phacoemulsification were investigated by spectral domain ultra-high resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT). MethodsThe corneas (n = 26) of 26 age-related cataract surgery patients were studied. UHR-OCT was used to evaluate the thickness of Descemet’s Endothelium Complex (DEC), stroma, Bowman’s layer, epithelium, and full cornea at the center (CCT) before, one day after, and one week after surgery. Non-contact specular microscopy measured CCT, endothelial cell density, and morphology.ResultsThe DEC, stroma, Bowman’s layer, and epithelium were visualized by UHR-OCT. Before surgery, the DEC in all cases appeared as a translucent space between two smooth opaque lines. One day after surgery, the posterior corneal surfaces in half of the eyes were wavy and irregular. Compared to the baseline, one day after surgery the thickness increases of the DEC, stroma, and CCT were 4.3 ± 2.6 µm, 25.5 ± 24.9 µm, and 32.1 ± 26.6 µm, respectively (P < 0.001). The morphology of the DEC and the CCT recovered to baseline one week after surgery (P > 0.05), but endothelial cell density was 8.7% less than at baseline. There were no significant changes in Bowman’s layer and epithelium after the operation. The pre-operative DEC thickness was positively correlated with the decreased endothelial cell density at 1 day after surgery (r = 0.55, P = 0.003).ConclusionsThe DEC showed edematous thickening and different degrees of morphological changes after phacoemulsification. The DEC deformation and corneal edema recovered by one week after surgery, which indicated recovery of endothelial function. UHR-OCT is a useful tool to evaluate function of the DEC after phacoemulsification. Pre-operative DEC thickness may indicate the integrity of the endothelium and could be used for predicting endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification.

Similar neuroprotective effects of ischemic and hypoxic preconditioning on hypoxia–ischemia in the neonatal rat: A proton MRS study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ischemic and hypoxic preconditioning on hypoxia–ischemia (HI) in the neonatal rat. Seven-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, sham, ischemic preconditioning, and hypoxic preconditioning. Ischemic preconditioning with a 10-min occlusion of the right carotid artery and hypoxic preconditioning with 4-h of hypoxia (8% oxygen) were performed 24-h before HI. For HI, all rats underwent right carotid artery ligature, followed by 2.5-h of hypoxia. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) and TUNEL staining were evaluated at 1 and 7 days after HI. At 2 weeks after HI, all rats were sacrificed for morphological analysis. The lipid (Lip), N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), and choline-ratios were calculated and compared with TUNEL staining and brain morphologies. Both the ischemic and hypoxic preconditioning groups showed lower Lip/NAA and Lip/Cr ratios and morphological scores, and fewer TUNEL-positive cells than the control and sham groups (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two preconditioning groups. In addition, the ratios correlated with the TUNEL staining and the degrees of morphological changes in all of the groups (P<0.05). These results suggest that ischemic and hypoxic preconditioning in neonatal rats with HI similarly attenuate brain injury. Moreover, Lip/NAA and Lip/Cr ratios may be used as markers for assessing the extent of brain damage.