Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity;however,these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies.Here,we examined whethe...Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity;however,these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies.Here,we examined whether the patterns and drivers of taxonomic beta diversity(TBD)and phylogenetic beta diversity(PBD)of breeding birds in China vary across(1)regions on both sides of the Hu Line,which demarcates China’s topographical,climatic,economic,and social patterns,and(2)species with different dispersal ability.TBD and PBD were calculated and partitioned into turnover and nestedness components using a moving window approach.Variables representing climate,habitat heterogeneity,and habitat quality were employed to evaluate the effects of environmental filtering.Spatial distance was considered to assess the impact of dispersal limitation.Variance partitioning analysis was applied to assess the relative roles of these variables.In general,the values of TBD and PBD were high in mountainous areas and were largely determined by environmental filtering.However,different dominant environmental filters on either side of the Hu Line led to divergent beta diversity patterns.Specifically,climate-driven species turnover and habitat heterogeneity-related species nestedness dominated the regions east and west of the line,respectively.Additionally,bird species with stronger dispersal ability were more susceptible to environmental filtering,resulting in more homogeneous assemblages.Our results indicated that regions with distinctive geographical backgrounds may present different ecological factors that lead to divergent assemblage dissimilarity patterns,and dispersal ability determines the response of assemblages to these ecological factors.Identifying a single universal explanation for the observed pattern without considering these aspects may lead to simplistic or incomplete conclusions.Consequently,a comprehensive understanding of large-scale beta diversity patterns and effective planning of conservation strategies necessitate the consideration of both geographical background and species dispersal ability.展开更多
● AIM: To compare the outcomes of Ex-PRESS implantation in one eye versus trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the fellow eye in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG).● METHODS: This was a prospectiv...● AIM: To compare the outcomes of Ex-PRESS implantation in one eye versus trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the fellow eye in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG).● METHODS: This was a prospective, non-randomized comparative study. Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients with bilateral POAG necessitating surgery were included and underwent Ex-PRESS implantation under the scleral flap in one eye and trabeculectomy in the other eye according to patients' choice. Primary outcome measures included mean intraocular pressure(IOP) and success rate. Secondary outcome measures were aqueous flare, postoperative medication use, visual acuity, and incidence of complications. ● RESULTS: All 24 patients finished a 1-year follow-up. Both groups maintained significant reductions in IOP after surgery throughout the follow-up period. At any point in time, the IOP of the two groups did not differ significantly. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed no significant differences in success between the two groups(P=0.289). The mean number of anti-glaucoma medicines and visual acuity in both groups were not significantly different. Eyes with Ex-PRESS implantation had lower aqueous flare values on days 1 and 3(both P<0.05). Instances of early postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusion were significantly fewer in frequency after Ex-PRESS implantation under the scleral flap compared with those after trabeculectomy(P <0.001).● CONCLUSION: Ex-PRESS is comparable to trabeculectomy in terms of IOP, success rate, number of glaucoma medications used, and visual acuity. However, Ex-PRESS resulted in fewer cases of inflammation and a lower rate of complications.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate changes of proinflammatory cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with acute primary angleclosure(APAC) and age-related cataracts. METHODS:Twenty eyes of 20 APAC patients and 15 eyes of 15 age-related ...AIM:To evaluate changes of proinflammatory cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with acute primary angleclosure(APAC) and age-related cataracts. METHODS:Twenty eyes of 20 APAC patients and 15 eyes of 15 age-related cataract patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Aqueous humor samples were collected prospectively. The levels of 20 proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated in the aqueous humor of the APAC and cataract patients using the multiplex bead immunoassay technique. Clinical data were collected for correlation analysis.RESULTS:Seven of the 20 proinflammatory cytokines included in the magnetic bead panel were detectable in both APAC eyes and cataract eyes:interleukin(IL)-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, IL-6, chemokine(C-C motif) ligand 20, and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α). IL-27 was only detectable in APAC eyes. Compared with the cataract eyes, the APAC eyes had significantly elevated concentrations of IL-12(P=0.036), IL-15(P=0.001), IL-6(P=0.012), and IL-27(only detectable in APAC eyes). Age was positively correlated with IL-12(P=0.022) and IL-6(P=0.037), and time elapsed between APAC onset and aqueous humor samples collection was positively correlated with IL-15(P=0.037), IL-27(P=0.040), and TNF-α(P=0.042).CONCLUSION:Several proinflammatory cytokines including IL-12,IL-15, IL-6 and IL-27, were elevated in the APAC eyes and may be implicated in its pathologic mechanism.展开更多
· Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness. Improved knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease has allowed the exploration of new therapeutic methods. In general, elevated intr...· Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness. Improved knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease has allowed the exploration of new therapeutic methods. In general, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), oxidative stress, and vascular insufficiency are accepted as the major risk factors for the progression of glaucoma. Many natural compounds have been found beneficial for glaucoma. Nutritional therapies are now emerging as potentially effective in glaucomatous therapy. One nutritional supplement with potential therapeutic value is cod liver oil, a dietary supplement that contains vitamin A and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Vitamin A is important for preserving normal vision and it is a well-known antioxidant that prevents the oxidative damage that contributes to the etiology and progression of glaucoma. Vitamin A is also a crucial factor for maintaining the integrity of conjunctival and corneal ocular surfaces, and preventing the impairment of ocular epithelium caused by topical antiglaucomatous drugs. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for glaucoma patients as they decrease IOP, increase ocular blood flow, and improve optic neuroprotective function. In this article, we propose that cod liver oil, as a combination of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, should be beneficial for the treatment of glaucoma. However, further studies are needed to explore the relationship between cod liver oil and glaucoma. ·展开更多
AIM: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of peripheral myopic retinopathy among a sample of Guangzhou office workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of Guangzhou Chinese office works in different departm...AIM: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of peripheral myopic retinopathy among a sample of Guangzhou office workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of Guangzhou Chinese office works in different departments and units of the Guangzhou Power Supply Bureau, China, in 2016. Myopic retinopathy was recorded and analyzed with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope and by slit-lamp microscopy combined with a three-mirror contact lens. RESULTS: In total, 1910 eyes of 955 subjects(508 females and 447 males) aged 21-59 y were included; 69.6% of these eyes were myopic. The myopia group had a younger age and worse uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA) and bestcorrected visual acuity(BCVA) when compared with hyperopia and emmetropia groups(P<0.001). The axial length(AL) was significantly longer, the spherical equivalent(SE) was more serious, and the optic nerve crescent was significantly larger in subjects with myopia than with hyperopia and emmetropia. Subjects with myopia, and especially high myopia, had the highest frequency of myopic retinal 18 changes(49.4%, P<0.001) [white-without-pressure(43.8%, P<0.001), lattice degeneration(4.5%, P=0.044)] among the three groups. Logistic regression confirmed that any myopia(OR: 3.41, P<0.001) [mild myopia(OR: 1.93, P=0.001), moderate myopia(OR:3.64, P<0.001), and high myopia(OR:10.58, P<0.001)], a greater AL(OR: 1.55, P<0.001) and a much higher SE(OR: 0.77, P<0.001) increased the risk for peripheral retinal changes.CONCLUSION: Myopia-related retinal changes are positively associated with greater AL, higher SE, and myopia.展开更多
·Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Of known risk factors for glaucoma, an increased in intraocular pressure is most highly correlated with glaucomatous damage. Ir...·Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Of known risk factors for glaucoma, an increased in intraocular pressure is most highly correlated with glaucomatous damage. Irrespective of the cause, apoptosis of the retinal ganglion cells is the eventual outcome. It is widely accepted that glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that is strongly correlated with central nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. These two disorders also share some similarities in pathogenic mechanisms. Recent studies suggest that the transient receptor potential canonical 6 channel could work together with brain-derived neurotrophic factor to promote neuron survival in brain and retina. In this study, we propose that transient receptor potential canonical 6 may contribute to the pathogenesis of human glaucoma and become a potential therapeutic target.展开更多
Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery.The three-dimensional(3D)digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can rele...Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery.The three-dimensional(3D)digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can release strain on the surgeon's neck and back,which can improve outcomes in microsurgery.We report a randomized prospective study of vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy using a 3D digital image microscope system(3D-DIM)in rats.A total of 16 adult male rats were randomly divided into two groups of 8 each:the standard operating microscope(SOM)group and the 3D-DIM group.The outcomes measured included the operative time,real-time postoperative mechanical patency,and anastomosis leakage.Furthermore,a user-friendly microscope score was designed to evaluate the ergonomic design and equipment characteristics of the microscope.There were no differences in operative time between the two groups.The real-time postoperative mechanical patency rates were 100.0%for both groups.The percentage of vasoepididymostomy anastomosis leakage was 16.7%in the SOM group and 25.0%in the 3D-DIM group;however,no vasovasostomy anastomosis leakage was found in either group.In terms of the ergonomic design,the 3D-DIM group obtained better scores based on the surgeon's feelings;in terms of the equipment characteristics,the 3D-DIM group had lower scores for clarity and higher scores for flexibility and adaptivity.Based on our randomized prospective study in a rat model,we believe that the 3D-DIM can improve surgeon comfort without compromising outcomes in male infertility reconstructive microsurgery,so the 3D-DIM might be widely used in the future.展开更多
INTRODUCTION Eye tumors can show diverse clinical signs.They can be misdiagnosed as glaucoma because of red eye,pain,severe headache,elevated intraocular pressure (IOP),even adhesion of the angle of the anterior chamb...INTRODUCTION Eye tumors can show diverse clinical signs.They can be misdiagnosed as glaucoma because of red eye,pain,severe headache,elevated intraocular pressure (IOP),even adhesion of the angle of the anterior chamber.In a study by Shields et al.,[1] 58 in 144 (40％) of patients with iris melanoma were diagnosed as glaucoma on their initial visit.However,special clinical characteristics,ophthalmic examination,and imaging technology can assist in making the right diagnosis.Ultrasound examinations,high-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM),fluorescein angiography,optical coherence tomography,computerized tomography (CT),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),and fine-needle aspiration biopsy are technologies that may help with early tumor detection.In this study,we highlighted the importance of correctly diagnosing tumor-related glaucoma through the review of nine cases that were initially misdiagnosed as glaucoma.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31901220)Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province,China(2019B121202004)+1 种基金Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2021A1515110744)Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province(DFGP Project of Fauna of Guangdong-202115)。
文摘Geographical background and dispersal ability may strongly influence assemblage dissimilarity;however,these aspects have generally been overlooked in previous large-scale beta diversity studies.Here,we examined whether the patterns and drivers of taxonomic beta diversity(TBD)and phylogenetic beta diversity(PBD)of breeding birds in China vary across(1)regions on both sides of the Hu Line,which demarcates China’s topographical,climatic,economic,and social patterns,and(2)species with different dispersal ability.TBD and PBD were calculated and partitioned into turnover and nestedness components using a moving window approach.Variables representing climate,habitat heterogeneity,and habitat quality were employed to evaluate the effects of environmental filtering.Spatial distance was considered to assess the impact of dispersal limitation.Variance partitioning analysis was applied to assess the relative roles of these variables.In general,the values of TBD and PBD were high in mountainous areas and were largely determined by environmental filtering.However,different dominant environmental filters on either side of the Hu Line led to divergent beta diversity patterns.Specifically,climate-driven species turnover and habitat heterogeneity-related species nestedness dominated the regions east and west of the line,respectively.Additionally,bird species with stronger dispersal ability were more susceptible to environmental filtering,resulting in more homogeneous assemblages.Our results indicated that regions with distinctive geographical backgrounds may present different ecological factors that lead to divergent assemblage dissimilarity patterns,and dispersal ability determines the response of assemblages to these ecological factors.Identifying a single universal explanation for the observed pattern without considering these aspects may lead to simplistic or incomplete conclusions.Consequently,a comprehensive understanding of large-scale beta diversity patterns and effective planning of conservation strategies necessitate the consideration of both geographical background and species dispersal ability.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81670847No.81600728)the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou,China(No.15570001)
