SGK1 enhances Th9 cell differentiation and airway inflammation through NF-κB signaling pathway in asthma.

This study aimed to explore the effect of Sgk1 on Th9 differentiation and the underlying mechanism in asthma. The asthmatic mouse model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and CD4+T cells which were cultured with TGF-ß, IL-2, IL-4, and anti-IFN-γ were applied in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and ELISA were performed to detect T-helper 9 (Th9) cells, IL-9 expression, and IL-9 release. Western blot was performed to examine phosphorylated(p)-IKKα, p-IκBα, p-p65, and IRF4 levels. Hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining was adopted to assess pathological changes of lung tissues. Inhibition of Sgk1 dramatically reversed elevated Th9 cells and IL-9 expression in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice. In vitro, Sgk1 promoted Th9 differentiation and elevated p-IKKα, p-IκBα, p-p65, and IRF4 levels, but inhibition of IKKα/IκBα/p65 pathway and IRF4 both reversed enhanced Th9 differentiation by Sgk1. Sgk1→IKKα/IκBα/NF-κBp65→IRF4→Th9 axis may be implicated in asthma development.

Unraveling the influence of childhood emotional support on adult aging: Insights from the UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Exploring the association between Childhood Emotional Support (CES) and the mechanisms of aging is pivotal for understanding its potential to lessen the incidence of age-related pathologies and promote a milieu for healthy aging. METHODS: Utilizing data from the UK Biobank comprising nearly 160,000 individuals, comprehensive analyses were conducted to explore associations between CES levels and age-related diseases, biological age and aging hallmarks. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the relationship between CES and the risk of hospitalization for age-related diseases. Linear regression models were employed to explore the associations between CES and the frailty index (FI), Klemera-Doubal method (KDM) biological age acceleration, homeostatic dysregulation (HD), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, and telomere length. RESULTS: The analyses revealed a significant association between higher CES levels and a decreased risk of hospitalization for age-related diseases in later life. After adjustments for covariates, the hazard ratio for age-related diseases was 0.87 (95 % confidence interval, 0.83-0.91, p < 0.001) in those with the highest CES level compared to those with the lowest CES level. Participants with the highest CES level exhibited lower FI scores (coefficient = -0.033, p < 0.001), reduced CRP level (coefficient = -0.097, p < 0.05) and lower WBC counts (coefficient = -0.034, p < 0.05). Stratified analyses based on genetic susceptibility further elucidated the protective role of CES against age-related diseases. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the potential of early interventions targeting CES to promote healthy aging and alleviating the burden of age-related diseases.

Childhood Mycoplasma pneumoniae: epidemiology and manifestation in Northeast and Inner Mongolia, China.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is commonly detected in children. However, the epidemiological trends of MP in Northeast (NE) China are unclear. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MP infections in this understudied region. The clinical manifestations and bronchoscopic findings observed in hospitalized patients with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) were collected from comprehensive data obtained from six tertiary hospitals in NE and Inner Mongolian (IM) China, from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2023. A total of 5,593,530 children who visited the outpatient and emergency departments, and 412,480 inpatient hospitalized children were included in the study. The positivity rate of MP immunoglobulin M (IgM) in the children who visited the outpatient and emergency departments varied from 7.80% to 10.12%, whereas that of MP infection in hospitalized children ranged from 27.18% to 30.10%. Children hospitalized for MP infection were mainly concentrated in the 1- to 4-year (41.39%) and 4- to 7-year (24.25%) age groups. Before 2020, the season with the highest incidence of MP was winter. After the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), the MP epidemic season changed, and the number of children with MP infections decreased; however, the proportion of MP infections in hospitalized children did not change significantly. Starting from August 2023, the MP infection rate in outpatient, emergency, and hospitalized children increased sharply, with SMPP and its complications (e.g., plastic bronchitis and pleural effusion) increasing significantly. MP is prevalent in NE and IM, China. When the NPIs ended, MP infection showed a delayed outbreak trend, and the number of children with severe infection increased significantly. IMPORTANCE: In Northeastern (NE) and Inner Mongolia (IM), the incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infections, including severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP), is high, posing health risks and imposing substantial economic burdens on the local population. Therefore, it is imperative to prioritize the study of MP prevalence and address the research gaps in MP epidemiology in these areas of China. We obtained a comprehensive collection of pediatric outpatient, emergency, and inpatient data from six public Grade III hospitals. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because understanding regional variations in MP infections can help healthcare professionals tailor prevention and treatment strategies, and studying bronchoscopic manifestations can provide insights into the impact of the disease on the respiratory system, potentially leading to a more effective clinical management.

