Preliminary audiological evaluation of the SoundBite bone conduction devices in adults with single-sided deafness / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: The auditory deficits of single-sided deafness (SSD) can be treated with a novel intra-oral device, SoundBite, which delivers sound by applying vibratory signal to the teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and benefit of the bone conduction device for Chinese adults with SSD. Methods: Eighteen patients aged 19-66 yrs with acquired, permanent sensorineural SSD and no current treatment by any other devices for SSD, were recruited in a prospective controlled, nonrandomized, unblinded study. They were requested the continually daily wear of the new device over a 30-day free trial period. The intra-oral hearing device was placed around two maxillary teeth and was similar to a small partial denture or retainer. The audiological tests included pure tone air conduction thresholds, monosyllable word recognition score (WRS) in quiet and sentence reception thresholds in noise (via CMNmatrix test). The benefit was determined with the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) questionnaire. Results: The monosyllable WRS and the 50% threshold of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR50) were significantly better in all aided conditions. The head shadow effect, assessed by the SNR50 via CMNmatrix test improved an average of 2.6 dB after 30 days' wearing compared with unaided condition (P<0.001). The APHAB scores improved (P<0.05) for all subjects for the Global and Ease of Communication, Reverberation, Background Noise subscales. The SSQ scores improved (P<0.05) for all subjects for Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing subscales. Conclusion: The SoundBite is a good alternative to the well-established implantable bone conduction devices in patients with SSD. An improvement in listening ability in noise and quiet as well as a decrease of the head shadow effect is validated as the expected.

Melandrium firmum Extract Promotes Hair Growth by Modulating 5α-Reductase Activity and Gene Expression in C57BL/6J Mice

BACKGROUND: In our preliminary study, we screened for their potential to inhibit 5α-reductase, and Melandrium firmum (MF) extract showed the most potent activity as confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of MF extract on 5α-reductase activity and its mechanisms of action in the prevention or treatment of androgenetic alopecia. METHODS: HPLC was used to measure 5α-reductase activity. The hair growth-promoting effect of MF extract in the shaved dorsal skin of C57BL/6J mice was studied for 30 days. Hair follicles were examined by histological examination. Protein and mRNA levels of growth factors involved in hair growth were determined by western blotting, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and qPCR, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) assay. RESULTS: MF extract at 0.5 mg/ml showed 43.5% inhibition of 5α-reductase. MF extract promoted hair growth by inducing anagen phase reflected by skin color, hair density, and the number and size of hair follicles. It not only reduces the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), but also markedly upregulated insulin-like growth factor 1 and keratinocyte growth factor in the dorsal dermal tissue. Ursolic acid, ecdcysteron, and ergosterol peroxide were identified as active constituents by activity-guided fractionation to inhibit 5α-reductase. They decreased the gene expression of TGF-β1 and DKK-1 in human hair dermal papilla cells. CONCLUSION: In summary, these finding indicate that MF extract might be a good drug candidate for hair growth promotion.

Application of PDCA method in improving quality system of phase I labs / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To describe the continuous improvement process of the quality system of phase I labs by using (plan-do-check-action) PDCA method. METHODS: Considering the particular characteristics of phase I labs, PDCA cycle was applied to the quality management system as well as the research programs. RESULTS: As a quality management tool, PDCA method holds the same goal as ISO 17025 system, that is, to improve the management system of phase I labs. CONCLUSION: PDCA method is very useful in helping phase I labs achieve the quality goals, which, as a result, can ensure the accuracy and reliability of the research results.

Suppression of oxidative stress by grape seed supplementation in rats

Polyphenol-rich grape seeds have a beneficial effect on human health. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of grape seeds on antioxidant activities in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control diet group (C), a high-fat diet group (HF), a 5% grape seed-supplemented control diet group (G), and a 5% grape seed-supplemented high-fat diet group (HG). Dietary supplementation with grape seeds reduced serum concentrations of lipid peroxides compared with those in the C and HF groups. The hepatic level of lipid peroxides decreased significantly in the grape seed groups compared with that in the C and HF groups. Superoxide dismutase activity in the G group increased significantly compared with that in the C group. Catalase activity tended to be higher by feeding grape seeds. The grape seed diet increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the C group. Glutathione-S-transferase activity increased significantly in the G group compared with that in the C group. Hepatic content of total glutathione increased significantly in the HG group but decreased significantly in the HF group. The ratio of reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione increased by feeding the grape seed diet. Total vitamin A concentration was significantly higher in HG group than in other groups. Liver tocopherol content of the G and HG groups was significantly higher than that of the control groups. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with grape seeds is beneficial for suppressing lipid peroxidation in high fat-fed rats.

