Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (+489 G/A) Polymorphism Can Predict the Response to Adalimumab in Chinese Han Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and the efficacy of adalimumab (ADA) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) therapy have reported conflicting results. We aimed to investigate the value of SNP typing of TNFα in predicting the efficacy of ADA in AS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with active AS who received ADA treatment were followed up for 24 weeks. Six known SNPs of TNFα (+489G/A, -238G/A, -308G/A, -857C/T, -863C/A, and -1031C/T) were subjected to the SNaPshot SNP typing method, which has been proven to be a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for detecting SNPs. The relationship between each SNP genotype and the therapeutic efficacy of ADA was analyzed. RESULTS: At the end of the 24-week follow-up, 58.8% of the patients with AS achieved Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) partial remission (PR), 67.5% of the patients achieved the criteria of an ASAS40 response (40% improvement on indices), and 53.8% of the patients achieved Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) major improvement (MI). The univariate analysis showed that patients with AS carrying the TNFα +489 A allele were more likely to achieve ASAS-PR, ASAS40 response criteria, and ASDAS-MI after ADA treatment. In the multivariate regression analysis, the TNFα +489 A allele was an independent factor influencing the efficacy of ADA in treating AS (ASAS-PR odds ratio (OR) = 2.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-7.01; ASAS40 OR = 4.56, 95% CI = 1.39-15.00; ASDAS-MI OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 1.02-10.69). CONCLUSIONS: The patients carrying the TNFα +489 A allele may be more likely to experience better therapeutic efficacy and achieve the treatment target (ASAS-PR, ASAS40 response, or ASDAS-MI) after receiving ADA treatment. Detection of TNFα +489 G/A may predict the therapeutic efficacy of ADA, which can be used in clinical practice to tailor treatment for individual patients with AS. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods with imaging evaluation are needed to verify our findings.

Comparison of clinical characteristics between adult-onset and juvenile-onset non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in Chinese patients: results from the COCAS cohort.

BACKGROUND: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease predominantly affecting the axial skeleton. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with non-radiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA) in China and compare the differences between adult- and juvenile-onset cases. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 776 patients with nr-axSpA in the Clinical Characteristic and Outcome in Chinese Axial Spondyloarthritis (COCAS) study cohort. Patients were divided into two groups including the adult-onset group (n = 662) and the juvenile-onset group (n = 114) according to age at disease onset. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were compared between patients with adult-onset and juvenile-onset nr-axSpA. RESULTS: Overall, the male-to-female ratio was 1.26:1, the prevalence of HLA-B27 positivity was 72.2%, and the median age at disease onset of nr-axSpA was 22 years. Nearly 75% of nr-axSpA patients had peripheral arthritis in the disease course, and the prevalence of extra-articular manifestations was 10.4%. The juvenile-onset group contained a higher proportion of men (66.7% vs. 53.9%, P = 0.011) and a longer baseline disease duration (4.0 [4.0] vs. 1.6 [3.5], P < 0.001) than the adult-onset group. A family history of spondyloarthritis was more frequent in the juvenile-onset group than in the adult-onset group (23.7% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.028), but no significant difference in the prevalence of HLA-B27 positivity was observed between the two groups (P = 0.537). Regarding initial symptoms, peripheral arthritis occurred more often in patients with juvenile-onset nr-axSpA, whereas patients with adult-onset nr-axSpA presented more frequently with axial involvement. The prevalence of inflammatory back pain (IBP) was higher in the adult-onset group than in the juvenile-onset group (85.0% vs. 75.4%, P = 0.010), whereas the juvenile-onset group showed a higher prevalence of peripheral arthritis and enthesitis than the adult-onset group (67.5% vs. 48.5%, P < 0.001; 35.1% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with adult-onset nr-axSpA, juvenile-onset nr-axSpA was more common in men and those with a family history of spondyloarthritis. Juvenile-onset nr-axSpA presents with a "peripheral predominant" mode at disease onset and a higher frequency of peripheral arthritis and enthesitis during the disease course.

