OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes and determine the difference of electrode impedance and neural response telemetry ( NRT) value with cochlear implants in children with malformed inner ear and normal inner ear. METHOD: Eighty-eight children with multi-channel cochlear implants participated in this study. Children were divided into malformed inner ear group and normal inner ear group. To test the electrode impedance values and NRT value. RESULT: The changes of electrode impedance showed the similar changing pattern in two groups. There was not different in electrode impedance values between the two groups (P > 0.05). The changes of electrode neural response telemetry values showed the similar changing pattern in two groups. There was significantly different in electrode impedance values between the two groups (P < 0.05). The NRT were going up higher from electrode 22 to electrode 1. CONCLUSION The values vary are different programming sessions and electrodes during the first 3 months of cochlear implant use. To acquire better hearing frequent programming sessions are necessary.
Adolescent ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants ; Cochlear Nerve ; Ear, Inner ; abnormalities ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Electric Impedance ; Electrodes ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male

Objective To study the distribution of allogenic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on joints of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats and to investigate their repair effects on joint damages. Methods Five Wistar rats were used for extraction of mesenchymal stem cells and 30 adult female Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: the CIA rats group A (n=10), CIA rats group B (n=10) and normal rats control group C (n=10). BM-MSCs of Wistar rats were isolated, cultured in vitro routinely and the fourth passages was taken for identification of specific surface antigens by flow cytometry, then the cells were labeled with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (5-BrdU) in vitro. The models of CIA rats were established. 5-BrdU labeled BM-MSCs (1.0×107 cells/kg) were imfused from through tail vein to CIA rats group A and control group C. During the first 4 weeks after BM-MSCs transplantation, changes of general condition and left hind paw swelling were examined. At the fourth week, immunohistochemical examination of 5 -BrdU and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were performed to investigate BM-MSCs aggregation around the knee joints. The contribution of BM -MSCs to repairing of joint damages was identified. Comparisons between groups were performed by t-test. Results After BM-MSCs transplantation, left hindpaw swelling of group A were relieved compared with group B (P＜0.05) and the mobility of the joints was significantly improved. At the fourth week, much more implanted cells (5-BrdU positive cells.) were detected in the damaged knee joints than those in normal knee joints. The average grey scale values on synovium of knee joints in the CIA group A (85±9) was significantly lower than that of the normal group C (110±6, P＜0.05). At the same time, OPG expression was increased in damaged knee joints. The average grey scale values on synovium of knee joints in CIA group A (54±4) was significantly lower than that of the CIA group B (77±6, P＜0.05). Conclusion The transplanted allogeneic bone marrow mesenchy-mal stem cells can migrate to sites of damaged tissue in arthritis. They can prevent tissue damage and repair the damaged joints tissue by increasing OPG expression. This study has provided some evidence for developing effective therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective:To examinethe absolute numbers of cluster of differentiation (CD4) + T cell subsets in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatism and further to develop a new immunomodulatory therapies which aimed to restore their imbalanced CD4 + T lymphocyte subpopulation. Methods:A total of 6 395 rheumatic patients [4 430 females, 1 965 males, mean age (49±15) years] and 206 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this retrospective cross-sectional study, which included rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), primary Sj?gren′s syndrome (pSS), Be?het's disease (BD), dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM), gout and vasculitis. Some patients received treatment combined with immunoregulatory drugs (IMiDs) such as low-dose interleukin (IL)-2, rapamycin, metformin, retinoic acid and coenzyme Q10. The absolute numbers of T helper cell (Th)1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T cell (Treg) in peripheral blood (PB) of these individuals were measured by Flow Cytometery (FCM). Independent sample t test and paired sample t test were used to compare the levels of CD4 + T cell subsets in PB of patients and HCs, before and after treatment respectively, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Compared with HCs, the mean absolute number of Treg was significantly decreased [(31±15) cell/μl vs (27±17) cell/μl, t=3.407, P<0.01] and the ratio of Th17/Treg was increased in all patients [(0.3±0.2) vs ( 0.4±0.7), t=-9.508, P<0.01]. There was a significant increase in the number of Th17 in patients with AS [(10±8) cell/μl, t=-5.403, P<0.01], PsA[ (11±11) cell/μl, t=-3.829, P<0.01], SSc [(7±6) cell/μl, t=3.114, P<0.01], BD [(11±9) cell/μl), t=-4.774, P<0.01] and gout [(11±9) cell/μl, t= -4.604, P<0.01) , and we observed lower level of Treg in patients with RA[(28±15) cell/μl, t=3.032, P<0.01], SLE [(21±21) cell/μl, t=6.836, P<0.01], AS [(28±15) cell/μl, t=2.216, P<0.05], SSc [(27±16) cell/μl, t=3.698, P<0.05], BD [(27±17) cell/μl, t=2.502, P<0.05], DM/PM [(27±22) cell/μl, t=2.974, P<0.01) and gout [(28±15) cell/μl, t=2.079, P<0.05). After IMiDs combination treatment, the levels of CD4 + T subsets were increased. Interestingly, the expansion of Treg was much more dramatical than those of other effector T cells, resulting in a decrease in ratios of Th17/Treg, especially in SLE [(0.6±1.0) vs (0.5±0.4), t=3.157 , P<0.01]. Conclusion:Impaired balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cells, especially insufficiency of Treg, might be a cornerstone of the pathogenesis of rheumatism. The new immunomodulatory therapies could relatively specifically promote Treg proliferation and restored patients' autoimmune tolerance, which isexpected to provide a new strategy for the treatment of rheumatism.

