Alterations of the cerebral microstructure in patients with noise-induced hearing loss: A diffusion tensor imaging study.

Objective: To explore the changes in the cerebral microstructure of patients with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Method: Overall, 122 patients with NIHL (mild [MP, n = 79], relatively severe patients [including moderate and severe; RSP, n = 32], and undetermined [lost to follow-up, n = 11]) and 84 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. All clinical data, including age, education level, hearing threshold, occupation type, noise exposure time, and some scale scores (including the Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE], tinnitus handicap inventory [THI], and Hamilton Anxiety Scale [HAMA]), were collected and analyzed.

Alterations of resting-state functional network connectivity in patients with noise-induced hearing loss: A study based on independent component analysis.

Functional reorganization is a response to auditory deficits or deprivation, and less is known about the overall brain network alterations involving resting-state networks (RSNs) and multiple functional networks in patients with occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). So this study evaluated resting-state functional network connectivity (FNC) alterations in occupational NIHL using an independent component analysis (ICA). In total, 79 mild NIHL patients (MP), 32 relatively severe NIHL patients (RSP), and 84 age- and education- matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited.

Immunomodulatory effect of IL-35 gene-transfected mesenchymal stem cells on allergic asthma.

Asthma is a common respiratory disease that has no definitive treatment at now. Immune response shifting from T helper (Th)1 to the Th2 is a main problem in asthma, and immunomodulation can help to control asthma. IL-35 and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have regulatory effect on the immune system and may have the ability to control asthma pathology.

Exposure to waterpipe smoke and blood heavy metal concentrations.

Waterpipe (WP) smoking is a global phenomenon, with the most consumers in Middle East countries and China. Heavy metals exposure related to WP smoking has been associated with many adverse health effects. However, the association of lifestyle factors and smoking habits with blood heavy metals concentration in WP smokers is unclear yet.