DHHC2 regulates fear memory formation, LTP, and AKAP150 signaling in the hippocampus

Palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) have been suggested to be involved in learning and memory. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we found that the activity of DHHC2 was upregulated in the hippocampus after fear conditioning, and DHHC2 knockdown impaired fear induced memory and long-term potentiation (LTP). Additionally, the activity of DHHC2 and its synaptic expression were increased after high frequency stimulation (HFS) or glycine treatment. Importantly, fear learning selectively augmented the palmitoylation level of AKAP150, not PSD-95, and this effect was abolished by DHHC2 knockdown. Furthermore, 2-bromopalmitic acid (2-BP), a palmitoylation inhibitor, attenuated the increased palmitoylation level of AKAP150 and the interaction between AKAP150 and PSD-95 induced by HFS. Lastly, DHHC2 knockdown reduced the phosphorylation level of GluA1 at Ser845, and also induced an impairment of LTP in the hippocampus. Our results suggest that DHHC2 plays a critical role in regulating fear memory via AKAP150 signaling.

[Predictive value of left ventricular ejection fraction reserve assessed by SPECT G-MPI for major adverse cardiovascular event in patients with coronary artery disease]

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reserve assessed by gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT G-MPI) for major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. From January 2017 to December 2019, patients with coronary artery disease and confirmed myocardial ischemia by stress and rest SPECT G-MPI, and underwent coronary angiography within 3 months were enrolled. The sum stress score (SSS) and sum resting score (SRS) were analyzed by the standard 17-segment model, and the sum difference score (SDS, SDS=SSS-SRS) was calculated. The LVEF at stress and rest were analyzed by 4DM software. The LVEF reserve (ΔLVEF) was calculated (ΔLVEF=stress LVEF-rest LVEF). The primary endpoint was MACE, which was obtained by reviewing the medical record system or by telephone follow-up once every twelve months. Patients were divided into MACE-free and MACE groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between ΔLVEF and all MPI parameters. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the independent factors of MACE, and the optimal SDS cutoff value for predicting MACE was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted to compare the difference in the incidence of MACE between different SDS groups and different ΔLVEF groups. Results: A total of 164 patients with coronary artery disease [120 male; age (58.6±10.7) years] were included. The average follow-up time was (26.5±10.4) months, and a total of 30 MACE were recorded during follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that SDS (HR=1.069, 95%CI: 1.005-1.137, P=0.035) and ΔLVEF (HR=0.935, 95%CI: 0.878-0.995, P=0.034) were independent predictors of MACE. According to ROC curve analysis, the optimal cut-off to predict MACE was a SDS of 5.5 with an area under the curve of 0.63 (P=0.022). Survival analysis showed that the incidence of MACE was significantly higher in the SDS≥5.5 group than in the SDS<5.5 group (27.6% vs. 13.2%, P=0.019), but the incidence of MACE was significantly lower in the ΔLVEF≥0 group than in theΔLVEF<0 group (11.0% vs. 25.6%, P=0.022). Conclusions: LVEF reserve (ΔLVEF) assessed by SPECT G-MPI serves as an independent protective factor for MACE, while SDS is an independent risk predictor in patients with coronary artery disease. SPECT G-MPI is valuable for risk stratification by assessing myocardial ischemia and LVEF.

[Acupuncture relieves pain by inhibiting expression of Cx43 in astrocytes and release of interfe-ron-γ in neurons of trigeminal spinal nucleus in rats with migraine]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of acupuncture on the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the trigeminal spinal nucleus (TNC) of rats with migraine, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying amelioration of migraine.

