Molecular technologies are sensitive, fast, and cheap in the study on microbial ecology. However, these methods do not provide information about morphology, number, and spatial distribution of the microorganisms. In contrast, Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) combines the precision of molecular biology with the visual information from microscope, and permits visualization and identification of individual miciobial cells within their natural habitat. FISH not only allows the detection of slow growing microorganisms, but also of yet-to-be cultured. It is useful for many applications in diagnosis and assessment of the population structure of complex microbial communities, and is a powerful tool for molecular ecology studies in microbiology, In this paper, major techniques and progresses of FTSH were described. Its application in microbial ecology, as well as problems , pitfalls, and perspectives of FISH are discussed.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study compared clinical manifestations of idiopathic sudden hearing loss between children and the elderly. METHOD: 44 pediatric patients and 76 elderly patients diagnosed with idiopathic sudden deafness in our clinic from December 2009 to September 2014 were enrolled. Different clinical parameters were compared. RESULT: The incidence of initially profound hearing loss was highest and mild hearing loss was lowest in both groups (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the proportion with initially mild, moderate, severe, and profound hearing loss between both groups (P > 0.05). The number of patients was the most in initially profound type of audiogram pattern and the fewest in ascending type in both groups (P < 0.05). Hearing recovery rates in children (27/44, 61.4%) was higher than that in elderly patients (32/76, 42.1%) (P < 0.05). There were no differences in hearing recovery rates of the patients with initially level of hearing loss in both groups (P > 0.05). The highest recovery rate in children was in those with descending type and the lowest was in those with profound type (P < 0.05). There were no differences in hearing recovery rates in elderly patients with initially different types of audiogram pattern (P > 0.05). Hearing recovery rates of descending type in children were higher than that in elderly patients. Presence of tinnitus in pediatric patients was not relavent to the outcome (P > 0.05). Presence of tinnitus in elderly patients was associated with favorable outcomes. (P < 0.05). Presence of dizziness in pediatric patients was not relavent to the outcome (P > 0.05). Presence of dizziness in elderly patients was associated with poor outcomes (P < 0.05). Presence of initially different degrees of opposite side hearing loss in elderly patients was not relavent to the outcome (P > 0.05). Presence of chronic diseases in elderly patients was not associated with the outcome (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The clinical manifestion of idiopathic sudden deafness is respective in Children and in elderly patients.
Aged ; Child ; Dizziness ; complications ; Hearing Loss, Sudden ; physiopathology ; Hearing Tests ; Humans ; Incidence ; Retrospective Studies ; Tinnitus ; complications ; Vertigo ; complications

OBJECTIVETo explore the differences between conservative and surgical treatment for thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis on indications and clinical results.

METHODSFrom May 2000 to June 2008, 162 cases of thoracic spinal tuberculosis patients were studied retrospectively, including 89 males and 73 females, aged from 4 to 71 years (means 43.6 years). Among them, 38 cases of onset time was short, X-ray showed a narrow cone gap and MRI showed vertebral body signal changes, the ones who had better general condition were applicated of anti-TB drugs [6HREZ (S)/6-9HRE] and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical; 51 cases with thick swollen and vertebral body marginal damage but not affect the stability of spine, were treated with spinal tuberculosis debridement surgery; 73 cases with abscess, vertebral destruction of center, spinal instability or spinal cord function associated with damage to persons, were treated with surgical debridement and interbody bone grafting and fixation. Clinical observation were evaluated according to the standard cure for bone tuberculosis.

RESULTSThirty-eight cases by conservative treatment, had been cured in 1 to 2 years. Focus of infection cleared in 51 cases, 3 cases occurrenced the sinus next to incision, 4 cases of kyphosis angle (Cobb) lost 5 degrees-10 degrees compared with that before treatment (means 4.5 degrees). Seventy-three cases by internal fixation obtained neurological deficiency symptoms recovery; 2 occurenced the sinus next to the incision, 3 cases appeared subcutaneous emphysema of iliac area and local pain, but need no special treatment. A total of 136 patients were followed-up from 12 to 60 months with an average of 32.8 months, and had been all clinically cured.

