Percutaneous endoscopic decompression for calcified thoracic disc herniation using a novel T rigid bendable burr.

BACKGROUND: The basic endoscopic instruments are not suitable for removing calcified or hard discs in patients with thoracic disc herniations (TDH). We describe a percutaneous endoscopic technique for the treatment of calcified TDH using an endoscopic drill system with a T rigid bendable burr. METHODS: Eleven patients (8 males, mean age 42.1 years) with single-segmental calcified TDH were treated with percutaneous endoscopic surgeries. RESULTS: Our technique using this endoscopic drill system with a T rigid bendable burr is safe and effective for the treatment of calcified TDH. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endoscopic decompression using the T rigid bendable burr is a safe and reproducible surgical procedure for the treatment of calcified TDH.

Field evaluation of sunflower as a potential trap crop of Lygus pratensis in cotton fields.

The mirid bug Lygus pratensis is an important pest of cotton, and is primarily managed through insecticide application. In this study, conducted in Xinjiang (China), we assessed the relative attractiveness of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) to L. pratensis adults in local cotton plots from 2015-2016 and quantified the associated contribution of inter-planted sunflower strips to suppress field-level L. pratensis populations from 2016-2017. Field-plot trials showed that among six combinations of two sunflower varieties (XKZ6 and SH363) and three planting dates (early-, middle- and late-planted), adult abundance of L. pratensis was highest on early-planted XKZ6 and attained 3.7-5.8 times higher levels than in neighboring cotton plots. In commercial cotton fields, the combined deployment of sunflower strips at field edges and the periodic application of insecticides directed to those strips was found to (1) reduce the mean abundance of L. pratensis population on cotton by 41.9-44.0%, (2) lower the rate of cotton leaf damage by 27.3-30.6% and boll damage by 44.8-46.0%, and (3) increase the number of mature bolls by 7.5%-8.0%. Our work emphasizes how sunflower can be an effective trap crop for L. pratensis and that the establishment of sunflower strips could contribute to its effective and environmentally-sound management in cotton crops.

Identification and Functional Enrichment Analysis of Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets in Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma.

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a congenital epithelial tumor in the sellar region with benign histological manifestation but invasive. Currently, surgery is the main treatment for it, but its recurrence rate is high. Therefore, it is of great importance to explore the mechanism of occurrence and development of ACP and to identify new molecules. One gene expression profile, GSE94349, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by the limma package. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to make enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Then, we performed the construction and analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and significant module. The analysis of the GSE94349 dataset identified 109 DEGs, consisting of 80 upregulated genes and 29 downregulated genes in ACP samples compared with normal brain tissues. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs provided a comprehensive overview of some major pathophysiological mechanisms in ACP: RNA polymerase II promoter, glutamate receptor binding, and so on. A total of 10 hub genes of DEGs were obtained from the PPI network, which provided potential therapeutic targets for the ACP. In summary, there were DEGs between ACP tissues and normal brain tissues, which may be involved in the mechanisms of occurrence and development of ACP, especially via the regulation of RNA polymerase II promoter and glutamate receptor binding. Key genes in DEGs could serve as new research targets for the diagnosis and treatment of ACP.

Screening and authentication of molecular markers in malignant glioblastoma based on gene expression profiles.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant tumor of the central nervous system with high mortality rates. Gene expression profiling may determine the chemosensitivity of GBMs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying GBM remain to be determined. To screen the novel key genes in its occurrence and development, two glioma databases, GSE122498 and GSE104291, were analyzed in the present study. Bioinformatics analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes, Cytoscape, cBioPortal, and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis softwares. Patients with recurrent GBM showed worse overall survival rate. Overall, 341 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were authenticated based on two microarray datasets, which were primarily enriched in 'cell division', 'mitotic nuclear division', 'DNA replication', 'nucleoplasm', 'cytosol, nucleus', 'protein binding', 'ATP binding', 'protein C-terminus binding', 'the cell cycle', 'DNA replication', 'oocyte meiosis' and 'valine'. The protein-protein interaction network was composed of 1,799 edges and 237 nodes. Its significant module had 10 hub genes, and CDK1, BUB1B, NDC80, NCAPG, BUB1, CCNB1, TOP2A, DLGAP5, ASPM and MELK were significantly associated with carcinogenesis and the development of GBM. The present study indicated that the DEGs and hub genes, identified based on bioinformatics analyses, had significant diagnostic value for patients with GBM.

Rapid detection of Cronobacter spp. in powdered infant formula by thermophilic helicase-dependent isothermal amplification combined with silica-coated magnetic particles separation.

