Objective To examine among preschool children the validity, reliability and sensitivity of a new assessment tool of Mandarin sentence recognition in babble noise, consisting of twenty-seven equivalent lists, as well as to investigate the effect of age and gender on children's speech recognition. Methods Fifty-four normalhearing children aged 4 to 6 years were recruited from Beijing and were divided into three age groups (4～, 4.5～,and 5.0～6.0 years) containing 18 children each, half boys and half girls. According to randomized split-plot design, we examined their speech recognition ability with 27 sentence-in-babble-noise lists in a sound-treated booth in a kindergarten (ambient noise ＜40 dB). The sentences were presented at fixed intensity of 65 dB SPL, paired with competing babble noise at three different signal to noise ratios (SNR= +1, -2, -5 dB) by the same loudspeaker with 0° azimuth. Speech recognition score were calculated based on the children's repetition of keySNR functions exhibited that the threshold was -1.96±0. 19 dB SNR and the slope was 15.8%±1.1%/dB for of variance and Post- Hoc Scheffe test indicated that significant differences in performance were most pronounced between the 4～ year group and the other two groups (P＜0.001), while there was no significant difference between 4.5～ year group and 5.0～6. 0 year group (P=0. 90). The girls' performance was also significantly better than boys' (P＜0. 001). Conclusion The 27 lists of Mandarin speech recognition in babble noise were equivalent among children, and the sensitivity of performance versus SNR was 15.8%/dB. Both of them were below the adult averchildren aged 4.5～ up years. Even though the performance differed between boys and girls, the difference was relatively small compared to 24.6%, the critical difference as the reliability indicator.

Objective To construct eukaryotic expressing vector of mouse soluble CD160 and stably transfect into CHO cells for eukaryotic expression.Methods Recombinant soluble CD160(rsCD160) was constructed by gene recombination.Total RNA was extracted from the spleen of C57BL/6 mice.cDNA was amplified for the soluble form of CD160.Then,the PCR product was cloned tO pcDNA3.1 and pEGFP-N1.The recombinant plasmid was identified by restriction map and sequence analy-sis.The soluble CDl 60 expression in CHO cells transfected with recombinant psCDl 60 was verified by RT-PCR and Westernblot.The binding ability of psCD160 tO its ligand was detected by FACS.Results 520 bp mouse soluble CD160 gene was obtained.Recombinant mouse psCD160 was successfully constructed.After transfection,soluble CD160 expression in the culture supernatant of CHO cells was successfully detected.FACS analysis indicated that soluble CD160 could bind tO its ligand.Conclusion Recombinant mouse psCD160 is successfully constructed,which will benefit our further study on soluble CD160 for immune therapy against tumor in the future experiments.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of portaazygous disconnection (PAD), portacaval shunt (PCS) and distal splenocaval shunt (DSCS) on the portosytemic shunting (PSS), hepatic function (HF), hepatic mitochondrial respiratory function (HMRF), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and arterial ketone body ratio (KBR) in order to provide a sound basis for selecting suitable operations for patients.

METHODSUsing a cirrhotic portal hypertensive model induced by CCl4/ethanol in Wistar rats, the PSS, HF, HMRF, OGTT and KBR were determined three weeks after PCS, DSCS and PAD.

RESULTSIt was revealed that: (1) In the cirrhotic portal hypertension rats, the PSS increased significantly, HMRF and hepatic reserve function (HRF) decreased significantly when compared with the control rats. (2) At the time of first postoperative week, the mean blood glucose value in the 120-minute OGTT in each PAD, PCS and DSCS groups had significant differences compared with the cirrhotic control group. But during the second and third postoperative weeks, the mean blood glucose values in the 120-minute OGTT in both PAD and DSCS groups had no significant differences compared with the cirrhotic control group except for the PCS group. The values of KBR in the three operative groups decreased significantly compared with the cirrhotic control group during the two postoperative weeks. In the third postoperative week, only the values of KBR in the PCS group had a significant difference compared with the cirrhotic control group. (3) After PCS, the PSS was further increased; HF and HMRF were significantly decreased. Little improvement was found in the third postoperative week. (4) After DSCS and PAD, the above mentioned indices were less influenced, and they were restored more quickly than those in the PCS group.

CONCLUSIONWe found that PAD and DSCS are more desirable than PCS.