CONCLUSIONPatients with early detection only on the imaging showing vertebral lesions, without obvious sequestrum, abscesses, can be selected for conservative anti-tuberculosis treatment. Patients combined with abscess, vertebral destruction on light degree and not affected the stability of the spine, can be removed by simple surgery to obtain better efficacy. Patients with abscesses, sequestrum, spinal vertebral instability leading to heavy damage associated with spinal cord or nerve function impairment,will need surgical removal of lesions of tuberculosis, give graft and spinal fixation at the same time.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antitubercular Agents ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; drug effects ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; drug effects ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Tuberculosis, Spinal ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Young Adult

Objective: To analyze the relationship between inflammatory factors and relevant risk factors in patients of essential hypertension (EH) combining acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with its clinical significance. Methods: Our research included 3 groups: EH group, n=79 patients with standard criteria, EH+ACS group, n=85 and Control group, n=48 normal subjects. Blood levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), tryptase (TPS) and relevant clinical, biochemical parameters were measured; risk factors for cardiovascular disease were examined and the relationship between above parameters, risk factors and ACS occurrence in EH patients was studied by Logistic regression analysis. Results: The OR values were all greater than 1 in fibrinogen (Fbg), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), TPS, atherosclerotic plaque, Lp-PLA2 and EH grading. Fbg was the most significant independent risk factor (OR=22.242, 95% CI 6.458-76.609, P<0.0001), the standardized partial regression coefficient b'as absolute value (b') was 1.079 which was the highestone in above 6 variables with the strongest impact for ACS occurrence in EH patients. Conclusion: Fbg, hs-CRP, TPS, atherosclerotic plaque and EH grading were the independent risk factors for ACS occurrence in EH patients; Fbg was the highest risk factor for ACS occurrence with the strongest impact, which provided a new direction for ACS prevention and treatment.

Objective: To observe the efficacy of long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training in improving upper- extremity dysfunction in cerebral stroke patients. Methods: Ninety-five patients with upper-extremity dysfunction after cerebral stroke were randomized into two groups, with 48 cases in the treatment group and 47 cases in the control group. Conventional internal medicine treatment was offered to both groups. In both groups, Anterior Oblique Line of Vertex-temporal (MS 6, the middle 2/5) and Posterior Oblique Line of Vertex-temporal (MS 7, the middle 2/5) were selected from the same side of the brain lesion (the side apposing to the hemiplegic limb) for scalp acupuncture treatment. In the treatment group, the scalp acupuncture needles were retained for 7 h, in combination with interactive training, while the needles were also retained for 7 h in the control group but without interactive training. Prior to treatment and at 2-week and 4-week treatment, the two groups were scored using the functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity-Hong Kong (FTHUE-HK) and simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment-upper extremity (FMA-UE). Results: The total effective rate was 97.9％ in the treatment group, higher than 74.5％ in the control group (P<0.01). The FTHUE-HK score was higher at 2-week and 4-week treatment than before treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.001); the FTHUE-HK score was higher at 4-week treatment than at 2-week treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (both P<0.001). At 2-week and 4-week treatment, the FTHUE-HK score was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, showing significant between-group differences (both P<0.05). During the whole treatment process, the treatment group had higher FTHUE-HK scores compared with the control group, but there was no statistical significance comparing the change of the score between the two groups at 2-week treatment (P>0.05), while the between-group difference in the change of the score was statistically significant at 4-week treatment (P<0.05). The FMA-UE score was higher at 2-week and 4-weeks treatment than before treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (all P<0.001); the FMA-UE score was higher at 4-week treatment than at 2-week treatment in both groups, presenting statistically significant intra-group differences (both P<0.001). At 2-week and 4-week treatment, the FMA-UE was higher in the treatment group than in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.01). The FMA-UE score rose gradually with the increase of treatment session, and there was statistical significance comparing the change of the score between the two groups at 2-week and 4-week treatment, respectively (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Long-retaining scalp acupuncture plus interactive training results in more significant efficacy than long-retaining scalp acupuncture alone in improving the upper-limb dysfunction after cerebral stroke and the advantage becomes more notable after 2-week consecutive treatment.

Objective To explore the regulatory mechanism of immune response of guinea pigs sensitized by trichloroethylene (TCE), and the expression level of β-arrestin, and the activity of NF-κB and AP-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of guinea pigs sensitized by TCE. Methods Guinea pigs were treated with TCE based on the guinea pig maximum response test (GPMT); Blank control group and DNCB positive control group were established. Scores of skin reaction were evaluated and used to determine whether or not allergy in guinea pig. Then TCE treated group was divided into sensitized group or un-sensitized group. The expression levels of β-arrestin protein, activity of NF-κB and AP-1 in PBMC were detected by Western Blotting and EMSA, respectively. TNF-α level in serum was detected by ELISA Kits. Results No erythema or edema was found in the control group; part of guinea pigs treated with TCE developed erythema and edema, while obvious erythema and edema could be found in DNCB group. The sensitization rates were 71.4% and 100% in TCE and DNCB group,respectively. Compared with TCE un-sensitized group, expression of β-arrestin and AP-1 activity were not significantly different in TCE sensitized group (P>0.05). While the NF-κB activity was elevated obviously(P<0.05). Compared with blank control groups [(32.118±12.550) pg/ml], serum TNF-α levels in TCE sensitized groups[(55.485±8.732) pg/ml] significantly elevated(P<0.05); Conclusion In guinea pigs, β-arrestin and AP-1 may not be activated, while the NF-κB activation is significant, and plays a immune regulatory role in the immune reaction of allergy induced by TCE .