Cronobacter spp. (previously Enterobacter sakazakii), an opportunistic food-borne pathogen, involved in fatal infections in neonates and infants. Contaminated powdered infant formula (PIF) was considered to be the uppermost infective resource. In the present study, a thermophilic helicase-dependent isothermal amplification (tHDA) based method combined with silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Si-MNPs) as a DNA separator for rapid and sensitive detection of Cronobacter has been developed. The whole detection process can be completed in <3 h, with a detection limit of 100 and 101 CFU/ml Cronobacter in pure culture and artificially contaminated PIF, respectively, with a great sensitivity (94%) and specificity (100%). Hence, this protocol might be useful for screening and monitoring the contamination of Cronobacter spp. in food industry, and helpful for avoiding the economic loss by retard of feedback of the contamination of pathogens in dairy products.

A novel strain of Lactobacillus mucosae isolated from a Gaotian villager improves in vitro and in vivo antioxidant as well as biological properties in D-galactose-induced aging mice.

Twelve isolates isolated from the gastrointestinal tracts of Gaotian villagers in China, who had a lifespan of 92 yr, were examined for their antioxidants using free radical scavenging activity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Three strains (i.e., Lactobacillus mucosae LMU1001, and Lactobacillus plantarum LPL0902 and LPL0302) were selected as candidates to prepare yogurt for testing their antioxidants in a model of d-galactose-induced aging mice, with vitamin C as a positive control. The results showed that L. mucosae LMU1001 was the best strain, which had similar in vivo antioxidant activity as vitamin C. A significant increase was found in the activities of glutathione peroxidase in serum and total superoxide dismutase in the liver, and a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde in serum. Regarding mRNA expression level detected quantitatively by real-time PCR, we observed that L. mucosae LMU1001 significantly upregulated antioxidant genes (i.e., MT1A and MT1M in HT-29 and Caco-2) and those genes (i.e., MT1, MT2, GPx1, and GPx2) in the intestinal tract of the model mice. Hence, this strain could be considered as a potential probiotic lactic acid bacterium for improving antioxidant levels in functional foods.

Evaluation of kudzu root extract-induced hepatotoxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kudzu root, the root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi, has been used as food and medicine for centuries, but few studies indicate that kudzu root may cause liver damage. AIM OF STUDY: We studied the hepatotoxicity of kudzu root extract in mice, HepG2 cells and mice hepatocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were administrated with kudzu root extract (10mg/day) for 4 weeks, and then the biochemical analysis and histopathological changes were carried out. To explore the potential mechanism by which kudzu root extract-induced hepatotoxicity, HepG2 cells and mice hepatocytes were co-cultured with kudzu root extract or puerarin, which is a kudzu root isoflavone, for 2h. RESULTS: The increase of serum ALT and AST and histopathological changes in treated mice revealed that kudzu root extract was hepatotoxic. The increase of LDH leakage for HepG2 cells and mice hepatocytes further confirmed hepatotoxicity of kudzu root extract. Kudzu root extract and puerarin significantly up-regulated Mt1 mRNA involved in the acute phase response and Bax which is crucial for apoptosis. Gclc, Nrf2 and Ho-1 mRNA expressions did not change in treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Kudzu root extract may be hepatotoxic and caution may be required for its use.

Analysis of the intestinal microbial community structure of healthy and long-living elderly residents in Gaotian Village of Liuyang City.

Gaotian, one typical conservative village in rural area of South China, is differentiated from other adjacent village for its longevity and health situation of residents. To ascertain the difference of intestinal microbial community between Gaotian and other region, high-throughput sequencing and systematical bioinformation analyses was adopted to compare 21 samples in long life group with 28 in control group. The α diversity showed that the diversity of species of intestinal flora of Gaotian villagers was higher than that of control group, while the ß diversity showed that the similarity of intestinal flora for Gaotian residents was also much higher than that of control group. OTU cluster analysis and Venn diagram showed that the intestinal microbial community of Gaotian villagers is different from that of control group. To quantitatively compare the main flora constitution in all samples, real-time PCR was performed, and the results showed that the biomass of Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium perfringens, and Bacteroides of Gaotian villages is generally significantly higher than that of control group. Remarkably, some special species, i.e., Methanobacterium, Butyricimonas, Deinococcus, and Streptococcaceae, have been found in Gaotian villagers. Overall, this study lays a preparatory basis for exploration of the resources of special species from healthy and long-living elderly Gaotian villagers and for proposal of a hypothesis, namely, the diversity in intestinal flora of Gaotian might contribute to the longevity and health of local residents. Further study should be focused on screening and functional evaluation of the special species in the long-life residents.

