[Regional differences of chronic rhinosinusitis endotypes based on tissue inflammatory and remodeling biomarkers].

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the South China region based on pathological tissue biomarkers for regional comparison. Methods: The study population consisted of CRS in-patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from October 2019 to June 2022. Among all the 181 cases, 123 of them were male and 58 were female, with an average age of 40. Retrospectively collected clinical data included demographic information, preoperative symptom scores, preoperative endoscopic images, preoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography scanning images, and inflammatory serological features. In addition, 52 variables of pathological tissue biomarkers including cytokines, chemokines and remodeling factors were collected for analysis. Cluster analysis was performed on the integrated data of training set through centroid-based clustering algorithm, and the inflammatory characteristics, post-operation control status, and airway diseases comorbidity of each endotype were analyzed. R project (version 4.2.2) was used in statistical analysis. Results: Cluster analysis divided 181 patients with CRS into 4 endotypes. Cluster 1 (n=101, 55.80%) showed a locally low inflammatory status. Cluster 2 (n=23, 12.71%) showed a mixed type of inflammation with predominantly neutrophilic inflammation and tissue remodeling. Cluster 3 (n=11, 6.08%) was characterized by type Ⅱ inflammation without tissue remodeling. Cluster 4 (n=46, 25.41%) was mainly characterized by type Ⅱ inflammation with tissue remodeling, showing higher comorbidity rate of asthma and allergic rhinitis. This cluster presented more severe symptoms, significant olfactory dysfunction, extensive overall inflammation based on objective examination results, a notable increase in total eosinophil count and proportion in peripheral blood, and the highest uncontrolled rate observed one year post-surgery. In comparison to other regions, the endotype classification of CRS in Southern China was characterized by a predominant pattern of locally low inflammatory status, a moderate level of type Ⅱ inflammation with tissue remodeling, and a lesser presence of neutrophilic inflammation. Conclusion: CRS distribution in Southern China is mainly characterized by low inflammatory endotype and type Ⅱ inflammation with tissue remodeling. The latter shows more severe clinical manifestations and higher uncontrol rate after surgery.

Surgical treatment of nasopharyngeal cancer - a consensus recommendation from two Chinese associations.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment is playing an increasingly important role in the management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This consensus focuses on the indications for optimal surgery, and surgical methods in the whole process of treatment for NPC to provide a useful reference to assist these difficult clinical decisions. METHODOLOGY: A thorough review of available literature on NPC and surgery was conducted by the Association for the prevention and treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China, international exchange and promotion Association for medicine and healthcare, and the Committee on nasopharyngeal cancer of Guangdong provincial anticancer association. A set of questions and a preliminary draft guideline was circulated to a panel of 1096 experienced specialists on this disease for voting on controversial areas and comments. A refined second proposal, based on a summary of the initial voting and different opinions expressed, was recirculated to the experts in two authoritative medical science and technology academic groups in the prevention and treatment of NPC in China for review and reconsideration. RESULTS: The initial round of questions showed variations in clinical practice even among similar specialists, reflecting the lack of high-quality supporting data and resulting difficulties in formulating clinical decisions. Through exchange of comments and iterative revisions, recommendations with high-to-moderate agreement were formulated on general treatment strategies and details of surgery, including indications and surgical approaches. CONCLUSION: By standardizing the surgical indications and practice, we hope not only to improve the surgical outcomes, but also to highlight the key directions of future clinical research in the surgical management of NPC.

[Oncologic outcomes of surgical treatments of advanced sinonasal malignancies].

Objective: To investigate the prognoses of advanced (T3-T4) sinonasal malignancies (SNM). Methods: The clinical data of 229 patients with advanced (T3-4) SNM who underwent surgical treatments in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2000 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 162 males and 67 females, aged (46.8±18.5) years old. Among them, 167 cases received endoscopic surgery alone, 30 cases received assisted incision endoscopic surgery, and 32 cases received open surgery. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to explore significant prognostic factors. Results: The 3-year and 5-year OS were respectively 69.7% and 64.0%. The median OS time was 43 months. The 3-year and 5-year EFS were respectively 57.8% and 47.4%. The median EFS time was 34 months. The 5-year OS of the patients with epithelial-derived tumors was better than that of the patients with mesenchymal-derived tumors and malignant melanoma (5-year OS was respectively 72.3%, 47.8% and 30.0%, χ2=36.01, P<0.001). Patients with microscopically margin-negative resection (R0 resection) had the best prognosis, followed by macroscopically margin-negative resection (R1 resection), and debulking surgery was the worst (5-year OS was respectively 78.4%, 55.1% and 37.4%, χ2=24.63, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in 5-year OS between the endoscopic surgery group and the open surgery group (65.8% vs. 53.4%, χ2=2.66, P=0.102). Older patients had worse OS (HR=1.02, P=0.011) and EFS (HR=1.01, P=0.027). Patients receiving adjuvant therapy had a lower risk of death (HR=0.62, P=0.038). Patients with a history of nasal radiotherapy had a higher risk of recurrence (HR=2.48, P=0.002) and a higher risk of death (HR=2.03, P=0.020). Conclusion: For patients with advanced SNM, the efficacy of endoscopic surgery can be comparable to that of open surgery when presence of safe surgical margins, and a treatment plan based on transnasal endoscopic surgery as the main comprehensive treatment is recommended.

[Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Guangdong province from 2016 to 2020].

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Guangdong province from 2016 to 2020 and provide evidence for the prevention and control of pulmonary TB. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the incidence data of pulmonary TB reported in Guangdong from 2016 to 2020. Dynamic geometric series averaging and circular distribution methods were used to reveal the epidemic pattern. Results: A total of 356 748 pulmonary TB cases were reported in Guangdong from 2016 to 2020. The reported incidence of pulmonary TB decreased from 71.82/100 000 to 50.40/100 000 (trend χ2=6 905.57,P<0.001) , with an annual decline rate of 8.47%. Results from the circular distribution methods showed that the incidence peak would occur on May 4th-5th (Z=1 176.96,P<0.05), and the incidence was relatively higher in May compared with other months. The area distribution of the pulmonary TB epidemic was uneven, and the reported average annual incidence was in the order of the eastern area (72.15/100 000), the northern area (68.14/100 000), the western area (65.31/100 000) and the Pearl River Delta area (60.05/100 000). Results of dynamic geometric series averaging analysis showed a declining trend in the reported incidence of pulmonary TB in all areas, except Dongguan, with the average growth rate less than 0.00. The decline rate in the eastern area (-10.90%) and northern area (-10.63%) was higher than the provincial average (-8.47%). The male to female ratio of the cases was 2.63∶1 (258 562∶98 186). The reported average annual pulmonary TB incidence in men (88.37/100 000) was higher than that in women (36.86/100 000), the difference was significant (χ2=75.19, P<0.001). The reported incidence of pulmonary TB generally increased with age (trendχ2=123 849.44, P<0.001), and reached peak in age group ≥65 years (164.54/100 000). Dynamic geometric series averaging analysis showed an increasing trend of the reported pulmonary TB incidence in age groups 5-14 years and 15-24 years, with the average growth rate of 0.05% and 3.60%. Conclusions: The reported annual incidence of pulmonary TB showed a declining trend year by year in Guangdong from 2016 to 2020. However, an increasing incidence was reported in children and adolescents. Active case finding should be strengthened in the elderly and other key populations. With comprehensive TB prevention and control measures, it is still necessary to pay attention to the prevention and control of pulmonary TB in men, low-income groups and less developed areas in Guangdong and strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control in winter and spring.

[Cost-effectiveness of endoscopic nasopharyngectomy in locally recurrent rT1-rT3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a study based on Markov model].

Objective: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic surgery versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy in the treatment of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) from a health-economic perspective. Methods: From September 30, 2011 to January 16, 2017, a total of 200 patients were enrolled in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, the First People's Hospital of Foshan, and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. These patients were diagnosed as locally rT1-rT3 stage rNPC and were randomly assigned 1︰1 to the endoscopic surgery group (ENPG) and the intensity-modulated radiotherapy group (IMRT). There were 69 males and 31 females in ENPG, aging from 38 to 55 years. There were 72 males and 28 females in IMRT aging from 41 to 54 years. A retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis of the cohort was conducted using a Markov model. For each modality, data on survival and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) were sourced from relevant articles, and cost prices were included regarding treatment. Weibull distribution was used to estimate time-dependent transition probability. Beta-regression was used to convert the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) to utility. Results: The total cost of ENPG was 29 611.88 yuan, and the total cost of IMRT was 110 082.51 yuan. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of ENPG versus radiotherapy for locally rNPC was -85 555.88 yuan/QALY, which was less than 3 times of Chinese gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of IMRT had the greatest impact on ICER. ICER was stable within 10% fluctuation of all the parameters. Conclusion: It is economical cost-effective to treat locally rNPC with ENGP versus IMRT.

[Efficacy of acellular dermis matrix combined with cervical strap muscle as a composite tissue flap for the treatment of laryngeal cancer].