Animals ; Hypertension, Portal ; etiology ; surgery ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; complications ; surgery ; Portacaval Shunt, Surgical ; Portasystemic Shunt, Surgical ; methods ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo study the abnormal reactions of a series of free radicals and the oxidative damages induced by free radical abnormal reactions in the bodies of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis.

METHODSEighty chronic glomerulonephritis patients (CGNP) and eighty healthy adult volunteers (HAV) were enrolled in a random control study, in which concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) in plasma, lipoperoxides (LPO) in plasma and in erythrocytes, and vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and beta-carotene (beta-CAR) in plasma as well as activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in erythrocytes were determined with spectrophotometric assays.

RESULTSCompared with the average values of the above biochemical parameters in the HAV group, the average values of NO in plasma, and LPO in plasma and erythrocytes in the CGNP group were significantly increased (P = 0.0001), while those of VC, VE and beta-CAR in plasma as well as those of SOD, CAT and GPX in erythrocytes in the CGNP group were significantly decreased (P = 0.0001). Pearson product-moment correlation analysis showed that with increase of the concentration of blood creatinine as well as prolongation of the course of disease in the CGNP, the concentrations of NO in plasma, and LPO in plasma and erythrocytes in the CGNP increased gradually, while the concentrations of VC, VE and beta-CAR in plasma as well as the activities of SOD, CAT and GPX in erythrocytes in the CGNP decreased gradually (P = 0.002454-0.000001). The relative risk ratio (RR) of the above biochemical parameters reflecting oxidative damages in the bodies of CGNP ranged from 6.061 to 72.429. The reliability coefficient (alpha) that the above biochemical parameters were used to reflect the oxidative damages of the CGNP was 0.8137, standardized item alpha = 0.9728, Hotelling's T-Squared = 1135680.191, F = 53274.6478, P = 0.000001.

CONCLUSIONSThe findings in this study show that in the bodies of CGNP a series of free radical chain reactions result in severe pathological aggravation and induce oxidative damages in their bodies. Therefore, suitable dose of antioxidants should be supplemented to them so as to alleviate oxidative damages in their bodies.

Adult ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Catalase ; pharmacology ; Chronic Disease ; Erythrocytes ; enzymology ; Female ; Free Radicals ; adverse effects ; Glomerulonephritis ; physiopathology ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; adverse effects ; analysis ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Oxidative Stress ; Superoxide Dismutase ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo estimate the oxidative stress and oxidative damage induced by abnormal free radical reactions in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients' bodies.

METHODSSeventy-two IgA N patients (IgANP) and 72 healthy adult volunteers (HAV) were enrolled in a random control study design, in which the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in plasma, lipoperoxide (LPO) in plasma and in erythrocytes, and vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) and beta-carotene (beta-CAR) in plasma as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in erythrocytes were determined with spectrophotometric methods.

RESULTSCompared with the HAV group, the averages of NO in plasma, and LPO in plasma and in erythrocytes in the IgANP group were significantly increased (P<0.0001), while those of VC, VE and beta-CAR in plasma as well as those of SOD, CAT and GPX in erythrocytes in the IgANP group were significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Linear correlation analysis showed that with the increase of the values of NO, and LPO in plasma and in erythrocytes, and with the decrease of those of VC, VE, beta-CAR, SOD, CAT and GPX in the IgAN patients, the degree of histological damage of tubulointerstitial regions was increased gradually (P<0.0001); and that with the prolongation of the duration of disease the values of NO, and LPO in plasma and erythrocytes were increased gradually, while those of VC, VE, beta-CAR, SOD, CAT and GPX were decreased gradually (P<0.005). The discriminatory correct rates of the above biochemical parameters reflecting oxidative damage of the IgAN patients were 73.8%-92.5%, and the correct rates for the HAV were 70.0%-91.3% when independent discriminant analysis was used; and the correct rate for the IgAN patients was increased to 98.8%, the correct rate for the HAV was increased to 100% when stepwise discriminant analysis was used. The above biochemical parameters' reliability coefficient (alpha) were used to estimate the oxidative damage of the IgAN patients as 0.8145, the standardized item alpha=0.9730, F=53273.5681, P<0.0001.

CONCLUSIONSA series of free radical chain reactions caused serious pathological aggravation in the IgANP' bodies, thus resulting in oxidative damage in their bodies. In treating IgANP, therefore, it is necessary that suitable dose antioxidants should be supplemented to them so as to alleviate the oxidative damage in their bodies.

