OBJECTIVE: To investigate hidden hearing loss in tinnitus patients with normal audiograms by means of auditory brainstem response (ABR) and explore the origin of tinnitus. METHOD: Pure tone thresholds, ABR thresholds, amplitude of wave I and wave V of ABR were analyzed in 40 tinnitus patients and 15 controls. RESULT: There was no significantly difference in pure tone thresholds and ABR thresholds between those tinnitus patients and controls while a reduced amplitude of wave I and normal amplitude of wave V of ABR in the tinnitus patients became evident. CONCLUSION Tinnitus patients with normal audiograms have hidden hearing loss at the level of primary auditory nerve and the generation of tinnitus is likely attributed to a homeostatic response of neurons in brainstem.
Acoustic Stimulation ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Audiometry, Pure-Tone ; Auditory Threshold ; Case-Control Studies ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Female ; Hearing Loss ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tinnitus ; etiology ; physiopathology ; Young Adult

Line scanning quantitative analysis method on silicate with small laser beam ( < 15 μm) was developed using laser ablation sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-SF-ICP-MS). Differences on signal intensity and elemental fractionation induced by different laser sampling patterns were compared. While spot ablation with small laser beam, the elemental signal intensity decreased with time significantly, and the elemental fractionation was obvious. In contrast, the elemental signal intensity by line scanning was higher and more stable and line scanning was free of elemental fractionation. Therefore, identical ablation pattern and condition should be used for the standard and the unknown sample in LA-ICP-MS quantitative analysis. A single pulse experiment was carried out to investigate the washout time when coupled to two-volume ablation cell. The result indicated that the elemental intensity decayed to the background value needed 2-3 s. The optimal parameters on SF-ICP-MS were set to reduce the effect of signal overlapping. Homogeneous sample KL2-G and titanite grains with composition zoning were analyzed by this method. Accurate element contents and element ratios indicated that fast washout time and optimal instrument parameters made it feasible to perform line scanning quantitative analysis accurately. Comparing to traditional microanalysis, line scanning quantitative analysis could reduce the laser beam size (<15 μm) and improve the spatial resolution efficiently. The potential of the technique to unveil compositional complexities in greater detail would help to improve our understanding of geochemical processes in mineral scale.

OBJECTIVETo understand the projects completion and research progresses in pediatrics which were funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and evaluate the accomplishment objectively and justly.

METHODSThe completion status of projects in pediatrics funded by department of clinical medicine II from 2002 to 2006 was analysed retrospectively, and important research achievement and outstanding development in some projects were reported.

RESULTSDuring the period between 2002 and 2006, 420 articles were published, and the average was 8.1 papers per project, which included 56 papers that were published in journals indexed by SCI (the average was 1.1 papers per project). The completion of general project was better than that of "the Young Researchers Fund" and small grant project. Ten post-doctors, 102 doctors and 109 masters were trained. Two projects were awarded with the first grade prize and another 2 with the second grade prize at the provincial and ministerial level, 4 items applied for patent and 1 was granted. These completed projects, which were mainly related to 7 of 12 subspecialties in the field of pediatrics, such as the respiratory disease, nephrology, neurology, cardiology, endocrinology, hematology, neonatology, are the major portion of the application projects and subsidized projects funded by NSFC, and achieved great research progresses.

CONCLUSIONDuring the period between 2002 and 2006, the 52 completed projects in pediatrics showed difference in the distribution and quality of accomplishment among subspecialties and among types of supported projects; there are some gaps between pediatrics and some other clinical basic subspecialties II, this situation released the research status and problems in development of pediatrics in China. The general projects completion was good, and many projects obtained research achievements, which reflect the leading function of NSFC in pediatric research.

Foundations ; Pediatrics ; Periodicals as Topic ; economics ; Research ; economics

BACKGROUNDCalcium phosphate cement (CPC) is a biocompatible and osteoconductive bone substitute, and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has strong osteoinductibility, therefore we developed a composite bone substitute with CPC and rhBMP-2 and evaluate its reconstruction effect in rabbit orbital defect.

METHODSThirty-six rabbits were randomly divided into two groups and a 5 mm × 5 mm × 2 mm bone defect in the infraorbital rim was induced by surgery in each orbit (72 orbits in all). The orbital defects were treated with pure CPC or composite of CPC and rhBMP-2. The osteogenesis ability of different bone substitute was evaluated by gross observation, histological examination, histomorphometrical evaluation, compressive load-to-failure testing, and scanning electron microscope (SEM).