Nicorandil protects against ischaemia-reperfusion injury in newborn rat kidney.

Ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the predominant cause of acute kidney injury. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. The current study investigated the effects of nicorandil on ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and the potential signal transduction pathway(s) in a rat kidney IRI model and in cultured tubular HK-2 cells subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. The standard procedure for IRI was performed in newborn rat kidneys. Pretreatment with nicorandil (10 mg/kg) 2 h prior to induction of IRI improved renal function, attenuated tubule damage, and prevented apoptosis of tubule cells, infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, and production of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17 and tumour necrosis factor-α. Ischaemia-reperfusion-induced reduction of KIR6.2 was restored to normal levels by nicorandil. The activation of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-nuclear factor (NF)-κB axis was detected in this rat kidney IRI model, which was blocked by nicorandil. The renoprotection of nicorandil against IRI was abolished by its inhibitor glibenclamide (1 mg/kg). Similar results were obtained in OGD/R-damaged HK-2 cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrated the specific renoprotective role of nicorandil in the newborn rat IRI kidney by decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines, and restoring the expression of KIR6.2 potentially through the PI3K-Akt-NF-κB axis.

The structural and functional properties of soybean protein-polyglutamic acid complex effected the stability of W/O/W emulsion encapsulated Nattokinase.

Nattokinase (NK) derived from food is a sustainable thrombolytic agent. In this study, to protect vulnerable biological activity of NK, the targeted modified W/O/W emulsions were fabricated from complexes of soybean isolate protein (SPI) and polyglutamic acid (PGA). The results showed that the SPI-PGA complex formed a tighter internal structure through non-covalent bonds. The secondary structure, α-helix and ß-sheet content of the 1:3 (v/v) ratio complex of SPI to PGA increased by 6.14% and 8.62%, respectively. The emulsification and stability of the complexes were improved by refining structural properties as against SPI. The W/O/W emulsions coated by complexes formed the stronger network structure with higher encapsulation efficiency, better interfacial features, and better storage stability. Moreover, the highest bioavailability was achieved by W/O/W emulsions coated with 1:3 ratio complex at 80.69%. This study provided a new strategy towards tailoring ideal emulsion vehicles and expanded the NK application in food formulations.

Identification of molecular patterns and diagnostic biomarkers in juvenile idiopathic arthritis based on the gene expression of m6A regulators.

The role of N 6-methyladenosine modification in immunity is increasingly being appreciated. However, the landscape of m6A regulators in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is poorly understood. Thus, this study explored the impact of m6A modification and related lncRNAs in JIA immune microenvironment. Fourteen m6A regulators and eight lncRNAs were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for JIA. Two diagnostic models for JIA were also constructed. The putative molecular regulatory mechanism of FTO-mediated m6A modification in JIA was hypothesized. Three distinct m6A patterns mediated by 26 m6A regulators and three diverse lncRNA clusters mediated by 405 lncRNAs were thoroughly investigated. They exhibited dramatically diverse immune microenvironments and expression of HLA genes. The identification of two separate subtypes of enthesitis-related arthritis implies that our work may aid in the establishment of a more precise categorization system for JIA. m6A modification-related genes were obtained, and their underlying biological functions were explored. The m6Ascore system developed for individual JIA patients may be utilized to evaluate the immunological state or molecular pattern, thereby offering therapy recommendations. In short, through the investigation of the m6A regulators in JIA, the current work may contribute to our knowledge of the pathophysiology of JIA.

Recent Advances in Nattokinase-Enriched Fermented Soybean Foods: A Review.

