Study on the antifungal activity and mechanism of Huangqin decoction against Trichophyton mentagrophytes / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the antifungal activity of Huangqin decoction （HQD） against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and explore its mechanism. METHODS Minimal inhibitory concentration （MIC）， minimal fungicidal concentration （MFC）， mycelial length， spore germination rate， biomass and mycelium ultrastructure observation were performed to evaluate the antifungal activity of HQD against T. mentagrophytes. The effects of HQD on the cell wall of T. mentagrophytes were detected through sorbitol protection experiment. By measuring the content of ergosterol and the activities of squalene epoxide （SE） and lanosterol 14α-demethylase （CYP51）， the activity of HQD on the cell membrane of T. mentagrophytes was investigated. The effects of HQD on T. mentagrophytes mitochondria were investigated by determining the activities of malate dehydrogenase （MDH）， succinate dehydrogenase （SDH）， and ATPases （including sodium potassium ATPase， calcium magnesium ATPase， and total ATPase）. RESULTS HQD exhibited significant antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes with MIC of 3.13 mg/mL and MFC of 25 mg/mL. After intervention with HQD， the mycelial length of T. mentagrophytes was significantly shortened （P＜0.05）； spore germination rate， biomass， the content of ergosterol in the cell membrane， the activities of SE and CYP51 in the cell membrane and MDH， SDH and ATPase in mitochondria were all decreased significantly （P＜0.05）； cell structure had been ；damaged to a certain extent， but the integrity of the cell wall had not been affected. CONCLUSIONS HQD shows significant antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes， the mechanism of which may be associated with reducing the 0791- content of ergosterol in the cell membrane and the activities of SE， CYP51， and mitochondria-related enzymes.

Analysis of middle ear function of the patients with cleft palate after palatoplasty / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the middle ear function of the patients with cleft palate pre and post palatoplasty. Methods: 76 patients with cleft palate were investigated by clinical history and audiology examinations including electric otoscopy,tympanometry and click-ABR threshold. Results: The risk for middle ear function decreased with advancing age in the first 5 years. It was noticed that the otologic outcomes was related to the CP type. During long time follow-up, the frequency with the middle ear function disorder was always high within the CP patients but the proportion of the patients received tympanostomy tubes was low relatively. The prevalence of middle ear dysfunction did not differ with the time of cleft palate repair. Conclusion: The patients with cleft palate have middle ear function dysfunction in a long period of time,therefore a standard long-time follow-up system is necessary.

Evidence for the Presence of Long-Lived Plasma Cells in Nasal Polyps

PURPOSE: Plasma cells and immunoglobulins (Igs) play a pivotal role in the induction and maintenance of chronic inflammation in nasal polyps. During secondary immune responses, plasma cell survival and Ig production are regulated by the local environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the presence of long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) and specific survival niches for LLPCs in human nasal polyps.METHODS: Nasal mucosal samples were cultured with an air-liquid interface system and the Ig levels in culture supernatants were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The characteristics of LLPCs in nasal polyps were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression of neurotrophins as well as their receptors was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting.RESULTS: The numbers of CD138⁺ total plasma cells and BCL2⁺ plasma cells were increased in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps compared with those in normal tissues. The production of IgG, IgA, and IgE was detected in culture supernatants even after a 32-day culture of nasal polyps. Although the total numbers of plasma cells were decreased in nasal polyps after culture, the numbers of BCL2⁺ plasma cells remained stable. The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) as well as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) A, a high-affinity receptor for NGF, was upregulated in both eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic nasal polyps. In addition, BCL2⁺ plasma cell numbers were positively correlated with NGF and TrkA mRNA expression in nasal mucosal tissues. Polyp plasma cells had the expression of TrkA.CONCLUSIONS: Human nasal polyps harbor a population of LLPCs and NGF may be involved in their prolonged survival. LLPCs may be a novel therapeutic target for suppressing the local Ig production in nasal polyps.