Apolipoprotein E promotes white matter remodeling via the Dab1-dependent pathway after traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: Axonal injury results in long-term neurological deficits in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been reported to activate intracellular adaptor protein Disabled-1 (Dab1) phosphorylation via its interaction with ApoE receptors. The Dab1 pathway acts as a regulator of axonal outgrowth and growth cone formation in the brain. AIMS: We hypothesized that ApoE may alleviate axonal injury and regulate axonal regeneration via the Dab1 pathway after TBI. RESULTS: In this study, we established a model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) to mimic TBI in vivo. Using diffusion tensor imaging to detect white matter integrity, we demonstrated that APOE-deficient mice exhibited lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values than APOE+/+ mice at 28 days after injury. The expression levels of axonal regeneration and synapse plasticity biomarkers, including growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), and synaptophysin, were also lower in APOE-deficient mice. In contrast, APOE deficiency exerted no effects on the levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) expression, oligodendrocyte number, or oligodendrocyte precursor cell number. Neurological severity score (NSS) and behavioral measurements in the rotarod, Morris water maze, and Y maze tests revealed that APOE deficiency caused worse neurological deficits in CCI mice. Furthermore, Dab1 activation downregulation by the ApoE receptor inhibitor receptor-associated protein (RAP) or Dab1 shRNA lentivirus attenuated the beneficial effects of ApoE on FA values, GAP43, PSD-95, and synaptophysin expression, and neurological function tests. Additionally, the effects of ApoE on axonal regeneration were further validated in vitro. In a mechanical scratch injury model of primary cultured neurons, recombinant ApoE protein treatment enhanced axonal outgrowth and growth cone formation in injured neurons; however, these effects were attenuated by Dab1 shRNA, consistent with the in vivo results. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these data suggest that ApoE promotes axonal regeneration partially through the Dab1 pathway, thereby contributing to functional recovery following TBI.

[Expression of Translocator Protein in Early Brain Injury After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of translocator protein (TSPO) in brain tissue within 72 h after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in mice. METHODS: Forty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups, 17 in the Sham group and 27 in the SAH group. SAH mice model was performed by endovascular perforation as previously described with slight modifications. Sham group mice were performed by the same method but without piercing the blood vessels. Before and 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after modeling, the two groups were scored with modified Garcia score for neurological function. At 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after modeling, the mice were sacrificed. Sham group mice were sacrificed at 24 h after modeling. The expression of TSPO in brain tissue was evaluated by Western blot, positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and immunofluorescence staining. Fluorescent double staining was used to assess the relationship of TSPO and microglia. RESULTS: The neurological function scores of the SAH group mice decreased with time and then increased. The expression of TSPO in the brain tissue increased first and then decreased with time, and there was a negative correlation between them (r=-0.615 6, P < 0.01). PET-CT showed that the tracer intake of mouse brain tissue after SAH was higher than that of Sham group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that TSPO increased in the parietal cortex and basal cortex of the SAH group. And fluorescent double staining suggested that TSPO colocalized with Iba-1 which was a specific marker of microglia. CONCLUSIONS: In the early brain injury after SAH, the expression of TSPO in brain is widely increased, and the expression level increases first and then decreases. TSPO could participate in the activation of microglia and regulate the occurrence and development of brain injury after SAH.

[Phosphorus Forms and Distribution Characteristics in the Sediment and Soil of the Water-Level-fluctuating Zone in the Main Stream of the Three Gorges Reservoir].

Hydrological regimes changed after the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) became fully operational, with the water level fluctuating between 145 m and 175 m. This has altered phosphorus (P) distribution within sediments and soils of the water-level-fluctuating zone (WLFZ). Eleven field investigations within the main stream were carried out in June 2016. The aim of the study was to determine lateral (sediment and WLFZ soil) and longitudinal variations (from the end of the backwater area to the Three Gorges Dam) of phosphorus species. P fractions were analyzed using a Standards, Measurements, and Testing (SMT) protocol. Results showed that both TP and NaOH-P content in sediment exhibited a clear increasing trend from the end of the backwater area to the Three Gorges Dam, while HCl-P declined. Average of totals P, OP (organic P), HCl-extracted P (HCl-P, calcium-bond P), and NaOH-extracted P (NaOH-P, metal oxide-bound P) in sediment were (859.6±106.8), (224.6±113.9), (435.3±77.7), and (101.5±31.6) mg·kg-1, respectively. The concentration average of P species in sediment was higher than in WLFZ soil. In both sediment and soil, HCl-P was the main form of P, accounting for 51.3% and 58.2% of TP, while the ratio of NaOH-P to TP was 11.7% and 8.1%, respectively. P fractions with a higher coefficient of variation had greater spatial heterogeneity.