Adult ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Female ; Free Radicals ; blood ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; blood ; Humans ; Male ; Oxidative Stress

OBJECTIVETo analyze the incidence and mortality of lung cancer patients among residents in Yangpu District of Shanghai from 2002 to 2010.

METHODSThe data of lung cancer cases in permanent residents of Yangpu district were collected from the database of the registration and management system in Shanghai city. Temporal trend in the incidence of lung cancer was analyzed by using annual percent change (APC) mode1. The survivals were calculated using SPSS 16.0 and Joinpoint Regression Program 3.5.1 software.

RESULTSA total of 5726 cases of lung cancer were diagnosed from January 2002 to December 2010. Of those, 3865 were males with an average age of onset 70.08 years, and 1861 were females with an average age of onset 70.88 years. The crude incidence rate was 77.36/10(5) in men, significantly higher than 39.31/10(5) in women (U = 24.84, P < 0.01). The standardized incidence rate was 25.23/10(5) in men, significantly higher than 13.47/10(5) in women (U = 13.24, P < 0.01). A total of 5248 cases died of the disease in this period. Of those, 3586 were men. The crude mortality was 71.77/10(5) in men, significantly higher than 35.11/10(5) in women (U = 24.67, P < 0.01). The standardized mortality was 21.72/10(5) in men, significantly higher than 11.08/10(5) in women (U = 13.01, P < 0.01). Both the incidence and mortality rates increased apparently in those older than 45 years. The 1- to 5-year survival rates in all cases were 37.42%, 22.71%, 15.73%, 12.32%, and 10.53%, respectively. The 1- to 5-year survival rates in male cases were significantly lower than those in female cases (P < 0.05 for each comparison). The 1- to 5-year survival rates of the patients whose tumor had been surgically removed were significantly higher than those in the patients without surgery (P < 0.05 for each comparison).

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of lung cancer is close to the mortality in the residents of Yangpu District of Shanghai city. Surgical resection treatment improves the prognosis of lung cancer.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lung Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; mortality ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sex Distribution ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the influence of emotional stress on the ultrastructures of temporomandibular joint in rats.

METHODSSixteen male Wistar rats, aged 12 weeks, were divided into 2 groups randomly, experimental group and control group. Animal model of chronic unpredictable stress was established in the experimental group. After 6 weeks, all rats in both groups were killed and their condyles and articular discs were dissected, taken out and observed by scanning electron microscope.

RESULTSUnder scanning electron microscope, the surface gelatum of the condyles in experimental group were cracked, and collagen fibrils in disorder and broke, and deep layer collagen fibrils were exposed. The articular discs' surface gelatum were still integrated, but the gyri dispose were irregular. In control group, there were no such changes in condyles and articular discs.

CONCLUSIONSThe long-term emotional chronic unpredictable stress could induce the injuries of temporomandibular joint in rats in ultrastructure level.

Animals ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Stress, Psychological ; Temporomandibular Joint ; ultrastructure

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of prescription compatibility on the pharmacokinetics of components from Dachengqi Decoction (DCQD, ) in rats.

METHODSTwenty-four male rats were randomly and equally divided into the DCQD group, Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Polygonaceae) group, Houpo (Magnolia officinalis Rehd., Magnoliaceae) group, and Zhishi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Rutaceae) group. The blood samples were collected before dosing and subsequently at 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 min, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h following gavage. The levels of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, honokiol, magnolol, hesperidin, and naringin in rat serum were quantified using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for pharmacokinetic study.

RESULTSThe area under the curve (AUC), mean retention time (MRT), the peak concentration (C(max)) of aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, and chrysophanol in the DCQD group were significantly different compared with the Dahuang group (P <0.05, respectively). The mean plasma concentration, C(max), and the absorption of Dahuang's component in the DCQD group were obviously lower at each time point than those in the Dahuang group, while the elimination process of Dahuang's component was obviously delayed (P <0.05). Half-lives of aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, and rhein were also extended in the DCQD group (P <0.05, respectively). In the DCQD group, the mean plasma concentration, AUC, C(max) and absorption of honokiol, and magnolol were significantly lower (P <0.01, respectively) at each time point than those in the Houpo group, while the drug distribution half-life time (T(1/2α)), the drug eliminated half-life time (T(1/2β)), MRT, and time of peak concentration (T(max)) were significantly delayed (P <0.05, respectively). Pharmacokinetic parameters of hesperidin and naringin in the Zhishi group were not significantly different as compared with the DCQD group (P >0.05, respectively), while the MRT of naringin was significantly longer.