Objective To investigate the effect of BDNF on cell injuries, cell apoptosis especially, induced by 25-35 segment of β-amyloid protein (Aβ25-35) at condensed state in PC12 cells.Methods The viability of PC12 cells, the apoptosis of PC12 cells and the expressions of Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by MTT, Annexin V-PI staining and Western blotting, respectively. Trk B receptor inhibitor K252a (200 nmol/l) was employed to observe the mechanism of 50 ng/ml BDNF on Aβ25-35 (20 μmol/L)-induced cell injury. Results BDNF (50 ng/ml) could significantly prevent the decrease of cell viability and cell apoptosis, and the increase of Bax expression and the decrease of Bcl-2 expression induced by 20 μmol/L Aβ25-35, and prevent the increase of up-regulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio; and these effects were blocked by K252a (200 nmol/1). Conclusion BDNF can prevent Aβ25-35-induced cell injury, cell apoptosis especially, by binding to its specific receptor Trk B.

Objective To explore the regulatory mechanism of immune response of guinea pigs sensitized by trichloroethylene (TCE), and the expression level of β-arrestin, and the activity of NF-κB and AP-1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of guinea pigs sensitized by TCE. Methods Guinea pigs were treated with TCE based on the guinea pig maximum response test (GPMT); Blank control group and DNCB positive control group were established. Scores of skin reaction were evaluated and used to determine whether or not allergy in guinea pig. Then TCE treated group was divided into sensitized group or un-sensitized group. The expression levels of β-arrestin protein, activity of NF-κB and AP-1 in PBMC were detected by Western Blotting and EMSA, respectively. TNF-α level in serum was detected by ELISA Kits. Results No erythema or edema was found in the control group; part of guinea pigs treated with TCE developed erythema and edema, while obvious erythema and edema could be found in DNCB group. The sensitization rates were 71.4% and 100% in TCE and DNCB group,respectively. Compared with TCE un-sensitized group, expression of β-arrestin and AP-1 activity were not significantly different in TCE sensitized group (P>0.05). While the NF-κB activity was elevated obviously(P<0.05). Compared with blank control groups [(32.118±12.550) pg/ml], serum TNF-α levels in TCE sensitized groups[(55.485±8.732) pg/ml] significantly elevated(P<0.05); Conclusion In guinea pigs, β-arrestin and AP-1 may not be activated, while the NF-κB activation is significant, and plays a immune regulatory role in the immune reaction of allergy induced by TCE .

Objective To explore the inhabitants' knowledge about Keshan disease(KD) in endemic area in Heilongjiang Province and analyze its influencing factors. Methods Yongjin Village, a national KD monitoring site in Fanrong Township of Fuyu County in Heilongjiang Province,was selected as an investigating spot. Specially designed questionnaire was applied in the investigation, which included three aspects, demographical information (gender, age, educational level, etc.), KD-related knowledge survey (KD prevention measures including a healthy diet supplementing selenium, preventing microbial infection, inducers such as climate change, fatigue, cold, mental shock, overeating) and KD controlling measures (take prescribed medicine, dietetic regulation and regular exercise, etc.) Results Seventy-senven point six percent(272/352) knew the disease by the name in the endemic area, while only 29.7% (81/272)and 30.8% (84/272)were aware the preventive measures and inducers , respectively. The awareness rates of KD preventive measures and inducers among the KD patients were 6/17 and 9/17 respectively. The influencing factors of the awareness rate of KD name were gender, vocation and the state of education (χ2 value were 9.838,9.878,12.462, all P < 0.05). However, factors influencing the awareness rates of preventive measures were gender and the state of education(χ2 value were 7.400,20.251, both P < 0.05). Conclusions The awareness rates of KD preventive measures and inducers axe low in the endemic area. The major factors influencing the awareness rate of KD are gender and the educational degree.

Objective To treat simple malocclusions preliminarily using Chinese-made invisible orthodontic aligners and discuss the indications, problems existed and future development. Methods Forty-one cases with different malocclusions were selected, including crowding, spaces and spaces due to periodontal problems. Invisible aligners were made and worn by patients and they were changed every 2-3 weeks. Results Acceptable treatment results were obtained in all cases, with nice alignments and good overbite and overjet. Treatment time ranged from 6-25 months. Conclusions Indications of this technique were still limited and the technique needed to be further developed in the future.