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of acellular dermis matrix combined with cervical strap muscle (ADM-CSM) as a composite tissue flap for repairing the laryngeal defect after partial laryngectomy. Methods: The medical records of 33 patients with laryngeal cancer who were diagnosed and treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2014 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients consisted of 32 males and 1 female with age range from 39 to 76 years. Laryngeal defects were repaired with ADM-CSM in 14 patients (2 for supraglottic laryngeal cancer, 12 for glottic laryngeal cancer) and with CSM fascial flaps in 19 patients (3 for supraglottic laryngeal cancer, 16 for glottic laryngeal cancer). Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the 3-year overall survival and local control rate. The functions of voice and swallowing after operation were evaluated by voice handicap index-30 (VHI-30) and MD Anderson dysphagia inventory. Univariate logistic regression analysis, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the variables between the two groups. Results: The incidence of laryngeal stenosis was 2/14 in ADM-CSM group and 4/19 in CSM group. In the ADM-CSM group, 3-year overall survival and local control rates were 92.9% and 85.7%, respectively. In the CSM group, 3-year overall survival and local control rates were 78.9% and 84.2%, respectively. The time of operation(3 h vs. 4 h, Z=193.5, P<0.05), time of retaining the feeding tube(14 d vs. 17 d, Z=206.0, P<0.05), and length of stay(18.5 d vs. 22.1 d, t=-2.62, P<0.05) in the ADM-CSM group were significantly less than those in the CSM group. The quality of voice in the CSM group was better than that in the ADM-CSM group (66.85±27.65 vs.45.80±23.19, t=2.19, P<0.05), while swallowing function in the ADM-CSM group was better than that in the ACSM group (80.00[60.00, 80.00]vs.60.00[40.00, 80.00], Z=48.0, P<0.05). Conclusion: ADM-CSM is user-friendly control and safe composite tissue flap for repairing the laryngeal defect after partial laryngectomy, with less scar hyperplasia and higher satisfaction of swallowing function after operation.

[Lateral endoscopic transorbital approach to middle skull base: anatomical and surgical practice study].

Objective: To investigate the anatomical and surgical approaches to middle cranial fossa through orbital lateral wall under endoscope. Methods: Cadaveric formalin fixed specimens and fresh colored silicone injected specimens were used for this study. All anatomic technical measurements were performed under 0° and 30° endoscope and infrared rays navigation. The surgical approach was designed with the bony opening on the lateral wall of orbit through which the lateral side of the middle cranial fossa could be directly entered under endoscope. One case of recurrent meningioma was performed through this surgical approach. SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The approach can directly enter the middle cranial fossa and expose anatomic landmarks including superior orbital fissure, lateral side of cavernous sinus, foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, foramen spinosum, petrosal bone and others as well as Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ, Ⅵ cranial nerves under endoscope. The maximal bony opening through the lateral wall of orbit was measured, with a horizontal diameter of (1.38±0.68) cm, a vertical diameter of (2.02±0.32) cm, a depth of (1.44±0.42) cm from bony opening margin to the dura. The recurrent meningioma involving lateral side of the middle skull base was successfully removed by this surgical approach through lateral wall of orbit. Conclusion: Lateral transorbital endoscopic approach to the lateral side of middle skull base is a safe, feasible, and minimally invasive method, which allows surgeons to directly manipulate diseases involving this area with good visualization and minimal invasion under endoscope.

[Correlation between prognosis and IL-33 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective:To determine the correlation between the expression of IL-33 and significance in cancer biologial and patient's prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Method:Twenty pairs of tumor tissue and adjacent normal tissue were collected. qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression of IL-33 mRNA and protein in tissues. Correlation between IL-33 expression with clinicopathologic features of 107 HNSCC patients were analyzed. Result:IL-33 mRNA and protein expression levels in normal tissue were higher than paired tumor tissue. IL-33 level was significantly lower in patients with advanced T stages, lymph node metastases and advanced clinical stages, IL-33 expression was higher in well differentiated tumor than moderate or poor differentiated tumor. Low IL-33 expression predicts poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that IL-33 expression was an independent predictive factor. Conclusion:IL-33 is related with the clinicopathological features in HNSCC and could be an independent predictor of HNSCC prognosis.