文摘● AIM: To compare the outcomes of Ex-PRESS implantation in one eye versus trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the fellow eye in Chinese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma(POAG).● METHODS: This was a prospective, non-randomized comparative study. Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients with bilateral POAG necessitating surgery were included and underwent Ex-PRESS implantation under the scleral flap in one eye and trabeculectomy in the other eye according to patients' choice. Primary outcome measures included mean intraocular pressure(IOP) and success rate. Secondary outcome measures were aqueous flare, postoperative medication use, visual acuity, and incidence of complications. ● RESULTS: All 24 patients finished a 1-year follow-up. Both groups maintained significant reductions in IOP after surgery throughout the follow-up period. At any point in time, the IOP of the two groups did not differ significantly. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed no significant differences in success between the two groups(P=0.289). The mean number of anti-glaucoma medicines and visual acuity in both groups were not significantly different. Eyes with Ex-PRESS implantation had lower aqueous flare values on days 1 and 3(both P<0.05). Instances of early postoperative hypotony and choroidal effusion were significantly fewer in frequency after Ex-PRESS implantation under the scleral flap compared with those after trabeculectomy(P <0.001).● CONCLUSION: Ex-PRESS is comparable to trabeculectomy in terms of IOP, success rate, number of glaucoma medications used, and visual acuity. However, Ex-PRESS resulted in fewer cases of inflammation and a lower rate of complications.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81670847No.81600728)
文摘AIM:To evaluate changes of proinflammatory cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with acute primary angleclosure(APAC) and age-related cataracts. METHODS:Twenty eyes of 20 APAC patients and 15 eyes of 15 age-related cataract patients were included in this cross-sectional study. Aqueous humor samples were collected prospectively. The levels of 20 proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated in the aqueous humor of the APAC and cataract patients using the multiplex bead immunoassay technique. Clinical data were collected for correlation analysis.RESULTS:Seven of the 20 proinflammatory cytokines included in the magnetic bead panel were detectable in both APAC eyes and cataract eyes:interleukin(IL)-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, IL-6, chemokine(C-C motif) ligand 20, and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α). IL-27 was only detectable in APAC eyes. Compared with the cataract eyes, the APAC eyes had significantly elevated concentrations of IL-12(P=0.036), IL-15(P=0.001), IL-6(P=0.012), and IL-27(only detectable in APAC eyes). Age was positively correlated with IL-12(P=0.022) and IL-6(P=0.037), and time elapsed between APAC onset and aqueous humor samples collection was positively correlated with IL-15(P=0.037), IL-27(P=0.040), and TNF-α(P=0.042).CONCLUSION:Several proinflammatory cytokines including IL-12,IL-15, IL-6 and IL-27, were elevated in the APAC eyes and may be implicated in its pathologic mechanism.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81170849)Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Foundation, China (No.S2011020002401)Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (No.20100171110077)
文摘· Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness. Improved knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disease has allowed the exploration of new therapeutic methods. In general, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), oxidative stress, and vascular insufficiency are accepted as the major risk factors for the progression of glaucoma. Many natural compounds have been found beneficial for glaucoma. Nutritional therapies are now emerging as potentially effective in glaucomatous therapy. One nutritional supplement with potential therapeutic value is cod liver oil, a dietary supplement that contains vitamin A and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Vitamin A is important for preserving normal vision and it is a well-known antioxidant that prevents the oxidative damage that contributes to the etiology and progression of glaucoma. Vitamin A is also a crucial factor for maintaining the integrity of conjunctival and corneal ocular surfaces, and preventing the impairment of ocular epithelium caused by topical antiglaucomatous drugs. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for glaucoma patients as they decrease IOP, increase ocular blood flow, and improve optic neuroprotective function. In this article, we propose that cod liver oil, as a combination of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids, should be beneficial for the treatment of glaucoma. However, further studies are needed to explore the relationship between cod liver oil and glaucoma. ·
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81570865)the Guangdong Science and Technology Plan (No.2014A020212586)+1 种基金the Guangdong Natural Science Fund (No.2016A030310196 No.2017A030313543)