Anti-obesity effect of resveratrol-amplified grape skin extracts on 3T3-L1 adipocytes differentiation

Resveratrol (3,4,5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene), a phytoalexin found in grape skin, grape products, and peanuts as well as red wine, has been reported to have various biological and pharmacological properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity effect of resveratrol-amplified grape skin extracts on adipocytes. The anti-obesity effects of grape skin extracts were investigated by measuring proliferation and differentiation in 3T3-L1 cells. The effect of grape skin ethanol extracts on cell proliferation was detected by the MTS assay. The morphological changes and degree of adipogenesis of preadipocyte 3T3-L1 cells were measured by Oil Red-O staining assay. Treatment with extracts of resveratrol-amplified grape skin decreased lipid accumulation and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity without affecting 3T3-L1 cell viability. Grape skin extract treatment resulted in significantly attenuated expression of key adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins, and their target genes (FAS, aP2, SCD-1, and LPL). These results indicate that resveratrol-amplified grape skin extracts may be useful for preventing obesity by regulating lipid metabolism.

Correlation of ornidazole concentration in saliva and serum of healthy volunteers / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the distribution of ornidazole in the salivary and serum of healthy adults and explore the feasibility of monitoring serum drug concentration with salivary.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Six volunteers received a single dose of 0.6 g ornidazole via intravenous infusion. The concentrations of ornidazole in the saliva and serum were assayed by high-performance liquid chomatography, and the correlation of the drug concentrations in saliva to that in serum was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The concentration of ornidazole in the saliva was strongly associated with that in the serum (r = 0.825-0.969), and the ratio of saliva-to-serum concentration (S/P) of ornidazole was 0.99 ± 0.13.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Detection of saliva ornidazole concentration is feasible for monitoring the therapeutic concentration of ornidazole.</p>

Effectiveness of Nutrition-Exercise Education Program on Weight Control of Adult Women / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a nutrition and exercise education program on weight control of adult women. The subjects of this study were 28 adult women aged 20-59 years residing in the Daegu area. The nutrition-exercise educational period was 12 weeks. The collected data consisted of items on general characteristics, anthropometric data, blood biochemical values, physical strength data, dietary behavior and nutrition knowledge scores of the subjects. During the 12 weeks of weight control, body mass index (BMI), % of body fat, body fat mass and waist-hip ratio significantly decreased. The level of plasma triglyceride decreased, but not significantly. The level of total cholesterol did not change compared to baseline before the program. After the weight control program, back muscle strength, sit-ups, push-ups, and sit-and-reach tests of the subjects significantly improved. The nutrition knowledge scores of the subjects significantly increased. Therefore, these results suggest that the nutrition-exercise education program may contribute effectively to weight reduction with improvement of physical strength in adult women.

Portal vein flow rate used as a early predictor of portal vein thrombosis after periesophagastric devascularization / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the predictive value of portal vein flow rate preoperative for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after periesophagastric devascularization in hepatitis B cirrhosis-related portal hypertension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2007 to July 2008, 45 patients with portal hypertension caused by hepatitis B cirrhosis were performed splenectomy with peri-esophagogastric devascularization in the same medical group in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The portal vein flow rate and the diameter of portal vein were measured with doppler sonography respectively before and after the operation. At the same time, the level of PT and PLT were detected. The weight of spleens were measured after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirteen cases suffered from PVT postoperatively. Portal vein flow rate was significantly lower in patients with PVT postoperation than that in patients without PVT (P < 0.01). In patients with PVT (n = 13) postoperation, the preoperative portal vein flow rate was (19.5 +/- 5.3) cm/s. Among the 13 cases, there were 12 cases whose flow rate were lower than 25 cm/s, and 1 case whose flow rate was 32. 3 cm/s; In patients without PVT (n = 32), the preoperative portal vein flow rate was (9.6 +/- 8.0) cm/s. In patients with lower rate (n = 17), the incidence rate of PVT was 70.6%; in patients with higher rate (n = 28), the incidence rate of PVT was 3.6%. The incidence rate of PVT in patients with lower rate was significantly lower than patients with higher rate (P < 0.01). The diameter of portal vein in patients with PVT was significantly wider than patients without PVT. The diameter of portal vein was negative correlative with the portal vein flow rate. The value 25 cm/s was of diagnostic efficiency, the sensitivity was 92.3%, and specificity was 70.6%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The portal vein flow rate preoperative can be used as an early predictor of portal vein thrombosis after periesophagastric devascularization in hepatitis B cirrhosis-related portal hypertension to give a guide to clinical work.</p>

Population pharmacokinetics of remifentanil in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Little is known about the influence of liver transplantation on the pharmacokinetics of most anesthetic drugs. The goal of this study was to study the population pharmacokinetics of remifentanil in the different phases of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and the influence of relevant factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirteen adult patients undergoing OLT were enrolled. A single bolus infusion of remifentanil 5 microg/kg was administered during the preanhepatic, anhepatic and neohepatic phases of OLT. Arterial blood samples of 1.5 ml were collected at 0 (baseline), 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes after drug administration. Remifentanil concentration was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). Population pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pharmacokinetics of remifentanil in patients undergoing OLT was best described by a two-compartment open model. The pharmacokinetic parameters were not influenced by age, gender, operative phase, blood temperature, rehydration volume, or blood loss volume during sampling. The volume of distribution in the central compartment (V(1)) and the volume of distribution in the peripheral compartment (V(2)) were influenced by body weight.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The population pharmacokinetics of remifentanil in patients undergoing OLT can be well described by a two-compartment open model. The functional status of the liver does not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of remifentanil, but the body weight is an influential factor of V(1) and V(2).</p>