METHODS

A total of 44 SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, acu-puncture, and sham acupuncture groups (n=11 in each group). Acupuncture was applied to bilateral "Shuaigu"(GB8) and "Yanglingquan"(GB34) or non-acupoint Ⅰ (the spot about 10 mm superior to the iliac spine and 20 mm lateral to the post-median line) and non-acupoint Ⅱ (behind the iliac spine, the ending-spot of the posterior superior iliac spine at the muscles) on both sides for 20 min, once daily for 9 days. Paw withdrawal latency (mechanical pain threshold,PWMT) and thermal tail flick latency (TFL) were measured using a VonFrey detector and photothermal tail pain meter, respectively. The content of IFN-γ of TNC tissue was detected by ELISA. The expression levels of Cx43 and IFN-γ proteins of TNC tissue were detected by Western blot. The immunofluorescence dual labeling method was used to detect the positive expression of GFAP and Cx43, IFN-γR and NeuN in TNC tissue, for displaying the activity of Cx43 in astrocytes and IFN-γ in neurons, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, both PWMT and TFL at 3, 5, 7 and 9 days after modeling were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the expression of Cx43 and IFN-γ proteins, the immunofluorescence intensity of GFAP, Cx43, IFN-γR, and the content of IFN-γ were considerably up-regulated in the model group (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, both PWMT and TFL at 3, 5, 7 and 9 days after modeling were obviously increased (P<0.01), whereas the expression of Cx43 and IFN-γ proteins, the immunofluorescence intensity of GFAP, Cx43, IFN-γR, and the content of IFN-γ in the acupuncture group, as well as the protein expression of IFN-γR in the sham acupuncture group were also remarkably decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The effect of acupuncture was significantly superior to that of sham acupuncture in down-regulating the expression of Cx43 and IFN-γ proteins, and the immunofluorescence intensity of GFAP, Cx43, and IFN-γR (P<0.05, P<0.01). Immunofluorescence dual labeling outcomes showed that in the model group, a large number of GFAP and Cx43 co-expressed astrocytes were found, and the cell body and protrusion of GFAP-labelled astrocytes were evidently increased, and Cx43 was mainly expressed on the surface of astrocyte membrane and the protrusion site, and the proportion of IFN-γR and NeuN co-expressing neurons in the model group was significantly increased, suggesting an activation of astrocytes and neurons after modeling. Whereas in the acupuncture group, the bright green clustered particles on the cell membrane and protrusion of astrocytes, and the proportion of IFN-γR and NeuN co-expressing neurons were significantly reduced, suggesting a suppression of activities of Cx43, astrocytes and neurons and IFN-γ release from TNC after acupuncture intervention.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture can relieve the pain response in rats with migraine, which may be associa-ted with its functions in inhibiting the expression of Cx43 and activation of astrocytes and neurons, and reducing release of pro-inflammatory factor IFN-γ in TNC.

[Analysis on prediction power of HIV infection risk assessment tool in men who have sex with men in Guizhou province]

Objective: To evaluate the prediction power of HIV infection risk assessment tool and the applicability in MSM in Guizhou province. Methods: MSM were recruited through snowball sampling method. Questionnaire surveys were conducted among the MSM using HIV infection risk assessment tool, and combined with HIV serologic test results, the risk prediction power of HIV infection risk assessment tool was evaluated. Results: A total of 3 379 MSM were recruited from January 2018 to December 2019 in Guizhou. The HIV infection rate was 3.3%(111/3 379). The mean risk scores of HIV positive and HIV negative MSM were (12.15±3.08) and (12.07±3.07), respectively. The difference in risk score was significant between MSM with different HIV status (t=8.69, P<0.001). According to the principle of decision tree, individual risk scores were divided into following three categories: ≤11.96, 11.97-14.80 and >14.80, the HIV infection rate was 0.8%, 4.3% and 8.6% respectively, suggesting that the higher the individual risk score was, the higher the HIV infection rate was (trend χ²=88.18, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the higher the individual risk score was, the higher the risk of HIV infection was. Compared to the total score ≤11.96, the aOR values at total scores of 11.97-14.80 and >14.80 were 6.34 (95%CI: 3.38-11.88) and 14.07(95%CI: 7.44-26.61), respectively. The risk of HIV infection in Miao ethnic group was higher than that in Han ethnic group (aOR=1.83, 95%CI:1.04-3.21), and the risk of HIV infection in those with education level of primary school and below was higher than that in undergraduates or those with education level of junior college and above (aOR=2.50, 95%CI:1.06-5.88), and the risk of HIV infection was higher in those who had bisexual behaviors than in those who had homosexual behaviors (aOR=1.95, 95%CI:1.19-3.19). The risk of HIV infection was higher in those who had never received HIV testing (aOR=1.53, 95%CI:1.01-2.33). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under ROC (AUC) for HIV infection prediction was 0.751 (95%CI:0.710-0.792, P<0.001). The maximum Youden's index was individual risk score of 12.56, and the sensitivity of the risk assessment tool was 0.838, and its specificity was 0.412. Conclusions: The results of HIV infection risk assessment tool in Guizhou indicated that in MSM the higher the individual risk score, the higher the risk of HIV infection is. The tool can be used to evaluate the risk of HIV infection in MSM, but the specificity should be improved.