An epidemiologic study of tinnitus in a population in Jiangsu Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus is a common complaint and often of no clinical significance. There are a number of unresolved issues concerning the etiology, pathogenesis, and natural history of tinnitus. There are a few current population-based estimates of the prevalence of tinnitus done in representative large geographic areas, but there is little data from multi-area, large sample studies of tinnitus in China. PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of tinnitus and related factors in a Chinese population. These data would be used to plan and evaluate health-care services. RESEARCH DESIGN: We carried out an epidemiologic study of tinnitus as part of an epidemiologic study of ear and hearing disorders that was undertaken in Jiangsu Province, China. A question about tinnitus history was included in a comprehensive questionnaire about hearing. All participants also had both pure tone audiometry and an otological examination. STUDY SAMPLE: The sample consisted of 6333 people 10 yr of age or older, selected by the methods of probability proportional to size. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All participants answered a questionnaire concerning their tinnitus and had pure tone audiometry testing and an ear examination. All data were entered using EPIDATD 3.0 software and analyzed by a chi-squared test and test for trends. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of tinnitus was 14.5%, and the standardized rates were 11.4% in the whole country and 12.4% in Jiangsu province. Its prevalence increased with age. The prevalence of tinnitus was 11.9 and 15.6% in urban and rural residents, respectively There was no significant difference in prevalence between men and women. Hearing impairment, history of middle ear infections, and noise exposure were the main risk factors for tinnitus. CONCLUSION: Tinnitus is a common problem in the population. With the aging of the population, the prevalence of tinnitus will increase. The prevention of tinnitus should focus on hearing impairment screening, otitis media treatment, and noise exposure reduction. Health services in rural areas should emphasize prevention more.

High dose combination pertussis toxin induces autoimmune inner ear disease in Sprague-Dawley rats.

CONCLUSION: A better animal model of autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) in Sprague-Dawley rats has been developed by combination with high dose of pertussis toxin. This study also indicated that inner ear-specific antigens can be involved in autoimmune reactions. Cell-mediated immune injury can play an important role in the induction of AIED, at least in the earlier stage. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a more suitable rat model that demonstrated closer resemblance to the pathophysiological process in AIED. METHODS: Ninety-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. They were subcutaneously immunized with crude inner ear antigen/complete Freund's adjuvant (CIEAg/CFA), or intraperitoneal injection of 500 ng pertussis toxin (PT), or injection of CIEAg/CFA+PT, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) alone. The auditory function, histopathology of the inner ear, and autoantibodies were examined. RESULTS: Significant differences in the time course of auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold and mean score of cellular infiltration were demonstrated in the CIEAg/CFA+PT group of animals. Missing hair cells, degeneration of the spiral ganglion cells, endolymphatic hydrops, and autoantibodies were all noted after immunization. There were no significant differences in ABR threshold or histopathology in any other group of animals.

[The application of improved CHQS for mass epidemiology study on hearing impairment].

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate the improved Chinese hearing questionnaire for school children (CHQS) for mass epidemiology study on hearing impairment in China. METHOD: Using the probability proportion to size (PPS) method, 8412 residents were investigated in 40 clusters in Jiangsu province with the WHO ear diseases and hearing disorders survey protocol. 87.9% of the residents aged 7 years and over answered the questionnaire and accepted the pure tone audiometry. RESULT: The prevalence of hearing impairment was 12.9% by the questionnaire. Compared with "golden standard" (pure tone audiometry), Sen = 58.5%, Spe = 96.7%, PV+ = 78.9%, PV- = 91.7%, overall accuracy = 90.0%. The sensitivity for women was higher than men. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire produced high efficiency and specificity values. It could be used in mass hearing screening, particularly in remote and rural area, although the sensitivity was as low as most questionnaires.

Methanol metabolism in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

Plants produce and release large quantities of methanol, especially when attacked by herbivores. It seems that the herbivores may suffer from methanol intoxication. Here we reported the tolerance to and the metabolism of methanol by Ostrinia furnacalis third-instar larvae. When larvae were exposed to dietary methanol, formaldehyde and formic acid for 72h, the estimated LC(50) value was 28, 40 and 29 mg/g diet, respectively. Toxicity of methanol was enhanced by 4-methylpyrazole, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and piperonyl butoxide, and toxicity of formaldehyde was increased by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and piperonyl butoxide. However, triphenyl phosphate had little synergistic effects on both methanol and formaldehyde. These data indicate that alcohol dehydrogenase, and probably catalase and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase oxidize methanol to formaldehyde, catalase and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase catalyze formaldehyde to formic acid, water and carbon dioxide, and carboxylesterase may have a minor effect. Several fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were identified from extracts of the frass of larvae which had been exposed to a methanol-contained diet, in contrast to those on a methanol-free artificial diet. In vitro tests revealed that a crude enzyme solution from the larvae could synthesize FAMEs from corresponding fatty acids and methanol. In addition, dietary methanol induced higher esterase activities in the first-, second- and third-instar larvae. These findings demonstrate that both oxidative metabolism and non-oxidative metabolism are partially responsible for methanol elimination in O. furnacalis larvae.

