Objective:To observe the anticaries effects of the vaccine gene pcDNA3- PAc against dental caries in BALB/c mice by different routes. Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized with the recombinant plasmid pcDNA3- PAc by the submandibular gland- target injection,the quadriceps femoris injection and the intranasal irrigation respectively. All the mice were immunized two times. The immune interval was two weeks. Saliva and serum samples were collected respectively at 0, 1, 2, 4 weeks after immunization. The specific antibodies were detected by ELISA. Results:The specific antibodies were up at one week after immunization in different routes. The peak time of the antibodies level appeared at 4 weeks.The level of salivary specific anti- PAc IgA induced by submandibular gland- target injection and that of serum IgG induced by thigh bone muscle injection was the highest, respectively. The differences of antibodies level between in experiment groups and negative control group or vacant comparison group were significant(P<0.01). Conclusion: The vaccine gene pcDNA3- PAc effectively induce local mucosal immune response and systemic immune response.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of polymorphism of estrogen receptor (ER) gene in postmenopausal Han women in Beijing as well as its relationship with bone mineral density (BMD).Methods:Xba Ⅰ,and Pvu Ⅱ polymorphisms of ER gene were studied by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) and BMD were determined by DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry).The relationship between BMD and polymorphism of ER gene was studied by variance analysis.Results:Pvu Ⅱ polymorphism of ER gene was not associated with BMD of spongy and compact bone of radius;while Xba Ⅰ polymorphism of ER gene was associated with BMD of spongy and compact bone of radius.The lowest BMD was found with XX genotype while the highest BMD was found with xx genotype.Conclusion:There is high correlation between of Xba Ⅰ polymorphism and BMD of spongy and compact bone of radius.Our study suggested some bases to explore the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and to prevent the development of osteoporosis.

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment. Methods Twenty-three patients with recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment were treated by LNG-IUS. All patients rejected further operation and had no desire of fertility. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of pain, menstrual model, weight and serum CA125 level and the volume of ovarian endometriotic cysts before and after 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of treatment were recorded and compared. Results ( 1 ) VAS score:after 12 months of using LNG-IUS, dysmenorrheal, chronic pelvic pain or dyspareunia were relieved significantly. VAS score were dropped from 5.9 ± 2. 3,4. 3 ± 2.0 to 1.0 ± 0. 7,1.4 ± 1. 1 ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). ( 2 )Volum of cysts :after 6 months of using LNG-IUS, the volume of recurrent ovarian endometriotic cysts in 11 patients were reduced from ( 11.4 ± 6. 1 ) em3 to ( 5. 5 ± 3.4 ) em3 significantly ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). At 12 months of follow-up, it suggested that 2 patients' ovarian endometriotic cysts disappeared. At 24 months follow-up,9 patients ovarian endometriotic cysts disappeared ( 3 ) CA125: serum CA125 decreased from ( 65.5 ± 19. 6 )kU/L to (42. 1 ± 13.6) kU/L at 6 months after treatment remarkably (P ＜ 0. 01 ). Continued to decrease after 12 months and then become steady. Irregular bleeding and spotting was the main side effects, weight gain was also observed in few patients. Conclusions LNG-IUS could be used in treatment of recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery or conservative surgery combined with medical treatment effectively. It could relieve pain, reduce the level of CA125 and decrease the size of ovarian endometriotic cysts. LNG-IUS seems to be an effective, safe, and long term treatment for endometriosis with fewer side effects and better compliance.