With the dramatic increase in mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) caused by thrombus, this has sparked an interest in seeking more effective thrombolytic drugs or dietary nutriments. The dietary consumption of natto, a traditional Bacillus-fermented food (BFF), can reduce the risk of CVDs. Nattokinase (NK), a natural, safe, efficient and cost-effective thrombolytic enzyme, is the most bioactive ingredient in natto. NK has progressively been considered to have potentially beneficial cardiovascular effects. Microbial synthesis is a cost-effective method of producing NK. Bacillus spp. are the main production strains. While microbial synthesis of NK has been thoroughly explored, NK yield, activity and stability are the critical restrictions. Multiple optimization strategies are an attempt to tackle the current problems to meet commercial demands. We focus on the recent advances in NK, including fermented soybean foods, production strains, optimization strategies, extraction and purification, activity maintenance, biological functions, and safety assessment of NK. In addition, this review systematically discussed the challenges and prospects of NK in actual application. Due to the continuous exploration and rapid progress of NK, NK is expected to be a natural future alternative to CVDs.

Recent Advances in Microbial Synthesis of Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid: A Review.

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural, safe, non-immunogenic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly glutamic biopolymer. γ-PGA has been regarded as a promising bio-based materials in the food field, medical field, even in environmental engineering field, and other industrial fields. Microbial synthesis is an economical and effective way to synthesize γ-PGA. Bacillus species are the most widely studied producing strains. γ-PGA biosynthesis involves metabolic pathway of racemization, polymerization, transfer, and catabolism. Although microbial synthesis of γ-PGA has already been used extensively, productivity and yield remain the major constraints for its industrial application. Metabolic regulation is an attempt to solve the above bottleneck problems and meet the demands of commercialization. Therefore, it is important to understand critical factors that influence γ-PGA microbial synthesis in depth. This review focuses on production strains, biosynthetic pathway, and metabolic regulation. Moreover, it systematically summarizes the functional properties, purification procedure, and industrial application of γ-PGA.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis BSNK-5-Fermented Soymilk on the Gut Microbiota by In Vitro Fecal Fermentation.

The gut microbiota of soymilk intervention is beneficial to maintaining human health. Bacillus subtilis fermented soymilk has brought much interest, due to its richness of thrombolytic nattokinase and the strain of potential probiotic properties. In this study, soymilk was fermented by B. subtilis BSNK-5, and the BSNK-5-fermented soymilk (SMF) on the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the regulation of fecal microbiota was initially evaluated by in vitro fecal fermentation. SMF supplementation obviously increased the levels of SCFAs from 32.23 mM to 49.10 mM, especially acetic acid, propionic acid, and isobutyric acid. Additionally, SMF changed the composition and microbial diversity of gut microbiota. After 24 h of anaerobic incubation in vitro, SMF decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio favoring weight loss, increased Lachnospiraceae_UCG-004 and the other beneficial bacteria producing SCFAs, as well as suppressing pathogenic Streptococcus genus. These results revealed the potential use of BSNK-5-fermented soymilk as a potential candidate to promote gut health.

Metabolomics Approaches for the Comprehensive Evaluation of Fermented Foods: A Review.

Fermentation is an important process that can provide new flavors and nutritional and functional foods, to deal with changing consumer preferences. Fermented foods have complex chemical components that can modulate unique qualitative properties. Consequently, monitoring the small molecular metabolites in fermented food is critical to clarify its qualitative properties and help deliver personalized nutrition. In recent years, the application of metabolomics to nutrition research of fermented foods has expanded. In this review, we examine the application of metabolomics technologies in food, with a primary focus on the different analytical approaches suitable for food metabolomics and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches. In addition, we summarize emerging studies applying metabolomics in the comprehensive analysis of the flavor, nutrition, function, and safety of fermented foods, as well as emphasize the applicability of metabolomics in characterizing the qualitative properties of fermented foods.