Pannus inflammation in sacroiliitis following immune pathological injury and radiological structural damage: a study of 193 patients with spondyloarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of sacroiliitis is unclear; therefore, we aimed to systematically study the immunopathology of sacroiliitis in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and explore the relationship between pannus formation, inflammation, and the structural damage caused by sacroiliitis. METHODS: Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) was performed in 193 patients with axSpA. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected at baseline and during the follow up. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to detect CD34+ microvessels, CD68+ osteoclasts/macrophages, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and caspase-3. Autopsy subjects were used as controls. RESULTS: In early sacroiliitis (grade 0-1) all pathological features could be observed, with the most common being subchondral pannus formation. Among the 193 patients, 98 were followed up for 1-13 years (mean 3.6 years); 63.3% had radiological progression at the endpoint. Multiple regression analysis showed that cartilage pannus invasion (OR 2.99, P = 0.010) and endochondral ossification (OR 3.97, P = 0.049) at baseline were risk factors for radiological structural damage. Compared to SIJ controls, the subchondral microvessel density, number of CD68+ multinuclear osteoclasts, and the levels of VEGF, caspase-3, MMP-3, and TNF-α expressed at the interface of the bone and cartilage were significantly higher in patients with sacroiliitis. CONCLUSIONS: Subchondral fibrovascular tissue formation is the most important pathological feature in early sacroiliitis. The existence of cartilage pannus invasion or endochondral ossification at baseline can predict radiological structural damage during the follow up.

Peli1 Contributions in Microglial Activation, Neuroinflammatory Responses and Neurological Deficits Following Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Early brain injury (EBI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is closely associated with neuroinflammation. Microglial activation is an early event that leads to neuroinflammation after SAH. Peli1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in microglia. Here we report Peli1 contributions in SAH mediated brain pathology. An SAH model was induced by endovascular perforation in adult male C57BL/6J mice. Peli1 was markedly induced in mice brains in a time-dependent manner and was predominantly expressed in CD16/32-positive microglia after SAH. Using genetic approaches, we demonstrated that decreased Peli1 significantly improved neurological deficits, attenuated brain edema, reduced over-expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and modified apoptotic/antiapoptotic biomarkers. In addition, Peli1 downregulation suppressed ERK and JNK phosphorylation levels via the downregulation of cIAP1/2 expression, subsequently reducing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression after SAH. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that Peli1 contributes to microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in EBI by mediating cIAP1/2 activation, thus promoting the activation of MyD88-dependent MAPK pathway after experimental SAH. Our findings also showed that Peli1 could promote the expression of M1 microglia polarization biomarker CD16/32 and iNOS after SAH. Targeting Peli1 exerts neuroprotective effects during EBI after SAH, thus could provide potential option for prevention-therapy in high-risk individuals.

Apolipoprotein E ε4: A Possible Risk Factor of Intracranial Pressure and White Matter Perfusion in Good-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients at Early Stage.

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a devastating and complicated disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have shown that genetic susceptibility may play an important role in the outcome of a given individual with aSAH. This study evaluates the potential association in effects of the APOE allele on the early brain injury (EBI) in light of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion disorders in a consecutive series of non-comatose Chinese patients with aSAH. A total of 122 patients with aSAH (54 males and 68 females) were enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical data were collected. We measured ICP before microsurgical clipping or endovascular coiling during the first 72 h after aneurysm rupture. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) examination in patients was performed before treatment. The distributions of APOE genotypes and alleles matched Hardy-Weinberg law (p > 0.05). In this study, 68 patients (55.7%) had a normal ICP, whereas 54 (44.3%) had an elevated ICP. Fourteen of 21 patients with APOE ε4 had an elevated ICP, which was significantly different from those without APOE ε4 (p = 0.03). The patients with the ε4 allele had a higher incidence of elevated ICP [p = 0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.481-15.432, odds ratio = 4.780] than those without this allele. For CTP measurements, a lower mean cerebral blood flow (difference, -4.74; 95% CI, 0.53-8.94 s, p = 0.03), longer mean transit time (difference, 0.47; 95% CI, -0.87 to -0.78, p = 0.02), and time-to-peak (difference, 2.29; 95% CI, -3.64 to -0.93 s, p = 0.02) were observed in patients with ε4 allele than in those without in the internal capsule regions. In conclusion, the APOE ε4 allele predisposes patients to elevated ICP and perfusion disorders in white matter regions during the first 72 h after aSAH. The presence of an APOE ε4 allele plays an important role in the EBI response to aSAH.