Watermelon-like TiO2 nanoparticle (P25)@microporous amorphous carbon sphere with excellent rate capability and cycling performance for lithium-ion batteries

To overcome the inferior rate capability and cycling performance of TiO₂ nanomaterials as an anode material of lithium-ion batteries, we encapsulate TiO₂ nanoparticles (P25) in carbon spheres through a facile pyrrole polymerization and carbonization. Material characterization demonstrates TiO₂ nanoparticles are uniformly embedded in microporous amorphous carbon spheres, forming a watermelon-like structure. P25@C exhibits excellent high rate capability with average discharge capacity of 496, 416, 297, 240, 180, 99, 49 and 25 mAh g^-1 at current rate of 0.5C, 1C, 5C, 10C, 20C, 50C, 100C and 200C, which shows superior long-term cycling performance with discharge capacity of 106.9 mAh g^-1 at 20C after 5000 cycles. The capacity loss rate is only 0.008% per cycle. The outstanding lithium storage performance is ascribed to the watermelon-like composite structure, which remarkably improves electronic conductivity and structure stability of TiO₂ nanoparticles. More importantly, the agglomeration of TiO₂ nanoparticles is eliminated, and the entire surface of every TiO₂ nanoparticle participates in the electrochemical reaction, which brings about an intense capacitive Li storage effect and leads to the high specific capacity and excellent rate capability of P25@C. This is confirmed through qualitative and quantitative analysis of the contributions from surface capacitive storage and bulk intercalation storage to the total capacity of the composite.

[Evaluation of medium to long term efficacy of balloon dilation in the treatment of aural fullness as chief complaint]

Objective: To discuss the characteristics of symptoms improvement based on the follow-up evaluation of Eustachian tube balloon dilation medium to long-term efficacy in patients with symptomatic Eustachian tube dysfunction (SETD). Methods: Patients from 2015 to 2017 were followed up after Eustachian tube balloon dilation (with the sense of aural fullness, or tinnitus and hearing ambiguity). All participants had been done ETDQ-7 before surgery and were re-evaluated with ETDQ-7 in follow-up. The improvement of overall and individual symptoms scores in ETDQ-7, the effects of gender and the difference of scores at different stages (12-18 months, 18-24 months and 24-30 months) after the operation were analyzed. Results: There were 29 patients, including 16 males and 13 females, whose age ranged from 20 to 62 years old. The medium to long-term score of ETDQ-7 significantly declined after surgery (27.0±7.9 vs. 14.1±7.5, P<0.05). Among all symptoms, symptoms like "blockage feeling in ear or being like under the water, constriction feeling" , "sound of blisters or explosions in the ear" decreased obviously (P<0.05). Comparing different stages after surgery, the scores of ETDQ-7 existed no difference (P>0.05). And the difference of gender showed no significant influence on surgery effects. Conclusion: The subjective symptoms of patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction diagnosed with SETD can be significantly improved in the medium to long-term follow-up after Eustachian tube balloon dilation, and the degree of improvement is not linearly related to the postoperative time.

Construction of Co3O4 three-dimensional mesoporous framework structures from zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 with enhanced lithium storage properties

High-porosity mesoporous framework structures are attractive for electrochemical energy storage and other applications. Herein we demonstrate a novel synthesis strategy to make zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 oxidize to a Co₃O₄ three-dimensional mesoporous framework structure. This strategy relies on the oxygen-limitation effect of the closed nanocage and the affinity effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone towards zeolitic imidazolate framework-67. Several TiO₂ nanospheres, as the unique structure junctions, are uniformly embedded within the Co₃O₄ framework to enhance the framework strength. The TiO₂/hydrous titania polyhedron nanocage, as the protecting shell, further encapsulates the Co₃O₄ framework, forming a perfect capsule-type hybrid. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, TiO₂@Co₃O₄ framework capsules show superior lithium storage performance with high reversible capacity, stable cycling life and good rate capability. A reversible capacity of 1042 mAh g^-1 can be delivered after 200 cycles at a current density of 300 mA g^-1. The average discharge capacity over 200 cycles reaches 926 mAh g^-1. This demonstrates the superiority of this material structure and its great potential as an anode for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. This work indicates a new strategy to take advantage of metal-organic frameworks to synthesize their mesoporous framework derivatives.

[Outcomes of same-day bilateral endoscopic tympanoplasty]

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of simultaneous bilateral endoscopic for tympanoplasty in patients with bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media. Method:Fifteen patients (30 ears) with bilateral chronic suppurative otitis media who underwent bilateral endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty on the same day were enrolled in this study. The ear with worse-hearing was selected as the first operation side, the contralateral ear as the second one. The operation group consisted of 22 ears of Type 1 tympanoplasty, 5 ears of Type 2 tympanoplasty and 3 ears of Type 3 tympanoplasty. All second sides(15 ears) underwent Type 1 tympanoplasty. The cartilage-perichondrium graft was harvested from the tragal of the first side and was cut in two halves which could be used for the both sides. The graft success and hearing improvement were evaluated at the postoperative 6th month according to the follow up results of the endoscopic image and the pure-tone audiometry. Result:The graft take rate was 96.7%(27/30) without any retraction pockets or displaced grafts. The graft take rate of the first side was 93.3%(14/15), and the one of the second side was 100.0%(15/15). The average air conduction thresholds were (50.9±9.1) dB HL preoperatively and (32.0±6.0) dB HL postoperatively(P<0.01). The average air-bone gap overall improved from (30.2±7.9) dB HL preoperatively to (13.7±6.0) dB HL postoperatively(P<0.01). Conclusion:Bilateral same-day endoscopic tympanoplasty are safe and cost effective in appropriately selected patients. It can offer favorable out-comes in selected patients with chronic suppurative otitis media.

[Clinical features of recurrences in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo]

Objective:To study the clinical features of patients with recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and to analyze potential related factors of recurrences.Method:Eighty patients who suffered recurrent BPPV were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: young group (21 cases), middle-aged group (25 cases) and old-aged group (34 cases). Theclinical data including age, gender, pathological pattern and canal type of BPPV were collected. We further analyzed the efficacy of repositioning treatment for recurrent BPPV.Result:In this study, there are 62 cases of primary BPPV(77.50%) and 18 cases of secondary BPPV(22.50%). In patients with recurrent BPPV, the laterior semicircular canal BPPV and posterior semicircular canals BPPV were the most common, and there was no differences on the aspects of age and gender in the two groups of patients with recurrent HSC BPPV and PSC BPPV (P>0.05).Compared with the primary diagnosis, we found that 48.75% cases relapsed in the same semicircular canals, 21.25% cases relapsed in other canals of the same ear, and 30.00% cases relapsed in a different ear. In this study, 96.25% patients with recurrent BPPV were cured in a month and one-time reset success rate was 56.25%.Conclusion: The age, gender, pathological pattern and canal type show certain clinical features of recurrent BPPV. The evidence of long term of recurrence course and high variability of problematic location support the approval opinion based on new otolith.

[Research on activity evolution of cerebral cortex and hearing rehabilitation of congenitally deaf children after cochlear implant]

Objective:There is a significant difference in the hearing rehabilitation between the congenitally deaf children after cochlear implant(CI). The intrinsic mechanism that affects the hearing rehabilitation in patients was discussed from the perspective of evoked EEG source activity.Method:Firstly, we collected the ERP data from 23 patients and 10 control group children during 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after CI. According to the hearing rehabilitation during 12 months after CI, the patients were divided into two groups: rehabilitation of "the good" and "the poor". Then we used sLORETA to show the changes in the groups of patients' cerebral cortex and compared with the control group.Result:Cross-modal reorganization of cerebral cortex exists in the congenitally deaf children. The cross-modal reorganization gradually degraded and the activity of the relevant cortex followed by normally after CI. There was a statistically significant difference(P < 0.05) in the temporal lobe and the associated cortex around parietal lobe between "the good" and "the poor" groups after 12 months.Conclusion:The normalization of the cross-modal reorganization in patients reflects the hearing rehabilitation after CI, especially the normalization of the activity of the temporal lobe and the associated cortex around parietal lobe, which influences the rehabilitation effect of the auditory function to some extent. This research demonstrated the detection of the mechanism has important significance for the hearing recovery training and evaluation of the hearing rehabilitation after CI.

Expression and clinical significance of ARTN and MMP-9 in endometrial carcinoma

The aim of this study was to detect the differential expression of Artemin (ARTN) and matrix metallopeptidase protein 9 (MMP-9) in endometrial carcinoma (EC) and to assess their clinical significance in order to provide insight into the pathological mechanism of tumor infiltration and metastasis in EC. A total of 48 patients who had undergone surgery for EC at the School of Medicine and Affiliated Hospital of HeBei University of Engineering between July 2015 and July 2016 were included in the study. The 48 patients were classified into 3 groups according to tumor stage: 27 patients with EC stage I, 12 patients with EC stage II and 9 patients with EC stage III. The samples collected from each patient included fresh normal endometrial tissue, endometrial simple hyperplastic tissue and endometrial atypical hyperplastic tissue. The transcription levels of ARTN and MMP-9 mRNA in each group were investigated using RT-PCR. The expression levels of ARTN and MMP-9 protein in each group were examined using Western blotting. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the expression levels of ARTN and MMP-9 proteins and EC tissue type. RT-PCR and Western blotting assays revealed that the expression levels of ARTN and MMP-9 were increased in normal endometrial tissue, simple hyperplastic tissue, atypical hyperplastic tissue and EC of stages I, II and III. The differences noted were statistically significant (P less than 0.05). Furthermore, Western blot analysis indicated that the expression levels of ARTN and MMP-9 proteins in lymphatic metastatic tissues were higher than those in non-lymphatic metastatic tissues (P less than 0.05). The expression levels in the infiltration tissues of the deep muscular layer were higher than those noted in the light muscular layer (P less than 0.05). The expression levels of ARTN and MMP-9 proteins were positively correlated (P less than 0.05). The data suggest that ARTN and MMP-9 are involved in the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of EC, and play a synergistic role in the development of EC and lymphatic metastasis.

[Prevalence of hearing disorders in China: a population-based survey in four provinces of China]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, severity of hearing disorders and demographics of people with hearing disorders based on the whole population in Jilin, Guangdong, Shannxi and Gansu provinces in China. Methods: According to " WHO Ear and Hearing Disorders Survey Protocol" , 144 clusters were chosen with probability proportional sampling(PPS) method from the four provinces covering 194, 688, 061 residents. Audiological test, otological examination and questionnaire surveying were conducted for all samples from August, 2014 to September, 2015. The hearing disorders were classified according to WHO criteria and classification. Results: Among 47 511 targeted residents, 45, 052 individuals (94.82% response rate) participated in the survey. The standardized prevalence rates of hearing disorders and disabling hearing disorders were 15.84 % and 5.17 % respectively. Almost 50% of people with hearing disorders had no awareness of it or its starting time. There was significant difference in the prevalence among people of different ages, genders, occupations, provinces, marital status and education levels. The prevalence of hearing disorders increased significantly as age grew. People above 60 years old occupied 55.31% of the total hearing disorders. The prevalence of hearing disorders among male, people of low education and those who lost husband or wife, as well as workers and farmers was relatively higher. Conclusions: The prevalence of hearing disorders is high, and hearing disorders are " invisible" . Demographics and socioeconomic factors significantly influence the prevalence of hearing disorders.

[The facial nerve study of multi-slice spiral computed tomography in congenital abnormality of external and middle ear]

Objective:Images of temporal bone are obtained on Siemens 64 slices spiral CT scanner with high resolution scanning to describe the course of facial nerve for better preoperative evaluation of CAEMA.Method:To describe the course of facial nerve on rectangular coordinate system from three silce on HRCT, 29 patients(35 ears) are enrolled in our study in ENT department from November 2005 to March 2007 in the second affiliated hospital of sun yan sen university, who are all diagnosed not acquired deformity but CAEME, associated with no congenital deformity syndromes and no middle ear or mastoid operations before. Patients with bilateral ears deformity are 6, and unilateral ears deformity are 23 (13 right and 10 left) in the study group. The control group is the normal ears of unilateral ear deformity.Result:In the study group, the shortest distance from FN tympanic segment to oval window is shorter than that of the normal group (P< 0.05). In CAEME of unilateral ears the FN mastoid segment displaces anteriorly about 2.7 mm, and in CAEME of bilateral ears displaces 3.0mm, compared with the normal ears (P< 0.05). The deformity degree of auricle has correlations with anteriorly displacement of facial nerve mastoid segment (P< 0.05).Conclusion:The FN mastoid segment is anteriorly displacement in both bilateral and unilateral ear deformity. The deformity degree of auricle has correlations with anteriorly displacement of facial nerve mastoid segment. The lateral displacement of facial nerve doesn't occur usually in CAEME. The shortest distance between oval window and tympanic segment of FN become shorter than normal ears.

[The characteristics of the patients with BPPV accompanied byidiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss]

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of the patients with BPPV accompanied by idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss(ISSNHL).Method:Retrospective analysis of 150 cases of patients with ISSNHL.All data of the cases were collected,including history,pure tone audiograms and VNG tests.Result:16.0% of all patients had BPPV accompanied by ISSNHL.77.8% of these patients had an abnormal caloric test result.73.9% of them had a profound hearing loss.The hearing outcome between those with and without BPPV had no significant difference.Conclusion:Patients with BPPV accompanied by ISSNHL seem to have a more severe damage than those without BPPV,while the hearing outcomes seem no significant difference between them.

[A clinical analysis for sudden sensorineural hearing loss withcontralateral sensorineural hearing loss]

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis,and to learn the impact factors of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss with contralateral sensorineural hearing loss(SSHLwCSHL).Method:Clinical data of 63 cases of patients with SSHLwCSHL were analyzed systematically,including all the clinical manifestations,audiologic characteristics and the effect assessment,and compared with that of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss(USSHL) and bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss(BSSHL).Base on those,we summarized comprehensively the development and prognosis characteristics of the disease.Result:The incidence of SSHLwCSHL was 8.3 percent of overall patients with SSNHL.SSHLwCSHL occurs more commonly in male patients,with more vertigo,diabetes mellitus,and lipid panel abnormalities compared with other groups.Hearing curve and the degree of hearing loss of the prevalence ear of SSHLwCSHL was statistically significant difference with USSHL(P<0.05).Most common reason of the contralateral hearing loss was sudden sensorineural hearing loss(49%),and 59% patients of SSHLwCSHL suffered hearing loss of other ear after 2-10 years after contralateral hearing loss.The total effective rate was 14.3%,1 in 63 patients cured,1 excellence and 6 effective.The total effective rate was 9.5% in patients with severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss in the contralateral ear,which was lower than that of patients with moderate and moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss in the contralateral-ear(P=0.021).Conclusion:SSHLwCSHL has complex condition.The prognosis for improvement is poor.Recognition of similarities and differences between bilateral and unilateral SSNHL can help in counseling and managing the patients.

Molecular identification and genetic variation of varieties of Styphnolobium japonicum (Fabaceae) using SRAP markers

Thirty-four Styphnolobium japonicum varieties were analyzed using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, to investigate genetic variation and test the effectiveness of SRAP markers in DNA fingerprint establishment. Twelve primer pairs were selected from 120 primer combinations for their reproducibility and high polymorphism. We found a total of 430 amplified fragments, of which 415 fragments were considered polymorphic with an average of 34.58 polymorphic fragments for each primer combination. The percentage of polymorphic fragments was 96.60%, and four primer pairs showed 100% polymorphism. Moreover, simple matched coefficients ranged between 0.68 and 0.89, with an average of 0.785, indicating that the genetic variation among varieties was relatively low. This could be because of the narrow genetic basis of the selected breeding material. Based on the similarity coefficient value of 0.76, the varieties were divided into four major groups. In addition, abundant and clear SRAP fingerprints were obtained and could be used to establish DNA fingerprints. In the DNA fingerprints, each variety had its unique pattern that could be easily distinguished from others. The results demonstrated that 34 varieties of S. japonicum had a relatively narrow genetic variation. Hence, a broadening of the genetic basis of breeding material is necessary. We conclude that establishment of DNA fingerprint is feasible by means of SRAP markers.

[A clinical study into the vestibular function and therapy of patients with chronic positional symptoms after acute vestibular syndrome]

Objective:To investigate the status of the vestibular function of the patients with chronic positional symptoms after peripheral acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) and the curative effect of the vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). Method:Using caloric test (CT), head shaking nystagmus test (HST), cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials as well as ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials to estimate the function of semicircular canal and otolith organs. The patients with normal VEMPs are divided as Group A. Otherwise are as Group B. Both groups are treated with VRT. The curative effect is estimated by vestibular symptom index (VSI) and Berg balance scale (BBS). Result:Thirty-three of 37 patients (86.5%) had an abnormal result of CT and HST, with 23 of these patients (65.7%) had an abnormal of both test. Twenty-two patients (59.5%) were in Group A and 15 (40.5%) in Group B. Before the therapy, Group B had a higher score of the balance and dizziness symptoms of VSI (P<0.05), and Group A had a higher score of the BBS (P<0.05). After the therapy, the VSI scores of both groups dropped and scores of the BBS raised. Conclusion:Patients with chronic positional symptoms after peripheral AVS have dynamic vestibular lesions to different extents. Those with otolith organs lesions tend to have a worse function of balance. Nevertheless, patients have a better off after VRT.

Development of microsatellite loci for Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana (Taxaceae) and cross-amplification in Taxaceae

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana, an endangered species in China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 20. Observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.0260 to 0.5325 and 0.3603 to 0.9231, respectively. Positive cross-amplification of the 9 loci was observed in 2 other varieties of T. wallichiana and 4 other Taxaceae species. These loci will be of value for studying population genetic structures and for genetic resource conservation in T. wallichiana and other Taxus species.

Epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in small cell lung cancer patients who received surgical resection in China

To know the incidence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients who received surgical resection in mainland China. xTAG technology was used to detect the EGFR exon 19 and exon 21 mutations of 40 patients with SCLC who received surgical treatment in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from 1998 to 2010. 2 of 40 cases were found with mutations in exon 19 of the EGFR gene. The mutation in exon 19 of the EGFR gene is in a female and non smoking patient which pathology is SCLC combined adenocarcinoma, and the other is male and smoking patient which pathology is SCLC combined squamous cell carcinoma. The EGFR mutation is rare in SCLC patients, and EGFR mutation might occur more often in combined SCLCs than conventional patients.

Functionalized cotton via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for enhanced sorption of Cu(II) and Pb(II)

The surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was used to successfully prepare the aminated cotton and polyacrylic acid sodium (P(AA-Na))-grafted cotton for the efficient removal of Cu(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous solution in this study. The modified cotton surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The grafted long polymers with high density of amine and carboxyl groups on the cotton surfaces were responsible for the enhanced adsorption of heavy metals. The sorption behaviors including sorption kinetics, isotherms and pH effect were investigated. The sorption equilibrium of Cu(II) and Pb(II) was achieved within 1h on the P(AA-Na)-grafted cotton, much faster than 8h on the aminated cotton. According to the Langmuir fitting, the maximum sorption capacities of Cu(II) and Pb(II) on the P(AA-Na)-grafted cotton were 2.45 and 2.44 mmol/g, respectively, higher than many adsorbents reported in the literature. The P(AA-Na)-grafted cotton had better adsorption behaviors for Cu(II) and Pb(II) than the aminated cotton.

[Accuracy of three different electronic apex locators in determination of perforation with various conditions in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate accuracy of Propex, Raypex 5, Root ZX electronic apex locator in positions of the perforation with different irrigations in the root canal.

METHODS

Perforation lengths were measured with Propex, Raypex 5, Root ZX electronic apex locators in 19 extracted human teeth embedded in model after simulate perforation preparation by ultrasonic ET40 and compared with the actual canal length measurements taken before embedding the teeth in model. Measurements were taken with the different canal contents. RESULTS; Propex, Raypex 5, and Root ZX could locate the positions of the perforation with different irrigations in the root canal. The differences between actual root canal perforation length and measured root canal perforation length of same electronic apex locators in different irrigations were no statistically significant (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, the differences between actual root canal perforation length and measured root canal perforation length of three kinds of electronic apex locators in same irrigations were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Propex, Raypex 5, and Root ZX electronic apex locators can detect perforation accurately.

The effects of sensitization and hypersensitivity reaction on transepithelial antigen transport of rat nasal mucosa

METHODS

The prevalence of airway allergy is very high. The ways that antigen passes across the airway tract epithelial barrier are not well understood. This study uses a model antigen, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), to sensitize and challenge the respiratory tract in the rat model.

RESULTS

The results showed increases in HRP endosomes in nasal epithelial cells 5 minutes after HRP challenge in the sensitized rats compared with controls, which were further increased 30 minutes after HRP challenge, as well as with the paracellular region filled with HRP products. Meanwhile, mast cells were activated as shown by degranulation. Analysis of cell type showed that there were many more HRP endosomes in the nonciliated cells and there were many more nonciliated cells in the nasal mucosa of the sensitized rats.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that sensitization promotes airway mucosal epithelial cells' uptake and transport of specific antigen and that mast cells may play certain roles in this process.

Anti-AIDS agents. Part 36: 17-carboxylated steroids as potential anti-HIV agents

In our search for novel anti-HIV agents, seven 17-carboxylated steroid derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as potential anti-HIV agents. Compound 13 exhibited potent anti-HIV activity in acutely infected H9 lymphocytes with EC50 and therapeutic index values of 0.8 microM and 300, respectively.

Enhancement of systemic delivery of met-enkephalin and leu-enkephalin eyedrops with permeation enhancers

It was found that methionine enkephalin (Met-Enk) and leucine-enkephalin (Leu-Enk) can be delivered efficiently into the systemic circulation through the outer route in rabbits. When 50 mcl of 1% Met-Enk eyedrops without absorption enhancers were instilled into eyes, the rabbits' blood concentration rose from 92 pg/ml to 153 pg/ml in 10 min. When either of two permeation enhancers (BL-9 or Brij-78) was added at a 0.5% concentration to the ophthalmic solution, the systemic absorption of 1% Met-Enk was markedly improved. Its blood level was increased to approximately 3.4 times that without the enhancer. When the eyedrops of 0.3% Met-Enk plus 0.5% absorption enhancer were administered, the blood concentration reached higher than that reached by 1% Met-Enk without permeation enhancers. Similar results were obtained with Leu-Enk except the systemic absorption was enhanced by BL-9 and Brij-78 even further to 10-fold and 8.3-fold, respectively. These results indicate that the systemic delivery of Met-Enk and Leu-Enk through eyes, especially with the addition of permeation enhancers, is a feasible alternative route to parenteral injection.

Effects of some natural products on sugar cataract studied with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Four commercial anticataract drugs and five flavonoids isolated from Chinese herbs were studied on their effects to inhibit sugar cataract formation in vitro using 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Pa-Wei-Di-Huan-Wan (PWDHW) and Zhang-Yan-Ming (ZYM) were effective in inhibiting sorbitol formation, whereas Bai-Nei-Ting (BNT) and Pearl Min-Mu-Ye (Pearl MMY) were ineffective in inhibiting sorbitol formation. Among five flavonoids tested, four were moderately effective in inhibiting sorbitol formation, and one was totally ineffective up to 1 x 10(-4)M used.

Systemic absorption of oxytocin and vasopressin through eyes in rabbits

In order to avoid injections, oxytocin and vasopressin were systemically administered through ocular route. Although oxytocin and vasopressin are small peptide drugs with only 9 amino acids, their absorptions were relatively poor. The systemic absorption of these peptides through eyes was markedly enhanced by the addition of an absorption enhancer, 0.5% Brij-78 (polyoxyethylene-20-stearyl ether), in the eyedrops of these peptides. It is concluded that it is feasible to administer oxytocin and vasopressin as eyedrops to avoid parenteral injections.

Adjustment of blood sugar levels with insulin and glucagon eyedrops in normal and diabetic rabbits

The ophthalmic solutions of insulin and glucagon plus permeation enhancers, BL-9 and Brij-78, were administered to rabbit eyes to study the systemic absorption of these peptide drugs and their effects to affect the blood glucose levels. When plain insulin eyedrops were given, the blood sugar levels were little affected. When insulin plus permeation enhancers were instilled to the eyes, the blood glucose reduced markedly in both normal and diabetic animals. Although sufficient concentrations of glucagon can be reached with plain glucagon eyedrops, the addition of permeation enhancers increased the systemic absorption of glucagon through eyes markedly. As a result, the blood sugar levels were raised markedly by glucagon eyedrops at much lower concentrations. These results indicate that systemic delivery of insulin, glucagon, and other peptide drugs through eyes is a feasible alternative route to parenteral injection particularly when permeation enhancers are added.

Inhibitory effects of ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 on rat brain microsomal Na+,K(+)-ATPase activity

Rat brain microsomal Na+, K(+)-ATPase activity was inhibited significantly and rapidly by ginsenoside Rb1. The IC50 of Rb1 for Na+,K(+)-ATPase was 6.3 +/- 1.0 mumol/L. The inhibition was enhanced with increasing the concentration of Rb1 or decreasing that of Na+ and K+. Kinetic analysis revealed that ginsenoside was an uncompetitive inhibitor with respect to ATP. The inhibitory effect of Rg1 on rat brain microsomal Na+,K(+)-ATPase was much weaker than that of Rb1.