Functional slit lamp biomicroscopy detects hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessel in normal adults and its clinical values / 眼科新进展

Objeetive To investigate the detection of hemodynamiCS parameters of conjunctival microvessels by functional slit lamp biomicroscopy (FSLB) in normal adult and its clinical application values.Methods Randomly selected 16 postgraduate students aged 21 to 25 years from the Nanchang University and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,including 8 males and 8 females.The density,length and diameter of conjunctival microvessel and the flow velocity of arteriolar and venular blood were measured by FSLB and software program (BenoitTM,TruSoft Inc,St.Petersburg,FL,USA),as well as the indicators' characteristics of the subjects' were analyzed.Results As for subjects' right eyes,the microvascular density,length,diameter,and the arteriolar and venular blood flow velocity were no significant difference between the upper,and lower sides,as well as between nasal and temporal sides (all P ＞ 0.05);meanwhile the microvascular density,length and diameter of the upper and lower sides were both lower than those of the nasal and temporal sides,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05),while the arteriolar and venular blood flow velocity of the upper and lower sides were both significantly higher than those of the nasal and temporal sides,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).In addition,the changes in hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessels of the left eyes and total eyes in subjects were consistent with the right eyes.Conclusion FSLB can clearly obtain hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessels in healthy grown-ups,and has a promising clinical value.

Functional slit lamp biomicroscopy detects hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessel in normal adults and its clinical values / 眼科新进展

Objeetive To investigate the detection of hemodynamiCS parameters of conjunctival microvessels by functional slit lamp biomicroscopy (FSLB) in normal adult and its clinical application values.Methods Randomly selected 16 postgraduate students aged 21 to 25 years from the Nanchang University and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,including 8 males and 8 females.The density,length and diameter of conjunctival microvessel and the flow velocity of arteriolar and venular blood were measured by FSLB and software program (BenoitTM,TruSoft Inc,St.Petersburg,FL,USA),as well as the indicators' characteristics of the subjects' were analyzed.Results As for subjects' right eyes,the microvascular density,length,diameter,and the arteriolar and venular blood flow velocity were no significant difference between the upper,and lower sides,as well as between nasal and temporal sides (all P ＞ 0.05);meanwhile the microvascular density,length and diameter of the upper and lower sides were both lower than those of the nasal and temporal sides,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05),while the arteriolar and venular blood flow velocity of the upper and lower sides were both significantly higher than those of the nasal and temporal sides,and the differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).In addition,the changes in hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessels of the left eyes and total eyes in subjects were consistent with the right eyes.Conclusion FSLB can clearly obtain hemodynamics parameters of conjunctival microvessels in healthy grown-ups,and has a promising clinical value.

Improved neurite outgrowth on central nervous system myelin substrate by siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nogo receptor / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>PURPOSE</b>To investigate the in vitro effect of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against Nogo receptor (NgR) on neurite outgrowth under an inhibitory substrate of central nervous system (CNS) myelin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three siRNA sequences against NgR were designed and transfected into cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) to screen for the most effcient sequence of NgR siRNA by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining. NgR siRNA sequence 1 was found the most efficient which was then transfected into the CGCs grown on CNS myelin substrate to observe its disinhibition for neurite outgrowth.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the scrambled control sequence of siRNA, the NgR siRNA sequence 1 significantly decreased NgR mRNA level at 24 h and 48 h (p <0.05), which was recovered by 96 h after transfection. NgR immunoreactivity was also markedly reduced at 24 and 48 h after the transfection of siRNA sequence 1 compared with that before transfection (p<0.05). The NgR immunoreactivity was recovered after 72 h post-transfection. Moreover, the neurite outgrowth on the myelin substrate was greatly improved within 72 h after the transfection with siRNA sequence 1 compared with the scrambled sequence-transfected group or non-transfected group (p<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>siRNA-mediated knockdown of NgR expression contributes to neurite outgrowth in vitro.</p>