[Analysis of Volatile Oils from Different Processed Products of Zingiber officinale Rhizome by GC-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the volatile components in different processed products of Zingiber officinale rhizome, and to make clear the effect of different heating degree on them. METHODS: The volatile components were extracted from four kinds of processed products by applying steam distillation, and then were analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS: There were totally 43 components of volatile oil identified from four kinds of processed products of Zingiber officinale rhizome. Fresh product, dried product, and charcoal product of Zingiber officinale rhizome each had 27 components of volatile oil, while sand fried product contained 24 components. Fresh Zingiber officinale rhizome contained 22. 59% of zingiberene, 20. 87% of a-citral and 11. 01% of ß-phellandrene, respectively. After processing in different heating degree, the volatile components changed greatly in both of their quantity and quality, For instance, dried Zingiber officinale rhizome contained 40. 48% of α-citral and 8-phellandrene content was slightly lower at 10. 38%. 32.73% of 3,7,11-trimethyl-l, 6, 10-dodecatriene,16. 38% of murolan-3, 9 (11)-diene-10-peroxy and 3. 36% of cubebene newly emerged in the sand fried Zingiber officinale rhizome, and eudesm-4 (14) and ß-bisabolol, etc. However, ß-phellandrene content was only 1. 95%. The zingiberene and ß-sesquiphellandrene were the highest in charcoal product, besides, new components such as α-cedrene, decanal and γ-elemene appeared. CONCLUSION: Volatile components in different processed products of Zingiber officinale rhizome were different in both of their kinds and contents. This method is suitable for the analysis of volatile components in Zingiber officinale rhizome, and this study can provide the experimental evidence for quality evaluation and clinical application for ginger processed products.

Changes in the Prevalence of Rheumatic Diseases in Shantou, China, in the Past Three Decades: A COPCORD Study.

This study aimed to clarify changes in the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in Shantou, China, in the past 3 decades and validate whether stair-climbing is a risk factor for knee pain and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The World Health Organization-International League Against Rheumatism Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) protocol was implemented. In all, 2337 adults living in buildings without elevators and 1719 adults living in buildings with elevators were surveyed. The prevalence of rheumatic pain at any site and in the knee was 15.7% and 10.2%, respectively; both types of pain had a significantly higher incidence in residents of buildings without elevators than was reported by people who lived in buildings with elevators (14.9% vs. 10.6% and 11.32% vs. 8.82%, respectively) (both P < 0.0001). The prevalence of rheumatic pain in the neck, lumbar spine, shoulder, elbow, and foot was 5.6%, 4.5%, 3.1%, 1.4%, and 1.8%, respectively; these findings were similar to the data from the 1987 rural survey, but were somewhat lower than data reported in the urban and suburban surveys of the 1990s, with the exception of neck and lumbar pain. The prevalence of KOA, gout, and fibromyalgia was 7.10%, 1.08%, and 0.07%, respectively, and their prevalence increased significantly compared with those in previous studies from the 20th century. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (0.35%) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (0.31%) compared to that reported in prior surveys. The prevalence of KOA was higher in for residents of buildings without elevators than that in those who had access to elevators (16-64 years, 5.89% vs. 3.95%, P = 0.004; 16->85 years, 7.64% vs. 6.26%, P = 0.162). The prevalence of RA and AS remained stable, whereas that of KOA, gout, and fibromyalgia has increased significantly in Shantou, China, during the past 3 decades. Stair-climbing might be an important risk factor for knee pain and KOA.