Objective To study the effect of allo-human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on T and B cells from patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in vitro. Methods BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow samples of healthy volunteers and purified by density gradient centrifugation and cultured in vitro. Peripheral lymphocytes were isolated from patients with RA.Then, BMSCs and lymphpcutes were co-cultured. The modulatory effect of BMSCs on proliferation, activation and maturation of T and B lymphocytes of RA patients stimulated by PHA and SAC respectively was observed. The cell generation cycle and the degree of apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry with PI/ Annexin V. After co-cultured with or without BMSCs for 72 hours, T cells were harvested, then they were labeled with anti-CD3, anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anti-CD25 antibodies and analyzed by flow cytometry. The density of IgG in the co-culture system was detected by ELISA. Results T and B cells proliferation was significantly suppressed when co-cuhured with bMSCs but did not induce T cell apoptosis. There was a significant decrease in the ratio of CD4+ CD3+ T cells in the co-cuhure group (34±6), as compared with the control group (44±7) (P<0.05). There was a decrease in CD25+ T cells and increase of CD4+ CD25+ cells in BMSCs co-cultured group (P<0.05). IgG was in creased in the cocuhure system. Conclusion Human BMSCs inhibit T and B cell activation and proliferation in patients with RA in vitro. And these immunomodulatory effects are not MHC restricted. The results of this study have provided evidence for the fact that BMSCs has the potential to be an effective treatment for RA.

Objective To isolate and culture bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and examine their biological characteristics. Methods MSCs were isolated from bone marrow of RA patients and purified by density gradient centrifugation and cultured in vitro. The morphology, immunophenotype, and proliferative; property of BMSC and colony forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) were measured and analyzed. Results The culture expanded cells from RA patients presented a typical fibroblast-like morphology. Ceils were positive for SH2 (CD105), CD71, and CD44, but negative for CD45. Their proliferative capacity and CFU-F number were similar to those of BMSCs from healthy donors. Conclusion In respect to morphology, immuno-phenotype, proliferative property and colony forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F), MSCs from bone marrow of RA patients are not different from those of MSCs isolated from bone marrow of normal donors. MSCs from the bone marrow of RA patients have the potential for clinical application.