Toxicity of 1,2-dichloroethane and its metabolites on human astrocytes / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the toxicity of 1,2-dichloroethane( 1,2-DCE) and its metabolites on human astrocytes( HAs). METHODS: Different doses of 1,2-DCE( 5. 00,10. 00,25. 00,50. 00 and 100. 00 mmol/L),2-chlorohydrins( 5. 00,25. 00,50. 00,100. 00 and 200. 00 mmol/L),2-chloroacetaldehyde( 1. 00,5. 00,10. 00,20. 00 and 50. 00 mmol / L) and chloroacetic acid( 0. 01,0. 05,0. 10,0. 50 and 1. 00 mmol / L) were used for treating HAs in vitro during their logarithmic phase. After 24 hours of culture,the morphology of HAs was observed by fluorescent inverted phase contrast microscope. The survival rate and the inhibition ratio of HAs were detected by CCK-8 colorimetry to estimate the50% inhibiting concentration in 24 hours( 24 h-IC50). The apoptosis of HAs was tested by double-labeling and flow cytometry using Annexin Ⅴ-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide. RESULTS: The morphology of HAs changed in varying degrees after 24 hours exposure to 1,2-DCE,2-chlorohydrins,2-chloroacetaldehyde and chloroacetic acid. The changes included smaller size of cells,pseudopodia tapering,increased intracellular particles and suspension of circular cells and decreased transparency of cells. With the increasing does of 1,2-DCE,2-chlorohydrins,2-chloroacetaldehyde and chloroacetic acid exposure,the survival rates of HAs decreased( P < 0. 01),while its inhibition ratios increased( P <0. 01). They all showed dose-effect relationship. 24 h-IC50 of the above 4 chemicals were 56. 25,235. 00,26. 43 and1. 38 mmol / L,respectively. The 1,2-DCE,2-chlorohydrins and chloroacetic acid could induce the apoptosis of HAs and the apoptosis rate of HAs was positively correlated with the 3 kinds of chemicals( P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: 1,2-DCE and its metabolites 2-chloroacetaldehyde,2-chlorohydrins and chloroacetic acid can lead to toxic damage and induce the apoptosis of HAs. Chloroacetic acid has the strongest toxicity among the metabolites.

Radiological characteristics of leg length discrepancy and knee varus/valgus deformity among unilateral developmental hip dislocation patients / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the leg length discrepancy and accompanied knee varus/valgus deformity in matured patients with unilateral dislocation of the hip.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2011 to December 2012, 28 patients who had unilateral dislocation of hip (Hartofilakidis classification II 17 cases and III 11 cases) were involved in this study.There were 6 male patients and 22 female patients, the age of the patients were 13.4-66.2 years, with mean age of 29.8 years. The standing anteroposterior full leg length X-ray films were obtained. Leg length discrepancy, the length of the femur, the length of the tibia and identified the varus/valgus knee deformities were measured. Statistical analysis was performed. A student's t test for paired samples was done for comparison of the parameters in the same patient between dislocated and undislocated leg, and the χ(2) test were used to assess valgus and varus knees, leg length discrepancy in high dislocation and low dislocation groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seventeen (60.7%) cases had longer femur length on the dislocated side than that on the undislocated side (t = 1.328, P = 0.197), with the maximum lengthening of 32.7 mm and a mean lengthening of 9.5 mm. Twenty-one (75.0%) cases had longer tibia length on the dislocated side (t = 3.039, P = 0.006), with a maximum lengthening of 10.9 mm and a mean lengthening of 4.5 mm. Twenty (71.4%) cases had longer relative leg length on the dislocated side (t = 2.451, P = 0.022), with a maximum lengthening of 25.0 mm and a mean lengthening of 9.4 mm. On the dislocated side of the leg, the degree of valgus angle was 3° ± 4°,while on the undislocated side, that was -3° ± 4°(t = 5.642, P = 0.000). On the dislocated side, 12 cases (42.9%) were of valgus deformities and 1 case was of varus deformity. On the contralateral side, 15 cases of varus deformities (53.6%) and 1 case of valgus deformity were observed(χ(2) = 18.139,P = 0.000).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Most dislocated legs are longer in length than the contralateral side, both femur and tibia have also lengthened accordingly. Many knees on the dislocated side present valgus deformity, half of the knees on the contralateral side present varus deformity.</p>