Effect of Dietary Grape Pomace on Lipid Oxidation and Related Enzyme Activities in Rats Fed High Fat Diet

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of grape pomace on lipid peroxidation and related enzyme activities of rats fed high fat diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 90 g were assigned to 4 experimental groups of 8 rats on the basis of their body weight. The high fat diet contained additional 15% lard to AIN 93-based diet. Rats were fed experimental diets containing 5% grape pomace for 4 weeks. Dietary supplementation of grape pomace reduced serum concentration of lipid peroxide in rats fed high fat diet. Hepatic concentration of lipid peroxide tended to be lower by feeding grape pomace. Hepatic total glutathione content and GSH/GSSG ratio were increased by grape pomace feeding in normal or high fat diet groups. Hepatic superoxide dismutase activity of grape pomace group with high fat diet was induced significantly compared with high fat diet group without grape pomace. Hepatic catalase activity of high fat fed rats was induced by feeding grape pomace. Grape pomace diet increased glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities in rat liver fed high fat. Hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase activity was not affected by dietary supplementation of grape pomace in rats fed high fat. These results suggest that dietary supplementation of grape pomace may alleviate lipid peroxidation through antioxidant effect in rats fed high fat.

Neonatal septicemia caused by Listeria monocytogenes: report of 6 cases / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Neonatal listeriosis is a relatively rare but serious disease with a high mortality rate. This study was conducted to analyze the clinical features, treatment, and outcome of 6 cases with Listeria monocytogenes septicemia confirmed by positive blood cultures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 12,538 live births delivered in the hospital from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006 were investigated. Differences in the time of onset of the disease, clinical presentation, illness severity, laboratory data, management, and prognosis were compared between preterm and full-term infants.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The incidence of neonatal listeriosis was 4.8% in this study. All the cases with listeriosis were found to have early onset and the disease was transmitted from the mother to the fetus, 4 of the cases were delivered via cesarean section, 2 were born via normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. Maternal infection before parturition presented with fever in 4, diarrhea in 1; 5 had abnormal white blood cell counts and total neutrophil counts; 1 had positive result of Listeria monocytogenes in intrauterine contents culture. Three premature infants showed signs and symptoms of severe bacterial septicemia at birth, such as reduced activity, respiratory distress, poor skin color and poor peripheral perfusion; the enlarged liver was palpable 2 - 3 cm below the right costal margin and 5 cm below the xiphoid in one; congestive rashes over the body and muscular hypotonia. Abnormal results of laboratory tests included peripheral blood white cell count (21.6 - 33.8 x 10(9))/L, total neutrophil count 0.77 - 0.83; platelet count (102 - 59 x 10(9))/L; C-reactive protein (CRP) > (160 - 118) mg/L(24 - 72 h after birth). Three preterm infants who received intensive care, accompanied by pathological changes of lungs indicated by chest X ray required assisted mechanical ventilation and 2 of them survived without sequelae but the other one died at 51 h of life. The initial clinical signs of septicemia in 3 full-term infants appeared later than preterm newborn within 62 h, 63 h and 165 h, respectively after birth. They only had fever, T 38 - 39 degrees C, with lower activity in contrast to normal newborn and without other signs and symptoms of septicemia. Accurate diagnosis of listeriosis was established by positive bacterial blood cultures. Intravenous treatment of neonatal listeriosis with ampicillin or penicillins for 1 - 2 weeks was more effective, but cephalosporins were not effective.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There are sporadic cases with Listeria monocytogenes infection among pregnant women in this country, resulting in severe illness of their newborn infants. Early differential diagnosis, early detection of causative organisms, especially in newborn infants infected with Listeria monocytogenes, early treatment with sensitive antibiotics can decrease the mortality rate and improve neonatal outcome. It is necessary to enhance nationwide surveillance for listeriosis.</p>

Antibiotic resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from female patients / 中国感染与化疗杂志

Objective To investigate antibiotic resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains isolated from female patients. Methods:Antimicrobial susceptibility of N.gonorrhoeae to 7 antibiotics was tested by disk diffusion method and penicillinase- producing N.gonorrhea(PPNG)was confirmed by nitrocefin disk.Results:Of the 95 strains collected,38(40%)were found to be PPNG.No resistance to spectinomycin was identified.The susceptibility rate of these isolates to penicillin,tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin were much lower,only from 0% to 2.6%.More than 90% of the isolates were susceptible to cefuroxime, ceftriaxone,and ceftizoxime.Conclusions:Our study suggests that spectinomycin,cefuroxime,ceftriaxone,ceftizoxime are the first choice for treatment of gonorrhea in female patients.