CONCLUSIONSThe compatibility in Chinese medicine could affect the drug's pharmacokinetics in DCQD, which proves that the prescription compatibility principle of Chinese medicine formulations has its own pharmacokinetic basis.

Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Anthraquinones ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Biphenyl Compounds ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Drug Incompatibility ; Emodin ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Flavanones ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Hesperidin ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Lignans ; administration & dosage ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; Male ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; blood ; chemistry ; pharmacokinetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The aneurysms at the initial segment of splenic artery are rare. This paper aimed to investigate the methods to treat the true aneurysm at the initial segment of splenic artery by aneurysmectomy plus vascular reconstruction. Retrospectively reviewed were 11 cases of true aneurysm at the initial segment of splenic artery who were treated in our hospital from January 2000 to June 2013. All cases were diagnosed by color ultrasonography, computer tomography (CT) and angiography. Upon resection of the aneurysm, the auto-vein transplantation was performed in situ between the hepatic artery and the distal part of the splenic artery in 1 case; the artificial vessel bypass was done between the infra-renal aorta and distal portion of the splenic artery in 7 cases; the splenectomy was done in 2 cases; the splenectomy in combination with ligation of multiple small aneurysms were performed in 1 case. All cases were cured and discharged from the hospital 10-14 days after operation. A 1-14 year follow-up showed that 9 cases survived, and 2 cases died, including 1 case who died of acute myocardial infarction 2 years after aorta-splenic artery bypass operation and 1 case who died of acute cerebral hemorrhage 5 years after aneurysm resection and the splenectomy. Among 6 cases receiving aorta-splenic artery bypass, 1 gradually developed stenosis at anatomosed site, which eventually progressed to complete occlusion 2 years to 6 years after operation, without suffering from splenic infarction because the spleen was supplied by the short gastric vessel and its collaterals. The other 5 cases receiving aorta-splenic artery bypass and 1 case undergoing autologous vascular transplantation did not develop stricture or pseudoaneurysm at the stoma. Our study showed that the aneurysmectomy plus vascular reconstruction is a better treatment for aneurysm at the initial segment of splenic artery.
Aneurysm ; surgery ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Splenic Artery ; surgery ; Survival Analysis ; Treatment Outcome ; Veins ; transplantation

Objective To investigate the imaging features of necrotizing pneumonia(NP)caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae in children and to review the changes of serum CGreactive protein (CRP)and plasma DGdimer,which may provide an objective and effective help for clinicians.Methods 54 children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP)infection in our hospital were studied retrospectively,including 24 cases of NP and 30 cases of nonGNP (the control group).The dynamic changes of chest imaging,serum CRP and plasma DGdimer were compared between two groups.Results Chest imaging in NP group:All cases showed consolidation and necrosis,accompanied by pulmonary cavities,pleural effusion,bronchiectasia,and thickening of the bronchial wall.Decreased enhancement areas could be found in all 24 cases by enhanced CT.The review after treatment showed that the pulmonary consolidation was absorbted or narrowed,accompanied by cavities in lung,atelectasis,and pleura thickening.The imaging of non NP group showed mainly patches and spots shadow in lung, and only a little consolidation.After treatment,the lung lesions were basically absorbed.Only a few cases had fibrotic streaks and pleural thickening.The peak values of serum CRP in group NP and non NP group were respectively 91(33－266)mg/L,37(18－189) mg/L,and the duration of the abnormity were 1 9(1 1－3 8)d and 8(4－1 9)d.The peak values of plasma DGdimer in the 2 groups were respectively 2 3 78(1 9 84－5 908)ng/mL,1 7 6(1 2－41 9)ng/mL,and the duration of the abnormity were 24(13－64)d and 3(0－10)d. There were significant differences between the 2 groups with all parameters above.Conclusion The imaging characteristics of NP caused by MP in children include consolidation,necrosis (decreased enhancement areas in consolidation),pneumothorax ,cavities ,cystic degenerations, atelectasis,bronchial wall thickening,pleural effusion and pleura thickening.The course of NP was long,and the absorption was slow. The peaks value of serum CRP and plasma DGdimer in NP group were significantly higher than those in the non NP group,and the duration was longer than that in non NP group.Therefore,the clinicians should pay more attention to CR,DGdimer and chest imaging,which may help clinicians with the diagnosis and treatment.