Objective To observe the effect of treating Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy with Acupoint Injection. Methods 65 patient with DPN were randomly recruited into a control group and a treatment group after adjusting stage. The control group was treated with acupuncture, while the treatment group was treated with the Safflower inoculation fluid acupuncture point injects. Nerve function parameter (MDNS、 NCV) and clinical symptoms were observed after 3 therapeutic courses. Results Nerve function parameter (MDNS、 NCV) and clinical symptoms in the treatment group were apparently improved after treatment (P<0.05) . Conclusion Acupuncture point injected with Safflower inoculation fluid may improve clinical symptoms and nerve functions of DPN patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pure tone audiometry characteristics and curative effect in sudden hearing loss patients with hypertension. METHOD: One hundred and fifty-seven inpatients (168 ears) with hypertension suffered from sudden hearing loss were included in this study. We retrospectively analyzed the audiological index of these patients by comparing the pure tone audiometry (PTA) among patients in the aspects of gender, age, affected side, duration of hypertension, with or without inducement, concomitant symptoms and other combined diseases. The hearing threshold at different frequency was also compared, as well as the curative effect among patients with diverse audiological characteristics. RESULT: Of the contemporaneous sudden hearing loss patients (874 cases), the prevalence of hypertension was 17.96%, where the male ones accounted for. 28.69% (103/359) and the female ones accounted for 19.42% (54/278) respectively with statistically significant difference between genders (P < 0.01). The prevalence of hypertension in 34-44 years old group, 45-49 years old group, 60-69 years old group and over 70 years old group was 12.69% (25/197), 22.51% (70/311), 47.62% (40/84), 48.89% (22/45) respectively, which were statistically different (P < 0.01). The number of impaired ears with audiogram configuration characterized by rise type, downslope type, flat type and completely deafness type was 18 (10.71%), 61 (36.31%), 41 (24.40%), and 48 (28.57%), respectively. The decrease of hearing threshold in PTA were increasingly severe as the increasing impaired-frequency, and the difference of the degree of hearing impairment among these three types of frequencies was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The hearing threshold means of each frequency had no significant difference among patients with various gender, age and Cardiovascular Risk Stratification (P > 0.05). The hearing threshold means of each frequency of unilateral hearing loss patients was significantly higher than that of bilateral hearing loss patients (P < 0.05). The hearing threshold means at 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz and 1 kHz showed significant difference among patients with different duration of hypertension (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of sudden hearing loss in patients with hypertension was significantly lower than that in the sudden hearing loss patients without hypertension (19.64%, 61.57% respectively, P < 0.01). The total effective rate presented significant difference among patients with different duration of hypertension and different Cardiovascular Risk Stratification (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The prevalence of sudden hearing loss in hypertension patients was higher in male than in female, which rose with age and combined disease. The hearing threshold means at mid-frequency and high-frequency were higher than that at low-frequency. The total effective rate of sudden hearing loss was relatively low in patients with hypertension. The longer the duration of hypertension and the higher the Cardiovascular Risk Stratification, the lower the total effective rate. Comprehensive understanding of audiological characteristics and hypertension condition plays a crucial role in type-specific treatment of sudden hearing loss.
Adult ; Aged ; Audiometry, Pure-Tone ; Deafness ; Female ; Hearing Loss, Bilateral ; Hearing Loss, Sudden ; complications ; Hearing Loss, Unilateral ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Hypertension ; complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of tinnitus in patients with auditory neuropathy spec- trum disorder (ANSD). METHOD: This study recruited 14 ANSD patients with tinnitus. All the ANSD patients un- derwent detailed history taking, audiological examinations and assessments of tinnitus. This study analyzed the correlation of tinnitus status and hearing loss, and discussed the effects of sex, age, and the course of disease on tinnitus in ANSD patients. RESULT: (1) In the ANSD patients, tinnitus often occurred in 3 years after the onset of hearing loss; (2) Tinnitus was highly prevalent in ANSD patients, and the severity of tinnitus was mostly from mild to moderate; (3) There was no obvious correlation between the subjective grading of tinnitus and hearing loss de- gree, and the impact of curve patterns of hearing loss on the level of tinnitus need much more evidence-based proof; (4) Along with the course extension, the impact of tinnitus on the quality of life was much more obvious; (5) Some risk factors such as noise exposure could be the reasons of aggravating the degree of tinnitus. CONCLUSION Tinnitus in ANSD patients has its unique clinical features. The study of Tinnitus in ANSD patients can provide clinical basis for further research in ANSD.
Hearing Loss ; Hearing Loss, Central ; complications ; diagnosis ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Quality of Life ; Tinnitus ; complications ; diagnosis

BACKGROUNDPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is indicated for angina with coronary stenosis. However, PCI for asymptomatic coronary stenosis remains controversial. We prospectively followed a group of patients for four years who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We hypothesized that the results of this trial would reliably reflect the natural outcome of the coronary disease.

METHODSConsecutive patients who underwent CCTA from June 2008 to May 2009 were selected. Those who could not be reached by telephone, had significant angina, had CT images that were not interpretable, or poor kidney and left ventricular (LV) function were excluded. The patients were divided into five groups: group A normal CCTA without stenosis, group B mild stenosis (1% - 49%), group C moderate stenosis (50% - 74%), group D severe stenosis (= 75%) and they were treated with optimal medical therapy (OMT) or PCI. The group E had PCI before the CCTA examination. The patients were then followed for MACE after different treatments. MACE included acute myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF) and death.

RESULTSThe patient population consisted of 419 patients. The follow-up time was (51 ± 5) months. The age was (60 ± 31) years. Male made up 67.78% of the population (n = 284). A total of 51 cases of MACE occurred including 25 MI, eight HF and 18 all-cause deaths. There was no MACE in group A. Although MACE occurred in two patients in group B, they were not attributed to cardiac death. We further compared the MACE in groups C-E and no significant difference was found (P > 0.05). However, a difference was detected among patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), stable angina pectoris (SAP), re-hospitalization, and cerebrovascular events from groups A-E (P < 0.05). The plaque scores were used to predict MACE. The scores progressively increased significantly with lesion severity (P < 0.05). Receiver operating curve (ROC) was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity in predicting MACE. Our scores predicted MI with area of 0.76, predicted HF with area of 0.77, and predicted death with area of 0.70.

