Objective To study the influence of unilateral and bilateral amplification on the effect of hearing aid evaluation .Methods Using the subjective method that International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) and objective method that medium acoustic intensity (65 dB SPL) word recognition score(WRS) to evaluate the effect of unilateral and bilateral hearing aid fitting of middle -aged severe sensorneural hearing loss .Results Hearing aid were used for severe sensorneural hearing loss and the improvement of monosyllables and sentences in quiet and noise test of unilateral were 35 .73% ,43 .15% ,43 .23% ;the improvement of monosyllables and sentences in quiet and noise test of bilateral were 37 .90% ,51 .33% ,54 .86% .The WRS of bilateral was higher than unilater-al .The score of IOI-HA was 15~37 ,meaning patients with severe sensorneural hearing loss were satisfied with hearing aid ,and there was no statistical significance between unilateral and bilateral fitting .Conclusion The bilat-eral hearing aid fitting was better than unilateral .Binaural hearing loss are recommended to fit bilaleral hearing aids .

Objective To investigate whether pregnant rats exposure to ketamine cause offspring changes in space cognitive abilities and exploration abilities.Methods 3-month Sprague-Dawley female rats ( n =24)were randomly divided into four groups:group N (control group),group K1 (small doses of ketamine group),group K2 ( clinical anesthesia dose of ketamine group),group K3 ( large doses of ketamine group).3-month Sprague-Dawley male rats ( n =4) and female rats were mated at the same cage by the proportion of 2∶ 1.Pregnant mice were treated at tenth day:group N were treated saline with equal-volume to ketamine vein injection; group K1,group K2,group K3 administered vein injection 3,8,20mg/kg of ketamine.Then the 20-day offspring rats'learning and memory were assessed used Open Field Test ( record the time of the offspring in the central case through the number of grid within 2 min ) and Hole Board Test ( Counting the times of offspring stretch into the hole in 5 min) at postnatal days 20.Results In the Open Field Test,the retention time in central check of group N,group K2 and group K3 were (2.45 ± 1.23)s,(6.42 ±2.50)s,(6.41 ±2.19)s.Compared with group N,the retention time in central check of group K2 and group K3 were significantly higher (F=13.42,P＜0.01 ),and group K1 were not significant different ( t =1.33,P＞0.01 ),and the locomotion of group K1,group K2,group K3 were significantly reduced( ( 15.33 ± 6.81 ),( 13.75 ± 5.93 ),( 16.92 ± 6.54 ),F =4.24,P ＜ 0.05 ).In the Hole Board Test,the times of offspring stretch into the hole were not significant different comparing with the control group(F=2.17,P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion The dose of ketamine that equivalented clinical anesthesia can affect offspring rats' space cognitive abilities; but the exploring cognitive ability were not significantly influenced.

Objective To observe the effects of bolus volume on pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter pressures and durations in healthy volunteers by using high-resolution manometry (HRM).Methods Twentyfour health subjects were recruited and asked to swallow three volumes of bolus (3 ml,5 ml and 10 ml) in the neutral head position.Pressure and duration measurements were acquired by utilizing a high-resolution solid-state manometer,with an emphasis on the hypopharynx and upper esophageal sphincter (UES).Variables including UES residual pressure,UES relaxation duration,maximum hypopharygeal pressure and hypopharyngeal pressure duration were analyzed across bolus volumes and consistencies by using three-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) to investigate influence of bolus volume.Results UES residual pressure [-1.71 mmHg(3 ml thick liquid)vs.-4.68 mmHg(10 ml thick liquid)],UES relaxation duration[590.45 ms(3 ml thick liquid) vs.702.49 ms (10 ml thick liquid)],maximum hypopharygeal pressure [169.91 mmHg (3 ml thick liquid) vs.204.42 mmHg (10 ml thick liquid)] and hypopharyngeal pressure duration(P ＜0.05) varied significantly across bolus volumes when swallowing water or thick liquid.The UES relaxation duration,UES residual pressure and maximum hypopharyngeal pressure had a direct positive relationship with bolus volume.There was significant differences with regard to UES relaxation duration [685.75 ms(3 ml paste)vs.772.27 ms (10 ml paste)] but not to UES residual pressure (P ＞ 0.05) and maximum hypopharyngeal pressure (P ＞ 0.05) across bolus volume when swallowing paste.Conclusions Difference in hypopharyngeal pressure and duration,UES residual pressure and duration were detected across varying bolus volumes.Consideration of these variables is paramount in understanding normal and pathological swallowing.