Calcium-sensing receptors regulate cardiomyocyte Ca2+ signaling via the sarcoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrion interface during hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Communication between the SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum, SR) and mitochondria is important for cell survival and apoptosis. The SR supplies Ca2+ directly to mitochondria via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) at close contacts between the two organelles referred to as mitochondrion-associated ER membrane (MAM). Although it has been demonstrated that CaR (calcium sensing receptor) activation is involved in intracellular calcium overload during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/Re), the role of CaR activation in the cardiomyocyte apoptotic pathway remains unclear. We postulated that CaR activation plays a role in the regulation of SR-mitochondrial inter-organelle Ca2+ signaling, causing apoptosis during H/Re. To investigate the above hypothesis, cultured cardiomyocytes were subjected to H/Re. We examined the distribution of IP3Rs in cardiomyocytes via immunofluorescence and Western blotting and found that type 3 IP3Rs were located in the SR. [Ca2+]i, [Ca2+]m and [Ca2+]SR were determined using Fluo-4, x-rhod-1 and Fluo 5N, respectively, and the mitochondrial membrane potential was detected with JC-1 during reoxygenation using laser confocal microscopy. We found that activation of CaR reduced [Ca2+]SR, increased [Ca2+]i and [Ca2+]m and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential during reoxygenation. We found that the activation of CaR caused the cleavage of BAP31, thus generating the pro-apoptotic p20 fragment, which induced the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and the translocation of bak/bax to mitochondria. Taken together, these results reveal that CaR activation causes Ca2+ release from the SR into the mitochondria through IP3Rs and induces cardiomyocyte apoptosis during hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Comparative study on 16-slice CT coronary angiography vs conventional coronary angiography--a report of 38 cases.

The clinical application of 16-slice CT coronary angiography (CTCA) and the impact of plaques differently characterized on assessing coronary artery stenosis were evaluated. Thirty-eight patients with coronary artery disease diagnosed by conventional coronary angiography (CAG) underwent 16-slice CTCA (collimation: 16x0.75 mm; rotation time: 420 msec; kernel: 35f; effective current: 500 mAs; tube voltage: 120 kV). The interval between CTCA and CAG was within one month. CTCA was evaluated by consensus of two independent experienced radiologists unknowing CAG findings. Original images, maximum intensity projections and multiplanar reconstructions were used to assess coronary artery stenosis. For a determined plaque an attenuation value > or = 130 HU was considered as calcified, and <130 HU noncalcified. The plaques were then classified into significant calcification (extensive calcification), medium calcification (small isolated calcification) and noncalcification. The diagnostic accuracy of 16-slice CTCA findings as well as to detect > or = 50% stenoses caused by plaques was evaluated respectively regarding CAG as the standard of reference. In comparison with CAG findings, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value derived from CTCA for mild stenosis (<50%) were 72.7%, 38.5%, 50%, 62.5%, respectively; for moderate stenosis (50%-75%) 82.4%, 72.7%, 70%, 84.2%, respectively; and for severe coronary stenosis (>75%) 85%, 90.5%, 81%, 92.7% respectively. With the increase of stenoses degree, the value of CTCA was greater. For the classification of the plaque calcification with > or = 50% stenosis CTCA attained the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for severe calcification 73.3%, 22.2%, 61.1% and 33.3%, respectively; for moderate calcification 70%, 55.6%, 63.6% and 62.5%, respectively; for noncalcification 93.8%, 85.7%, 93.8% and 85.7% respectively. CTCA was restricted in assessing coronary artery stenosis in the presence of calcification, but CTCA value was much improved in assessing non-calcified stenosis. It was concluded that 16-slice CTCA could provide useful information about coronary artery stenosis, especially for severe stenosis > or = 50%) and non-calcified plaque. Since CTCA is a noninvasive technique, it may be useful in screening coronary artery disease.

[Numerical analysis of the anti-fracture intensity of packed and repaired tooth in different cavity capacities].

This study was aimed to assess the stress distribution of different capacity of class I cavity after composite resin filling. A three-dimensional finite element made of the maxillary second molar was constructed by spiral CT scan technology. Based on this model, stress distribution in tooth was analyzed before and after post-core restorations with 5 different capacities of class I cavity. When the circle triangle of class I cavities being under 50N vertical pressures, the cavity capacity increased from 3.3 mm to 3.7 mm, the maximum tensile stress values of the composite resin restorations being 3 times those of normal tooth, which were 14.872 MPa, 16.682 MPa and 17.589 MPa, 17.307 MPa and17.912 MPa. Obviously, the effect of different capacities of class I cavity on the maximum stress value enduring ability of teeth was samll, but in the analysis model, the enduring ability of teeth was reduced when the molars were filled with resin.