Objective:To explore the expression of peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase (Pin1) activity in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the value and correlation of T helper cell 17/regulatory cells (Th17/Treg) cells, and to analyze the effect and influence of all-transretinoic acid (ATRA) on it.Methods:① Comparing the difference of Pin1 expression and absolute counts of Th17 and Treg between RA patients before and after treatment and healthy control group, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used for analysis. ② To analyze the correlation between the expression of Pin1 and its general data, activity indicators [such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease activity score 28 joints (DAS28) scores], Th17, Treg and some cytokines in RA patients, and to use Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. ③ To analyze the difference of Pin1 expression and Th17/Treg in peripheral blood of RA patients treated with low-dose all-trans retinoic acid (10 mg twice a week) and traditional immunosuppressants such as hydroxychloroquine for 3 months respectively. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between the two groups, and the difference was statistically significant with ( P<0.05). Results:① The activity of Pin1 in peripheral blood of the newly treated group of RA was [13.62(9.16, 19.42)] higher than that of the healthy control group [8.97(7.62, 11.45)]( Z=42.82 , P<0.05), and Th17 was [18.28(12.76, 24.08)] higher than that of the healthy control group [6.04(4.96, 4.96)]( Z=48.83 , P<0.05). Treg [11.06(5.31, 21.87). It was lower than that of healthy control group [40.41(24.33, 48.52)]( Z=42.21 , P<0.05). ② the activity of Pin1 in peripheral blood of RA patients was positively correlated with CRP, the number of involved joints, DAS28 score, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) ( r=0.396, P<0.05; r=0.683, P<0.05; r=0.466, P<0.05; r=0.315, P<0.05; r=0.416, P<0.05). ③ Compared with the newly treated RA group, the activity of Pin1 [6.94(5.96, 8.77), Z=42.82 , P<0.05] and Th17 7.38 decreased [7.38(3.85, 11.21), Z=48.83 , P<0.05], while Treg [40.41 (17.77, 33.47)] increased ( Z=42.21 , P<0.05). ④ Compared with the traditional medicine group, Treg [28.9(21.73, 37.36)] was higher in the retinoic acid group, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.683 , P<0.05). The activity of Pin1 was [6.23(5.58, 8.75)], but there was no statistical significance ( Z=-1.622 , P=0.104). Conclusion:Pin1 in peripheral blood of RA patients is over-expressed. Th17 is increased and Treg is decreased. ATRA combined with other traditional drugs can reduce Pin1 activity, promote Treg growth and improve disease activity of RApatients to a certain extent.

Objective To establish computer assisted virtual ureteroscopy (VU) through data from computerized tomography urography (CTU) of patients with renal stones and make validation of effectiveness.Methods From June of 2015 to January of 2016,23 cases of renal stones cases was selected by 5 experts in 3 different centers.There were 21 unbilateral cases and 2 bilateral cases.The age ranged from 31 to 79(54.7 ± 12.5).Mean stone burden was (19.0 ± 6.2) mm.Stone number ranged from 1 to 5 (2.7 ± 1.2).VU generation was accomplished by specialized software (Crusher) with incorporating CTU data.After patientspecific VUs were presented to the experts,and the FURS surgeries were all finished successfully,face and content validations about VU using modified Likert questionnaire ordinal 10-point rating scales were made.20 trainee were selected to do the flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy with assistance of VU.After observation of CTU and VU,the numbers of renal calyces and stones found by the experts and trainees were recorded.The statistical analysis were made before and after observation of VU between the experts and trainees.Result Face and content validation of VU:overall usefulness 7.6 ± 0.5,graphics 7.6 ± 0.5,intrarenal collecting system 8.4 ± 0.5,stone details 8.4 ± 0.5,usefulness in surgical planning and training 8.0 ± 0.7.Significant improvement was found when the trainees doing the surgery with the help of VU.Compared with using CTU only,VU could help the trainees had better understanding of intrarenal structure and stone information [the number of calyces (16.7 ±3.7)vs.(24.6 ± 1.8),P ＜0.001;the number of stones (4.9 ± 1.4)vs.(8.2 ± 1.3),P ＜0.001].Before observation of VU,trainees found much fewer calyces and stones compared with experts (P =0.004 and P ＜ 0.001 respectively).However,this gap disappeared after VU observation (P =0.327 and 0.292 respectively).Conclusions Establishing computer assisted VU through CTU data from renal stone patients is feasible and rapid.VU can significantly improve trainee's view of intrarenal collecting system and stone information before practicing FURS.