RESULTSGross observation showed that both bone substitutes were safe and effective for reconstruction of orbital defect. However, histological examination, histomorphometrical evaluation and SEM showed that CPC/rhBMP-2 group had faster speed in new bone formation and degradation of substitute material than CPC group. Compressive load-to-failure testing showed that CPC/rhBMP-2 group had stronger compressive strength than CPC group at every stage with significant difference (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONComposite of CPC/rhBMP-2 is an ideal bioactive material for repairing orbital defect, with good osteoconductibility and osteoinductibility.

Animals ; Bone Cements ; therapeutic use ; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ; therapeutic use ; Bone Substitutes ; therapeutic use ; Calcium Phosphates ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Orbit ; pathology ; surgery ; ultrastructure ; Osteogenesis ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; therapeutic use

Oxidative stress is implicated in male infertility and significantly higher reactive oxygen species are detected in 25% of infertile males. Although different agents of various alternative medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, have been tried with varying success, evidence remains limited on whether and how much herbs or supplements might help increase the anti-oxidant ability of the sperm. This study examined the anti-oxidative effects of icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Herba Epimedii, on the human sperm. We prepared the FeSO4/H2O2-damaged human sperms, which were co-cultured with icariin in vitro, and then observed the changes of the sperm by employing Raman micro-spectroscopy. The results showed that Raman mapping with a 514 nm excitation laser allowed clear differentiation of the nucleus, neck, and, in particular, the mitochondria-rich middle piece of a human sperm cell. The effect of icariin on different organelles of the sperm was quantified by localized spectral Raman signatures obtained within milli-seconds, and icariin could keep the "Raman fingerprint" of the human sperm the same as the control groups, suggesting that icariin could protect the human sperm from being damaged by FeSO4/H2O2. Icariin may serve as a tonifying and replenishing agent of herbal origin for enhancing reproductive functions.

In order to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and type 2 diabetic erectile dysfunction (T2DED),we analyzed the characteristics of gut microbiota in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with T2DED.Thirty-five SD rats were randomly divided into two groups:control group (n=15)with normal diet,and experimental group (n=20) with construction of T2D model.Faecal and serum samples were collected at 2nd and 8th week after establishment of T2D model,respectively.Faecal samples were used for analysis of gut microbiota,and serum samples for detection of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO),lipopolysaccharide (LPS),and inflammatory factors like interleukin-1 (IL-1),IL-2,IL-10,and monocyte chemoattractantprotein-1 (MCP-1).The main compositions of gut microbiota were Bacteroidetes,Proteobacteria and Firmicutes at the phylum level,and Oscillospira,Allobaculum,Bacteroides,Ruminococcus,SMB53,Prevotella,Coprococcus,Sutterella and Blautia at the genus level with relatively higher abundance in all SD rats.The relative abundance of Enterococcus,Corynebacterium,Aerococcus,Facklamia (opportunistic pathogens in most case) increased,and that ofAllobaculum,Bifidobacterium,Eubacterium,Anaerotruncus (beneficial bacteria) decreased in T2DED group as compared with that at 2nd week after establishment of T2D model (T2D2 group).The serum contents of TMAO,LPS,IL-1,IL-2,IL-10 and MCP-1 in T2DED group were significantly higher than those in control group.The gut microbiota of T2DED rats was inhibited.The gut microbiota of T2DED rats had changed,as the relative abundance of beneficial bacterium was decreased while that of opportunistic pathogens was increased.The variations of gut microbiota might lead to inflammation and prompt the emergence of erectile dysfunction in the rats with T2D.TMAO might play an important role in the formation of T2DED.