Treatment of chronic primary glomerulopathy patients of Shen deficiency and dampness heat syndrome by yishen qingli granule combined low-dose Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside tablet: a clinical efficacy observation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of treatment of chronic primary glomerulopathy (CPG) patients of Shen deficiency and dampness heat syndrome (SDDHS) by Yishen Qingli Granule (YQG) combined with low-dose Tripterygium Wilfordii multiglycoside Tablet (TWT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 231 CPG patients of SDDHS were enrolled in this study (including 60 patients from First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 58 from First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 46 from Xinqiao Hospital of Third Military Medical University, 35 from First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 14 from First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, and 18 from Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). They were randomly assigned to the control group (116 cases) and the trial group (115 cases) according to block group method. There were 217 cases in the safety analysis set (109 cases in the trial group vs 108 cases in the control group), and 203 cases in the full analysis set (99 cases in the trial group vs 104 cases in the control group). All patients received basic treatment such as ACEI/ARB. Furthermore, YQG (consisting of raw astragalus 10 g, prepared Polygonum Multiflorum 10 g, Pyrrosia 10 g, 1.5 g each package, containing 10 g of crude drugs) was additionally given to patients in the trial group, each package, twice daily. The TWT (10 mg) was given, twice a day. The TWT dose was adjusted according to 24 h urinary total protein (UTP). The placebos of YQG and TWT were administered to those in the control group. The treatment course consisted of 24 weeks and the follow-up visit lasted for 24 weeks. The biochemical indices were observed before and after treatment including 24 h UTP, urine red cell count (U(RBC)), renal functions (BUN, SCr), blood routine test (WBC), and liver functions (SGPT, SGOT). Reverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash, and irregular menstruation were also observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the total effective rate was better in the trial group (82.83% vs 61.54%, P < 0.01). Results of stratified comparison of UTP showed better efficacy in the trial group (0.8-3.0 g/24 h, P < 0.01). The UTP decline occurred in the trial group after 8 weeks of treatment, with stable action, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In the trial group, U(RBC) level decreased after treatment but changed more significantly. But there was no statistical difference in the changes when compared with the control group (P > 0.05). After treatment, there were no statistical difference in safety indicators such as WBC, SGPT, and SGOT between the two groups after treatment (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>On the basis of basic treatment such as ACEI/ARB, application of YQG combined with low-dose TWT had better effect in controlling proteinuria of CPG patients, and could help stabilizing their conditions with less adverse reactions.</p>

Case-control studies on therapeutic effects of arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament with preservation of remnant through outside-in and transtibial tunel / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the properties and clinical outcomes of arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with preservation of remnant through outside-in and transtibial tunel.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2005 to January 2012, 145 patients were treated with arthroscopic reconstruction of ACL with preservation of remnant. Among the patients, 88 patients were treated with outside-in techniques (outside-in group), including 55 males and 33 females, ranging in age from 18 to 52 years, with a mean of (29.22 +/- 7.31) years; 57 patients were treated with transtibial technique (transtibial group), including 35 males and 22 females, ranging in age from 18 to 51 years, with a mean of (29.28 +/- 8.07) years. The Lysholm, VAS and IKDC scores were compared between two groups before operation, after operation and at the latest follow-up time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average operation time was (76.94 +/- 10.83) min in the outside-in group, and (70.35 +/- 10.11) min in the transbibial group, there was a significant difference between two groups. There was no significant difference of hydrops articuli scores at the early stage between the two groups (P = 0.065). At follow-up from 18 to 60 months, there were great improvements in the knee stabilities in each group compared with the preoperative data respectively. The Lysholm score improved from 54.75 +/- 10.58 preoperatively to 95.80 +/- 5.16 at the follow-up in the outside-in group; and improved from 52.51 +/- 11.38 preoperatively to 94.86 +/- 5.50 at follow-up in the transtibial group. Additionally, IKDC grades also improved in both groups. However, no significant differences were seen in stabilities shown by pivot shift test, Lachman test and anterior drawer test. And there also no significant differences of Lysholm scores and IKDC grades between two groups after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The outside-in technique has advantages to create an anatomical femoral tunnel easily with minimal intra-articular interference, and disadvantages of complicated manipulation. The transtibial technique is easy to operate and gain time. Using either of responding technique according to the actual situation, satisfactory outcome could be archived.</p>