Exogenous H2S switches cardiac energy substrate metabolism by regulating SIRT3 expression in db/db mice.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is involved in diverse physiological functions, such as anti-hypertension, anti-proliferation, regulating ATP synthesis, and reactive oxygen species production. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a NAD + -dependent deacetylase that regulates mitochondrial energy metabolism. The role of H2S in energy metabolism in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) may be related to regulate SIRT3 expression; however, this role remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that exogenous H2S could switch cardiac energy metabolic substrate preference by lysine acetylation through promoting the expression of SIRT3 in cardiac tissue of db/db mice. Db/db mice, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, and H9c2 cell line with the treatment of high glucose, oleate, and palmitate were used as animal and cellular models of type 2 diabetes. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified 76 proteins that increased acetylation, including 8 enzymes related to fatty acid ß-oxidation and 7 enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in the db/db mice hearts compared to those with the treatment of NaHS. Exogenous H2S restored the expression of NAMPT and the ratio of NAD+/NADH enhanced the expression and activity of SIRT3. As a result of activation of SIRT3, the acetylation level and activity of fatty acid ß-oxidation enzyme LCAD and the acetylation of glucose oxidation enzymes PDH, IDH2, and CS were reduced which resulted in activation of PDH, IDH2, and CS. Our finding suggested that H2S induced a switch in cardiac energy substrate utilization from fatty acid ß-oxidation to glucose oxidation in DCM through regulating SIRT3 pathway. KEY MESSAGES: H2S regulated the acetylation level and activities of enzymes in fatty acid oxidation and glucose oxidation in cardiac tissues of db/db mice. Exogenous H2S decreased mitochondrial acetylation level through upregulating the expression and activity of SIRT3 in vivo and in vitro. H2S induced a switch in cardiac energy substrate utilization from fatty acid oxidation to glucose.

Exogenous H2S facilitating ubiquitin aggregates clearance via autophagy attenuates type 2 diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of diabetes. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a newly found gaseous signalling molecule, has an important role in many regulatory functions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of exogenous H2S on autophagy and its possible mechanism in DCM induced by type II diabetes (T2DCM). In this study, we found that sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) attenuated the augment in left ventricular (LV) mass and increased LV volume, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and ameliorated H2S production in the hearts of db/db mice. NaHS facilitated autophagosome content degradation, reduced the expression of P62 (a known substrate of autophagy) and increased the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 II. It also increased the expression of autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) and Beclin1 in db/db mouse hearts. NaHS increased the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) and reduced the ubiquitylation level in the hearts of db/db mice. 1,4-Dithiothreitol, an inhibitor of disulphide bonds, increased the ubiquitylation level of Keap-1, suppressed the expression of Keap-1 and abolished the effects of NaHS on ubiquitin aggregate clearance and ROS production in H9C2 cells treated with high glucose and palmitate. Overall, we concluded that exogenous H2S promoted ubiquitin aggregate clearance via autophagy, which might exert its antioxidative effect in db/db mouse myocardia. Moreover, exogenous H2S increased Keap-1 expression by suppressing its ubiquitylation, which might have an important role in ubiquitin aggregate clearance via autophagy. Our findings provide new insight into the mechanisms responsible for the antioxidative effects of H2S in the context of T2DCM.

Findings of chest radiograph and spiral computed tomography in Swyer-James syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of X-ray and spiral computed tomography (SCT) in the diagnosis of Swyer-James syndrome (SJS). METHODS: A total of 28 patients, 12 males and 16 females, were studied retrospectively. Ages ranged from 11 to 57 years, the mean age was 32 years. All patients underwent inspiratory chest X-ray films, 5 with expiratory chest films and 1 with bronchogram. Furthermore, inspiratory and expiratory SCT scans were performed. The SCT findings were analyzed and compared with X-ray films. RESULTS: SCT demonstrated 56 lobes with hyperlucency and diminished vascularity. The size of 51 lobes were smaller and 5 were normal. X-ray films showed that hyperlucency was only in 29 lobes, in which 19 lobes were small-sized and the other 10 lobes normal. There were 56 lobes with air-trapping on expiratory SCT scans, but only 5 lobes with air-trapping on expiratory X-ray films. Bronchogram in 1 case demonstrated bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis obliterans. SCT showed 24 patients with bronchiectasis, 9 patients with tuberculosis, 10 patients with bronchiolitis, and 2 with segmental collapse. CONCLUSION: SCT scan is superior to chest radiography in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of SJS.