Oxidative stress is implicated in male infertility and significantly higher reactive oxygen species are detected in 25% of infertile males. Although different agents of various alternative medicines, including traditional Chinese medicine, have been tried with varying success, evidence remains limited on whether and how much herbs or supplements might help increase the anti-oxidant ability of the sperm. This study examined the anti-oxidative effects of icariin, a flavonoid isolated from Herba Epimedii, on the human sperm. We prepared the FeSO4/H2O2-damaged human sperms, which were co-cultured with icariin in vitro, and then observed the changes of the sperm by employing Raman micro-spectroscopy. The results showed that Raman mapping with a 514 nm excitation laser allowed clear differentiation of the nucleus, neck, and, in particular, the mitochondria-rich middle piece of a human sperm cell. The effect of icariin on different organelles of the sperm was quantified by localized spectral Raman signatures obtained within milli-seconds, and icariin could keep the "Raman fingerprint" of the human sperm the same as the control groups, suggesting that icariin could protect the human sperm from being damaged by FeSO4/H2O2. Icariin may serve as a tonifying and replenishing agent of herbal origin for enhancing reproductive functions.
Cells, Cultured ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Ferrous Compounds ; pharmacology ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; pharmacology ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Oxidants ; pharmacology ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; Spectrum Analysis, Raman ; Spermatozoa ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Time Factors

Objective To derive the formulae for likelihood ratio （LR） calculation of half sibling relationships when both mothers participate. Methods Based on the fact that both biological mothers participate in the identification of half sibling relationship between the two individuals, test hypothesis for the identification of half sibling relationship was established. Conditional probability ratios of genetic evidence under null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis conditions were simplified, and then applied to a real case of half sibling relationship identification. At the same time, the LR of half sibling relationships under the assumption that only a single biological mother or none of the biological mothers participate were respectively calculated. Results In the cases of identification of half sibling relationship from same fathers, with no biological father involved, after the same genetic indicator test analysis, when both biological mothers participate in the identification, the accumulated LR value was higher than that of accumulated LR with only a single biological mother or no parents participating. Conclusion When the autosome STR test is used for the identification and analysis of half sibling relationship between two individuals, the calculation of LR is more simple, intuitive and operable with both mothers participating. The biological mothers should participate in the test as much as possible, otherwise the number of STR loci would need to be increased for a more specific conclusion.
Alleles ; Female ; Forensic Genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Likelihood Functions ; Models, Genetic ; Mothers ; Population Groups ; Siblings

BACKGROUNDThe human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein gp120 has been implicated in the development of AIDS-associated retinopathy. The present study tested the hypothesis that gp120 may induce oxidative stress including up regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) to mediate retinopathy in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

METHODSHuman RPE cell line D407 was cultured and treated with gp120. HIV-1 gp120 protein induced lipid peroxidation product MDA. NO production and iNOS expression were examined in vitro by spectrophomtometry, real-time PCR, Western blotting, and confocal microscope.

RESULTSAddition of gp120 was able to induce RPE cells to produce NO and MDA in time- and dose-dependent manners (P < 0.05). Similarly, gp120 was also capable of up-regulating iNOS mRNA and protein in D407 cells in time- and dose-dependent manners.

CONCLUSIONSGp120 induces oxidative stress in D407 cell by stimulating MDA and NO production, which is mediated by up-regulating iNOS expression. Gp120 may mediate oxidation stress in AIDS-associated retinopathy.

Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; HIV Envelope Protein gp120 ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; genetics ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Retina ; cytology

BACKGROUNDNeural apoptosis is generally believed to be mediated by two distinct pathways, caspase-dependant and caspase-independent pathways. This study investigated the apoptotic pathways involved in retinal ganglion cells in acute diabetes in rats.

METHODSDiabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by a peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Expression and localization of caspase-3 and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) proteins in the retina of diabetic rats was examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analyses. Terminal transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunofluorescent staining specific for caspase-3 and AIF were applied to analyze for apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells. In addition, a caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-CHO was injected intravitreally to further determine the apoptotic pathways of retinal ganglion cells triggered in acute diabetes.

RESULTSTwo weeks after induction of diabetes, a significant increase in caspase-3 protein expression and localization occurred in the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer of the retina. Four weeks after the onset of diabetes, the increase in caspase-3 expression was profound eight weeks postinduction of diabetes (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, no AIF protein expression was detected in this study. In addition, intravitreal administration of the caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-CHO reduced apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells by its direct inhibitory action on caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONCaspase-dependent apoptotic pathways may be the main stimulant of STZ-induced retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in acute diabetes.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; physiology ; Apoptosis Inducing Factor ; metabolism ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Blotting, Western ; Body Weight ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Caspase Inhibitors ; Caspases ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Male ; Oligopeptides ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Retina ; metabolism ; Retinal Ganglion Cells ; cytology ; metabolism