CONCLUSIONSNormal and mild lesions had very few events. With increased stenosis the MACE rate increased progressively. PCI did not significantly reduce the MACE in comparison with OMT in asymptomatic patients. Furthermore, UAP, re-hospitalization, and re-PCI were significantly increased in patients who were treated with PCI.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Stenosis ; diagnostic imaging ; therapy ; Female ; Heart Failure ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction ; diagnostic imaging ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Prospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

Although the basic principles for the function of peripheral auditory system have been known for many years, the molecular mechanisms which affect deafness are not clear. In recent years, the study of hereditary deafness associated mouse models has revealed the molecular basis which is related with the formation and function of the hair bundle and the mechanosensory organelle of hair cell. This review focused on the role of protein network, which is formed by the proteins encoded by the Usher syndrome type 1 genes, in hair-bundle development and mechanotransducer channel gating. And the review also showed how the stereocilia rootlets contribute to the hair bundle's mechanical properties and how the hair bundle produces suppressive masking. Finally, the review revealed multiple roles of the tectorial membrane and extracellular matrix in the hair bundles stimulating in the cochlea.
Animals ; Cochlea ; physiopathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Extracellular Matrix ; physiology ; Hair Cells, Auditory ; pathology ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; genetics ; Humans ; Mechanotransduction, Cellular ; Mice ; Usher Syndromes ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous intratumor injection of pingyangmycin lipiodol emulsion (PLE) in the management of recurrent sacrococcygeal chordomas.

METHODSSeven patients with recurrent sacrococcygeal chordomas presenting with severe local pain with visual analogue score (VAS)≥8 received treatment sessions of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous intratumor injection of PLE. The patients were followed up every 3 months after the last session to assess their clinical responses and observe the changes in the tumor size measured by computed tomography. The changes in the VAS, tumor necrosis and pain relief as well as the adverse events were recorded.

RESULTSA total of 22 sessions of fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous intratumoral PLE injection was performed in these cases (3 or 4 sessions in each case). The total average pingyangmycin dose delivered was 48.0 mg and the average lipiodol dose was 40.0 ml in each case. Five patients showed low fever and vomiting 48 after the injection. During the follow-up (median time of 21.7 months, range 10-26 months), all the patients showed obviously reduced tumor size and VAS, and partial remission was achieved in 6 patients and stable disease (SD) in 1 patient. None of the patients had complications during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONFluoroscopy-guided percutaneous intratumoral injection of PLE can be effective and safe and may serve as a alternative for treatment of recurrent sacrococcygeal chordomas.

Adult ; Aged ; Bleomycin ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Chordoma ; drug therapy ; Emulsions ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Ethiodized Oil ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Intralesional ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; drug therapy ; Sacrococcygeal Region ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo determine if multi-detector CT (MDCT) characterization of plaque is correlated with the classification of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODSAltogether 1900 patients were examined by MDCT from December 2007 to May 2009, of whom 95 patients fulfilled the criteria of ACS. Those patients were divided into the discrete plaque group ( n=61) and diffuse plaque group ( n=34) based on the findings in MDCT. The clinical diagnosis of ACS and CT results were analyzed, including segment stenosis score, segment involvement score, 3-vessel plaque score, left main score, calcification score, and remodeling index. The incidences of major adverse cardiac events in follow-up period were also recorded.

RESULTSThe patients of the diffuse plaque group were older than those of the discrete plaque group ( Pü0.0001). The diffuse plaque group presented more cases of hypertension, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, and heart failure than discrete plaque group (all P<0.05). All the 5 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were found in discrete plaque group. The segment stenosis score of the discrete plaque group was lower than that of the diffuse plaque group(5.15±3.55 vs. 14.91±5.37, Pü0.001). The other four scores demonstrated significant inter-group difference as well (all P<0.05). The remodeling index of thediscrete plaque group was higher (1.12±0.16 vs.0.97±0.20, Pü0.05). Follow-up data showed that major adverse cardiac events occurred more frequently in diffuse plaque group than in discrete group (29.41% vs. 11.48%, P=0.0288).

CONCLUSIONSCharacteristics of discrete and diffuse plaques may be significantly different among different classes of ACS. The diffuse plaque may present higher risk, correlated to higher mortality. The diagnosis of discrete and diffuse plaques by MDCT would provide a new insight into the prognosis and treatment of ACS.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; classification ; Adult ; Aged ; Coronary Artery Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; diagnostic imaging ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods