OBJECTIVE To preliminarily assess the horizontal sound localization and its influencing factors in patients with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss during the acute phase.METHODS The azimuth discrimination test and azimuth identification test were completed,with the speech sound(65 dB SPL)as the stimulus.The minimum audible angle(MAA)and root-mean-square error(RMSE)were obtained,and the RMSE of the affected side and the healthy side were calculated respectively.According to the WHO(2021)hearing loss classification criteria,the data were analyzed based on the pure-tone average(PTA)of the affected ear.And the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was recorded.RESULTS The performance of the unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the sound localization varied greatly.Some performed close to the normal level,while others completely lost the ability to localize sound.The RMSE of the moderate hearing loss group(≥35 dB HL)was significantly higher than that of the normal hearing group(P<0.01),the MAA of the moderate to severe hearing loss group(≥50 dB HL)showed statistically significant differencescompared with normal hearing group(P<0.001).The RMSE of the affected side of patients in the severe and above hearing loss group was significantly larger than that of the healthy side.Regression analysis showed that the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was the most significant factor affecting MAA(R2=0.572,P<0.001)and RMSE(R2=0.768,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The horizontal sound localization of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the acute phase varies greatly.When the PTA of the affected side reaches moderate hearing loss,the localization ability is significantly lower than that of normal-hearing individuals.The best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear is the key factor affecting the localization ability.

Postoperative stress symptoms are caused by surgical trauma,and now still lack active intervention methods to promote the recovery of body function in the field of western medicine.Professor Cai Bingqin analyzed the etiology and pathogenesis of stress symptoms after abdominal surgery,which usually manifested as abnormal sweating,sleep disorders,emotional disorders,and gastrointestinal dysfunction,and then put forward the concept of postoperative stress syndrome for the perioperative period.Professor Cai Bingqin believes that surgical stimulation,as the important etiological factor responsible for postoperative stress symptoms,can cause excessive stress in the body,which results in a series of symptoms affecting the recovery of patients.Liver plays a defensive and adaptive role in postoperative stress by regulating qi movement,blood circulation and emotions.The symptoms of abnormal sweating,sleep disorders and emotional disorders are related with the function of the liver in governing emotions,housing the ethereal soul,and ensuring the free movement of qi,while the gastrointestinal dysfunction manifestations of poor appetite,abdominal distention and constipation are due to the disharmony of liver and spleen.For the treatment of postoperative stress syndrome,Professor Cai proposes the principle of treating disease from the perspective of liver,and the methods of soothing liver and alleviating depression,and warming and activating qi movement are adopted.Sini San(Sini Powder for Soothing Liver and Regulating Qi)is commonly used as the basic prescription to ensure the normal function of liver and to ensure the free movement of qi,and then the harmony of qi and blood and the unobstruction of blood vessels will be achieved.Additionally,the assistance of therapy for invigorating spleen to dissolve dampness,and replenishing qi to consolidate superficies can adjust zang-fu organs'dysfunction,and will restore the balance of qi-blood and yin-yang.The proposal of"postoperative stress syndrome"will provide an approach to the management of perioperative period with traditional Chinese medicine,and will become the beneficial supplement to the existing fast-track surgery system.

Closed-loop neuromodulation, especially using the phase of the electroencephalography (EEG) rhythm to assess the real-time brain state and optimize the brain stimulation process, is becoming a hot research topic. Because the EEG signal is non-stationary, the commonly used EEG phase-based prediction methods have large variances, which may reduce the accuracy of the phase prediction. In this study, we proposed a machine learning-based EEG phase prediction network, which we call EEG phase prediction network (EPN), to capture the overall rhythm distribution pattern of subjects and map the instantaneous phase directly from the narrow-band EEG data. We verified the performance of EPN on pre-recorded data, simulated EEG data, and a real-time experiment. Compared with widely used state-of-the-art models (optimized multi-layer filter architecture, auto-regress, and educated temporal prediction), EPN achieved the lowest variance and the greatest accuracy. Thus, the EPN model will provide broader applications for EEG phase-based closed-loop neuromodulation.
Humans ; Electroencephalography/methods* ; Brain/physiology* ; Machine Learning ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; Adult ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Brain Waves/physiology*

Myelin is an essential structure that facilitates rapid saltatory conduction in the nervous system. Discrepancies in myelin microstructure are a hallmark of numerous neurological disorders, rendering the assessment of myelin integrity and content an indispensable tool in clinical diagnostics and neuroscience research. Extensive research has been dedicated to scrutinizing its biochemical makeup and morphology under normal, pathological, and experimental conditions over the years. In this review, we present an updated summary of the myelin sheath's structure, composition, and developmental trajectory. We systematically enumerate and contrast eight prevalent myelin staining techniques across dimensions of sensitivity, specificity, and resolution, delving into their underlying staining principles. With an initial application of myelin histology on the mouse demyelination model, our review accentuates the accurate delineation of myelination and the microstructural analysis of the myelin sheath. Such insights are anticipated to significantly contribute to the evaluation and understanding of white matter pathologies.
Myelin Sheath/metabolism* ; Animals ; Humans ; Demyelinating Diseases/pathology* ; Staining and Labeling/methods*

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of osthole for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on its ability to alleviate chronic pruritus (CP) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of osthole in both a 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulated huma immortalized epidermal (HaCaT) cells. The anti-itch effect of osthole was specifically assessed in the AD mouse model. Using methods such as hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Osthole improved skin damage and clinical dermatitis scores, reduced scratching bouts, and decreased epidermal thickness AD-like mice. It also reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-31 and IL-31 receptor A (IL-31 RA) in both skin tissues and HaCaT cells. Furthermore, Osthole suppressed the protein expression levels of phosphor-p65 (p-p65) and phosphor-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-Bα (p-IκBα). Meanwhile, it increased the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and PPARγ in HaCaT cells. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that osthole effectively inhibited CP in AD by activating PPARα, PPARγ, repressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the expression of IL-31 and IL-31 RA.

Saponins associated with Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy across multiple diseases. However, certain high-yield saponins face limited clinical applications due to their reduced pharmacological efficacy. This study synthesized and evaluated 36 saponin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives of ginsenosides Rg1/Rb1 and notoginsenoside R1 for anti-adipogenesis activity in vitro. The research revealed that the ginsenosides Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 demonstrates superior adipogenesis inhibitory effects. Structure-activity relationships (SARs) analysis indicates that incorporating an amidyl-substituted 1,2,3-triazole into the saponin side chain via Click reaction enhances anti-adipogenesis activity. Additionally, several other derivatives exhibit general adipogenesis inhibition. Compound a17 demonstrated enhanced potency compared to the parent ginsenoside Rg1. Mechanistic investigations revealed that a17 exhibits dose-dependent inhibition of adipogenesis in vitro, accompanied by decreased expression of preadipocytes. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) adipogenesis regulators. These findings establish the ginsenoside Rg1-1,2,3-triazole derivative a17 as a promising adipocyte differentiation inhibitor and potential therapeutic agent for obesity and associated metabolic disorders. This research provides a foundation for developing effective therapeutic approaches for various metabolic syndromes.
Adipogenesis/drug effects* ; Triazoles/chemical synthesis* ; Ginsenosides/chemical synthesis* ; Saponins/chemical synthesis* ; Animals ; Mice ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; PPAR gamma/genetics* ; 3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes/metabolism* ; Panax notoginseng/chemistry* ; Drug Design ; Molecular Structure ; Humans ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins/genetics*

Objective:This study aims to explore the clinical effectiveness of a novel treatment method for refractory laryngeal contact granuloma, involving CO2 laser excision with local pedicled mucosal flap transfer combined with type A botulinum toxin injection. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with refractory laryngeal contact granuloma who visited Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University from January 2021 to June 2023. These patients underwent CO2 laser excision of the granuloma with local pedicled mucosal flap transfer combined with type A botulinum toxin injection. During follow-up, electronic laryngoscopy were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and local laryngeal mucosa, voice quality, and pharyngeal discomfort symptoms were evaluated. Results:Postoperative electronic laryngoscopy revealed the disappearance of granulomas in all 18 patients. Symptoms such as hoarseness, foreign body sensation in the throat, and cough were significantly improved. No complications were observed systemically or locally. No recurrence was observed during one-year follow-up. Conclusion:CO2 laser excision of granuloma with local pedicled mucosal flap transfer combined with type A botulinum toxin injection could eliminate the lesion, restore the integrity of the vocal fold lining, preserve the perichondrium, and provide a time window for mucosal flap recovery. This approach adheres to the principle of preserving normal mucosa, achieves a high cure rate, and is therefore worthy of widespread promotion and application in clinical practice.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Flaps ; Botulinum Toxins, Type A/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Granuloma/therapy* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Granuloma, Laryngeal/therapy* ; Laryngeal Diseases/therapy* ; Lasers, Gas/therapeutic use* ; Laryngoscopy ; Laser Therapy ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND:The elastic modulus of traditional solid titanium alloy implants is higher than that of human bone,and the resulting"stress shielding"phenomenon may affect the osseointegration of implants.Simultaneously,the wettability of 3D printed titanium alloy surface needs to be improved.OBJECTIVE:To prepare hydrophilic Gyroid implants with excellent biomechanical properties.METHODS:The 3D models of Gyroid implant,solid implant,mandibular bone and crown were established,and the mechanical properties of different implants were analyzed by finite element analysis.The Gyroid structure implant model was imported into the 3D printer to make the Gyroid structure implant materialized,and then the hydrophilic Gyroid structure implant with excellent mechanical properties and surface activity was prepared by sandblasting acid etching and ultraviolet functionalization.The morphology and hydrophilicity of 3D printed Ti6Al4V specimens before and after surface modification were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and contact angle test.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The finite element analysis results showed that under the vertical average bite force,the Gyroid structure could uniformly disperse the load acting on the implant into the entire structure.The load on the solid structure implant could only be dispersed on its outer surface and concentrated in the neck.The maximum equivalent stress of the Gyroid structure implant was 200.67 MPa,which did not exceed 50%of the yield strength of Ti6Al4V material.The maximum equivalent stress of the Gyroid structure implant on the surrounding bone tissue was 24.27 MPa,which was slightly higher than the maximum equivalent stress of the solid structure implant 17.32 MPa,and in the range of 20-60 MPa.The stimulation effect of the Gyroid structure implant on new bone formation was better than that of the solid structure implant.(2)The 3D printing technology could materialize the Gyroid structure implant model.Scanning electron microscopy showed that there were many unmelted spherical metal particles on the surface of the 3D printed Ti6Al4V specimens.After sandblasting and acid etching,a micron-scale mesh pore structure was formed on the surface,and no protruding metal particles were seen.The surface morphology of the superimposed UV functional treatment group was basically consistent with that after sandblasting and acid etching.The contact angle test results showed that the surface hydrophilicity of the specimens treated with ultraviolet functionalization plus sandblasting and acid etching was better than that of the sandblasting and acid etching and non-surface treatment groups.(3)The sandblasting and acid etching technology can remove the weakly connected metal particles on the 3D printed specimen and improve the similarity between the solid model and the design model.On this basis,the ultraviolet functionalization treatment can significantly improve the hydrophilicity of the 3D printed Gyroid structure implant surface without affecting its structure.

Objective To explore the evaluation of the relationship between myocardial damage and left ventricular diastolic function in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI)by using cardiovascular MR T2WI sequences.Methods A total of 155 AMI patients were selected.All patients were divided into two groups based on whether left ventricular diastolic dysfunction occurred,including diastolic dys-function group and diastolic normal group.Clinical data of all patients,myocardial injury and cardiac function indicators at admis-sion,black blood T2 short time inversion recovery(T2-STIR)sequence of cardiac MR,and T2 prepulse steady state free procession during free breathing(T2 p-SSFP)sequence images of bright blood were collected.Pearson’s method was used to analyze the rela-tionship between T2WI sequences and myocardial injury as well as cardiac function indicators.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influencing factors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of cardiovascular MR T2WI sequences in left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.Results Com-pared with the T2-STIR sequence,the T2 p-SSFP sequence showed a significant decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)of the dis-tal myocardial,the SNR of the edematous myocardial,and the contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of the edematous myocardial and the dis-tal myocardial(P<0.05).The distal myocardial SNR,edematous myocardial SNR,and edematous myocardial and distal myocardial CNR of T2WI sequences were positively correlated with cardiac troponin I(c Tn I),creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB),myoglobin(MB),and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),respectively(P<0.05).Compared with diastolic normal group,patients in diastolic dysfunction group had significantly higher distal myocardial SNR,edematous myocardial SNR,and edematous myocardial and distal myocardial CNR in the T2-STIR and T2 p-SSFP sequences(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that distal myocardial SNR,edematous myocardial SNR,and edematous myocardial and distal myocardial CNR were risk factors for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AMI patients(P<0.05).The ROC curve analysis showed that the distal myocardial SNR,edematous myocardial SNR,and edematous myocardial and distal myocardial CNR of T2WI sequences had diagnostic value for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in AMI patients.Conclusion Cardiovascular MR T2WI sequences exhibit significant prominence in individuals diagnosed with AMI and demonstrate a positive correlation with myocardial injury.These sequences serve as valuable tools for assessing the disease’s severity and hold substantial predictive potential concerning left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.