Correlation between Chinese medicine syndromes and the NPHS1 gene and NPHS2 gene polymorphism as well as corticosteroid sensitivity in patients with minimal change disease / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the correlation between Chinese medicine (CM) syndromes and the NPHS1 gene and NPHS2 gene polymorphism as well as corticosteroid sensitivity in patients with minimal change disease (MCD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 94 MCD patients were recruited, including 58 steroid-sensitive nephritic syndrome (SSNS) patients and 36 steroid-resistant nephritic syndrome (SRNS) patients. Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes and sequence analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The SNPs of G349A-3 in NPHS1 gene was found in MCD, but the SNPs of G686A-5 and C695T-5 in NPHS2 gene were not discovered in MCD. (2) When comparing the frequency of genotype AA and allele A in NPHS1 gene (G349A-3), genotype AA and allele A were higher in the SRNS group than in the SSNS group (P < 0.05). (3) When compared with the SRNS group, qi yang deficiency syndrome had a higher incidence in the SSNS group, and yin deficiency syndrome and qi-yin deficiency syndrome had a less incidence in the SSNS, but with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The rheumatism syndrome had a higher incidence in the SSNS group (P < 0.05). The blood stasis syndrome had a lower incidence in the SSNS with statistical difference (P < 0.05). (4) There was no statistical difference in the correlation between GG, AA, GA and CM syndromes (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Homozygous mutations of AA and allele A in NPHS1 gene were correlated to SRNS patients of MCD. Rheumatism syndrome patients were prone to be sensitive to corticosteroids, while patients of blood stasis syndrome were prone to be insensitive to corticosteroids. We didn't discover the correlation between NPHS1 gene polymorphism and CM syndrome distribution.</p>

Effect of miR-221 on the viability and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells / 中华肝脏病杂志

To investigate the effect of microRNA-221 (miR-221) on cell viability and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. MiR-221 inhibitors and mimics were transfected into HepG2 cells. The expression of miR-221 was detected by real time quantitative RT-PCR. CellTiter-blue cell viability kit, Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide (PI) double staining assay, flow cytometry and Apo-ONE homogeneous caspase-3/7 kit were used to measure cell viability and apoptosis. MiR-221 inhibitors significantly inhibited the cell growth and miR-221 mimics increased cell viability 48 hours post-transfection measured by both CellTiter-blue cell viability kit and Hoechst 33342/PI assay (P is less than to 0.05). There was a positive correlation between these two assays (r = 0.993, P is less than to 0.01). With miR-221 mimics, the number of G1 stage cells (47.67%+/-1.53%) was significantly reduced as compared to the blank control (59.00%+/-1.00%) and the negative control (58.00%+/-1.00%, F = 81.77, P is less than to 0.01), and it was significantly raised in S stage (20.33%+/-1.15%) than in blank control (11.00%+/-1.00%) and negative control (12.00%+/-1.00%, F = 70.9, P is less than to 0.01) with flow cytometry analysis. More cell apoptosis and necrosis were significantly induced by miR-221 inhibitors 48 hours post-transfection detected by both Hoechst 33342/PI assay and flow cytometry PE Annexin V kit (P is less than to 0.05). The result from Apo-ONE homogeneous caspase-3/7 kit was consistent with the above two apoptotic assays, which showed that with miR-221 inhibitors, the activity of caspase-3/7 was significantly enhanced (P is less than to 0.05). MiR-221 contributes to the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and miR-221 inhibition can induce cell apoptosis. miR-221 has the potential to become one of the new molecular targets for liver cancer therapy.

