[Image examination of postoperative evaluation for the cochlear implanted electrode].

Objective: To evaluate the image feature of the X-ray plain film, the spiral computed tomography (CT) scans and three dimension reconstruction of inner ear with implanted electrode.

Methods: Eighteen patients of cochlear implant (MEDEL Combi 40+) recipients were involved in this study. The implanted electrode of all patients were examined on the fifth to seventh postoperative day, by the use of X-ray plain film with either anteroposterior transorbital projection (nine cases) or lateral position with coronal 60 degrees away from the examine table (nine cases).

[Integrated methods for assessing auditory nerve-auditory pathway integrity].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and value of integrated methods to assess auditory pathway integrity.

Method: Twenty-four cases of bilateral profoundly-deafened individuals who were considered as the candidates of cochlear implantation were included in this study. Auditory pathway integrity from these candidates of cochlear implantation were assessed with the integrated methods established by our team, which consist of 5 categories including 1.

[Child sexual abuse: a study among 892 female students of a medical school].

Objective: This study was designed to ascertain the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) among female students of a medical school and to explore the impact of CSA on the mental health and health related risk behaviors of the victims being sexually abused and to provide useful reference for CSA prevention.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 892 female students from a medical school by anonymous self-administered questionnaire during Oct. 2002.

[Spirometrically controlled quantitative CT for detection of pulmonary function in silica-exposed workers].

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of spirometrically controlled quantitative CT in silica-exposed workers.

Methods: Whole lung spiral scans at 50% vital capacity (VC) and image with high resolution CT(HRCT) at 10% VC and 90% VC level and 5 cm above/below carina were performed in 62 silica-exposed workers and 54 healthy adults. Automatic evaluation software, Pulmo, was used to evaluate the quantitative parameters and compared with clinical pulmonary function tests.

Capsaicin infused into the PAG affects rat tail flick responses to noxious heat and alters neuronal firing in the RVM.

It is well established that the vanilloid receptor, VR1, is an important peripheral mediator of nociception. VR1 receptors are also located in several brain regions, yet it is uncertain whether these supraspinal VR1 receptors have any influence on the nociceptive system. To investigate a possible nociceptive role for supraspinal VR1 receptors, capsaicin (10 nmol in 0.

A marked decrease in L-selectin expression by leucocytes in infants with Bordetella pertussis infection: leucocytosis explained?

Objective: Infants with Bordetella pertussis infection (whooping cough) have an unexplained lymphocytosis and leucocytosis characterized by an increase in small lymphocytes with convoluted and cleaved nuclei. To characterize these cells immunophenotyping using multiparameter flow cytometry was performed on leucocytes from a group of 11 infants aged 3-6 months with proven pertussis and from uninfected control subjects.

Methodology: The panel of monoclonal antibodies used to elucidate leucocyte subtypes included activation, adhesion, costimulatory, memory, T-helper (Th) 1 and Th2 markers.

Malate synthase gene expression during fruit ripening of Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata cv. Williams).

Malate synthase (MS) is a key enzyme responsible for malic acid synthesis in the glyoxylate cycle, which functions to convert stored lipids to carbohydrates, by catalysing the glyoxylate condensation reaction with acetyl-CoA in the peroxisome. In this study, the cloning of an MS cDNA, designated MaMS-1, from the banana fruit is reported. MaMS-1 was 1801 bp in length encoding a single polypeptide of 556 amino acid residues.

Lung function imaging under quantitative spirometrically controlled CT.

Objective: To assess the possibility of using spirometrically controlled computed tomography (CT) to test pulmonary ventilation function.

Methods: Spiral CT scans under the control of a spirometer were performed on 30 healthy adults. Spiral CT scan was performed at 50% vital capacity (VC) with an 8 mm slice thickness.

Allium sativum (garlic) suppresses leukocyte inflammatory cytokine production in vitro: potential therapeutic use in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Cytokines involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) direct a predominantly cell-mediated T- helper-1 (Th1) immune response. The nonspecific anti-inflammatory treatment being used in the management of patients with IBD has not changed much since the 1970s and new therapeutic agents are keenly sought. Several compounds isolated from Allium sativum (garlic) modulate leukocyte cell proliferation and cytokine production.

Presenilin 1 is required for maturation and cell surface accumulation of nicastrin.

Proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein generates beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides that are deposited in senile plaques in brains of aged individuals and patients with Alzheimer's disease. Presenilins (PS1 and PS2) facilitate the final step in Abeta production, the intramembranous gamma-secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein. Biochemical and pharmacological evidence support a catalytic or accessory role for PS1 in gamma-secretase cleavage, as well as a regulatory role in select membrane protein trafficking.