Auditory function in women with autoimmune inner ear diseases and their offspring.

OBJECTIVE: The precise cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss (CSNHL) is unclear in many cases. In a previous study we found that offspring from guinea pigs with autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) exhibited signs of SNHL. Here we studied women with autoimmune inner ear diseases (AIED) and their offspring. Our aim was to determine if autoimmune damage may be one of the causes of CSNHL. METHODS: Thirty-eight pregnant women with AIED were recruited. Thirty-three had ASNHL; one with autoimmune delayed endolymphatic hydrops (ADEH) and four with autoimmune Meniere's disease (AIMD). The following were assessed in all women: audiogram, auditory brain stem response (ABR), otoacoustic emission (OAE), vestibular function test and presence of inner ear antigens. The following were assessed in offspring from these women: OAE, ABR and presence of inner ear antigens. RESULTS: Five of the 38 children born to women with AIED had SNHL (an incidence much higher than normal). OAEs were not inducible in these children shortly after birth or within 46-100 days after birth. Abnormal ABR findings were apparent in these five children and inner ear antigens were detected in three of the five children (the mother's of these children were also positive for inner ear antigens). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that the prevalence of congenital ASNHL may be increased in offspring born to women with AIED.

[Epidemiologic study on hearing impairment and ear diseases in old people].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of hearing impairment and ear diseases in old people and provide scientific data for drawing up the prevention and treatment strategies. METHODS: Using the probability proportion to size (PPS) method, 1261 people over 60 years were investigated in 40 clusters in Jiangsu Province with the WHO protocol. RESULTS: The prevalence of hearing impairment was 58.1% (the standardized rate: 59.5% in the whole country, 60.9% in Jiangsu province). Degrees of hearing impairment were mild (33.1%), moderate (17.8%), severe (5.9%) and profound (1.3%). The prevalence of hearing disability was 25.0% (the standardized rate: 26.6% in the whole country, 28.1% in Jiangsu province). There were significant difference of the prevalence between male and female, as well as urban and rural, and different ages. The prevalence of the ear diseases was auricle malformation (0.2%), wax (1.7%), otitis externa (0.1%), fungi (0.5%), serous otitis media (1.2%), chronic suppurative otitis media (1.6%), dry perforation of tympanic membrance (2.3%). The causes of hearing impairment were ear diseases (2.9%), non-infectious condition (92.6%), genetic condition (0.3%) and undetermined causes (4.2%). Of which, 31.1% of persons needed hearing aids while 2.3% of persons needed medicine treatment, but 0.9% of persons needed non-urgent surgery and 1.0% of persons needed other treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hearing impairment and disability in the old rised obviously than the last investigation in 1987. It was a heavy burden for social development in China. The government and the whole society should take more concern about the problem. The scientific strategies of prevention and treatment were urgently needed and implemented.

[Study of unilateral auditory neuropathy in infants].

OBJECTIVE: To study neurophysiological characteristics in infants with unilateral auditory neuropathy (UAN). METHOD: Audiological measurements (acoustic immittance, stapedial reflex, EOAE, ABR, CM, MLR and ERP) and peripheral neurological tests were conducted and evaluated in 3 infants with UAN. All patients received CT scan and/or MRI examination. RESULT: Three patients had type "A" tympanogram. The ipsilateral and crossed stapedial reflexes were elicited in healthy ears, while those were absent in affected ears. Affected ears in 3 cases showed no ABR but normal CM and EOAE. All of them had normal MLR and ERP (P300 and MMN) recording. Peripheral neurological tests and CT and/or MRI showed no abnormality. CONCLUSION: Neurophysiological characteristics in infants with UAN were similar with bilateral AN. The diagnosis of UAN in infants should focus on analyzing their neurophysiological characteristics and imaging examinations. Combining use of EOAEs, ABR and CM was recommended. It was necessary to follow up the infants with AN.