Both the medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation following the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by arthroscopic surgical technique / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the minimal invasive arthroscopic surgery technique and clinical results of both the medial and lateral meniscal transplantation following the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with double bundles and bone tunnels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In August 2008 a minimal invasive surgery of both the medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was preformed for 1 case with both the medial and lateral meniscectomy by arthroscopic surgery. The method of two bone plugs attached on tibial plateau was employed for medial meniscal allograft transplantation and the technique the bridge in slot for lateral meniscal allograft transplantation. The VAS, Lysholm score and IKDC rating were recorded before and after operation. The stability of knee was assessed by Lachman test, drawer sign and pivot shift test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patient was followed up 26 month after the operations. The degrees of knee flexion, extension and function of walk were normal. The Lachman test, drawer sign and pivot shift test were nearly normal. The VAS after operation was 2 points lower than that before operation. The Lysholm score post-operation was 20 points higher than pre-operation. The IKDC became B degree in late following-up from C degree before the operation. MRI revealed anterior cruciate ligament graft was continuous and the meniscal allograft was normal shape on year 1 after the operation. The posterior horn of medial meniscal allograft and anterior corner of lateral meniscal allograft showed slightly shrunk. The second-look arthroscopy showed that the healing occurring between meniscal allograft and the capsule and meniscal allograft was normal shape on month 18 after the operation. The anterior horn of medial and lateral meniscus was slightly worn.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both the medial and lateral meniscal transplantation following the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in appropriately selected patients with the medial and lateral meniscus-deficient knee may recover the knee mechanic balance and stability, which is a option of treatment for that young and activity patients. It is proposed that the medial and lateral meniscal grafts harvested from a single donator. Attention should be paid to the direction of the bone tunnels fixing the horns of the meniscus in order to avoid communication with the tunnels of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.</p>

Correlation between chirp auditory brainstem response and behavioral hearing threshold in children / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation between thresholds in the chirp-ABR and behavior audiogram in order to find out if it is possible to be used as an clinical application of the chirp-ABR in estimating hearing sensitivity.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-two cases with hearing loss or normal hearing were enrolled in the study. The behavior audiogram and the response thresholds of chirp ABR (including chirp ABR, L-chirp ABR and U-chirp ABR) were obtained from 35 ears.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-two cases were of both genders. The age was between 3.3- 6.5-years-old with the average age of 4.8-years-old. Divided by the degree of hearing loss, in the 35 ears, there were 6 with normal hearing, 2 with slightly hearing loss, 4 with moderate hearing loss, 10 with severe hearing loss and 13 with profound hearing loss. The Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.939, 0.900 and 0.930, respectively, which got from the data between the average of 0.5 - 4 kHz and chirp ABR respond threshold, 0.5 kHz and L-chirp ABR, and the average of 1 - 4 kHz and U-chirp ABR.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As an objective test, the response threshold of chirp-ABR and the behavior audiogram were a highly correlated with each other, but more application in more subjects is needed.</p>