[Comparison of postoperative deglutition disorder in patients with laryngeal carcinoma after different types of supracricoid partial laryngectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To Evaluate the incidence rates and extents of deglutition disorder in patients with laryngeal carcinoma after different types of supracricoid partial laryngectomy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of postoperative deglutition disorder in patients with laryngeal carcinoma after different types of supracricoid partial laryngectomy treated in our department from 2005 to 2009. The extents of postoperative deglutition disorder were evaluated using a homemade quantitative score table at 5-20 days postoperation. RESULTS: The score of deglutition disorder was 2.71 ± 0.31 in the supracricoid partial laryngectomy-cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (SCPL-CHEP) operation group and 3.43 ± 0.64 in the supracricoid partial laryngectomy-cricohyoidopexy (SCPL-CHP) group, respectively. The deference was statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.001). The coefficient between age and score of postoperative deglutition disorder was assessed by Pearson correlation analysis. The coefficient of correlation was 0.947 (P < 0.0001) in the SCPL-CHEP group and 0.907 (P < 0.0001) in the SCPL-CHP group. The incidence rate of deglutition disorder was 1/37 in the SCPL-CHEP group and 7/30 in the SCPL-CHP group, evaluated at 8 weeks postoperation (P = 0.012). The deference between the two groups was significant. CONCLUSIONS: The type of operation procedure is an important factor affecting the occurrence of postoperative deglutition disorder in the patients after supracricoid partial laryngectomy, more serious in the SCPL-CHP group. The severity of postoperative deglutition disorder is more serious along with the increase of patient's age. For the elderly (> 70 years of age) patients with laryngeal carcinoma, the choice of surgical procedure should be more cautious, especially with the SCPL-CHP operation.

[Comparing extended vertical partial laryngectomy and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy in the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of extended vertical partial laryngectomy (similar to modified supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy) and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy in the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma. METHODS: Retrospectively analyzed on the results and prognosis in patients underwent extended vertical partial laryngectomy and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy between 1998 and 2005. The operation was similar to extended vertical partial laryngectomy. The healthy vocal cord and ventricular band as well as about 1/3 to 2/3 laminas of thyroid cartilage were removed. The healthy cricoarytenoid joint was reserved. The vocal cord, ventricular band, fixed or limitation of motion arytenoid cartilage and 2/3 laminas of thyroid cartilage in ill side were removed. The posteroinferior border of laminas of thyroid cartilage in both sides were reserved. The cricoid was lifted and fixed with hyoid epiglottis directly. Extended vertical partial laryngectomy group consisted of 37 patients with glottic carcinoma (stage T2 16 cases, stage T3 21 cases) and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group consisted of 34 patients with glottic carcinoma (stage T2 12 cases, stage T3 21 cases, stage T4 1 case). RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to calculate the survival rates. The three-year cumulative survival rate was 91.7% in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group and 87.5% in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The five-year cumulative survival rate was 80.6% in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group and 81.3% in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively. There was also no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The decannulation rate was 100% (37/37) in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group and 94.1% (32/34) in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively. The decannulation time was (14.0 + or - 2.3) days in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group and (19.0 + or - 4.6) days in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively. The incidence of aspiration was 2.7% (1/37) in modified group and 23.5 (8/34) in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group respectively evaluated at 8th weeks post-operatively. The evaluation of deglutition disorder was analyzed by Ridit analysis in both groups and the results showed that there was significant difference between the two groups (U = 7.341, P < 0.001). The symptom of aspiration in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group was significant less than in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the survival rate was not different between the two groups. The preservation of laryngeal function in extended vertical partial laryngectomy group was significant better than in cricohyoidoepiglottopexy group and extended vertical partial laryngectomy.

Recreational noise exposure decreases olivocochlear efferent reflex strength in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of recreational noise exposure on olivocochlear efferent function. METHODS: efferent suppression of DPOAEs and acoustic reflexes were tested in 32 young personal listening device users with normal hearing and compared with that of healthy, non-noise-exposed young adults. RESULTS: The results showed that the efferent suppression of DPOAEs was mainly at low frequencies (0.75 and 1.0 kHz) in both groups and the efferent suppression of DPOAEs and acoustic reflexes in the noise exposure group was slightly lower than that in the control group, with no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that there were no differences in DPOAE changes or medial olivocochlear bundle function between normal-hearing subjects exposed to recreational noise and controls and suggest that recreational noise has different effects on olivocochlear efferent reflex strength compared with occupational noise exposure.

Long-term administration of salicylate enhances prestin expression in rat cochlea.

Salicylate, a common drug frequently used long term in the clinic, is well known for causing reversible hearing loss and tinnitus. Our previous study, however, demonstrated that chronic administration of salicylate progressively raised the amplitude of distortion product of otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), which are mainly caused by (outer hair cell) OHC electromotility. How salicylate affects OHC electromotility to cause this paradoxical increase remains unclear. One possibility is that it could affect prestin, which is a motor protein that contributes to the mechano-electrical properties of OHCs. In this experiment, we assessed the effect of acute and chronic salicylate treatment on prestin expression. Interestingly, after long-term salicylate injection (200 mg/kg, twice daily for 14 days), prestin gene and protein levels were up-regulated about twofold. These levels returned to baseline 14 days after treatment stopped. Acute injection of salicylate (single injection, 400 mg/kg) did not affect prestin levels. These data reveal that chronic salicylate administration markedly, but reversibly, increased prestin levels which may contribute to the enhanced DPOAE amplitudes we observed previously with similar salicylate treatment, which may be responsible for salicylate-induced tinnitus generation.