Objective To provide reference for exploring the senile chronic disease health management new model by apply‐ing the chronic disease health management model into the practice of home‐based care service center in community .Methods The chronic disease health management team was established and the management platform of home‐based care service centers in com‐munity was applied to implement the chronic disease health management service .The senile chronic disease management and service situation were compared between before and after implementing chronic disease health management ,and the difference of service be‐tween the home‐based care service center and community health service center after implementing the chronic disease health man‐agement was compared as well .Results The service content implementation in the home‐based care service center was significantly improved after senile chronic disease health management (P<0 .01) ,and the chronic disease management satisfaction was increased by 39 .66% .Meanwhile ,the management rate and control rate of chronic diseases in the community home‐based care service center were superior to those in the community health service center (P<0 .01) .Conclusion Applying the chronic disease health manage‐ment model into the platform of the home‐based care service center can provide more comprehensive ,specific and efficient chronic disease health management service ,w hich provides a new model of senile chronic disease management application .

PurposeVon Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant diseases involved multiple organs. This paper aims to explore the clinical and imaging features of VHL syndrome for the improvement of early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.Materials and Methods The clinical and imaging data, as well as their history of 5 patients with VHL syndrome were retrospectively studied. Follow-up was performed and the related literature was also reviewed.Results Among the 5 patients, 4 were found with angioreticulomas. One out of four patients simultaneously suffered from multiple angioreticulomas in brainstem, and another one had multiple cervical cord angioreticulomas. The typical MRI showed multiple cystic and solid mass with mixed intense signals, and the enhanced MRI displayed obvious enhancement in the solid part of the mass. Three patients were diagnosed with renal clear cell carcinomas. The typical CT scan showed equidensity or slightly low density signals, and the enhanced CT scan noted heterogeneous enhancement. Besides, bilateral epididymis cystadenoma occurred in one case. The ultrasonography presented heterogeneous echo and rich blood vessels. The follow-ups had been conducted till January 2015. According to the Glasgow outcome scale, three patients were in good conditions, while the other two died from renal clear cell carcinomas.Conclusion Patients with VHL syndrome usually have an unsatisfactory prognosis and most may die from renal carcinoma. Genetic test and investigation of family history should be performed as early as possible on patients with highly suspected or confirmed VHL Early treatment, life-long follow-up and periodic imaging examinations may be helpful in the prognosis.

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of narrow band imaging(NBI)for diagnosis of malignant and premalignant gastric lesions.Methods The gastric lesions,pits and microvascularity were observed using conventional endoscopy followed by narrow band imaging(NBI)and chromoendoscopy(0.2%indigo carmine)as well as magnifying endoscopy(×80)in 217 patients.The quality of images obtained by different endoscopies was evaluated and compared to pathologic interpretations. Results Of 217 patients,non-atrophic gastritis was found in 85 cases,chronic atrophic gastritis in 38 cases,mild dysplasia in 19 cases,moderate dysplasia in 9 cases,severe dysplasia in 4 cases,early gastric cancer in 5 cases,advanced gastric cancer in 20 cases and intestinal metaplasia in 91 cases.The NBI endoscopy was superior to conventional endoscopy and chromoendoscopy in finding gastric lesions(P=0.000).The gastric microvascularity was more clearly seen on images obtained by NBI combined with magnifying endoscopy in comparison with conventional endoscopy and chromoendoscopy(P=0.000).There were six patterns in description of gastric pits with NBI endoscopy.Type Ⅲ,Ⅳ or Ⅴ1 was usually found in chronic atrophic gastritis,type Ⅲ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ1 or Ⅴ2 in intestinal metaplasia,type V1 or Ⅳ in dysplasia and type Ⅵ in suspected malignant lesion.Conclusions NBl with magnifying endoscopy is helpful in improving the biopsy accuracy of malignant and dysplastic lesions and in detecting early gastric cancer.