Decellularized porcine corneal posterior lamellae as carrier matrix for cultivating human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro

AIM：To investigate the feasibility of corneal posterior lamellar reconstruction with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and porcine cornea acellular matrix in vitro, and to observe the physiological function of the transplantation in vivo. METHODS：HUVECs were isolated, cultured, and labeled with fluorescent dye CM-DiI. Porcine corneas were treated with 100% glycerinum, cut to a thinner structure step by step, and dried on the super-clean bench. Transmission electron microscope were used to observe the histological changes of the porcine cornea acellular matrix. Labeled HUVECs were seeded onto the porcine cornea acellular matrix, and examined by scanning electron microscopy. When the HUVECs and Descemets membrane fusion formed a monolayer, the corneal transplantation in rabbits was performed. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group and control group (n=12 each), and their left eyes served as recipients. RESULTS：Cultured HUVECs exhibited polygonal shape. More than 90% HUVECs were labeled with CM-DiI and the cell membrane was positive with red fluorescence, which was detectable at least up to 3 generations. The histological examination indicated that porcine cornea cells were clearly extracted, and the collagen fibers were well arranged. A continuous monolayer of HUVECs on the porcine cornea acellular matrix was observed under scanning electron microscopy. The reconstructed corneal posterior lamellae were similar to the normal cornea. The observation of transplantation showed that the cornea in experimental group was substantially transparent. However, that in control group was oedematous and adiaphanous. CONCLUSION：Corneal posterior lamellae can be reconstructed in vitro by cultivating HUVECs on porcine cornea acellular matrix. After xenogeneic transplantation, the graft survives in vivo and expresses normal corneal endothelial cell biological functions. Deep lamellar corneal endothelial transplantation is an effective keratoplasty.     

基于静态与动态空间面板模型分析城镇化对雾霾的影响

该研究以中国30省区为研究对象,首先考察了雾霾污染的空间效应。全局Moran’s I指数为0.3875,中国雾霾污染存在着空间集聚。Moran’s I指数散点图显示中国雾霾污染存在着正的空间自相关,绝大部分省区位于高-高集聚和低-低集聚。然后,基于雾霾污染的空间效应,建立静态与动态空间面板计量经济学模型,实证考察了城镇化、能源强度、交通压力等对雾霾污染的影响。城镇化与雾霾污染之间存在环境库兹涅茨曲线;交通压力每上升一个百分点,将使雾霾污染上升0.2075个百分点。从效应的分解来看,该地区以及全局城镇化与雾霾污染之间存在环境库兹涅茨曲线。人均GDP的间接效应、总效应显著为负,该地区人均收入的上升可以使相邻地区的雾霾污染下降,并且会减少全局雾霾污染。能源强度下降会减轻本地区雾霾污染程度,但会导致相邻地区雾霾污染上升。能源消费结构直接效应为正,间接效应与总效应显著为正,煤炭消费比例的下降不但会减少本地区雾霾污染,也会显著抑制相邻地区的雾霾污染,进而减少全局雾霾污染。交通压力的直接效应显著为正,但间接效应显著为负,交通压力的上升会明显加重本地区雾霾污染程度,然而相邻地区交通压力上升会抑制本地区雾霾污染。动态空间杜宾面板计量模型中被解释变量滞后一期系数高达0.6114,且通过了1%水平下的显著性检验,中国雾霾污染存在时空依赖。动态空间面板计量模型比静态更为合适,估计结果更为准确,遗漏因素对雾霾污染的影响也很重要。     

石家庄市雾霾时空特征及影响因子研究

分析了石家庄市2015年全年空气质量监测点位所统计的PM2.5和PM10浓度数据的时空分布特征,并研究了PM2.5和PM10浓度与风速、降水量、气温、气压等气象因子以及社会经济之间的相关程度。结果表明,石家庄市PM2.5、PM10在时间上具有周期性演变规律,主要集中在秋冬季节,在空间上具有分布不均衡的现象;影响PM2.5、PM10时空分布规律的因素包括自然气象和社会经济两大因素,气象要素是雾霾集聚、转移与扩散的重要影响因子,而社会经济要素是影响石家庄市雾霾频发的根本性原因。因此,治理雾霾的根本在于能源结构的调整。     