Evaluation and analysis of auditory function and its clinical characteristics in low birth weight premature infants / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate and analyze dynamic changes of auditory function in premature babies with fetal age of less than 37 weeks who were categorized into different birth weight groups and to detect abnormalities of auditory function in these babies and to describe the early development patterns of auditory function in infancy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total of 252 subjects (504 ears) from neonatal ward, neonatal intensive care unit and auditory clinic in Guangzhou Children Hospital, whose fetal age were less than 37 weeks, were included in our study and received auditory function evaluation from January 2004 to February 2008. To investigate the correlation between birth weight and development and abnormality of auditory function in premature babies, all subjects were divided into four groups according to birth weight: </= 1.50 kg, 1.51 - 2.00 kg, 2.01 - 2.50 kg and > 2.5 kg. Each group was further categorized by subject's age on first auditory function evaluation in 0 - 3 months (include 3 months), 3 - 6 months (include 6 months) and above 6 months, respectively. Subjects who were evaluated more than once in different age frame would be grouped into multiple evaluation subgroups. All subjects underwent one or more objective auditory examinations including auditory brainstem response (ABR), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), tympanometry and acoustic stapedius reflex.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A tendency of decreased wave V threshold of ABR was seen as birth weight increased, while the percentage of subjects with ABR wave V threshold </= 40 dB nHL increased as well. A tendency of decreased wave V threshold of ABR was also seen as age increased after birth, likewise the percentage of subjects with ABR wave V threshold </= 40 dB nHL increased with age after birth. For multiple evaluation subgroups, improvement rate ranged from 56.67% to 82.76% depending on subjects' birth weight. In all low birth weight (LBW) premature babies, 4 subjects and 6 ears with no wave or just wave V at maximum stimulation 103 dB nHL in ABR were diagnosed with auditory neuropathy, giving an incidence of 3.75%(by ears).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Auditory function (including middle ear and auditory nerve system) of premature LBW improved gradually within examined age frame, as birth weight and age after birth increased. For LBW preterm who showed abnormality in auditory evaluation, a 6-month follow-up should be scheduled, babies weighted less than 1.50 kg at birth that showed abnormality in the first auditory evaluation should be re-evaluated within 2 months. Babies weighted more than 1.50 kg who showed abnormality in the first auditory evaluation should be re-evaluated within 3 months.</p>

The expression of B-cell translocation gene 2 in diethylnitrosamine-induced primary hepatocellular carcinoma rat model / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression and role of B-cell translocation gene 2(BTG2) in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Modified Diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced primary hepatocellular carcinoma rat model was established. The expression of BTG2, p53 and cyclinD1 was detected by RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The BTG2 protein was predominantly localized in the nucleus, with faint cytoplasmic staining in normal liver cells; however, it is mainly a cytoplasmic protein in HCC cells. BTG2 was over-expressed during the early stage after DEN treatment, the expression level peaked at 5 weeks and then it gradually decreased to the normal level after 16 weeks. The expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E was increased gradually after DEN treatment, and peaked at 16 weeks and 5 weeks respectively. A significant increase in p53 was not observed until 5 weeks after DEN treatment, and it gradually decreased after 16 weeks.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Decreased expression of BTG2 may be an important step in carcinogenesis of HCC. BTG2 may positively regulate p53 expression and negatively regulate cyclin D1 expression in the carcinogenesis of HCC.</p>

Audiological characteristics and localization of lesions in children with retrocochlear auditory nerve impairment / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinic characteristics, audiological characteristics and location of lesions in children with retrocochlear auditory nerve impairment which, including auditory neuropathy characterized by severely abnormal results of ABR and normal results of DPOAE.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between 2002 and 2006, eighty-six cases (165 ears) with severely abnormal ABR but normal results of DPOAE were enrolled in the study group. The mean patient age was one year and one-month-old, with a range of 8 days to 7 years. The cases with abnormal conductive function were excluded. The cases with severely abnormal ABR and normal cochlear functions as measured by DPOAE and without abnormal conductive function were selected as the cochlear lesion group. Some same age healthy children without hearing loss were subjected as normal control group. The latency and amplitude of waves I, III and V, the inter peak latency I-III was compared among the three group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Fifty-one cases (59.3%) had a history of hypercholesterolemia during neonatal period, but 40 cases (46.51%) had a severe hypercholesterolemia and 11 cases (12.79%) had mild or moderate hypercholesterolemia. Clinical features common among the population included a history of dyskinesia [n = 40 (46.51%)], hearing and language disorder [n = 10 (11. 63%)]. Thirty-two cases (37.2%) were accompanied by cerebral palsy . (2) Among the 165 ears, absent ABRs to click stimuli presented at 103 dB was in 103 ears, only wave I was developed in 27 ears and only wave V was developed in 19 ears,wave I and III in 13 ears and differentiated wave I and V in 3 ears. (3) When compared to control group, the latency of wave I was prolonged and amplitude of wave I was lower in cases with only wave I developed (t = -6.75 and 2.58, P < 0.05). For for cases with only wave I and III differentiated, the latency and amplitude of wave I was the same but the latency of wave III was prolonged and amplitude of wave III was lower while interpeak latency I-III was prolonged.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Auditory neuropathy which was characterized by severely abnormal ABR was the most common type of retrocochlear auditory nerve impairment. It was mainly due to a disorder of VIII nerve. The pathologies that affect higher levels of the auditory pathway, from the brainstem to the auditory cortex, might be the main sites of lesion in cases with only wave I developed. Superior olivary nucleus where wave III was generated and higher levels of the auditory pathway might be the main sites of lesion in cases with wave I and III differentiated. The low-amplitude wave V was not characteristics of auditory neuropathy. Cerebral cortex, brain stem auditory nucleus and VIII nerve might be damaged successively in cases with retrocochlear auditory nerve impairment induced by hypercholesterolemia.</p>