[Application of multi-slice spiral CT angiography after endoluminal exclusion of aortic diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of multi-slice spiral CT angiography (MSCTA) after endoluminal exclusion of aortic diseases. METHODS: 16-slice CT angiography was performed in 15 patients with aortic dissection and 4 patients with aortic aneurysm after endovascular exclusion. Two observers analysed the images and interpreted the outcomes and complications after endovascular exclusions of aortic dissection and aortic aneurysm. RESULTS: In 19 patients, thrombus was found in all the false lumens of aortic dissection and the outer-stent cavity of aortic aneurysm. However, one patient with aortic aneurysm graft thrombosis; 4 patients had endo-leak (3 with type I endo-leak, 1 with type III endo-leak complicating graft deformation); one achieved perfusion recovery, and one experienced thrombolysis of superior mesenteric artery. CONCLUSION: MSCTA can be an objective tool for the post-operative evaluation of endovascular exclusion of aortic diseases.

[Multi-slice spiral CT imaging in the post-operative assessment of cochlear implanted electrode].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) in the post-operative assessment of cochlear implanted electrode. METHODS: Twenty-three cochlear implant recipients were enrolled in this study. All patients were examined with a SOMATOM Sensation 16-slice CT scanner (Siemens) using the following parameters: 120 kV, 100 mAs, 0. 75 mm collimation, 1 mm reconstruction slice thickness and increment, a pitch factor of 1, and a FOV of 100 mm. The axial images of interested ears were reconstructed with 0.1 mm increment and a FOV of 50 mm, and then volume rendering technique (VRT) reconstruction were done on the work station. RESULTS: The electrode arrays were detected on axial CT images. Both inner ear and electrode array could be displayed on one image simultaneously. VRT provided an intuitionistic view of the relationship between electrode array and cochlea VRT showed the number of the electrode array in 20 patients implanted with Combi 40 + standard electrode array and demonstrated the shape, position, and insertion depth. The electrode array number determined by VRT was in accordance with the surgical findings in 18 patients, and was underestimated in two patients. In 3 patients with Combi 40 + compressed electrode array, only 4 to 5 electrodes arrays were clearly identified and others were not observed. CONCLUSION: MSCT with VRT can provide useful three-dimensional information of the electrode array and indicate the exact relationship between electrode array and cochlea.

[An improved fast algorithm for ray casting volume rendering of medical images].

Ray casting algorithm can obtain better quality images in volume rendering, however, it presents some problems such as powerful computing capacity and slow rendering velocity. Therefore, a new fast algorithm of ray casting volume rendering is proposed in this paper. This algorithm reduces matrix computation by the matrix transformation characteristics of re-sampling points in two coordinate system, so re-sampled computational process is accelerated. By extending the Bresenham algorithm to three dimension and utilizing boundary box technique, this algorithm avoids the sampling in empty voxel and greatly improves the efficiency of ray casting. The experiment results show that the improved acceleration algorithm can produce the required quality images, at the same time reduces the total operations remarkably, and speeds up the volume rendering.

Post-traumatic stress disorder after typhoon disaster and its correlation with platelet 5-HT concentrations.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate residents' psychological stress factors and research the correlation between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and platelet 5-HT concentrations so as to provide scientific bases for diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and psychological intervention for people in the disaster area. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of 5500 residents who have accepted psychological help was conducted by the emphatic investigation method. While high performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the platelet serotonin concentration of 100 PTSD patients and 100 healthy people. RESULTS: (1) Of the 5114 cases, 3167 (61.93%) showed positive results in screening for psychological stress symptoms, and 399 (7.8%) were tested having apparent PTSD symptoms. Male and female prevalence showed no significant difference (χ(2) = -0.380, P = 0.704). The differences of prevalence between different age groups were statistically significant (χ(2) = 381.89, P = 0.000). (2) The differences in the level of platelet 5-HT between PTSD patients and normal control group were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The typhoon of Hainan Province caused relatively large psychological problems to the disaster victims. Compared with normal control group, the platelet 5-HT levels of PTSD patients in the disaster areas are lower. It may be related to incidents exposure levels, cultural background, religious ideas, social concerns and psychological rescue of the residents who live in the disaster areas of Hainan.