The Growth Hormone Receptor Gene is Associated with Mandibular Height in a Chinese Population

Genetic influences are important in the determination of mandibular morphology, and growth hormone receptor ( GHR) is believed to have an important influence on the growth of craniofacial bone. In this study, we used quantitative trait locus methods to evaluate the relationship between craniofacial morphology and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GHR in an unselected healthy Chinese population. We systematically screened the 10 exons and nearby introns of GHR and identified 6 SNPs. Using 4 SNPs as markers, we studied the relationships between genotypes and craniofacial linear measurements. Individuals with the genotype CC of polymorphism I526L had a significantly greater mandibular ramus length (condylion-gonion/ articulare-gonion) than those with genotype AC or AA. Haplotype analysis showed that there were also significant differences between the long and short mandibular height groups in an extreme population. Our results indicate that the GHR gene polymorphism I526L is associated with mandibular height in the Chinese population.

[A study of 44 forensic autopsy cases of adrenal hemorrhage]

44 cases of adrenal hemorrhage (AH) were analyzed. The forensic autopsy showed that AH occurred mainly in male aged from 20 to 40 years old. The traumatic AH was more often seen in young men and the pathologic AH was mostly seen in elderly persons. AH were more likely found in bilateral adrenal corticomedullary junction. The pathological grade of AH was not related to the interval time of survival. The pathologic mechanism of AH was discussed as well.

Current clinical results of the cochlear implant program conducted on Mandarin-speaking patients

This paper reports preliminary results from the 3M/HEI cochlear implant program conducted on oriental adult patients who speak Mandarin-Chinese. The whole program was performed according to the trained experience and the specific manuals provided by the House Ear Institute. Various testing and training materials (Chinese version of the monosyllable-trochee-spondee [MTS] test) as well as modified candidate evaluation procedures and criteria were applied. Three patients were considered as appropriate candidates. The third patient did not respond to the electrostimulation and is waiting for revision surgery. The warble-tone and speech detection thresholds aided with the implant devices of the first two patients were comparable with those found in western cases. Obvious improvements over the performance of stress discrimination on the MTS test were also noted. The tasks of speechreading, voice monitoring, and use of emergency telephone code were much easier for the first patient. Both patients indicated ability to detect and recognize many environmental sounds. Audiology-oriented findings, testing experiences, and suggestions for the program are presented and discussed. It is hoped that this paper will be helpful for the field and for similar programs in other countries.