[Clinical study of acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the etiology, clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL). METHODS: Thirty patients (31 ears) with ALHL were selected for this study. Detailed history collection, otological examination and systematic audiological evaluations were conducted. The hearing tests included pure tone audiometry, acoustic immittance, auditory brainstem response (ABR) and otoacoustic emissions (OAE). All cases received therapeutic trial of corticosteroid for 15 days with 6 to 14 months' following-up. RESULTS: ALHL mainly affected young people. Low-tone tinnitus, a sensation of ear fullness and hearing impairment were the frequent complains. Otological examinations showed normal results. Mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss at low frequencies and type "A" tympanograms were found in all patients. Acoustic stapedial reflexes were elicited in 26 of 31 affected ears, and 14 of them had positive results on the Metz test. ABR responses were normal in all 20 tested ears. In 14 out of 20 ears, TEOAEs were absent and DPOAE grams at low frequencies (0.5, 0.75 kHz) were abnormal on the first visit. After steroid therapy, 24 ears demonstrated complete recovery, but 4 ears showed partial recovery and 3 ears unchanged. The total improvement rate was 90.3%. CONCLUSIONS: ALHL patients are clinically characterized by low-tone tinnitus, aural fullness and hearing loss, which mainly involved unilateral ear. Audiological findings indicate a cochlear impairment, which only invades low frequency region. The basic pathological feature may be endolymphatic hydrops involves immune response. Conflicting data exist on whether ALHL is an independent disorder or a subtype of Meniere's disease. Ideal therapeutic strategy has not been established by now and corticosteroid is probably an effective agent.

[Nonsyndromic inherited hearing impairment caused by mtDNA double mutations of A1555G and 961 insC].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genotypes of mitochondrial DNA mutations of a large nonsyndromic inherited hearing impairment pedigree. METHODS: The diagnosis was validated by hearing test. Blood samples from the branch pedigree (33 members) and 6 sporadic patients were obtained. DNA was extracted from the leukocytes. The mitochondrial DNA target fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The 1555G, 3243G and 7445G mutations were detected by BsmA I, Apa I and Xba I restriction endonuclease digestion respectively. Some PCR products were analyzed by sequencing. RESULTS: Restriction endonuclease digestion identified that 17 patients from the pedigree carried 1555G mutation. All pedigree members, including patients and sporadic patients, did not have 3243G and 7445G mutation. In 6 patients of the pedigree DNA sequence analysis revealed double mutations, an A>G transition at position 1555 and a C insertion at position 961, whereas the unaffected relatives of the pedigree and sporadic patients did not have such mutations. None of them carried 3243G and 7445G mutation. CONCLUSION: Double mutations of A1555G and 961 insC in mitochondrial DNA 12S rRNA gene region may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of hearing loss in the large nonsyndromic inherited hearing impairment pedigree.

[Neurophysiological characteristics of infants and young children with auditory neuropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the neurophysiological characteristics of infants and young children with auditory neuropathy (AN) and explore their clinical significance. METHODS: Audiological measurements (acoustic immittance, EOAEs, ABR, CM, MLR and ERP) and peripheral neurological tests were conducted and evaluated in 13 infants and young children with AN. 6 AN patients received CT scan and/or MRI examination. RESULTS: All patients had type "A" tympanogram and normal CM. Normal EOAEs were elicited in 12 patients. 8 cases had normal MLR recording and 6 cases had normal ERP (P(300) and MMN). Peripheral neurological tests and CT and/or MRI showed normal results. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of AN in infants and young children should focus on analyzing their neurophysiological characteristics. Combined use of EOAEs, ABR and CM was recommended for hearing screening on newborns with high risk factors.

[Therapeutic trial with corticosteroid for auditory neuropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of corticosteroid for the treatment of auditory neuropathy. METHODS: Six patients with auditory neuropathy, diagnosed in the first affiliated hospital of Nanjing medical university between July 1998 and December 2001, were treated with corticosteroid therapy for one month (30-40 mg of prednisone daily for the first fifteen days, and 20 mg daily for following fifteen days). Prednisone was tapered gradually if a positive response to therapy was obtained. Hearing improvement was defined as 15 dB or more threshold drops in at least two of the standard audiometric frequencies in the same ear during the trial period. RESULTS: After one month's steroid treatment, significant hearing improvement was evident in two patients with raised speech discrimination scores from 48% to 95% and from 72% to 100%, respectively. In these two cases, prednisone was used continually up to 14 and 16 weeks, respectively, and the patients still had excellent pure tone hearing abilities and speech discriminations during follow-up of three years and four months, respectively. In other four patients, positive response for corticosteroid was not found within the period of one-month trail. CONCLUSION: Immunological damages of hearing system might play part role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of auditory neuropathy, and corticosteroids are potentially useful drugs for these cases.