OBJECTIVEThis paper aimed to determine the mRNA expression of osteoclast-related factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-12 (IL-12) p35, IL-12p40, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATcl), receptor activator of nuclear factor-KB (RANK), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA in murine macrophages infected by a periodontitis patient's own tissue nucleic acid. Another aim was to investigate the effects of a periodontitis patient's own tissue nucleic acid on the differentiation of macrophages into osteoclasts.

METHODSInflammatory periodontal tissue samples of chronic periodontitis patients were taken during periodontal flap surgery, and healthy gingival tissue samples were taken from orthodontic patients during tooth extractions. Total RNA from periodontal tissue was extracted and reversely transcribed into cDNA and then cryo-preserved until further use. First, specific sequence oligodeoxynucleotide MT0I at a concentration of 1 µg · mL⁻¹ was added in murine macrophage RAW264.7, and the cells were incubated for 3 hours. Cells with PBS (1 µg · mL⁻¹) were used as negative controls. The inflammatory periodontal tissue cDNA and healthy periodontal tissue cDNA (1 µg · mL⁻¹) was added subsequently. There were four experimental groups: healthy periodontal tissue cDNA+ RAW264.7, inflammatory periodontal tissue cDNA+RAW264.7, MT01+healthy periodontal tissue cDNA+RAW264.7, and MT01+inflammatory periodontal tissue cDNA+RAW264.7. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression of osteoclast-related factors IL-6, IL-12p35, IL-12p4O, MMP-9, NFATcl, RANK, and TNF-α mRNA after 3, 6, 12, and 24-hours.

RESULTSThe mRNA levels of osteoclast-related factors NFATc1, MMP-9, TNF-a, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-12p35, and RANK in RAW264.7 were markedly upregulated with the treatment of periodontitis patient's own tissue nucleic acid. However, the mRNA expression of osteoclast-related factors was inhibited by use of an immunosuppressant MT01.

CONCLUSIONThe periodontitis patient's own tissue nucleic acid could promote the differentiation of murine macrophage into osteoclasts.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Gingiva ; Humans ; Interleukin-12 Subunit p40 ; Interleukin-6 ; Macrophages ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; Mice ; Osteoclasts ; metabolism ; Periodontitis ; RNA, Messenger ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Objective To observe the variation of enzymatic activity and areas and bulk of focus of heart injuries by using controllable catheter to ablate epicardial tmsue of rabbits and focus underneath atrioventrieular ring narcosis with 20% urethane(4 ml/kg)and divided into three groups.Each group included 7 rabbits.Anterior wallepieardium of left ventricle was ablated thirty seconds in each group(10,20 and 30 W)with self-made ablationspheroid microwave antenna,refilling with high pressure normal saline at same time.Then all of the rabbits were sacrificed respectively and their ventricular myocardium were taken out to undergo immunohistochemistry in order to display suceinate dehydrogenase(SDH).Also amplitude Wag measured in order to calculate areas of heart injuries.(8F)wag delivered to the pre-selected sites around atrioventricular ring of thirty-two healthy dogs,which had beenin intravenous narcosis with pentobarbital sodium(30 mg/kg).The dogs were divided into four groups(40,50,60 and 80 w) and two time points(60 and 120 s),by the combined method of X-ray and endocardial electrocardiograph,the microwave antenna could be confirmed to be located at the accurate position between anterior and posterior wall close to septum of left/right ventricle.After ventricular myocardium had been taken out,amplitude were measuredin order to calculate bulk of heart injuries by 1/6×3.14 x long×wide×deep.In addition.the histological changesand transmural injury were examined by optic microscope.Results In each group,the centre of injuries wagenzyme deficiency locus.The diameter and areag of heart injuries enlarged significantly(3.99.±0.41),(5.20±0.25),(6.31±0.37)mm and(12.53±2.56),(21.19±3.14),(30.96±3.76)mm2 with the increased microwave power level(10、20、30 W).Group comparison had statisficM significance(F＝76.8,58.5;P＜0.01 or ＜0.05).A total of 116points were ablated.The myocardial lesion showed ellipse in shape,and continuous symmetrical coagulationnecrosis under microscopic examination.There was a clear demarcated line around tlle myocardial tissue and fewparietal thmmbus.There were 16 transmura]injuries and five-with lung damage.The bulk of lesion aroundatrioventrieular ring hag been significantly enlarged(46.7±2.5),(51.1±2.7),(133.2±3.4),(141.8±3.9),(248.5±6.2),(260.3±6.5),(313.7±9.5),(327.4±10.5)with the increased microwave power level(40,50,60and 80 W)and/or distance of microwave ablation(60 and 120 s).Groups comparison had statistical significance(F＝31.16,27.85;all P＜0.01).In each time point,the lesion bulks had conspicuous distinction of statistics.In the same microwave power,the time wag longer,the bulk was larger(P＜0.01).Conclusions The more the microwave power level and time,the severe the heart injuries is.It is possible to use the microwave energy to ablate the deep focus under endocardium around atrioventricular ring.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Astragalus Injection (ASI) combined with rat's mesenchymal stem cells transplantation (rMSCs) for repairing spinal cord injury in rats.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, named respectively by letters from A-F. they were treated respectively with none, PBS solution, ASI, rMSCs, and ASI + rMSCs, with the ASI administered via intraperitoneal injection and the rMSCs given by local injection to the spinal cord, on the 3rd day of operation. The condition of nerve function recovery was assessed on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after treatment by scoring according to the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Besides, the pathological change of the injured spinal cord was observed and expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament-M (NF-M) in the BrdU-labeled rMSCs in the spinal cord tissue were examined by immune histochemistry.