Application of computer-aided design in preoperative planning in total hip replacement / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the advantages of using the preoperative computer-aided design system (CAD) in total hip replacement (THR).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From March 2002 to September 2005, 182 patients who underwent primary THR were screened and divided into 2 groups randomly. CAD and traditional preoperative templating were used in preoperative planning respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In group using CAD, the migration of the center of acetabulum was smaller, and the discrepancy of the limb length and the abductor force lever arm were fewer. All the differences above were significantly different.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CAD helps remove much of the guesswork during surgery, and the implant can be more precise fitting to the patient. And equal limb lengths and balanced abductor force can be restored more accurately.</p>

Mortality analyses for tungsten miners / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mortality from main causes of death in 6 tungsten miners and explore the effects of cumulative dust exposure on standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) from main causes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cohort of 18027 workers registered in the employment record from 6 tungsten mines located in Hunan and Jiangxi province and working for at least 1 year was identified for this study. SMRs were calculated based on Chinese national mortality. Trend analysis was used to analyze the effect of cumulative dust exposure on SMRs of main causes of death.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cohort was followed up from 1972 to 2003 with an accumulative of 470 722.21 person-years. A total of 6135 workers died, and the mortality was 13.03 per thousand. Cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, malignant neoplasm and pulmonary tuberculosis accounted for 79.32% of all death. The mortalities of all-causes, pneumoconiosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, infectious disease, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and liver cancer were found to be significantly higher than the national average level. Positive dose-response relationship between SMRs and cumulative dust exposure was observed in all-causes, pneumoconiosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mortality from main causes of death for the dust-exposed workers are higher than that for non dust-exposed workers. Positive dose-response relationships are observed between cumulative dust exposure and SMRs from all-causes, respiratory disease (including silicosis), pulmonary tuberculosis and cardiovascular disease.</p>

Prevalence and predictors of acute stress disorder after earthquake: findings from Wenchuan earthquake in China / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the prevalence and predictors of acute stress disorder (ASD) in the victims affected by Wenchuan earthquake in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A random clustered sampling method was used. Of 891 victims enrolled in the study, 874 were completely assessed with the ASD constructive questionnaire and diagnosed with DSM-IV criteria. Sociodemographic variables were obtained. Also, the major symptoms of ASD (i.e., general symptoms to a traumatic event; dissociative symptoms; re-experiencing symptoms; hyper-arousal symptoms; avoidance symptoms) were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence rate of ASD was 12.59% (110/874). The incidence rates of ASD for female and male were 15.16% (72/475) and 9.52% (38/399) respectively. There was a significant difference between female and male on the incidence rate of ASD (chi(2) = 6.26, P = 0.01). Logistic regression indicated that the ASD diagnosis was predicted by gender (beta = 0.58, P = 0.01, OR = 1.79), the condition of casualties of family members (beta = 0.60, P = 0.01, OR = 1.82), and the condition of sharp properties loss (beta = 1.02, P = 0.01, OR = 2.76).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The major earthquake should have great influence on mental health of victims. The efforts to reduce casualties and property loss might help to prevent ASD. Further research is needed on gender difference among traumatic events.</p>