阳泉雾气候特征分析及与霾的对比研究

为了掌握阳泉雾的发生规律及与霾的区别,基于阳泉雾、霾观测资料及地面常规观测资料,运用统计分析的方法分析了阳泉雾的气候变化特征及雾、霾气候特征的差别。结果表明：（1）1955—2012年间,阳泉雾日数在全年及四季均呈先增加后减少的年际变化趋势,这与气温的升高及年均相对湿度、年降水总量的下降有关。雾日数在20世纪70年代增加显著;在21世纪00年代下降明显。雾日分布具有明显的季、月变化特征。（2）由雾、霾对比可知,1975—2012年间,雾日显著下降,而霾日显著上升。雾、霾均有显著的季、月变化特征,但四季均为雾日少于霾日,除8、9月外,其他月雾日均少于霾日。雾、霾不同气候特征的得出,可为科学观测和预报雾、霾提供依据。     

Characterization of progressive keratitis in Otariids

Objective To characterize a form of progressive keratitis that occurs commonly in otariids. Materials and methods One hundred and thirteen captive otariids were evaluated by ophthalmologic examination and digital photography. Results Forty‐six females and 67 males were in the reference population, average age of 14 years. California sea lions predominated (n = 100); there were also six Steller sea lions, five brown fur seals, one Guadalupe fur seal and one northern fur seal. Three stages of progressive keratitis are described. Overall, 64.6% animals and 142 eyes from 113 animals (62.8%) were affected with one of three stages. The mildest form, Stage 1 keratitis, occurred in 78 of 226 eyes (34.5%); the intermediate Stage 2 keratitis occurred in 30 of 226 eyes (13.3%); and the most severe, Stage 3 keratitis, occurred in 34 of 226 eyes (15%). All but six animals had bilateral disease. Animals with Stage 1 keratitis were significantly younger than those in more advanced stages. Discussion ‘Otariid Keratitis’ occurs in all populations of eared seals evaluated. A large‐scale epidemiological study is ongoing to identify the risk factors that contribute to this disease. Exposure to chronic sunlight appears to be an important risk factor as shade diminishes clinical signs; animals kept out of sunlight the majority of the time have less severe clinical signs. Age may be important since exposure accumulates with aging. Progression of the disease is also associated with secondary opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections. The surface immune system may be imbalanced contributing to these infections and progression.     

园林植物消霾机理及其应用研究进展

近年来雾霾天气频发,面对持续的严重雾霾天气,园林植物的消霾作用引起了当前园林工作者的极大关注。总结了植物消除雾霾的原理,阐述了如何选择与配置消霾植物,提出了园林植物消霾的主要途径。最后,分析了植物消霾的复杂性,并提出了相应的解决措施。     

Profiles of matrix metalloproteinase activity in equine tear fluid during corneal healing in 10 horses with ulcerative keratitis

OBJECTIVE: Levels of tear film matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity are significantly elevated in horses with ulcerative keratitis and contribute to the excessive breakdown of stromal collagen. Changes in the amount of proteolytic activity in horse tear film during corneal healing and stromal remodeling have not yet been reported, but we hypothesize they should decrease. In the present study we analyzed serial tear fluid from horses with ulcerative keratitis to identify any changes in MMP activity during corneal healing and stromal remodeling. PROCEDURES: Samples of tear fluid were obtained from both eyes of 10 horses with ulcerative keratitis on the day of admission (day 1) at the hospital and then at various time points until complete healing of the cornea. Tear film MMP2 and MMP9 activity was determined by quantitative gelatin zymography. In all cases medical treatment included topical applications of equine serum, antibiotics, atropine and systemic administration of anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgical procedures were performed in several cases on day 2 in addition to the medical treatment. RESULTS: The mean total MMP activity (+/- SD) measured in relative standard units (RSU) in the tear fluid of the ulcerated eye (2.44 +/- 1.44) of the 10 horses was significantly higher than the mean in the contralateral eye (0.81 +/- 0.68) (P = 0.006), on the day of admission at the VMTH. The mean MMP activity in these ulcerated eyes significantly decreased (-82.4%) between the first day of admission and the day when the ulcer had completely healed (P = 0.0002). The activity level in the healed eye (0.43 +/- 0.17) was not significantly different to the one in the contralateral eye (0.36 +/- 0.18) on the day of complete corneal healing (P = 0.374). The level of MMP activity in the contralateral eye also decreased from 0.81 +/- 0.68-0.36 +/- 0.18 but this decrease (56%) was not significant (P = 0.069). CONCLUSIONS: Ulcerative keratitis in horses is associated with initially high levels of tear film proteolytic activity that decrease as the ulcers heal. The success of medical and surgical treatment of the corneal ulcers is reflected by the enzyme activity in tears. In horses successful treatment does lead to a rapid reduction in tear film proteolytic activity that corresponded with the improvement in the clinical signs of corneal ulceration. Measurement of MMP activity in the tear film might represent a way to monitor the progression of corneal healing in horses with ulcerative keratitis.