RESULTSThe recovery of spinal cord in Group D, E and F was better than that in Group B and C, showing higher BBB scores. As compared with Group E, Group F showed a higher score of nerve function and a milder inflammatory cell infiltration with lessened tissue edema in the spinal cord and more active proliferation of gliacyte. Double-labelled immunohistochemical examination showed that the transplanted rMSCs were alive in the host's spinal cord, revealing the expressions of GFAP and NF-M from the 7th day after transplantation, which were migrating to the injured site. The amount of GFAP and NF-M positive cells in Group F was much more than that in Group E (P < 0.05)

CONCLUSIONTransplantation of rMSCs is an effective method in treatment of the spinal cord injury; ASI has the capacity for inducing rMSCs differentiated into neurons, and could synergize with rMSCs to promote the repairing of the spinal cord from injury.

Animals ; Astragalus Plant ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Nerve Regeneration ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; therapy

Objective:To investigate the proliferation of rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) influenced by different ethanol extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii HooK F.(TWHF).Methods:An HPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints of 5 different ethanol extracts of TWHF,and GMC was chosen to study the effects of different ethanol extracts of TWHF on cell proliferation.After statistical analysis,the spectrum-activity relationship was analyzed by using partial least squares regression(PLSR).Results:The HPLC fingerprints of the 5 different ethanol extracts of TWHF were established,and 32 characteristic peaks were characterized by the HPLC fingerprints.60%,70% and 95% ethanol extracts and glycosides tablets showed dose-effect relationship,and with the increase of dose,the more significant inhibition of cell proliferation was exhibited.The absorbance values of the 60% ethanol extracts at medium and high doses were lower than those of the other extracts at the same dose.The proliferation inhibition rate of GMC was used as the potency index and analyzed by PLSR,and 20 peaks were potency peaks at high dose(40 μg·L-1),17 ones were potency peaks at medium dose(20 μg·L-1) and 15 ones were potency peaks at low dose(10 μg·L-1).Conclusion:Part of the potency peaks has regular dose-effect relationship with the changes of dose.