文摘AIM: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of peripheral myopic retinopathy among a sample of Guangzhou office workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of Guangzhou Chinese office works in different departments and units of the Guangzhou Power Supply Bureau, China, in 2016. Myopic retinopathy was recorded and analyzed with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope and by slit-lamp microscopy combined with a three-mirror contact lens. RESULTS: In total, 1910 eyes of 955 subjects(508 females and 447 males) aged 21-59 y were included; 69.6% of these eyes were myopic. The myopia group had a younger age and worse uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA) and bestcorrected visual acuity(BCVA) when compared with hyperopia and emmetropia groups(P<0.001). The axial length(AL) was significantly longer, the spherical equivalent(SE) was more serious, and the optic nerve crescent was significantly larger in subjects with myopia than with hyperopia and emmetropia. Subjects with myopia, and especially high myopia, had the highest frequency of myopic retinal 18 changes(49.4%, P<0.001) [white-without-pressure(43.8%, P<0.001), lattice degeneration(4.5%, P=0.044)] among the three groups. Logistic regression confirmed that any myopia(OR: 3.41, P<0.001) [mild myopia(OR: 1.93, P=0.001), moderate myopia(OR:3.64, P<0.001), and high myopia(OR:10.58, P<0.001)], a greater AL(OR: 1.55, P<0.001) and a much higher SE(OR: 0.77, P<0.001) increased the risk for peripheral retinal changes.CONCLUSION: Myopia-related retinal changes are positively associated with greater AL, higher SE, and myopia.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.81170849)Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Foundation,China (No.S2011020002401)Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China(RFDP,20100171110077)
文摘·Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Of known risk factors for glaucoma, an increased in intraocular pressure is most highly correlated with glaucomatous damage. Irrespective of the cause, apoptosis of the retinal ganglion cells is the eventual outcome. It is widely accepted that glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease that is strongly correlated with central nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. These two disorders also share some similarities in pathogenic mechanisms. Recent studies suggest that the transient receptor potential canonical 6 channel could work together with brain-derived neurotrophic factor to promote neuron survival in brain and retina. In this study, we propose that transient receptor potential canonical 6 may contribute to the pathogenesis of human glaucoma and become a potential therapeutic target.
基金This work was supported by grants from the National Nature Science Foundation of China(81701524,81871215)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA16020701)the National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFC1002003).
文摘Optimal vision and ergonomics are essential factors contributing to the achievement of good results during microsurgery.The three-dimensional(3D)digital image microscope system with a better 3D depth of field can release strain on the surgeon's neck and back,which can improve outcomes in microsurgery.We report a randomized prospective study of vasoepididymostomy and vasovasostomy using a 3D digital image microscope system(3D-DIM)in rats.A total of 16 adult male rats were randomly divided into two groups of 8 each:the standard operating microscope(SOM)group and the 3D-DIM group.The outcomes measured included the operative time,real-time postoperative mechanical patency,and anastomosis leakage.Furthermore,a user-friendly microscope score was designed to evaluate the ergonomic design and equipment characteristics of the microscope.There were no differences in operative time between the two groups.The real-time postoperative mechanical patency rates were 100.0%for both groups.The percentage of vasoepididymostomy anastomosis leakage was 16.7%in the SOM group and 25.0%in the 3D-DIM group;however,no vasovasostomy anastomosis leakage was found in either group.In terms of the ergonomic design,the 3D-DIM group obtained better scores based on the surgeon's feelings;in terms of the equipment characteristics,the 3D-DIM group had lower scores for clarity and higher scores for flexibility and adaptivity.Based on our randomized prospective study in a rat model,we believe that the 3D-DIM can improve surgeon comfort without compromising outcomes in male infertility reconstructive microsurgery,so the 3D-DIM might be widely used in the future.
文摘INTRODUCTION Eye tumors can show diverse clinical signs.They can be misdiagnosed as glaucoma because of red eye,pain,severe headache,elevated intraocular pressure (IOP),even adhesion of the angle of the anterior chamber.In a study by Shields et al.,[1] 58 in 144 (40％) of patients with iris melanoma were diagnosed as glaucoma on their initial visit.However,special clinical characteristics,ophthalmic examination,and imaging technology can assist in making the right diagnosis.Ultrasound examinations,high-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM),fluorescein angiography,optical coherence tomography,computerized tomography (CT),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),and fine-needle aspiration biopsy are technologies that may help with early tumor detection.In this study,we highlighted the importance of correctly diagnosing tumor-related glaucoma through the review of nine cases that were initially misdiagnosed as glaucoma.