ILC2 frequency and activity are inhibited by glucocorticoid treatment via STAT pathway in patients with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were closely associated with asthma. However, there were no perspective studies about the effects of glucocorticoid on ILC2s in asthma patients. Our objective was to perform a perspective study and evaluate the ILC2 activity after glucocorticoid therapy in asthma patients. METHODS: The asthma and asthma with allergic rhinitis patients were treated with glucocorticoid for 3 months. The circulating ILC2 levels were evaluated. The effects of glucocorticoid on ILC2s and possible signalling pathways were investigated in vitro. RESULTS: The patients were well-controlled, and the high ILC2 levels were significantly decreased at 1 and 3 months after treatment. Peripheral blood monocytes from allergic patients produced dramatic IL-5, IL-13 and IL-9 in response to IL-25, IL-33 plus IL-2, and glucocorticoid significantly decreased their levels. Moreover, ILC2s were identified to be the predominant source of IL-5, IL-13 and IL-9, and glucocorticoid treatment was able to reverse their high levels. STAT3, STAT5, STAT6, JAK3 and MEK signalling pathways were proved to be involved in regulating ILC2 activity under the glucocorticoid treatment. CONCLUSION: The data suggested that glucocorticoid administration could be effective in treating asthma by regulating ILC2s via MEK/JAK-STAT signalling pathways. This provides a new understanding of glucocorticoid application in regard to allergic diseases.

[Clinical application of supraclavicular flap for oncologic reconstruction of hypopharynx and upper esophagus].

Objective: To assess the efficacy of supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF) for the reconstruction of hypopharynx and upper esophagus. Methods: The SCAIF procedure on was used in 10 patients, including 8 with hypopharygeal carcinomas, 1 with esophageal carcinoma and neck skin invasion and 1 with hypopharyngeal leiomyosarcoma, at the Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yatsen University between December 2015 and June 2017. The sizes of the flaps were measured in (4-8) cm×(5-12) cm. Clinical indexes such as harvesting time and survival were recorded. Results: Harvesting time for SCAIF ranged from 20 to 30 minutes, averaging 26 minutes. Nine flaps survived, one flap had partially necrosis. Functional outcomes were excellent and the donor sites were direct closed without complications. Conclusions: SCAIF is a versatile, reliable, and easily harvested flap, with good cosmetic and functional outcomes for reconstructing the defects of hypopharynx and upper esophagus.

Misdiagnosed paranasal gossypiboma: a 10-year experience with 21 cases at a tertiary center.

BACKGROUND: Different from rhinoliths, the paranasal gossypiboma is a foreign body, such as a surgical sponge, left in the nasal cavity. It is a rare, frequently misdiagnosed disease that has rarely been reported. We summarize its clinical characteristics, management, and possible risk factors. METHODOLOGY: We reviewed medical records of confirmed paranasal gossypibomas at a tertiary medical center between 2005 and 2015. Clinical symptoms, age, sex, anatomic sites, endoscopic photography, computed tomography, intraoperative findings, and past medical history were reviewed. RESULTS: The study included 21 patients, each of whom had ultimately undergone two operations. Among them, 20 underwent endoscopic nasal surgery in primary hospitals, and 15 had been misdiagnosed during the second surgery. The average interval to discovery of a retained foreign body was 200 days. Predominant occurrence sites were the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses. Computed tomography showed paranasal gossypiboma as a heterogeneous cystic lesion with a thin calcified shell. CONCLUSIONS: A history of endoscopic nasal surgery, especially performed at a primary hospital, is a warning sign for clinicians. Computed tomography can add to the warning by showing a heterogeneous cystic lesion with a thin calcified shell. Clinicians should be aware of these characteristics to avoid misdiagnosing paranasal gossypiboma.

[Therapy of adult-onset laryngeal papilloma: integrallty submucosal dissection of the tumor by CO2 laser].

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the integrallty submucosal resection of adult-onset laryngeal papilloma by CO2 laser. Methods: A group of 64 cases (36 males and 28 females, multipe lesions 54 cases and single lesion 10 cases, aged 18-75 years, mean age 43.13 years) with adult-onset laryngeal papilloma encountered in the first affliated hospital of Sun Yatsen university from 2009 to 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. All cases were treated with integrallty submucosal dissection of the tumor by CO2 laser, and observed the changes of tumor integral scope, inter-operative, operative processes, postoperative voice quality, postoperative scarring, and the tracheotomy conditions, which were analysed and evaluated. Results: A total of 64 patients were followed up from 1 year to 5 years. Preoperative tumor integral scope of these patients averaged of 7.00. A total of 62 cases kept 0 score of the tumor integral scope for at least one year, which lead to a clinical cure rate of 96.9%. The inter-operative averaged of 25.7 months. The total operative processes of these patients were 87 times (mean time 1.36). Four cases resulted in postoperative scarring. However these was a good result in postoperative voice quality with a mean score 4.25. As to the changes of tumor integral scope, all cases got a declining score (mean score 6.72), which resulted in a remission rate of 100%. Conclusion: The integrallty submucosal dissection of adult-onset 1aryngeal papilloma by CO2 laser was an effective way to reduce the tumor integral scope; lengthen their inter-operative; decrease the operative processes, avoid the occurrence of tracheotomy; and improve the postoperative voice quality. Most of the patients could even be cured ultimately.