Objective To explore the normal range of serum uric acid in quails.Method The data were collect-ed from male and female quails of different strains in 11 experiments, and analyzed by the way of medical reference value. Result The mean value of serum uric acid of male Difake strain quails was (221.06 ±79.59)μmol/L,and the normal range was (87.32 to 382.34)μmol/L.The mean value of serum uric acid of female Difake strain quails was (189.85 ± 68.58)μmol/L, and the normal range was ( 72.72 to 369.73 )μmol/L.The mean value of serum uric acid of male Longcheng strain quails was (217.22 ±72.91)μmol/L,and the normal range was (82.92 to 360.24)μmol/L.The mean value of serum uric acid of female Longcheng strain quails was ( 197.27 ±66.84 )μmol/L, and the normal range was (95.36 to 348.73)μmol/L.The serum uric acid value of female quails was significantly lower than that of male quails. There was no significant difference in the value of serum uric acid between female and male quails from each day-age groups.Conclusions This study has established the normal ranges for serum uric acid in quails of different strains and genders.

Objective To evaluate the swallowing function of patients with dysphagia after brainstem injury using manofluorography (MFG),analyzing the abnormal biomechanical and kinematic parameters as well as any correlation between changes in the pharynx and the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) measured manometrically and changes in the kinematics of the hyoid bone.Methods Thirteen patients with dysphagia after brainstem injury (the patient group) and 13 healthy participants (the control group) underwent manofluorography.Kinematics and biomechanical changes during swallowing were compared between the two groups and the correlations between the observations were analyzed.Results The patient group showed significantly lower maximum pressure and rate of pressure change at the base of the tongue and in the hypopharynx,as well as less hyoid anterior displacement,smaller and briefer UES opening,but significantly higher minimum pressure at UES relaxation.The duration of tongue root elevation and hypopharynx pressure was also shorter than in the control group,on average.There was a negative correlation between hyoid anterior displacement and the minimum pressure on UES relaxation in the control group,and a positive correlation between hyoid anterior displacement and the maximum pressure at the base of the tongue and in the hypopharynx in the patient group.Conclusions The concurrent use of manometry and video-fluorography for evaluating dysphagia can be an objective and effective diagnostic tool for the comprehensive evaluation of swallowing function.

Objective To investigate plasma level of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)and soluble E-slectin (sES) in patients with Keshan disease (KD) accompanied by hypertension,and to further their relation to systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and ejection fraction (EF) of left ventricle.Methods Patients with Keshan disease investigated in 2007 in Fuyu County,Heilongjiang Province were divided into two groups according to whether they were accompanied by hypertension or not:KDP group (n =17),the patients were diagnosed as Keshan disease accompanied by hypertension;KDN group (n =14),the patients were only diagnosed as Keshan disease.Healthy volunteers lived in the same area as the patients were included in the control group (CON group,n =10).The clinical data (such as age,sex and past medical history),SBP and DBP were recorded.EF was detected by echocardiography.Plasma sICAM-1 and sES concentrations were measured by ABC-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.Results Plasma level of sICAM-1 in the subjects was significantly elevated in KDP group as compared with that in CON group and KDN group [(399.84 ± 99.06) vs (323.06 ± 61.27) μg/L,P ＜0.05;(399.84 ± 99.06) vs (268.27 ± 72.88) μg/L,P ＜ 0.01].However,there was no statistical significance in plasma sICAM-1 between the KDN group and control group (P ＞ 0.05).The difference of plasma sES between the control group,KDN group and KDP group did not reach statistical significance [(76.31 ± 23.17),(72.26 ± 20.15) and (90.21 ± 19.21) μg/L,F =3.236,P ＞ 0.05].As compared with the KDN group,SBP and DBP were obviously higher in KDP group [(169 ± 27) and (121 ± 10) mmHg,(102 ± 17) and (81 ± 6) mmHg,1 mmHg =0.133 kPa,F =6.376,4.300,all P ＜ 0.01],and EF was not significantly increased [(58 ± 14)％ and (55 ± 14)％,F =0.789,P ＞ 0.05].Furthermore,correlation analysis showed plasma sICAM-1 was positively correlated with SBP (r =0.540 6,P ＜ 0.01)and DBP (r =0.461 2,P ＜ 0.01),but not with EF of left ventricle in subjects whir Keshan disease (r =0.073 4,P ＞0.05).Conclusion These data shows slCAM-1 may play a role in the development of Keshan disease accompanied by hypertension,providing an potential index for its risk assessment.