Risk of damage to hearing from personal listening devices in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of personal listening device use on hearing in young listeners. METHODS: Conventional frequency audiometry (0.5-8 kHz) and extended high-frequency audiometry (10-20 kHz) were performed on 120 personal listening device users and 30 normal-hearing young adults. RESULTS: The hearing thresholds in the 3 to 8 kHz frequency range were significantly increased in the personal listening device listeners. The frequency range of the increased thresholds became broad as the exposure duration was increased. Impaired hearing was detected in 14.1% (34 of 240 ears) of ears (> 25 dB HL in one or more frequencies in 0.5-8 kHz). The hearing thresholds of extended high-frequency audiometry in personal listening device users could also be increased even if their hearing thresholds in conventional frequency audiometry were normal. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that long-term use of personal listening devices can impair hearing function The data also indicate that extended high-frequency audiometry is a sensitive method for early detection of noise-induced hearing loss.

Long-term sound conditioning increases distortion product otoacoustic emission amplitudes and decreases olivocochlear efferent reflex strength.

The cochlea can be protected from acoustic trauma by moderate-level sound exposure. It is suggested that olivocochlear system may play a significant role in this protection. This study was performed to investigate distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) amplitudes changes and the efficiency of contralateral noise stimulation on DPOAE after conditioning noise exposure. Our results demonstrate that long-term conditioning can increase the DPOAE amplitudes at low frequencies (1.0-3.0 kHz) and decrease the olivocochlear efferent reflex strength at the same frequencies. The DPOAE amplitudes are partially restored to the preconditioning levels 2 weeks after conditioning; contralateral suppression also returns to the preconditioning levels. These results suggest that the enhancement of DPOAE amplitudes might be due to a decrease in olivocochlear efferent reflex strength.

[A clinical study of Safflower Yellow injection in treating coronary heart disease angina pectoris with Xin-blood stagnation syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of Safflower Yellow injection (SYI) in treating coronary heart disease angina pectoris (CHD-AP) with Xin-blood stagnation syndrome (XBSS). METHODS: Adopted was the multi-centered, randomized, positive parallel controlled method, 448 patients with CHD-AP-XBSS were enrolled and divided into two groups, 336 in the tested group treated with SYI and 112 in the control group treated with Salvia injection by intravenous dripping once a day for 14 days, so as to observe the conditions of angina, electrocardiogram, and therapeutic effect on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms as well as the safety of the treatment. RESULTS: The significantly effective rate and total effective rate in the tested group were 60.06% (194/323) and 91.02% (294/323) respectively; Those in improvement of TCM symptoms were 40.18% (129/321) and 75.23% (243/323) respectively, which were better than those in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: SYI Injection is effective and safe in treating CHD-AP-XBSS.

Continuous control of chaos based on the stability criterion.

A method of chaos control based on stability criterion is proposed in the present paper. This method can stabilize chaotic systems onto a desired periodic orbit by a small time-continuous perturbation nonlinear feedback. This method does not require linearization of the system around the stabilized orbit and only an approximate location of the desired periodic orbit is required which can be automatically detected in the control process. The control can be started at any moment by choosing appropriate perturbation restriction condition. It seems that more flexibility and convenience are the main advantages of this method. The discussions on control of attitude motion of a spacecraft, Rössler system, and two coupled Duffing oscillators are given as numerical examples.

Control and synchronization of chaos in high dimensional systems: Review of some recent results.

Controlling chaos and synchronization of chaos have evolved for a number of years as essentially two separate areas of research. Only recently it has been realized that both subjects share a common root in control theory. In addition, as limitations of low dimensional chaotic systems in modeling real world phenomena become increasingly apparent, investigations into the control and synchronization of high dimensional chaotic systems are beginning to attract more interest. We review some recent advances in control and synchronization of chaos in high dimensional systems. Efforts will be made to stress the common origins of the two subjects. (c) 1997 American Institute of Physics.